Regarding the oil spill, specifically the underwater plumes:
Since microorganisms are already in the water consuming the oil particles (See source below) but have consumed all the oxygen in the surrounding water to do it leaving the water oxygen poor, why not simply add oxygen to the water? Like in a fish tank, but on a much bigger scale? Ships could pump regular air down into the water and let if filter up. A weighted hose would work. Longer hoses like the one spraying dispersant directly into the oil leak would be even better. Also better, oxygen could be extracted from the air and pumped instead of regular air.
If the oxygen poor water is renourished, that would eliminate the dead zone in the water where fish and other aquatics can’t breath. It would also encourage microorganisms to consume the oil again. Oxygen is safe for the environment and natural in the water.
Why hasn’t anyone else thought of or mentioned this? Natural methods are always best. Let’s use this untapped natural resource – the microorganisms in the water – which live by feeding on particulates in the water such as oil.
As a bonus, once the oil (the food supply for themicroorganisms) is used up, the extra microorganisms will die out back to normal levels thus restoring the ecosystem.
Kevin Costner and BP, are you listening?
Source: Dr. Samantha Joye, Professor of Marine Sciences at the University of Georgia as interviewed on The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC
June 7, 2010; Clip Title: Oil plumes, Gulf’s unseen disaster
I can see that you’re a thoughtful man Daniel, I think you would thoroughly enjoy this article on the ethics/justification for environmentalism:
http://www.answersingenesis.org/docs2006/0422earth-day.asp
Thanks, song. I appreciate the link, but I don’t care for the tone in the article. It’s condescending and arrogant. Regardless of the fact that I agree with the underlying principle of the piece, that there is no basis for naturalists to celebrate Earth Day whereas Christians ought to support it, this is not a conversation starter. The ultimate goal of any Christian endeavor ought to be to engage people about Jesus and this just slams that door of opportunity shut.
I think the celebration of Earth Day is an opportunity like that in Acts when Paul discovered an alter to the unknown god. Paul used that opportunity to espouse Christianity to the people there and some believed.
It’s one of the reasons why I prefer Reasons to Believe (http://www.reasons.org/) over Answers in Genesis.
I found the article more argumentative than arrogant, it’s trying to expose irrationality in the materialist worldview, but I’m just thrilled to hear that you’re a Christian! God bless! :)