Burning of oiled Louisiana coastal marsh: Field evaluation

Abstract

Burning was evaluated as a method of remediating oiled Louisiana Spartina alterniflora salt marsh. A short-term reduction in plant biomass was observed; however, 1 year after burning, plant biomass was the same as in control plots. A comparison of the normal alkane profile in the soil residue following oiling to preburn oil showed a loss of more volatile hydrocarbons. Similar patterns were observed for aromatic hydrocarbons. More than half the aromatic hydrocarbons detected in the plume were derived from unburned hydrocarbons. Carbonyl sulfide and carbon disulfide were the main sulfur gases found in the smoke plume.