1
|
Environmental Impacts and Challenges Associated with Oil Spills on Shorelines. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse10060762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Oil spills are of great concern because they impose a threat to the marine ecosystem, including shorelines. As oil spilled at sea is transported to the shoreline, and after its arrival, its behavior and physicochemical characteristics change because of natural weathering phenomena. Additionally, the fate of the oil depends on shoreline type, tidal energy, and environmental conditions. This paper critically overviews the vulnerability of shorelines to oil spill impact and the implication of seasonal variations with the natural attenuation of oil. A comprehensive review of various monitoring techniques, including GIS tools and remote sensing, is discussed for tracking, and mapping oil spills. A comparison of various remote sensors shows that laser fluorosensors can detect oil on various types of substrates, including snow and ice. Moreover, current methods to prevent oil from reaching the shoreline, including physical booms, sorbents, and dispersants, are examined. The advantages and limitations of various physical, chemical, and biological treatment methods and their application suitability for different shore types are discussed. The paper highlights some of the challenges faced while managing oil spills, including viewpoints on the lack of monitoring data, the need for integrated decision-making systems, and the development of rapid response strategies to optimize the protection of shorelines from oil spills.
Collapse
|
2
|
Woodyard M, Polidoro BA, Matson CW, McManamay RA, Saul S, Carpenter KE, Collier TK, Di Giulio R, Grubbs RD, Linardich C, Moore JA, Romero IC, Schlenk D, Strongin K. A comprehensive petrochemical vulnerability index for marine fishes in the Gulf of Mexico. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 820:152892. [PMID: 35051468 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Oil and gas extraction activities occur across the globe, yet species-specific toxicological information on the biological and ecological impacts of exposure to petrochemicals is lacking for the vast majority of marine species. To help prioritize species for recovery, mitigation, and conservation in light of significant toxicological data gaps, a trait-based petrochemical vulnerability index was developed and applied to the more than 1700 marine fishes present across the entire Gulf of Mexico, including all known bony fishes, sharks, rays and chimaeras. Using life history and other traits related to likelihood of exposure, physiological sensitivity to exposure, and population resiliency, final calculated petrochemical vulnerability scores can be used to provide information on the relative sensitivity, or resilience, of marine fish populations across the Gulf of Mexico to oil and gas activities. Based on current knowledge of traits, marine fishes with the highest vulnerability scores primarily occur in areas of high petrochemical activity, are found at or near the surface, and have low reproductive turnover rates and/or highly specialized diet and habitat requirements. Relative population vulnerability scores for marine fishes can be improved with additional toxicokinetic studies, including those that account for the synergistic or additive effect of multiple stressors, as well as increased research on ecological and life history traits, especially for deep living species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan Woodyard
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97266, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | - Beth A Polidoro
- School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, 4701 W. Thunderbird Rd, Glendale, AZ 85306, USA.
| | - Cole W Matson
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97266, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | - Ryan A McManamay
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97266, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | - Steven Saul
- School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, 4701 W. Thunderbird Rd, Glendale, AZ 85306, USA
| | - Kent E Carpenter
- International Union for Conservation of Nature Marine Biodiversity Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, 5115 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Tracy K Collier
- Huxley College of the Environment, Western Washington University, 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225-9079, USA
| | - Richard Di Giulio
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Research Drive, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - R Dean Grubbs
- Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory, 3618 Highway 98, St. Teresa, FL 32358, USA
| | - Christi Linardich
- International Union for Conservation of Nature Marine Biodiversity Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, 5115 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Jon A Moore
- Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, 5353 Parkside Dr., Jupiter, FL 33458, USA; Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, 5600 US 1, Ft. Pierce, FL 34964, USA
| | - Isabel C Romero
- University of South Florida, College of Marine Science, 140 7th Ave S, St Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA
| | - Daniel Schlenk
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California Riverside, 900 University Blvd., Riverside, CA 92054, USA
| | - Kyle Strongin
