EPS mechanisms in aggregation and dispersion of oil: roller tank experiment using Skeletonema CCMP strain #776

This is an experiment of a series investigating the mechanisms driving the incorporation of oil into diatom aggregates using a water accommodated fraction (WAF) of oil. The diatom Skeletonema CCMP strain #776 was used, and WAF was prepared from Macondo oil (Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico April 2010) and from Refugio oil (pipeline spill off California May 2015). Roller tank experiments mimic in situ conditions of the ocean where in that continuous sinking of particles is possible (infinity water column). Once aggregates > 1mm (operationally defined) have formed, they are harvested separately from the surrounding seawater, which contains non-aggregates cells or small aggregates. Both fractions are analyzed separately, so that the fraction of material incorporated within aggregates may be calculated. Samples were analyzed for cell abundance, particulate organic carbon (POC) and nitrogen (PON), the isotopes 13C and 15N, estimated oil equivalent (EOE), transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) and Coomassie stained particles (CSP). Sinking velocity of aggregates was determined.