Article
Environmental Sciences
Kelvin C. Araujo, Matheus C. Barreto, Alcides S. Siqueira, Anne Caroline P. Freitas, Levi G. Oliveira, Maria Eugenia P. A. Bastos, Maria Eduarda P. Rocha, Lucimary A. Silva, Wallace D. Fragoso
Summary: Water samples were collected along the coastline in northeastern Brazil between November 2019 and February 2020, following an oil spill in August 2019. Different fluorescent components were identified in the postspill samples, associated with terrestrial and marine organic matter, dibenzothiophene-like substances, and a naphthalene-like substance. Principal component analysis showed the distribution of samples along these components, compared with reference samples.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anthony Schmutz, Rejean Tremblay, Celine Audet, Jean-Pierre Gagne, Emilien Pelletier, Richard St-Louis
Summary: This study found that blue mussels exposed to diluted bitumen experienced significant negative effects at the cellular, physiological, and reproductive levels, especially in offspring. Despite lower bioaccumulation of total PAHs, diluted bitumen showed higher toxicity compared to conventional crude oil, causing evident negative transgenerational effects on unexposed F1 generation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Larissa Montas, Alesia C. Ferguson, Kristina D. Mena, Helena M. Solo-Gabriele, Claire B. Paris
Summary: This study estimated the age-at-sea of weathered oil slicks using a modeling system and used this information to interpret PAH concentration measurements. The study found that the mean percent depletion of PAHs increased with estimated age-at-sea. Alkylated PAHs showed less depletion compared to parent PAHs.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fang Yin, Zhibo Song, Qingqing Wei, Xu Zhao, Penghao Su, Hong Huang
Summary: The study found that the collision of the Sanchi oil tanker led to high levels of PAH contamination in the surrounding sediment, mainly originating from coal and fuel oil combustion, with limited adverse ecological effects on the benthic ecosystem. However, long-term monitoring of the local sedimentary environment is recommended due to the significant presence of high molecular weight PAHs.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sreejith Kottuparambil, Ananya Ashok, Alan Barozzi, Gregoire Michoud, Chunzhi Cai, Daniele Daffonchio, Carlos M. Duarte, Susana Agusti
Summary: Understanding the immediate impacts of oil spills is crucial for predicting their long-term consequences on the marine environment. This study investigated the early signals of crude oil in seawater and plankton after a major oil spill in the Red Sea. The findings revealed significant incorporation of oil carbon into the dissolved organic carbon pool, alterations in UV absorption, elevated oil fluorescence emissions, changes in the carbon isotope composition of the seawater, enrichment of specific bacterial genera, and the presence of oil pollutants in zooplankton tissues. These early signs highlight the importance of predicting the long-term impacts of marine oil spills.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gabrielle M. Fernandes, Davi A. Martins, Rafael P. dos Santos, Ithala S. de Santiago, Lorena S. Nascimento, Andre H. B. Oliveira, Flavia Y. Yamamoto, Rivelino M. Cavalcante
Summary: This study reviewed 20 years of levels, sources, and environmental risks of the main petroleum hydrocarbons in the northeast region of Brazil. The contamination levels were mostly classified as low, except in specific areas influenced by human activities. Most hydrocarbons were linked to natural sources and burning processes, but in regions of extraction activities, petrochemical facilities, and highly urbanized areas, degraded petroleum and oil hydrocarbons were dominant. Only a small percentage of samples exceeded threshold effect levels, and no samples exceeded probable effect levels. The few studies that reported biological responses showed that anthropogenic hydrocarbons can have adverse effects on marine organisms even at low to moderate levels. Further studies should be prioritized to assess the impact of the recent oil spill in the region more precisely.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Koray Ozhan
Summary: Crude oils are complex mixtures containing toxic compounds. After oil spills, the composition of crude oil changes, affecting its toxicity. This study investigated the changes in composition and toxicity of crude oil through various weathering processes. The results showed that weathering significantly reduced the overall amount of crude oil but increased its toxicity.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Koray Ozhan
Summary: Crude oil, a highly complex mixture containing toxic compounds, can become more toxic after weathering due to changes in composition. This study found that different weathering processes altered the composition of crude oil, resulting in an increase in its toxicity. Specifically, an increase in the fraction of high molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was identified as a main factor contributing to the increased toxicity. These findings can be used to estimate the extent of weathering and toxicity of crude oil after spills.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Barbara D. Lima, Laercio L. Martins, Eliane S. de Souza, Marcos A. Pudenzi, Georgiana F. da Cruz