- School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, 4701 W. Thunderbird Rd, Glendale, AZ 85306, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Black TA, Hanson ML, Palace VP, Rodriguez-Gil JL. Surface-Dwelling Aquatic Insects in Low-Energy Freshwater Environments Are Highly Impacted by Oil Spills and the Surface Washing Agent Corexit EC9580A Used in Oil Spill Response. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:1298-1307. [PMID: 33369780 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Physical impacts of diluted bitumen (dilbit) and the application of surface washing agents (SWAs) in freshwater have not been characterized for aquatic invertebrates. These compounds are known to reduce surface tension in feather and fur microstructures of birds and mammals, and are thus likely to affect the buoyancy of surface-dwelling aquatic insects. We evaluated impacts of fresh dilbit and a SWA on water striders (Metrobates sp.), which are surface-dwelling organisms that rely on fine-hair microstructures to remain buoyant. We report nominal sheen thickness values that cause 50% immobility in 48 h as determined from exposure studies in outdoor tanks. A comparison of our data with those from historic oil spill volumes in Canada and the United States in the past 12 yr indicates that our reported nominal sheen thicknesses could have been reached or exceeded in 99% of historic spills when scaled to a small reference lake. The addition of Corexit EC9580A, a SWA approved for marine use in Canada, led to 100% immobility in striders within minutes, both in combination with oil and alone. Our study reveals an acute sensitivity to Corexit EC9580A and dilbit by surface-dwelling insects and may be driven by disruption of mechanisms of buoyancy. We highlight a need to evaluate physical impacts, typically excluded from standard toxicity testing, within the context of spill impact mitigation assessments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1298-1307. © 2020 SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tyler A Black
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Mark L Hanson
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Vince P Palace
- International Institute for Sustainable Development-Experimental Lakes Area, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jose Luis Rodriguez-Gil
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- International Institute for Sustainable Development-Experimental Lakes Area, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Polidoro B, Matson CW, Ottinger MA, Renegar DA, Romero IC, Schlenk D, Wise JP, Beltrán González J, Bruns P, Carpenter K, Cobián Rojas D, Collier TK, Duda TF, González-Díaz P, Di Giulio R, Grubbs RD, Haney JC, Incardona JP, Horta-Puga G, Linardich C, Moore JA, Pech D, Perera Valderrama S, Ralph GM, Strongin K, Ringwood AH, Würsig B. A multi-taxonomic framework for assessing relative petrochemical vulnerability of marine biodiversity in the Gulf of Mexico. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 763:142986. [PMID: 33168243 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A fundamental understanding of the impact of petrochemicals and other stressors on marine biodiversity is critical for effective management, restoration, recovery, and mitigation initiatives. As species-specific information on levels of petrochemical exposure and toxicological response are lacking for the majority of marine species, a trait-based assessment to rank species vulnerabilities to petrochemical activities in the Gulf of Mexico can provide a more comprehensive and effective means to prioritize species, habitats, and ecosystems for improved management, restoration and recovery. To initiate and standardize this process, we developed a trait-based framework, applicable to a wide range of vertebrate and invertebrate species, that can be used to rank relative population vulnerabilities of species to petrochemical activities in the Gulf of Mexico. Through expert consultation, 18 traits related to likelihood of exposure, individual sensitivity, and population resilience were identified and defined. The resulting multi-taxonomic petrochemical vulnerability framework can be adapted and applied to a wide variety of species groups and geographic regions. Additional recommendations and guidance on the application of the framework to rank species vulnerabilities under specific petrochemical exposure scenarios, management needs or data limitations are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beth Polidoro
- School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, 4701 W. Thunderbird Rd, Glendale, AZ 85306, USA.
| | - Cole W Matson
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97266, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | - Mary Ann Ottinger
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, 3455 Cullen Boulevard, #221E, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204-5001, USA
| | - D Abigail Renegar
- Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, 8000 North Ocean Drive, Dania, FL 33004, USA
| | - Isabel C Romero
- University of South Florida, College of Marine Science, 140 7th Ave S, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
| | - Daniel Schlenk
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California Riverside, 900 University Blvd., Riverside, CA 92054, USA
| | - John Pierce Wise
- Wise Laboratory of Environmental and Genetic Toxicology, 500 S. Preston St., 55A Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Jesús Beltrán González
- Centro de Investigación y Manejo Ambiental del Transporte (Cimab), Ctra. del Cristo esq. Tiscornia, Casablanca, Habana, Cuba
| | - Peter Bruns
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97266, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | - Kent Carpenter
- International Union for Conservation of Nature Marine Biodiversity Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, 5115 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Dorka Cobián Rojas
- Parque Nacional Guanahacabibes, Centro de Investigaciones y Servicios Ambientales (ECOVIDA), Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología y Medio Ambiente (CITMA), La Bajada, 22100 Sandino, Pinar Del Río, Cuba
| | - Tracy K Collier
- Huxley College of the Environment, Western Washington University, 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225-9079, USA
| | - Thomas F Duda
- Museum of Zoology & Department of Ecology of Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, 1105 N. University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1085, USA
| | - Patricia González-Díaz
- Centro de Investigaciones Marinas, Universidad de La Habana, Calle 16, No. 114 entre 1ra y 3ra, Municipio Playa, La Habana CP: 11300, Cuba
| | - Richard Di Giulio
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Research Drive, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - R Dean Grubbs
- Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory, 3618 Highway 98, St. Teresa, FL 32358, USA
