Biological Aspects of Terrestrial Oil Spills - USA CRREL Oil Research in Alaska, 1970-1974.

• Main Authors: Deneke,Frederick J, McCown,Brent H, Coyne,Patrick I, Rickard,Warren, Brown,Jerry
• Other Authors: COLD REGIONS RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING LAB HANOVER N H
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1975
• Subjects: Civil Engineering; *OIL POLLUTION; *OIL SPILLS; REMOVAL; DISPERSANTS; ALASKA; TERRAIN; BIOLOGICAL CONTAMINATION; SOILS; PIPELINES; LAND AREAS; ECOLOGY; PLANTS(BOTANY); ARCTIC REGIONS; Revegetation; AS910; AS710; PE61101A; PE61102A; Arctic; Carex aquatilis; Subarctic; taiga; Alaska
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA047365; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA047365

Knowledge concerning the biological effects of oil pollution on arctic and subarctic terrestrial ecosystems is limited. USA CRREL research personnel conducted investigations from 1970 through 1974 to expand information in this field. Objectives were to: (1) define the ecosystems most sensitive to the presence of crude oil or its refined products, (2) quantify and understand the injury response, and (3) establish time frames for manifestation of damage and natural restorative processes in arctic and subarctic regions. This was accomplished through: (1) surveys of natural oil seepages and past accidential spills in the Arctic and Subarctic, (2) initiation of controlled oil spills and (3) detailed laboratory investigations. Results demonstrated that terrestrial oil spills will to some degree be detrimental to both artic and subarctic plant communities. Degree and longevity of damage will be influenced primarily by the magnitude of the spill, season of occurrence and existing soil moisture content. Rapid recovery of plant communities subjected to spills will occur only if root systems remain relatively unaffected. Damage will be more extensive and long-term when root systems are saturated witl oil. Effects of damage will be manifested gradually over several seasons being influenced by winter stresses. Variation does exist in plant species susceptibility. Carex aquatilis a predominant sedge of the arctic is markedly resistant to crude oil damage. In the taiga Picea mariana is very susceptible. Plant recovery can be enhanced through the application of fertilizer. Fertilization, in addition to its direct effect on plant nutrition, will stimulate microbial decomposition of crude oil. (Author)