Skip to main content
Log in

Oil spill studies: A review of ecological effects

  • Profile
  • Published:
Environmental Management Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

We reviewed seven particularly well known and/or studied oil spills that have occurred since the National Academy of Sciences 1975 report, “Petroleum in the Marine Environment” or that occurred prior to that report but about which significant new information has since been acquired. The spills studied were from the bargeFlorida, and tankersArrow, Argo Merchant, Amoco Cadiz, andTsesis and blowouts from the Bravo and Ixtoc I platforms.

These “best” studies yield only limited insight into effects because they lack controls and have a high degree of natural variability. TheTsesis, Florida, andAmoco Cadiz cases are exceptional since they occurred in areas of ongoing research programs and had nearby areas suitable for controls. Oil spills have produced measurable effects on ecosystems that have not been readily predictable from laboratory studies on isolated organisms. However, ecosystemlevel interactions are poorly understood even without the complications resulting from effects of pollution. These generalizations emerge: oil regularly reaches sediments after a spill; oil in anoxic sediments is persistent; oil regularly contaminates Zooplankton and benthic invertebrates; fish are also contaminated, but to a lesser extent; oil contamination decreases the abundance and diversity of benthic communities.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

Literature cited

  • Addy, J. M., D. Levell, and J. P. Hartley. 1978. Biological monitoring of sediments in Ekofisk oilfield. Pp. 515–539in Proc. Conf. Assessment of Ecological Impacts of Oil Spills. A.I.B.S.

  • Anderson, J. W., G. Roesijadi, and E. A. Crecelius. 1978. Bioavailability of hydrocarbons and heavy metals to marine detritivores from oil-impacted sediments. Pp. 130–148in D. A. Wolfe (ed.), Marine biological effects of OCS petroleum development. N.O.A.A., Washington, D.C.

    Google Scholar 

  • Anderson, J. W., S. L. Kiesser, and J. W. Blaylock. 1979. Comparative uptake of naphthalenes from water and oiled sediment in benthic amphipods. Pp. 579–584in Proceedings of the 1979 Oil Spill Conference. American Petroleum Institute. Publ. No. 4308.

  • Anderson, R. D., and J. W. Anderson. 1976. Oil bioassays with the American oysterCrassostrea virginica (Gmelin).Proc. Natn. Shellfish. Assn. 65:38–42.

    Google Scholar 

  • Armstrong, H. W., K. Fucik, J. W. Anderson, and J. M. Neff. 1977. Effects of oil field brine effuent on benthic organisms in Trinity Bay, Texas. American Petroleum Institute. Publ. No. 4291. 81pp.

  • Atlas, R. M., P. D. Boehm, and J. A. Calder. 1981. Chemical and biological weathering of oil, from theAmoco Cadiz spillage, within the littoral zone.Est. Coast. Shelf. Sci. 12:589–608.

    Google Scholar 

  • Audunson, T. (ed.) 1977. The Bravo blow-out. Field observations, results of analyses and calculations regarding oil on the surface. Report of the Institutt for Kontinentalsokkelundersokelser. Trondheim, Norway. 287 pp.

