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1
Effekter av produksjonsvann
på egg og larveutvikling samt
kjønnsdifferensiering hos
torsk
Prosjektansvarlig:
Havforskningsinstituttet
Prosjektleder:
Svardal, Asbjørn Forsker
Prosjektnr:
141213/720
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.1.2001-31.12.2003
2001: 1,000,000 2002: 1,000,000 2003: 1,000,000
Prosjektet er primært en undersøkelse av om eksponering
av egg, plommesekklarver og yngel til produksjonsvann
påvirker senere kjønnsdifferensiering.
Et delmål er å studere effekten av produksjonsvann på
egg- og larveutviklingen.
Et annet delmål er å undersøke om eksponering av egg og
larver til produksjonsvann kan påvirke otolittenes
bilaterale symmetri på et senere utviklingstrinn. Dette har
interesse siden det er blitt foreslått at graden av avvik fra
denne symmetri kan reflektere ulike typer miljørelatert
stress.
Det finnes et stort behov for økt kunnskap om
virkningene, spesielt langtidsvirkningene, av regulære
utslipp av kjemikalier og oljeholdig produksjonvann fra
petroleumsvirksomheten på norsk sokkel. Som et ledd i
arbeidet med å framskaffe slik kunnskap skisseres et
prosjekt hvor en vil studere bestemte bioeffekter av
produsert vann. En vet at eksponering for visse
stoffgrupper som finnes i produksjonsvann, f.eks.
alkylfenoler, kan medføre endokrinologiske forstyrrelser
både hos mennesker, andre mammalske organismer og
fisk, med reproduksjonsproblemer som den endelige
konsekvens. Problemet omfattes av den grunn med stor
interesse både i vitenskapelige kretser og massemedia.
Undersøkelsen gjøres ved å eksponere egg, larver og
yngel direkte til produksjonsvann og drette yngel videre
fram til kjønnsmodning for å se om produksjonsvann kan
påvirke kjønnsdifferensieringen. Hormonell status vil bli
undersøkt ved å ta blodprøver av fisken for å se om
produksjonsvannet påvirker nivået av kjønnshormonene
østradiol-17^X og testosteron. En vil også grundig studere
egg og larveutvikling samt sammenligne vekst og
overlevelse av de ulike larvegruppene gjennom
startfôringsfasen og senere yngelstadium.
2
Contamination of fish in the
North Sea by the offshore oil
and gas industry
Prosjektansvarlig:
Havforskningsinstituttet,Senter for marint miljø
Prosjektleder:
Klungsøyr, Jarle Forsker
Prosjektnr:
152231/720
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.6.2002-1.9.2003
2002: 1,500,000 2003: 1,000,000
Undersøke om kjemiske komponenter i operasjonelle
utslipp fra oljeinstallasjoner bioakkumuleres og gir
effekter på fisk, og om fiskens kvalitet som menneskeføde
påvirkes negativt.
Delmål:
- Kartlegge nivåene av alkylfenoler og NPD/PAH i fisk
fra Tampen- og Sleipnerregionen.
· Måle gallemetabolitter av NPD/PAH og bestemme
sammenhengen med konsentrasjonene i lever/muskel.
· Måle ulike biomarkører for å bestemme biologiske
effekter.
· Måle om kvaliteten på fiskemuskel forringes ved
eksponering til oljekomponenter.
- Modellere konsentrasjonsfeltene av alkylfenoler og
NPD/PAH i utslippsområdene, og koble dette til
forurensningsgraden i fisk.
Prosjektet skal gi dokumentasjon på om nivåene av
aromatiske hydrokarboner (NPD/PAH) og alkylfenoler er
forhøyet i fisk fra havområder med store operasjonelle
utslipp fra offshore olje- og gassindustri. Arbeidet vil gi
informasjon om eksponering og belastningsgrad på fisk
fra Tampen- og Sleipner-regionen, og vurdere dette opp
mot ulike tilførselskilder og den generelle
bakgrunnsbelastning av forurensning på fisk i Nordsjøen.
Det skal gjennomføres målinger av biologiske effekter og
faktorer som påvirker fiskens kvalitet som menneskeføde.
Arbeidet skal kunne bidra til utforming av fremtidig
overvåkning på forekomst og virkninger på fisk av
oljeindustriens utslipp til sjø.
3
Hormonforstyrrende effekter
av miljøgifter i
produksjonsvann fra
oljeinstallasjoner
Prosjektansvarlig:
Havforskningsinstituttet,Senter for marint miljø
Prosjektleder:
Svardal, Asbjørn Forsker
Prosjektnr:
152232/720
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.4.2002-31.12.2003
2002: 1,000,000 2003: 1,000,000
Hovedmål:
Utvikle og etablere metoder for å undersøke hvordan
alkylfenoler i produksjonsvann virker på kjønnsutvikling
og kjønnshormonsystemet i fisk.
Delmål:
1.Utvikle metode for bestemmelse av alkylfenoler i
sjøvann, plasma og vev
2.Etablere nødvendige metoder og undersøke normal
kjønnsdifferensiering hos torsk
3.Etablere bestemmelse av enzymaktivitet for P450
aromatase
4.Undersøke opptak av alkylfenoler og PAH fra
produksjonsvann i zooplankton og torskeyngel
5.Effekter av alkylfenoler på aromataseaktivitet i
fiskeceller i kultur og i vev fra torskelarver
Prosjektet fokuserer på langtidseffekter av alkylfenoler
som forekommer i produksjonsvann fra oljeplattformer på
fisk og følger dermed opp nylig gjennomførte
undersøkelser på torsk ved Havforskningsinstituttet.
Første del av prosjektet omfatter videreutvikling av
metoder for analyse av alkylfenoler i sjøvann og biota,
histologiske undersøkelser for å finne målbare kriterier
for normal kjønnsutvikling hos torsk, og etablering av
biokjemiske metoder for å studere mekanismer bak
effektene alkylfenoler har på fisk. Metodene benyttes til å
studere virkningsmekanismer i fiskeceller in vitro, og til
undersøkelser av kjønnsutvikling og
kjønnshormonmetabolisme hos torskeyngel som
eksponeres for alkylfenoler i et eksperimentelt oppsett.
Dette kan gi indikasjoner på tidskritiske vinduer der
torsken er mer sårbar for påvirkning av kjemisk
forurensning som kan forstyrre kjønnsutviklingen og
dermed reproduksjonen. Metodene vil senere kunne
anvendes for å gi detaljkunnskap om kjønnsutvikling og
mekanismer og dermed et bedre grunnlag for å evaluere
langtidseffekter av kjemisk forurensning på fisk.
4
GC/MS determination of
produced water PAH and
alkylphenol metabolites in
marine fish
Prosjektansvarlig:
Rogalandsforskning
Prosjektleder:
Beyer, Jonny Seniorforsker
Prosjektnr:
152449/720
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.8.2002-1.9.2003
2002: 74,059
Objectives
· To compile (and disseminate) an optimised protocol for
GC/MS detection of bile metabolites of naphthalene and
small PAHs that typically characterise PW discharges.
· To perform lab exposure of cod to PW related
alkylphenols in order to produce suitable samples of fish
bile for the GC/MS AP-metabolite feasibility study.
· To conduct the GC/MS AP-metabolite feasibility study
aimed at developing and optimising a GC/MS protocol for
detection of PW alkylphenol metabolites in fish bile.
· To use this GC/MS method in analyses of alkylphenol
metabolites in bile from fish obtained at Tampen and at
reference field locations.
Atlantic cod is selected as preferred study species in the
project but also other fish species (e.g. haddock) may be
included depending on the outcome of the field sampling
(described in NFR-152231 (Klungsøyr)).
When fish are exposed to PAHs and APs originating from
produced water (PW) discharges the PAH and AP parent
compounds are metabolised and excreted in the gall
bladder bile. Metabolites of PAH and alkylphenols (AP)
in fish bile may thus be used as exposure markers of PW
contamination at offshore oil fields in supplement to
chemical analyses of PAH and AP parent compounds in
fish tissues. The scope of the project is to develop GC/MS
protocols optimised for detection of PAH and AP
metabolitesin fish bile, and to validate the use of these
measures as exposure-detection tools in assessment of
PW contamination in fish.
5
Hydrocarbon release from oil
droplets to seawater:
experimental and
computational verification of a
model
Prosjektansvarlig:
Rogalandsforskning
Prosjektleder:
Skadsheim, Arnfinn Seniorforsker
Prosjektnr:
152450/720
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.7.2002-31.12.2002
2002: 395,200
Verify predictions provided by the weathering model of
Short & Heinz (1997) & Short (2002) for oil droplets.
Improve the equations by correction terms if this
improves the goodness of fit between the model and the
data.
Improve the understanding of relationships between
hydrocarbon transfer between oil droplets, seawater and
biota, as exemplified by mussels, semipermeable
membrane devices and plastic strips that are frequently
used in monitoring.
Conduct a pre-project for studies on oil droplet behaviour,
hydrocarbon transfer between compartments, and how
toxic impact may be inflicted in marine waters.
