The impact of oil pollution on intertidal meiofauna: field studies after the La Coruna-spill, May 1976
Giere, O. (1979). The impact of oil pollution on intertidal meiofauna: field studies after the La Coruna-spill, May 1976. Cah. Biol. Mar. 20(2): 231-251
In: Cahiers de Biologie Marine. Station Biologique de Roscoff: Paris. ISSN 0007-9723; e-ISSN 2262-3094, meer
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| Abstract |
The effect of oil contamination through the spill from the super-tanker Monte Urquiola on the intertidal meiofauna was studied shortly after the accident and also one year later. The investigated sites along the northern Spanish coast covered an area from heavily polluted shores to beaches without visual oil contamination. The impact on the meiofauna could be related to the exposure of the sampling stations to the centre of the spill and affected the various taxonomical groups differently, many nematodes and annelids being relatively resistant, harpacticoids and turbellarians more sensitive. Within one year, the meiofauna had recovered considerably with regard to diversity and abundance both of which had been heavily suppressed shortly after the spill. The reasons for this relatively quick reappearance and the different reactions of interstitial fauna to oil contamination are discussed in relation to the specific habitat properties in the area. |
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