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Saccò M, Mammola S, Altermatt F, Alther R, Bolpagni R, Brancelj A, Brankovits D, Fišer C, Gerovasileiou V, Griebler C, Guareschi S, Hose GC, Korbel K, Lictevout E, Malard F, Martínez A, Niemiller ML, Robertson A, Tanalgo KC, Bichuette ME, Borko Š, Brad T, Campbell MA, Cardoso P, Celico F, Cooper SJB, Culver D, Di Lorenzo T, Galassi DMP, Guzik MT, Hartland A, Humphreys WF, Ferreira RL, Lunghi E, Nizzoli D, Perina G, Raghavan R, Richards Z, Reboleira ASPS, Rohde MM, Fernández DS, Schmidt SI, van der Heyde M, Weaver L, White NE, Zagmajster M, Hogg I, Ruhi A, Gagnon MM, Allentoft ME, Reinecke R. Groundwater is a hidden global keystone ecosystem. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2024; 30:e17066. [PMID: 38273563 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Groundwater is a vital ecosystem of the global water cycle, hosting unique biodiversity and providing essential services to societies. Despite being the largest unfrozen freshwater resource, in a period of depletion by extraction and pollution, groundwater environments have been repeatedly overlooked in global biodiversity conservation agendas. Disregarding the importance of groundwater as an ecosystem ignores its critical role in preserving surface biomes. To foster timely global conservation of groundwater, we propose elevating the concept of keystone species into the realm of ecosystems, claiming groundwater as a keystone ecosystem that influences the integrity of many dependent ecosystems. Our global analysis shows that over half of land surface areas (52.6%) has a medium-to-high interaction with groundwater, reaching up to 74.9% when deserts and high mountains are excluded. We postulate that the intrinsic transboundary features of groundwater are critical for shifting perspectives towards more holistic approaches in aquatic ecology and beyond. Furthermore, we propose eight key themes to develop a science-policy integrated groundwater conservation agenda. Given ecosystems above and below the ground intersect at many levels, considering groundwater as an essential component of planetary health is pivotal to reduce biodiversity loss and buffer against climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Saccò
- Subterranean Research and Groundwater Ecology (SuRGE) Group, Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Stefano Mammola
- Molecular Ecology Group (MEG), Water Research Institute (CNR-IRSA), National Research Council, Verbania Pallanza, Italy
- Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research (LIBRe), Finnish Museum of Natural History (LUOMUS), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Florian Altermatt
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Roman Alther
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Rossano Bolpagni
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Anton Brancelj
- Department of Organisms and Ecosystems Research, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department for Environmental Science, University of Nova Gorica, Nova Gorica, Slovenia
| | - David Brankovits
- Molecular Ecology Group (MEG), Water Research Institute (CNR-IRSA), National Research Council, Verbania Pallanza, Italy
| | - Cene Fišer
- SubBio Lab, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Biology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vasilis Gerovasileiou
- Faculty of Environment, Department of Environment, Ionian University, Zakynthos, Greece
- Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC), Thalassocosmos, Institute of Marine Biology, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Heraklion, Greece
| | - Christian Griebler
- Department of Functional & Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simone Guareschi
- Estación Biologica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Grant C Hose
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kathryn Korbel
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elisabeth Lictevout
- International Groundwater Resources Assessment Center (IGRAC), Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Florian Malard
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023 LEHNA, Univ Lyon, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Alejandro Martínez
- Molecular Ecology Group (MEG), Water Research Institute (CNR-IRSA), National Research Council, Verbania Pallanza, Italy
| | - Matthew L Niemiller
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, Alabama, USA
| | - Anne Robertson
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Roehampton University, London, UK
| | - Krizler C Tanalgo
- Ecology and Conservation Research Laboratory (Eco/Con Lab), Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, Cotabato, Philippines
| | - Maria Elina Bichuette
- Laboratory of Subterranean Studies (LES), Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Špela Borko
- SubBio Lab, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Biology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Traian Brad
- Emil Racovita Institute of Speleology, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Matthew A Campbell
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Pedro Cardoso
- Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research (LIBRe), Finnish Museum of Natural History (LUOMUS), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, and Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes & CHANGE - Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fulvio Celico
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Steven J B Cooper
- South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences and Environment Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - David Culver
- Department of Environmental Science, American University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Tiziana Di Lorenzo