The actual impact of oil particle size on hydrocarbon
release rates to seawater, bioavailability and
bioconcentration of hydrocarbons has not yet been
properly described. The model of Short & Heinz (1997) &
Short (2002) has equations derived from PAH release
from oil films to water. It may be used to describe release
rates of various hydrocarbons from oil droplets to the
surrounding seawater, but it needs to be verified and
possibly thereafter adjusted by goodness of fit
calculations.
The project proposes to expose mussels, semipermeable
membrane devices and plastic strips to a North Sea and a
Barents Sea crude. Each oil is dosed separately at 2 oil
droplet sizes typical for produced water in a continuous
flow system. Oil droplets will be separated from the
water prior to analyses. The exposed "objects" serve as
analyses and assessment of hydrocarbon availability for
uptake in order to predict how hydrocarbons move
between oil droplets, water and biota.
The outcome will illustrate the relevance of
bioavailability-assumptions in presently used fateexposure-effect models. It will improve toxicity
identification and evaluation procedure for single
substance and mixtures of substances, estimates of near
and far field scenarios at discharge points, guide
development of cleaning technologies as well as
monitoring methods, and improve methods for
ecotoxicological studies in the water column, sea-ice and
sediments.
6
Impacts of metals from drill
cuttings and mud to the
marine water column
Prosjektansvarlig:
Rogalandsforskning
Prosjektleder:
Westerlund, Stig Seniorforsker
Prosjektnr:
152451/720
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.7.2002-31.12.2002
2002: 667,759
Prosjektet utgjør et forprosjekt som skal generere
metodiske resultater om metallers mobilitet i borekaks og
slam.
Det er foreslått bruk av sekvensiell ekstraksjon for å
estimere mobilitet av metaller for å få et enkelt mål på
biotilgjengelighet.
Resultatene vil videre brukes til å utvikle mer relevante
tester av biotilgengengligheten av metaller i borekaks og
slam, samt måling av resuspensjon av slam og
kaksmateriale og dertil estimering av utlekking fra denne
type av prosesser, kombinert med giftighetstester.
Baritt og illmenitt brukes hovedsaklig som vektstoffer i
boreformuleringer, og slippes ut i store mengder med
boreoperasjoner. Det er tidligere antatt at
metallforurensinger og barium som er en
hovedkomponent i baritt er meget sterkt bundet i
partikler, og dermed lite biotilgjengelige, men dette er
ikke godt dokumentert. Baritt- og illmenittpartikler er
små, har lav synkehastighet, og spres derfor over store
avstander med vannmassene. Pga. de store mengdene som
slippes ut, og spredningsmønsteret, kan utlekking fra
partiklene få relativt stor betydning for miljøet hvis det
forekommer i tilstrekkelig grad. På denne bakgrunn tar
prosjektet for seg utlekking til vannsøylen fra boreutslipp,
spesielt utlekking av metaller (barium og andre metaller)
fra baritt og illmenitt.
Kjemisk sekvensiell ekstraksjon av deponert kaks og slam
fra felt, fersk kaks og slam fra plattform, ubrukt slam samt
baritt og ilmenitt partikler direkte vil bli gjennomført for å
se om det er forskjeller i utlekking og dermed mulig
biotilgjengelighet. Enkle eksperimentelle systemer for
målinger av metaller ved suspendering og utløsning vil bli
etablert. Effekter av suspendert og løst materiale vil bli
målt ved enkle marine giftighetstester.
7
Identification of ecologically
relevant toxic components in
effluents from offshore
activities (OffTiE)
Prosjektansvarlig:
Norsk institutt for vannforskning
Prosjektleder:
Tollefsen, Knut-Erik Forsker
Prosjektnr:
152452/720
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.7.2002-1.4.2003
2002: 100,000
The objective of the project is to identify ecologically
relevant group of toxic components in produced water by
a bioassay-directed fractionation and identification
procedure
Effluents from oil and gas production activities (produced
water) contain complex mixtures of organic and inorganic
components. However, since environmental monitoring
programs in the North Sea focus on a limited set of
chemicals who's toxicological properties are either well
documented or theoretically may be of concern, chemicals
with less characterised toxic activity may not be properly
addressed. This is of particular concern for chemicals that
act through mechanisms involving perturbations of
natural reproduction and development, and which may be
more sensitive than the toxicological endpoints utilised in
traditional chronic tests.The objective of the proposed
project is to a) identify ecologically relevant groups of
toxic components in produced water effluents by a
bioassay-directed fractionation and identification
procedure and b) assess the ecological risk these groups
of chemicals pose to the marine environment.
8
Biodegradiation of oil in the
seawater column with
emphasis on Arctic conditions
Prosjektansvarlig:
SINTEF Materialer og kjemi
Prosjektleder:
Brakstad, Odd Gunnar Forsker
Prosjektnr:
152460/720
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.8.2002-31.12.2002
2002: 588,000
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.8.2002-31.12.2002
2002: 200,000
Utvikling og etablering av eksperimentelle systemer for
laboratorie-baserte studier av oljens biodegraderbarhet i
den marine vannsøylen med vekt på simulering av
arktiske betingelser.
By extensive literature search gain more knowledge on
the toxicity and chemistry of the bioavailable polar
components of crude oils.
Delmål:
-Etablering av systemer for anriking av mikrobielle
populasjoner som degraderer olje i kaldt sjøvann
(psykrofile mikroorganismer)
-Etablering av et eksperimentelt to-fase system for
simultane studier av oljeforbindelsers utløsning til
vannfase og for bestemnielse av biodegraderingsprosesser
i vann-og oljefaser i kaldt sjøvann.
-Utvikling av et gjennomstrømmingssystem for
biodegradering under arktiske betingelser
-Sammenligning av oljeforbindelsers persistens i
tempererte og kalde sjøvannssystemer
Biodegradering av olje i den marine vannnsøyle er en
funksjon av prosesser som skjer i både vann- og oljefaser.
De fleste marine biodegraderingsstudier har blitt utført
enten i vannfaser eller i dispersjoner og ved moderate til
høye vanntemperaturer. I dette forprosjektet vil det bli
utviklet og etablert systemer for simultane studier av
viktige abiotiske (utløsning av oljekomponenter) og
biotiske prosesser som bestemmer oljens skjebne i den
marine vannsøyle. Systemer og prosedyrer vil bli etablert
for anriking av mikrober som er viktige ved
biodegradering av olje i arktiske miljøer (psykrofile
mikroorganismer). Et statisk system som allerede er
etablert ved SINTEF-gruppen sitt laboratoriet for
målinger av biodegradering i et tofase system (basert på
olje imobilisert til hydrofobe duker) vil bli tilpasset for
kaldtvannsystemer (&61603; 0^U C). Dette systemet vil
videre bli utviklet som et gjennomstrømmingssystem
for å kunne studere nedbrytingshastigheter og mekanismer under realistiske betingelser (simulerer
naturlige feltsituasjoner). De eksperimentelle systemer
vil bli benyttet for målinger av utløsning og
nedbryting av komponenter fra to oljer med ulike
egenskaper ved tempererte (13^U C) og kalde
(&61603; 0^U C) sjøvannsbetingelser.
9
Chemical composition and
toxicity of bioavailable polar
crude oil fractions - a literature
study
Prosjektansvarlig:
SINTEF Materialer og kjemi
Prosjektleder:
Melbye, Alf Glein Forsker
Prosjektnr:
152465/720
This project proposal is a revision of a the original project
proposal, and has been revised according to the actual
funding, and also with respect to the comments received
from the Research Council of Norway.
The project is limited to a literature stud y. The aim of
the study is to gain more knowledge on the toxicity and
chemistry of the bioavailable polar components of crude
oils, which is poorly understood. The results will be used
in later projects with focus on experimental work.
10 Long-term (chronic) effects of
produced water effluents
affecting reproduction in
marine crustacean plankton.
Introductory activities
Prosjektansvarlig:
Institutt for biologi,Norges teknisknaturvitenskapelige universitet
Prosjektleder:
Olsen, Anders J. Forsker
Prosjektnr:
152466/720
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.9.2002-31.12.2002
2002: 650,000
Principal objectives (covering introductory activities +
main project): ? establish novel insight into the
susceptibility of pelagic crustacean plankton for chronic
exposures to oil-related hydrocarbons, with special
emphasis on C.finmarchicus. Reveal secondary impacts
on other species or ecosystem structures induced by- or
related to biological effects on the plankton level.
? derive key input data to excising and future computerbased simulation tools ? general competence build-up
within the field of marine ecotoxicology. Sub-goals
(covering introductory activities only. Shortened, for
entire list see project description)
? establishment of co-operation routines NTNUNordlandsforsning ? a literature survey, contact with
researchers in Norway and abroad ? initial grazing tests
with C.finmarchius, selection of feed algae ? planning and
decision on equipment for Calanus rearing ? planning and
decision on equipment and methodology for exposure and
chemical addition ? establishment of a doctoral program
and announcement of the doctoral position
This introductory project is primarily aimed to initiate and
coordinate activities to be continued in the planned
follow-up (main) project. The main project primarily
covers laboratory-based testing and evaluation of
ecological significant chronic effects in marine
zooplankton of long-range exposure to low-concentrated
oil-related discharges. A number of issues are included in
the introductory project, structurally, scientifically and
methodologically.
