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Concostrina-Zubiri L, Prieto M, Hurtado P, Escudero A, Martínez I. Functional diversity regulates the effects of habitat degradation on biocrust phylogenetic and taxonomic diversities. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 32:e2599. [PMID: 35343001 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Biocrusts are major contributors to dryland diversity, functioning, and services. However, little is known about how habitat degradation will impact multiple facets of biocrust diversity and measurable functional traits. We evaluated changes in taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity of biocrust-forming lichens along a habitat degradation gradient related to the presence of linear infrastructure (i.e., a road) and a profound agricultural driven transformation. To do so, we selected 50 remnants of a Mediterranean shrubland. We considered several surrogates of habitat quality and causal disturbance on the various diversity facets of biocrusts by using structural equation modeling, hypothesizing that habitat degradation primarily affects functional diversity, which in turn regulates changes in taxonomic and phylogenetic diversities, and also that taxonomic and phylogenetic diversities are coupled. Fragment connectivity, distance to linear infrastructure (i.e., a road) and, particularly, soil fertility (i.e., soil P concentration), had mostly negative effects on biocrust functional diversity, which in turn affected both taxonomic and phylogenetic diversities. However, we found no direct effects of habitat degradation variables on the taxonomic and phylogenetic diversities. We also found that increases in phylogenetic diversity had a positive effect on taxonomic diversity along the habitat degradation gradient. Our results indicate that functional diversity of biocrusts is strongly affected by habitat degradation, which may profoundly alter their contribution to ecosystem functioning and services. Furthermore, functional diversity regulates the response of biocrust taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity to habitat degradation. These findings indicate that habitat degradation alters and simplifies the diversity of functional traits of biocrust-forming lichens, leading to biodiversity loss, with important consequences for the conservation of global drylands biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - María Prieto
- Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Hurtado
- Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Biología (Botánica), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adrián Escudero
- Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Martínez
- Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
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2
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Morillas L, Roales J, Cruz C, Munzi S. Non-Toxic Increases in Nitrogen Availability Can Improve the Ability of the Soil Lichen Cladonia rangiferina to Cope with Environmental Changes. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8040333. [PMID: 35448564 PMCID: PMC9025437 DOI: 10.3390/jof8040333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change and atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition on drylands are greatly threatening these especially vulnerable areas. Soil biocrust-forming lichens in drylands can provide early indicators of these disturbances and play a pivotal role, as they contribute to key ecosystem services. In this study, we explored the effects of different long-term water availability regimes simulating climate changes and their interaction with N addition on the physiological response of the soil lichen Cladonia rangiferina. Three sets of this lichen were subjected to control, reduced watering, and reduced watering and N addition (40 kg NH4NO3 ha−1 year−1) treatments for 16 months. Finally, all samples were subjected to daily hydration cycles with N-enriched water at two levels (40 and 80 kg NH4NO3 ha−1 year−1) for 23 days. We found that reduced watering significantly decreased the vitality of this lichen, whereas N addition unexpectedly helped lichens subjected to reduced watering to cope with stress produced by high temperatures. We also found that long-term exposure to N addition contributed to the acclimation to higher N availability. Overall, our data suggest that the interactions between reduced watering and increased N supply and temperature have an important potential to reduce the physiological performance of this soil lichen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes Morillas
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, Bloco C2, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.R.); (C.C.); (S.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Javier Roales
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, Bloco C2, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.R.); (C.C.); (S.M.)
- Departamento de Sistemas Físicos, Químicos y Naturales, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Ctra. Utrera Km 1, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Cristina Cruz
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, Bloco C2, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.R.); (C.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Silvana Munzi
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, Bloco C2, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.R.); (C.C.); (S.M.)
