Oyster Shell Isotope and Trace Element Data from Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
Updated 3mo ago
14files
Available on 2 platforms
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Description
Stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen were measured in oyster shell, suspended particulate matter, and oil samples from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Oyster shell samples were also analyzed for six trace elements (Cd, Co, Mo, Ni, Pd, V) used in hydrocarbon pollution detection. The dataset, provided by NOAA NCEI, contains samples collected from five sites along the Mississippi-Alabama coast and Mobile Bay before, during, and after the spill, spanning June 2008 to July 2010.
Use Cases
Tracking oil-derived carbon and nitrogen assimilation into oyster tissue via stable isotope ratios.
Assessing hydrocarbon pollution by analyzing oyster shell concentrations of Cd, Co, Mo, Ni, Pd, and V.
Comparing contaminant levels in oysters across five coastal sites before, during, and after the Deepwater Horizon spill.
Correlating suspended particulate matter isotope signatures with oyster tissue signatures to trace pollution pathways.
Strengths
Includes data from five distinct sampling sites along the Mississippi-Alabama coast and Mobile Bay.
Covers a multi-year time range including pre-spill (June 2008), spill period, and post-spill (April-July 2010) samples.
Analyzes multiple sample types: oyster shell, suspended particulate matter, and various oil forms (tar balls, mats).
Limitations
Exact row count, file size, and specific column names are unknown from all sources.
Conflicting last updated dates exist between platforms (2010-10-07 and 2026-03-05), creating uncertainty about data currency.
License information is not provided.
Provenance
Source
NOAA NCEI
Collection Method
Field sampling of oysters, suspended particulate matter, and shoreline oil deposits with subsequent laboratory isotope and elemental analysis.
Time Range
June 2008 to July 2010
Freshness
2026-03-05 22:59:49.867111
Geography
Five sites along the Mississippi-Alabama coast and Mobile Bay, and shoreline from the Florida-Alabama border to Petit Bois Island, Mississippi.
Platforms disagree on the last updated date, with one listing 2010-10-07 and others listing 2026-03-05. The license is unknown.