| Abstract |
Chemical characterization and toxicity of oil drilling fluids were investigated by the Edgerton Research Laboratory from 1 October 1979 to August 1983 as part of a comprehensive research program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine fate and effects of such fluids in the marine environment. Drilling muds used in the research were supplied by the EPA, the Petroleum Equipment Suppliers Association (PESA), and the American Petroleum Institute (API). The drilling muds were designated 'May 15,' 'May 29, 'Sept. 4,' 'Exxon,' 'Gilson,' 'Mobile Bay,' 'Jay Field,' and 'PESA.' Investigations during the first year centered on the chemical composition and the acute toxicity of drilling muds, and the effects of drilling muds on the recruitment of benthic organisms. In the second year, studies focused on toxicity testing with planktonic copepods, chemical characterization of the toxicity test phases, bioaccumulation studies, and the effects of muds on larval and adult benthic organisms. Investigations during the third and fourth year examined sublethal effects of drilling fluids on clam larvae, trace metal and organic constituents in both drilling fluids and toxicity test-phases, and the preliminary development of a drilling fluid solid phase toxicity test. |