Structurally items include establishment of co-operation
routines, assigning of different project tasks to the
involved institutions and agreement and planning on
student and doctoral supervision. Scientifically items
include a literature survey, test cultivation of candidate
feed algae, and initial grazing tests with C. finmarchicus.
Methodological issues may also be regarded as part of the
scientific issues, but is here treated separately. They
include planning/construction of rearing and exposure
equipment and chemical dosing technology. There is
currently an increasing concern that emissions from the
ongoing oil drilling activity on the Norwegian shelf shall
induce detrimental effects on marine ecosystems, and
reliable data from the project will therefore be beneficial
both to the oil industry, environmental protection
authorities and the fishing industry/seafood producers.
11 Hormone disruption and
possible DNA damage on fish
of alkylphenols in produced
water from offshore oil
installations
Prosjektansvarlig:
Havforskningsinstituttet,Senter for marint miljø
Prosjektleder:
Svardal, Asbjørn Forsker
Prosjektnr:
153692/720
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.1.2003-31.12.2005
2003: 2,175,000 2004: 2,810,000 2005: 2,570,000
Investigate the effects of alkylated phenols from produced
water from oil installations on sexual development and
possible DNA damage in fish and study the mechanisms
for these effects.
A. Reproduction effects of alkylphenols and extracts of
produced water on cod (Gadus morhua) 1. Development
of analytical methods (vitellogenin, gene expression of
FSH and LH) 2. Establishing protocol for extraction of
produced water 3. Exposure and sampling of fish 4.
Analysis of fish samples (steroids, aromatase,
gonadotropins, vitellogenin, membrane lipids) 5.
Spawning and sampling of eggs - determination of
biological parameters 6. Studies of second generation
effects - determination of biological parameters
B. Mechanistic studies of effects of alkylphenols on fish
cells in culture 1. Develop and verify assay for P450
aromatase 2. Develop method for determination of gene
expression of P450 aromatase 3. Develop and evaluate
Comet assay for analysis of single-stranded DNA breaks
4. Determine acute toxicity of C4-C7 alkylphenols on
RTG-2 cells 5. Determine hormone disrupting effects on
RTG-2 cells after exposure to C4-C7 alkylphenols
6.Determine DNA damage in RTG-2 cells after exposure
to C4-C7 alkylphenols
The project follows up a previous study on the effects of
alkylphenols on cod. Sexually mature cod will be exposed
through the feed to C4 -C7 alkylphenols and to extracts
from produced water. The doses include similar and down
to 1/100 of those used in the previous study. The exposed
fish will be allowed to spawn naturally in enclosures to
confirm the indications that alkylphenols postpone the
onset of spawning in females and get exact information
about important effects on reproduction.
Secondgeneration effects will be determined in terms of
malformations and hatching success of the offspring.
Complementary to the in vivo studies the project will use
in vitro systems to focus in more detail on steroid
metabolism and possible DNA damage of alkylphenols.
Rainbow trout gonadal cells are used as a convenient
model system, and the knowledge obtained from these
experiments will be transferred to the in vivo studies for
analysis of gene expression and activity of the key
enzyme P450 aromatase in brain and gonads of the
exposed fish. The brain-pituitary-gonadal axis will be
further investigated by analysis of gene expression of the
gonadotropins in the pituitary and steroids level in plasma
of the exposed fish.
12 Crude oil pollution measured
in discharged processed water
flows using optical
polarisation
Prosjektansvarlig:
Fysisk institutt,Universitetet i Bergen
Prosjektleder:
Hammer, Erling A. Professor
Prosjektnr:
153858/720
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.1.2003-31.12.2004
2003: 386,000 2004: 137,000
Today the amount of discharged oil from oil platforms to
the sea is measured by taking samples of the continuous
discharges once a day with following laboratory analysis.
Accidental discharges of oil between the samples can
therefore occur without being monitored. Thus, there is a
need for a robust instrument that can measure
continuously the pollution of the discharged water. In the
end of this project it should be possible to demonstrate a
laboratory prototype of an instrument that can measure
continuously the pollution in discharged water from oil
production facilities down to 5 ppm.
The optical polarisation plane is rotated if the medium is
obtically active. Optical activity is caused by asymmetry
of molecules that have a spiral shape. Different molecules
affect the optical rotation differently. Hydrocarbons, such
as crude oils, contain complex organic molecules that
contribute to rotation of the optical polarisasjon plane.
Thus, by detecting the rotation of the polaritation angle of
a polarised laser beam the concentration of crude in the
water can be found down to 5 ppm. The main objective of
the project is:
1. To map the specific polarisasjon plane rotation of
optical active components in processed water from
different oil/gas fields in order to evaluate the potential of
this technology used in this or other industrial
applications.
2. To develop a method for automatic detection of the
angle of the polarisation plane.
13 Validation of methods and data
for Environmental Risk
Assessment off-shore
Prosjektansvarlig:
Akvamiljø as
Prosjektleder:
Sanni, Steinar Direktør
Prosjektnr:
153882/720
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.1.2003-31.12.2005
2003: 2,330,000 2004: 2,330,000 2005: 2,330,000
Principal objective is to obtain more relevant and
consistent systems for risk predictions and impact
assessments that enable predictions of ecosystem health
which can be monitored in the field. Sub-goals are to:
- Establish links between Environmental Risk
Assessment (ERA) and Biological Effect Monitoring.
- Establish critical ‘no harmful response’ limit values
(acceptance criteria) for field biomarker signals.
- Validate ERA model data by relevant laboratory
experiments.
- Extend ERA model to include biological effect
parameters.
- Establish a basis for interpretation of biomarker
methods proposed for ERA related field monitoring.
- Disseminate validated results.
Environmental management of off-shore activities is
based on sound methods of risk assessment, recently
developed and in use by the industry, and being further
developed in a related project ("ERMS"). To verify the
reliability of the risk assessment, both input information
(laboratory tests) and model output, require field
validation. For extension to new areas with other
environmental conditions (deep-sea, shallow near-shore
and Arctic), and different discharge situations (produced
water, drilling, irregular spills) the risk parameters must
be validated for these particular conditions and situations.
A basis for validation using biological methods will be
established. Selection of methods with emphasis on
"biomarkers" to serve as tools in field monitoring will be
made. Relationships will be established between
biomarkers and conventional end-point parameters that
are used in current Environmental Risk Assessment
(ERA). Critical "no harmful response" limit values will be
established for the biomarker signals to serve as reference
(PNEC) in the risk assessment. Field validation will be
carried out to relate and verify exposure concentrations
and biomarker responses for different discharges and
areas. Linking biomarkers to the ERA creates a basis for
field measurements of predicted biological effects. This
"bridge" represents an important step forward in
monitoring potential impacts that can be evaluated in
relation to pre-assessed accepted criteria.
14 Pollutant exposure and effects
in fish related to the discharge
of produced water in the North
Sea oil industry
Prosjektansvarlig:
Rogalandsforskning
Prosjektleder:
Beyer, Jonny Seniorforsker
Prosjektnr:
153898/S40
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.1.2003-31.12.2005
2003: 1,945,500 2004: 1,954,000 2005: 697,000
1) To develop, use and field validate better tools for
detection of PW related alkylphenol, metal and genotoxic
exposure in marine fish based on analyses of fish bile
samples.
2) To study the connection between PW exposure and
relevant effect biomarkers in marine fish exposed to PW
components in the lab and in the field, with emphasis on:
- Biomarkers of genotoxic stress
- Endocrine, reproduction and development effects
- Effects on fish vitamin homeostasis
- Proteomics (protein recognition) pattern in fish plasma
The project addresses environmental issues related to
produced water (PW) discharges from offshore
installations. The question is whether fish populations in
the water column in regions of the North Sea are in a
condition of (sublethal) stress caused by a long-term, lowconcentration exposure to chemical constituents from the
PW discharges. Atlantic cod is used as study organism,
and a set of exposure and effect biomarkers is suggested
in the project in order to evaluate the fish condition. The
investigation is based on analyses of fish collected at the
Tampen area, a region of the North Sea much affected by
PW discharges. Studies in fish exposed to PW
components under laboratory control are also carried out
to describe the connection between exposure and effects.
The project also includes development, refinement and
validation of analytical tools for better detection of PW
exposure and effects in marine fish.
15 Algorithms for automatic
detection of oil spills in SAR
images - ADOS Prosjektansvarlig:
Institutt for informatikk,Universitetet i Oslo
Prosjektleder:
Solberg, Anne Helene Schistad
Førsteamanuensis
Prosjektnr:
154764/S40
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.1.2003-1.8.2006
2003: 610,000 2004: 585,000 2005: 604,000
Main objective: To fully exploit the potential for
automatic detection of oil spills using new, advanced
algorithms, and to demonstrate how well such a system
will perform in terms of accuracy on a large set of SAR
images both from the ERS satellite, ENVISAR and
RADARSAT.
