TOXIC EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS EXTRACTS OF EKOFISK CRUDE-OIL, CRUDE-OIL FRACTIONS, AND COMMERCIAL OIL PRODUCTS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SEA-URCHIN EGGS

Embryos of two sea urchin species, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis and S. pallidus, were studied. Effects were observed directly under the light microscope, and indirectly by electron microscopical investigations (TEM&SEM). Ekofisk crude oil extract had a moderate effect during early development, but affected the embryos strongly during differentiation. BP-gasoline and Kerosine extracts caused effects at rather high total hydrocarbon concentrations, whereas Gas oils, Residue and particularly BP Fuel oil No. 6 extracts were more toxic. TEM-studies revealed an increasing aggregation of electron-dense, lipid-like granules in the cells of affected larvae. SEM-studies did not show differences in surface ultrastructure. © 1979 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.