Determination of Oil Spill Chemical Concentrations in Nearshore Matrices

ABSTRACT Marine oil spill incidents create concerns about human health risks, particularly in nearshore locations such as beaches used for recreation. To improve the timeliness of risk estimates during an spill, we need to expand modelling capacity chemicals (OSCs) from predictions chemical bulk measurements Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) individual concentrations more toxic Polycyclic Aromatic (PAH)s. The objective this study is establish a relationship TPH and PAH sampling concentration values with mass landing hindcast 3D Hydrodynamic Fate Transport Model (3D-FTM) past spill. overall goal use information current modeling capacities predict distributions PAHs starting point assessment. During Phase I study, historic data various matrices (weathered oil, seawater sediments) were evaluate within time-space specific categories. categories corresponded samples collected prior oiling, post oiling at no time impacted by predicted trajectories. For each category, frequency patterns generated subset PAHs. Results show differences matrix category. Concentration most category log-normally distributed. II ongoing. Here analyze measured surface weathered slick Deepwater Horizon (DWH) Preliminary results that slicks correlate well (R2=0.76). We are collocating environmental output Oil-Connectivity Modelling System (Oil-CMS). between model explored comparing coincide space model's particles. A subsequent step oil-CMS combination physical properties overarching and, therefore, better guide public decision-making.