Impact of drilling fluids on seagrasses: an experimental community approach
Effects of a used drilling fluid on an experimental seagrass community (Thalassia testudinum) were measured by exposing the community to the suspended particulate phase (SPP) in laboratory microcosms. Structure of the macroinvertebrate assemblage, growth and chlorophyll content of grass and associated epiphytes, and rates of decomposition as indicated by weight loss of grass leaves in treated and untreated microcosms were compared. There were statistically significant differences in community structure and function among untreated microcosms and those receiving the clay and drilling fluid. For example, drilling fluid and clay caused a significant loss in the number of the ten most numerically abundant (dominant) macroinvertebrates, and drilling fluid decreased the rate at which Thalassia leaves decomposed.
- Research Organization:
- University of West Florida, Pensacola (USA). Dept. of Biology
- OSTI ID:
- 5130199
- Report Number(s):
- PB-85-212124/XAB
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
DRILLING FLUIDS
WATER POLLUTION
GRASS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
DECOMPOSITION
GROWTH
INVERTEBRATES
LOSSES
MICROCOSMS
ANIMALS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
FLUIDS
PLANTS
POLLUTION
020900* - Petroleum- Environmental Aspects
020300 - Petroleum- Drilling & Production
520200 - Environment
Aquatic- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)