Robert C. Clark

Chemical contaminants in gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) stranded along the west coast of North America.

The concentrations of selected chlorinated hydrocarbons (e.g. PCBs, DDTs, DDEs, chlordanes) and essential (e.g. zinc, selenium, copper) and toxic (e.g. mercury, lead, arsenic) elements were measured in tissues and stomach contents from 22 gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) stranded between 1988 and 1991 at sites from the relatively pristine areas of Kodiak Island, AK, to more urbanized areas in Puget Sound, WA, and San Francisco Bay, CA. The majority of animals were stranded at sites on the Washington outer coast and in Puget Sound. The gray whale has the unique feeding strategy among Mysticeti of filtering sediments to feed on benthic (bottom dwelling) invertebrates. Thus, the wide geographical distribution of the stranded whales allowed (1) an initial assessment of whether concentrations of chemical contaminants in these whales exhibited region specific differences and (2) whether toxic chemicals that accumulate in sediments may have contributed to the mortality and stranding of gray whales near the more polluted urban areas. Analyses for chlorinated hydrocarbons in blubber from 22 animals showed no apparent significant differences among stranding sites. The concentrations of sigma PCBs and sigma DDEs in blubber, for example, ranged from 120 to 10,000 and 9 to 2100 p.p.b. (ng/g) wet weight, respectively. Additionally, analyses of chlorinated hydrocarbons and selected elements in liver (n = 10) also showed no apparent significant differences between whales stranded in Puget Sound and whales stranded at more pristine sites (Alaska, Washington outer coast and Strait of Juan de Fuca and Strait of Georgia). For example, the concentrations of sigma PCBs and sigma DDEs in liver ranged from 79 to 1600 and 7 to 280 p.p.b., respectively, and the concentrations of the toxic elements, mercury and lead ranged from 9 to 120 and 20 to 270 p.p.b., respectively. Analyses of stomach contents revealed low concentrations of chlorinated hydrocarbons, but high concentrations (wet weight) of aluminum (1,700,000 +/- 450,000 p.p.b.), iron (320,000 +/- 250,000 p.p.b.), manganese (23,000 +/- 15,000 p.p.b.), and chromium (3400 +/- 1300 p.p.b.), but no significant differences were observed between whales stranded in Puget Sound compared to whales stranded at the more pristine sites. The relative proportions of these elements in stomach contents of stranded whales were similar to the relative proportions in sediments, which is consistent with a geological source of these elements from the ingestion of sediment during feeding. Thus, overall, the concentrations of anthropogenic chemicals in stranded gray whales showed little relation to the levels of chemical contaminants at the stranding sites.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Multidisciplinary assessment of pollution at three sites in Long Island Sound

Winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) were sampled from three sites located near Norwalk, New Haven, and Niantic, Connecticut, in Long Island Sound during February 1987, to evaluate the degree of chemical contamination and to determine possible effects of contaminant exposure. At each site, sediment and infaunal invertebrates were also collected and analyzed for trace metals and organic chemicals. Specimens of liver and kidney from winter flounder were examined for histopathological conditions, including the presence of macrophage aggregates in liver tissue. Liver samples were also analyzed for DNA damage (i.e., the formation of adducts between DNA and chemical contaminants). Blood samples were collected and analyzed for erythrocyte micronuclei. The sampling site near New Haven was determined to be the most affected site, from the standpoints of greater chemical contamination and possible effects on winter flounder. Concentrations of aromatic hydrocarbons (AHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were highest in sediment from this site, and the highest prevalences of the histopathological changes and DNA alterations were also found in the livers of winter flounder from this site. No differences in the concentrations of contaminants in fish or in frequencies of erythrocyte micronuclei in fish blood were found between sites. None of the sites sampled had contaminant levels or prevalences of lesions as high as previously found at other East Coast locations (e.g., Boston Harbor, Massachusetts, Raritan Bay, New York). Overall, our results indicate moderate levels of pollution at two of the urban sites in Long Island Sound and provide a framework for expanded studies to better define the extent and impact of chemical pollution in Long Island Sound.

