Predicting Distribution of Particles and Bacteria in the Gulf of Mexico, Article Writing Example

Who would have thought that a bacteria outbreak could be a good thing? There was a major concern for marine sea life after the oil and gas irruption from the Deepwater Horizon event in the Gulf of Mexico. A large layer formed in the deep layers of the Gulf containing hydrocarbons, oil droplets and other types of chemical compounds. This compound stratification layer ultimately resulted in massive blooms of bacteria. According to the biologists studying this event, it was indicated that the bacterial blooms seemed to be biodegrading the components formed in the layer. Even though the bacteria were helping degrade the particles, the change in the ecology of microbes was still a concern from the overabundance of bacteria resulting in low oxygen levels.

Understanding the distribution of particles and bacteria from such an event is important for both scientific and commercial reasons. One group of scientists decided to examine the distribution patterns of the particles and bacterial blooms. The scientists wanted to explore the effects of currents and mixing patterns on the distribution of the oil and gas particles and the formation of bacterial blooms. The irruption leaked compounds throughout the Gulf of Mexico from the well at around 1.5 kilometers deep for 83 days. The leakage spread throughout the Gulf. In order to predict the distribution patterns that were occurring and occurred from the irruption, the scientists decided to create a two dimensional computer model for their analysis. The model was built to track the actual patterns of mixing and circulation. In addition, the model was mathematically instructed to track the amount of bacteria that were growing, as well as any changes in oxygen or particle levels. Talk about a smart model!

The scientists were able to create multiple graphs and maps from the model. which made it possible for them to analyze their data. In their analysis, the model predicted that with an input of particles from an irruption, the bacterial production would double in population. The results also indicated that with this doubling in bacteria population an oxygen change would occur in that area as well. This is important for any type of oxygen consuming marine organism or animal. Alterations in oxygen levels can change the types of organisms that are able to survive in that particular area.

The computer model was also able to pinpoint two chemical compounds responsible for the initial growth of the bacteria as butane and pentane, followed by bacteria consumption of propane, ethane, aromatic hydrocarbons and methane. All of these compounds are organic (containing Carbon) and most are gases that can be harmful to wildlife. It gets better! The computer model could also predict the type of bacteria present and the type of compound it consumes. For example, samples of water taken from the irruption site showed bacteria blooms of Colwellia associated with propane consumption. The computer model also predicted blooms of Colwellia associated with propane.

The model also found what was called an “autoinoculation effect”. The scientists indicated the autoinoculation effect as the initial mass of water from the irruption site containing both particles and bacteria blooms ending up back at the irruption site after circulation and still containing high levels of bacteria. The scientists were also able to suggest that this type of effect can be important to naturally occurring deep ocean environments, such as hydrothermal vents.

What does all this mean and why is this research so important? By creating this model, scientists are able predict distribution patterns of particles and bacteria in the deep ocean environment. This is important because this type of model can be used in future disasters, oil spills or irruptions to predict the types of bacteria and the types of compounds present or remaining in the ocean environment. Understanding the bacteria types and compounds can help predict the changes in the ecology of that particular environment. The model can also be useful for scientists studying bacteria and physical factors in naturally occurring conditions, like hydrothermal vents, as mentioned previously.

Overall, the research is in its new beginnings and although it has led to some possible answers to the physical and biological changes that are occurring where the irruption occurred, there is a need for continual research to help support the model and eliminate any limitations the model could present.