SU Ag Experts Respond to Oil Spill Catastrophe in the Gulf
Below gives a brief synopsis of their plan of action in various areas.
WHAT HAS BEEN DONE? 1. Scientists from SUAREC and SU Environmental Toxicology conducted a site visit to the affected region to conduct initial assessment of the situation. 2. Scientists and Extension Specialists from SUAREC have developed educational materials for dissemination on the following topics: i. Potential impact of the oil spill on human health ii. Protective clothing. A website is currently being developed to reflect those educational materials. 3. Scientists are testing oil sorbency of kenaf and other biobased materials for oil spill cleanup. 4. Scientists have collated maps and satellite imagery of the affected region.
FUTURE PLAN OF ACTION: With available resources, SUAREC will do the following: 1. Provide educational materials on the following topics:
Ecosystem restoration
Water quality
Family and community welfare
Food safety
Protective clothing
Human health
Nutrition 2. Partner with various governmental and non-governmental agencies for training and any other pertinent issues. 3. Provide maps and remote sensing imagery. 4. Provide expert advice on various topics such as: a. Ecosystem restoration b. Nutrition and health c. Family wellness d. Livestock Production e. Water quality f. Protective clothing g. Food safety h. Biosecurity With adequate appropriations, SUAREC plans to do the following: 1. Deliver educational programs directly to underserved communities. 2. Conduct in-depth assessment and develop remediation/mitigation strategies for the affected communities in the following areas: A. Coastal ecosystem restoration with emphasis on the following: i. Water quality ii. Environnemental conservation iii. Habitat assessment regarding environmental factors (soil, water, and air). iv. Biodiversity and phytoremediation. B. Family and community welfare with emphasis on the following: i. Human health ii. Nutrition iii. Food safety iv. Protective clothing v. Emergency preparedness vi. Biosecurity C. Economic impact assessment on small businesses D. Bio-based materials for oil spill cleanup/remediation/mitigation E. Short-term and long-term effects of the oil spill on livestock production.