Effects of benzene (a toxic component of petroleum) on spawning pacific herring, Clupea harengus pallasi

Journal Article · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1977 · Fisheries; (United States)

OSTI ID:7055481

Struhaaker, J W

When female Pacific herring were exposed to low ppb levels of benzene for 48 hr just prior to spawning, a significant reduction occurred in survival of ovarian eggs and resultant embryos and larvae through yolk absorption. Reduction in survival was: for ovarian eggs, approximately 10-25%; for embryos from fertilization to hatching, 26%; and for embryos and larvae through yolk absorption, 43%. Exposure to benzene also induced premature spawning and resulted in aberrant swimming behavior and disequilibrium in adults of both sexes. It is probable that in the estuary, if chronically exposed over a longer time period to low ppb levels of aromatic components, the populations could be seriously affected. If fishes prove generally to be most sensitive to petroleum components during their spawning seasons, fishery management decisions should take this factor into consideration in protecting the resources. (1 graph, 13 references, 5 tables)

• Research Organization: Southwest Fisheries Center Tiburon Lab
• OSTI ID: 7055481
• Journal Information: Fisheries; (United States), Journal Name: Fisheries; (United States) Vol. 75:1; ISSN FISHD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020900 -- Petroleum-- Environmental Aspects
560305* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Vertebrates-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
AROMATICS
BENZENE
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
ENERGY SOURCES
FISHES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
HYDROCARBONS
METABOLISM
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PACIFIC OCEAN
PETROLEUM
REPRODUCTION
SEAS
SURFACE WATERS
TOXICITY
VERTEBRATES