Effects of photoproducts generated from irradiated Australian crude oil to the yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi) and black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri) on hatching success and cardiac development

Photoproducts were generated by irradiating a high energy water accommodated fraction (HEWAF) of Australian crude oil. After a 1 g/L HEWAF was prepared, the solution was diluted to 10% using seawater. The 10% solution was placed in a clear, glass Pyrex baking dish and covered with either aluminum foil (to block UV radiation, referred to as the non-irradiated WAF) or UV transparent plastic (to allow for UV radiation, referred to as the irradiated WAF). The covered dishes were placed under ambient sunlight for 3-5h. After the UV exposure, the dishes were cooled to 25°C and diluted to 0, 0.1, 1, and 10%. Yellowtail amberjack (Seriola lalandi) embryos were exposed to irradiated and non-irradiated WAFs for 48 h in the laboratory (no UV light, 14:10 light dark cycle, 25°C). At 48h, hatch rate was quantified, and five larvae per treatment replicate were randomly selected and heart rate was quantified. Images of the five larvae were taken using a Leica M205C stereoscope and pericardial edema and spinal curvatures were quantified using ImageJ (v1.49). Black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri) embryos were exposed to the irradiated and non-irradiated WAF dilutions for 48 h. After 48 h, hatching success was quantified in the hatch larvae.