The comparative fate of chemically dispersed and untreated oils in an Arctic nearshore environment
The distribution and environmental fate of petroleum hydrocarbons introduced into the nearshore environment of Cape Hatt, Baffin Island, Canada, during two controlled experimental discharges of a Venezuelan (Lagomedio) crude oil have been studied. An analytical program based on a combination of ultraviolet/fluorescence studies, high resolution gas chromatography, and computer-assisted gas chromatographic mass spectrometry has been used to examine several hundred oil, seawater, sediment, sediment trap, surface floc, and benthic animal (seven species) samples to determine the distribution, transport, and weathering of oil spilled in two scenarios: as untreated oil on the surface and as chemically dispersed oil discharged below the surface. Conclusions are drawn about the weathering of oil in the two scenarios, transport of low and high molecular weight hydrocarbons into the water column and their persistence, the sedimentation of oil, the incorporation of oil into the sediment via sedimentation onto the surface floc and direct penetration of the sediment/ water interface, and the uptake and depuration of untreated and chemically dispersed oils by seven species of filter feeders and deposit feeders in the subtidal benthos.
- Research Organization:
- Battelle New England Marine Research Laboratory, L. Duxbury, MA
- OSTI ID:
- 5293104
- Journal Information:
- Am. Soc. Test. Mater., Spec. Tech. Publ.; (United States), Vol. STP-840
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
OIL SPILLS
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL
WEATHERING
SEAWATER
SEDIMENTS
ARCTIC REGIONS
BENTHOS
CANADA
DISTRIBUTION
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
PETROLEUM
SURFACTANTS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
CONTROL
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
MASS TRANSFER
NORTH AMERICA
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLAR REGIONS
POLLUTION CONTROL
WATER
020900* - Petroleum- Environmental Aspects