bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shoreline Bioremediation Model (SBM) - A Graphical User Interface for Simulating the Biodegradation of Beached Oil
Authors: Torlapati Jagadish , Geng Xiaolong , King Tom , Boufadel Michel , Lee Kenneth 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT
We developed a user-friendly numerical model, Shoreline Bioremediation Model (SBM), to simulate the biodegradation and bioremediation of oil entrapped within shorelines. The model takes oil properties and environmental conditions as input and produces variation of oil concentration with time, up to several years from the time of the spill. SBM is equipped with a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI). The accessibility and easy-to-use interface allow the user to quickly produce several biodegradation and bioremediation scenarios before they are implemented at the contaminated shoreline. The model has been calibrated to predict the biodegradation rate of saturates and aromatics, but it can be also used to predict the biodegradation rates of individual oil components and to decide on bioremediation studies in shorelines based on the enhancement due to biostimulation (addition of nutrients) or bioaugmentation (addition of hydrocarbon degrading organisms). The GUI provides the oil concentration with time along with best case and worst case scenarios, which is commonly needed for decision making.
Modeling Biodegradation of Subsurface Oil in Sand Beaches Polluted with Oil
Authors: Geng Xiaolong , Boufadel Michel C. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT
In April 2010, the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) drilling platform led to the release of nearly 4.9 million barrels of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico. The oil was brought to the supratidal zone of beaches (landward of the high tide line) by waves during storms, and was buried during subsequent storms. The objective of this paper is to investigate the biodegradation of subsurface oil in a tidally influenced sand beach located at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and polluted by the DWH oil spill. Two transects were installed perpendicular to the shoreline within the supratidal zone of the beach. One transect had four galvanized steel piezometer wells to measure the water level. The other transect had four stainless steel multiport sampling wells that were used to collect pore water samples below the beach surface. The samples were analyzed for dissolved oxygen (DO), nitrogen, and redox conditions. Sediment samples were also collected at different depths to measure residual oil concentrations and microbial biomass. As the biodegradation of hydrocarbons was of interest, a biological model based on Monod kinetics was developed and coupled to the transport model MARUN, which is a two dimensional (vertical slice) finite element model for water flow and solute transport in tidally influenced beaches. The resulting coupled model, BIOMARUN, was used to simulate the biodegradation of total n-alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) trapped as residual oil in the unsaturated zone. Model parameter estimates were constrained by published Monod kinetics parameters. The field measurements, such as the concentrations of the oil, microbial biomass, nitrogen, and DO, were used as inputs for the simulations. The biodegradation of alkanes and PAHs was predicted in the simulation, and sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the effect of the model parameters on the modeling results. Simulation results indicated that n-alkanes and PAHs would be biodegraded by 80% after 2 ± 0.5 years and 3.5 ± 0.5 years, respectively.
Stakeholder Engagement and Survey Tools for Oil Spill Response Options
Authors: Walker Ann Hayward , Bostrom Ann 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT
Oil spill stakeholders, including decision makers and other groups, have expressed concerns about and questioned the use of dispersants and other non-mechanical response options for years. Concerns in past decades were primarily ecological, but during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill some individuals and communities in the Gulf of Mexico states also articulated perceptions of public health risks associated with the use of dispersants. Effective risk communication is essential to manage the potential risks associated with oil spills. Stakeholders concerned about risks want or need information in the form of communications products, such as guides or briefs. Because people process new information within the context of their existing beliefs, such communication products are likely to be more effective and useful for their intended audiences if they are designed to: (1) take into account the communication recipients' existing beliefs; and (2) directly address the decisions/judgments faced by recipients by providing them with the information they want and need to make those decisions. Stakeholder engagement is essential to learn about risk perceptions, to learn about what information stakeholders want and need to make decisions effectively, and to develop communication products to that end.
This paper builds upon a mental models approach to dispersant risk communications research from the 1990s. It describes and presents results from an industry-government collaborative project to develop risk-based tools designed to communicate the subject of dispersants to local level stakeholders among others. This project includes an expanded science-informed dispersant decision model, two stakeholder open houses, and two surveys (interactive and online) to gather data-driven insights about local stakeholder knowledge and understanding of dispersants, as well as their perceptions of the risks and benefits associated with dispersant use during a spill in relation to other response options. The surveys were distributed at two open houses for local stakeholders on the Eastern Shore of Virginia (Wallops Is.) and the Pacific Northwest (Port Townsend, WA). Both open houses were co-sponsored with USCG-led Area Committees. The Virginia workshop was also co-sponsored by The Nature Conservancy and the Virginia Shore Keeper. It is expected that the surveys may be incorporated into future meetings and open houses involving stakeholders at any level, e.g., local, state, regional or national. The data from the surveys can guide the improvement of future communication efforts about dispersants, as well as provide support for enhanced stakeholder engagement during preparedness and response.