Sub-goals:
1. To study SAR imaging of oil spills and similarly
looking oceanographic phenomena
2. To develop improved algorithms for dark spot
detection
3. To develop improved algorithms for dark spot feature
extraction
4. To develop improved algorithms for spot classification
5. To verify and demonstrate the algorithms on a large set
of images
The quantity of marine pollution arising from illegal oily
discharges from tank cleaning or bilge pumping is much
larger than that following spectacular accidents like that
of the Erika off the coast of the United Kingdom or the
Exxon Valdez in Alaska. Remote sensing imagery may
provide an effective tool for regular monitoring of large
ocean areas. Given suitable meteorological conditions
these oil spills can be seen from space using synthetic
aperture radar imagery. There is a potential for automatic
detection, either fully automatic systems or semiautomatic systems.
The ADOS project aims at improving the previous
attempts on automatic oil spill detection, and extending
the algorithms to work for. both ENVISAT ASAR images
and RADARSATimages, in addition to ERS SAR images
(which the algorithms were designed for).
16 Long-term effects of offshore
discharges on cold water
zooplankton: establishing a
test system for chronic
exposure
Prosjektansvarlig:
Akvaplan Niva AS
Prosjektleder:
Carroll, Jolynn Forskningskoordinator
Prosjektnr:
157649/S40
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.7.2003-1.3.2005
2003: 565,273 2004: 1,193,000 2005: 150,000
Objective: To study responses of Calanus spp. to longterm, sublethal exposure to selected offshore discharges
and discharge components, by use of a laboratory based
facility for culture through several generations.
Sub-goals:
• To establish a multi-generation experimental system for
studies of zooplankton responses to offshorerelated discharges, with emphasis on C. finnmarchicus.
• To assess the applicability of Calanus sp. as a test genus
for effects studies.
• To conduct preliminary experiments addressing life
history impacts to C. finnmarchicus from realistic
exposure to produced water discharges, drilling
discharges, and accidental oil spills.
The project addresses the program call for the
development of improved means to test long-term
biological effects on the water column for keystone
zooplankton species. The project will establish a
laboratory system of multi-generation cultures of the
copepod genus Calanus (with focus on C. finnmarchicus),
and use this to begin testing a series of hypotheses on the
response of Calanus to offshore discharges. The system
will be based primarily on the technology and know-how
of multi-generation culturing of this species that has been
developed previously at the University of Tromsø and
combined with the experience generated by the partners in
studying the behaviour and ecophysiological aspects of
zooplankton. This long-term test system with C.
finnmarchicus will provide a supporting instrument for
ecological risk assessment of offshore discharges, which
is highly relevant both to the North Sea, the mid Norway
shelf and the Barents Sea.
17 Establishment of the gill EROD
assay as a biomarker of oil and
produced water discharge
Prosjektansvarlig:
Norges Fiskerihøgskole
Prosjektleder:
Jørgensen, Even Seniorforsker
Prosjektnr:
157658/720
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.6.2003-31.12.2003
2003: 100,000
Main objective:
To establish the gill CYP1A bioassay as a biomarker of
oil and produced water discharges
Partial objectives:
- measure dose-dependent gill EROD responses to
produced water in cod
- investigate temporal characteristics of the gill EROD
response during long term exposure of cod to produced
water
- measure gill EROD activity in cod caged at various
distances from an oil platform
- investigate possible relationships between gill CYP1A
induction by produced water and hypo-osmoregulatory
ability and gill histopathology
Discharges and accidental spills from oil exploitation and
exploration call for operational tools for monitoring and
risk assessment purposes. A recently developed gill
CYP1A assay appears to be an accurate, sensitive and
straightforward way to measure the exposure of fish to
waterborne, dioxin-like pollutants. The method implies
that gill filament tips from fish is incubated in tissue
culture well plates added buffer and 7-etoxyresorufin,
after which the production of resorufin is measured
(EROD activity).
Recent experiments have shown that gills of a number of
freshwater and marine fish species, including cod (Gadus
morhua) respond with a 10-30 times gill CYPlA induction
to the AhR agonist &61538;-naphthoflavone, and to
sediments and water containing a cocktail of pollutants,
including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In the
present project, the gill CYP1A response of cod to
produced water and oil will be tested with the aim of
implementing this biomarker as a tool in future
monitoring and risk assessment.
18 Chemical Characterisation of
Polar Components in
Produced Water
Prosjektansvarlig:
SINTEF Materialer og kjemi
Prosjektleder:
Daling, Per S. Seniorforsker
Prosjektnr:
157673/S40
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.6.2003-31.12.2005
2003: 640,000 2004: 980,000 2005: 940,000
The principal objective of this project is to obtain a
thorough understanding of the chemical characteristics of
polar components present in produced water and crude
oil. The results from the project will form an essential
basis for evaluation of possible long-term effects of
produced water constituents in the marine environment.
Sub-goals
. Establish and adapt state-of-the art techniques for
extraction of produced water
. Establish and adapt state-of-the art techniques for
adequate fractionation of extracts from
produced water
. Detailed and group-type chemical characterisation of
polar fractions
The project is designed to achieve a thorough
understanding of the chemical characteristics of polar
components in produced water. It is based on a literature
review pre-project funded by the Research Council
through the PROFO program in 2002.
Present methodology for chemical analysis of organic
constituents of produced water focus mainly on
hydrocarbons (PAH) and to some extent phenols and
naphtenic acids. The water soluble fraction of crude oils
contain a substantial amount of unresolved complex
material (UCM) which is poorly understood and not
considered in regular analysis of produced water. The
UCM is known to include polar components, like
nitrogen-, sulphur- and oxygen-compounds (N,S,Ocompounds).
The project will isolate polar fractions from produced
water, or from laboratory prepared solutions
representative for produced water, and use various
analytical techniques to elucidate the chemical
composition of these fractions. From what is known from
preliminary investigations and literature, it is not
reasonable to expect a full qualitative and quantitative
characterisation on the single component level. However,
a good group-type chemical characterisation in addition to
determination of some selected single components is
obtainable.
Tailored extraction methods and state-of the art
fractionation techniques will be applied. Method
development will be done on laboratory prepared
solutions of water soluble fraction (WSF) from crude oil.
Standard mixtures of compounds proposed (in literature)
to appear in polar fractions/UCM of crude oil will be
prepared and used in method development and
verification. Finally, established extraction, fractionation
and analytical methods will be applied to investigate a
few selected produced waters from Norwegian oil
production facilities.
The project will be conducted in co-operation with Norsk
Hydro's research centre. Norsk Hydro has recently
performed research activities on related areas, and efforts
will be made to seek synergistic effects between this
project and Norsk Hydro's research, and also to avoid
possible duplication of work.
19 Weathering of marine oil spills
under Arctic conditions
Prosjektansvarlig:
Universitetssenteret på Svalbard AS
Prosjektleder:
Brandvik, Per Johan Førsteamanuensis
Prosjektnr:
157678/S40
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.4.2003-1.3.2007
2003: 1,404,000 2004: 1,800,000 2005: 1,505,000
The purpose of this project is to investigate the
weathering processes in marine oil spills under Arctic
conditions. The focus will be on the following processes:
weathering of the bulk oil phase (evaporation, w/oemulsification and dispersion), dissolution of watersoluble components, photo-oxidation and biodegradation
processes.
Increased knowledge regarding these processes is
important because they change the properties of an oil
spill and increase the dissolution of components into the
seawater. These processes may have a dual influence on
the availability of potentially toxic hydrocarbons in the
water column, by both increasing the bioavailability and
eradicating them by e.g. evaporation or ultimate
biodegradation which is complete biodegradation to
inorganic compounds(H20 and CO2).
The project will study the interactions between carefully
selected oils and an Arctic marine environment with focus
on important weathering processes (bulk oil properties,
generation of water soluble components, photolysis and
natural biodegradation) under real and simulated Arctic
conditions. To obtain these ambiguous goals, the
following topics will be studied as a function of oil type,
temperature and presence of ice:
- WP 1: Physical/chemical characteristics of oil spills in
cold water and ice.
- WP 2: Generation of water-soluble components from oil
spills. Amount, composition and kinetics of the
leaching process into the sea water.
- WP 3: Radiation and photo induced degradation of oils
under Arctic conditions and structural features of
major degradation products.
- WP 4: Natural biodegradation processes in oil spills
under Arctic conditions.
- WP 5: Verification of laboratory experiments with field
studies on Svalbard.
- WP 6: Reporting and dissemination of study results.
