Directed by Charles Fisher of Penn State University, several research teams conducted observations and analysis on the corals. In order to support this research, research submarine Alvin was one among the broad range of underwater vehicles employed.
New research reveals deep-ocean impact of the Deepwater Horizon explosion
Also, 2-D gas chromatography was used for precision determination of the petroleum hydrocarbon source. This research on the impact of the deepwater horizon oil spill on deep-sea corals will be released online during the week beginning 26 March 2012, in the Early Edition of the journal ‘Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences’.
During late October 2010, six months after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Fisher initiated research in the Gulf cruise. The team used a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Jason II, to investigate nine sites with 20 km distance from the Macondo Well. Here, deep-water coral communities were found to be intact. Another area about 11 km from SW of the spill site was examined through the ROV, which showed the existence of multiple coral communities covered in a brown flocculent material having significant tissue damage. However, the scientists proceeded to a second research cruise on 8 December 2010.
In order to examine the deep water, map and visually capture the corals, the research team used the deep-submergence, 3-passenger, robotic-armed vehicle Alvin and the autonomous underwater vehicle Sentry. The coral samples and sediments were collected for analysis.
2-D gas chromatography is used to detect the oil found in the coral communities. With this technological method, the oil compounds will be separated based on molecular weight that will contribute to obtaining oil fingerprint and source determination. This research analysis, supported by 69 images clearly demonstrates that the oil from the Macondo well spill has impacted the coral communities.