Crude oil from Jay, FL was examined to determine the effect of varied light exposure on the degradation and resulting toxicity to bacterial growth. Samples containing 2% oil in sterile seawater were incubated at constant temperature for 15 days with treatments of full sun, PAR only and dark. The resulting water accommodated fraction was removed and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and alkane concentrations determined. Chrysenes peaked at day 6 under full sun. Napthalenes were constant over time and independent of light. A portion of the WAF was incubated with seawater to determine the extent of bacterial growth inhibition determined by 3H-leucine incorporation. WAFs developed in the dark inhibited growth at approximately 40%. The no UVR WAF had the highest level of inhibition to bacterial growth. These results have implications for how photochemical weathering may alter the impact of spilled oil on microbial communities in surface waters.

Photochemical degradation and bacterial growth response crude oil

245th National Meeting (2013)

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