Study Finds Oil Exposure Reduces Cardiorespiratory Function in Cobia Fish
Researchers conducted swim tests on Gulf of Mexico Cobia fish to investigate potential impacts from oil exposure.
Read more
Study Improves Drifter-Based Estimates of Near-Surface Ocean Currents
Scientists 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
Scientists 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
Scientists 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
Scientists 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
Scientists 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
Researchers 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
Scientists 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
Scientists 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
Scientists 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.