Articles tagged with Oil Spills
A new study by Duke University identified a threshold for permanent spill-induced erosion in salt marshes, with erosion rates accelerating at sites covered in over 90% oil. In contrast, marshes with less oil impact showed no accelerated erosion and potentially recover over time.
Scientists have created a new material called Nanofur that mimics the water-repellent and oil-absorbing properties of aquatic fern leaves. This innovative material is highly effective in cleaning up oil spills, with some leaves absorbing up to 30 seconds' worth of oil.
Scientists discovered that aquatic ferns' hairy leaves can selectively absorb oil while repelling water. They developed a synthetic version of these hairy surfaces called 'nanofur', which is superhydrophobic and superoleophilic.
Researchers at University of Maryland discover 'blue whirl' fire tornado that burns nearly soot-free, offering a cleaner and more efficient combustion method. This discovery could lead to better oil spill cleanup techniques with reduced harmful emissions.
A study by researchers at University of Miami Rosenstiel School found that weathered oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill affects heart, eye, and neurological function in mahi-mahi embryos and larvae. The findings suggest that this type of oil poses a significant threat to developing fish.
A UC Riverside-led study found that weathered oil affects developing heart, eye, and neurological function in Mahi embryos and larvae. The researchers used novel bioinformatic methods to identify gene signatures and predict biochemical targets where the oil causes harm.
A new project aims to gather and communicate information on the effects of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill on Gulf of Mexico biodiversity. Researchers will survey biodiversity at 15 locations twice a year for two years, comparing data with pre-oil-spill records.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University have successfully captured the spreading of a droplet as it interacts with another mixable liquid for the first time. The study reveals that the droplets spread in a way resembling a 'hat' shape, with the brim continuing to expand over time until fully integrated into the second liquid.
A new study found that contaminants from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill persisted in the subsurface water for months, eventually accumulating on the seafloor as a 'dirty blizzard' of marine debris. The remnants of oil and drilling mud combined with microscopic algae to descend to great depths, affecting deep-sea fish and corals.
Industry self-monitoring of small offshore oil spills is inadequate, leaving a gap in understanding the impact on seabird populations. Chronic pollution from small spills may have greater population-level impacts than single large spills.
Researchers sequenced DNA of oil-munching microbes to reveal the genetic potential in different bacterial species, including newly identified ones. The findings show that some bacteria can break down aromatic hydrocarbons, shedding light on their role in limiting damage from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill.
A four-year study found substantial differences between fetal and newborn dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The researchers identified lung abnormalities and small size among stranded perinatal dolphins, suggesting they died in the womb or shortly after birth due to exposure to petroleum products.
Biomedical engineering graduate students Renata Minullina and Abhishek Panchal from Louisiana Tech University have developed a novel approach to clean up oil spills using halloysite Pickering emulsification. Their research was selected from over 230 international entrants at the ACS Meeting in San Diego.
A national survey found that most Americans are willing to pay more taxes to support biodiversity conservation in the Gulf of Mexico. The survey showed that people value preserving biodiversity for future generations and are willing to pay between $35 to $107 more annually for the expansion of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sa...
New research reveals that Gulf of Mexico historic shipwrecks are significantly altered by oil spills, affecting microbial communities and ecosystems. The study also explores the potential for shipwrecks to monitor deep-ocean ecosystem health.
A University of Central Florida research team is studying the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on the Gulf of Mexico, focusing on toxic compounds not tracked by the EPA. They've developed a new method to detect these 'forgotten' polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which may be more toxic than those monitored.
Dr. Christoph Aeppli and colleagues studied how petroleum released during the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill transformed in the environment over six years, finding novel compounds with potential toxic effects on marine organisms.
Researchers estimated that upwards of 320,000 green, loggerhead, and Kemp's ridley sea turtles were likely present within the spill site, with over 95% originating from outside the US. The study provides new geopolitical context to the scope of the oil spill's impacts.
A University of Houston researcher is investigating the effect of dispersants on bacterial movement towards oil spills, aiming to understand natural cleaning processes and inform future spill cleanup strategies. The study will answer fundamental questions about human intervention's impact on bacteria's role in biodegradation.
A new boron nitride nanosheet material can absorb up to 33 times its weight in oils and organic solvents, offering a promising solution for quickly mitigating massive oil spills. The material is the result of two years of refinement and was supported by the Australian Research Council.
