Effects of water-soluble fractions of crude oil and dispersants on nitrate generation by sandy beach microfauna

Effects on sandy beach microfauna of soluble pollutants, such as might be associated with an oil spill, were investigated in terms of nitrate generation. Nitrate generation by the microfauna in small sand columns in the laboratory was severely inhibited by water-soluble fractions of crude oil, dispersant and oil/dispersant mixtures in order of increasing effects. Short-term effects of such pollutants on nutrient regeneration by exposed sandy beaches are discussed.