The effects of a simulated refinery effluent and its components on the estuarine crustacean, Mysidopsis bahia.

The acute and chronic toxicities of a simulated refinery effluent and its components to Mysidopsis bahia were examined. The 96 hr LC50 for M. bahia was 4.7% of the Artificial Refinery Mixture (ARM). The mysid was more sensitive than an estuarine fish and grass shrimp, as well as 17 freshwater organisms previously tested. Fuel oil was the most toxic component of the ARM (96 hr LC50 0.73 mg/l) and contributed disproportionately to the toxicity of the mixture. Chronic exposure to 2.7% of the ARM formulation resulted in growth inhibition by day 8 and reproductive impairment. Long-term exposure to the 96 hr LC10 had deleterious effects on growth and/or reproduction for each component tested.