Type: Environmental Studies

Description: After a marine oil spill, monitoring and impact assessment typically involve chemical measurements of petroleum-related hydrocarbons in different biota (such as fish and invertebrates) and marine compartments (sediments and water). Dr. Carol Sukhun used biological-effects techniques, including bioassays and biomarkers, to evaluate damage to the health of marine ecosystems caused by oil spills. These techniques help assess the impact at various levels of biological organization, from in vitro studies to individual organisms. Rapid on-board biological assays have revealed high bioavailability and toxicity of dissolved and dispersed oil within 24 hours after oil spills. These effects can occur even at depths below the visible oil slicks.

Client: UNEP