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Kim WS, Park K, Kim JH, Kwak IS. Effect of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on the expression of a calcium ion channel receptor (ryanodine receptor) in the mud crab (Macrophthalmus japonicus). Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 283:109972. [PMID: 38972622 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2024.109972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are toxic pollutants generated by artificial activities. Moreover, their hormone-like structure induces disturbances, such as mimicking or blocking metabolic activity. Previous studies on EDCs have focused on the adverse effect of the endocrine system in vertebrates, with limited investigations conducted on ion channels in invertebrates. Thus, in this study, we investigated the potential adverse effects of exposure to bisphenol-A (BPA) and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) at the molecular level on the ryanodine receptor (RyR), a calcium ion channel receptor in Macrophthalmus japonicus. In the phylogenetic analysis, the RyR amino acid sequences in M. japonicus clustered with those in the Crustacean and formed separated branches for RyR in insects and mammals. When exposed to 1 μg L-1 BPA, a significant increase in RyR mRNA expression was observed in the gills on day 1, although a similar level to the control group was observed from day 4 to day 7. However, the RyR expression due to DEHP exposure decreased on days 1 and 4, although it increased on day 7 following exposure to 10 μg L-1. The RyR expression pattern in the hepatopancreas increased for up to 4 days, depending on the BPA concentration. However, there was a tendency for the expression to decrease gradually after the statistical significance increased during the early stage of DEHP exposure (D1). Hence, the transcriptional alterations in the M. japonicus RyR gene observed in the study suggest that exposure toxicities to EDCs, such as BPA and DEHP, have the potential to disrupt calcium ion channel signaling in the gills and hepatopancreas of M. japonicus crabs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Seok Kim
- Department of Ocean Integrated Science, Chonnam National University, Yeosu 59626, South Korea
| | - Kiyun Park
- Fisheries Science Institute, Chonnam National University, Yeosu 59626, South Korea
| | - Ji-Hoon Kim
- Department of Ocean Integrated Science, Chonnam National University, Yeosu 59626, South Korea
| | - Ihn-Sil Kwak
- Department of Ocean Integrated Science, Chonnam National University, Yeosu 59626, South Korea; Fisheries Science Institute, Chonnam National University, Yeosu 59626, South Korea.
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2
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Janssen AR, Bishop MJ, Mayer-Pinto M, Dafforn KA. Morpho-physiological traits and tissue burdens of Ecklonia radiata linked to environmental variation in an urban estuary. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 199:106572. [PMID: 38843653 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106572] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Organisms respond to their environment in various ways, including moving, adapting, acclimatising or a combination of responses. Within estuarine habitats, organisms are exposed to naturally variable environmental conditions. In urbanised estuaries, these natural variations can interact with human stressors such as habitat modification and pollution. Here, we investigated trait variation in the golden kelp Ecklonia radiata across an urban estuary - Sydney Harbour, Australia. We found that kelp morphology differed significantly between the more human-modified inner and the less modified outer harbour. Kelp individuals were smaller, had fewer laminae, and lacked spines in the inner harbour where it was warmer, more contaminated and less light was available. Inner harbour populations were characterised by lower tissue nitrogen and higher lead concentrations. These findings provide insights into how environmental variation could affect kelp morphology and physiology, and the high trait variation suggests adaptive capacity in E. radiata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemie R Janssen
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Australia.
| | - Melanie J Bishop
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Mariana Mayer-Pinto
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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3
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Schaefer N, Bishop MJ, Bugnot AB, Foster-Thorpe C, Herbert B, Hoey AS, Mayer-Pinto M, Nakagawa S, Sherman CDH, Vozzo ML, Dafforn KA. Influence of habitat features on the colonisation of native and non-indigenous species. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 198:106498. [PMID: 38631225 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106498] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Marine artificial structures provide substrates on which organisms can settle and grow. These structures facilitate establishment and spread of non-indigenous species, in part due to their distinct physical features (substrate material, movement, orientation) compared to natural habitat analogues such as rocky shores, and because following construction, they have abundant resources (space) for species to colonise. Despite the perceived importance of these habitat features, few studies have directly compared distributions of native and non-indigenous species or considered how functional identity and associated environmental preferences drive associations. We undertook a meta-analysis to investigate whether colonisation of native and non-indigenous species varies between artificial structures with features most closely resembling natural habitats (natural substrates, fixed structures, surfaces oriented upwards) and those least resembling natural habitats (artificial materials, floating structures, downfacing or vertical surfaces), or whether functional identity is the primary driver of differences. Analyses were done at global and more local (SE Australia) scales to investigate if patterns held regardless of scale. Our results suggest that functional group (i.e., algae, ascidians. barnacles, bryozoans, polychaetes) rather than species classification (i.e., native or non-indigenous) are the main drivers of differences in communities between different types of artificial structures. Specifically, there were differences in the abundance of ascidians, barnacles, and polychaetes between (1) upfacing and downfacing/vertical surfaces, and (2) floating and fixed substrates. When differences were detected, taxa were most abundant on features least resembling natural habitats. Results varied between global and SE Australian analyses, potentially due to reduced variability across studies in the SE Australian dataset. Thus, the functional group and associated preferences of the highest threat NIS in the area should be considered in design strategies (e.g., ecological engineering) to limit their establishment on newly built infrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Schaefer
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Melanie J Bishop
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Ana B Bugnot
- CSIRO Environment, St Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
| | | | - Brett Herbert
- Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Australia
| | - Andrew S Hoey
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville QLD 4810, Australia
| | - Mariana Mayer-Pinto
- School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Kensington NSW 2033, Australia
| | - Shinichi Nakagawa
- School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Kensington NSW 2033, Australia
| | - Craig D H Sherman
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds VIC 3216, Australia
| | | | - Katherine A Dafforn
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde NSW 2109, Australia
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4
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Zhang Y, Xie M, Spadaro DM, Simpson SL. Improving toxicity prediction of metal-contaminated sediments by incorporating sediment properties. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 338:122708. [PMID: 37806427 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122708] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
For the purpose of sediment quality assessment, the prediction of toxicity risk-levels for aquatic organisms based on simple environmental measurements is desirable. One commonly used approach is the comparison of total contaminant concentrations with corresponding water and sediment quality guideline values, serving as a Line of Evidence (LoE) based on chemistry-toxicity effects relationships. However, the accuracy of toxicity predictions can be improved by considering the factors that modify contaminant bioavailability. In this study we used paired chemistry-ecotoxicity data sets for sediments to evaluate the improvement in toxicity risk predictions using bioavailability-modified guidelines. The sediments were predominantly contaminated with metals, and measurements of sediment particle size, total organic carbon (TOC) and acid volatile sulfide (AVS) were used to modify hazard quotients (HQ). To further assess the predictive efficacy of the bioavailability-modified guideline models, sediments with differing contamination levels were tested for toxicity to a benthic amphipod's reproduction. To account for differences between laboratory exposure and field exposure scenarios, where the latter creates greater dilution, both static-renewal and flow-through test procedures were employed, and flow-through resulted in lower dissolved metal concentrations in the overlying waters. We also investigated how lower AVS concentration by oxidation modified the toxicity. This study reaffirmed that consideration of factors that influence contaminant bioavailability improves toxicity risk predictions, however the improvements may be modest. The sediment particle size data had the greatest influence on the modified HQ, indicating that higher percentage of fine particle size (<63 μm) contributed most to a lower predicted toxicity. The comparison of the static-renewal and flow-through test results continue to raise important questions about the relevance of static or static-renewal toxicity test results for risk assessment decisions, as both these test designs may cause unrealistically high contributions of dissolved metals in overlying waters to toxicity. Overall, this study underscores the value of incorporating outcomes from simple and routine sediment analysis (e.g., particle size, TOC, and consideration of AVS) to enhance the predictive efficacy of toxicity risk assessments in the context of sediment quality risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfeng Zhang
- CSIRO Environment, Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Remediation & Pollution Control for Urban Ecological Environment, Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria of Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Minwei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.