20 Long-term -chronic - effects of
produced water effluents
affecting reproduction in
marine crustacean plankton
Prosjektansvarlig:
Biologi, Institutt for,Norges teknisknaturvitenskapelige universitet
Prosjektleder:
Olsen, Anders J. Forsker
Prosjektnr:
157687/S40
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.4.2003-1.4.2005
2003: 912,700 2004: 998,266 2005: 150,000
Principal objectives (total project) -establish novel insight
into the susceptibility of pelagic crustacean plankton in
northern seas for chronic exposures to oil-related
hydrocarbons. Reveal secondary impacts on species or
ecosystem structures related to biological effects on the
plankton level -derive key input data to excisting and
future computer-based simulation tools -general
competence build-up within the field of marine
ecotoxicology
Main objective phase 1 -gain control with laboratory
cultivation of C.finmarchicus under conditions
comparable with future exposure regimes (shortened)
Sub-goals phase 1 -gain control with parameters
controlling growth, development and reproduction in
C.finmarchicus (shortened) -select and evaluate biological
quality indicators in laboratory cultures of C.finmarchicus
(shortened)
The overall theme for the project is development of
appropriate experimental tools to evaluate long-term
biological and ecological hazards of low-level produced
water components on marine zoo-plankton. Experiments
and data processing/deliveries will be tailored for
implementation in contemporary and future data
modelling tools for operationally and contingency
planning. Due to its unique ecological significance as a
main trophic link between micro alga and fish in the
North Sea and Norwegian Sea the copepod Calanus
finmarchicus has been selected as the main model
plankton representative, and the majority of experimental
work will be dedicated this species. Rearing and
(exposure) test systems are principally laboratory based
flow-through set-ups, allowing investigation of biological
effects on all developmental stages.
The present phase of the project (phase 1) is primarily
devoted establishment of laboratory cultures of
C.finmarchicus. Preferably multi-generation reproduction
should be achieved, and physical and biological
environmental variables will be strictly controlled in order
to gain control with parameters controlling growth,
development and reproduction. Health and function of the
cultures/individuals will be routinely monitored by
observation of specifically selected biological quality
indicators. Indicator parameters which may serve as effect
endpoints in future exposure studies will be preferred.
21 Experimental tests of
petroleum-associated
components on benthos at
community, individual, and
cellular levels - EXPAC Prosjektansvarlig:
Akvaplan Niva AS
Prosjektleder:
Carroll, Jolynn Forskningskoordinator
Prosjektnr:
159016/S40
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.1.2004-31.12.2006
2004: 1,587,000 2005: 1,654,000 2006: 1,350,000
Identify effects to benthos from routine releases of drill
cuttings and acute spills of petroleum-associated
chemicals in diverse regions of Norway.
1. To develop hypotheses on impacts to the benthos from
petroleum operations in higher latitudes.
2 .To identify benthic community responses to routine
discharges of drill cuttings and to evaluate effects on
benthic organisms (organism- and cellular-level) from
acute spills of petroleum-associated chemicals.
3. To propose improvements to the interpretation of
benthic monitoring data from diverse environmental
regions.
The project will examine benthic processes in arctic and
mid-latitude regions in order to derive specific
conclusions on the sensitivity of benthic organisms and
communities to acute spills of petroleum-related
chemicals and routine releases of drill cuttings. The
project will carry out a series of controlled experiments
on whole sediment communities and individual benthic
organisms with additions of drill cuttings and petroleumassociated contaminants, arriving at a set of hypotheses
on the likely impacts on the benthos of petroleum
production activities at higher latitudes. A series of
testable hypotheses will be formulated based on an
examination of real-world monitoring data sets collected
under Norway's Petroleum Regional Monitoring
Programme and results of mesocosm experiments
performed previously at the Norwegian Institute for
Water Research (NIVA) Station at Solbergstrand. These
data sets will be examined in order to identify the
geographic scope of responses to petroleum industrial
activities. Through this work, the project intends to
propose procedures to improve the interpretation of
benthic monitoring data for diverse environmental regions
in Norway. The project is linked to several on-going NFR
projects within the Polarklima programme. By involving a
Ph.D. student the project will advance the education and
training of young scientists in the field of biological
effects studies related to petroleum development and
exploration activities.
22 Integrating monitoring
methods for impacts of
offshore discharges to the
North Sea - IMONIT
Prosjektansvarlig:
Norsk institutt for vannforskning
Prosjektleder:
Tollefsen, Knut-Erik Forsker
Prosjektnr:
159113/S40
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.1.2004-1.3.2008
2004: 1,130,000 2005: 1,324,000 2006: 1,259,000
The principle objective is to develop and validate a suite
of bioassays as predictive (early warning) tools in
assessment of long term effects of offshore discharges.
Secondly, study spatial and temporal variation in effluent
toxicity and identify toxic components.
The objectives of the project will be achieved through
laboratory-based development and a field-based
validation of:
1. Robust, reliable, cost-effective and time-integrated
sampling methodology
2. A suite of micro-scale and in vitro bioassays for
assessment of the potential for sub-lethal long-term
effects
3. Bioassay-directed fractionation and chemical
identification procedure for resolving complex sample
matrixes and to identify toxic compounds.
One of the major obstacles for assessing the
environmental impact of produced water discharges to the
North Sea is to bridge the gap between the environmental
risk determined by chemical discharge data
(environmental impact models) and data from empirical
effect assessment (water column monitoring programme).
The gap in information from these conceptional different
approaches increase the need for developing methods that
link observed biological effects of offshore-related
discharge to the presence of offshore related chemicals in
the North Sea.
One way to achieve this is to develop a testing system that
combines the effect-integrative nature of micro-scale and
in vitro biological assays (bioassays) with the highresolution of chemical analyses for use as predictive
(early warning) tools for long-term effects. The methods
will be used to study field- and time-specific variation in
toxicity, causative chemicals and mixture toxicity in
complex produced water effluents. The objectives will be
accomplished on basis of the well functioning project
group, recruitment of a Ph. D. scholar, as well as use of
methods and results established in the NFR-funded pilot
project "OffTiE". The results from this project is
anticipated published and made available for evaluation
of existing environmental impact models and the water
column monitoring programme.
23 Effects of off-shore oil industry
related discharges in the
Arctic
Prosjektansvarlig:
Rogalandsforskning
Prosjektleder:
Larsen, Bodil Katrine Forsker
Prosjektnr:
159176/S40
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.1.2004-31.12.2006
2004: 975,000 2005: 975,000 2006: 850,000
The primary objective is to determine whether UV
irradiation enhances the toxicity of crude oil to the
development of early life stages of Atlantic Cod larvae
and Northern Shrimp larvae at lower temperatures (56°C). Two oil concentrations will be tested and UV
illumination will be applied. The importance of photomodification versus photosensitization in overall
phototoxicity
will be evaluated.
The secondary objective is to further evaluate the two
processes of toxicity by use of biological response
parameters in early-life stages as well as adults
organisms. Via synergy with other projects, we will
evaluate whether photo-toxicity of oil to sub-Arctic/Arctic
species represent a larger
ecological problem than for temperate species
Off-shore oil exploration and production industries are
moving towards sub-arctic and arctic regions. These
regions are characterized by specific ecological resources
and are generally regarded as environmentally sensitive
areas. Increased knowledge about the environmental
impact of these industries is therefore requested. An
important feature of the Arctic is the 6 months permanent
solar illumination and consequent high levels of UV
radiations, further enhanced by depletion of the ozone
layer. UV irradiation has been proven to enhance toxicity
of oil/PAH's in temperate species, yet, photo-toxicity is
often omitted in most of environmental studies. Phototoxicity is believed to have two different causes: Photomodification (activation of compound in water by UV)
and photo-sensitization (activation of compounds by UV
after accumulation). The project has designed the
experiment to evaluate the importance of the two
processes of photo-toxicity by using:
1. Effect/fitness parameters, studying mortality and
developmental impairments in larvae of Atlantic cod and
Northern shrimp.
2. Biological response parameters in cod and shrimp
larvae as well as in adult Polar cod and Arctic amphipod.
For this the project has chosen parameters of oxidative
stress and DNA damage, as these are believed to be the
primary causes of photo-toxicity.
24 Impacts of drilling mud
discharges on water column
organism and filter feeding
bivalves
Prosjektansvarlig:
Rogalandsforskning
Prosjektleder:
Westerlund, Stig Seniorforsker
Prosjektnr:
159183/S40
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.1.2004-31.12.2005
2004: 1,990,000 2005: 1,510,000
Primary objectives:
1.Study bioavailability of metals from suspended particles
in the drilling mud discharge
2. Study effects of water based drilling mud on water
column organisms (plantkton and fish) and filter feeding
bivalves
Secondary objective:
Integrate test results on bioaccumulation and effects in an
environmental risk based decision supporting framework
(e.g. Environmental Impact Factor).
The project will study the potential impact in the water
column of discharges from ongoing drilling operations.
The main focus will be on water column organisms, but
filter-feeding bivalves are included. Three plankton
species will be included; cod larvae, a model copepod
(Acartia tonsa) and mussel larvae, in addition to juvenile
cod (Gadus morhua). Tissue concentrations of metals in
M. edulis, Placopecten magellanicus and cod exposed to
used drilling mud with either barite or ilmenite as
weighting materials, and the weighting materials alone,
will be analysed and correlated to biomarker responses
(lysosomal stability, oxidative stress, genetic damage,
protein pattern, metallothionein, and gill histopathology)
and biological effect parameters in bivalves (tissue
growth and scope for growth). The planktonic species will
be exposed to used water based mud with barite and barite
alone. Ecologically relevant effect parameters will be
studied in early life stages of cod, mussels and copepods
(larval development and egg production of copepods,
development and filtration rate of mussel larvae, growth
and development of cod larvae). The results will be
integrated in an evironmental risk assessment model.
