Sublethal effects of chronic oil exposure on the intertidal clam Macoma balthica |
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| Authors: | M S Stekoll L E Clement D G Shaw |
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| Institution: | (1) Institute of Marine Science, University of Alaska, 99701 Fairbanks, Alaska, USA;(2) Present address: Division of Fisheries and Natural Science, University of Alaska, P. O. Box 1447, 99802 Juneau, Alaska, USA |
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| Abstract: | When exposed to Prudhoe Bay crude oil in flowing seawater for 180 days, the small intertidal clam Macoma balthica showed behavioral, physical, physiological and biochemical changes. At a high concentration of oil in seawater (3.0 mg l-1) burrowing rate decreased, respiration rate increased, growth was inhibited, and very high mortalities resulted. The lowest concentration of oil in seawater (0.03 mg l-1) inhibited growth and caused reabsorption of gametes. One group of adverse oil effects which was related to sluggishness and disorientation of the clams appeared after a week of exposure to oil; another group related to a negative energy balance was not observed until 60 days. We conclude that chronic exposure of M. balthica to oil-in-seawater concentrations even as low as 0.03 mg l-1 will, in time, lead to population decreases.Please address requests for reprints to Dr. D. G. Shaw at the Institute of Marine Science |
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