| | | | - Stuart L Simpson
- CSIRO Environment, Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia; Hong Kong Branch of the Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
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5
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Trethewy M, Mayer-Pinto M, Dafforn KA. Urban shading and artificial light at night alter natural light regimes and affect marine intertidal assemblages. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 193:115203. [PMID: 37392591 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115203] [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: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Urban development in many coastal cities has resulted in altered natural light regimes, with many coastal habitats being artificially shaded during the daytime by built structures such as seawalls and piers, while artificial light emitted from buildings and associated infrastructure creates pollution at night. As a result, these habitats may experience changes to community structure and impacts on key ecological processes such as grazing. This study investigated how changes to light regimes affect the abundance of grazers on natural and artificial intertidal habitats in Sydney Harbour, Australia. We also examined whether differences in patterns of responses to shading or artificial light at night (ALAN) varied across different areas within the Harbour, characterised by different overall levels of urbanisation. As predicted, light intensity was greater during the daytime on rocky shores than seawalls at the more urbanised sites of the harbour. We found a negative relationship between the abundance of grazers and increasing light during the daytime on rocky shores (inner harbour) and seawalls (outer harbour). We found similar patterns at night on rocky shores, with a negative relationship between the abundance of grazers and light. However, on seawalls, grazer abundances increased with increasing night-time lux levels, but this was mainly driven by one site. Overall, we found the opposite patterns for algal cover. Our findings corroborate those of previous studies that found that urbanisation can significantly affect natural light cycles, with consequences to ecological communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Trethewy
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Mariana Mayer-Pinto
- Centrefor Marine Science and Innovation, Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Katherine A Dafforn
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia
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6
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Benthotage C, Cole V, Schulz KG, Benkendorff K. Bioaccumulation of estuarine pollutants in leaf oysters (Isognomon ephippium) on the mid-north coast, New South Wales, Australia. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 189:106065. [PMID: 37352823 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Filter feeding bivalves are useful bioindicators for the detection of biologically available pollutants. We investigated trace metals, metalloids, and pesticides in leaf oyster (Isognomon ephippium) soft tissue and shells and compared them to sediment in five estuaries in northern New South Wales, Australia. Concentrations of Pb, Cr, Mn, Ni, Fe and Al were higher in sediments, whereas Zn, Cd, Ag, Hg, Se and As bioaccumulated in the soft tissue. The amount of Cu, Hg and Ni in the sediment from Tweed and Richmond River estuaries exceeded the Australian national sediment quality guideline values. Only one pesticide, atrazine, was detected in leaf oyster soft tissue. Combinations of six elements in the soft tissue were the best predictors of oyster condition index and shell size, whereas sediment contaminants showed weak relationships. Overall, the bioaccumulation of metals and metalloids increases with leaf oyster size and reduces leaf oyster condition, suggesting these large bivalves are useful bioindicators for pollution in estuarine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chamara Benthotage
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Military Road, East Lismore, NSW, 2480, Australia
| | - Victoria Cole
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Military Road, East Lismore, NSW, 2480, Australia; Department of Primary Industries Fisheries, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Taylors Beach Road, Taylors Beach, NSW, 2316, Australia
| | - Kai G Schulz
- Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Military Road, East Lismore, NSW, 2480, Australia
| | - Kirsten Benkendorff
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Military Road, East Lismore, NSW, 2480, Australia; National Marine Science Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, 2 Bay Drive, Coffs Harbour, NSW, 2450, Australia.
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7
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Suzzi AL, Huggett MJ, Gaston TF, MacFarlane GR, Alam MR, Gibb J, Stat M. eDNA metabarcoding reveals shifts in sediment eukaryote communities in a metal contaminated estuary. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 191:114896. [PMID: 37058833 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Metal contamination is a global issue impacting biodiversity in urbanised estuaries. Traditional methods to assess biodiversity are time consuming, costly and often exclude small or cryptic organisms due to difficulties with morphological identification. Metabarcoding approaches have been increasingly recognised for their utility in monitoring, however studies have focused on freshwater and marine systems despite the ecological significance of estuaries. We targeted estuarine eukaryote communities within the sediments of Australia's largest urbanised estuary, where a history of industrial activity has resulted in a metal contamination gradient. We identified specific eukaryote families with significant correlations with bioavailable metal concentrations, indicating sensitivity or tolerance to specific metals. While polychaete families Terebellidae and Syllidae demonstrated tolerance to the contamination gradient, members of the meio- and microfaunal communities including diatoms, dinoflagellates and nematodes displayed sensitivities. These may have high value as indicators but are frequently missed in traditional surveys due to sampling limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra L Suzzi
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia.
| | - Megan J Huggett
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia
| | - Troy F Gaston
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia
| | - Geoff R MacFarlane
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia
| | - Md Rushna Alam
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia; Department of Aquaculture, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Jodie Gibb
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia
| | - Michael Stat
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia
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8
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Schaefer N, Sedano F, Bishop MJ, Dunn K, Haeusler MH, Yu KD, Zavoleas Y, Dafforn KA. Facilitation of non-indigenous ascidian by marine eco-engineering interventions at an urban site. BIOFOULING 2023; 39:80-93. [PMID: 36912169 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2023.2186785] [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: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Marine artificial structures often support lower native species diversity and more non-indigenous species (NIS), but adding complex habitat and using bioreceptive materials have the potential to mitigate these impacts. Here, the interacting effects of structural complexity (flat, complex with pits) and concrete mixture (standard, or with oyster shell or vermiculite aggregate) on recruitment were assessed at two intertidal levels at an urban site. Complex tiles had less green algal cover, oyster shell mixtures had less brown (Ralfsia sp.) algal cover. At a low tidal elevation, the non-indigenous ascidian Styela plicata dominated complex tiles. Additionally, mixtures with oyster shell supported higher total cover of sessile species, and a higher cover of S. plicata. There were no effects of complexity or mixture on biofilm communities and native and NIS richness. Overall, these results suggest that habitat complexity and some bioreceptive materials may facilitate colonisation by a dominant invertebrate invader on artificial structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Schaefer
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Francisco Sedano
- Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Departamento de Zoología, Universidad de Sevilla, Facultad de Biología, Sevilla, España
| | - Melanie J Bishop
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kate Dunn
- Computational Design, School of Built Environment, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M Hank Haeusler
- Computational Design, School of Built Environment, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - K Daniel Yu
- Computational Design, School of Built Environment, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yannis Zavoleas
- Computational Design, School of Built Environment, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Architecture, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Katherine A Dafforn
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
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9
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Suzzi AL, Stat M, MacFarlane GR, Seymour JR, Williams NL, Gaston TF, Alam MR, Huggett MJ. Legacy metal contamination is reflected in the fish gut microbiome in an urbanised estuary. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 314:120222. [PMID: 36150623 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Estuaries are critical habitats subject to a range of stressors requiring effective management. Microbes are gaining recognition as effective environmental indicators, however, the response of host associated communities to stressors remains poorly understood. We examined microbial communities from seawater, sediments and the estuarine fish Pelates sexlineatus, in Australia's largest urbanised estuary, and hypothesised that anthropogenic contamination would be reflected in the microbiology of these sample types. The human faecal markers Lachno3 and HF183 were not detected, indicating negligible influence of sewage, but a gradient in copy numbers of the class 1 integron (intI-1), which is often used as a marker for anthropogenic contamination, was observed in sediments and positively correlated with metal concentrations. While seawater communities were not strongly driven by metal contamination, shifts in the diversity and composition of the fish gut microbiome were observed, with statistical links to levels of metal contamination (F2, 21 = 1.536, p < 0.01). Within the fish gut microbiome, we further report increased relative abundance of amplicon sequence variants (ASVs; single inferred DNA sequences obtained in sequencing) identified as metal resistant and potentially pathogenic genera, as well as those that may have roles in inflammation. These results demonstrate that microbial communities from distinct habitats within estuarine systems have unique response to stressors, and alterations of the fish gut microbiome may have implications for the adaptation of estuarine fish to legacy metal contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra L Suzzi
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW, 2258, Australia.
