Mullin said the remaining residue would biodegrade since the toxins in the oil had been burned away, along with the oil's thick, sticky consistency. After the fires burned out, the researchers removed the potted marsh vegetation from the pools and transported the plants back to an LSU greenhouse, where Mendelssohn and Lin will watch and record their recoveries. He said it will be about six months before the experiment is completed. By that time, the researchers will be able to tell how well the plants are recovering. Mendelssohn said one of the most important factors in a wetland burn is water level.
Water acts as an insulator, protecting the roots of the marsh vegetation from the flames.
After the experimental burns, the grasses that were beneath the surface of the water were still green and healthy, while the upper portions of the plants had been scorched or burned completely away by the fires. The researchers pointed out that if the roots were still intact, the plants should make a rapid recovery. Henry said knowing how much water is needed to protect the vegetation would be crucial in the case of a real oil spill. Mendelssohn's team hopes to pinpoint the exact amount of water needed to protect vegetation, along with optimal weather conditions. After three years, the marsh's recovery from that oil burn is complete.