Spatial Scale of Ecological Effects Associated with an Open Coast Discharge of Produced Water

The biological effects of produced water are poorly understood (Neff, 1987). Not only are laboratory studies of toxicity impeded because of the complex and variable chemical composition of produced water (Middleditch, 1984; Higashi et al., 1992), but field assessments are complicated by other types of production activities that confound effects of produced water (Carney, 1987; Spies, 1987). For example, most field studies of biological effects of “produced water” have compared biological samples collected at various distances from produced water outfalls associated with production platforms. Spatial patterns that are detected in such studies are difficult to interpret, because biological responses can result not only from effects of produced water, but also from discharges of other substances from the platform, or from physical effects of the platform itself. Field studies that examine effects of only produced water discharge are relatively uncommon.

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