| | - Michael Stat
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW, 2258, Australia
| | - Geoff R MacFarlane
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW, 2258, Australia
| | - Justin R Seymour
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Nathan Lr Williams
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Troy F Gaston
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW, 2258, Australia
| | - Md Rushna Alam
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW, 2258, Australia; Department of Aquaculture, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Megan J Huggett
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW, 2258, Australia; Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, School of Science, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
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10
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DiBattista JD, Shalders TC, Reader S, Hay A, Parkinson K, Williams RJ, Stuart-Smith J, McGrouther M. A comprehensive analysis of all known fishes from Sydney Harbour. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114239. [PMID: 36274563 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114239] [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: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Fishes represent an important natural resource and yet their diversity and function in dynamic estuaries with relatively high levels of human pressure such as Sydney Harbour have rarely been quantified. Further, Eastern Australia supports the survival and persistence of an increasing number of tropical species found within temperate estuaries owing to increasing average ocean temperatures. A re-valuation of the number of fish species known from Sydney Harbour is therefore needed. In this study, we generated an up-to-date and annotated checklist of fishes recorded from Sydney Harbour based on verified natural history records as well as newly available citizen science records based on opportunistic observations and structured surveys. We explored the spatial and temporal distribution of these records. In addition, we quantified the function, conservation status, and commercial importance of the identified fishes. The number of fish species recorded from Sydney Harbour now stands at 675, an increase of 89 species (15 %) when compared to the most recent evaluation in 2013. We attribute this increase in fish diversity over a relatively short time to the contribution of newer citizen science programs as well as the influx and survival of fishes in the Harbour with preferences for warmer waters. Some fish families were also overrepresented in the more urbanized and polluted sections of the Harbour. In forecasting further environmental impacts on the fishes of Sydney Harbour, we recommend increased integration of collaborative citizen science programs and natural history collections as a means to track these changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph D DiBattista
- Australian Museum Research Institute, Australian Museum, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia.
| | - Tanika C Shalders
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia
| | - Sally Reader
- Australian Museum Research Institute, Australian Museum, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia.
| | - Amanda Hay
- Australian Museum Research Institute, Australian Museum, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia.
| | - Kerryn Parkinson
- Australian Museum Research Institute, Australian Museum, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia.
| | - Robert J Williams
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries - Fisheries, Australia
| | - Jemina Stuart-Smith
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7001, Australia.
| | - Mark McGrouther
- Australian Museum Research Institute, Australian Museum, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia.
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Barros TL, Bracewell SA, Mayer-Pinto M, Dafforn KA, Simpson SL, Farrell M, Johnston EL. Wildfires cause rapid changes to estuarine benthic habitat. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 308:119571. [PMID: 35661807 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Estuaries are one of the most valuable biomes on earth. Although humans are highly dependent on these ecosystems, anthropogenic activities have impacted estuaries worldwide, altering their ecological functions and ability to provide a variety of important ecosystem services. Many anthropogenic stressors combine to affect the soft sedimentary habitats that dominate estuarine ecosystems. Now, due to climate change, estuaries and other marine areas might be increasingly exposed to the emerging threat of megafires. Here, by sampling estuaries before and after a megafire, we describe impacts of wildfires on estuarine benthic habitats and justify why megafires are a new and concerning threat to coastal ecosystems. We (1) show that wildfires change the fundamental characteristics of estuarine benthic habitat, (2) identify the factors (burnt intensity and proximity to water's edge) that influence the consequences of fires on estuaries, and (3) identify relevant indicators of wildfire impact: metals, nutrients, and pyrogenic carbon. We then discuss how fires can impact estuaries globally, regardless of local variability and differences in catchment. In the first empirical assessment of the impact of wildfires on estuarine condition, our results highlight indicators that may assist waterway managers to empirically detect wildfire impacts in estuaries and identify catchment factors that should be included in fire risk assessments for estuaries. Overall, this study highlights the importance of considering fire threats in current and future estuarine and coastal management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thayanne L Barros
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Bedegal Country, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Sally A Bracewell
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Bedegal Country, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Mariana Mayer-Pinto
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Bedegal Country, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Katherine A Dafforn
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Wallamattagal Country, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Stuart L Simpson
- CSIRO Land and Water, Tharawal Country, Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, NSW, 2234, Australia
| | - Mark Farrell
- CSIRO Agriculture & Food, Kaurna Country, Locked Bag 2, Glen Osmond, South Australia, 5064, Australia
| | - Emma L Johnston
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Bedegal Country, NSW, 2052, Australia
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12
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Komyakova V, Jaffrés JBD, Strain EMA, Cullen-Knox C, Fudge M, Langhamer O, Bender A, Yaakub SM, Wilson E, Allan BJM, Sella I, Haward M. Conceptualisation of multiple impacts interacting in the marine environment using marine infrastructure as an example. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 830:154748. [PMID: 35337877 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The human population is increasingly reliant on the marine environment for food, trade, tourism, transport, communication and other vital ecosystem services. These services require extensive marine infrastructure, all of which have direct or indirect ecological impacts on marine environments. The rise in global marine infrastructure has led to light, noise and chemical pollution, as well as facilitation of biological invasions. As a result, marine systems and associated species are under increased pressure from habitat loss and degradation, formation of ecological traps and increased mortality, all of which can lead to reduced resilience and consequently increased invasive species establishment. Whereas the cumulative bearings of collective human impacts on marine populations have previously been demonstrated, the multiple impacts associated with marine infrastructure have not been well explored. Here, building on ecological literature, we explore the impacts that are associated with marine infrastructure, conceptualising the notion of correlative, interactive and cumulative effects of anthropogenic activities on the marine environment. By reviewing the range of mitigation approaches that are currently available, we consider the role that eco-engineering, marine spatial planning and agent-based modelling plays in complementing the design and placement of marine structures to incorporate the existing connectivity pathways, ecological principles and complexity of the environment. Because the effect of human-induced, rapid environmental change is predicted to increase in response to the growth of the human population, this study demonstrates that the development and implementation of legislative framework, innovative technologies and nature-informed solutions are vital, preventative measures to mitigate the multiple impacts associated with marine infrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeriya Komyakova
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia; Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7053, Australia.