- Centro Interuniversitário de História das Ciências e da Tecnologia Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
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Ansaldo D, Vergara PM, Carvajal MA, Alaniz AJ, Fierro A, Quiroz M, Moreira-Arce D, Pizarro J. Tree decay modulates the functional response of lichen communities in Patagonian temperate forests. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 771:145360. [PMID: 33548723 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Epiphytic and epixylic lichens respond negatively to forest degradation, climate change and pollution, but those effects may depend on functional traits or interact with the stage of tree decay. Disentangling the main drivers of lichen communities remains a challenge in regions where lichens are diverse and poorly known, as the case of Patagonian temperate forests. We used a multi-scale approach to evaluate the relationship between environmental variables, tree decay stage and lichens. We sampled lichens across three increasing scales (tree ≪ site ≪ landscape) by selecting 19 landscape units, where trees in four decay stages (snags, logs, cavity trees and healthy trees) were selected within sampling plots. A total of 35 predictors were measured over different scales, including 25 remote sensing indices of forest conditions, climate and air pollutants. Structural Equation Models were used to test the causal linkages of predictors with lichens, distinguishing functional categories (size, growth and reproductive strategy). A total of 69 lichen species were recorded. Cavity trees and logs supported the largest diversity, while snags and healthy trees had the lowest diversity. Functional lichen groups responded differently to fine-scale variables, including the diameter, height, density and pH of trees. Air pollutants affected species with sexual and mixed strategies. Lichens were sensitive to precipitation, temperature and wind speed, with foliose and sexual species responding positively to the latter. The abundance of all species and macrolichens increased with tree senescence and decreased with canopy continuity. Lichens occupying snags and logs responded negatively to primary productivity and tree senescence, but positively to soil organic matter. Our findings suggest: i) the functional structure of lichen communities varies non-linearly with the wood decay process; ii) the reproductive strategy influences the sensitivity to air pollutants, iii) climate variables influence dispersal and colonization of woody substrates; and iv) forest structure/succession interacts with tree decay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Ansaldo
- Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Facultad Tecnológica, Departamento de Gestión Agraria, Chile
| | - Pablo M Vergara
- Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Facultad Tecnológica, Departamento de Gestión Agraria, Chile.
| | - Mario A Carvajal
- Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Facultad Tecnológica, Departamento de Gestión Agraria, Chile
| | - Alberto J Alaniz
- Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Facultad de Ingeniería, Departamento de Ingeniería Geográfica, Chile
| | - Andrés Fierro
- Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Facultad Tecnológica, Departamento de Gestión Agraria, Chile
| | - Madelaine Quiroz
- Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Facultad Tecnológica, Departamento de Gestión Agraria, Chile
| | - Darío Moreira-Arce
- Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Facultad Tecnológica, Departamento de Gestión Agraria, Chile
| | - Jaime Pizarro
- Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Facultad de Ingeniería, Departamento de Ingeniería Geográfica, Chile
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Benvenutto‐Vargas VP, Ochoa‐Hueso R. Effects of nitrogen deposition on the spatial pattern of biocrusts and soil microbial activity in a semi‐arid Mediterranean shrubland. Funct Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Raúl Ochoa‐Hueso
- Department of Ecology Universidad Autónoma de Madrid Madrid Spain
- Department of Biology IVAGROUniversity of CádizCampus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario (ceiA3) Puerto Real Cádiz Spain
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5
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Gutiérrez-Larruga B, Estébanez-Pérez B, Ochoa-Hueso R. Effects of Nitrogen Deposition on the Abundance and Metabolism of Lichens: A Meta-analysis. Ecosystems 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10021-019-00431-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Hui R, Zhao R, Song G, Li Y, Zhao Y, Wang Y. Effects of enhanced ultraviolet-B radiation, water deficit, and their combination on UV-absorbing compounds and osmotic adjustment substances in two different moss species. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:14953-14963. [PMID: 29549614 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-1689-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A simulation experiment was conducted to explore the influence of enhanced ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation, water deficit, and their combination on UV-absorbing compounds and osmotic adjustment substances of mosses Bryum argenteum and Didymodon vinealis isolated from biological soil crusts (BSCs) growing in a revegetated area of the Tengger Desert, China. Four levels of UV-B radiation and two gradients of water regime were employed. Compared with their controls, amounts of total flavonoids, chlorophyll, carotenoids, soluble sugars, and soluble proteins significantly decreased (p < 0.05), but proline content significantly increased (p < 0.05), when exposed to either enhanced UV-B or water deficit. The negative effects of enhanced UV-B were alleviated when water deficit was applied. There were increases in UV-absorbing compounds and osmotic adjustment substances when exposed to a combination of enhanced UV-B and water deficit compared with single stresses, except for the proline content in D. vinealis. In addition, our results also indicated interspecific differences in response to enhanced UV-B, water deficit, and their combination. Compared with B. argenteum, D. vinealis was more resistant to enhanced UV-B and water deficit singly and in combination. These results suggest that the damage of enhanced UV-B on both species might be alleviated by water deficit. This alleviation is important for understanding the response of BSCs to UV-B radiation in future global climate change. This also provides novel insights into assessment damages of UV-B to BSC stability in arid and semiarid regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Hui