A new study led by University of Georgia marine scientists found that oil dispersants can suppress natural oil-degrading microorganisms, promoting the growth of Colwellia and inhibiting Marinobacter. The presence of dispersants significantly altered microbial composition in Gulf deep water, hindering efficient oil biodegradation.
A NOAA-led team found that only 20% of pregnant dolphins in Barataria Bay gave birth to healthy calves, compared to an 83% success rate in a similar population. The study also revealed high rates of reproductive failure and death among dolphins exposed to oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill.
Researchers estimated that cyanobacteria in the oceans produce between 300-800 million tonnes of hydrocarbons per year. This production dwarfs crude oil releases by natural seepage or accidental spills.
Research shows low-level oil exposure leads to later heart defects, weaker swimming, and reduced survival in Alaskan fish populations. Subtle changes in heart formation have delayed but important consequences for first-year survival, determining the long-term abundance of wild fish populations.
The Institute for Disaster and Emergency Preparedness at NSU's College of Osteopathic Medicine developed Project SEAMIST, a safety training program for the marine industry. The program provided training to nearly 3,000 workers and is now receiving $4.3M in funding.
A two-week research expedition collects sea floor sediments and water samples at the site of Mexico's 1980 IXTOC blowout to project the impact of the Deepwater Horizon spill. The study aims to better predict long-term environmental effects of oil spills.
Researchers at City College of New York have developed an eco-friendly biodegradable agent derived from the plant-based small molecule phytol, which can replace chemical herders currently in use. The new substance has been shown to contract and thicken oil slicks, making them easier to collect or burn.
Dead dolphins found with lung and adrenal lesions consistent with petroleum product exposure, supporting previous health assessments of live dolphins in Barataria Bay. The study suggests that contaminants from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill contributed to the high number of dolphin deaths in the affected area.
Researchers emphasize the need for more studies on dispersants' effects on microorganisms in marine ecosystems. Standardized methods and consistent metrics are crucial to document dispersant impacts, as existing research reveals inconsistent results.
Researchers have developed a method using bacteria to test for pollutants in water and soil, detecting uranium and nitrate pollution. The test can be done overnight for up to 100 samples and is showing promise in predicting oil spills.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a nano-coated mesh that repels oil but allows water to pass through. The mesh has potential applications in cleaning oil spills and tracking oil deposits underground.
Researchers at NIH/NIEHS are studying the health impacts of the 2010 oil spill on Gulf Coast residents, including cleanup workers and local communities. The study found increased physical symptoms and mental health concerns among cleanup workers, highlighting the need for further research and preparedness.
A study published at Temple University reveals that the dispersant used in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill is more toxic to cold-water corals than the spilled oil. The researchers found that a lower concentration of dispersant was lethal to the corals, highlighting the potential risks of using these chemicals to clean up oil spills.
Researchers found a natural dispersion mechanism that forms small oil droplets under high pressure, reducing the amount of oil reaching the surface. The study suggests this mechanism may replace chemical dispersants in some cases.
Researchers at VIMS have developed an underwater robot that uses acoustic signals to gauge the thickness of oil slicks, a crucial step in determining spill volume. The ROV will aid in testing oil-spill-response tools and provide a platform for developing other sensors.
The University of Houston has been selected to lead a national research center for subsea engineering and offshore energy development, with funding from the RESTORE Act. The Subsea Systems Institute will focus on reducing the risk of accidents and spills in the Gulf of Mexico.
NSU's Oceanographic Center is leading a consortium to study deep-sea fish impacts after significant oil spills, essential for understanding oil spill mitigation activities and conserving Gulf ecosystems. The $8.5 million funding will support research in the pelagic realm from surface to depths over one mile.
A UT professor and her team will investigate the long-term consequences of the oil spill on coastal ecosystems in the Gulf. Their research aims to understand how oil impacts marsh erosion and microbial cycling, guiding cleanup efforts.
Research finds over half of ships in largest oil spills registered in non-compliant flag states, with one-third of global tanker fleet flying such flags. The study calls for pressure on flag states to ensure compliance with regulations.
Researchers at UCSB and WHOI have identified a 1,250-square-mile patch of the deep sea floor where 2-16 percent of the discharged oil was deposited. The oil fell in thin deposits most intensive to the southwest of the Macondo well.
