Differential responses of the meiobenthic community to an oil spill experiment in the intertidal zone, Tea-an Coast, Yellow Sea, Korea

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the potential impact of an oil spill on intertidal meiofauna at a clean, sandy beach. This objective was accomplished by examining changes in the structure of meiofaunal assemblages after a controlled oil spill of different concentrations. The concentration of TPH in the experimental plots after oil application was expectedly higher for the first 4 d compared to before oil application. The TPH concentrations decreased at a faster rate in the first 4 d, and then progressively after the first 4 d. The sharp decline in meiofaunal density in the experimental plots during the first 4 d after the spill might be attributed to the short-term toxic effects of the oil. This suggestion is supported by a significant negative interaction of the effect of TPH had on meiofaunal density across the study period. The period of low density of meiofauna also coincided with the maximum concentration of TPH in the sediment. The structure of the meiofaunal communities in the experimental plots was similar before and 1 month after oil application. of different concentrations. The concentration of TPH in the experimental plots after oil application was expectedly higher for the first 4 d compared to before oil application. The TPH concentrations decreased at a faster rate in the first 4 d, and then progressively after the first 4 d. The sharp decline in meiofaunal density in the experimental plots during the first 4 d after the spill might be attributed to the short-term toxic effects of the oil. This suggestion is supported by a significant negative interaction of the effect of TPH had on meiofaunal density across the study period. The period of low density of meiofauna also coincided with the maximum concentration of TPH in the sediment. The structure of the meiofaunal communities in the experimental plots was similar before and 1 month after oil application.