Effects of Prudhoe Bay crude oil in sediment on Abarenicola pacifica in laboratory and field experiments

Behavioral responses of organisms are often sensitive indicators of changes in the environment over short time frames. The rate of burrowing of Abarenicola pacifica, a lugworm typical of muddy tidal flats, was studied to determine its response to the presence of hydrocarbons in the environment. If a reduction in burrowing rates is reflected in reduced food intake, a decline in nutritional status might be expected. The level of free amino acids in the tissues was examined as a possible indicator of nutritional status. (ACR