Exxon Valdez Oil Spill
The largest project I contributed to while working under Michel Boufadel was the investigation into recalcitrant oil left over from the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill. This multi-year project had multiple stages which focused on identifying subsurface flow regimes within the beaches, mapping the particle size and distribution within the beaches and where oiling was still extant, as well as testing the viabilty of subsurface nutrient injections to encourage native bacterial populations to consume and remediate the remaining oil.
Study sites included:
- Eleanor Island
- Latouche Island
- Perry Island
- Smith Island
Surface sediments on Elanor Island look pristine, but digging below the surface tells another tale.
Looking out at the water on Elanor.
Digging on Perry Island. The Auklet, home away from home, is in the background.
Bedrock outcrops were common on Smith Island’s beaches. These high energy beaches were mostly clear of fine sediments.
Installed injection wells on La Touche Island.
Catching mini icebergs in Blackstone Bay.
Keeping some samples company on the way back to Whittier.