Articles tagged with Oil Spills
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Research finds that benzene and BTEX emissions remained dissolved in the Gulf of Mexico, posing a potential health risk to cleanup workers. However, other substances released by crude oil could become airborne, threatening worker health if inhaled.
The University of Houston is developing new oil dispersants as part of a major multi-institution project. The goal is to create biocompatible dispersants that are less toxic, allowing for reduced use and improved environmental impact.
Researchers led by WHOI determined the blown-out Macondo well spewed nearly 5 million barrels of oil at a rate of about 57,000 barrels per day between April 20 and July 15, 2010. The study also found that the well released 100 million standard cubic feet per day of natural gas.
The University of Miami is leading a consortium to investigate the fate of petroleum in the environment, aiming to improve risk management and response efforts. The project, CARTHE, will focus on accurately predicting hydrocarbon transport and development of new tools for responding to future spills.
The Marine Science Institute has received a $7 million grant to study the impact of the Deepwater Horizon spill on the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem. The research will focus on understanding how oil disperses in the Gulf and its effects on marine life.
A Louisiana State University researcher is leading a multi-university team to investigate how disaster-impacted communities cope with disruptions and recover from past calamities. The study aims to identify traditional elements of resilience that enable coastal societies to bounce back after traumatic events.
A new report from Berkeley Lab scientist shows that oil-degrading microorganisms played a significant role in both the Exxon Valdez and BP Deepwater Horizon spills. The study found that mobilizing these microorganisms rapidly can minimize the risk and impact of future oil spills.
Researchers at MIT's Impact and Crashworthiness Laboratory developed a computer model that accurately predicted the location and propagation of cracks in the Deepwater Horizon's drill riser. The model could help oil and gas companies identify stronger or more flexible pipe materials to minimize future accidents.
Researchers found that bacterial microbes inside the oil slick degraded it at a rate five times faster than those outside, accounting for its disappearance. However, the microbes did not multiply or produce new cells despite consuming energy from respiration, leaving scientists puzzled about their fate.
Scientists at MBL are investigating how jellies interact with their surroundings, the impact of the Gulf oil spill on animal development, and how fish process sound. Researchers are using a new underwater video camera system to study jelly behavior, while also exploring the potential health effects of the oil spill.
Researchers found that only 8-9% oil coverage on fertilized mallard duck eggs resulted in a 50% mortality rate. The weathering process made the crude oil less toxic to bird embryos, with no significant deformities or malformations reported.
A monitoring and testing program has consistently shown amounts of toxic substances in Gulf seafood 100-1,000 times smaller than health concerns. Safety monitoring continues despite lingering concerns among scientists and consumers.
A research team led by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution determined what chemicals were contained in a deep, hydrocarbon-containing plume in the Gulf of Mexico. The plume was found to be 22 miles long and comprised mainly of BTEX compounds, with concentrations significantly higher than background levels.
Scientists gathered oil and gas from the Deepwater Horizon wellhead for the first time, revealing how pollution is partitioned and transported in the Gulf of Mexico. A new molecular model shows that light hydrocarbons dissolve or form hydrates at depths, potentially causing damage to seafloor life far from the original spill.
A research team led by WHOI has determined the chemical makeup of a deep hydrocarbon-containing plume in the Gulf of Mexico, shedding light on its composition and potential effects on ocean life. The study found that the plume contained high concentrations of BTEX compounds, which can be toxic to aquatic organisms.
The LSUHSC is conducting a five-year study on the health consequences of oil exposure in women and their families. The study aims to monitor physical, behavioral, social, and mental health effects over time.
The NIH-funded research network will evaluate potential harmful contaminants and assess their relationship to health outcomes, focusing on community health and resiliency. The four-year program will support population-based and laboratory research at four institutions and partner with over a dozen community organizations.
In June 2010, Berkeley Lab scientists quickly developed a simplified conceptual model and a coupled numerical model to estimate oil flow from the damaged wellhead. Their simulations predicted an oil flow rate of 60,000 to 100,000 barrels per day, which was later confirmed by a final estimate in August 2010.
A recent study published in Science argues against a widely publicized conclusion that bacteria consumed Deepwater Horizon methane, casting doubt on the attribution of low oxygen zones to methane oxidation. The researchers highlight uncertainties in methane discharge and oxygen depletion data, as well as limitations in the model used b...
