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Vol. 53 - Alaska Resources Library and Information Services

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The second hypothesized effect of oil on reproduction is caused by<br />

transfer of hydrocarbons ingested <strong>and</strong> absorbed by adults to gametes.<br />

Rapid uptake of petroleum hydrocarbons has been demonstrated in several<br />

species of crustaceans (Anderson 1975; Cox, et al. 1976; Tatem 1977).<br />

While both adult <strong>and</strong> larval stages are capable of rapid elimination of<br />

hydrocarbons accumulated via the diet, metabolic products appear to be<br />

resistant to depuration (Corner, et al. 1976; Lee, et al. 1976; Sanborn<br />

<strong>and</strong> Malins 1977). Residues amounting to 10 percent of the initial<br />

level were found in adult copepods which had been exposed for 24 hours<br />

(Harris, et al. 1977). Neff, et al. (cited by Varanasi <strong>and</strong> Malins 1977)<br />

found rapid accumulation of naphthalene derivatives by penaeid shrimp<br />

that reached tissue levels 100 times greater than those in the exposure<br />

water. Highest <strong>and</strong> most persistent residues were found in the hepatopancreas<br />

that directly supplies nutrient materials to the gonads for<br />

gametogenesis.<br />

Transfer of naphthalene to eggs was found to occur in the marine polychaete<br />

Neanthes arenaceodentata (Rossi <strong>and</strong> Anderson 1977). Blue crab<br />

(Callinectes sapidus) ingesting radiolabeled hydrocarbons assimilated<br />

2 to 10 percent <strong>and</strong> stored up to 50 percent of this amount in the<br />

hepatopancreas, which was the only organ assayed that still contained<br />

radioactivity after 25 days of depuration (Lee, et al. 1976). Again, a<br />

direct translocation to <strong>and</strong> biomagnification of hydrocarbons in lipidrich<br />

gametes is possible, although not well studied. Sufficiently high<br />

hydrocarbon levels in egg yolk <strong>and</strong> developing embryos could cause<br />

abnormal development.<br />

A final sublethal stress encountered by mature females exposed to<br />

oil which could impair copulation <strong>and</strong> result in a high proportion of<br />

infertile egg masses is that related to chemoreception. As previously<br />

described, a sexually mature male locates <strong>and</strong> embraces a female just<br />

prior to her molt <strong>and</strong> they copulate immediately thereafter. Failure to<br />

copulate within five days post-ecdysis results in infertile egg masses.<br />

Location of a female partner is based on strong pheromone cues that are<br />

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