Influence of dispersants on the bioavailability and trophic transfer of petroleum hydrocarbons to primary levels of a marine food chain

Growth and immune system performance to assess the effect of dispersed oil on juvenile sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

“…At T28 (end of the depuration time), the levels of PAHs in muscle in MD conditions were statistically lower than CD condition. In the short term, dispersants increased the bioavailability of oil in the water and therefore increased the exposure of fish to dispersed petroleum compounds (Lindén et al 1987;Wolfe et al, 1998). However, the comparison of PAH concentration at T28 between CD and MD conditions tended to show that in our experimental conditions the biotransformation process of PAH could be altered or delayed by the presence of dispersant.…”

“…Amongst their advantages, they increase the natural dilution of oil and consequently its biodegradation; they also decrease the amount of oil slick that washes up on the shore (Lessard and Demarco, 2000). However, these compounds may increase the toxicity of oil by increasing its bioavailability and therefore exacerbating the effects of oil pollution (Wolfe et al, 1998;Chapman et al, 2007). Moreover, the use of dispersants during an oil spill increases the exposure of fish to petroleum compounds (Ramachandran et al, 2004;Jung et al, 2009).…”

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: A Review of the Planktonic Response

“…Graham et al (2010) showed a decrease in the δ Bioaccumulation of hydrocarbons at the base of the food web could increase exposure of higher-trophic-level organisms, with potentially delayed negative effects (Wolfe et al, 1998).…”

Toxicity Testing of Crude Oil and Related Compounds Using Early Life Stages of the Crimson-Spotted Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia fluviatilis)

“…The two types of second/third-generation oil dispersants stockpiled in Australia and used in this study were Corexit 9527 and Corexit 9500 (Exxon, TX). Corexit 9527 is composed of 48% nonionic surfactants (ethoxylated sorbitan monooleate, ethoxylated sorbitan trioleate, and sorbitan monooleate), 35% anionic surfactant (sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate), and 17% hydrocarbons solvent (ethylene glycol monobutyl ether) (Wolfe et al, 1998). Corexit 9500 is a hydrocarbon-based dispersant and can be used on light, heavy, and medium oils (Gilbert, 1996).…”