Aliphatic hydrocarbons in Great Barrier Reef organisms and environment

This investigation was undertaken to assess the chemical nature, occurrence, and possible origin of petroleum hydrocarbons in the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem. Aliphatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments, water, and a suite of seven species from widely separated coral reefs in the Great Barrier Reef area were analysed by gas chromatography, and by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The hydrocarbons found were substantially of biogenic origin. The major components were n-pentadecane, n-heptadecane, pristane and mono-alkenes based on heptadecane, and were believed to originate from benthic algae and phytoplankton. There was no evidence to suggest that lipid content had any influence on hydrocarbon content. Hydrocarbons from the organisms and sediments have characteristic composition patterns which would be altered by the presence of petroleum hydrocarbons. An unresolved complex mixture, usually considered indicative of petroleum contamination, was found in greater than trace amounts only in Holothuria (sea cucumber) and Acropora (coral) from the Capricorn Group, and in some sediment samples from the Capricorn Group and Lizard Island area.     

A field experimental study on recolonization and succession of macrobenthic infauna in defaunated sediment contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons

A field experiment was carried out in Hong Kong to study the patterns of recolonization and succession of subtidal macrobenthos in defaunated sediment contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons and to determine the time required for benthic recovery from petroleum contamination. A total of 31 species was found and 83 animals/tray and 14 species/tray on an average were recorded after one month. Initial colonization was dominated by polychaetes in both abundance and species number (accounting for 69.1% and 64.5%, respectively). Abundance of macrobenthos came to a small crest (308 animals/tray) after three months, reached a sharp peak (1257 animals/tray) after six months, and then declined to a steady level. Abundance, species number and diversity in the petroleum-contaminated sediment were significantly lower than those in the control sediment in the early successional stages, indicating deleterious effects of petroleum hydrocarbons on recolonization and succession of macrobenthos. Petroleum hydrocarbons in sediment significantly altered species composition of macrobenthos in recolonization and succession. No significant differences in community parameters and species composition between the petroleum-contaminated and the control communities were found after 11 months, indicating that macrobenthic community had recovered from petroleum contamination.     

Coupled use of carbon isotopes and noble gas isotopes in the Potiguar basin (Brazil): Fluids migration and mantle influence

We used the carbon isotope ratios of hydrocarbons and CO₂, and the proportions of noble gas isotopes of associated gases from several geological provinces of the Potiguar Basin (Brazil) for gas/source rock correlation, and to determine maturity, post-genetic processes (migration, leakage, biodegradation), and to assess the possible interactions between hydrocarbons and surrounding waters. Barriers of permeability at the basin scale, the amount of water interacting with the accumulated hydrocarbons, proportion of meteoric water, and contamination of the fluids by the mantle were quantified for the distinct petroleum systems defined in this basin.     

Petroleum contamination and biochemical alterations in oysters (Crassostrea gigas) and plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) from bays impacted by the Amoco Cadiz crude oil spill

Following the Amoco Cadiz crude oil spill in March 1978, marine animals in coastal and estuarine environments along the north shore of Brittany, France became heavily contaminated with crude oil. The resident benthic fauna in the oil-impacted area which survived the spill were severely stressed by the pollution. The objectives of our investigation were to document long-term trends in petroleum hydrocarbon contamination and sublethal stress in oysters and plaice from the estuaries, Aber Benoit and Aber Wrac'h. Oysters in the estuaries accumulated aliphatic and aromatic petroleum hydrocarbons to high levels and remained heavily contaminated for the duration of the 27 month investigation. Plaice, on the other hand, retained only low concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons in muscle and liver tissue. Nevertheless, the oysters exhibited very few histopathologic and biochemical responses to the oil, whereas the plaice from the estuaries exhibited a variety of sublethal histopathologic and biochemical alterations.     

