© 2010 | Photos by Christopher J. Rogers

For further information, contact:

Willie Rawls, Ph.D,
Associate Research Director
225 771 2242 ext:202

Christopher J. Rogers,
Director of Technology Services
225 771 2242 ext:301

Get Adobe Reader






SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AGRICUTURAL RESEARCH AND EXTENSION CENTER’S (SUAREC) RESPONSE TO THE OIL SPILL CATASTROPHE

 WHAT HAS BEEN DONE?

  1. Scientists from SUAREC and SU Environmental Toxicology conducted a site visit to the affected region to conduct initial assessment of the situation.
  2. Scientists and Extension Specialists from SUAREC have developed educational materials for dissemination on the following topics:
    1. Potential impact of the oil spill on human health
    2. Protective clothing.
  3. Scientists are testing oil sorbency of kenaf and other biobased materials for oil spill clean up.
  4. Scientists have collated maps and satellite imagery of the affected region.
FUTURE PLAN OF ACTION:

With available resources, SUAREC will do the following:
  1. Provide educational materials on the following topics:
    1. Ecosystem restoration
    2. Water quality
    3. Family and community welfare
      1. Food safety
      2. Protective clothing
      3. Human health
      4. Nutrition
  2. Partner with various governmental and non-governmental agencies for training and any other pertinent issues.
  3. Provide maps and remote sensing imagery.
  4. Provide expert advice on various topics such as:
    1. Ecosystem restoration
    2. Nutrition and health
    3. Family wellness
    4. Livestock Production
    5. Water quality
    6. Protective clothing
    7. Food safety
    8. Biosecurity
With adequate appropriations, SUAREC plans to do the following:
  1. Deliver educational programs directly to underserved communities.
  2. Conduct in-depth assessment and develop remediation/mitigation strategies for the affected communities in the following areas:
    1. Coastal ecosystem restoration with emphasis on the following:
      1. Water quality
      2. Environmental conservation
      3. Habitat assessment regarding environmental factors (soil, water, and air).
      4. Biodiversity and phytoremediation.
    2. Family and community welfare with emphasis on the following:
      1. Human health
      2. Nutrition
      3. Food safety
      4. Protective clothing
      5. Emergency preparedness
      6. Biosecurity
    3. Economic impact assessment on small businesses
    4. Bio-based materials for oil spill cleanup/remediation/mitigation
    5. Short-term and long-term effects of the oil spill on livestock production.
FACT SHEETS (PDF Format):



©2010 Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
Ashford O. Williams Hall ~ P. O. Box 10010 ~ Baton Rouge, LA 70813 USA
All Rights Reserved.
Contact us here for more information.