- National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems of the National Research Council of Italy (IRET CNR), Florence, Italy
| | - Diana M P Galassi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences (MESVA), University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Michelle T Guzik
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Adam Hartland
- Lincoln Agritech Ltd, Ruakura, Kirikiriroa, Aotearoa, New Zealand
| | - William F Humphreys
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- Western Australian Museum, Welshpool, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Rodrigo Lopes Ferreira
- Centro de Estudos em Biologia Subterrânea, Departamento de Ecologia e Conservação, Instituto de Ciências Naturais, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Enrico Lunghi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences (MESVA), University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Daniele Nizzoli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giulia Perina
- Subterranean Research and Groundwater Ecology (SuRGE) Group, Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Rajeev Raghavan
- Department of Fisheries Resource Management, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi, India
| | - Zoe Richards
- Coral Conservation and Research Group, Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ana Sofia P S Reboleira
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, and Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes & CHANGE - Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Melissa M Rohde
- Rohde Environmental Consulting, LLC, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Graduate Program in Environmental Science, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | | | - Susanne I Schmidt
- Department of Lake Research, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Mieke van der Heyde
- Subterranean Research and Groundwater Ecology (SuRGE) Group, Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Louise Weaver
- Water & Environment Group, Institute of Environmental Science & Research Ltd., Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Nicole E White
- Subterranean Research and Groundwater Ecology (SuRGE) Group, Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Maja Zagmajster
- SubBio Lab, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Biology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ian Hogg
- School of Science, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
- Canadian High Arctic Research Station, Polar Knowledge Canada, Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, Canada
| | - Albert Ruhi
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy & Management, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Marthe M Gagnon
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Morten E Allentoft
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Lundbeck Foundation GeoGenetics Centre, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Robert Reinecke
- Institute of Geography, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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2
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Takahashi M, Saccò M, Kestel JH, Nester G, Campbell MA, van der Heyde M, Heydenrych MJ, Juszkiewicz DJ, Nevill P, Dawkins KL, Bessey C, Fernandes K, Miller H, Power M, Mousavi-Derazmahalleh M, Newton JP, White NE, Richards ZT, Allentoft ME. Aquatic environmental DNA: A review of the macro-organismal biomonitoring revolution. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 873:162322. [PMID: 36801404 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is the fastest growing biomonitoring tool fuelled by two key features: time efficiency and sensitivity. Technological advancements allow rapid biodiversity detection at both species and community levels with increasing accuracy. Concurrently, there has been a global demand to standardise eDNA methods, but this is only possible with an in-depth overview of the technological advancements and a discussion of the pros and cons of available methods. We therefore conducted a systematic literature review of 407 peer-reviewed papers on aquatic eDNA published between 2012 and 2021. We observed a gradual increase in the annual number of publications from four (2012) to 28 (2018), followed by a rapid growth to 124 publications in 2021. This was mirrored by a tremendous diversification of methods in all aspects of the eDNA workflow. For example, in 2012 only freezing was applied to preserve filter samples, whereas we recorded 12 different preservation methods in the 2021 literature. Despite an ongoing standardisation debate in the eDNA community, the field is seemingly moving fast in the opposite direction and we discuss the reasons and implications. Moreover, by compiling the largest PCR-primer database to date, we provide information on 522 and 141 published species-specific and metabarcoding primers targeting a wide range of aquatic organisms. This works as a user-friendly 'distillation' of primer information that was hitherto scattered across hundreds of papers, but the list also reflects which taxa are commonly studied with eDNA technology in aquatic environments such as fish and amphibians, and reveals that groups such as corals, plankton and algae are under-studied. Efforts to improve sampling and extraction methods, primer specificity and reference databases are crucial to capture these ecologically important taxa in future eDNA biomonitoring surveys. In a rapidly diversifying field, this review synthetises aquatic eDNA procedures and can guide eDNA users towards best practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miwa Takahashi
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Indian Oceans Marine Research Centre, Environomics Future Science Platform, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Mattia Saccò
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia.
