OBSERVATIONS ON THE EFFECTS OF CRUDE OIL POLLUTION ON THE SANDY-BEACH SNAIL,BULLIA(GASTROPODA: PROSOBRANCHIATA)

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Abstract
The effect of crude oil on Bullia has been observed in the field, following an oil spill, and in the laboratory, using a light Arabian oil. Well-defined stress symptoms appear at sub-lethal concentrations; at higher doses these give way to paralysis before death ensues. Very low concentrations are fatal if there is contact between the animals and the oil, even if the oil has been weathered. If there is no direct contact much higher concentrations of fresh oil can be tolerated and weathering greatly reduces toxic effects. Mass mortality is unlikely to occur through eating oil-contaminated food.