Abstract:
The primary goal of this project is to provide chemical analysis of hydrocarbon content to establish cause and effect relationships for adverse impacts observed on sensitive biological communities following dispersed and undispersed oil spills. Specific goals include monitoring the dispersion of oil in the water column, over time and space, immediately following oil and dispersant applications; document accumulation of oil into surface sediment along the intertidal and subtidal impact areas; observe movement of oil within the sediment, both vertically and horizontally; and utilize key indicator organsims to establish bioaccumulation and depuration following chronic exposure.