| | - Jasmine B D Jaffrés
- C&R Consulting, Townsville, Australia; College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Elisabeth M A Strain
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia; Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7053, Australia
| | - Coco Cullen-Knox
- Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7053, Australia
| | - Maree Fudge
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia; Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7053, Australia; College of Business and Economics, University of Tasmania, Australia
| | - Olivia Langhamer
- Division of Electricity, Department of Electrical Engineering, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Anke Bender
- Division of Electricity, Department of Electrical Engineering, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Siti M Yaakub
- Sustainability & Climate Solutions Department, DHI Water & Environment (S), Singapore
| | - Eloise Wilson
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia; Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7053, Australia
| | - Bridie J M Allan
- Department of Marine Science, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | | | - Marcus Haward
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia; Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7053, Australia; Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre, PO Box 897, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia
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13
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Martinez AS, Dafforn KA, Johnston EL, Filippini G, Potts J, Mayer-Pinto M. Variations in benthic fluxes of sediments near pier pilings and natural rocky reefs. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 177:105640. [PMID: 35526360 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105640] [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: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Marine artificial structures such as pilings are replacing natural habitats, and modifying surrounding areas, often resulting in local decreases in species diversity and facilitation of bioinvasion. Most research on the impacts of artificial structures in marine ecosystems has primarily focused on rocky bottom habitats and biodiversity, overlooking the effects of these structures on the functioning of nearby sedimentary habitats. Here we compared, for the first time, benthic metabolism (O2 fluxes) and sediment-water nutrient (inorganic nitrogen, phosphate, and dissolved organic nitrogen) fluxes in shallow water sediments adjacent to pilings and natural reefs. We also measured sediment properties (grain size, total organic carbon, total nitrogen, C:N ratio and chlorophyll-a content). We found that sediments near pilings were generally finer with greater C:N ratios than those near reefs, while differences in other sediment properties between types of habitats were dependent on the site. We found significant differences in the oxygen consumption, primary productivity, and net ecosystem metabolism in sediments around pilings compared to sediments near natural reefs, but these patterns differed by site. Net nutrient fluxes were similar in sediments near pilings and reefs at both sites. This study showed that although pilings can be associated with changes in the functioning of sedimentary habitats, patterns and the direction of change seem to vary depending on local conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline S Martinez
- Institute of Marine Science, Federal University of São Paulo (IMar/UNIFESP), Santos, SP, Brazil; Centre of Marine Science and Innovation, Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Katherine A Dafforn
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Emma L Johnston
- Centre of Marine Science and Innovation, Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Giulia Filippini
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Jaimie Potts
- NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, Lidcombe, NSW, 2141, Australia
| | - Mariana Mayer-Pinto
- Centre of Marine Science and Innovation, Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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14
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Suzzi AL, Gaston TF, McKenzie L, Mazumder D, Huggett MJ. Tracking the impacts of nutrient inputs on estuary ecosystem function. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 811:152405. [PMID: 34923003 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Estuaries are one of the most impacted coastal environments globally, subjected to multiple stressors from urban, industry and coastal development. With increasing anthropogenic activity surrounding estuarine systems, sewage inputs have become a common concern. Stable isotope analysis provides a well-established tool to investigate the incorporation of nitrogen into marine organisms and identify major nutrient sources. Benthic macroinvertebrate communities are often used as bioindicators in ecological studies as they typically display predictable responses to anthropogenic pressures, however have a suite of limitations and costs associated with their use. 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing techniques allow for investigation of the microbial communities inhabiting complex environmental samples, with potential as a tool in the ecological assessment of pollution. These communities have not yet been adequately considered for ecological studies and biomonitoring, with a need to better understand interactions with environmental stressors and implications for ecosystem function. This study used a combination of stable isotope analysis to trace the uptake of anthropogenic nitrogen in biota, traditional assessment of benthic macroinvertebrate communities, and 16S rDNA genotyping of benthic microbial communities. Stable isotope analysis of seagrass and epiphytes identified multiple treated and untreated sewage inputs, ranges of 5.2-7.2‰ and 1.9-4.0‰ for δ15N respectively, as the dominant nitrogen source at specific locations. The benthic macroinvertebrate community reflected these inputs with shifts in dominant taxa and high abundances of polychaetes at some sites. Microbial communities provided a sensitive indication of impact with a breadth of information not available using traditional techniques. Composition and predicted function reflected sewage inputs, particularly within sediments, with the relative abundance of specific taxa and putative pathogens linked to these inputs. This research supports the growing body of evidence that benthic microbial communities respond rapidly to anthropogenic stressors and have potential as a monitoring tool in urban estuarine systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra L Suzzi
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW, Australia.
| | - Troy F Gaston
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW, Australia
| | - Louise McKenzie
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW, Australia; Hunter Water Corporation, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Debashish Mazumder
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Megan J Huggett
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW, Australia; Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, School of Science, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
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15
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Pitacco V, Mistri M, Granata T, Moruzzi L, Meloni ML, Massara F, Sfriso A, Sfriso AA, Munari C. Habitat heterogeneity: A confounding factor for the effect of pollutants on macrobenthic community in coastal waters. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 172:105499. [PMID: 34628147 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105499] [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: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Discrepancies were found between Ecological Status of sediments evaluated though the analysis of macrobenthic community and chemical analyses along a heavily trafficked and contaminated maritime seaway in Tyrrhenian Sea. Chemical analyses showed some sites highly contaminated by PAHs and metals with values exceeding thresholds for Good Chemical status and representing potential toxicological risk for benthic animals. Conversely, macrobenthic communities were highly rich and diverse, with Ecological Status (through M-AMBI) Good and High at each site. Sampling depth, total organic carbon, and total nitrogen were the major factors influencing biotic indices (AMBI, M-AMBI, S, H), even if concentrations of PAHs and metals (V, As, and Fe) contributed in explaining a part of indices variability. Habitat heterogeneity of sampled sites is likely acting as a confounding factor for two reasons: (1) high variability of environmental parameters leads to high richness and diversity, to which M-AMBI is sensitive, and (2) environmental parameters explained part of the variability of indices, together with contaminants. Our results suggested the importance of considering natural variability as a fundamental step of environmental impact assessment, for the correct interpretation of biotic indices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Pitacco
- National Institute of Biology, Marine Biology Station, Fornače 61, 6630, Piran, Slovenia
| | - Michele Mistri
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | - Adriano Sfriso
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, University Ca' Foscari, Via Torino 155, 30127, Venice, Mestre, Italy
| | - Andrea Augusto Sfriso
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Cristina Munari
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
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16
