[Coral-List] EcoRigs and ASU Research Cruise

[Steve Kolian]

Hello,
EcoRigs and ASU Report
 
On July 22nd and 23rd 2010, EcoRigs.org and the Arkansas State University (ASU) Ecotoxicology Research Facility team collaborated on a research cruise focusing on several objectives, all pertaining to continuing research on the impacts of the oil and dispersant in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Samples were collected in the immediate offshore of Grand Isle, Louisiana and inshore of the island in an estuary called Barataria Bay.   
 
Table 1 presents a summary of the analysis, organisms sampled, number of samples and the objectives of the analysis.
 
 





Analysis

Species-Number of Samples
 

Objectives
 



Organism muscle samples were collected to evaluate the accumulation of heavy metals in edible tissue.
 

Fish, shrimp, crabs, oysters
 
 
Approx –
75 fish
5 crabs
10 oysters
5 shrimp

The levels of metals and organics in the muscle tissue of fish, crabs, shrimp and oysters can tell us when and if it is safe to consume the seafood. Over exposure to organic toxins can be lethal to fish; Data collected from live fish can be compared to results found in scientific literature to determine overall health of fish; The data can also be used to make a comparative analysis of the degree of uptake for different types of fish, i..e. herbivores, omnivores, piscivors and detritavors.
 


Fish entrails for heavy metals

Approx –
75 fish
5 shrimp 

Immediate exposure to contaminants takes place through the gut tract and will be detectable in these organs 


Fish livers for heavy metals: 
 
 

Approx 5 fish
Liver tissue was isolated in fish with distinct anatomy and size 

Metals accumulation occurs in the livers of fish, crabs, oysters and shrimp and can be detrimental the organisms and those that consume the seafood.  The data can also be used to make a comparative analysis of the degree of uptake in herbivores, omnivores, piscivors and detritavors.


Gill tissue

10 oysters

An attempt was made to isolate gill from mantle tissue in oyster samples to determine more immediate exposure through gill analyses.


Water Samples: Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) & Trace Metals

11 

TPH sent to commercial laboratory & Trace Metals will be measured at ASU.  Comparison of results will indicate if a metal signature is present in the samples with detectible TPH.


Sediment Samples for TPH and Trace Metals

11

TPH sent to commercial laboratory & Trace Metals will be measured at ASU.  Comparison of results will indicate if a metal signature is present in the samples with detectible TPH.


Fin tissue was collected from fish & shrimp to analyze for DNA strand breakage
Crab muscle tissue and oyster mantle tissue was collected for analys

Approx –
75 fish
5 crabs
10 oysters
5 shrimp

Analyzing for strand breakage in DNA will determine real-time exposure to petroleum products.  Strand breakage repair is rapid thus will determine current exposure.  Metal analyses will be correlated with DNA examinations if possible


20-Liter water sample

One sample

Sample will be used to explore several types of aquatic toxicology – experimental studies at the Ecotoxicology Research Facility


Vegetation collected for identification 

Marsh cordgrass (Spartinia alterniflora)

Possible phyto-remediation studies by Dr. Argelia Lorence


Air Quality Analysis of Particulate Matter (PM)

Three samples

Particulate matter is trapped in small gases that are then able to travel deeply into the respiratory tract, ultimately reaching the lungs. Some gases are more lethal and or hazardous than others, hazardous air pollutants (HAP) can be carcinogenic. Benzene is an HAP and is found in the oil spill.. This data collected can tell us if the air contains dangerous levels of air pollutants. 
 
 
ASU will be reporting on results in the coming weeks. EcoRigs will post the data and other pertinent information as soon as possible.  EcoRigs would like to express its gratitude to Arkansas State University (ASU) Ecotoxicology Research Facility team and mention that they contributed their time and funded the research independently. 


Best Regards, Steve Kolian 225-910-0304 cell