Toxic effects of aqueous extracts of ekofisk crude oil, crude oil fractions, and commercial oil products on the development of sea urchin eggs

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Abstract
Embryos of two sea urchin species, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis and S. pallidus, were studied. Effects were observed directly under the light microscope, and indirectly by electron microscopical investigations (TEM & SEM). Ekofisk crude oil extract had a moderate effect during early development, but affected the embryos strongly during differentiation. BP-gasoline and Kerosine extracts caused effects at rather high total hydrocarbon concentrations, whereas Gas oils, Residue and particularly BP Fuel oil No. 6 extracts were more toxic. TEM-studies revealed an increasing aggregation of electron-dense, lipid-like granules in the cells of affected larvae. SEM-studies did not show differences in surface ultrastructure.