Science-Based Interventions to the MT Solar 1 Oil Spill

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issues daily updates on the southwest monsoon surge and provides operational wave models that are being used to help estimate of the extent of the oil displaced.

To dissipate public fears and concerns about the oil spill, the science community responds by presenting solutions to the short and long-term damages caused by the tragedy. DOST Secretary Estrella F. Alabastro, in a press conference held September 2, 2006 at the Sulo Hotel in Quezon City, presented a complete science-based response from clean-up to mitigation and rehabilitation interventions. Gen. Glenn J. Rabonza, executive administrator of the Civil Defense Office and executive officer of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), also gave Task Force Guimaras updates.

Clean-Up Interventions In her presentation, Secretary Alabastro said that the science-based response represents all the inputs of the science community, including academic institutions. DOST’s emphasis on “Bunot, not buhok” dispels the rising notion that hair may be the best material to control the sludge. Experts recommend using natural materials like coconut husks, rice straw, feathers and corn cobs/stalks in controlling the spill. DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Graciano Yumul stressed that DOST does not recommend hair as a solution since there are no full studies to back it up and it is impractical in terms of volume. Human hair (“buhok” in Filipino) does not decompose easily, and once it is goes out to marine environment, it may be difficult to retrieve. Natural materials like coconut husk (“bunot” in Filipino) are easier to handle and they degrade faster.

Romblon, a coconut-producing province that established the first coco-methyl ester (CME) plant, has started to donate coconut husks for the cleanup operations in Guimaras. Feathers are also feasible, but they need to be dried well so as not to cause air pollution. Plans are also underway to conduct co-combustion or the re-use of the natural materials like coconut husks and rice straw used as improvised brooms to contain the oil. These materials will be collected to be re-used in a cement plant in Mindanao as alternative fuel and raw materials (AFR) for “cement kiln processing” and will be monitored by both DOST and DENR. The daily monitoring inputs of PAGASA on weather information, satellite imageries, and wave and ocean circulations model outputs will continue to guide agencies involved in the clean-up operations.

Oil spill impact assessments will also be undertaken in several areas with identified concerned agencies. Air, soil and water quality measurements will be established to determine the oil spill’s effects on marine ecosystem, including health hazards to those living in the affected coastal areas. To complete the environmental assessment, onshore geology will be studied. The UP-Visayas serves as the central repository of all data that will be generated.

Mitigation Plan for Residual Oil DOST’s Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) has developed a technology on bioremediation on-site or off-site with the use of a bioreactor. The institute has identified oil-eating microorganisms and the best strain is the Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This strain is used worldwide to treat coastal waters contaminated with oil spill. The ITDI has locally isolated this strain in the oil-contaminated estero in Pandacan. Once used in the affected areas in Guimaras, the microbes will eat up the oil blobs, eventually die naturally, and settle at the seafloor leaving no harmful effects on the ecosystem. Application of this technology will require the cooperation and assistance of PETRON, LGUs, DENR, and the UP System. ITDI is ready to deploy its technology.

Rehabilitation Protocols DOST also leads activities on rehabilitation plans for Guimaras with DENR, DA, DOH, DOE, LGU, UP System, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), MARINA and NAMRIA as partners. Said rehabilitation activities are as follows:

• Study of long-term effects of oil spill on coastal and marine ecosystems

• Study of meteorological effect on oil spill-impacted areas

• Determination of long-term effects of oil spill event on the health of the local populace

• Reintroduction of depleted marine species

• Continuous monitoring of air, water, soil, health and other elements until they reach normal acceptable levels

• Provision of climatological information in determining alternative sea routes

• Study on the possible effects of oil spill to groundwater resources

Immediate roundtable discussions will be conducted on said activities for tasking and establishing timetables. Rehabilitation programs with quantifiable results are also included in the implementation plans. Currently, all agencies concerned in the oil spill are in the response and relief mode. According to Gen. Rabonza, the rehabilitation mode will require implementation of S&T inputs. To facilitate the clean-up process, DOST will certify all agencies intending to test or implement their technologies or processes in the clean-up activities while DENR will issue permits for environmental concerns. This step is instituted to deter agencies or individuals who may hamper or cause confusion in the remedial measures being implemented.

Meanwhile, the testing laboratories of the DOST Regional Office in Iloilo are being used for analytical purposes. Other testing and analysis centers in Region 6 have have assured that the famous Guimaras mango and groundwater fishes are unaffected by the oil spill. Crustaceans, however, are contaminated and should not be eaten. (S&T Media Service)

Department of Science and Technology, September 8, 2006