U Georgia Scientist - Oxygen Levels Within Gulf Oil Plumes Dropping 1-2% Per Day - NOLA.com

[hatrack]

A marine scientist says underwater oil plumes in the Gulf of Mexico are reducing oxygen in some areas, but the drop-off isn't steep enough to endanger marine life just yet.

Samantha Joye of the University of Georgia said Tuesday that water samples show oxygen concentrations within the plumes are dropping 1 percent to 2 percent each day.

She said at that rate, it would take months for levels to become hazardous for fish and other animals.

Vast amounts of methane are leaking from the ruptured Deepwater Horizon oil well. Microbes feeding on the methane also consume oxygen.


EDIT

http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2010/06/oxygen_levels_are_down_in_gulf.html