Field Verification Program (Aquatic Disposal). Bioenergetic Effects of Black Rock Harbor Dredged Material on the Polychaete Nephtys incisa: A Field Verification.
Abstract
The primary objectives of this study were to test the applicability of biological energy techniques for use with dredged material, to field verify the bioenergetic responses observed in the laboratory, and to determine the degree of correlation between the bioaccumulation of contaminants and bioenergetic responses. Biological energetic techniques were applied to Nephtys incisa, an infaunal polychaete dominant in the benthic community at the Central Long Island Sound disposal site. Comparisons were made between the effects of Black Rock Harbor (BRH) dredged material on the physiology and bioenergetics of juvenile Nephtys incisa exposed in the laboratory and the same responses from individuals obtained in the field following the controlled disposal of BRH material. The laboratory data indicated that Nephtys incisa juveniles living in contaminant free bedded sediment are physiologically affected when exposed to BRH suspended sediment. Physiological dysfunction observed as a result of laboratory exposure to BRH material included increased maintenance costs, reduced tissue growth, and lowered net growth efficiency. Physiological changes were also noted in juvenile Nephytys incsia collected from the area of the disposal mound. Individual worms collected from stations within the perimeter of the disposal mound exhibited significant changes in aerobic metabolism and ammonia excretion rates. There was a seasonal pattern in the bioenergetic responses coupled to seawater temperature.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA194228
Entities
People
- D. M. Johns
- Ruth Gutjahr-gobell