BIOCHEMICAL AND CHEMICAL PARAMETERS FOR AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM HEALTH ASSESSMENTS ADAPTED TO THE AUSTRALIAN OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY

Abstract

Field assessments using biochemical and chemical markers in marine organisms will be necessary to provide the Australian Petroleum Industry with a realistic evaluation of the impact of their activities on the marine environment. In field investigations, wild or caged animals are sacrificed and their organs are collected in order to assess if industrial activities do have a significant adverse impact on the organisms' health. Biochemical markers of chronic exposure to contamination may include reversible effects such as induction of a detoxification system, or permanent effects such as damage to nuclear DN A. Studies of sentinel species using biochemical markers of exposure, complemented by chemical analyses provide a realistic holistic method for assessment of environmental health. This multidisciplinary approach has proven valuable in Europe and North America.

This paper outlines the need for biochemical and chemical markers to assess environmental health in a dynamic milieu such as the North West Shelf of Australia. Selected biochemical markers for use by the oil and gas industry in field monitoring of ecological health, and the complementary chemical measurements focussed on persistent contaminants such as poly eye lie aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), are described. The biological and ecotoxicological significance of the biochemical markers applied in sentinel marine organisms is reviewed, and some limitations regarding their interpretation are stated. It is suggested that biochemical monitoring of the environment complemented with sophisticated chemical measurements can provide environmental managers working within the oil and gas industry with a system for ecotoxicological monitoring programs in offshore Australia.