- Shapotou Desert Research and Experiment Station, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donggang West Road 320, 730000, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ruiming Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Tianshui South Road 222, 730000, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Guang Song
- Shapotou Desert Research and Experiment Station, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donggang West Road 320, 730000, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yixuan Li
- College of Agronomy, Shenyang Agricultural University, Dongling Road 120, 10866, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Shapotou Desert Research and Experiment Station, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donggang West Road 320, 730000, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanli Wang
- Shapotou Desert Research and Experiment Station, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donggang West Road 320, 730000, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
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7
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Ochoa-Hueso R, Mondragon-Cortés T, Concostrina-Zubiri L, Serrano-Grijalva L, Estébanez B. Nitrogen deposition reduces the cover of biocrust-forming lichens and soil pigment content in a semiarid Mediterranean shrubland. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:26172-26184. [PMID: 29103122 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0482-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Biocrusts are key drivers of the structure and functioning of drylands and are very sensitive to disturbance, including atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition. We studied the impacts of simulated N deposition on biocrust community composition and soil photosynthetic and photoprotective pigment content after five years of N application in a European semiarid Mediterranean shrubland. The experiment consisted in six experimental blocks with four plots, each receiving 0, 10, 20, or 50 kg NH4NO3-N ha-1 year-1 + 6-7 kg N ha-1 year-1 background. After 5 years of N application, total lichen cover decreased up to 50% compared to control conditions and these changes were only clearly evident when evaluated from a temporal perspective (i.e. as the percentage of change from the first survey in 2008 to the last survey in 2012). In contrast, moss cover did not change in response to N, suggesting that biocrust community alterations operate via species- and functional group-specific effects. Interestingly, between-year variations in biocrust cover tracked variations in autumnal precipitation, showing that these communities are more dynamic than previously thought. Biocrust species alterations in response to N were, however, often secondary when compared to the role of ecologically relevant drivers such as soil pH and shrub cover, which greatly determined the composition and inter-annual dynamics of the biocrust community. Similarly, cyanobacterial abundance and soil pigment concentration were greatly determined by biotic and abiotic interactions, soil pH for pigments, and organic matter content and shrub cover for cyanobacteria. Biocrusts, and particularly the lichen component, are highly sensitive to N deposition and their responses to pollutant N can be best understood when evaluated from a temporal and multivariate perspective, including impacts mediated by interactions with biotic and abiotic drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Ochoa-Hueso
- Department of Ecology, Autonomous University of Madrid, 2 Darwin Street, 28049, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Tatiana Mondragon-Cortés
- Department of Biology, Botany Unit, Autonomous University of Madrid, 2 Darwin Street, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Concostrina-Zubiri
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (CE3C), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, Bloco C2, 6° Piso, Sala 11, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Lilia Serrano-Grijalva
- Department of Ecology, Autonomous University of Madrid, 2 Darwin Street, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Belén Estébanez
- Department of Biology, Botany Unit, Autonomous University of Madrid, 2 Darwin Street, 28049, Madrid, Spain
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8
