The effects of refinery effluent on the invertebrate intertidal fauna and flora of Little Wick Bay, Milford Haven

Abstract

The effects of continuous low level oil pollution from a refinery effluent, on intertidal fauna and flora in Little Wick Bay are investigated. A shore survey of the intertidal species on six transects at varying distances from the effluent discharge point, is carried out and the results compared with past surveys of the same transects. Any differences or similarities in the findings are related to the environmental agencies in operation since the first survey. A detailed investigation of the size classes and abundance of the Limpet Patella vulgata at each of the six transects and a quantitative analysis of Petroleum Oil Pollutants in P. vulgata by Infra red Spectrophotometry is carried out in an attempt to relate findings to the effluent discharge.