| | - J Christopher Haney
- Terra Mar Applied Sciences, 1370 Tewkesbury Place NW, Washington, DC 20012, USA
| | - John P Incardona
- Ecotoxicology Program, Environmental Conservation Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, WA 98112, USA
| | - Guillermo Horta-Puga
- Lab. Biogeoquímica, UBIPRO, FES Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. de los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, México 54090, Mexico
| | - Christi Linardich
- International Union for Conservation of Nature Marine Biodiversity Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, 5115 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Jon A Moore
- Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, 5353 Parkside Dr., Jupiter, FL 33458, USA; Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, 5600 US 1, Ft. Pierce, FL 34964, USA
| | - Daniel Pech
- Laboratorio de Biodiversidad Marina y Cambio Climático (BIOMARCCA), El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Lerma, 24500 Campeche, Mexico
| | - Susana Perera Valderrama
- National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO), Liga Periférico - Insurgentes Sur 4903, Parques del Pedregal, Tlalpan, 14010 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gina M Ralph
- International Union for Conservation of Nature Marine Biodiversity Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, 5115 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Kyle Strongin
- School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, 4701 W. Thunderbird Rd, Glendale, AZ 85306, USA
| | - Amy H Ringwood
- Dept of Biology, 9201 University City Blvd, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Bernd Würsig
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, 200 Seawolf Pkwy, Galveston, TX 77553, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wallace SJ, de Solla SR, Head JA, Hodson PV, Parrott JL, Thomas PJ, Berthiaume A, Langlois VS. Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) in the Canadian environment: Exposure and effects on wildlife. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 265:114863. [PMID: 32599329 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) are ubiquitous in the environment. Wildlife (including fish) are chronically exposed to PACs through air, water, sediment, soil, and/or dietary routes. Exposures are highest near industrial or urban sites, such as aluminum smelters and oil sands mines, or near natural sources such as forest fires. This review assesses the exposure and toxicity of PACs to wildlife, with a focus on the Canadian environment. Most published field studies measured PAC concentrations in tissues of invertebrates, fish, and birds, with fewer studies of amphibians and mammals. In general, PAC concentrations measured in Canadian wildlife tissues were under the benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) guideline for human consumption. Health effects of PAC exposure include embryotoxicity, deformities, cardiotoxicity, DNA damage, changes to DNA methylation, oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, and impaired reproduction. Much of the toxicity of PACs can be attributed to their bioavailability, and the extent to which certain PACs are transformed into more toxic metabolites by cytochrome P450 enzymes. As most mechanistic studies are limited to individual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), particularly BaP, research on other PACs and PAC-containing complex mixtures is required to understand the environmental significance of PAC exposure and toxicity. Additional work on responses to PACs in amphibians, reptiles, and semi-aquatic mammals, and development of molecular markers for early detection of biological responses to PACs would provide a stronger biological and ecological justification for regulating PAC emissions to protect Canadian wildlife.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S J Wallace
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - S R de Solla
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - J A Head
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada
| | - P V Hodson
- School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - J L Parrott
- Natural Resource Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - P J Thomas
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - A Berthiaume
- Science and Risk Assessment Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Gatineau, QC, Canada
| | - V S Langlois
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Quebec, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Afshar-Mohajer N, Lam A, Dora L, Katz J, Rule AM, Koehler K. Impact of dispersant on crude oil content of airborne fine particulate matter emitted from seawater after an oil spill. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 256:127063. [PMID: 32438130 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Inhalation of PM2.5, particles with an aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm, from sea spray after crude oil spills could present serious health concerns. The addition of dispersants to effectively spread the crude oil throughout the water column has been practiced in recent years. Here, we investigated the possibility of an increase in the toxic content of fine PM after adding dispersant. A laboratory setup consisted of a vertical tank filled with seawater, 31.5 L airspace for aerosol sampling, and a bubble generating nozzle that aerosolized the oily droplets. Four different cases were studied: no slick, 0.5-mm-thick slick of pure crude oil (MC252 surrogate), dispersant (Corexit 9500A) mixed with crude oil at dispersant to oil ratio (DOR) 1:25, and DOR 1:100. The resulting airborne droplets were sampled for gravimetric and chemical analyses through development of a gas chromatography and mass spectrometry technique. Also, PM2.5 particles were size-fractioned into 13 size bins covering <60 nm to 12.1 μm using a low-pressure cascade impactor. The highest PM2.5 concentration (20.83 ± 5.21 μg/m3) was released from a slick of DOR 1:25, 8.83× greater than the case with pure crude oil. The average ratio of crude oil content from the slick of DOR 1:25 to the case with pure crude oil was 2.37 (1.83 vs 0.77 μg/m3) that decreased to 1.17 (0.90 vs 0.77 μg/m3) at DOR 1:100. For particles <220 nm, the resultant crude oil concentrations were 0.64 and 0.29 μg/m3 at DOR 1:25 and 1:100, both higher than 0.11 μg/m3 from the slick of pure crude oil.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nima Afshar-Mohajer
