Phase distribution of hydrocarbons in the water column after a pelagic deep ocean oil spill

Spills from wrecks are a potential major source of pollution in the deep ocean. However, not much is known about the fate of a spill at several kilometers depth, beyond the oceans continental shelves. Here, we report the phase distribution of hydrocarbons released from the wrecks of the Prestige tanker, several years after it sank in November 2002 to depths between 3500 and 3800 m. The released oil reached the surface waters above the wrecks without any signs of weathering and leaving an homogenous signature throughout the water column. At depths of several kilometers below the sea surface, the occurrence and spread of the deep sea oil spill could be evaluated better by quantifying and characterizing the dissolved hydrocarbon signature, rather than just the investigation of hydrocarbons in the suspended particulate matter.Authors acknowledge the Spanish government for funding (VEM2003-20583) and the Generalitat of Catalonia for a studentship to S.E.Z. Erin McClymont, Ester Garcia, Raquel Hernandez, Alfredo Martinez, Carolina Olid, Sara Orgué, Barend van Droogue and the crew of the Cornide de Saavedra are thanked for their assistance during the expeditions, Juan J. Gonzalez and Demetrio de Armas for providing logistical support during the October 2009 cruise, and Manh Hieu for laboratory assistance. The IAEA is grateful for the support provided to its Marine Environment Laboratories by the Government of the Principality of Monaco.Peer reviewe