潮间带沉积物厌氧烃降解细菌的多样性及Desulfovibrio subterraneus ND17的分离鉴定

潮间带作为海陆交界处,易受到来自海洋的石油污染,且各类石油烃进入沉积物后的降解过程尚不清楚。前人在各类生境中对好氧微生物烃降解方面已有较多研究,但对近海潮间带环境中的厌氧烃降解鲜有报道。本研究对青岛女岛湾潮间带沉积物深层样品以混合烃（中长链烷烃、多环芳烃）为碳源,硫酸盐作为电子受体进行厌氧富集培养。富集菌群的细菌多样性表明在混合烃作为碳源的作用下,优势菌群转变为脱硫叠球菌科（Desulfosarcinaceae）、脱硫杆菌科（Desulfobacteraceae）等具有石油烃降解潜力的硫酸盐还原菌。经分离纯化得到一株厌氧烃降解菌ND17,与地下脱硫弧菌属模式种Desulfovibrio subterraneus HN2T 16S rRNA基因序列的相似度为99.93%。进一步实验表明,菌株ND17在厌氧条件下对二十四烷和菲的降解率可分别达到53.9%和35.7%。这也是首次对脱硫弧菌属单菌在厌氧条件下进行石油烃降解的研究。脱硫弧菌作为一种广泛分布在厌氧环境的细菌,本研究为进一步认识其在海洋石油污染环境中的修复潜力提供了支撑。     

曹妃甸近岸海域石油烃污染物的来源与空间分布研究

以曹妃甸邻近海域为研究区,利用生物标志化合物地球化学参数分析了表层沉积物中石油烃类的主要组成和分布特征,探讨了石油烃污染物的来源。结果表明,曹妃甸邻近海域表层沉积物中正构烷烃为混源,且陆源贡献小于海洋源。地质构型藿烷、甾烷在甾萜类化合物中为优势组分,且萜甾烷参数显示了有机质成熟度较高。饱和烃的多种地球化学参数显示了该区域表层沉积物可能受到成熟度较高的石油烃输入及其后期微生物降解的影响。该研究将为曹妃甸近岸沉积物输移研究提供基础资料,进而为曹妃甸围填海工程的科学决策提供相关科学数据。     

渤海石油污染:来自表层沉积物中生物标志物的证据

通过对渤海表层沉积物中饱和烃的分布、来源和分子组成特征的系统分析,探讨了沉积物中生物标志物对石油污染的指示意义。研究表明,沉积物中色谱不可分辨的混合物(UCM)和正构烷烃的分布及组成特征显示出沉积物不同程度地受到了石油烃输入和细菌微生物作用的影响,其中以渤海湾沿岸区域最为明显。渤海湾近岸区和黄河口附近沉积物中正构烷烃平均碳链长度(ACL)低于其他地区,姥鲛烷/植烷(Pr/Ph)也普遍低于1.0,表明可能受到来自于石油平台开采活动、船舶航行、河流输入的石油烃的影响。C₂₇-18α(H)-三降藿烷(Ts)与C₂₇-17α(H)-三降藿烷(Tm)的比值(Ts/Tm)、C₃₁升藿烷22S/(22S+22R)和αααC₂₉甾烷20S/(20S+20R)的比值表明该区域沉积物中有机质成熟度较高,可能受到外来石油烃输入及其衍生物的影响。通过与周边环境中生物标志物分子组成特征的对比发现,沉积物中甾烷和萜类化合物主要来源于石油及其衍生物。将饱和烃各参数进行归一化处理,得到了石油污染的综合替代性指标,并初步圈定了石油污染相对较重的区域。     

Responses of macrobenthic communities to patchy distributions of heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons in sediments:A study in China's Zhoushan Archipelago

This study conducted four cruises during 2014–2017 to investigate relationships between macrobenthic communities and sediment contaminations in sea area around the Zhoushan Archipelago. Fourteen sites were categorized into three groups: high total heavy metal contamination content(HHMC), high total petroleum hydrocarbon content(HTPH), and low content ratio of heavy metal contamination content to total petroleum hydrocarbon content(HMC/TPH) areas. Four main taxa of macrofauna(polychaetes, bivalves, gastropods, and crustaceans) were determined to respond to environmental factors differently. While tolerant polychaetes being the minimal impact by environmental factors, bivalves were threated by heavy metal pollutions in sediment.Additionally, body size distribution frequency demonstrated that macrofauna in the low HMC/TPH areas were less disturbed by contamination than those in the HHMC and HTPH areas. The result represented the presentation of sensitive species while tolerant species are usually considered as small size organisms. Overall,this study confirmed the hypothesis that the contamination levels of small-scale patches is indicated by the condition of macrobenthic communities.     

