Natural gas 'accelerated' breakdown of Gulf oil (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

By Neil Bowdler
Science reporter, BBC News

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Results suggested the gas was being rapidly consumed by naturally occurring bacteria within the water, and that this process was also greatly depleting oxygen levels in the water.

"The propane, the butane and ethane in particular were being degraded very rapidly in and around the area of the well head," he told the BBC by phone from aboard the research vessel the "Pisces".

"It was happening very quickly after the emissions - at least within a week or two these gases were being largely consumed."

Having fed on the gases, the bacteria then appeared to turn on many of the oil compounds.

"What we think is probably happening is these gases are serving to prime the population of bacteria and once the gases are gone, the bacteria begins to turn to select components of the oil," he says.
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more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11312040




Interestingly, the LA Times reported on the same story with a very different -- much more pessimistic -- emphasis: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=9148071&mesg_id=9148071

[Xipe Totec]

1. My, what a rosy spin on a royal fuck up

Up next, Amelia Earhart's wonderful tropical island vacation.

[Dead_Parrot]

2. Win. nt