OIL SPILL, LONG ISLAND SOUND, MARCH 21, 1972. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

This study was principally undertaken to determine the effects of a No. 2 fuel oil spill on the benthic communities of Niantic Bay, on the Northern shore of Long Island Sound. Three benthic stations were chosen within the bay, and a control station was selected to the west of Black Point. Stations were analyzed for density and diversity of species as an indicator of stress. Sediments and selected biota were analyzed for fuel oil by gas chromatography. Results show that only the mid-bay station was definitely contaminated, which may have caused the loss of the amphipods. The hermit crab, Pagurus, may also be sensitive to the oil. Concentration of the pollutant in its tissues appears to make it a good indicator for low levels of residual oil. The bay was spared severe contamination by a storm which dissipated and weathered the oil. Ultimate disposition of residual oil was determined by the currents of the area rather than movement of the surface slick immediately following the spill.

• Corporate Authors:

  Environmental Protection Agency

  401 M Street, SW
  Washington, DC  United States  20460
• Publication Date: 1973-1

Media Info

• Pagination: 135 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Deterioration; Environmental impacts; Monitoring; Oil spill cleanup; Oil spills; Oils
• Old TRIS Terms: Biological effects (Oil); Oil degradation; Oil spill behavior; Oil spill monitoring
• Subject Areas: Environment; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00054020
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
• Report/Paper Numbers: Final Rpt
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 26 1974 12:00AM