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Gradient Corporation, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Andres Lam
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lakshmana Dora
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joseph Katz
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ana M Rule
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kirsten Koehler
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Johannessen SC, Greer CW, Hannah CG, King TL, Lee K, Pawlowicz R, Wright CA. Fate of diluted bitumen spilled in the coastal waters of British Columbia, Canada. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 150:110691. [PMID: 31744609 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
There is public concern about the behaviour of spilled diluted bitumen (dilbit) in marine and estuarine waters. We provide a preliminary assessment of the results of laboratory experiments and models, in the context of environmental conditions in the coastal waters of British Columbia. Most dilbit spilled within this region would likely float at the surface and be transported to shore by winds and currents. Fresh dilbit is too light to sink in coastal waters. Highly weathered dilbit could sink where salinity is less than 14, typically only near river mouths and in the top 1-3 m of fjords after heavy rainfall. Subsurface plumes of weathered dilbit could re-emerge at the surface. Sinking oil-particle aggregates are unlikely to form in coastal waters. However, dilbit could be entrained below the surface by wave mixing during storms and to depths of 150 m by coherent mixing in the Haro Strait tidal convergence zone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophia C Johannessen
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Institute of Ocean Sciences 9860 W. Saanich Rd., P.O. Box 6000, Sidney, B.C., V8L 4B2, Canada.
| | - Charles W Greer
- National Research Council Canada, Energy, Mining and Environment Research Centre, 6100 Royalmount Ave., Montreal, Quebec, H4P 2R2, Canada.
| | - Charles G Hannah
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Institute of Ocean Sciences 9860 W. Saanich Rd., P.O. Box 6000, Sidney, B.C., V8L 4B2, Canada.
| | - Thomas L King
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, PO Box 1006, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, B2Y 4A2, Canada.
| | - Kenneth Lee
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ecosystem Science, 200 Kent Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0E6, Canada.
| | - Rich Pawlowicz
- University of British Columbia, Dept. of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, 2020-2207 Main Mall, Vancouver, B.C., V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Cynthia A Wright
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Institute of Ocean Sciences 9860 W. Saanich Rd., P.O. Box 6000, Sidney, B.C., V8L 4B2, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chilvers BL, Battley PF. Species prioritization index for oiled wildlife response planning in New Zealand. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 149:110529. [PMID: 31470208 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Birds are extremely vulnerable to the effects of oil pollution. For wildlife, prevention of oiling is the best response option, however if not feasible, the fastest response gives the highest chance of survival. Therefore, the development of an oiled wildlife preparedness plan based on analysis of areas at risk, vulnerable species and potential response options is critical. This research developed an area based, species priority index (SPI) for New Zealand birds to guide oiled wildlife planning. The SPI shows significant areas of New Zealand's shoreline and offshore islands have many highly vulnerable species that need careful consideration given restricted response options available. Identification of these areas and species allows priority planning for placement of personal and equipment. This SPI can be adapted for other species (marine mammals and reptiles) and for other geographical areas to help develop response plans for oil pollution and oiled wildlife response worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Louise Chilvers
- Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
| | - Phil F Battley
- Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lundin JI, Ylitalo GM, Giles DA, Seely EA, Anulacion BF, Boyd DT, Hempelmann JA, Parsons KM, Booth RK, Wasser SK. Pre-oil spill baseline profiling for contaminants in Southern Resident killer whale fecal samples indicates possible exposure to vessel exhaust. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 136:448-453. [PMID: 30509828 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The Southern Resident killer whale population (Orcinus orca) was listed as endangered in 2005 and shows little sign of recovery. Exposure to contaminants and risk of an oil spill are identified threats. Previous studies on contaminants have largely focused on legacy pollutants. Here we measure polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in whale fecal (scat) samples. PAHs are a diverse group of hazardous compounds (e.g., carcinogenic, mutagenic), and are a component of crude and refined oil as well as motor exhaust. The central finding from this study indicates low concentrations of the measured PAHs (<10 ppb, wet weight), as expected; however, PAHs were as high as 104 ppb prior to implementation of guidelines mandating increased distance between vessels and whales. While causality is unclear, the potential PAH exposure from vessels warrants continued monitoring. Historical precedent similarly emphasizes the importance of having pre-oil spill exposure data available as baseline to guide remediation goals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica I Lundin
- Center for Conservation Biology, Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America.