  • Blumer, M., and J. Sass. 1972a. Oil pollution: persistence and degradation of spilled fuel oil.Science 176:1120–1122.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blumer, M., and J. Sass. 1972b. Indigenous and petroleum-derived hydrocarbons in a polluted sediment.Mar. Poll. Bull. 3:92–94.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boehm, P. D., and D. L. Fiest. 1980a. Surface water column transport and weathering of petroleum hydrcarbons during the Ixtoc-I blowout in the Bay of Campeche and their relation to surface oil and microlayer compositions. Pp. 267–340in Proc. Symposium on Preliminary Results from the September 1979 Researcher/Pierce Ixtoc-I Cruise. N.O.A.A., Washington, DC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boehm, P. D., and D. L. Fiest. 1980b. Aspects of the transport of petroleum hydrocarbons to the offshore benthos during the Ixtoc-I blowout in the Bay of Campeche. Pp. 207–238in Proc. Symp. Preliminary results from the September 1979Researcher/Pierce Ixtoc-I Cruise. N.O.A.A., Washington, DC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boehm, P. D., G. Perry, and D. Fiest. 1978. Hydrocarbon chemistry of the water column of Georges Bank and Nantucket Shoals, February–November 1977. Pp. 58–64in In the wake of theArgo Merchant. Symposium, Center for Ocean Management Studies, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boehm, P. D., J. Barak, D. Fiest, and A. Elskus. 1980. The analytical chemistry ofMytilus edulis, Macoma balthica, sediment trap and surface sediment samples. Pp. 219–274in J. J. Kineman, R. Elmgren, and S. Hansson (eds.), TheTsesis oil spill. US Department of Commerce, N.O.A.A., Washington, DC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boucher, G. 1981. Effects a long terme des hydrocarbures de l'Amoco Cadiz sur la structure des communautes de nematodes libres des sables fins sublittoraux. Pp. 539–549in Amoco Cadiz, fates and effects of the oil spill. CNEXO, Paris.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burns, K. A. 1976a. Hydrocarbon metabolism in intertidal fiddler crab,Uca pugnax. Mar. Biol. 36:5–11.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burns, K. A. 19761b. Microsomal mixed function oxidases in an estuarine fish,Fundulus heteroclitus, and their induction as a result of environmental contamination.Comp. Biochem Physiol. 53B:443–446.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burns, K. A., and J. M. Teal. 1979. The West Falmouth oil spill: Hydrocarbons in the salt marsh ecosystem.Estuarine Coast. Mar. Sci. 8:349–360.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cabioch, L., J. C. Dauvin, F. Gentil, C. Retiere, and V. Rivain. 1981. Perturbations induites dan la composition et le fonctionnement des peuplements benthiques sublittoraux, sous l'effet des hydrocarbures de l'Amoco Cadiz. Pp. 513–526in Amoco Cadiz, fates and effects of the oil spill. CNEXO, Paris.

    Google Scholar 

  • Conan, G., and M. Friha. 1980. Effets des pollutions par les hydrocarbures du petrolier Amoco Cadiz sur la croissance des soles et des plies dans l'estuaire de L'Aber Benoit. Pp. 749–773in Amoco Cadiz, fates and effects of the oil spill. CNEXO, Paris.

    Google Scholar 

  • Conover, R. J. 1971. Some relations between Zooplankton and bunker C oil in Chedabucto Bay following the wreck of the tankerArrow.J. Fish. Res. Board Can. 28:1327–1330.

    Google Scholar 

  • D'Ozouville, L., M. O. Hayes, E. R. Gundlach, W. J. Sexton, and J. Michel. 1979. Occurrence of oil in offshore bottom sediments at theAmoco Cadiz oil spill site. Pp. 187–192in Proceedings of the 1979 Oil Spill Conference. American Petroleum Institute. Publ. No. 4308.

    Google Scholar 

  • Desaunay, Y. 1981. Evolution des stocks de poissons plats dans la zone contaminee par l'Amoco Cadiz. Pp. 727–735in Amoco Cadiz, fates and effects of the oil spill. CNEXO, Paris.

    Google Scholar 

  • Deuser, W. G., E. H. Ross, and R. F. Anderson. 1981. Seasonality in the supply of sediment to the deep Sargasso Sea and implications for the rapid transfer of matter to the deep ocean.Deep Sea Res. 28:495–505.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dunstan, W. M., L. P. Atkinson, and J. Natoli. 1975. Stimulation and inhibition of phytoplankton growth by low molecular weight hydrocarbons.Mar. Biol. 31:305–310.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elmgren, R., G. A. Vargo, J. F. Grassle, J. P. Grassle, D. R. Heinle, G. Langlois, and S. L. Vargo. 1980a. Trophic interactions in experimental marine ecosystems perturbed by oil. Pp. 779–800in J. P. Giesy (ed.), Microcosms in ecological research. US Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elmgren, R., S. Hansson, U. Larsson, and B. Sundelin. 1980b. Impact of oil on deep soft bottoms. Pp. 97–126in J. J. Kineman, R. Elmgren, and S. Hansson (eds.), TheTsesis oil spill. US Department of Commerce, N.O.A.A., Washington, DC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elmgren, R., and J. B. Frithsen, 1982. The use of experimental ecosystems for evaluating the environmental impacts of pollutants: A comparison of an oil spill in the Baltic Sea and two long-term, low-level oil addition experiments in mesocosms. Pp. 153–165in G. D. Grice and M. R. Reeve (eds.), Marine mesocosms. Springer-Verlag, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Farrington, J. W., J. M. Teal, and B. W. Tripp. 1981. Experimental studies of hydrocarbons in benthic animals and sediments.In M. Waldichuk (ed.), Symp. PS-9, Marine Pollution Transfer Processes, Internat. Assoc. Physical Sci. Oceans. (in press).