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Lo Cascio M, Morillas L, Ochoa-Hueso R, Munzi S, Roales J, Hasselquist NJ, Manrique E, Spano D, Jaoudé RA, Mereu S. Contrasting effects of nitrogen addition on soil respiration in two Mediterranean ecosystems. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:26160-26171. [PMID: 28386895 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-8852-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Increased atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition is known to alter ecosystem carbon source-sink dynamics through changes in soil CO2 fluxes. However, a limited number of experiments have been conducted to assess the effects of realistic N deposition in the Mediterranean Basin, and none of them have explored the effects of N addition on soil respiration (R s ). To fill this gap, we assessed the effects of N supply on R s dynamics in the following two Mediterranean sites: Capo Caccia (Italy), where 30 kg ha-1 year-1 was supplied for 3 years, and El Regajal (Spain), where plots were treated with 10, 20, or 50 kg N ha-1 year-1 for 8 years. Results show a complex, non-linear response of soil respiration (R s ) to N additions with R s overall increasing at Capo Caccia and decreasing at El Regajal. This suggests that the response of R s to N addition depends on dose and duration of N supply, and the existence of a threshold above which the N introduced in the ecosystem can affect the ecosystem's functioning. Soil cover and seasonality of precipitations also play a key role in determining the effects of N on R s as shown by the different responses observed across seasons and in bare soil vs. the soil under canopy of the dominant species. These results show how increasing rates of N addition may influence soil C dynamics in semiarid ecosystems in the Mediterranean Basin and represent a valuable contribution for the understanding and the protection of Mediterranean ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Lo Cascio
- Department of Science for Nature and Environmental Resources (DipNET), University of Sassari, Via Enrico de Nicola, No. 9, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
- Euro-Mediterranean Centre on Climate Change (CMCC), IAFES Division, Via Enrico de Nicola, No. 9, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Lourdes Morillas
- Department of Science for Nature and Environmental Resources (DipNET), University of Sassari, Via Enrico de Nicola, No. 9, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Raúl Ochoa-Hueso
- Department of Ecology, Autonomous University of Madrid, Darwin St., 2, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvana Munzi
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Javier Roales
- Department of Science for Nature and Environmental Resources (DipNET), University of Sassari, Via Enrico de Nicola, No. 9, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Niles J Hasselquist
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-901 83, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Esteban Manrique
- Department Biogeography and Global Change, Spanish National Research Council (MNCN-CSIC), National Museum of Natural Sciences, C/Serrano 115 Dpdo, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Donatella Spano
- Department of Science for Nature and Environmental Resources (DipNET), University of Sassari, Via Enrico de Nicola, No. 9, 07100, Sassari, Italy
- Euro-Mediterranean Centre on Climate Change (CMCC), IAFES Division, Via Enrico de Nicola, No. 9, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Renée Abou Jaoudé
- Department of Science for Nature and Environmental Resources (DipNET), University of Sassari, Via Enrico de Nicola, No. 9, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Simone Mereu
- Department of Science for Nature and Environmental Resources (DipNET), University of Sassari, Via Enrico de Nicola, No. 9, 07100, Sassari, Italy
- Euro-Mediterranean Centre on Climate Change (CMCC), IAFES Division, Via Enrico de Nicola, No. 9, 07100, Sassari, Italy
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9
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Ochoa-Hueso R, Munzi S, Alonso R, Arróniz-Crespo M, Avila A, Bermejo V, Bobbink R, Branquinho C, Concostrina-Zubiri L, Cruz C, Cruz de Carvalho R, De Marco A, Dias T, Elustondo D, Elvira S, Estébanez B, Fusaro L, Gerosa G, Izquieta-Rojano S, Lo Cascio M, Marzuoli R, Matos P, Mereu S, Merino J, Morillas L, Nunes A, Paoletti E, Paoli L, Pinho P, Rogers IB, Santos A, Sicard P, Stevens CJ, Theobald MR. Ecological impacts of atmospheric pollution and interactions with climate change in terrestrial ecosystems of the Mediterranean Basin: Current research and future directions. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 227:194-206. [PMID: 28460237 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.04.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 04/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Mediterranean Basin ecosystems, their unique biodiversity, and the key services they provide are currently at risk due to air pollution and climate change, yet only a limited number of isolated and geographically-restricted studies have addressed this topic, often with contrasting results. Particularities of air pollution in this region include high O3 levels due to high air temperatures and solar radiation, the stability of air masses, and dominance of dry over wet nitrogen deposition. Moreover, the unique abiotic and biotic factors (e.g., climate, vegetation type, relevance of Saharan dust inputs) modulating the response of Mediterranean ecosystems at various spatiotemporal scales make it difficult to understand, and thus predict, the consequences of human activities that cause air pollution in the Mediterranean Basin. Therefore, there is an urgent need to implement coordinated research and experimental platforms along with wider environmental monitoring networks in the region. In particular, a robust deposition monitoring network in conjunction with modelling estimates is crucial, possibly including a set of common biomonitors (ideally cryptogams, an important component of the Mediterranean vegetation), to help refine pollutant deposition maps. Additionally, increased attention must be paid to functional diversity measures in future air pollution and climate change studies to establish the necessary link between biodiversity and the provision of ecosystem services in Mediterranean ecosystems. Through a coordinated effort, the Mediterranean scientific community can fill the above-mentioned gaps and reach a greater understanding of the mechanisms underlying the combined effects of air pollution and climate change in the Mediterranean Basin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Ochoa-Hueso
- Autonomous University of Madrid, Department of Ecology, 2 Darwin Street, Madrid 28049, Spain.