Natural background and anthropogenic inputs of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in sediments of South-Western Barents Sea

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were measured in sediment cores from 13 locations in South-Western Barents Sea as part of a detailed study of the Norwegian seabed under the MAREANO program. The generally low PAH levels found, an average around 200 ng g⁻¹ dry weight for sum PAH, indicate low inputs of petroleum hydrocarbons to the marine environment in the area. Differences in PAH composition and various PAH ratios indicate a natural, mostly petrogenic origin of PAH in sediments from the open sea locations, while the fjord locations show higher pyrogenic PAH contents with an increase towards upper sediment layers, indicating low inputs from human activities. Petrogenic PAH levels increase in deeper sediments at open sea locations, also when normalised to total organic carbon (TOC) contents, suggesting natural leakages of oil-related hydrocarbons in the area.     

Does historical exposure to hydrocarbon contamination alter the response of benthic communities to diesel contamination?

A microcosm experiment was used to compare the influence of diesel contamination on two benthic salt-marsh communities, one chronically exposed to petroleum hydrocarbons for decades (Louisiana [LA]) and the other relatively uncontaminated (Mississippi [MS]). Initial meiofaunal community composition of the two sites was similar. Higher organic content of MS sediments should have reduced bioavailability, and thus the toxicity of hydrocarbons relative to the LA site. Nevertheless, although responses to diesel contamination at the two sites were generally qualitatively similar, a species-specific and several community-response variables were influenced to a much greater degree in the MS community. In particular, the abundance of total nauplii, ostracods, and copepods were negatively impacted to a greater extent in MS than in LA, as was grazing by ostracods on benthic microalgae. Nematode:copepod ratios in contaminated sediments were much higher in MS than in LA sediments. Pseudostenhelia wellsi (a benthic copepod) nauplii suffered greater adverse effects of diesel in MS than in LA. We conclude that the MS community was more sensitive to diesel contamination than was the LA community. The differential sensitivity is presumably a manifestation of different tolerances to hydrocarbon contaminants, mediated by a higher proportion of more tolerant species and/or increased tolerance among individual species in LA. Although the MS site was more sensitive to diesel contamination, qualitative response of the LA and MS communities were similar, and comparable to previous studies of diesel contamination. The spatial and temporal consistency of diesel impacts on salt-marsh communities suggests that hydrocarbon contamination results in predictable community responses. Specifically, crustacean (e.g. copepods, ostracods, and nauplii) benthos are most sensitive to hydrocarbons. Reductions in abundance and grazing activity of crustaceans leads to enhanced algal biomass, reduced copepod diversity, and alters competitive interactions among meiofauna.     

渤海湾中部表层沉积物中多环芳烃分布及其来源

通过对渤海湾中部海域19个站位表层沉积物样品中检测出的13种优控多环芳烃(EPAs)进行同分异构体、甲基菲、GC—MS定量等分析,探讨了研究区沉积物中多环芳烃分布特征、输入来源和污染水平,结果表明,研究区表层沉积物中多环芳烃总含量为2.1~374.8ng/g,平均值为33.1ng/g,多环芳烃总含量呈现出由近岸区向深海区递减的趋势,除最高值BG-60站位外,研究区与其他地区相比污染水平为中—低;化合物组成上以3~4环为主,5~6环次之,从多环芳烃组成以及异构体和甲基菲比值分析表明,研究区沉积物中PAHs以燃烧来源为主,石油类产品和石油化工燃料燃烧贡献最大,煤、木材燃烧贡献次之;高含量的菲和4个高成熟度异常点证实石油烃PAHs污染客观存在。     

海上石油开采导致生态环境变化实例研究

根据1996年8月和2003年8月对埕北油田邻近海域的调查资料,对海水中溶解氧(DO)、化学耗氧量(COD)、油类和重金属的含量,沉积物中重金属、油类、有机物、硫化物的含量以及海水与底床中生物种类、数量和密度,进行历史变化趋势分析与现状评价,结果表明,海水中石油浓度有所上升,沉积物受到了铜的污染且油类浓度持续上升,底栖生物环境已属非健康状态,底栖生物受到石油烃污染.     

