Effect of eight outer continental shelf drilling muds on the calcification rate and free amino acid pool of the coral Acropora cervicornis

The relative toxicity of eight Outer Continental Shelf drilling muds slated for marine disposal to the coral acropora cervicornis after a 48 hour recovery period was explored. Recovery capacity was investigated by monitoring protein composition, calcification rates, and the free amino acid pool (FAA). At the 25 ppm exposure level, none of the muds produced observable zooxanthellae loss; however, substantial protein loss occurred in some exposed corals. Only three muds caused significant changes in the relative composition of the FAA pool. ( 18 references, 4 tables, )