| | - Silvana Munzi
- cE3c Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rocío Alonso
- Air Pollution Division, CIEMAT, Avda. Complutense 22 (edif. 70), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - María Arróniz-Crespo
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agrónomos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Avila
- Center for Ecological Research and Forestry Applications (CREAF), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Victoria Bermejo
- Air Pollution Division, CIEMAT, Avda. Complutense 22 (edif. 70), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Roland Bobbink
- B-WARE Research Centre, Radboud University, PO Box 9010, 6525 ED Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Cristina Branquinho
- cE3c Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Laura Concostrina-Zubiri
- cE3c Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cristina Cruz
- cE3c Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Cruz de Carvalho
- cE3c Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Teresa Dias
- cE3c Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - David Elustondo
- LICA, Department of Chemistry and Soil Science, University of Navarre, Irunlarrea, 1-31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Susana Elvira
- Air Pollution Division, CIEMAT, Avda. Complutense 22 (edif. 70), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Belén Estébanez
- Departamento de Biología, Unidad de Botánica, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/ Darwin 2, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lina Fusaro
- Dept. of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Gerosa
- Dept. of Mathematics and Physics, Catholic University of Brescia, Via dei Musei 41, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sheila Izquieta-Rojano
- LICA, Department of Chemistry and Soil Science, University of Navarre, Irunlarrea, 1-31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Mauro Lo Cascio
- Department of Science for Nature and Natural Resources, University of Sassari, Via Enrico De Nicola 1, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Riccardo Marzuoli
- Dept. of Mathematics and Physics, Catholic University of Brescia, Via dei Musei 41, Brescia, Italy
| | - Paula Matos
- cE3c Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Simone Mereu
- Department of Science for Nature and Natural Resources, University of Sassari, Via Enrico De Nicola 1, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - José Merino
- Departamento de Sistemas Físicos, Químicos y Naturales, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Ctra. de Utrera km. 1, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Lourdes Morillas
- Department of Science for Nature and Natural Resources, University of Sassari, Via Enrico De Nicola 1, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Alice Nunes
- cE3c Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Elena Paoletti
- IPSP-CNR, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Luca Paoli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Pedro Pinho
- cE3c Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal; CERENA-IST-UL, Centro de Recursos Naturais e Ambiente, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Isabel B Rogers
- Lancaster Environment Center, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Arthur Santos
- cE3c Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Pierre Sicard
- ACRI-ST, 260 route du Pin Montard, BP 234, 06904 Sophia Antipolis Cedex, France
| | - Carly J Stevens
- Lancaster Environment Center, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Mark R Theobald
- Air Pollution Division, CIEMAT, Avda. Complutense 22 (edif. 70), Madrid 28040, Spain
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Shao Y, Zhang W, Eisenhauer N, Liu T, Xiong Y, Liang C, Fu S. Nitrogen deposition cancels out exotic earthworm effects on plant-feeding nematode communities. J Anim Ecol 2017; 86:708-717. [PMID: 28224627 PMCID: PMC5484995 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The activity and spread of exotic earthworms often are spatially correlated with N deposition because both arise from human activities. Exotic earthworms, in turn, can also greatly affect soil abiotic and biotic properties, as well as related ecological processes. Previous studies showed, for example, that earthworms can counteract the detrimental effects of plant-feeding nematodes on plant growth. However, potential interactive effects of N deposition and exotic earthworms on ecosystems are poorly understood. We explored the changes in density of plant-feeding nematodes in response to the presence of exotic earthworms, and whether these changes are altered by elevated N deposition in a two-factorial field mesocosm experiment at the Heshan National Field Research Station of Forest Ecosystem, in southern China. Our results show that earthworm addition marginally significantly increased the density of exotic earthworms and significantly increased the mass of earthworm casts. The total density of plant-feeding nematodes was not significantly affected by exotic earthworms or N deposition. However, exotic earthworms tended to increase the density of plant-feeding nematode taxa that are less detrimental to plant growth (r-strategists), while they significantly reduced the density of more harmful plant-feeding nematodes (K-strategists). Importantly, these earthworm effects were restricted to the ambient N deposition treatment, and elevated N deposition cancelled out the earthworm effect. Although exotic earthworms and N deposition interactively altered foliar N : P ratio in the target tree species, this did not result in significant changes in shoot and root biomass in the short term. Overall, our study indicates that N deposition can cancel out exotic earthworm-induced reductions in the density of harmful plant-feeding nematodes. These results suggest that anthropogenic N deposition can alter biotic interactions between exotic and native soil organisms with potential implications for ecosystem functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanhu Shao
- Key Laboratory of Geospatial Technology for the Middle and Lower Yellow River Regions (Henan University)Ministry of EducationCollege of Environment and PlanningHenan UniversityKaifeng475004China
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded EcosystemsSouth China Botanical GardenChinese Academy of SciencesGuangzhou510650China
