Title
Geochemical Patterns in Sediments Near Offshore Production Platforms
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-1-1996
Department
Biological Sciences
Abstract
Patterns of the geochemical characteristics of sediments adjacent to three production platforms (22-150 m water depths) in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico were determined y the presence of the structure, the amount and type of materials discharged from the structure, and the local hydrographic setting. Sediments close to platforms (<500m) were enhanced in coarse-grain materials primarily derived from discharged muds and cuttings. Hydrocarbon and trace metal (Ag, Ba, Cd, Hg, Pb, and Zn) contaminants were associated with these coarse-grain sediments. Contaminants were asymmetrically distributed around each platform in response to the prevailing currents. Contaminant concentrations t most locations were below levels thought to induce biological responses. At a few loctions close to one platform, trace metal (i.e., Cd, Hg) concentrations exceeded levels thought to induce biological effects. In deep water (>80 m), sediment trace metal contaminant patterns were stable over time frames of years. A few metals (Pb, Cd) exhibited evidence of continued accumulation in sediments over the history of the platform.
Publication Title
Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
Volume
53
Issue
11
First Page
2554
Last Page
2566
Recommended Citation
Kennicutt, M. C.,
Boothe, P. N.,
Wade, T. L.,
Sweet, S. T.,
Rezak, R.,
Kelly, F.,
Brooks, J. M.,
Presley, B.,
Wiesenburg, D. A.
(1996). Geochemical Patterns in Sediments Near Offshore Production Platforms. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 53(11), 2554-2566.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/8734