| | - Joshua H Kestel
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Georgia Nester
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Matthew A Campbell
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Mieke van der Heyde
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Matthew J Heydenrych
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia; Jarman Laboratory, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Australia
| | - David J Juszkiewicz
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Paul Nevill
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Kathryn L Dawkins
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Cindy Bessey
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Indian Oceans Marine Research Centre, Oceans and Atmosphere, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kristen Fernandes
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Haylea Miller
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Indian Oceans Marine Research Centre, Environomics Future Science Platform, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Matthew Power
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Mahsa Mousavi-Derazmahalleh
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Joshua P Newton
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Nicole E White
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Zoe T Richards
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Morten E Allentoft
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia; Lundbeck Foundation GeoGenetics Centre, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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3
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Saccò M, Humphreys WF, Stevens N, Jones MR, Taukulis F, Thomas E, Blyth AJ. Subterranean carbon flows from source to stygofauna: a case study on the atyid shrimp Stygiocaris stylifera (Holthuis, 1960) from Barrow Island (WA). ISOTOPES IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH STUDIES 2022; 58:247-257. [PMID: 35511750 DOI: 10.1080/10256016.2022.2071873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater biota are crucial for the ecological functioning of subterranean ecosystems. However, while knowledge of the taxonomic diversity of groundwater invertebrates (stygofauna) is increasing, functional ecological information is still limited. Here, we investigate seldom empirically tested assumptions around stygofaunal trophic plasticity in coping with oligotrophic habitats. We focus on Barrow Island (Western Australia), an ideal natural laboratory due to the occurrence of natural oil seeps in association with aquifers. The trophic position and food source use of the endemic atyid shrimp Stygiocaris stylifera (Holthuis, 1960) were assessed via δ13C and δ15N stable isotope analysis (SIA). Background information on the environmental conditions was gathered through hydrochemical data and δ13C SIA combined with 14C data from dissolved inorganic/organic carbon and particulate organic carbon from groundwater samples. Our results indicate carbon enrichment in proximity to the natural oil seepage coupled with changes in trophic positions of S. stylifera from higher consumers/predators to biofilm grazers/decomposers. These results are consistent with an increased involvement of hydrocarbon seeps and associated microbial communities in the carbon flows and confirm potential for the trophic flexibility in stygofauna. Further investigations involving other trophic groups will help elucidate the functioning of the ecosystems at a community level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Saccò
- Subterranean Research and Groundwater Ecology (SuRGE) Group, Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - William F Humphreys
- Collections and Research Centre, Western Australian Museum, Welshpool, WA, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Alison J Blyth
- The Institute for Geoscience Research, School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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Saccò M, Guzik MT, van der Heyde M, Nevill P, Cooper SJB, Austin AD, Coates PJ, Allentoft ME, White NE. eDNA in subterranean ecosystems: Applications, technical aspects, and future prospects. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 820:153223. [PMID: 35063529 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring of biota is pivotal for the assessment and conservation of ecosystems. Environments worldwide are being continuously and increasingly exposed to multiple adverse impacts, and the accuracy and reliability of the biomonitoring tools that can be employed shape not only the present, but more importantly, the future of entire habitats. The analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding data provides a quick, affordable, and reliable molecular approach for biodiversity assessments. However, while extensively employed in aquatic and terrestrial surface environments, eDNA-based studies targeting subterranean ecosystems are still uncommon due to the lack of accessibility and the cryptic nature of these environments and their species. Recent advances in genetic and genomic analyses have established a promising framework for shedding new light on subterranean biodiversity and ecology. To address current knowledge and the future use of eDNA methods in groundwaters and caves, this review explores conceptual and technical aspects of the application and its potential in subterranean systems. We briefly introduce subterranean biota and describe the most used traditional sampling techniques. Next, eDNA characteristics, application, and limitations in the subsurface environment are outlined. Last, we provide suggestions on how to overcome caveats and delineate some of the research avenues that will likely shape this field in the near future. We advocate that eDNA analyses, when carefully conducted and ideally combined with conventional sampling techniques, will substantially increase understanding and enable crucial expansion of subterranean community characterisation. Given the importance of groundwater and cave ecosystems for nature and humans, eDNA can bring to the surface essential insights, such as study of ecosystem assemblages and rare species detection, which are critical for the preservation of life below, as well as above, the ground.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Saccò
- Subterranean Research and Groundwater Ecology (SuRGE) Group, Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth 6102, WA, Australia.
