Scientists Study Chemical Data from Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

A recent study published in the journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA, comprising a collection of data from the Deepwater Horizon Spill in the Gulf of Mexico tells a compelling story. The lead author on the study “Chemical data quantify Deepwater Horizon hydrocarbon flow rate and environmental distribution,” Thomas Ryerson, a NOAA research chemist, brought together 14 scientists from varying backgrounds and organizations. The new study provides scientists with an overview of oil and gas distribution from the spill. The study shows where the oil and gas were released and how those compounds were broken down and released into the environment.

Christopher Reddy, one of four scientists who participated in the study from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute commented on the study, “This paper is exciting for several reasons.”  “This is a study based on data from the Gulf and not on models, and it tells the big picture of this spill just 18 months after the leak was capped – a remarkably short amount of time.” On Ryerson’s approach to the team, Reddy commented “He brought together key players to analyze relatively new data that came from an impressive array of sampling techniques.”

Ryerson collected data from over flights on NOAA P-3 planes and other air samples from research vessels, the paper also incorporates data collected by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). The ROV used a newly developed device called a Seewald to sample fluid leaking from the well. Scientists also used the WHOI AUV “Sentry”  to take water samples from various depths.  With approximately 4.2 million barrels of oil released from the well, the study estimated that the oil slick that was visible on the surface represented about 15 percent of the total gas and oil leaked from the spill. Scientists are hopeful that this study will help shed light on how to clean and address any future spills.

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