  • Fiest, D. L., and P. D. Boehm. 1981. Subsurface distributions of petroleum from an offshore well blowout, the IXTOC I blowout, Bay of Campeche.Environ. Sci. Tech.

  • Fletcher, G. L., J. W. Keceniuk, and U. P. Williams. 1981. Effects of oiled sediments on mortality, feeding and growth of winter flounder,Pseudo-pleuronectes americanus. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 4:91–96.

    Google Scholar 

  • Friocourt, M. P., Y. Gourmelun, F. Berthou, R. Cosson, and M. Marchand. 1981. Effets de la pollution de l'Amoco Cadiz dur l'ostreiculture in Bratagne Nord: suivi chimique de la pollution, de l'epuration et de l'adaptation. Pp. 617–632in Amoco Cadiz, fates and effects of the oil spill. CNEXO, Paris.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gearing, J. N., P. J. Gearing, T. Wade, J. G. Quinn, H. B. McCarty, J. Farrington, and R. F. Lee. 1979. The rates of transport and fates of petroleum hydrocarbons in a controlled marine ecosystem, and a note on analytical variability. Pp. 555–564in Proceedings of the 1979 Oil Spill Conference. American Petroleum Institute. Publ. No. 4308.

  • Gilfillan, E. S., D. W. Mayo, D. S. Page, O. Donovan, and S. Hanson. 1977. Effects of varying concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons in sediments on carbon flux inMya arenaria. Pp. 299–314in F. J. Vernberg, A. Calabrese, F. P. Thurburg, and W. B. Vernberg (eds.), Physiological responses of marine biota to pollutants.

  • Gilfillan, E. S., and J. W. Vandermeulen. 1978. Alternations in growth and physiology of soft-shelled clams,Mya arenaria, chronically oiled with Bunker C from Chedabucto Bay, Nova Scotia, 1970–1976.J. Rish. Res. Board Can. 35:630–636.

    Google Scholar 

  • Glemarec K., and E. Hussenot. 1981. Definition d'une succession ecologique en milieu meuble anormalement enrichi en matieres organiques a la suite de la catastrophe de L'Amoco Cadiz. Pp. 499–512in Amoco Cadiz, fates and effects of the oil spill. CNEXO, Paris.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gordon, D. C., Jr., J. Dale, and P. D. Keizer. 1978. Importance of sediment working by the deposit-feeding polychaeteArenicola marina on the weathering rate of sediment-bound oil.J. Fish Res. Board Can. 35:591–603.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grahl-Nielsen, O. 1978. The Ekofisk Bravo blowout. Petroleum hydrocarbons in the sea. Pp. 476–487in Proceedings of the Conference on Assessment of Ecological Impacts of Oil Spills, June 1978. Keystone, Colorado. A.I.B.S.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grahl-Nielsen, O., K. Westrheim, and S. Wilhelmsen. 1977. The Ekofisk Bravo blowout. Petroleum hydrocarbons in the water. Pp. 3.1–3.13in ICES Rept. C. M. 1977/E:55.

  • Grassle, J. F., R. Elmgren, and J. P. Grassle. 1981. Response of benthic communities in MERL experimental ecosystems to low level chronic additions of no. 2 fuel oil.Mar. Environ. Res. 4:279–297.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gross, P. L., and J. S. Mattson. 1977. TheArgo Merchant oil spill, a preliminary scientific report. US Department Commerce, N.O.A.A., Washington, DC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gundlach, E. R., S. Berne, L. D'Ozouville, and J. A. Topinka. 1981. Shoreline oil two years afterAmoco Cadiz: new complications fromTamo. Pp. 525–540in Proceedings of the 1981 Oil Spill Conference. American Petroleum Institute. Publ. No. 4334.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gundlach, E. R., D. D. Domeracki, and L. C. Thebeau. 1982. Persistence ofMetula oil in the straits of Magellan six and one-half years after the incident.O.P.P. 1:37–48.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gunkel, W., and G. Gassmann. 1980. Oil, oil dispersants and related substances in the marine environment.Helgoländer Meeres. 33:164–181.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hampson, G. R., and H. L. Sanders. 1969. Local oil spill.Oceanus 15:8–11.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hennmuth, R. C., J. E. Palmer, and B. E. Brown. 1980. A statistical description of recruitment in eighteen selected fish stocks.J. Northw. All. Fish. Sci. 1:101–111.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hess, W. N. 1978. TheAmoco Cadiz oil spill. NOAA/EPA Special Report. US Govt. Printing Office, Washington, DC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hinga, K. R., M. E. Q. Pilson, R. F. Lee, J. W. Farrington, K. Tjessem, and A. C. Davis. 1980. Biogeochemistry of benzanthracene in an enclosed marine ecosystem.Environ. Sci. Tech. 14:1136–1143.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoffman, E. J., and J. G. Quinn. 1980. TheArgo Merchant oil spill and the sediments of Nantucket Shoals: research, litigation and legislation. Pp. 185–218in R. A. Baker (ed.), Contaminants and sediments. Vol. I. Ann Arbor Science Publ., Ann Arbor, MI.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jackson, L., T. Bidleman, and W. Vernberg. 1981. Influence of reproductive activity on toxicity of petroleum hydrocarbons to ghost crabs.Mar. Poll. Bull. 12:63–65.

