Effects of oil/gas field produced water on the macrobenthic community in a small gradient estuary

Abstract

Little is known about how climatic events (i.e., drought) inhibit or enhance movement of petroleum hydrocarbon laden sediments in estuarine systems and how this in turn effects the macrobenthic populations exposed to these sediments. Seventeen collection stations were established and monitored at New Bayou, Texas, a small gradient estuary which receives petroleum products via oil/gas field produced water discharge. Hydrographic, geologic and biotic samples were taken monthly from each station during a period of reduced rainfall. Both temperature and dissolved oxygen data taken during the study followed patterns typical for the area. Salinity values increased into the polyhaline range at near-bay stations during the reduced rain period, while upper bayou stations remained within the oligohaline range. Sediment grain sizes along the bayou were generally in the silty-clay range. Sediment hydrocarbon concentrations were highest (11.4 mg g−1 dry sediment) around the produced water discharge site and lowest at near-bay stations (0.2 mg g−1 dry sediment). Ninety-six macrobenthic species were collected during the study. General effects from produced water discharge on macrobenthic populations followed the classical pattern outlined by other research in shallow bay systems. A sediment hydrocarbon concentration of 2.5 mg g−1 dry sediment was found to reflect the average value needed to depress population abundances. Both abundance and diversity values were lowest at central stations near the discharge site. This zone of depressed macrobenthic populations extended from the discharge site at least 107 m downstream and 46 m upstream. The zone of stimulated macrobenthic populations occurred 1486 m downstream and 381 m upstream from the discharge site.