25 Naturlige radionuklider i det
marine miljø med vekt på
Nordsjøen - oppsummering
Prosjektansvarlig:
Norse Decom
Prosjektleder:
Varskog, Per Daglig leder
Prosjektnr:
160769/720
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.8.2003-1.10.2003
2003: 215,388
Fremskaffelse av eksisterende kunnskap om naturlige
radionuklider i det marine miljø, antropogene og naturlige
kilder, med vekt på Nordsjøen.
26 Radioactivity in produced
water from Norwegian oil and
gas installations concentrations, bioavailability
and doses to marine biota
Prosjektansvarlig:
Institutt for energiteknikk - Kjeller
Prosjektleder:
Eriksen, Dag Øistein Seksjonsleder
Prosjektnr:
163323/S40
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.12.2004-30.11.2007
2004: 200,000 2005: 1,000,000 2006: 1,000,000
2007: 800,000
Main objective: To establish radiological safe discharge
limits for Ra, Pb, and Po associated with other
components in produced water from oil and gas
installations.
Sub-objectives:
1a. Establishing natural background levels of the relevant
radionuclides in seawater, sediment and relevant
organisms.
b. Assess natural sources of Ra to seawater on the
Norwegian continental shelf.
2a. Determine levels and distribution of relevant
radionuclides in produced water.
b. Study mobility and sedimentation mechanisms of the
radionuclides given different discharge scenarios.
3. Study bioavailability and bioaccumulation of Ra, Pb,
and Po in biota and food chain with discharge scenarios as
2b.
4. Assess effects of ionizing radiation on marine
organisms.
5. Model the concentration of the radionuclides in
seawater and biota using the DREAM model. Include
adsorption and sedimentation.
6a. Risk assessment based on dose from radiation to biota
and man.
b. Recommendation of relevant PNEC values.
Large amount of produced water containing elevated
levels of radionuclides is discharged to the sea in
connection with oil and gas production on the Norwegian
Continental Shelf. So far no study has been performed to
assess the potential radiological effects on marine biota in
connection with radionuclide discharges to the North Sea.
The produced water contains elevated levels of 226Ra and
228Ra. It is normally assumed that when this water,
which is poor in sulphate, gets in contact with seawater
rich in sulphate, RaSO4 precipitates. The precipitated
salts can then attach to other organic or inorganic particles
and sequentially settle to the bottom close to the
installation. Data on the speciation of radium, and the
effect of major components in produced water on the
speciation of radium, is however sparse.
In today’s oil production, several chemicals are added, i.e.
scale and corrosion inhibitors, emulsion breakers and
surfactants, sulphide removers, etc. These chemicals are
usually organic compounds comprising functional groups,
which may also interact with cations such as Ra2+. Thus,
radium may exist in compounds more easily accessible
for uptake in biota than the inorganic aqueous or foodborne form. An understanding of how different
compounds in produced water affect the mobility,
bioavailability and sedimentation of radium is essential to
determine the fate and effects of radium discharges. For
evaluation purposes the behaviour of produced water
radium must be compared to radium already present in
seawater.
An assessment of existing data on natural radioactivity in
the North Sea has revealed a lack of data in this area. This
project aims at assessing this problem thorough an
interdisiplinary study comprising survey of background
levels, mobility studies of relevant radioactive isotopes,
bioavailability studied at controlled environments, studies
on effects on biota, modelling of the discharge, and
calculation of doses to biota and humans.
27 Effects on development, sex
differentiation and
reproduction of cod (Gadus
morhua) exposed to produced
water during early life stages
Prosjektansvarlig:
Havforskningsinstituttet
Prosjektleder:
Klungsøyr, Jarle Forsker
Prosjektnr:
163338/S40
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.3.2004-1.3.2007
2004: 3,021,000 2005: 947,000 2006: 1,989,000
To investigate the effects of produced water on cod from
early life stages to the next generation by following the
growth rate, frequency of malformations, sexual
development and spawning success. This main objective
can be subdivided into:
- Develop methods and describe criteria for identification
of inter-sexual conditions in cod during early life stages.
- Study the influence of produced water on the sexual
development of larvae, and find the time windows where
cod are most sensitive.
- Determine frequency of malformations in exposed
larvae compared to control.
- Identify long-term effects of exposure to produced water
in early life on the reproduction potential of fist-time
spawning cod, and study second generation effects in the
offspring.
The objective of the project is to obtain improved
knowledge about the effects of produced water from
offshore petroleum industry on the development and
reproduction of coastal cod. Long time exposure studies
will be carried out on eggs, larvae and juvenile cod in all
temporal windows where developmental processes are
most likely affected. The fish exposed continuously
during early life will be held in enclosures until it matures
and spawn for the first time 2 years after hatching, and the
reproduction success closely followed. The analyses span
from chemical analysis and molecular aspects (protein
and gene expression), through histological analyses and
oocyte counts to whole animal responses like sex
distribution, frequency of malformations and
measurements of spawning success. Effects on egg
quality; malformation and hatching success for secondgeneration cod will be monitored.
28 The use of passive sampling
devices in monitoring of
potential impact of offshore
discharges and accidental oil
spills (PASSIMPACT)
Prosjektansvarlig:
Norsk institutt for vannforskning
Prosjektleder:
Tollefsen, Knut-Erik Forsker
Prosjektnr:
164398/S40
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.1.2005-31.12.2007
2005: 1,000,000 2006: 1,000,000 2007: 1,000,000
The objective of the present project is to optimize and
validate a suite of passive sampling devices for chemical
(and biological) monitoring of organic chemicals (polar
and non-polar) from oil related discharges (regular
offshore discharges and accidental spills).The objective
will be achieved through the following sub-objectives:
1) Characterize the sampling kinetics of the passive
sampling devices POCIS, Emporedisk and SPMD for
classical pollutants and newly emerging polar components
of particular toxic concern, and compare the sampling
kinetics with that of a typical sentinel monitoring species
like blue mussels
2) Determine the effect of biofouling on the sampling
kinetics of POCIS, Emporedisks,
SPMD and blue mussels to determine the susceptibility to
variations in environmental conditions
3) Validate the use of a combined sampling strategy using
a suite of passive sampling devices (POCIS, SPMD, and
Emporedisks) and blue mussels in a field study and a
simulated spill situation
4) Concept validation by comparing results obtained in
field studies and those emerging from the DREAM model
for a selection of compounds studied above.
Currently, there is a need to combine chemical
characterization with toxicological screening of extracts
to address chemicals that are of environmental concern.
This applies in particular to potential use of passive
samplers as pre-concentrating devices for bioassayassisted fractionation and chemical identification
procedures which previously has shown that the acutely
toxic organic chemicals in produced water are mainly
found in fraction with log Kow< 3, whereas chemicals
with the potential for more long term effects are found in
fractions with a log Kow> 3. As a consequence, there is a
need to develop a combined passive sampling strategy
using time-integrative samplers that discriminate between
bio-available fractions and that are able to be used for
both chemical characterization and toxicity testing.
The present project is directly related to research needs
identified in the PROOF program background document
and application guidelines for 2005. This applies in
particular to the time-integrated measurement of PW
components in seawater, and a comparison with similar
data in iological tissues. The measurements of the
components will be combined with toxicological
screening of resulting extracts, thus linking chemical data
to effect/biomarker responses. The practical work will be
divided into four work packages (WPs): 1) laboratory
studies with a controlled exposure situation (i.e. with and
without bio-fouling); 2) controlled laboratory study of the
water accommodated fraction (WAF) of oil; 3) field study
at an oil field; 4) data and concept validation using the
DREAM models.
29 Identification of Estrogen-Like
Compounds in Produced
Water from Offshore Oil
Installations.
Prosjektansvarlig:
Havforskningsinstituttet
Prosjektleder:
Boitsov, Stepan Forsker
Prosjektnr:
164401/S40
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.1.2005-30.9.2005
2005: 400,000
Main goal: Determine the presence and identify clusters
of unidentified alkylphenol isomers and possibly other
compounds in produced water exhibiting toxic effect on
marine biota. Subgoals: - Synthesise mixtures of longchain alkylphenols to be used as standards for
identification. - Extract large volumes of produced
water and analyse chromatograms of produced water
extracts for alkylphenol presence. Resolve some of the
chromatogram peaks by means of mathematical analysis
to elucidate the maximum possible number of
unidentified alkylphenol isomers. - Identify parasubstituted long-chain alkylphenol isomers being present
in produced water which have not been identified before.
Make an attempt at identification of thiols
present in produced water.
This project focuses on identification of the yet
unidentified compounds, long-chain para-substituted
alkylphenols and possibly thiols, in produced water.
Chemical syntheses will be carried out to provide
alkylphenol standards unavailable commercially.
Statistical analysis will allow to separate the overlapping
chromatogram peaks and resolve the chromatograms.
30 Environmental effects of oil
and gas exploration on the
benthic fauna of the
Norwegian continental shelf:
an analysis using the OLF
database
Prosjektansvarlig:
Biologisk institutt,Universitetet i Oslo
Prosjektleder:
Gray, John Stuart Professor
Prosjektnr:
164406/S40
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.1.2005-3.12.2007
2005: 600,000 2006: 600,000 2007: 600,000
1. Can the OLF database be used to generate predictions
of effects of the industry in other areas of the world?