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Birrer SC, Wemheuer F, Dafforn KA, Gribben PE, Steinberg PD, Simpson SL, Potts J, Scanes P, Doblin MA, Johnston EL. Legacy Metal Contaminants and Excess Nutrients in Low Flow Estuarine Embayments Alter Composition and Function of Benthic Bacterial Communities. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:661177. [PMID: 34690940 PMCID: PMC8531495 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.661177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Coastal systems such as estuaries are threatened by multiple anthropogenic stressors worldwide. However, how these stressors and estuarine hydrology shape benthic bacterial communities and their functions remains poorly known. Here, we surveyed sediment bacterial communities in poorly flushed embayments and well flushed channels in Sydney Harbour, Australia, using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Sediment samples were collected monthly during the Austral summer-autumn 2014 at increasing distance from a large storm drain in each channel and embayment. Bacterial communities differed significantly between sites that varied in proximity to storm drains, with a gradient of change apparent for sites within embayments. We explored this pattern for embayment sites with analysis of RNA-Seq gene expression patterns and found higher expression of multiple genes involved in bacterial stress response far from storm drains, suggesting that bacterial communities close to storm drains may be more tolerant of localised anthropogenic stressors. Several bacterial groups also differed close to and far from storm drains, suggesting their potential utility as bioindicators to monitor contaminants in estuarine sediments. Overall, our study provides useful insights into changes in the composition and functioning of benthic bacterial communities as a result of multiple anthropogenic stressors in differing hydrological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone C. Birrer
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, NSW, Australia
| | - Franziska Wemheuer
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, NSW, Australia
| | - Katherine A. Dafforn
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, NSW, Australia
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul E. Gribben
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter D. Steinberg
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Stuart L. Simpson
- CSIRO Land and Water, Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Jaimie Potts
- Coastal Waters Unit, Science Division, NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter Scanes
- Coastal Waters Unit, Science Division, NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Martina A. Doblin
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, NSW, Australia
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Emma L. Johnston
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, NSW, Australia
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17
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Besley CH, Birch GF. Comparison of mangrove (Avicennia marina) metal tissue concentrations to ambient sediment with an extensive range of contaminant levels in a highly-modified estuary (Sydney estuary, Australia). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 171:112680. [PMID: 34265551 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112680] [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: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Statistically distinct 'high', 'moderate' and 'low' metal contamination positions were distinguished across five Sydney estuary embayments for total sedimentary metal concentrations of Ni, Pb and Zn. While statistically distinct total sedimentary As, Cd, Co and Cu concentrations were indicated for the 'low' position samples. Mangrove (Avicennia marina) pneumatophore tissue metal concentrations from 'high' position trees were statistically distinct for Cd, Ni, Pb and Zn, while root tissue samples from 'low' position trees were statistically distinct for As, Cd and Zn. Outcomes from CAP, simple linear regression and DISTLM modelling indicated sedimentary metals were predominantly assimilated into mangrove root tissue, with smaller uptake into pneumatophore tissue. A comparison of floristic tissue metal concentrations indicated mangrove (A. marina) root tissue assimilated higher sedimentary metal concentrations than leaf and root tissue of seagrasses (Zostera capricorni and Halophila ovalis), which had relatively higher metal concentrations than those from pneumatophore and leaf mangrove tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- C H Besley
- Monitoring, Design and Reporting, Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia.
| | - G F Birch
- School of Geosciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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18
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Xie M, Simpson SL, Huang J, Teasdale PR, Wang WX. In Situ DGT Sensing of Bioavailable Metal Fluxes to Improve Toxicity Predictions for Sediments. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:7355-7364. [PMID: 33973770 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c07670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
An increased risk of adverse biological effects of metals in sediments may be accompanied by high labile metal fluxes as measured by the diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique. To improve the usefulness of the DGT technique for sediment quality risk assessments, we used the simpler and more cost-effective piston DGTs rather than planar DGT probes to measure bioavailable metal fluxes in naturally contaminated sediments with widely varying composition (properties, metals and concentrations) and assessed their prediction of toxicity to amphipod reproduction in a flow-through microcosm. DGT pistons were deployed in sediments under different conditions, both in the field (in situ) and in the laboratory in sediment cores (lab-equilibrated) and in homogenized sediments (lab-homogenized). We demonstrated that the metal flux toxic units, DGTTU, measured in situ best predicted the magnitude of toxicity to amphipod reproduction. For sediments that had been highly disturbed before testing, DGTTU were less predictive for observed toxicity, but the copper flux alone (DGTTU-Cu) was effective, indicating copper was the primary cause of toxicity in these highly perturbed sediments. Overall, our study highlighted that the adverse effects induced by excessive bioavailable metals in contaminated sediments can be consistently sensed by the DGT pistons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minwei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystem, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Stuart L Simpson
- Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, CSIRO Land and Water, Sydney, New South Wales 2234, Australia
- Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangdong, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jianyin Huang
- Scarce Resources and Circular Economy (ScaRCE), STEM, Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Makes, South Australia 5095, Australia
| | - Peter R Teasdale
- Scarce Resources and Circular Economy (ScaRCE), STEM, Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Makes, South Australia 5095, Australia
| | - Wen-Xiong Wang
- School of Energy and Environment, State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong China
- Research Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
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19
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Zhang Y, Spadaro DA, King JJ, Simpson SL. Improved prediction of sediment toxicity using a combination of sediment and overlying water contaminant exposures. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 266:115187. [PMID: 32668359 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115187] [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: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The choice of sediment quality assessment methodologies can strongly influence assessment outcomes and management decisions for contaminated sites. While in situ (field) methods may potentially provide greater realism, high costs and/or complex logistics often prevent their use and assessment must rely on laboratory-based methods. In this study, we utilised static-renewal and flow-through ecotoxicology tests in parallel on sediments with a wide range of properties and varying types and concentrations of contaminants. The prediction of chronic effects to amphipod reproduction was explored using multiple linear regression (MLR). The study confirmed the considerable over-estimation of the risk of toxicity of contaminated sediments in field locations when assessments rely on the results of laboratory-based static and static-renewal tests. Improved prediction of toxicity risks was achieved using a combination of contaminant exposure measures from sediment and overlying water. Existing sediment and water quality guideline values (GVs) were effective for predicting risks posed by sediments containing mixtures of common metal and organic contaminants. For 17 sediments with paired data sets from static-renewal and flow-through tests, the best prediction of toxicity to reproduction was achieved using a 2-parameter MLR that included hazard quotients for sediment contaminants and toxic units for dissolved metals (r2 = 0.892). The inclusion of particle size, organic carbon and acid-volatile sulfide did not improve toxicity predictions, despite these parameters being recognised as modifying contaminant bioavailability. The use of dilute-acid-extractable metal concentrations in place total recoverable metal concentrations did not improve the predictions. The study also confirmed that sediments existing within the estuarine and marine bays of Sydney Harbour pose significant risks of adverse effects to benthic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfeng Zhang
- Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, CSIRO Land and Water, Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Remediation & Pollution Control for Urban Ecological Environment, Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria of Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - David A Spadaro
- Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, CSIRO Land and Water, Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia
| | - Josh J King
- Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, CSIRO Land and Water, Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia
| | - Stuart L Simpson
- Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, CSIRO Land and Water, Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia; Hong Kong Branch of the Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China.
