This drawing shows a laboratory system designed to mimic the real environmental conditions that organisms might experience if they were exposed to dispersed oil. A pulse of oil and dispersant is added to the flow-through tank, and then test organisms are observed for a set period of time, such as 24 or 48 hours. Changes which may denote toxic impacts are noted. These could include cessation of feeding, inability to swim or move, sluggishness, or other conditions.
 

 

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