TOXIC EFFECTS OF OIL DISCHARGED FROM SHIPS

Abstract : Six selected petroleum products were studied to determine the amounts of each which could be dispersed and dissolved in water under specified conditions. Variables studied included time, temperature and salinity. Both the dispersed-plus-dissolved and dissolved portions were tested for toxicity to three standard organisms, two species of fish and a brine shrimp. The LC 50's ranged from a few ppm of oil to a few hundred ppm. Both the total organic carbon and infrared methods were used to determine oil-in-water. These are contrasted and critically reviewed. (Author)