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20
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Skillington A, Flint N, Anastasi A, Dwane G, Jackson EL. Influence of variable salinity and low light on copper accumulation in the potential seagrass bioindicator, Zostera muelleri. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 160:111602. [PMID: 32871436 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111602] [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: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Utilising a potential coastal trace element bioindicator requires understanding its accumulation patterns under varying environmental scenarios. The present study aimed to understand, from two experiments, the influence and effect of low light (15.3 μmol photons m-2 s-1) and variable salinity (normal 36 and reduced 29) on Zostera muelleri accumulating variable Cu concentrations (control, low 5 μg L-1 and high 50 μg L-1) in order to determine its capability as a potential trace element bioindicator. Initial (24 h) leaf Cu concentration was in proportion to exposure Cu concentrations, irrespective of manipulated environmental conditions, suggesting passive accumulation. Final below-ground Cu concentrations, during the low light experiment, significantly increased over time, suggesting active Cu accumulation. Zostera muelleri leaves could act as a Cu bioindicator at times of reduced light and salinity while further interpretation is required of below-ground Cu concentrations. It is recommended that Z. muelleri could be utilised as a Cu bioindicator.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Skillington
- CQUniversity, Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Research Centre, Gladstone, Queensland 4680, Australia.
| | - N Flint
- CQUniversity, Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Research Centre, Gladstone, Queensland 4680, Australia
| | - A Anastasi
- CQUniversity, Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Research Centre, Gladstone, Queensland 4680, Australia
| | - G Dwane
- Port Curtis Integrated Monitoring Program, Gladstone, Queensland 4680, Australia; Gladstone Ports Corporation, Gladstone, Queensland 4680, Australia
| | - E L Jackson
- CQUniversity, Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Research Centre, Gladstone, Queensland 4680, Australia
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21
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Simpson SL, Spadaro DA, Batley GE, Irvine IA, Synnot RN. Remediation criteria for gasworks-impacted sediments: Assessing the effects of legacy hydrocarbons and more recent metal contamination. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 737:139725. [PMID: 32783822 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Historical contamination of sediments from industries that commenced before environmental regulations were commonplace is prevalent in many large cities. This contamination is frequently overlain and mixed with more recent urban contamination. The remediation of contaminated sites is often a very expensive exercise and the final remediation criteria often reflect a trade-off between protecting human and ecological health and the finances of those deemed responsible for the site clean-up. In this study, we describe an assessment of estuarine sediments impacted historically by contamination from a gasworks site. The major historical sediment contaminants included polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other petroleum-related hydrocarbons (TRHs). Elevated concentrations of metals exist throughout the city region due to historical pollution and ongoing urban stormwater discharges. Equilibrium partitioning models were used to consider the influence on the bioavailability of PAHs of both natural sedimentary organic carbon and forms of black carbon (pyrogenic carbon - coal tars, charcoal). The strongest predictor of the observed sublethal toxicity to amphipod and copepod reproduction was a combination of total PAHs and metals (primarily Cu, Pb and Zn). Total PAHs was the strongest predicting variable for toxicity to organism survival. While high total PAH concentrations were attributed to the former gas works, high background concentrations of metals existed throughout much of this region of the estuary. Thus, without remediation at the estuary-scale, resuspension of the surrounding sediments by tidal currents and boat movements is predicted to re-contaminate remediated areas with sediments that may continue to cause chronic toxicity due to metals. The assessment indicated that remedial actions that remove or isolate sediments that caused toxicity to benthic organism survival would lead to significant improvements in ecosystem health, but toxicity to organism reproduction may remain at similar levels that exist throughout much of this region of the estuary due to high metal concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart L Simpson
- Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, CSIRO Land and Water, Lucas Heights, NSW 2234, Australia.
| | - David A Spadaro
- Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, CSIRO Land and Water, Lucas Heights, NSW 2234, Australia
| | - Graeme E Batley
- Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, CSIRO Land and Water, Lucas Heights, NSW 2234, Australia
| | - Ian A Irvine
- Pollution Research Pty Ltd., 50 Darley Rd, North Dorrigo, NSW 2453, Australia
| | - Russell N Synnot
- Synnot and Wilkinson Pty Ltd., 172 Coach Rd, Strathbogie, VIC 3666, Australia
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22
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Tracey SR, Hartmann K, McAllister J, Lyle JM. Home range, site fidelity and synchronous migrations of three co-occurring, morphologically distinct estuarine fish species. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 713:136629. [PMID: 31955103 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136629] [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: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Determining the movement behaviours of animals is essential for understanding population dynamics. This is fundamental for developing effective spatial management strategies and in assessing the response of species to anthropogenic disturbance. This study uses a Bayesian state-space model applied to acoustic transmitter data to describe the temporal and spatial movement patterns of three estuarine fish species commonly targeted by recreational anglers in southeast Australia: Black Bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri), Sand Flathead (Platycephalus bassensis), and Brown Trout (Salmo trutta). Despite morphological differences between the three species, several common traits were observed in their movement and behaviour. Of the 50 individuals across all three species that were tracked, the vast majority remained within the estuary where they were tagged for the duration of the study. While the home ranges of the three species differed in size, all individuals remained resident around the mid-estuary where the majority of fish were tagged were released. Each of the species also displayed seasonal migrations, presumably linked to spawning. The timing of the beginning of these migrations was well synchronised both within and among species, starting in late spring/early summer. This suggests that environmental factors such as water temperature and day length may play an important role in cueing spawning behaviour for each of the species. These migratory behaviours suggest adverse changes to estuarine conditions such as reduced river flows may have potential consequences for spawning success for some species and hence implications for fisheries management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean R Tracey
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 49, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia.
| | - Klaas Hartmann
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 49, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Jaime McAllister
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 49, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Jeremy M Lyle
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 49, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
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23
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Birch GF, Shalem Y, Lewtas K, Besley CH. Metal concentrations in Sydney Cockle (Anadara trapezia) tissue and ambient sediment in a highly-modified estuary (Sydney estuary, Australia). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 144:299-308. [PMID: 31180000 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.04.075] [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: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The influence of sedimentary metals on the cockle A. trapezia tissue was examined using a strong difference in sedimentary metal concentrations in an embayment (Hen and Chicken Bay) highly contaminated in Cu and an adjacent cove (Iron Cove), strongly enriched in Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn within the heavily-urbanised Sydney estuary catchment (Australia). Statistically significant differences were recorded for cockle tissue metal concentrations between the study locations reflecting differences in surficial sediment metal concentrations. Low metal uptake was apparent in A. trapezia tissue, which were considerably less than background sedimentary concentrations and was of low-risk for human consumption. Dissimilar bioconcentration of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn was apparent in tissue of cockles (A. trapezia), prawns (Metapenaeus bennettae), mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and oysters (Saccostrea glomerata), due possibly to different feeding patterns and biogeochemical conditions in bottom sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- G F Birch
- School of Geosciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Y Shalem
- School of Geosciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - K Lewtas
- School of Geosciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - C H Besley
- Monitoring, Design and Reporting, Customer Delivery, Sydney Water, NSW 2143, Australia..