Petroleum pollution in surface sediments of Daya Bay,South China,revealed by chemical fingerprinting of aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbons

Nine surface sediments collected from Daya Bay have been Soxhlet-extracted with 2:1 (v/v) dichloromethane-methanol. The non-aromatic hydrocarbon (NAH) fraction of solvent extractable organic matter (EOM) and some bulk geochemical parameters have been analyzed to determine petroleum pollution of the bay. The NAH content varies from 32 to 276 μg g⁻¹ (average 104 μg g⁻¹) dry sediment and accounts for 5.8–64.1% (average 41.6%) of the EOM. n-Alkanes with carbon number ranging from 15 to 35 are identified to be derived from both biogenic and petrogenic sources in varying proportions. The contribution of marine authigenic input to the sedimentary n-alkanes is lower than the allochthonous input based on the average n-C₃₁/n-C₁₉ alkane ratio. 25.6–46.5% of the n-alkanes, with a mean of 35.6%, are contributed by vascular plant wax. Results of unresolved complex mixture, isoprenoid hydrocarbons, hopanes and steranes also suggest possible petroleum contamination. There is strong evidence of a common petroleum contamination source in the bay.     

Contamination patterns and molluscan and polychaete assemblages in two Persian (Arabian) Gulf oilfields

This study examined two shallow‐water, offshore oil facilities and their surroundings in the Umm Al Dalkh and Zakum oilfields [United Arab Emirates, Persian (Arabian) Gulf]. The focus was on sediment contamination levels and the detection of disturbance based on two representative invertebrate components of the benthos: molluscs and polychaetes. We tested the hypothesis that significant disturbance to the community has occurred, by examining whether distance from the platform or variation in contaminants explains among‐site variation in the composition of benthic communities. Moreover, we also tested the hypothesis that organic enrichment because of oil input has modified the feeding guild structure by examining whether the relative abundances of filter‐feeders, deposit‐feeders and omnivores are correlated with distance from the platform or with contamination by hydrocarbons. The contamination levels and their spatial distribution in the sediments differed significantly between the two fields, as did their mollusc and polychaete communities. The within‐field variability, however, was much lower: no clear structuring of contamination values and species composition and abundance was detectable in relation to distance from the oil platform. Contamination levels were low, often below detection levels or international guideline values. Variation in contaminant concentrations did not explain variation in taxonomic composition and abundance. The relative abundance of the above‐mentioned feeding guilds did not correlate with either distance from the platform or with contaminant concentrations. These patterns may reflect the long time that has elapsed since drilling (15–20 years), which appears to have allowed contaminants to disperse and degrade and assemblages to recover from the impact, if indeed such a disturbance ever occurred. In contrast to low values of barium and total petroleum hydrocarbons, associated with well drilling, some metals were at their highest concentrations beneath the central platforms. This suggests that production‐related activities (including platform cleaning and maintenance) are currently a more relevant contamination source.     

Persistence of oiling in mussel beds after the Exxon Valdez oil spill

Persistence and weathering of Exxon Valdez oil in intertidal mussel (Mytilus trossulus) beds in Prince William Sound (PWS) and along the Gulf of Alaska was monitored from 1992 to 1995. Beds with significant contamination included most previously oiled areas in PWS, particularly within the Knight Island group and the Kenai Peninsula. In sediments, yearly mean concentrations of total petroleum hydrocarbons ranged from < 60 micrograms/g in reference beds to 62,258 micrograms/g wet wt., or approximately 0 to 523 micrograms/g dry wt. total polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (TPAHs). In mussels, mean TPAH concentrations ranged up to 8.1 micrograms/g dry wt. Hydrocarbon concentrations declined significantly with time in some, but not all mussels and sediments, and should reach background levels within three decades of the spill in most beds. In 1995, mean hydrocarbon concentration was greater than twice background concentration in sediments from 27 of 34 sites, and in mussels from 18 of 31 sites.     