- by means of a comparison of tradtional and new
multivariate methods for making predictions of effects.
2.The development of field-based species-sensitivity
distributions (SSDs)
- For sets of species that show declines in abundance with
contaminant concentration, prepare EC50 values and then
derive SSDs for ca. 200 species.
3.Rationalizing and improving the monitoring programme
- test scenarios of reduced sampling effort on precision
and accuracy of monnitoring both chemical an biological
variables.
We will use traditional and new multivariate statistical
methods to analyse effects of using oil-based and non-olibased drilling fluids on the benthos of the Norwegian
continental shelf. These methods allow one to test
hypotheses of cause and effect and thus may move from a
descriptive to a predictive tool. In order to do such
analyses datasets will have to be selected which comply
with set criteria.
Most SSDs are based on laboratory data and often from
non-marine species. We have started development of
field-based SSDs which show the combined effects of a
variety of chemicals. plots for Ba, Cd, Cu and PAHs show
encouraging results and we will plot a wide variety of
SSDs for combined data and data split into sub-sets
varying sediment properties and depth.Such SSDs will be
of great benefit as management tools for minimising
effects on the marine environment
The present monitoring programme is probably not
efficient for the stated purposes. We will erect scenarios
and test whether a reduced sampling programme can give
similar accuracy and precision in monitoring effects of the
industry on the marine environment. A series of
simulations will be done on selected data chosen to
illustrate temporal and spatial changes. The results should
be of interest to both environmental authorities and oil
companies.
31 Long term effects on Arctic
ecosystem from accidental
discharges
Prosjektansvarlig:
Akvamiljø as
Prosjektleder:
Sanni, Steinar Direktør
Prosjektnr:
164407/S40
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.1.2005-31.12.2007
2005: 1,200,000 2006: 1,200,000 2007: 1,200,000
Prosjektets hovedmål og delmål
The principal objective is to investigate if there is
significant reason for concern about long
term effects on Arctic ecosystem from accidental
discharges. A pollution scenario which may
occur as a result of a large oil spill in open sea with
subsequent drift into the ice margin has
been selected for the studies. It is thought that drift into
the ice may cause oil to be trapped
and stored and re-released, exposing the fauna of the ice
margin repeatedly over a long time
period.
The goals of the project are to investigate the potential for
such effects through exposure of
the ice amphipod Gammarus wilkitzkii, an organism with
a key position in the ice margin
ecosystem. Effects on the reproduction cycle of G.
wilkitzkii with links to short/medium term
effects will be studied. The effects of repeated, sub-lethal
exposures of oil as well as dietary
uptake of oil components via plankton will also be
investigated.
The overall null hypothesis for the studies is that no long
term effects can be pointed out.
Off-shore oil exploration and production is moving
towards Arctic regions. A strict regulation according to a
precautionary principle has been invoked for the oil and
gas industry. There is a strong official requirement to
avoid long term environmental impacts or effects that
may be in conflict with the fisheries. The knowledge
about the environmental impact of such activities in these
regions has to be expanded. Since regular discharges will
practically be prohibited, the possible environmental spill
scenarios on the marine environment from the oil industry
are mainly focused on accidental spills. These may
include large as well as small repeated discharges related
to oil spill events in the course of production, processing
or transport and to subsequent re-releases of temporarily
stored oil, e.g. trapped in sea ice. At present it is difficult
to express the probability for the occurrence of such
events or its associated environmental risk, so a scenario
based approach is used to identify relevant research
targets. The selected scenario is related to oil drift into ice
margin, and the project work is focusing on potentially
long term effects on ice margin community of trapped oil.
This may occur as oil trapped underneath the sea ice or as
frozen within the sea ice. Potential long term effects are
determined by results of experiments. From the results it
will be attempted to express their influence on expected
restitution time. The data on uptake and effects will be
relevant for validation of hazard and risk estimates as well
as a support for environmentally related decision making
at accidents as well as industrial operations in Arctic
waters. The work will be divided into three work
packages, high-lighting different aspects of potential
effects on the ice amphipod Gammarus wilkitzkii. WP1:
Uptake and effects of water dissolved and food-bound
hydrocarbons. WP2: Effects on reproduction cycle and
population with links to short term/medium term effects.
WP3: Long term effects by repeated exposures of released
oil. The presence of UV-light will be included as an
experimental factor due to the combination of large
amounts of sunlight in the Arctic summer and its
influence on oil (PAH) toxicity. Two different doses of oil
will be tested in order to assess the difference in effects in
relation to oil load (exposure concentrations). The project
will be carried out in close co-operation with a doctorate
study related to UV effects on Arctic amphipods funded
by the German Research Council.
trapping, sediment de-stabilisation, bioturbation,
bioirrigation and sediment resuspension in order to
optimize the ERMS-model
32 Parameterisation of the
Environmental Impacts on
Bottom Fauna of Water-based
Drilling Fluids and Cuttings
33 Proteome Expression
Signatures (PES) in fish as a
diagnostic tool to evaluate the
environmental impacts of
offshore oil and gas
exploration
Prosjektansvarlig:
Norsk institutt for vannforskning
Prosjektleder:
Olsgard, Frode Forsker
Prosjektnr:
164410/S40
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.1.2005-31.12.2009
2006: 600,000 2007: 600,000 2008: 600,000
2009: 600,000
The principal objective :
Through existing field data study effects of WBM
discharges on bottom fauna structure and function.
Through literature studies investigate and quantify the
impact of benthic fauna on sedimentary processes in order
to better parameterise the Par Track Bottom Fauna
Module of the ERMS-model
subgoal:
Quantify relationships between WBM discharges and
faunal effects
Quantify relations between benthic local fauna
composition and sedimentary processes like sediment
Discharges of contaminated drill-cuttings have caused
appreciable ecological changes in the bottom fauna
around many Norwegian oil and gas platforms. Drillinginduced disturbances reduce the diversity and complexity
of pristine bottom fauna and restricts their functions. The
effects may be due to physical disturbance (sedimentation
and smothering), chemical toxicity or heavy organic
loading (and subsequent oxygen problems in the
sediments). In order to aid the prediction and evaluation
of harmful biological effects and the environmental risk
of using various chemicals in the Norwegian offshore
drilling activities, modelling has been introduced as an
important tool. The models have till now mainly been
applied for processes in the water column, but recently
transport of sediments and chemicals to the seabed has
been included in the modelling work. The seabed part of
the model has till now been based on physical/chemical
processes, without incorporating the impacts of the
bottom-dwellin.
We will also quantitatively describe biological effects of
drilling discharges on the bottom fauna. This project aims
to provide important information needed to better
evaluate and predict risk of effects of drill-cuttings
disposal and also predict the restitution time needed for a
new bottom-dwelling fauna to establish on seabed
receiving larger amounts of drilling discharges.
Prosjektansvarlig:
Rogalandsforskning
Prosjektleder:
Andersen, Odd Ketil Forskningsleder
Prosjektnr:
164413/S40
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.1.2005-31.12.2007
2005: 1,000,000 2006: 1,000,000 2007: 1,000,000
Principal objective and sub-goals
The principal objective of the study is to develop a
proteome based diagnostic system for cod in
Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) and
Environmental Monitoring of produced water.
The secondary objectives are:
- To identify PES in cod exposed to PW and it's
components in controlled exposure studies
- Identification of the structure of key diagnostic proteins
that express the effects of the different PW components to
develop suites of biomarkers
- To identify PES in caged and wild cod from offshore
water column monitoring and regional fish sampling
cruises
- Correlate proteome changes with functional disorder
where possible to provide a basis for including proteome
analysis within the ERA model.
Project summary:
Recent studies on fish examining the impact of produced
water released offshore have revealed an extremely
complex response to oil micro droplets and oil spiked
with relevant doses of poly-aromatic hydrocarbons
(PAHs) and alkylated phenols (AP). Protein expression
signatures (PES) obtained from exposed and control fish
show both up and down regulation of between 50-100
proteins, with the majority of responses observed being
sex dependent, even in juvenile fish. Produced water is an
unstable mix of many components which may be unique
for individual oil fields. Components in produced water,
PAHs, APs and a variety of polar organic compounds
(POCs), are over represented in comparison to
concentrations found in the oil. The POCs are the least
studied components of the produced water both with
respect to acute toxicity and long-term effects. In this
study we will seek to sample from cod exposure
experiments financed through the PROOF, especially
"Comparative oral and water based exposures of cod to
produced water components", and other programs.
Based on these findings individual proteins will be sought
to be identified for further development as biomarkers of
chronic exposure to low doses of oil, synthetic mixes of
PAHs, APs and POCs at concentrations similar to those
found in produced water. The proteome response in both
wild and caged cod from the North-sea will be compared
against results from the laboratory exposures with the aim
of identifying and validating diagnostically important
proteins. To perform the identification of diagnostically
important proteins a cooperation with national and
international research groups within the field of
proteomics will be established. If possible some genomic
analyses will be performed on the Cod as cooperation
with other research groups to increase the mechanistic
interpretation of the proteom responses.