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24
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Dietler D, Babu M, Cissé G, Halage AA, Malambala E, Fuhrimann S. Daily variation of heavy metal contamination and its potential sources along the major urban wastewater channel in Kampala, Uganda. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2019; 191:52. [PMID: 30617634 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-018-7175-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution from untreated industrial wastewater has become a major concern to the environment and public health in many rapidly growing cities in low-income countries. Previous studies on heavy metals of urban wastewater systems have focused on long-term (weekly or seasonal) variations, while only few studies investigated short-term (daily) variation to capture potential bulk discharges. To monitor and enforce wastewater discharge regulations and reduce industrial pollution, a better understanding of the short-term variation of these pollutants and industrial discharge practices is needed. The aim of this study is to assess the daily variation of heavy metals and physicochemical parameters along the major urban wastewater system in Kampala, Uganda. Over 1 week, daily water samples were collected at 16 locations and analyzed for lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), copper (Cu), and chromium (Cr) and a range of physicochemical parameters. Additionally, 25 key informant interviews with industries were administered to investigate their potential to contaminate the environment. Among 78 water samples, 29 exceeded the national standards for Pb (> 0.1 mg/L) and one for Hg (> 0.01 mg/L). High daily variation and peak concentrations were detected which are likely due to industries retaining their effluents and discharging them irregularly. Although 24 industries used heavy metals in their manufacturing processes and are likely to discharge heavy metals, only ten industries had a wastewater treatment system in place. Our results show that repeated measurements of heavy metals over short time intervals are needed to capture their high daily variation in an urban wastewater system. Furthermore, there is an urgent need to register industries and to assess their effluent composition in order to select appropriate wastewater management measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Dietler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, P.O. Box, 4002, Basel, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, P.O. Box, 4001, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Mohammed Babu
- Department of Research and Development, National Water and Sewerage Corporation, P.O. Box 7053, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Guéladio Cissé
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, P.O. Box, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, P.O. Box, 4001, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ali A Halage
- Makerere University School of Public Health, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Enos Malambala
- Department of Research and Development, National Water and Sewerage Corporation, P.O. Box 7053, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Samuel Fuhrimann
- University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa
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25
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Birrer SC, Dafforn KA, Sun MY, Williams RBH, Potts J, Scanes P, Kelaher BP, Simpson SL, Kjelleberg S, Swarup S, Steinberg P, Johnston EL. Using meta‐omics of contaminated sediments to monitor changes in pathways relevant to climate regulation. Environ Microbiol 2018; 21:389-401. [DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.14470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simone C. Birrer
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre is equivalent School of BEES, University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
- The Sydney Institute of Marine Science Mosman NSW 2088 Australia
| | - Katherine A. Dafforn
- Department of Environmental Sciences Macquarie University North Ryde NSW 2109 Australia
| | - Melanie Y. Sun
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre is equivalent School of BEES, University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
- The Sydney Institute of Marine Science Mosman NSW 2088 Australia
| | - Rohan B. H. Williams
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering Nanyang Technological University 637551 Singapore
| | - Jaimie Potts
- NSW Office of Environment and Heritage Lidcombe NSW 2141 Australia
| | - Peter Scanes
- NSW Office of Environment and Heritage Lidcombe NSW 2141 Australia
| | - Brendan P. Kelaher
- National Marine Science Centre and Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry Research Southern Cross University Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Australia
| | | | - Staffan Kjelleberg
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering Nanyang Technological University 637551 Singapore
- Centre of Marine Bio‐Innovation School of BEES, University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Sanjay Swarup
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering Nanyang Technological University 637551 Singapore
| | - Peter Steinberg
- Department of Environmental Sciences Macquarie University North Ryde NSW 2109 Australia
- Centre of Marine Bio‐Innovation School of BEES, University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Emma L. Johnston
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre is equivalent School of BEES, University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
- The Sydney Institute of Marine Science Mosman NSW 2088 Australia
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26
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Heery EC, Dafforn KA, Smith JA, Ushiama S, Mayer-Pinto M. Not all artificial structures are created equal: Pilings linked to greater ecological and environmental change in sediment communities than seawalls. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 142:286-294. [PMID: 30401483 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2018.08.012] [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: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Artificial structures are agents of change in marine ecosystems. They add novel habitat for hard-substrate organisms and modify the surrounding environment. Most research to date has focused on the communities living directly on artificial structures, and more research is needed on the potential impacts these structures have on nearby communities and the surrounding environment. We compared the sedimentary habitat surrounding two types of artificial structures (pilings and seawalls) to sediments adjacent to rocky reefs using a combination of traditional sediment analyses, stable isotope analysis, and environmental DNA. Artificial and natural shore sediments were best differentiated by sediment variables strongly associated with flow speed. Pilings sediments had significantly finer grain size, higher organic content, and generally lower C:N ratios than sediments adjacent to the other habitat types, suggesting flow is reduced by pilings. Sedimentary assemblages near pilings were also consistent with those predicted under low-flow conditions, with elevated bacterial colonization and increased relative abundances of small deposit feeders compared with other habitat types. Additionally, lumbrinerid polychaetes in pilings sediments had reduced δ15N values, suggesting different detrital resources and fewer trophic linkages compared with lumbrinerids in other habitats. Woody detritus was greater adjacent to seawalls than to natural rocky shores or pilings. Our findings suggest that artificial structures have the potential to influence adjacent soft sediments through changes to sediment properties that affect infaunal and microbial communities, as well as trophic linkages for some consumers. We hypothesize that this is due to a combination of altered flow, differing detrital subsidies, and differing adjacent land-use among habitat types. Managers should consider the potential for changed sediment properties and ecology when deciding where to build different types of artificial structures. Further manipulative experiments are needed to understand mechanisms of change and help manage the impacts of artificial structures on the seafloor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza C Heery
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Box 351800, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
| | - Katherine A Dafforn
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia; Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, NSW, 2088, Australia
| | - James A Smith
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, NSW, 2088, Australia
| | - Shinjiro Ushiama
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mariana Mayer-Pinto
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, NSW, 2088, Australia
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27
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Lachnit T, Dafforn KA, Johnston EL, Steinberg P. Contrasting distributions of bacteriophages and eukaryotic viruses from contaminated coastal sediments. Environ Microbiol 2018; 21:1929-1941. [PMID: 29971921 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.14340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Viruses are ubiquitous, abundant and play an important role in all ecosystems. Here, we advance understanding of coastal sediment viruses by exploring links in the composition and abundance of sediment viromes to environmental stressors and sediment bacterial communities. We collected sediment from contaminated and reference sites in Sydney Harbour and used metagenomics to analyse viral community composition. The proportion of phages at contaminated sites was significantly greater than phages at reference sites, whereas eukaryotic viruses were relatively more abundant at reference sites. We observed shifts in viral and bacterial composition between contaminated and reference sites of a similar magnitude. Models based on sediment characteristics revealed that total organic carbon in the sediments explained most of the environmental stress-related variation in the viral dataset. Our results suggest that the presence of anthropogenic contaminants in coastal sediments could be influencing viral community composition with potential consequences for associated hosts and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Lachnit
- Zoological Institute, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, 24118, Kiel, Germany.,Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation, School of BEES, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - Katherine A Dafforn
- Applied Marine and Estuarine Ecology Lab, School of BEES, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia.,Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, New South Wales, 2088, Australia
| | - Emma L Johnston
- Applied Marine and Estuarine Ecology Lab, School of BEES, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia.,Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, New South Wales, 2088, Australia
| | - Peter Steinberg
- Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation, School of BEES, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia.,Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, New South Wales, 2088, Australia.,Singapore Centre on Life Science Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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28
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Birrer SC, Dafforn KA, Simpson SL, Kelaher BP, Potts J, Scanes P, Johnston EL. Interactive effects of multiple stressors revealed by sequencing total (DNA) and active (RNA) components of experimental sediment microbial communities. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 637-638:1383-1394. [PMID: 29801231 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.05.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Coastal waterways are increasingly exposed to multiple stressors, e.g. contaminants that can be delivered via pulse or press exposures. Therefore, it is crucial that ecological impacts can be differentiated among stressors to manage ecosystem threats. We investigated microbial community development in sediments exposed to press and pulse stressors. Press exposures were created with in situ mesocosm sediments containing a range of 'metal' concentrations (sediment contaminated with multiple metal(loid)s) and organic enrichment (fertiliser), while the pulse exposure was simulated by a single dose of organic fertiliser. All treatments and exposure concentrations were crossed in a fully factorial field experiment. We used amplicon sequencing to compare the sensitivity of the 1) total (DNA) and active (RNA) component of 2) bacterial (16S rRNA) and eukaryotic (18S rRNA) communities to contaminant exposures. Overall microbial community change was greater when exposed to press than pulse stressors, with the bacterial community responding more strongly than the eukaryotes. The total bacterial community represents a more time-integrated measure of change and proved to be more sensitive to multiple stressors than the active community. Metals and organic enrichment treatments interacted such that the effect of metals was weaker when the sediment was organically enriched. Taxa-level analyses revealed that press enrichment resulted in potential functional changes, mainly involving nitrogen cycling. Furthermore, enrichment generally reduced the abundance of active eukaryotes in the sediment. As well as demonstrating interactive impacts of metals and organic enrichment, this study highlights the sensitivity of next-generation sequencing for ecosystem biomonitoring of interacting stressors and identifies opportunities for more targeted application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone C Birrer
- Applied Marine and Estuarine Ecology Lab, School of BEES, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia; The Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman 2088, NSW, Australia.