| | - Michelle T Guzik
- Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, SA, Australia
| | - Mieke van der Heyde
- Subterranean Research and Groundwater Ecology (SuRGE) Group, Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth 6102, WA, Australia
| | - Paul Nevill
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth 6102, WA, Australia; ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth 6102, WA, Australia
| | - Steven J B Cooper
- Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, SA, Australia; Evolutionary Biology Unit, South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide 5000, SA, Australia
| | - Andrew D Austin
- Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, SA, Australia
| | - Peterson J Coates
- Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 1 Challenger Drive, 1006, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Morten E Allentoft
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth 6102, WA, Australia; Lundbeck Foundation GeoGenetics Centre, GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 5-7, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nicole E White
- Subterranean Research and Groundwater Ecology (SuRGE) Group, Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth 6102, WA, Australia
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Saccò M, Campbell MA, Nevill P, Humphreys WF, Blyth AJ, Grierson PF, White NE. Getting to the Root of Organic Inputs in Groundwaters: Stygofaunal Plant Consumption in a Calcrete Aquifer. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.854591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Groundwater environments interact with and support subterranean biota as well as superficial aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. However, knowledge of subterranean energy flows remains incomplete. Cross-boundary investigations are needed to better understand the trophic structures of groundwater ecosystems and their reliance on carbon inputs from aboveground. In this study we used carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analyses combined with radiocarbon fingerprints to characterise organic flows in groundwater ecosystems. We coupled these data with DNA metabarcoding of the gut contents of stygofauna to further elucidate organic matter (OM) sources and shifts in diet preferences. Samples were collected from the arid zone Sturt Meadows calcrete aquifer under low rainfall (LR) and high rainfall (HR) conditions. Bayesian modelling of Δ14C, δ13C, and δ15N data indicated that primary consumers (copepods) incorporated mainly particulate organic carbon (POC) under LR but during HR shifted to root derived material (either exudates or direct root grazing). By contrast, diets of secondary consumers (amphipods) were dominated by root material under both LR and HR. Our DNA metabarcoding-based results indicate that amphipods relied primarily on root inputs from perennial trees (likely Eucalyptus and Callitris) during the dry season (LR). Under HR, diets of both amphipods and copepods also included organic material derived from a broad range of more shallow rooted shrubs, and ephemeral herbs and grasses. Our findings illustrate the complexity of functional linkages between groundwater biota and surface terrestrial ecosystems in environments where aboveground productivity, diversity and OM flux to groundwater are intimately linked to often episodic rainfall.