A new computer model simulates how Gulf currents enabled marine microorganisms to degrade oil spills more quickly. The 'dynamic auto-inoculation' process activated microbes, increasing bacterial populations and degrading hydrocarbons.
A new study reveals that 39 additional marine species beyond those under federal protection are at risk of extinction due to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The researchers advocate for priority protection and restoration efforts for these globally threatened species.
A new biosensor uses antibody-based technology to detect marine pollutants like oil cheaper and faster than current methods. It has the potential to track and guide the clean-up of oil spills in real-time, providing valuable information for engineers monitoring dredging operations.
Psychologist E. Scott Geller advocates for a culture of safety that empowers workers to report hazards and encourages positive reinforcement over threats. He argues that root causes are complex and multi-factorial, and that listening to workers can lead to safer workplaces.
A new study reveals that the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill caused significant social disruption and psychological stress among Gulf residents, similar to the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez spill. The study found that family health concerns, economic loss, and exposure to oil were key factors contributing to higher levels of stress.
A recent review article highlights the urgent need for protocols to deal with disaster-related health effects. The study reports on the toxicologic consequences of exposures in the Gulf Oil Spill and notes the complexity of assessing full effects due to multiple sources and underlying disease burdens.
A new study suggests that fatality figures from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill may have been greatly underestimated, with a true death toll potentially 50 times higher. Marine conditions and far-off deaths mean recovered carcasses only account for a small proportion of fatalities.
Researchers from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School discovered two distinct plumes of oily aerosols traveling from sea surface to atmosphere after the BP Deep Water Horizon oil spill. The study provides new understanding of air pollutants' effects on environment, human health, and global climate change.
Researchers discovered a new mechanism by which air pollution particles form, with heavier compounds contributing most to particle formation. This discovery has significant implications for understanding and predicting urban air quality.
The GuLF STUDY is the largest health study of its kind ever conducted among cleanup workers and volunteers, aiming to understand the health effects of oil spills and exposure to crude oil. The study will enroll 55,000 people and collect data on their physical and mental health, lifestyle, and job history over a period of up to 10 years.
A new study finds that the psychological effects of the BP oil spill extend far beyond people living in directly impacted areas, with elevated anxiety and depression levels reported even in non-exposed communities. Financial loss due to the spill was a key factor in the impact on mental health.
Biologists in the Gulf of Mexico are urging the need for strategic research plans to understand and restore marine ecosystems after environmental disasters. The team identified seven key elements needed for these plans, including population trends and demographic processes.
A new research agenda prioritizing baseline data for marine species is needed to diagnose population recovery after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The authors emphasize focusing on endangered species and economic impacts to inform management strategies.
A computer model predicts the environmental fate and impact of oil and chemical dispersant in deepwater spills like the Gulf of Mexico incident. The tool will aid risk assessment and decision-making for scientists managing such disasters.
Researchers propose a new cross-disciplinary approach to analyze and prevent systemic failures in complex systems. Such catastrophes, including power blackouts and disasters, are often caused by fragility in complex systems due to nonlinear interactions among components.
A recent study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution scientists found that a major component of the dispersant used in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill remained intact in an oil-gas-laden plume three months after application. The study's results raise questions about the potential toxic effects of deep-water residue on marine life and...
Researchers found DOSS, a dispersant ingredient, concentrated in deepwater plumes at depths up to three-quarters of a mile after the spill; it was detected over 200 miles from the well two months later. The study's findings are inconclusive on the effectiveness of dispersants in breaking up oil coming out of the wellhead.
A lack of safety procedures was identified as a factor behind the Deepwater Horizon disaster. Norwegian regulation, which relies on internal control and trust between companies and unions, is more robust than the US model, with fewer near-accidents resulting in disasters.
A recent roundtable discussion sponsored by GEN explored biological methods for improving marine environment understanding, assessing oil spill impact, and monitoring remediation. The event brought together scientists from academia and industry to discuss the effectiveness of these approaches.
Scientists are using Alvin and Sentry to explore the ocean floor in the Gulf of Mexico, searching for signs of impact from the 2010 oil spill. The expedition aims to map the seafloor, collect samples, and document the effects on deep-ocean communities.
Researchers study Chandeleur Islands' geological history via peat layers beneath the marshes, predicting their potential disappearance in decades due to sea level rise and local subsidence. On Grand Isle, a project documents beach changes since 2008, including effects of hurricanes and BP oil clean-up operations.