Summary: In a spill simulation experiment lasting 210 days using two Brazilian oils subjected to tropical conditions, it was found that isoprenoids and nalkanes experienced significant loss due to evaporation after 40 days. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons also showed a decrease in concentration, mainly attributed to evaporation. Additionally, exposure to sunlight led to the production of oxygenated polar compounds, prompting the suggestion of new parameters for estimating oil spill time under tropical conditions.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Barbara D. Lima, Laercio L. Martins, Vinicius B. Pereira, Danielle M. M. Franco, Ignes R. dos Santos, Jandyson M. Santos, Boniek G. Vaz, Debora A. Azevedo, Georgiana F. da Cruz
Summary: Through multiple analytical techniques on two samples collected in Pernambuco in 2019 and 2021, it was found that they have similar saturated biomarkers and triaromatic steroid ratios, indicating they are from the same spilled source. The degradation of n-alkanes, isoprenoids, and cycloalkanes was extensive due to evaporation, photooxidation, and/or biodegradation processes, while less alkylated PAHs were more biodegraded than the more alkylated ones. This was supported by the formation of mono and dicarboxylic acids assessed by GC x GC-TOFMS ESI(-) FT-ICR MS techniques. Three ratios were proposed based on ESI(-) FT-ICR MS results to evaluate the progress of the biodegradation process over time: Ox>2/O, SOx/SO, SOx/N.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Biology
Ione Hunt von Herbing, Francis T. C. Pan
Summary: Deoxygenation and warming affect adult fish physiology in all aquatic ecosystems, but their impact on the energetics of developing stages remains largely unknown. This study investigated the chronic and acute effects of high temperature and hypoxia on the energy budgets of zebrafish larvae. The results showed that high temperature dominated larval energetics, leading to increased metabolic demands and decreased growth. The synergistic effects of high temperature and hypoxia further increased the cumulative energetic costs and hindered the ability to maintain energy balance.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Olusola Adedayo Adesina, Daniel Raphael Ejike Ewim, Mayowa Lala, Adebayo Ogunyemi, Adekunle Tirimisiyu Adeniyi
Summary: This study found high levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAHs) in soil samples from the Niger Delta region, indicating significant health risks from human contact with the polluted soil through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal exposure.
POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Kerri Lynn Ackerly, Andrew J. Esbaugh
Summary: The study found that crude oil exposure can reduce the maximum metabolic rate and exercise recovery ability of red drum, with a more pronounced effect on individuals adapted to higher temperatures. The traditional assumption that temperature is the main factor affecting aerobic performance may be altered by the impact of crude oil exposure.
AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuta Goto, Keiko Nakamuta, Haruhiko Nakata
Summary: This study analyzed 11 types of petroleum fuels and lubricants for PAH compounds, finding that the PAH compositions varied between different fuels due to differences in refining temperatures and boiling points. The oils were classified into four groups based on principal component analysis, and could potentially be used for oil fingerprinting analyses to identify sources of oil spill accidents.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ali Alshamrani, David W. Murphy
Summary: Chemical herders can contract oil slicks for in situ burning in ice laden waters, but obstacles on the sea surface can fracture the contracting oil slick and degrade its performance. Laboratory experiments were conducted to study how a contracting oil slick interacts with obstacles and how it is fragmented by them.
COLD REGIONS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gary Hoover, Supratik Kar, Samuel Guffey, Jerzy Leszczynski, Maria S. Sepulveda
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lindsay Jasperse, Milton Levin, Kara Rogers, Christopher Perkins, Thijs Bosker, Robert J. Griffitt, Maria S. Sepulveda, Sylvain De Guise
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2019)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maria L. Rodgers, Danielle Simning, Maria S. Sepulveda, Sylvain De Guise, Thijs Bosker, Robert J. Griffitt
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elizabeth R. Jones, Danielle Simning, Jenifer Serafin, Maria S. Sepulveda, Robert J. Griffitt
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuo Shen, Wei Wu, D. Jay Grimes, Eric A. Saillant, Robert J. Griffitt
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2020)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Maria L. Rodgers, Tracy A. Sherwood, Andrea M. Tarnecki, Robert J. Griffitt, Dana L. Wetzel
Summary: Our study found significant effects of sediment exposure and recovery period on gene expression and pathways in liver and gill tissues of southern flounder. While immune-related gene expression in the gill tissue returned to baseline levels after exposure, the recovery period led to an increase in differentially expressed genes. The recovery period significantly impacted canonical pathways in both tissue types, with suppressed cholesterol biosynthesis pathways in oil-exposed flounder with a recovery period.
AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria L. Rodgers, Jennifer Serafin, Maria S. Sepulveda, Robert J. Griffitt
Summary: The study found that oil exposure can activate or suppress immune pathways in fish, especially under specific environmental conditions, suggesting that oil has the potential to further modulate immune-related genes, pathways, and responses in fish.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Friday Ojie Ehiguese, Maria L. Rodgers, Cristiano V. M. Araujo, Robert J. Griffitt, M. Laura Martin-Diaz
Summary: The study found that HHCB and AHTN may have neurotoxic and endocrine disrupting effects on coastal ecosystems, particularly affecting clams and fish.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elizabeth Allmon, Jennifer Serafin, Shuai Chen, Danielle Simning, Robert Griffitt, Thijs Bosker, Sylvain De Guise, Maria S. Sepulveda
Summary: Increased nutrient loading in coastal shelf waters has led to eutrophication, resulting in more persistent hypoxic zones and physiological impacts on fish cardiac systems. Transcriptomic analysis of two estuarine fish species exposed to hypoxia shows differential gene expression but conserved downstream impacts on pathways such as reduced cardiac hypertrophy and increased apoptosis. Differences in the magnitude of these conserved responses suggest that embryonic development length may confer resiliency to hypoxic perturbation in early life stage fish.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ryan Takeshita, Steven J. Bursian, Kathleen M. Colegrove, Tracy K. Collier, Kristina Deak, Karen M. Dean, Sylvain De Guise, Lisa M. DiPinto, Cornelis J. Elferink, Andrew J. Esbaugh, Robert J. Griffitt, Martin Grosell, Kendal E. Harr, John P. Incardona, Richard K. Kwok, Joshua Lipton, Carys L. Mitchelmore, Jeffrey M. Morris, Edward S. Peters, Aaron P. Roberts, Teresa K. Rowles, Jennifer A. Rusiecki, Lori H. Schwacke, Cynthia R. Smith, Dana L. Wetzel, Michael H. Ziccardi, Ailsa J. Hall
Summary: Studies conducted after the oil spill revealed consistent toxic responses across different organisms, indicating conservation in disease pathogenesis and mechanisms of action.
JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH-PART B-CRITICAL REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elizabeth Allmon, Grace Carter, Robert Griffitt, Maria S. Sepulveda
Summary: Research on the cardiotoxic effects of oil on fish has mainly focused on rapidly developing pelagic species, with little emphasis on estuarine species with longer embryological periods. This study fills a knowledge gap by exposing sheepshead minnow embryos to oil and measuring cardiac responses through identifying cardiotoxic phenotypes and calculating cardiac output, finding significant increases in pericardial edema and reduced cardiac output at both oil doses. The methods described in this study allow for more physiologically relevant measures of cardiac performance in early life stages.
Article
Microbiology
Andrea M. Tarnecki, Christelle Miller, Tracy A. Sherwood, Robert J. Griffitt, Ryan W. Schloesser, Dana L. Wetzel
Summary: The fish external microbiota competitively excludes pathogens and prevents proliferation of opportunistic organisms. Prolonged exposure to dispersed oil leads to dysbiosis in fish external microbiota, reducing the host's immune response to pathogens.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Elizabeth R. Jones, Robert J. Griffitt
Summary: DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mark involved in modulating transcription. The effects of oil and hypoxia on the methylome and the subsequent impact on fish development and behavior in coastal ecosystems have been studied. The results suggest that oil and hypoxia together have greater impacts on methylation than either stressor individually. Functional analyses showed that neurological processes and development were enriched in the differentially methylated regions and differentially expressed genes. Two neurological genes exhibited altered methylation and transcriptional changes, indicating epigenetic modulation of gene expression. The study provides insights into the mechanisms underlying altered behavior patterns in fish following oil exposure.
AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY
(2022)