Researchers have discovered the path the remaining 2 million barrels of oil from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster followed to its resting place on the Gulf of Mexico sea floor. The study found that the oil is concentrated in a thin layer at the sea floor, with deposits most extensive to the southwest of the Macondo Well.
A new study reveals that news coverage of environmental disasters like the Exxon Valdez 2014 oil spill calms consumer anxieties instead of driving change. The media coverage creates a 'disaster myth' that directs attention to the company responsible, providing a dramatic closure, and distracting from systemic risks.
Researchers found similarities between field and laboratory studies on Gulf killifish responses to Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Changes in genome expression were detected, with high concentrations causing developmental defects and DNA damage.
Researchers found a significant gap between the economic loss claimed by residents and the compensation received after the Hebei Spirit oil spill. Only 11 percent of the claims were approved for compensation. The study highlights the need for better consideration of social and ecological impacts in oil spill compensation.
Scientists from University of Miami's Rosenstiel School conducted a drifter experiment to study small-scale ocean currents, revealing their crucial role in pollutant dispersion. The findings provide new information for predicting oil and pollutant movements in the ocean, with immediate practical applications.
Scientists at ANU have created a technique to control water flow patterns with simple wave generators, enabling them to move floating objects. The team discovered complex three-dimensional waves generate flow patterns on the surface of the water.
A field experiment in the North Sea provides insight into the fate of oil during the immediate aftermath of an accidental oil spill. Researchers found that a fraction of the oil immediately evaporates into the air or dissolves into seawater, posing threats to aquatic species and rescue workers.
Bacteria in the Gulf of Mexico's deep sea plume consumed gaseous hydrocarbons and certain toxic compounds released during the Deepwater Horizon spill. However, the most toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) persisted, causing long-term health problems like cancer.
A new discovery expands the impact footprint of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, with multiple coral communities impacted up to 22 km from the spill site and at depths over 1800 meters. The study used a 'fingerprint' model to identify damage in newly discovered coral communities.
A new University of Michigan study simulates the effects of an oil pipeline break in the Straits of Mackinac, finding that oil would quickly contaminate shorelines in both lakes Michigan and Huron. The straits' powerful currents and frequent reversals make it a highly vulnerable location for an oil spill.
Researchers developed a unique method to identify oil spills, even after most of it has degraded. They found that some biomarkers degrade within a few years after an oil spill, providing a window into the environment's impact.
A new study led by the University of Miami Rosenstiel School found that Deepwater Horizon crude oil exposure harms mahi-mahi swimming capabilities, affecting survival and foraging abilities. The study revealed a 22-37% decrease in swimming velocity among juvenile fish exposed to oil.
Researchers at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology have developed highly absorbent nanocellulose sponges that can absorb up to 50 times their own weight of oil. These sponges, known as 'silylated' nanocellulose sponges, also float reliably on water and are biodegradable.
A NOAA-led study shows that crude oil from the Deepwater Horizon disaster disrupts heart development in bluefin and yellowfin tunas. The study found that exposure to crude oil slows heartbeat or causes an uncoordinated rhythm, leading to heart failure in these fish.
A new study has found that exposure to crude oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill can cause serious defects in heart development and function of fish embryos. The research highlights the potential impacts on commercially important pelagic fish populations in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Naval Research Laboratory's (NRL) Deepwater Horizon oil spill model accurately predicted shoreline oil impact, utilizing Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS). By combining satellite images with ocean circulation models, NRL developed BioCast to forecast water clarity and contaminant distribution.
Scientists have identified issues with standard toxicity testing data used to inform dispersant decisions, highlighting the need for more accurate and comparable data. The current practices do not adequately replicate field conditions, such as sea state and weather, or consider exposure durations and concentrations.
Twenty-five years after the Exxon Valdez spill, beaches on Alaska's Alaska Peninsula harbor unchanged oil pockets, suggesting stable boulder protection. Researchers found remarkably preserved oil similar to 11-day-old oil, offering insights into oil durability and persistence.
Researchers from NOAA Fisheries and Stanford University found that some petroleum compounds disrupt normal cardiac function in young tuna by blocking ion channels. This discovery provides new insights into the impact of oil pollution on fish hearts, with potential applications for assessing environmental damage.
Crude oil interferes with fish heart cells, causing slowed heart rate, reduced cardiac contractility, and irregular heartbeats. The study reveals that oil blocks potassium channels, increasing the time to restart the heart on every beat, ultimately slowing the heartbeat.