1. Toxicity of Fresh and Weathered Sunken Heavy Fuel Oil to the Early Life Stages of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Simulated Spawning Shoal Environments

Abstract

Because the density of heavy fuel oil (HFO) is equal to or greater than that of freshwater, it behaves differently than lighter oils that float. Heavy fuel oil can sink to the bottom or be suspended in the water column and affect aquatic organisms that are not typically exposed to floating oils. Most research on oil spill technologies thus far examines the direct exposure of rainbow trout to floating or submerged oil droplets; there is little knowledge of the impacts of non‐floating heavy fuel oil on the water column and benthic organisms exposed to oil that accumulates in sediments. The toxicity of sunken HFO 6303 and Medium South American (MESA; reference) crude oil, as well as the effects of weathering on toxicity to embryos of rainbow trout were assessed using increasing concentrations of oil on gravel substrate in continuous‐flow desorption columns. Toxicity was assessed by measurement of the rates of mortality and growth, and the prevalence of blue sac disease, a hallmark sign of oil toxicity. The lower median lethal concentration for HFO compared to MESA indicated that HFO is more toxic. Interestingly, the LC50 values for fresh and weathered for both oils were similar, indicating little change in toxicity when the oil weathers naturally. Repetition of this experiment and analysis of PAH content in each treatment will provide more insight into the environmental and health risks associated with sunken heavy fuel oil.