Effects of MV Rena heavy fuel oil and dispersed oil on yellowtail kingfish early life stages |
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| Authors: | SP Muncaster G Jacobson M Taiarui S King S Bird |
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| Institution: | 1. Marine and Environmental Group, School of Applied Science, Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, Taurangasimon.muncaster@boppoly.ac.nz;3. Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Waikato, Hamilton;4. School of Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Waikato, Hamilton |
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| Abstract: | ABSTRACTThe grounding of the MV Rena has highlighted the lack of information concerning the effects of oil-related compounds on New Zealand marine life. Yellowtail kingfish (YTK), Seriola lalandi, embryos were exposed in static incubations to the water-accommodated fraction (WAF) of Rena heavy fuel oil as well as a similar preparation treated with the commercial dispersant Corexit 9500. Mortality in WAF treatments generally increased in association with total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (tPAH) concentration over a 24-h period. Physical abnormalities were observed in some of the larvae exposed to WAF for 48 h. There was no survival in dispersed oil treatments after 24 h of exposure. These treatments had greater tPAH concentrations (2–53?µgL?1) than equivalent WAF dilutions (0.2–1.5?µgL?1?tPAH). Indications are that significant morbidity is induced in YTK at ecologically relevant tPAH concentrations. This highlights the need for further research into oil and dispersant toxicity in New Zealand marine species. |
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| Keywords: | Corexit dispersant heavy fuel oil larvae PAHs Rena Seriola lalandi yellowtail kingfish |
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