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Saccò M, White NE, Harrod C, Salazar G, Aguilar P, Cubillos CF, Meredith K, Baxter BK, Oren A, Anufriieva E, Shadrin N, Marambio-Alfaro Y, Bravo-Naranjo V, Allentoft ME. Salt to conserve: a review on the ecology and preservation of hypersaline ecosystems. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:2828-2850. [PMID: 34747117 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
When it comes to the investigation of key ecosystems in the world, we often omit salt from the ecological recipe. In fact, despite occupying almost half of the volume of inland waters and providing crucial services to humanity and nature, inland saline ecosystems are often overlooked in discussions regarding the preservation of global aquatic resources of our planet. As a result, our knowledge of the biological and geochemical dynamics shaping these environments remains incomplete and we are hesitant in framing effective protective strategies against the increasing natural and anthropogenic threats faced by such habitats. Hypersaline lakes, water bodies where the concentration of salt exceeds 35 g/l, occur mainly in arid and semiarid areas resulting from hydrological imbalances triggering the accumulation of salts over time. Often considered the 'exotic siblings' within the family of inland waters, these ecosystems host some of the most extremophile communities worldwide and provide essential habitats for waterbirds and many other organisms in already water-stressed regions. These systems are often highlighted as natural laboratories, ideal for addressing central ecological questions due to their relatively low complexity and simple food web structures. However, recent studies on the biogeochemical mechanisms framing hypersaline communities have challenged this archetype, arguing that newly discovered highly diverse communities are characterised by specific trophic interactions shaped by high levels of specialisation. The main goal of this review is to explore our current understanding of the ecological dynamics of hypersaline ecosystems by addressing four main research questions: (i) why are hypersaline lakes unique from a biological and geochemical perspective; (ii) which biota inhabit these ecosystems and how have they adapted to the high salt conditions; (iii) how do we protect biodiversity from increasing natural and anthropogenic threats; and (iv) which scientific tools will help us preserve hypersaline ecosystems in the future? First, we focus on the ecological characterisation of hypersaline ecosystems, illustrate hydrogeochemical dynamics regulating such environments, and outline key ecoregions supporting hypersaline systems across the globe. Second, we depict the diversity and functional aspects of key taxa found in hypersaline lakes, from microorganisms to plants, invertebrates, waterbirds and upper trophic levels. Next, we describe ecosystem services and discuss possible conservation guidelines. Finally, we outline how cutting-edge technologies can provide new insights into the study of hypersaline ecology. Overall, this review sheds further light onto these understudied ecosystems, largely unrecognised as important sources of unique biological and functional diversity. We provide perspectives for key future research avenues, and advocate that the conservation of hypersaline lakes should not be taken with 'a grain of salt'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Saccò
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Nicole E White
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Chris Harrod
- Instituto de Ciencias Naturales Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad de Antofagasta, Avenida Angamos 601, Antofagasta, Chile.,Núcleo Milenio INVASAL, Concepción, 3349001, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Salazar
- Instituto de Ciencias Naturales Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad de Antofagasta, Avenida Angamos 601, Antofagasta, Chile.,Núcleo Milenio INVASAL, Concepción, 3349001, Chile
| | - Pablo Aguilar
- Núcleo Milenio INVASAL, Concepción, 3349001, Chile.,Laboratorio de Complejidad Microbiana y Ecología Funcional, Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Avenida Angamos 601, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Carolina F Cubillos
- Laboratorio de Complejidad Microbiana y Ecología Funcional, Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Avenida Angamos 601, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Karina Meredith
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia
| | - Bonnie K Baxter
- Great Salt Lake Institute, Westminster College, Salt Lake City, UT, 84105, U.S.A
| | - Aharon Oren
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, The Institute of Life Sciences, the Edmond J. Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel
| | - Elena Anufriieva
- A.O. Kovalevsky Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas, Russian Academy of Sciences, 2 Nakhimov Avenue 2, Sevastopol, 299011, Russia
| | - Nickolai Shadrin
- A.O. Kovalevsky Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas, Russian Academy of Sciences, 2 Nakhimov Avenue 2, Sevastopol, 299011, Russia
| | - Yeri Marambio-Alfaro
- Instituto de Ciencias Naturales Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad de Antofagasta, Avenida Angamos 601, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Víctor Bravo-Naranjo
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Serena, Benavente 980, La Serena, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Morten E Allentoft
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia.,Lundbeck Foundation GeoGenetics Centre, GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 5-7, Copenhagen, Denmark
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7
