Short-term effects of oil pollution on species numbers and productivity of a simple terrestrial ecosystem

https://doi.org/10.1016/0143-1471(81)90039-8Get rights and content

Abstract

The effect of an experimental minor oil spill on the number of plant species and productivity of a tropical grass-herb community was assessed. The spillage had a devastating effect on the simple ecosystem and especially on the component herbaceous species such as Aspilia africana, Eupatorium odoratum and Emilia spp. At least 50% of the species in the affected habitats became extinxt immediately following the spill. Perennial species generally were less affected. Productivity was reduced by as much as 74%. The total production for a period of 6 months at the polluted sites was 128 g m−2 as against 495 g m−2 for the unaffected sites. The intensity of the effects tended to be inversely related to the structural complexity of the community. The ecological implications of these effects are discussed.

References (6)

  • J.M. Baker

    Seasonal effects of oil pollution on salt marsh vegetation

    Oikos

    (1971)
  • J. Belsky

    An oil spill in an alpine habitat

    Northwest Sci.

    (1975)
  • C.J. Burk

    A four year analysis of vegetation following an oil spill in a freshwater marsh

    J. appl. Ecol.

    (1977)
There are more references available in the full text version of this article.

Cited by (0)

View full text