| | - Gina M Ylitalo
- Environmental and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Blvd E, Seattle, WA 98112, United States of America
| | - Deborah A Giles
- University of Washington Friday Harbor Labs, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth A Seely
- Center for Conservation Biology, Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America
| | - Bernadita F Anulacion
- Environmental and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Blvd E, Seattle, WA 98112, United States of America
| | - Daryle T Boyd
- Environmental and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Blvd E, Seattle, WA 98112, United States of America
| | - Jennifer A Hempelmann
- Conservation Biology Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Blvd E, Seattle, WA 98112, United States of America
| | - Kim M Parsons
- Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way N.E., Building 4, Seattle, WA 98115, United States of America; Conservation Biology Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Blvd E, Seattle, WA 98112, United States of America
| | - Rebecca K Booth
- Center for Conservation Biology, Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America
| | - Samuel K Wasser
- Center for Conservation Biology, Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Stimmelmayr R, Ylitalo GM, Sheffield G, Beckmen KB, Burek-Huntington KA, Metcalf V, Rowles T. Oil fouling in three subsistence-harvested ringed (Phoca hispida) and spotted seals (Phoca largha) from the Bering Strait region, Alaska: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon bile and tissue levels and pathological findings. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 130:311-323. [PMID: 29866565 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.02.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Oil spills of unknown origin were detected in three oil-fouled, ice-associated seals from the Alaska Bering Strait region collected by Alaska Native subsistence hunters during fall 2012. Bile analyses of two oiled seals indicated exposure to fluorescent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolites but levels of some metabolites were similar to or lower than biliary levels in harvested unoiled ice seals. Oiled seals had elevated tissue PAH concentrations compared to tissue levels of PAHs determined in unoiled ice seals. However, regardless of oiling status, tissue PAH levels were relatively low (<50 ng/g, wet weight) likely due to rapid PAH metabolism and elimination demonstrated previously by vertebrates. Hepatic, pulmonary, and cardiac lesions were observed in oiled seals in conjunction with measurable PAHs in their tissue and bile. This is the first study to report tissue and bile PAH concentrations and pathologic findings of oiled ice seals from the U.S. Arctic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raphaela Stimmelmayr
- Department of Wildlife Management, North Slope Borough, Box 69, Barrow, AK 99723, USA; Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 902 N. Koyukuk Dr., P.O. Box 757000, Fairbanks, AK 99775-70, USA.
| | - Gina M Ylitalo
- Environmental and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Blvd East, Seattle, WA 98112, USA.
| | - Gay Sheffield
- Alaska Sea Grant, University of Alaska Fairbanks-Marine Advisory Program, Pouch 400, Nome, AK 99762, USA.
| | - Kimberlee B Beckmen
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 1300 College Rd. Fairbanks, AK 99701-1551, USA.
| | | | - Vera Metcalf
- Eskimo Walrus Commission, Box 948, Nome, AK 99762, USA.
| | - Teri Rowles
- Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yim UH, Short J. Marine Environmental Emergencies in the North Pacific Ocean: Lessons Learned from Recent Oil Spills. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2017; 73:1-4. [PMID: 28695264 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-017-0416-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Increasing marine vessel traffic, and oil and gas exploration and development throughout the North Pacific basin brings increasing risks of oil spills. Recognizing the serious challenges presented to response authorities, this Special Issue was organized by the North Pacific Marine Science Organization to provide an introduction to the current state of scientific understanding regarding the environmental effects of oil spills. Because interactions of spilled oils with biota and their habitats are complex, the most serious environmental damages from these spills are not necessarily those of greatest immediate concern by the public. Our overarching goal for this Special Issue is to provide an efficient introduction to the most important ways that oil spills can harm biota, habitats, and ecosystems through invited, targeted mini-reviews augmented by original research articles. We provide a brief background on the challenges posed by large oil spills to response authorities, summarize findings from the articles published in this Special Issue, and highlight some key research needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Un Hyuk Yim
- Oil and POPs Research Group, South Sea Research Institute, KIOST, Geoje, 53201, Republic of Korea.
- Marine Environmental Science Major, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
| | | |
Collapse
|