Abstract
Pooled, triplicate sediment core sections from 3-4 habitat types in 4 sampling locations were extracted and analyzed for the presence of hydrocarbons and heavy metals using ELISA screening methods, and in the future, liquid-chromatography with fluorescence detection, gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Each core will be used to estimate the intensity of oiling from north to south. These established analytical methods will allow the detection of the C5 to C15 gasoline range compounds; the C10-C40 semi-volatile range hydrocarbons including alkylated PAHs, and aliphatics, and selected aromatic hydrocarbons to distinguish biological pools (hopanes, triterpanes, steranes). Heavy metal analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) will be performed on sediments following nitric acid digestion.
Purpose
This study aims to develop methods and baselines to characterize oiling gradient of sediments in multiple habitats at a site heavily impacted by the Deepwater Horizon Oil spill (Chandeleur Islands, Louisiana). These data will be essential to understanding the impacts of oiling on taxonomic and functional diversity of benthic habitats. We hypothesize that taxonomic and functional diversity will depend on the habitat characteristics and type and will decrease in response to oiling. We also hypothesize that higher taxonomic and functional diversity before exposure to oil will lead to a more resilient community able to maintain productivity, support biogeochemical cycling, and detoxify the substrate for re-settlement and recovery.
DOI: doi:10.7266/N77942RW
Suggested Citation
Alison Robertson, Katie Baltzer. 2017. Benzo(a)Pyrene analysis of sediment from the Chandeleur Islands, Louisiana in June 2015. Distributed by: Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative Information and Data Cooperative (GRIIDC), Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. doi:10.7266/N77942RW
Funded by: Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GoMRI)
Funding cycle: RFP-IV
Research group: Alabama Center for Ecological Resilience (ACER)
