The effect of different oil spill remediation techniques on petroleum hydrocarbon elimination in Australian bass (Macquaria novemaculeata)

Petroleum hydrocarbons were investigated in juvenile Australian bass, Macqu aria novemaculeata, following exposure to the water accommodated fraction ( WAF) of Bass Strait crude oil, chemically dispersed crude oil, and burnt cr ude oil. Each treatment was administered for 16 days either through the wat er column or through the diet (amphipod, Allorchestes compressa). Polycycli c aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) elimination was determined by measuring biliar y benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) and naphthalene-type metabolites. Biliary PAM-type metabolite concentrations varied with the type of oil spill remediation te chnique, route of exposure (food versus water), and exposure concentration. Fish exposed to chemically dispersed crude oil via the water exhibited the highest PAM-type biliary metabolite concentrations, relative to fish expos ed to other treatments. In fish exposed via the diet, the highest concentra tion of both types of biliary metabolites also appeared in the dispersed oi l-exposed individuals. The results suggest that chemically dispersing oil m ay have the greatest effect on bioavailability of hydrocarbons, both throug h waterborne and food chain exposures.