Techniques for Analysis of Paraffin Hydrocarbons and for Interpretation of Data to Assess Oil Spill Effects in Aquatic Organisms

ABSTRACT Normal paraffin hydrocarbons are one of the major groups of compounds in crude oil and petroleum products. Since these compounds can be readily separated from aquatic organisms using solvent extraction and liquid-solid chromatography and identified by gas-liquid chromatography, the normal paraffins can serve as indicators of petroleum pollution in the aquatic environment. It is necessary, however, to differentiate between natural (or biogenic) hydrocarbons and those assimilated by the organisms from pollution sources by comparing the natural hydrocarbon content and pattern (n-C14 to n-C37) of organisms from areas of pollution with those of organisms from relatively “unpolluted” areas. The paper suggests techniques for obtaining and analyzing petroleum hydrocarbon data which can lead to a standard method for detecting and following the biological uptake of oil by living organisms from the aquatic environment.

Paraffin hydrocarbon patterns in petroleum-polluted mussels

Abstract This paper explains how modern analytical techniques can be used to detect hydrocarbons in marine organisms at extremely low concentrations, below those detectable by taste or smell.

LONG-TERM CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF A PERSISTENT OIL SPILL FOLLOWING THE GROUNDING OF THE GENERAL M. C. MEIGS

ABSTRACT Petroleum hydrocarbon uptake patterns and observations of plant and animal populations of an intertidal community exposed continually since January 1972 to small quantities of a Navy Special Fuel Oil residue from the grounded unmanned troopship General M. C. Meigs were obtained by an interagency team of oceanographers, biologists, chemists, and engineers. Although the tar-ball-like character of the released oil served to limit its coverage, specific members of the intertidal community showed effects of the persistence of the spill. This report describes the long-term observations and analyses made since the grounding of the 622-foot military transport on a rich and productive intertidal regime.

Interagency Investigations of a Persistent Oil Spill on the Washington Coast: Animal Population Studies, Hydrocarbon Uptake by Marine Organisms, and Algae Response Following the Grounding of the Troopship GENERAL M. C. MEIGS

ABSTRACT An interagency team of biologists, chemists, oceanographers and engineers has been investigating the long-term effects of oil spilled by the grounding of the troopship GENERAL M. C. MEIGS January 6, 1972, on an ocean coast intertidal community of plants and animals. Oil has continuously been released from the 440,000 liters of Navy Special Fuel Oil carried by the vessel. The team assessed biological damage by making 1) surveys of abundance and physiological condition of animals, 2) qualitative evaluation of obvious damage to plants, and 3) measurements of the hydrocarbon uptake in both plants and animals. A series of sites, forming a vertical profile of the rocky shelf area from the upper intertidal zone to the lowest low tide level in Wreck Cove, have been studied. This report describes the preliminary findings of the first ten months (January-October, 1972) of the investigation. Abnormal and dead urchins (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) indicated that this species was affected. Loss of fronds an...

Results of the 1984-85 National Benthic Surveillance Project: West Coast

Bottomfish and sediments were collected from 18 sites including a number of reference sites on the U.S. West Coast during the first year of the multiyear National Benthic Surveillance Project. Sediments and fish were analyzed for toxic chemicals, and fish were examined for diseases. Wide variations in the concentrations of aromatic hydrocarbons (AH), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), DDT and related compounds, and selected metals in sediments were found within locations ( i .e., embayments in the vicinity of major cities) and between locations. Concentrations of chemicals in tissues were generally less variable than those in sediments, apparently reflecting the ability of fish to integrate chemical sources over large geographical areas. Prevalences of diseases (i.e., fin erosion and liver lesions) were usually highest in fish exposed to the highest levels of environmental contaminants.

Occurrence and Impact of Petroleum on Arctic Environments

The quest for new petroleum sources to meet increasing demands for energy has led us into northern marine environments. Many of these areas, notably along the continental shelf of the Arctic Ocean, are virtually free of pollution. As the search intensifies, serious questions arise about the impact of petroleum drilling and transport on ecosystems that have never before faced pollution.

PUGET SOUND FISHERIES AND OIL POLLUTION – A Status Report

ABSTRACT The Greater Puget Sound Basin is one of the largest oil handling areas on the West Coast of North America. Due to the increased local need for petroleum products and to the proposed influx of Alaskan North Slope crude oil in the near future, this area will undoubtedly experience even greater petroleum transportation and processing activities. In terms of living resources of economic value—fish, shellfish, waterfowl and aquatic animals—Puget Sound is one of the most productive estuaries on the Pacific Coast. There is increasing evidence that the extensive sport, commercial and aquacultural fisheries resources are threatened by pollution resulting from oil spilled in the transport, handling, and use of petroleum. This paper presents a stauts report of what is being done in the Pacific Northwest by the petroleum industry, state government and federal agencies to protect the environment prior to the anticipated expansion of the petroleum industry. Research activities which will provide additional inf...