DEVELOPMENTS IN INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AND NATIONAL PLANNING IN THE CASPIAN SEA AND BLACK SEA
Authors: TAYLOR Peter Mark , SCHNEIDER Nina , HUNTZINGER Emmanuel , CHARLEBOIS Patricia 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT
The Caspian Sea and Black Sea regions have witnessed a growth in oil exploration, production and transportation activities, over a period of more than 15 years. Significant quantities of Caspian Sea region crude oil are shipped via Black Sea ports to markets in Europe. This development of the oil and shipping industries has brought a focus on ensuring an appropriate level of oil spill preparedness. Working under the umbrella of the ‘Global Initiative’ (GI) programme, the international community continues to support governments' efforts to build and implement national and regional systems to ensure effective response to major incidents.
Recent progress in the Caspian Sea is described, notably the signing in 2011 by the five countries surrounding the Caspian Sea (the littoral States) of a regional agreement for co-operation in case of major oil spills - the so-called ‘Aktau Protocol’ to the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea (“Tehran Convention”). This Protocol is expected to enter into force in 2014 and will provide the legal basis for co-operation between the countries. A regional plan under the Protocol is in final draft and will provide the operational tool for implementation of regional cooperation and coordination procedures. The draft regional plan will be described, including its alignment to the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation (OPRC) and the promotion of integrated response between governments and industry.
National oil spill contingency plans provide the fundamental building blocks for the regional co-operation mechanism. Information will be presented on the recent developments concerning two national plans in the Caspian Sea, i.e. Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. The role of international organizations and the oil industry in supporting the respective government's development of these plans and the opportunities available to assist their implementation is discussed.
The on-going biennial Black Sea regional exercise activity is used to illustrate how such a programme facilitates and encourages sustainable oil spill preparedness at the regional level. Information will be presented concerning the 2011 exercise, the key lessons learned and potential developments of the exercise programme in the future.
Development and properties of a new oil binding system for marine application
Authors: Unbehaun Holger , Hieronymus Till , Tech Sören , Wagenführ André 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT
Traditional marine oil response technology is based on ship borne techniques with oil/water separation by skimmer. These systems are very sensitive to weather conditions and have a long response time. Furthermore, conventional solid binder systems are unsuitable for marine application.
Within the research project BIOBIND, a new binder system for marine application was developed and evaluated. The oil binders are made of biogenic and biodegradable wood-fiber, which cause only a small environmental impact and are very cost-efficient. They show a high porosity of 85 %, a high oil absorption capacity of approx. 600 kg m−3 (especially for thin oil films down to 0.03 mm), and a high retention capacity for oil. On the water surface, these binders achieve an oil recovery rate of 80 % with a coverage dosage of 11 %. Having a square geometry of 50 x 50 mm and a thickness of 4 mm, the binder has superior properties for manufacturing, storage, oil adsorption and recovery. The binder system was produced in industrial scale and tested during a large scale field experiment at the Baltic Sea in the summer of 2013. Its binding capacity and flotation ability were evaluated in mesocosm tests. Because of its hydrophobic properties, the binder floated for more than 8 days. Experiments of airborne application, monitoring, and ship borne recovery confirmed the suitability of the binder system. Due to airborne distribution, the binder system is also suitable for application during bad weather conditions and on shallow water territories.
The paper describes the development of a solid oil binding system suitable for new marine application and presents the results of laboratory scale, mesocosm and field experiments.
