Sediment environment of Port Valdez, Alaska: the effect of oil on this ecosystem
The Port Valdez intertidal sediment system was studied for three years. Physical, geological, geochemical, hydrocarbon, and biological features were examined. Sediments were poorly sorted gravels to plastic clays, and had low amounts of organic matter. Bacterial numbers varied from site to site, and decreased in numbers with depth. Meiofauna consisted primarily of nematodes and harpacticoid copepods. Most meiofaunal species were restricted to the upper three centimeters throughout the year. Meiofaunal densities wre typically highest in summer and lowest in winter. Reproductive activities of copepods tended to be seasonal with only one species reproducing throughout the year. Bacterial populations were unaffected by single applications. It is concluded that oil is removed rapidly by tidal action. Three species of copepods exposed to oil in the field significantly increased in density in experimentally oiled plots. Uptake and release of added oil by intertidal sediments and the clam (Macoma balthica) were examined in the field. Petroleum was not detectable two months after application to sediments.
- Research Organization:
- Alaska Univ., College (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 5662643
- Report Number(s):
- EPA-600/3-76-086
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
02 PETROLEUM
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
PETROLEUM
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
POPULATION DENSITY
ALASKA
BACTERIA
COASTAL WATERS
COPEPODS
MOLLUSCS
NEMATODES
SEASONAL VARIATIONS
SEDIMENTS
WATER POLLUTION
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
ARTHROPODS
CRUSTACEANS
ECOSYSTEMS
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
INVERTEBRATES
MICROORGANISMS
NORTH AMERICA
PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION
POLLUTION
SURFACE WATERS
USA
VARIATIONS
560302* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology- Microorganisms- (-1987)
560304 - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology- Invertebrates- (-1987)
020900 - Petroleum- Environmental Aspects