    Google Scholar 

  • Johannson, S., O. Larsson, and P. Boehm. 1980. TheTsesis oil spill.Mar. Poll. Bull. 11:284–293.

    Google Scholar 

  • Johansson, S. 1980. Impact of oil on the pelagic ecosystem. Pp. 61–80in J. J. Kineman, R. Elmgren, and S. Hansson (eds.), TheTsesis oil spill. US Department of Commerce, N.O.A.A., Washington, DC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kineman, J., and R. C. Clark, Jr. 1980. NOAA acute phase experiments on pelagic and surface oil. Pp. 83–94in J. J. Kineman, R. Elmgren, and S. Hansson (eds.), TheTsesis oil spill. US Department of Commerce, N.O.A.A., Washington, DC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krebs, C. T., and K. A. Burns. 1977. Long-term effects of an oil spill on populations of the salt-marsh crabUca pugnax.Science: 197:484–487.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krebs, C. T., and K. A. Burns. 1978. Long-term effects of an oil spill on populations of thresalt-marsh crabUca pugnax.J. Fish. Res. Board Can. 35:648–649.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kühnhold, W. W., D. Everich, J. J. Stegeman, J. Lake, and R. E. Wolke. 1978. Effects of low levels of hydrocarbons on embryonic, larval and adult winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus). Pp. 677–711in Proceedings of Conference on Assessment of Ecological Impacts of Oil Spills. A.I.B.S.

  • Lännergren, C. 1978. Netand Nanoplankton: effects of an oil spill in the North Sea.Bot. Mar. 21:353–356.

    Google Scholar 

  • Laseter, J. L., G. C. Lawler, E. B. Overton, J. R. Patel, J. P. Holmes, M. I. Shields, and M. Maberry. 1981. Characterization of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons in flat and Japanese tupe oysters and adjacent sediments collected from l'Aber Wrach following the Amoco Cadiz oil spill. Pp. 633–644in Amoco Cadiz, fates and effects of the oil spill. CNEXO, Paris.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee, R. F., M. Takahaski, J. R. Beers, W. H. Thomas, D. L. R. Siebert, P. Koeller, and D. R. Green. 1977. Controlled ecosystems: their use in the study of the effects of petroleum hydrocarbons on plankton. Pp. 323–342in F. J. Vernberg, A. Calabrese, F. P. Thurberg, and W. B. Vernberg (eds.), Physiological responses of marine biota to pollutants.

  • Lee, R. F., M. Takahaski, and J. Beers. 1978a. Short term effects of oil on plankton in controlled ecosystems. Pp. 635–650in Proceedings of Conference on Assessment of Ecological Impacts of Oil Spills. A.I.B.S.

  • Lee, R. F., W. S. Gardner, J. W. Anderson, J. W. Blaylock, and J. Barwell-Clarke. 1978b. Fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in controlled ecosystem enclosures.Envir. Sci. Technol. 12:832–838.

    Google Scholar 

  • Linden, O. 1980. Burrowing behavior in the clamMacoma balthica. Pp. 97–126in J. J. Kineman, R. Elmgren, and S. Hansson (eds.), TheTsesis oil spill. US Department of Commerce, N.O.A.A., Washington, DC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Linden, O., R. Elmgren, L. Westin, and J. Kineman. 1980. Scientific summary and general discussion. Pp. 43–58in J. J. Kineman, R. Elmgren, and S. Hansson (eds.), TheTsesis oil spill. US Department of Commerce, N.O.A.A., Washington, DC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Long, B. F., and J. H. Vandermeulen. 1979. Impact of clean-up efforts on an oiled saltmarsh (Ile Grande) in North Brittany, France.Spill Tech. Newsletter. July–August 1979:218–229.

