St. Petersburg, Florida (CNN) -- As if the pictures of birds, fish and animals killed by floating oil in the Gulf of Mexico is not disturbing enough, scientists now say they have found evidence of another danger lurking underwater.
The University of South Florida recently discovered a second oil plume in the northeastern gulf. The first plume was found by Mississippi universities in early May.
USF has concluded microscopic oil droplets are forming deep water oil plumes. After a weeklong analysis of water samples, USF scientists found more oil in deeper water.
"These hydrocarbons are from depth and not associated with sinking degraded oil but associated with the source of the Deep Horizon well head," said USF Chemical Oceanographer David Hollander.
Through isotopic or microscopic fingerprinting, Hollander and his USF crew were able to show the oil in the plume came from BP's blown out oil well. The surface oil's so-called fingerprint matched the tiny underwater droplet's fingerprint.
"We've taken molecular isotopic approaches which is like a fingerprint on a smoking gun," Hollander said.
GO HERE to read more.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
1 comment:
It's a good thing they have the "molecular isotope fingerprint" that ties this oil to the Gusher (not "spill" or "leak" as its currently referred to...) in the Gulf. Otherwise, BP would be dening it was oil from their well!! Just as they said they "couldn't be sure" why 20 sea turtles washed up dead or why dolphins beached themselves and died (sea creatures do this kind of stuff all the time, don't ya know?)...This is a disaster of, as yet, untold and unimaginable consequences. Already we have a biologist minimizing the effects of the oil gusher...ask the Alaskans about the continuing effects of the (now seemingly minor) 11 million gallon spill on the beaches, ocean and land-based wildlife, and their economy. I predict this is going to be a HUGE hit on the economy of the entire nation (because of the ripple effect)....BP is also going to squirm out of the full responsibilty for this disaster...watch....
Post a Comment