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Jones KK, Humphreys WF, Saccò M, Bertozzi T, Austin AD, Cooper SJ. The critical thermal maximum of diving beetles (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae): a comparison of subterranean and surface-dwelling species. CURRENT RESEARCH IN INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 1:100019. [PMID: 36003597 PMCID: PMC9387432 DOI: 10.1016/j.cris.2021.100019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Thermal tolerance limits in animals are often thought to be related to temperature and thermal variation in their environment. Recently, there has been a focus on studying upper thermal limits due to the likelihood for climate change to expose more animals to higher temperatures and potentially extinction. Organisms living in underground environments experience reduced temperatures and thermal variation in comparison to species living in surface habitats, but how these impact their thermal tolerance limits are unclear. In this study, we compare the thermal critical maximum (CTmax) of two subterranean diving beetles (Dytiscidae) to that of three related surface-dwelling species. Our results show that subterranean species have a lower CTmax (38.3-39.0°C) than surface species (42.0-44.5°C). The CTmax of subterranean species is ∼10°C higher than the highest temperature recorded within the aquifer. Groundwater temperature varied between 18.4°C and 28.8°C, and changes with time, depth and distance across the aquifer. Seasonal temperature fluctuations were 0.5°C at a single point, with the maximum heating rate being ∼1000x lower (0.008°C/hour) than that recorded in surface habitats (7.98°C/hour). For surface species, CTmax was 7-10°C higher than the maximum temperature in their habitats, with daily fluctuations from ∼1°C to 16°C and extremes of 6.9°C and 34.9°C. These findings suggest that subterranean dytiscid beetles are unlikely to reach their CTmax with a predicted warming of 1.3-5.1°C in the region by 2090. However, the impacts of long-term elevated temperatures on fitness, different life stages and other species in the beetle's trophic food web are unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl K. Jones
- Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
- Evolutionary Genomics, South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - William F. Humphreys
- Western Australian Museum, Locked Bag 40, Welshpool DC, WA 6986, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Mattia Saccò
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Terry Bertozzi
- Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
- Evolutionary Genomics, South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Andy D. Austin
- Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Steven J.B. Cooper
- Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
- Evolutionary Genomics, South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
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8
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Saccò M, Blyth AJ, Humphreys WF, Cooper SJB, White NE, Campbell M, Mousavi-Derazmahalleh M, Hua Q, Mazumder D, Smith C, Griebler C, Grice K. Rainfall as a trigger of ecological cascade effects in an Australian groundwater ecosystem. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3694. [PMID: 33580159 PMCID: PMC7881013 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83286-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Groundwaters host vital resources playing a key role in the near future. Subterranean fauna and microbes are crucial in regulating organic cycles in environments characterized by low energy and scarce carbon availability. However, our knowledge about the functioning of groundwater ecosystems is limited, despite being increasingly exposed to anthropic impacts and climate change-related processes. In this work we apply novel biochemical and genetic techniques to investigate the ecological dynamics of an Australian calcrete under two contrasting rainfall periods (LR—low rainfall and HR—high rainfall). Our results indicate that the microbial gut community of copepods and amphipods experienced a shift in taxonomic diversity and predicted organic functional metabolic pathways during HR. The HR regime triggered a cascade effect driven by microbes (OM processors) and exploited by copepods and amphipods (primary and secondary consumers), which was finally transferred to the aquatic beetles (top predators). Our findings highlight that rainfall triggers ecological shifts towards more deterministic dynamics, revealing a complex web of interactions in seemingly simple environmental settings. Here we show how a combined isotopic-molecular approach can untangle the mechanisms shaping a calcrete community. This design will help manage and preserve one of the most vital but underrated ecosystems worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Saccò
- WA-Organic Isotope Geochemistry Centre, The Institute for Geoscience Research, School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia. .,Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia.
| | - Alison J Blyth
- WA-Organic Isotope Geochemistry Centre, The Institute for Geoscience Research, School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia.,School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - William F Humphreys
- Collections and Research Centre, Western Australian Museum, Welshpool, WA, 6986, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Steven J B Cooper
- Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.,Evolutionary Biology Unit, South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Nicole E White
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Matthew Campbell
- WA-Organic Isotope Geochemistry Centre, The Institute for Geoscience Research, School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Mahsa Mousavi-Derazmahalleh
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Quan Hua
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia
| | - Debashish Mazumder
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia
| | - Colin Smith
- Department of Archaeology and History, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia.,Laboratorio de Evolución Humana, Departamento de Historia, Geografía y Comunicación, Universidad de Burgos, 09001, Burgos, Spain
| | - Christian Griebler
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kliti Grice
- WA-Organic Isotope Geochemistry Centre, The Institute for Geoscience Research, School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia
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