    Google Scholar 

  • Longwell, A. C. 1978. Field and laboratory measurements of stress responses at the chromosome and cell levels in planktonic fish eggs and the oil problem. Pp. 116–125in In the wake of theArgo Merchant. Symposium, Center for Ocean Management Studies, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lopez, E., J. Leloup-Hatey, A. Hardy, F. Lallier, E. Martelly, J. Oudot, J. Peignoux-Deville, and Y. A. Fontaine. 1981. Modifications histopathologiques et stress chez des anguilles soumises a une expositon prolongee aux hydrocarbures. Pp. 645–654in Amoco Cadiz, fates and effects of the oil spill. CNEXO, Paris.

    Google Scholar 

  • MacLeod, W. D. Jr., L. C. Thomas, M. Y. Uyeda, and R. G. Jenkins. 1978. Evidence ofArgo Merchant cargo oil in marine biota by glass capillary GC analysis. Pp. 137–151in Conference on Assessment of Ecological Impacts of Oil Spills. A.I.B.S.

  • Mackie, P. R., R. Hardy, and K. J. Whittle. 1978. Preliminary assessment of the presence of oil in the ecosystem at Ekofisk after the blowout, April 22–30, 1977.J. Fish. Res. Board Can. 35:544–551.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marchand, M., and M.-P. Caprais. 1981. Suivi de la pollution de l'Amoco Cadiz dans l'eau de mer et les sediments marins. Pp. 23–54in Amoco Cadiz, fates and effects of the oil spill. CNEXO, Paris.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marchand, M., G. Conan, and L. D'Ozouville. 1979. Bilan ecologique de la pollution de la l'Amoco Cadiz. Publ. CNEXO Rapp. Sci. Tech. No. 40. 60pp.

  • Maurin, Cl. 1981. Ecological impacton living resources. Note de synthese. Pp. 667–686in Amoco Cadiz, fates and effects of the oil spill. CNEXO, Paris.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moore, S. F., and R. L. Dwyer. 1974. Effects of oil on marine organisms: a critical assessment of published data.Water Res. 8:819–827.

    Google Scholar 

  • National Academy of Sciences. 1975. Petroleum in the marine environment. National Academy of Sciences, Washington, DC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Neff, J. M., and W. E. Haensly. 1981. Long-term effects of theAmoco Cadiz crude oil spill on benthic macrofauna and demersal fishes of l'Aber Wrac'h, France. Final report to CNEXO-NOAA Joint Scientific Committee.

  • Nellbring, S., S. Hansson, G. Aneer, and L. Westin. 1980. Impact of oil on local fish fauna. Pp. 193–201in J. J. Kineman, R. Elmgren, and S. Hansson (eds.), TheTsesis oil spill. US Department of Commerce, N.O.A.A., Washington, DC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Notini, M. 1980. Impact of oil on the littoral ecosystem. Pp. 129–145in J. J. Kineman, R. Elmgren, and S. Hansson (eds.), TheTsesis oil spill. US Department of Commerce, N.O.A.A., Washington, DC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ott, F. S., R. P. Harris, and S. C. M. O'Hara. 1978. Acute and sublethal toxicity of naphthalene and three methylated derivatives to the estuarine copepod,Eurytemora affinis. Marine Environ. Res. 1:49–58.

    Google Scholar 

  • Polak, R., A. Filion, S. Fortier, J. Lanier, and K. Cooper. 1978. Observations onArgo Merchant oil in Zooplankton of Nantucket Shoals. Pp. 109–115in In the wake of theArgo Merchant. Symposium, Center for Ocean Management Studies, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI.

    Google Scholar 

  • Renaud-Mornant, J., N. Gourbault, J.-B. de Panafieu, and M. N. Helleouët. 1981. Effects de la pollution par hydrocarbures sur la meiofaune de la baie de Morlaix. Pp. 551–561in Amoco Cadiz, fates and effects of the oil spill. CNEXO, Paris.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rey, F., K. Seglem, and M. Johannessen. 1977. The Ekofish Bravo blow out. Phytoplankton and primary production investigations. Pp. 8.1–8.18in ICES Rept. CM. 1977/E:55.

