The effect of oil pollution on survival of the tidal pool copepod, Tigriopus californicus

Abstract

A study of the effect of simulated oil pollution on Tigriopus californicus indicated that a 1·5 mm thick layer of crude oil on the water surface caused the death of all animals within three days, while a similar layer of mineral oil resulted in complete mortality in five days. When oxygen was added to the water containing crude oil, total mortality was delayed by two days. Approximately 100% mortality was extended to seven days when crude oil was enclosed in a dialysis membrane bag immersed in the water and oxygen was supplied. When mineral oil was used and air provided, the animals survived as well as the controls. It was concluded that death resulted because the oil acts as a barrier to oxygen transfer between air and water, and because it contains substances toxic to Tigriopus.