Mixed Results Shown From Dispersants In BP Spill

The most extensive scientific study yet of dispersants injected deep in the Gulf of Mexico to counter an oil gusher last spring found a mixed bag of results.

Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found signs that the chemicals helped keep some oil from the busted BP well from bubbling to the surface, where it could do more damage. However, the chemicals didn't appear to break the oil apart as fast as promised.

The study didn't examine how toxic the chemicals might be. The new research appears in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.

Marine chemist Ellizabeth Kujawinski

said she has concerns that the chemicals appeared to stick around deep in the water longer than expected. That raises questions about possible long-term environmental exposure.