| | - Weixin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Geospatial Technology for the Middle and Lower Yellow River Regions (Henan University)Ministry of EducationCollege of Environment and PlanningHenan UniversityKaifeng475004China
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded EcosystemsSouth China Botanical GardenChinese Academy of SciencesGuangzhou510650China
| | - Nico Eisenhauer
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle‐Jena‐LeipzigDeutscher Platz 5e04103LeipzigGermany
- Institute of BiologyLeipzig UniversityJohannisallee 2104103LeipzigGermany
| | - Tao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded EcosystemsSouth China Botanical GardenChinese Academy of SciencesGuangzhou510650China
- University of the Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Yanmei Xiong
- Research Institute of Tropical ForestryChinese Academy of ForestryGuangzhou510520China
| | - Chenfei Liang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Carbon Cycling in Forest Ecosystems and Carbon SequestrationZhejiang A & F UniversityLin'an311300China
| | - Shenglei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Geospatial Technology for the Middle and Lower Yellow River Regions (Henan University)Ministry of EducationCollege of Environment and PlanningHenan UniversityKaifeng475004China
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded EcosystemsSouth China Botanical GardenChinese Academy of SciencesGuangzhou510650China
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11
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Králiková I, Goga M, Biľová I, Bačkorová M, Bačkor M. Response of lichens Cladonia arbuscula subsp. mitis and Cladonia furcata to nitrogen excess. Biologia (Bratisl) 2016. [DOI: 10.1515/biolog-2016-0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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12
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Ochoa-Hueso R. Nonlinear disruption of ecological interactions in response to nitrogen deposition. Ecology 2016; 97:2802-2814. [DOI: 10.1002/ecy.1521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Ochoa-Hueso
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment; Western Sydney University; Locked Bag 1797 Penrith New South Wales 2751 Australia
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13
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Ochoa-Hueso R, Arróniz-Crespo M, Bowker MA, Maestre FT, Pérez-Corona ME, Theobald MR, Vivanco MG, Manrique E. Biogeochemical indicators of elevated nitrogen deposition in semiarid Mediterranean ecosystems. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2014; 186:5831-42. [PMID: 24894911 PMCID: PMC4427508 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-014-3822-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) deposition has doubled the natural N inputs received by ecosystems through biological N fixation and is currently a global problem that is affecting the Mediterranean regions. We evaluated the existing relationships between increased atmospheric N deposition and biogeochemical indicators related to soil chemical factors and cryptogam species across semiarid central, southern, and eastern Spain. The cryptogam species studied were the biocrust-forming species Pleurochaete squarrosa (moss) and Cladonia foliacea (lichen). Sampling sites were chosen in Quercus coccifera (kermes oak) shrublands and Pinus halepensis (Aleppo pine) forests to cover a range of inorganic N deposition representative of the levels found in the Iberian Peninsula (between 4.4 and 8.1 kg N ha(-1) year(-1)). We extended the ambient N deposition gradient by including experimental plots to which N had been added for 3 years at rates of 10, 20, and 50 kg N ha(-1) year(-1). Overall, N deposition (extant plus simulated) increased soil inorganic N availability and caused soil acidification. Nitrogen deposition increased phosphomonoesterase (PME) enzyme activity and PME/nitrate reductase (NR) ratio in both species, whereas the NR activity was reduced only in the moss. Responses of PME and NR activities were attributed to an induced N to phosphorus imbalance and to N saturation, respectively. When only considering the ambient N deposition, soil organic C and N contents were positively related to N deposition, a response driven by pine forests. The PME/NR ratios of the moss were better predictors of N deposition rates than PME or NR activities alone in shrublands, whereas no correlation between N deposition and the lichen physiology was observed. We conclude that integrative physiological measurements, such as PME/NR ratios, measured on sensitive species such as P. squarrosa, can provide useful data for national-scale biomonitoring programs, whereas soil acidification and soil C and N storage could be useful as additional corroborating ecosystem indicators of chronic N pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Ochoa-Hueso
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, New South Wales, 2751, Australia,
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14
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Boltersdorf SH, Werner W. Lichens as a useful mapping tool?--an approach to assess atmospheric N loads in Germany by total N content and stable isotope signature. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2014; 186:4767-4778. [PMID: 24729179 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-014-3736-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
To assess whether nitrogen (N) content and δ(15)N ratios in nitrophytic lichen species (Xanthoria parietina (L.) Th. Fr. (1860) and Physcia spp. (Schreb.) Michaux (1803)) reflect the quantity and quality of atmospheric N loads, 348 lichen samples from 174 sampling grid cells were investigated in the western part of Germany. The analysed lichen N content ranged between 0.98 and 4.28 % and δ(15)N ratios between -15.2 and -1.3 ‰. Based on the N concentrations and the δ(15)N ratios of lichens, different landscape categories and coupled N deposition rates could be inferred for different regions of Germany. By analysing environmental variables like altitude, ammonia emission density, livestock unit and different defined deposition types, a direct relationship was found between lichen chemistry and N compounds produced from agricultural activity. The results support the development of a monitoring method which could be used nationally or even internationally to support current N deposition measurements, by providing reliable information on the quantity and quality of N deposition in high N environments.
