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Abstract
Since the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, numerous efforts have evaluated the impacts of the oil dispersant, Corexit 9500A, on oil biodegradation. This thesis investigates location and nutrient specific responses to Corexit 9500A, oil water accommodated fractions (WAF), and chemically enhanced WAFs (CEWAF) exposure. Trends in bacterial production and potential hydrocarbon oxidation rates indicate that site-specific geochemical differences influence Corexits effects on microbial communities and their ability to degrade oil. Comparing bottle incubations of nutrient amended WAF, CEWAF, and Corexit treatments to unamended treatments showed distinct nutrient specific responses, most clearly evident by analysis of potential hydrocarbon oxidation rates and 16S community composition relative abundance. Demonstrating the importance of nutrient availability on Corexits effects on oil biodegradation helps inform future oil spill remediation policy regarding dispersant application.