34 Predicting chronic effects in
Fish from sublethal markers
Prosjektansvarlig:
Norsk institutt for vannforskning
Prosjektleder:
Hylland, Ketil Professor
Prosjektnr:
164419/S40
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.1.2005-31.12.2007
2005: 1,500,000 2006: 2,000,000 2007: 1,500,000
This main objective can be divided into the following
sub-goals:
-to establish tools to detect biochemical and physiological
changes in selected fish species
-to identify specific early markers that are predictive of
adverse effects of contaminants in fish
-to quantify adaptation processes that may invalidate the
methods currently in use in environmental monitoring
-to develop a toolbox of methods for environmental
assessment of offshore effluents
Hypotheses to be tested by the project are:
-will effects observed at early life stages accurately
predict later-life effects in the two model species Atlantic
cod and zebrafish?
-can adaptation be accounted for in an identification of
markers for later effects in the models?
-is it valid to compare responses in two fish species with
such different life history traits?
-to which extent does existing monitoring methods detect
effects that may lead to population-relevant impacts?
Offshore activities input large volumes of moderately
contaminated effluents into the North Sea. There is
uncertainty as to the biological effects of the effluents,
although there are signs that some biological systems are
affected. The current methods to assess effects in the
pelagic zone mainly depend on health assessments of fish
or mussels, i.e. biomarkers. The methods currently
available are not optimal for offshore-relevant
contaminants and there is limited knowledge of whether
responses change over time (adaptation). This project
aims to use state-of-the-art methods both to identify
effects at an early point in a deleterious process and to
identify changes in responses over time. The project will
use zebrafish as a model to identify early responses using
microarray technology. Results from the zebrafish studies
will be carried over to a one-year study in which Atlantic
cod will be exposed through water to selected offshore
effluent (produced water) components, i.e. alkylphenols
and PAHs. In addition to screening by microarray
analyses, fish will be analysed for a range of contaminantspecific, contaminant-related and health related endpoints
at regular intervals during long-term exposures. At the
end of the exposures of both fish, hatching success will be
determined. The project will produce new knowledge of
responses to long-term low level and intermittent
exposure to contaminants. It will further identify
endpoints that are suitable for monitoring and enable an
improved assessment of methods currently in use.
35 Effects of produced water to
Atlantic cod: Mechanistic
studies and biomarker
development with proteomics
based methods.
Prosjektansvarlig:
Molekylærbiologisk institutt,Universitetet i
Bergen
Prosjektleder:
Goksøyr, Anders Professor
Prosjektnr:
164423/S40
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.1.2005-31.12.2007
2005: 1,015,000 2006: 1,008,000 2007: 1,043,000
Prosjektleder:
Sanni, Steinar Direktør
Prosjektnr:
164427/S40
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.1.2005-31.12.2005
2005: 350,000
1. Screen already collected tissue materials from Atlantic
cod exposed for produced water for changes in protein
pattern by 2-D gels and identify changes in protein pattern
by MALDI-TOF and MS/MS.
The principal objective is to provide sample material of
cod that makes it possible to compare and assess oral and
water exposures. This is a highly relevant interpretation
aspect in all the on-going effect projects in PROOF. The
sampled material from this additional exposure will be
analysed and the results integrated in the respective
projects. These are 3 on-going PROOF projects where
comparison of chemical uptake and biological responses
in fish is a common sub-goal in all.
Based on this additional exposure, the sub-goals will be to
provide samples and supporting data on:
–a mixture of four selected dissolved alkyl phenols
compared to oral exposure administered in feed,
–artificial produced water based on crude oil dispersions
(incl. dispersions spiked with alkyl phenols and PAH
components),
–a real produced water sampled from an oil field
installation.
The data will be discussed in a common context which
will improve the interpretation basis considerably in all 3
projects.
2. Continue collaboration with IMR and
Akvamiljø/Rogaland Research to obtain material from
exposed cod, also including studies over more than one
generation.
3. Search for post translational modifications, like
phosphorylation, glutathionylation etc. Either by
antibodies, fluorescent probes or directly with mass
spectrometric methods.
4. Develop other proteomic methods for such studies
which may help to speed up identification of protein with
differential expression pattern, as with LC-MS/MS.
5. Make probes and synthetic peptides from de novo
sequences to produce antibodies to identified proteins.
6. Validate such antibodies on already obtained materials
in addition to use them on new lab and field studies.
Effects of contaminants on an organism start at the
molecular level, and are transferred to higher levels of
biological organization if the exposure is persistent and
toxicological repair is overwhelmed. Long-term effects of
produced water on the reproduction of Atlantic cod can
therefore be studied at the molecular level. This project
aims at utilising proteomic based techniques to study and
identify possible changes in protein expression due to
such exposure. We believe that this approach may detect
possible changes with an unbiased eye. We want to
further develop proteomics based technology, i.e. 2dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) combined with
different mass spectrometry techniques and database
search to identify mechanisms involved due to exposure
of Atlantic cod to produced water from oil and gas
production. An important aim is to develop new
biomarkers to be used in future biomonitoring
programmes. This will be applied to laboratory
experiments and field samplings. As one of the concerns
of these discharges are endocrine disruptive effects from
alkylated phenols, we will focus on changes in plasma,
but also study other organs like gonads and liver in
addition to whole larvae extracts.
36 Comparative oral and water
based exposures of cod to
produced water components.
Prosjektansvarlig:
Akvamiljø as
There are presently three on-going PROOF projects at
RF-Akvamiljø and Institute of Marine Research (IMR)
concerning effects of produced water components in cod.
The projects have different objectives, and they focus on
different aspects of effects in fish. Consequently, the
studies vary in the way the fish are exposed to
contaminants, as well as in the measurements of
contaminant uptake, responses in the fish, and effect
endpoints.
The projects have, however, a close thematic relationship,
and the information value of the results will be strongly
augmented by making it possible to compare the levels of
exposure and effects between them. The additional
experiment applied for will establish a basis to relate oral
(dietary) and waterborne uptake of produced water
components. This is an essential aspect that will improve
the basis for interpreting all the three "parent" projects,
and also to relate more precisely the results of other
studies to them. This will increase the usefulness of the
results for regulatory purposes, such as determination of
critical discharge limits, monitoring threshold levels, etc.
The on-going projects will contribute to the common
study within their existing budget frames. The data will be
issued in a common report and integrated in the separate
parent projects. In particular, the results will be used to
clarify and quantify differences in uptake and effect
responses to different modes of dietary and waterborne
exposure in cod. These aspects of the results will be
considered published in collaboration by the involved
participants.
37 The unresolved complex
mixture (UCM) of petrogenic
oils: Impacts in the seawater
column
Prosjektansvarlig:
SINTEF Materialer og kjemi - Trondheim
Prosjektleder:
Brakstad, Odd Gunnar Forsker
Prosjektnr:
164430/S40
Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges
forskningsråd:
1.1.2005-31.12.2005
2005: 1,000,000
The main objective of this project is to determine the
toxicities of the unresolved complex mixture (UCM) and
UCM-fractions of petrogenic oils with selected marine
bioassays. The objectives are separated as follows:
-Determination of bioassay-assisted toxicities of UCMrich fractions from in-reservoir biodegraded oils
-Determination of the contribution of essential UCMfractions in crude, evaporated and photo-transformed oils
with selected bioassays
It is intended that data from this project can be used to
include the UCM, or several UCM fractions, as
compound group(s) in the exposure models to assess the
environmental impacts of the UCM fractions in relation to
existing compound groups included in the models.
The unresolved complex mixtures (UCMs) of petrogenic
oils represent recalcitrant fractions of the oil after
discharges to the marine water column. UCMs may resist
both evaporative and biodegradation processes in the
water column, and photo-transformation processes may
result in toxic UCM-related compounds. Extensive parts
of the UCM consist of water-soluble polar compounds
which are bioavailable, and the UCM has been associated
with toxicity to marine organisms. This project will in
2005 focus on the effects of the UCM found in petrogenic
oils and the water-soluble fractions (WSFs) of the oils.
Bioassay-assisted fractionation procedures will be
initiated with a number of rapid screening bioassays to
compare the toxicities of different UCM-fractions
separated by established chemical techniques. Chemical
characterization of the most toxic fractions will be
performed mainly as a part of another NFR-sponsored
project (NFR project 157673). The sub-acute effects of
selected UCM-fractions on marine phytoplankton
photosystem II will also be examined. Relevant data may
be used in existing exposure models. Two in-reservoir
biodegraded oils (Heidrun Åre and Troll) will be used as
UCM-rich oils, while a paraffinic Statfjord oil (low
UCM) will be used as reference oil. The impacts of some
oil weathering processes (sea surface evaporation and
photo-transformation) will be used to increase the
contribution of the UCM in the oil WSFs. Toxicityrelated data will be available for exposure model tools
(Oscar, Dream), either for the whole UCM-fraction
representing one pseudo-oil compound group, or
separated in several toxic fractions partially characterized
by chemical analysis.