Improving the precision of ecotoxicity testing protocols for crude oils and drilling fluids

Summary

Because most North West Shelf crude oils are volatile, the internationally accepted toxicity test protocols do not necessarily serve for regulatory application there.

This project addressed the deficiencies of these test protocols and of tests for biodegradability of drilling muds.

Improved test protocols, sediment reworker toxicity tests and a biodegradation test for drilling muds under tropical conditions were the outcomes of this project.

Keywords: ecotoxicity, biodegradation, drilling fluid, North West Shelf crude, regulatory