Impact Of Ecosystem On The Deepwater Horizon Spill

The oil and refined products are a mixture of various hydrocarbons and other compounds whose physical and chemical properties vary; during an oil spill, the composite determines the behavior and impact on the environmental elements such as physical, biological, ecosystem, and the economical impact. During this Case Study I will continue to discuss the characteristics of each affected ecosystem including organisms commonly found in the Deepwater Horizon Spill affected area, potential threats based on their relative location to the spill, and the economic impact of damages in these communities. Main Body During the Deepwater Horizon Oil spill an estimated five million barrels of oil was released into the sea. The BP oil spill is the largest chemical dispersants in marine waters in US history. The oil slick affected the states of Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and Louisiana the spill impacted more than 110 kilometers from the coast of Louisiana. Other affected are outside the US was the coasts of Mexico and Cuba. Understanding various ecosystems allow us to better understand the impact in which the Deepwater Horizon Spill had within each type of ecosystem. The oil spill affected three specific types of ecosystems including the coastal, freshwater, and the upland areas. Wetland plants are called hydrophytes; in the past wetlands had been viewed as wasted land, fortunately scientists have realized that wetlands have a tremendous value to our ecosystem. Wetlands areShow MoreRelatedThe Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill1816 Words   |  8 PagesIntroduction The Deepwater Horizon oil spill (also referred to as the BP oil spill) occurred in the Gulf of Mexico in April of 2010. The spill had detrimental physical, chemical, and biological effects throughout ecosystems in the Gulf of Mexico. 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