7 cleanup solutions for the disastrous Gulf of Mexico oil spill

All set to eclipse the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill as the worst US oil disaster in history, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill – an eco-debacle inflicted by BP and Transocean Ltd – is discharging an estimated 210,000–1,100,000 US gallons of crude oil daily. Already covering a surface area of at least 2,500 square miles, the disaster has exposed the Gulf of Mexico’s fishing industry, tourism, and habitat of hundreds of bird species to an incomparable loss.

gulf of mexico oil spill

Now, the disaster asks for some speedy measures to limit its horrendous impact. Besides blocking off bays and estuaries, using anchored barriers, and floating booms along shorelines, here are some solutions for speedy cleanup of the oil spill:

• Underwater dome proposed:

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BP engineers are designing and developing a giant underwater dome that could be placed over the leak to suck up the oil. Though the idea of the dome has been tried since 1979, but it never tastes success. More here.

• Comprehensive Deepwater Oil and Gas Blowout Model (CDOG):

comprehensive deepwater oil and gas blowout model

Using known information about deepwater spills, the Comprehensive Deepwater Oil and Gas Blowout Model (CDOG) can predict the next course of dispersal of the Gulf oil spill. After locating the dispersal, virtual chemicals could be added to see whether they spread the oil around or thin it. More here.

• Hay comes for rescue:

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Thinkers from Florida-based CW Roberts Contracting suggest that excess oil can be extracted by blowing hay on water-surface, and later stirring it. They wish to prove themselves on a 10-acre area in the Gulf waters. More here.

• “Rock Breathing” bacteria:

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Scientists at East Anglia University, UK, have found the nifty microscopic organisms a huge help in cleaning up oil spills since they can live in the Earth’s sub-surface without needing oxygen for survival. These can help us clean up areas contaminated with toxic heavy metals and the disastrous oil slick. More here.

• Lend your locks:

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Matter of Trust, San Francisco-based nonprofit collects landfill-bound locks and then stuffs it into nylon hose to create absorbent “booms.” A pound of hair can absorb a quart of oil in one minute and reused up to 100 times. Moreover, 98 percent of the oil sopped up by the mats can be recovered. More here.

• Creation of new islands:

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Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal's appeals to dump dredged materials across the barrier islands off the coast to fight oil slick. He says this would strengthen existing islands, and even create brand new ones. More here.

• Containment Box may stop leak:

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A BP representative says that robots will position a containment box, about 4 feet in diameter, 5 feet tall and weighing just under two tons, over the gusher undersea by Thursday. Known as “top hat”, the box will prevent the ice buildup. More here.