ENVR 37 |
| Since the barge Florida went aground and released 700,000 liters of diesel fuel oil into Buzzards Bay, MA on September 16, 1969, it has been the focus of many geochemical and ecological studies. This nearly 40-yr old record makes it ideal for investigating the long-term fate and effects of petroleum hydrocarbons in the environment. To assess the oil that continues to persist, we have used numerous analytical approaches such as stable carbon, radiocarbon and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography during the past 7 years. Twenty-five sediment cores have been collected and analyzed with these various techniques. To assess if any biological effects are still occuring, we have studied fiddler crabs, salt marsh grasses and mussels at the spill site as well as employing aerial photography. So far, only 100 kg of partially weathered oil persists and it is not being microbially degraded, but the oil is still causing biological effects. |
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Symposium Honoring Dr. Walter Giger
8:30 AM-12:15 PM, Monday, August 20, 2007 Boston Park Plaza -- Stanbro Rm, Oral
Division of Environmental Chemistry |