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15
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Ochoa-Hueso R, Maestre FT, de Los Ríos A, Valea S, Theobald MR, Vivanco MG, Manrique E, Bowker MA. Nitrogen deposition alters nitrogen cycling and reduces soil carbon content in low-productivity semiarid Mediterranean ecosystems. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2013; 179:185-93. [PMID: 23685631 PMCID: PMC4427509 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2013.03.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2012] [Revised: 03/19/2013] [Accepted: 03/28/2013] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic N deposition poses a threat to European Mediterranean ecosystems. We combined data from an extant N deposition gradient (4.3-7.3 kg N ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹) from semiarid areas of Spain and a field experiment in central Spain to evaluate N deposition effects on soil fertility, function and cyanobacteria community. Soil organic N did not increase along the extant gradient. Nitrogen fixation decreased along existing and experimental N deposition gradients, a result possibly related to compositional shifts in soil cyanobacteria community. Net ammonification and nitrification (which dominated N-mineralization) were reduced and increased, respectively, by N fertilization, suggesting alterations in the N cycle. Soil organic C content, C:N ratios and the activity of β-glucosidase decreased along the extant gradient in most locations. Our results suggest that semiarid soils in low-productivity sites are unable to store additional N inputs, and that are also unable to mitigate increasing C emissions when experiencing increased N deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Ochoa-Hueso
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, C/Serrano 115 Bis, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
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16
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Boltersdorf S, Werner W. Source attribution of agriculture-related deposition by using total nitrogen and δ¹⁵N in epiphytic lichen tissue, bark and deposition water samples in Germany. ISOTOPES IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH STUDIES 2013; 49:197-218. [PMID: 23461645 DOI: 10.1080/10256016.2013.748051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Compared with physico-chemical deposition measurement methods, lichens are able to identify the long-term overall effects of high N pollution concentrations in the air. In addition, the natural abundances of the stable isotope of N, (15)N, are being widely used in research on N cycling in ecosystems. They can also be used as instruments for source attribution. In this study, epiphytic lichens were tested to determine whether their respective N content and δ(15)N ratios can be used to estimate N deposition rates and to locate various sources of N compounds. Epiphytic lichen and bark samples were collected from around various deposition measurement field stations at different sites in the western part of Germany. The N content of epiphytic lichens reflects the species-specific, agriculture-related circumstances of N deposition at various sites in Germany. At the same time, δ(15)N signatures of the different investigated epiphytic lichen species and bark samples are highly depleted in (15)N under high ammonium deposition. The different surface types of lichens and barks exhibit different concentrations of N and δ(15)N ratios, despite being exposed to similar N deposition rates. The verification of highly negative δ(15)N ratios at sites with local and regional emitters shows that source attribution is possible by comparing different δ(15)N signatures in areas with a wide range of different N deposition types and the corresponding differences in δ(15)N among various source N pools. Especially nitrophytic lichens can support the on-site instrumentation measuring N deposition by qualification and quantification.
