Input of low molecular weight hydrocarbons from petroleum operations into the Gulf of Mexico
Abstract
From the Abstract: “Dissolved C1 to C4 hydrocarbon patterns measured during the last 6 years in the Gulf of Mexico indicate that underwater venting of waste gases and brine discharges, both associated with offshore platforms, are the major sources of non-ethane and light hydrocarbons to upper Gulf coastal waters. These sources are apparently responsible for the two orders of magnitude increase in Louisiana Shelf waters over open ocean levels of the light hydrocarbons with average concentrations of 3100, 31, and 22 nanoliters per liter of methane, ethane, and propane, respiectvely.
Analyses of the hydrocarbon composition of vented gases and brines and estimates of their annual discharge rates indicate that up to 450 metric tons of C5 to C10 hydrocarbons are being added to Louisiana Shelf waters each year.
Althogh the C1 to C4 hydrocarbons per se are apparently not toxic to marine organisms, they nevertheless are proving to be highly sensitive indicators of the more toxic components of petroleum which are being introduced to the sea by man’s activities.”