Responses of meiofauna and nematode communities to crude oil contamination in a laboratory microcosm experiment

We examined the effects of crude oil contamination on community assemblages of meiofauna and nematodes after exposure to total petroleum hydrocarbons in the laboratory. We administered a seawater solution that had been contaminated with total petroleum hydrocarbons to seven treatment groups at different concentrations, while the control group received uncontaminated filtered seawater. The average density of total meiofauna in the experimental microcosms diluted with 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 4% contaminated seawater was higher than the density in the control. The average density of total meiofauna in the 8%, 15%, and 20% microcosms was lower than the density in the control. The density of nematodes was similar to that of the total meiofauna. Cluster analysis divided the microcosms into group 1 (control, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 4% microcosms) and group 2 (8%, 15%, and 20% microcosms). However, SIMPROF analysis showed no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). Bolbolaimus spp. (37.1%) were dominant among the nematodes. Cluster analysis showed similar results for nematode and meiofaunal communities. The total meiofaunal density, nematode density, and number of Bolbolaimus spp. individuals were significantly negatively associated with the concentration of total petroleum hydrocarbons (Spearman correlation coefficients, p < 0.05). Within the nematodes, epistrate feeders (group 2A: 46%) were the most abundant trophic group. Among the treatment groups, the abundance of group 2A increased in low-concentration microcosms and decreased in high-concentration microcosms. Thus, our findings provide information on the effects of oil pollution on meiofauna in the intertidal zones of sandy beaches.     

Hydrocarbon pollution from marinas in estuarine sediments

A measure of the impact of marinas on three Eastern Virginia estuarine creeks was obtained by a study of hydrocarbons in their sediments. Two of the creeks support considerable marine activity, including pleasure boat marinas, boat repair facilities, and commercial fishing operations. The third creek, which served as a control, is seldom used by boats, and is surrounded by marsh and woodland.Sediments from the creeks with marinas contained significantly higher levels of both aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons than did the control. Differences in the concentrations of certain oil-pollution indicators, such as the 17α,21β-hopane homologs and phytane, and low molecular weight aromatic hydrocarbons, are indicative of light petroleum fractions. Most of the aromatic hydrocarbons from all creeks, however, appear to have a pyrogenic origin.Although hydrocarbons from three probable origins (petroleum, pyrogenesis, and recent biosynthesis) were detected in all locations, the petroleum-derived and pyrogenic hydrocarbons were of only minor importance relative to the biogenic hydrocarbons in the control creek.     

海洋中的烃及其迁移和衰变

对海洋中有关烃类的研究工作进行回顾和总结，分别介绍海洋中烃的来源，迁移和衰变及石油对海洋的污染。     

大亚湾海域多环芳烃和有机氯农药的高分辨率沉积记录

以GC／ECD和GC／MS内标法分析测定了大亚湾沉积物柱样（DYW03—8）中多环芳烃（PAHs）和有机氯农药（0CPs）的含量，结合^210Pb定年，重建了该海域近50年来PAHs和OCPs的污染历史，并对其可能的来源和输入途径进行了探讨。结果表明，近50年来该海域沉积物中PAHs和OCPs的含量总体上均呈上升趋势，且一般都在上世纪90年代以后这种上升变得更加明显；PAHs主要来源于化石燃料的不完全燃烧，即热成因，并可能主要通过大气颗粒物沉降以及工业和生活污水的直接排放等途径进入水体沉积物中；HCHs和DDTs的组成特征及其变化趋势揭示，该区可能曾大量使用过林丹（γ-HCHs）作为杀虫剂，近15年来随着该地区各种经济开发活动的加强，残留在土壤中的这些农药组分更多地随地表径流进入到水体沉积物中。同时，DDTs类农药也可能仍存在新的输入源，但这种输入的强度在近几年似乎有所减弱。