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17
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Ochoa-Hueso R, Stevens CJ, Ortiz-Llorente MJ, Manrique E. Soil chemistry and fertility alterations in response to N application in a semiarid Mediterranean shrubland. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 452-453:78-86. [PMID: 23500401 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.02.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2012] [Revised: 02/15/2013] [Accepted: 02/16/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
N deposition is currently affecting nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. We studied the effects of four years of N application (0, 10, 20 and 50 kg N ha(-1) year(-1)+background deposition) on soil chemistry and fertility in a semiarid shrubland in central Spain. Soil pH and nutrient availability fluctuated seasonally. The inorganic-N fraction in soil was dominated by nitrate, as expected in calcareous soils. N application increased inorganic N availability in soil. There was a negative correlation between N application and soil K(+) availability and pH, measured as the % change after four years. Soil N and C storage (evaluated as the % change) slightly increased after four years. Our data suggest that, in the short-term, the seasonality of nutrients overwhelm any chemical alteration related to N deposition. However, the potential implication of continuous N addition on soil chemistry in the long-term is not well understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Ochoa-Hueso
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (MNCN-CSIC), Madrid, Spain.
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18
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Impacts of Simulated N Deposition on Plants and Mycorrhizae from Spanish Semiarid Mediterranean Shrublands. Ecosystems 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s10021-013-9655-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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19
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Nakajima H, Fujimoto K, Yoshitani A, Yamamoto Y, Sakurai H, Itoh K. Effect of copper stress on cup lichens Cladonia humilis and C. subconistea growing on copper-hyperaccumulating moss Scopelophila cataractae at copper-polluted sites in Japan. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2012; 84:341-346. [PMID: 22906716 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2012.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2012] [Revised: 07/13/2012] [Accepted: 08/02/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
We investigated lichen species in the habitats of the copper (Cu)-hyperaccumulating moss Scopelophila cataractae and found that the cup lichens Cladonia subconistea and C. humilis grow on this moss. We performed X-ray fluorescence and inductively coupled plasma mass (ICP-MS) analysis of lichen samples and measured the visible absorption spectra of the pigments extracted from the samples to assess the effect of Cu stress on the cup lichens. The chlorophyll a/b ratio and degradation of chlorophyll a to pheophytin a were calculated from the spectral data. X-ray fluorescence analysis indicated that Cu concentrations in cup lichens growing on S. cataractae were much higher than those in control samples growing on non-polluted soil. Moreover, Cu microanalysis showed that Cu concentrations in parts of podetia of C. subconistea growing on S. cataractae increased as the substrate (S. cataractae) was approached, whereas those of C. humilis growing on S. cataractae decreased as the substrate was approached. This reflects the difference in the route of Cu ions from the source to the podetia. Furthermore, ICP-MS analysis confirmed that C. subconistea growing on S. cataractae was heavily contaminated with Cu, indicating that this lichen is Cu tolerant. We found a significant difference between the visible absorption spectra of pigments extracted from the Cu-contaminated and control samples. Hence, the spectra could be used to determine whether a cup lichen is contaminated with Cu. Chlorophyll analysis showed that cup lichens growing on S. cataractae were affected by Cu stress. However, it also suggested that the areas of dead moss under cup lichens were a suitable substrate for the growth of the lichen. Moreover, it suggested that cup lichens had allolepathic effects on S. cataractae; it is likely that secondary metabolites produced by cup lichens inhibited moss growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromitsu Nakajima
- Division of Natural Environment and Information Research, Graduate School of Environment and Information Sciences, Yokohama National University, Tokiwadai 79-7, Hodogayaku, 240-8501 Yokohama, Japan.
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20
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Ochoa-Hueso R, Allen EB, Branquinho C, Cruz C, Dias T, Fenn ME, Manrique E, Pérez-Corona ME, Sheppard LJ, Stock WD. Nitrogen deposition effects on Mediterranean-type ecosystems: an ecological assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2011; 159:2265-79. [PMID: 21277663 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2010.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2010] [Revised: 12/14/2010] [Accepted: 12/21/2010] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
We review the ecological consequences of N deposition on the five Mediterranean regions of the world. Seasonality of precipitation and fires regulate the N cycle in these water-limited ecosystems, where dry N deposition dominates. Nitrogen accumulation in soils and on plant surfaces results in peaks of availability with the first winter rains. Decoupling between N flushes and plant demand promotes losses via leaching and gas emissions. Differences in P availability may control the response to N inputs and susceptibility to exotic plant invasion. Invasive grasses accumulate as fuel during the dry season, altering fire regimes. California and the Mediterranean Basin are the most threatened by N deposition; however, there is limited evidence for N deposition impacts outside of California. Consequently, more research is needed to determine critical loads for each region and vegetation type based on the most sensitive elements, such as changes in lichen species composition and N cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Ochoa-Hueso
- Department of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Centro de Ciencias Medioambientales, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
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