Novel insight into the role of heterotrophic dinoflagellates in the fate of crude oil in the sea

Rodrigo Almeda, Tara L. Connelly, Edward J. Buskey

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

523 Downloads (Orbit)

Abstract

Although planktonic protozoans are likely to interact with dispersed crude oil after a spill, protozoan-mediated processes affecting crude oil pollution in the sea are still not well known. Here, we present the first evidence of ingestion and defecation of physically or chemically dispersed crude oil droplets (1-86 mmin diameter) by heterotrophic dinoflagellates, major components of marine planktonic food webs. At a crude oil concentration commonly found after an oil spill (1 mu L L-1), the heterotrophic dinoflagellates Noctiluca scintillans and Gyrodinium spirale grew and ingested similar to 0.37 mu g-oil mg-C-dino (-1) d(-1), which could represent similar to 17% to 100% of dispersed oil in surface waters when heterotrophic dinoflagellates are abundant or bloom. Egestion of faecal pellets containing crude oil by heterotrophic dinoflagellates could contribute to the sinking and flux of toxic petroleum hydrocarbons in coastal waters. Our study indicates that crude oil ingestion by heterotrophic dinoflagellates is a noteworthy route by which petroleum enters marine food webs and a previously overlooked biological process influencing the fate of crude oil in the sea after spills.
Original languageEnglish
Article number7560
JournalScientific Reports
Volume4
ISSN2045-2322
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014

Keywords

  • MULTIDISCIPLINARY
  • POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC-HYDROCARBONS
  • NOCTILUCA-SCINTILLANS MACARTNEY
  • ZOOPLANKTON FECAL PELLETS
  • DISPERSANT COREXIT 9500A
  • NORTHERN ADRIATIC SEA
  • SETO INLAND SEA
  • GULF-OF-MEXICO
  • MARINE SNOW
  • RED-TIDE
  • ECOLOGICAL ROLES

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Novel insight into the role of heterotrophic dinoflagellates in the fate of crude oil in the sea'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this