Dispersant probe stepped up

Federal officials said Tuesday that they are stepping up contaminant testing of the Gulf of Mexico's marine life to monitor the potential buildup of petroleum compounds and the chemical dispersants used to break up oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill. Testing will determine if Gulf seafood is safe for human consumption. The dispersants are being used to break up the oil gushing from the well. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 05/12/10) Meanwhile, wildlife officials are investigating whether the spill had anything to do with the recent deaths of six dolphins in Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama. But one local expert said six deaths this time of year over such a large area containing thousands of dolphins could be natural and that initial inspection of the bodies has showed no oil contamination. (Source: Sun Herald, 05/11/12)