The effects on degradation of Macondo 252 oil of light exposure, nutrient and dispersant (Corexit 9500A) addition were examined. Seawater samples containing 0.01% oil were incubated in full sun or darkness for seven days. Replicate treatments included oil with inorganic nutrients (N & P) addition, oil with dispersant and oil with nutrients and dispersant (light and dark). Samples were extracted and analyzed using GC/MS to quantify polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) degradation. In general, all light treated samples showed lower PAH concentrations compared to dark incubations. Based on PAH degradation rates, addition of dispersant did not accelerate degradation in either light or dark incubations. However, bacterial production measurements indicate addition of dispersant, regardless of light exposure, showed enhanced growth by day two. Addition of nutrients to samples containing oil and dispersant showed slightly enhanced bacterial growth. Results will also be presented for a study examining irradiation wavelength dependence on oil degradation.

Biological and photochemical degradation of Macondo 252 oil in the presence of nutrients and Corexit 9500A

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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