  • Ross, S. L., C. W. Ross, F. Lepine, and R. K. Langtry. 1980. Ixtoc-I oil blowout. Pp. 25–40in Proc. Symposium on Preliminary Results from the September 1979 Researcher/Pierce Ixtoc-I Cruise. N.O.A.A., Washington, DC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Samain, J. F., J. Moal, J. Y. Daniel, J. Boucher, and J. Lefevre. 1979. Ecophysiological effects of oil spills fromAmoco Cadiz on pelagic communities preliminary results. Pp. 175–185in Proceedings of the 1979 Oil Spill Conference. American Petroleum Institute. Publ. No. 4308.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sanders, H. L., J. F. Grassle, G. R. Hampson, L. S. Morse, S. Garner-Price, and C. C. Jones. 1980. Anatomy of an oil spill: long-term effects from the grounding of the bargeFlordia off West Falmouth, Massachusetts.J. Mar. Res. 38:265–380.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sanders, H. L., J. F. Grassle, and G. R. Hampson. 1972. The West Falmouth oil spill. I. Biology. Woods Hole Oceanogr. Inst., Tech. Rept. WHOI-72-20, 23 pp.

  • Scarratt, D. J., and V. Zitko. 1972. Bunker C oil in sediments and benthic animals from shallow depths in Chedabucto Bay, N.S.J. Fish. Res. Board Can. 29:1345–1350.

    Google Scholar 

  • Souza, G. 1970. Report of the Shellfish Warden. Pp. 161–165in Annual report of the finances of the town of Falmouth for the year ending December 31, 1970.

  • Stegeman, J. T. 1978. Influence of environmental contamination on cytochrome P-450 mixed-function oxygenases in fish: implications for recovery in the Wild Harbor marsh.J. Fish. Res. Board Can. 35:668–674.

    Google Scholar 

  • Teal, J. M., K. Burns, and J. Farrington. 1978. Analyses of aromatic hydrocarbons in interidal sediments resulting from two spills of No. 2 fuel oil in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts.J. Fish. Res. Board Can. 35:510–520.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thebeau, L. C., J. W. Tunnell, Jr., Q. R. Dokken, and M. E. Kindinger. 1981. Effects of the Ixtoc I spill on the intertidal and subtidal infaunal populations along lower Texas coast barrier island beaches. Pp. 467–475in Proceedings of the 1981 Oil Spill Conference. American Petroleum Institute. Publ. No. 4334.

  • Thomas, M. L. H. 1977. Long term biological effects of bunker C oil in the intertidal zone. Pp. 238–245in D. A. Wolfe (ed.), Fate and effects of petroleum hydrocarbons in marine organisms and ecosystems. Pergamon Press, New York, NY.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, M. L. H. 1978. Comparison of oiled and unoiled intertidal communities in Chedabucto Bay, Nova Scotia.J. Fish. Res. Board Can. 35:707–716.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, W. H., S. S. Rossi, and D. L. R. Seibert. 1981. Effects of some representative petroleum refinery effluent compounds on photosynthesis and growth of natural marine phytoplankton assemblages: Part 1 cresols.Mar. Environ. Res. 4:203–215.

    Google Scholar 

  • Topinka, J., and L. Tucker. 1981. Long-term oil contamination of fucoid macroalgae following theAmoco Cadiz oil spill. Pp. 393–404in Amoco Cadiz, fates and effects of the oil spill. CNEXO, Paris.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vandermeulen, J. H. 1982. Some conclusions regarding long-term biological effects of some major oil spills.Phil. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. B297:335–351.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vandermeulen, J. H., B. F. N. Long and T. P. Ahern. 1981. Bioavailability of strandedAmoco Cadiz oil as a function of environmental self-cleaning: April 1978–January 1979. Pp. 585–598in Amoco Cadiz, fates and effects of the oil spill. CNEXO, Paris.

    Google Scholar 

  • Varanasi, U., and D. J. Gmur. 1981. Hydrocarbons and metabolites in English sole (Parophrys uetulus) exposed simultaneously to (3H)benzo(a)pyrene and (14C)naphthalene in oil contaminated sediment.Aquatic Toxicol. 1:49–67.

    Google Scholar 

  • Weber, D., W. Gronlund, T. Scherman, and D. Brown. 1979. Non-avoidance of oil contaminated sediment by juvenile English Sole (Paraphrys vetulus).In A. Calabrese and F. P. Thurburg (eds.), Proc. Symposium on Pollution and Physiology of Marine Organisms.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Teal, J.M., Howarth, R.W. Oil spill studies: A review of ecological effects. Environmental Management 8, 27–43 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01867871

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01867871

Keywords

Navigation