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Effects of two oil dispersants on phototaxis and swimming behaviour of barnacle larvae

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Abstract

The effects of two oil dispersants (Vecom B-1425 GL and Norchem OSD-570) mixed with diesel oil on the survival and behaviour of the stage II nauplii of the barnacle Balanus amphitrite were investigated. The24 and 48-hour LC50 values for Vecom B-1425 GL:diesel mixture were 514 and 48 mg l−1 respectively, while respective values for Norchem OSD-570:diesel mixture were 505 and 71 mg l−1. Under sublethal concentrations, increased levels of the dispersant:diesel mixtures caused a reduction in phototactic responses. Balanus amphitrite nauplii failed to exhibit phototactic responses when exposed to Vecom B-1425GL:diesel mixtures of 400 mg l−1 and higher for 24 hours. A longer exposure time of 48 hours further reduced the Lowest Observable Effect Concentrations (LOECs) to 60 mg l−1. The LOECs for Norchem OSD-570:diesel mixtures under exposure periods of 24 and 48 hours were 400and 80 mgl−1 respectively. The curvilinear velocities (VCL) and straight-line velocities (VSL) of the stage II nauplii ranged from 0.7–1.1and 0.2-0.4 mms−1 respectively. Increased concentrations of dispersant:diesel mixtures caused a significant change in the curvilinear and straight-line velocities. Both oil dispersants, dispersant:diesel mixtures of 20 to 40 mgl−1 caused significant increases in VCL, but no significant change in VSL. Dispersant:diesel mixtures of 100 mg l−1 and higher resulted in a reduction in VSL for both dispersants.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong

    R. S. S. Wu & P. K. S. Lam

  2. Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China

    B. S. Zhou

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  1. R. S. S. Wu
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  2. P. K. S. Lam
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  3. B. S. Zhou
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Correspondence to P. K. S. Lam.

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Wu, R.S.S., Lam, P.K.S. & Zhou, B.S. Effects of two oil dispersants on phototaxis and swimming behaviour of barnacle larvae. Hydrobiologia 352, 9–16 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1003024500609

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