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Published Science Highlights
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Science Highlights Archive
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Study Improves Drifter-Based Estimates of Near-Surface Ocean Currents
Posted on July 10, 2019Scientists developed a new approach to improve near-surface (15 meters depth) ocean circulation estimations derived from drogued and undrogued drifters (drogues extend below the surface, providing stability) used in the NOAA Global Drifter Program. -
Study Finds Oil Impacts on Fiddler Crabs May Also Affect Broader Marsh Health
Posted on July 2, 2019Scientists conducted mesocosm experiments to explore how crude oil affects marsh-dwelling fiddler crabs, classified as ecosystem engineers or bioturbators. The researchers tested impacts of various oil concentrations to mimic light (L) to heavy (H) oiling scenarios, with fiddler crabs experiencing more acute impacts at higher oil concentrations and less at lower concentrations. -
Study Finds Dispersed Oil, But Not Oil Alone, Negatively Affects Phytoplankton
Posted on June 25, 2019Scientists conducted mesocosm experiments to examine how oil and chemically-dispersed oil affect Gulf of Mexico phytoplankton. Exposure to oil alone did not impair phytoplankton growth or their photosynthesis ability, nor did it significantly change the community’s diversity. -
Study Describes Six-Year Evolution of Gulf Sediments Following Deepwater Horizon
Posted on June 18, 2019Scientists adapted high-resolution sampling and analyses methods to assess Gulf of Mexico sediment core samples collected from 2010-2016 and identify sedimentation changes that followed Deepwater Horizon. -
Study Compares 2D and 3D Model Simulations of Oil Plume Behavior
Posted on June 4, 2019Scientists assessed an economical 2D model simulation of deep-ocean oil plume dynamics against 3D model results using conditions similar to Deepwater Horizon to better understand point-source buoyant convection, which affects the oil’s spreading rate and environmental impact. -
Study Gives Snapshot of Key Microbial Oil Biodegradation Mechanisms
Posted on May 29, 2019Researchers compiled a two-page summary with detailed graphics explaining the complex mechanisms and processes involved in microbial hydrocarbon bioremediation. -
Study Finds Passive Dosing Techniques May Simplify Oil Toxicity Tests
Posted on May 21, 2019Scientists evaluated two oil risk assessment protocols that use passive dosing to create oil and water accommodated fractions (WAFs) for laboratory tests as potential alternatives to the traditional oil dosing method that CROSERF (multi-agency/organization oil spill research group) recommends. -
Study Explores How Five Surfactants Affect Oil Biodegradation
Posted on May 14, 2019Scientists compared how different surfactants affect bacterial adhesion to oil droplets (20−60 μm), which is necessary for biodegradation. -
Study Demonstrates How Natural Clay Particles Enhance Oil Dispersion and Biodegradation
Posted on May 7, 2019Scientists conducted laboratory experiments using an abundant natural clay material, kaolinite, modified with carbon derived from chitosan as an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical dispersants and visualized resulting phenomena at nanoscale detail. -
Study Characterizes Ecosystem-Scale Methane Dynamics Following Deepwater Horizon
Posted on April 30, 2019Scientists conducted a time-series investigation of methane concentrations, oxidation rates, and rate constant (the instantaneous capacity of the methanotrophic community to consume methane) to describe methane dynamics after the oil spill.
