Impacts of hydrocarbon solution on frewshwater plankton and the implications for lake system communities

Abstract

Zooplankton and phytoplankton are key members on which aquatic systems are supported. Cultivation of phytoplankton and zooplankton in motor oil contaminated tanks that simulate synthetic crude oil impacts the survival of the zooplankton Cladocera through consumption of hydrocarbons and potentially limits photosynthesis in algal communities. This was tested through subjecting water samples from Douglas Lake and Lake Huron with highly concentrated amounts of plankton to different oil concentrations (500ppm and lOOOppm). Counts of living Cladocera were taken for 4 days, and each tank was sampled and analyzed for hydrocarbon and chlorophyll content within plankton. Results revealed amounts of hydrocarbon consumed in experimental tanks and suggested lower levels of chlorophyll consumption in the same tanks, implying reduced ability of phytoplankton to photosynthesis and increased zooplankton death as a result of starvation.