Effect of modification of particle size of emulsions of venezuelan crude oil on feeding, survival and growth of marine zooplankton

Variations in the natural particle size spectra following the addition of Venezuelan crude oil in seawater (⋍ 6 μl litre−1) were related to the mixing speeds of the emulsion and were independent of the oil concentration. The particle spectrum and feeding behaviour of Meganyctiphanes norvegica and Calanus hyperboreus were both modified. Artificially created oil droplets were suitable in size for ready ingestion by zooplankton. The growth and survival of contaminated Acartia hudsonica were rapidly and significantly reduced. Groups under starvation conditions showed similar decreases to those exposed to oil. During a depuration period, treated copepods exhibited growth rates similar to those of untreated specimens. The input and noxious effects of crude oil are discussed with special reference to particle size distribution and chemosensory feeding behaviour.