Oiled wildlife response for Antarctica: Practical and realistic solutions
Authors: Short Michael 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT
Through the Antarctic Treaty on Environmental Protection all of the Antarctic member nations are required to have in place contingency plans for oil spills including oiled wildlife response. The current risks for marine pollution incidents to the Antarctic environment include refuelling activities associated with Antarctic stations/bases; routine station/base activities; and shipping associated with stations/bases, tourism, commercial fishing and whaling. Between 1981 and 2011 there have been reported 33 spills or near spill incidents associated with the Antarctic marine environment. Wildlife at risk from oil spills include seabirds (flying birds and penguins), pinnipeds and cetaceans. Antarctic and polar environments both provide a number of logistical and practical complications given their climatic and geographic character. The key elements for response actions for Antarctic wildlife identified are divided amongst primary, secondary and tertiary oiled wildlife response activities. Primary activities identified include focussing containment and clean up efforts to protecting wildlife as a priority using tools such as sensitivity mapping, stochastic and real time modelling. Secondary activities specific to individual wildlife groups were identified and included specialised hazing, exclusion and pre-emptive capture mechanisms focussed to the Antarctic environment. Tertiary activities are considered with regards to the real capacity of Antarctic stations to respond, take and rehabilitate oiled wildlife given the Antarctic environment and its limitations. The paper identifies realistic mechanisms and systems considering the climatic, logistical and practical issues of the Antarctic environment. Although specific to Antarctic bases the paper outcomes can be equally applied to other polar environments.
Understanding the Keys to Effective Information Management and Situation Display During a Pollution Response
Authors: Bodnar Jill , Jacobi Michele , Bock Ed , Doucette Eric , Muskat Judd , Barr Todd 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT
As technology and access to information increases, so do the expectations by leadership and the public for the highest quality and most current information during a pollution response (USCG, 2010). This demand is essential to the incident's decision-making process and for situational awareness (USCG, 2010, 2011a). The influx of response data generated must be met by savvy teams of information managers who can provide this need in a timely, efficient manner. This process is further complicated by the relationship between government and industry responders, both of whom often have different information management requirements yet need to work cooperatively with the same data (USCG, 2011b).
In this paper, information management common themes, successes, and failure points from three case studies including the M/V Cosco Busan oil spill, the Hurricane Sandy pollution response, and the U.S./Canada CANUSLANT oil spill exercise are discussed. Although these incidents and exercise have significant operational differences, the need for efficient dissemination of quality information remains the same.
Mobile GIS and Real-Time Data Display in a Common Operating Picture
Authors: Milanes Andrew , Stevens Mark , Alford David 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has become an integral component to the data management, analysis, and presentation needs during an emergency response. GIS allows for the rapid integration of multiple data sets and is a tool utilized throughout the Incident Command System to aid in timely, informed decision making. Advances in mobile and hand-held devices, such as smart-phones, tablets and GPSs have provided new capabilities in field GIS data collection and dissemination. In addition to GIS data, live streaming data feeds, such as vessel Automatic Identification System (AIS) and video from remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), have become increasingly important to situational awareness. Prompt broadcasting of this data in a Common Operating Picture (COP) framework has become critical as the demand for real-time incident information increases.
Comparison and Assessment of Waste Generated during Oil Spills
Authors: Wadsworth Tim 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTExperience has shown that the most time-consuming and costly component of a response to an oil spill is often the treatment or disposal of collected waste. The amount of waste generated is dependent on many factors, some which may be controlled more readily during the response.This paper analyses a number of important incidents as a result of which spilled oil affected shoreline resources with significant resultant clean-up effort. Spills of crude oil and of heavy fuel oil carried as cargo in tankers are reviewed to determine the types and volumes of waste generated and the clean-up methods undertaken to generate that waste. A comparison of the incidents will allow the most effective response methods to be determined, to show the techniques that generated the least volumes of waste. Data from DEEPWATER HORIZON is included to allow a discussion of the associated response.To achieve a practical comparison, the amount of waste is balanced against the amount of oil spilled to determine the oil:waste ratio. This ratio has evolved over many years into a long held guideline, used often for the purpose of contingency planning, that the amount of waste generated during an incident is approximately ten times the amount of oil spilled. This paper shows that with appropriate response actions, the guideline can be upheld.
