Effects of Short-Term Exposure to Dispersed Oil in Arctic Invertebrates

Abstract

A series of experimental studies was carried out as part of the Baffin Island Oil Spill (BIOS) Project to define the behavioural, physiological and biochemical reactions of three arctic marine benthic invertebrate species exposed to chemically dispersed crude oil. Behavioural responses and patterns of hydrocarbon accumulation and release observed in the bivalves and the urchin during the 19s8p1il l fwieelrde similar tot hose observed during the laboratorys imulations. Ostial closure, loss of responsiveness to mechanical stimuli annda rcosis were characteristico f the bivalves. Exposed urchinsd isplayed a functionlaols s of tube foot and spine behaviour. Detailed hydrocaarbnoanly sis indicated different uptake dynamiacms ong the species. The effectso f dispersed oil were immediate and short lived and resultedin temporary accumulation of hydrocarbons. Depuration of these stored hydrocarbons occurred during the experimental recovery pelrino vdi.v o biodegradation of hydrocarbons was indicateidn the bivalves. Physiological parameters measured in bivalves exposetod oil includede lements of scope for growth, activiotyf aspartate aminotransferase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenaseD. ose-response relationships between physiological rates and hydrocarbon body burden werea pparent.