As the excess naturally decomposed, the surrounding waters were depleted of oxygen.

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The economic costs associated with these oxygen-depleted areas are unknown, but predicted to be significant on a global scale.

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The researchers hope their work may lead to a COPD treatment that mimics the adjustments of a healthy body to an oxygen-depleted state.

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And because the bacteria use oxygen in the water as they digest oil, scientists are concerned that process could cause an oxygen-depleted area underwater a "dead zone" that could choke off a variety of undersea life.

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