THE SEDIMENT ENVIRONMENT OF PORT VALDEZ, ALASKA: THE EFFECT OF OIL ON THIS ECOSYSTEM

• Main Authors: Howard M. Feder, L.Michael Cheek, Patrick Flanagan, Stephen C. Jewitt, Mary H. Johnston
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: 2004
• Subjects: Prudhoe Bay; Alaska; Copepods
• Online Access: http://oaspub.epa.gov/eims/eimsapi.dispdetail?deid=38058

The Port Valdez intertidal sediment system was studied for three years and described in this report. Physical, geological, geochemical, hydrocarbon, and biological features were examined. Sediments were poorly sorted gravels to plastic clays, and had low amounts of organic matter. Bacterial numbers varied from site to site, and decreased in numbers with depth. Meiofauna consisted primarily of nematodes and harpacticoid copepods. Most meiofaunal species were restricted to the upper three centimeters throughout the year. Meiofauna densities were typically highest in summer and lowest in winter. Reproductive activities of copepods tended to be seasonal with only one species reproducing throughout the year. Bacterial populations were unaffected by single applications of up to 2000 ppm of Prudhoe Bay crude oil or by chronic applications. Uptake and release of added oil by intertidal sediments and the clam Macoma balthica were examined in the field.