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Review
. 2021 Nov 12;9(11):302.
doi: 10.3390/toxics9110302.

The Importance of Data Reliability and Usability When Assessing Impacts of Marine Mineral Oil Spills

A Dallas Wait  1
Affiliations
Review

The Importance of Data Reliability and Usability When Assessing Impacts of Marine Mineral Oil Spills

A Dallas Wait. Toxics. .

Abstract

Spilled mineral oils in the marine environment pose a number of challenges to sampling and analysis. Mineral oils are complex assemblages of hydrocarbons and additives, the composition of which can vary considerably depending on the source oil and product specifications. Further, the marine microbial and chemical environment can be harsh and variable over short times and distances, producing a rigorous source of hydrocarbon degradation of a mineral oil assemblage. Researchers must ensure that any measurements used to determine the nature and extent of the oil release, the fate and transport of the mineral oil constituents, and any resultant toxicological effects are derived using representative data that adhere to the study's data quality objectives (DQOs). The purpose of this paper is to provide guidance for crafting obtainable DQOs and provide insights into producing reliable results that properly underpin researchers' findings when scrutinized by others.

Keywords: data quality; data usability; marine oil spills; mineral oils; sampling and analysis.

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Conflict of interest statement

Wait is employed by Gradient, a private environmental consulting firm. The work reported in this paper was conducted during the normal course of employment, without any outside financial support. Wait has sole responsibility for the writing and content of this paper, which represents the professional opinions of the author. Wait has consulted on matters involving oil spills within the last 36 months. Gradient has worked with trade association and private industry clients over the past 36 months that have an interest in the science of oil spills, but none were involved with the conception or drafting of this manuscript.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Measurement Plan.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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