Project Page

Investigating the Potential Ecological Impacts of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and the Biologically-mediated Mechanisms of Removal of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Implementing Organization

Louisiana State University

Overview

DWH Project Funding

$900,000

Known Leveraged Funding

$0

Funding Organization

Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GoMRI)

Funding Program

Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative GoMRI Grant Program

Details

Project Category

Science

Project Actions

Chemical Aspects Research

Targeted Resources

Human and/or Institutional Capacity

Project Description

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill was primarily an offshore, oceanic event. Much of the oil entered the surface waters and was mixed throughout the epipelagic zone (1-200 m). Large amounts of oil also formed deep, subsurface plumes (500-1500 m). In addition, dispersant was applied at both the surface and at the wellhead, and its distribution generally followed the oil (Kujawinski et al. 2011). The oil and, to a lesser extent, the dispersant represent a large injection of carbon to an otherwise oligotrophic environment.

Contact

Malinda Sutor
225-578-8055
msutor1@lsu.edu
Project Website
Project Partners

None

Affiliated Institutions

None

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