Impacts of diesel and residual fuel oil on Antarctic marine invertebrates

This thesis examines the relative toxicity of three fuels to Antarctic marine invertebrates. Fuel toxicity was related to chemical composition, and responses of biota were complex, being dependent on species, life stage, and exposure duration. Antarctic diesel was most toxic (based on lethal responses) following short term exposures, while intermediate fuel oil and marine gas oil were generally more toxic during longer exposures. Juvenile amphipods were mostly more sensitive than adults, and larval sea urchins more sensitive than embryos. Sub-lethal behavioural responses provided rapid and sensitive endpoints for inclusion in assessing ecological risks associated with fuel use in polar waters.