The Virginia Tech team is studying the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on piping plover populations, collecting data on survival and migration patterns in oiled and unoiled areas of the Gulf. The research aims to inform restoration efforts and provide valuable insights for litigators seeking settlements for damage lawsuits.
Researchers found microbes in the Gulf of Mexico's seafloor brine pools consume methane 10-100 times faster than previously realized. High concentrations of methane are present in these pools, which are then consumed by microbes, reducing the amount of greenhouse gas released.
Researchers found that adding phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizer can speed up the biodegradation of oil in contaminated soil. The study suggests a treatment scheme involving nitrate salts to stimulate rapid biodegradation by increasing sediment porosity and oxygen availability.
A Virginia Tech researcher is developing a massive data collection system that relies on information captured by 'citizen scientists' to aid in disaster response. The system uses smartphones to collect photographic and sensor data from affected areas, which can be quickly sifted through by responders.
A team of scientists led by David Valentine and John Kessler studied the behavior of methane and other natural gases in the Gulf of Mexico after the Deepwater Horizon disaster. They found that propane and ethane were responsible for most of the respiration and oxygen loss observed in deep plumes, with butane accounting for the remainder.
Researchers investigate impact of Deepwater Horizon spill on minute ocean organisms, which play key roles in nutrient cycling and food chains. The study aims to establish baseline information on pre-spill biodiversity to inform future research.
A Texas A&M University oceanographer is studying the impact of subsurface hydrocarbons near the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The research aims to understand the fate of the oil, its effects on marine life, and the role of methane in the global carbon cycle.
The National Institutes of Health will launch a multi-year study to investigate the potential health effects of the oil spill in the Gulf region. The study, led by NIEHS, aims to evaluate exposure to oil and dispersant products and their impact on respiratory, neurobehavioral, carcinogenic, and immunological conditions.
A team of UC Santa Barbara researchers successfully predicted the movement of oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico. They developed a new approach that uses computational models to forecast sea surface conditions and predict where and when oil will wash ashore.
NSU's Center for Bioterrorism and All-Hazards Preparedness has received a $1.6 million grant to train oil workers, law enforcement, and others in handling hazardous materials and responding to oil spills. The five-year project aims to provide safety and health training to thousands of employees across various industries.
A recent article in Ecopsychology explores the catastrophic psychological responses to the BP Gulf oil spill, predicting long-lasting effects of chronic depression, withdrawal, and lack of functioning. The disaster is likely to stimulate renewed environmental activism and changes in attitudes and behaviors.
The Metcalf Institute for Marine & Environmental Reporting has received a $199,909 NSF grant to enhance the communication of oil spill research. The project will bring together scientists and science communicators to clarify early scientific findings about the oil spill's impacts.
Scientists used OU GeoChip technology to analyze deepwater oil plumes in the Gulf of Mexico. The study found that microbial activity degraded virtually all oil without oxygen depletion.
Researchers studying coral in Puerto Rico's Vega Baja area are using the site to assess potential damage from the Gulf oil spill. The team is analyzing enzyme presence, contaminant chemical signatures, and sediment samples to determine stressors and sources of harm.
NSU researchers are conducting four projects studying the oil spill's effects on marine life and ecosystems. They aim to better understand potential and actual impacts to economically and biologically valuable marine ecosystems.
Scientists simulate oil and methane plumes, predicting locally significant but regionally confined dead zones in the northern Gulf. The study suggests oxygen levels will drop too low to support most life forms, affecting marine ecosystems.
A large underwater hydrocarbon plume was detected in the Gulf of Mexico, measuring at least 22 miles long and 3,000 feet below the surface. Scientists confirmed its origin as the blown-out well and observed its slow migration southwest from the source.
Virginia Tech researchers investigate how the shape of crude oil remnants affects their biodegradation rate. They also explore the impact of oxygen levels and carbon leaching on microbe growth, which can accelerate or hinder the process.
Health risks from Gulf Coast oil spill include toxic vapors, oil slicks, tar balls, and contaminated seafood posing respiratory problems, skin irritation, mental health concerns, and neurological impairment. The risk factors are improving as the oil leak has been stopped.
Scientists are studying the effects of the Gulf oil spill on the Florida Everglades ecosystem, measuring hydrocarbon concentrations and food web structure at impacted sites. Research will help design future oil spill clean-up efforts and assess the impact on marine animal and plant distributions.