Call number:
ZSP-202-346
In:
Research report / Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, 346
Description / Table of Contents:
CONTENTS: Abstract. - Preface. - USA CRREL project and personnel involvement. - Part I. Introduction. - Background. - Literature review. - Part II. CRREL investigations from 1970 - 1974. - Initial literature survey (1970). - Oil detection kit development. - Survey of Cape Simpson, Alaska, natural crude oil seepages (1970). - Haines-Fairbanks military pipeline investigations (1971-1973). - Barrow investigations (1970-1974). - Fairbanks and Fox investigations. - Germination studies. - Physiological studies. - Dispersant studies. - Microbiological investigations. - Field investigations of accidental petroleum losses. - Part III. Recent related literature. - Part IV. Conclusions and recommendations. - USA CRREL reports, publications and presentations on Alaska oil spill research. - Literature cited.
Description / Table of Contents:
Knowledge concerning the biological effects of oil pollution on arctic and subarctic terrestrial ecosystems is limited. USA CRREL research personnel conducted investigations from 1970 through 1974 to expand information in this field. Objectives were to: 1) define the ecosystems most sensitive to the presence of crude oil or its refined products, 2) quantify and understand the injury response, and 3) establish time frames for manifestation of damage and natural restorative processes in arctic and subarctic regions. This was accomplished through: 1) surveys of natural oil seepages and past accidential spills in the Arctic and Subarctic, 2) initiation of controlled oil spills and 3) detailed laboratory investigations. Results demonstrated that terrestrial oil spills will to some degree be detrimental to both arctic and subarctic plant communities. Degree and longevity of damage will be influenced primarily by the magnitude of the spill, season of occurrence and existing soil moisture content. Rapid recovery of plant communities subjected to spills will occur only if root systems remain relatively unaffected. Damage will be more extensive and long-term when root systems are saturated with oil. Effects of damage will be manifested gradually over several seasons being influenced by winter stresses. Variation does exist in plant species susceptibility. Carex aquatilis, a predominant sedge of the arctic, is markedly resistant to crude oil damage. In the taiga Picea mariana is very susceptible. Plant recovery can be enhanced through the application of fertilizer. Fertilization, in addition to its direct effect on plant nutrition, will stimulate microbial decomposition of crude oil.
Type of Medium:
Series available for loan
Pages:
vii, 66 Seiten
,
Illustrationen
Series Statement:
Research report / Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory 346
URL:
https://apps.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA047365
Language:
English
Location:
AWI Archive
Branch Library:
AWI Library
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