Some Relations Between Zooplankton and Bunker C Oil in Chedabucto Bay Following the Wreck of the Tanker Arrow

Abstract

Zooplankton ingested small particles of oil that were found dispersed throughout the water column in Chedabucto Bay following the wreck of the tanker Arrow. As much as 10% of the bunker C in the water column was associated with zooplankton and their feces contained up to 7% bunker C. The oil had no apparent effect on the organisms. In addition to the particulate oil which was exported from the bay by hydrodynamic processes, perhaps 20% more was sedimented to the bottom as zooplankton feces.