Three years post the MV Wakashio spill, research confirms the continued presence of Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil in mangrove sediments in Mauritius. This study, led by Curtin University, highlights the ecological implications of the oil contamination and the importance of understanding the behavior of new types of marine fuels following a spill.
Three years following the grounding of the bulk carrier MV Wakashio on a coral reef near Mauritius, research led by Curtin University has revealed that approximately 1,000 tons of Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) remains in a nearby mangrove forest. This area, critical to environmental conservation, is in proximity to Ramsar designated sites, raising concerns about the long-term ecological impact of the spill.
Dr. Alan Scarlett, leading the research at Curtin’s Organic and Isotope Geochemistry Center, confirmed that the chemical ‘fingerprint’ of the oil discovered in the mangrove sediments closely matches that of the VLSFO released during the Wakashio incident. Dr. Scarlett emphasized the importance of identifying the contaminant source, stating, “Local communities in Mauritius have been aware of oil contamination in the mangrove wetlands since the Wakashio spill… Identifying and acknowledging this contamination is crucial.”
The research involved analyzing sediment samples from the affected mangrove wetlands, contrasting them with samples from a reference site presumed to be unaffected by the spill. “We confirmed the reference site was free of oil contamination… another site contained oil originating from the Wakashio’s fuel tanks,” Dr. Scarlett stated. The findings highlight significant oil weathering and biodegradation over the three years since the spill, diminishing toxic compound levels while raising ongoing ecological risks.
In collaboration with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the research team had previously established a unique chemical signature of the spilled oil, facilitating its identification in mangrove sediments. Utilizing models from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s oil spill scenario tool, the study examined VLSFO’s behavior compared to traditional marine heavy fuel oils. Dr. Scarlett noted, “Our modelling suggested more of the Wakashio’s fuel would evaporate, naturally disperse or sink compared to traditional fuels… assessing the impact on organisms remains challenging.”
The research concluded with a publication titled, “Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil spilled from the MV Wakashio in 2020 remains in sediments in a Mauritius mangrove ecosystem nearly three years after the grounding,” appearing in the Marine Pollution Bulletin, underscoring the need for continued monitoring and study of the environmental repercussions of this oil spill.
The research conducted by Curtin University reveals that remnants of the Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil from the MV Wakashio spill continue to persist in Mauritius’ mangrove ecosystems, emitting potential risks to the sensitive environment. The findings emphasize the necessity for ongoing investigation into the behavior and effects of new marine fuel oils in marine environments, which remain inadequately understood.
Original Source: www.marinelink.com