Contamination and Recovery of Commercially-Reared Mussels Exposed to Diesel Fuel from a Sunken Fishing Vessel
Authors: Mearns Alan J. , Shigenaka Gary , Meyer Buffy , Drury Alice 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT
Following the sinking of a derelict fishing vessel near a commercial mussel farm in Penn Cove, Washington, mussels ((Mytilus trossulus), suspended 1-3 m below the sea surface, were sampled to determine if they were contaminated with diesel fuel and if so, how long it took for the contamination to depurate. Composite mussel samples were collected from 6 culture floats and two intertidal beach stations on four occasions and analyzed for 43 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH43), and a suite of alkanes and petroleum biomarkers. Mussel mean total PAH43 concentrations in μ/kg (parts per billion, ppb) dry weight (dw), declined from 6462 on day 5; to 4574 on day 51; 2615 on day 186; and 1097 one year later. A market sample from the same commercial operation collected January, 2012 and analyzed by the Battelle Pacific Northwest National Laboratory had a value of 839 ppb dw for the sum of 42 PAHs. The affected mussels required between 6 and 12 months to return to this total PAH concentration putative background. The whole-soft tissue total PAH43 half-life was about 5 months, far longer than the days or few weeks expected based on past literature. During the incident the commercial mussel grower voluntarily shut-down harvest, and on May 15, the Washington Department of Health (WA DOH) closed all of Penn Cove to both commercial and recreational harvest. Although individual PAH concentrations never exceeded thresholds for human consumption, samples did not initially pass sensory testing. The Penn Cove commercial and recreational harvesting was subsequently re-opened in stages to give the shellfish time to depurate and return to an untainted state. Additionally, all the concentrations of total PAHs measured in Penn Cove float and shoreline mussels during this study were within the range of concentrations reported in mussels from other monitoring sites in Puget Sound and other marine coastal areas of Washington. This relatively simple but sustained monitoring effort showed that submerged as well as inter-tidal bivalves can be contaminated by a nearby diesel spill, and that recovery may take longer than generally expected.
OIL CONTAMINATION IN THE NIGER DELTA
Authors: PÅLSSON JONAS , LINDÉN OLOF 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT
Oil spills in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria has occurred frequently since oil extraction started in the 1950's. The oil spills originates from facilities and pipelines, leaks from ageing and abandoned infrastructure and from spills during transport and artisanal refining of stolen oil under primitive conditions. It is estimated that spills in Nigeria amount to 100 000 to 200 000 tons per year and have been doing so for almost 60 years. While a number of reports have been written about the Niger Delta and the civil unrest in this area during the last decades, very few scientific reports with actual data regarding the extent of the contamination has been published. This paper describes the contamination of sediments and water in a part of the Niger Delta, which has been particularly hard to assess for decades: Ogoniland. It does not discuss the origin of the oil spills.
During 2010, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) conducted an extensive environmental assessment of Ogoniland. The assessment was conducted at the request of the Nigerian government. During the assessment, drinking water samples were taken in wells and sediment and surface water samples were collected from streams, ponds and wetlands in and around Ogoniland from April to November. The levels found in the more contaminated sites are high enough to cause severe impacts on the ecosystem and human health. Extractable Petroleum Hydrocarbons (EPHs) reached levels of up to 7420 μg/l in surface water and drinking water wells show up to 42 200 μg/l. Benzene levels were measured up to 9000 μg/l, which is more than 900 times the WHO guidelines. EPH concentrations in sediments were up to 17 900 mg/kg. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations in sediments reached 8.0 mg/kg in the most contaminated sites. The impacts of this pollution were obvious to be seen, with large slicks of crude oil visible in the water and large areas of mangroves suffocated by oil. However, most sites did not show extremely high levels of EPH and PAH concentrations.
Although the natural conditions for degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons are favorable with high temperatures and relatively high rainfall, the recovery of contaminated areas is prevented due to the chronic character of the contamination.
Improving Planning Standards for the Mechanical Recovery of Oil Spills on Water
Authors: Casey Drew , Caplis John 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT
As observed during several recent major oil spills, most notably the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, the current regulatory planning standard for mechanical recovery equipment has been often scrutinized as an inadequate means for vessel and facility plan holders to calculate their oil spill equipment needs. Effective Daily Recovery Capacity, or EDRC, was developed during a negotiated rulemaking process following the enactment of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990.
During an IOSC 2011 Workshop sponsored by the American Petroleum Institute (API), the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), and the U.S. Coast Guard, there was general agreement among workshop participants that EDRC is not an accurate planning tool for determining oil spill response equipment needs. In addition, many attendees agreed that EDRC should account for the skimmer system as a whole, not individual skimmer components such as pump nameplate capacity.
In 2012, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) and the U.S. Coast Guard initiated and completed a third-party, independent research contract to review the existing EDRC regulations and make recommendations for improving planning standards for mechanical recovery. The contractor's final report methodology is based on oil spill thickness as a fundamental component in calculating mechanical recovery potential, and it emphasizes the importance of response time on-scene and storage for recovered oil. This research provides a more realistic and scientific approach to evaluating skimmer system performance, and more accurately accounts for a wide range of operating conditions and external influences. The federal government, with input from the oil industry, OSRO community, and other interested stakeholders, now has a sound methodology to serve as a starting point for redesigning the current planning standard that more accurately reflects skimmer system performance.