| | - Katherine A Dafforn
- The Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman 2088, NSW, Australia; Department of Environmental Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde NSW 2109, Australia
| | | | - Brendan P Kelaher
- National Marine Science Centre and Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry Research, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour 2450, NSW, Australia
| | - Jaimie Potts
- NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, Lidcombe 2141, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter Scanes
- NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, Lidcombe 2141, NSW, Australia
| | - Emma L Johnston
- Applied Marine and Estuarine Ecology Lab, School of BEES, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia; The Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman 2088, NSW, Australia
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29
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Mayer-Pinto M, Dafforn KA, Bugnot AB, Glasby TM, Johnston EL. Artificial structures alter kelp functioning across an urbanised estuary. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 139:136-143. [PMID: 29778444 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Assessments of human impacts on natural habitats often focus on the abundance of component species, yet physiological and/or sub-lethal effects of stressors on functional attributes may be equally important to consider. Here we evaluated how artificial structures, an integral part of urbanisation in the marine environment, affects key functional properties of the habitat-forming kelp Ecklonia radiata. Given that stressors rarely occur in isolation, we assessed the effects of infrastructure across an urbanised estuary. Estuaries are ideal for studying how multiple anthropogenic and natural stressors influence potential impacts of infrastructure on habitat-forming species because these habitats usually face a wide range and levels of stressors. Here, we compared the abundance of habitat-forming macro-algae as well as the growth, erosion and photosynthetic activity of kelp in artificial and natural habitats across one of the largest urbanised estuaries in the word - Sydney Harbour. We predicted that effects of artificial structures on functional attributes of kelps would be stronger in the inner area of the Harbour, characterised by higher levels of human impacts and low flushing. Contrary to our predictions, we found that effects of infrastructure were consistent across the estuary, regardless of the ecological footprint caused by human activities or natural environmental gradients. When differences were observed between areas of the estuary, they mostly occurred independently of impacts of substrate type. Importantly, we found lower erosion rates of kelp on pilings than on reefs, likely resulting in lower production of detritus in estuaries where natural reefs are degraded or lost and pilings added. Such impacts have important implications for the connectivity among coastal habitats and secondary productivity in adjacent and remote habitats, which are highly dependent on the exportation of kelp detritus. Our study is the first to assess potential functional consequences of urbanisation through physiological and/or biomechanical effects on habitat-formers, an often overlooked mechanism of environmental impact on ecosystem functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mayer-Pinto
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Sydney Institute of Marine Sciences, Mosman, NSW, 2088, Australia.
| | - K A Dafforn
- Sydney Institute of Marine Sciences, Mosman, NSW, 2088, Australia; Department of Environmental Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - A B Bugnot
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Sydney Institute of Marine Sciences, Mosman, NSW, 2088, Australia
| | - T M Glasby
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Taylors Beach, NSW, Australia
| | - E L Johnston
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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30
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Leclerc JC, Viard F, González Sepúlveda E, Díaz C, Neira Hinojosa J, Pérez Araneda K, Silva F, Brante A. Non-indigenous species contribute equally to biofouling communities in international vs local ports in the Biobío region, Chile. BIOFOULING 2018; 34:784-799. [PMID: 30354802 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2018.1502276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Growing coastal urbanization together with the intensification of maritime traffic are major processes explaining the increasing rate of biological introductions in marine environments. To investigate the link between international maritime traffic and the establishment of non-indigenous species (NIS) in coastal areas, biofouling communities in three international and three nearby local ports along 100 km of coastline in south-central Chile were compared using settlement panels and rapid assessment surveys. A larger number of NIS was observed in international ports, as expected in these 'invasion hubs'. However, despite a few environmental differences between international and local ports, the two port categories did not display significant differences regarding NIS establishment and contribution to community structure over the studied period (1.5 years). In international ports, the free space could be a limiting factor for NIS establishment. The results also suggest that local ports should be considered in NIS surveillance programs in Chile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Charles Leclerc
- a Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Ambientes Sustentables (CIBAS) , Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción , Concepción , Chile
| | - Frédérique Viard
- b CNRS, UMR 7144 AD2M, Station Biologique de Roscoff, Place Georges Teissier , Sorbonne Université , Roscoff , France
| | - Elizabeth González Sepúlveda
- c Departmento de Química Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias , Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción , Concepción , Chile
| | - Christian Díaz
- d Departamento de Medio Ambiente y Energía, Facultad de Ingeniería, Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Ambientes Sustentables (CIBAS) , Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción , Concepción , Chile
| | - José Neira Hinojosa
- e Departamento de Análisis Instrumental, Facultad de Farmacia , Universidad de Concepción , Concepción , Chile
| | - Karla Pérez Araneda
- a Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Ambientes Sustentables (CIBAS) , Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción , Concepción , Chile
| | - Francisco Silva
- a Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Ambientes Sustentables (CIBAS) , Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción , Concepción , Chile
| | - Antonio Brante
- a Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Ambientes Sustentables (CIBAS) , Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción , Concepción , Chile
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31
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Lin Y, Liu Q, Meng F, Lin Y, Du Y. Integrated toxicity evaluation of metals in sediments of Jiaozhou Bay (China): Based on biomarkers responses in clam Ruditapes philippinarum exposed to sediment extracts. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 131:180-190. [PMID: 29886935 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate the integrated toxicity of metals in sediments of Jiaozhou Bay, we exposed clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) to sediments extracts obtained using of sediment extraction with deionised water adjusted to pH 4 which simulated the weak acidity in the digestive juice of clams and tested the selected biomarkers responses in clams for exposure over 15 days. At the same time, the contents of metals in sediments were assessed with method of the mean sediment quality guideline quotient (SQG-Q). The integrated biomarker response version 2 (IBRv2) was used to assess the integrated toxicity induced by metals in sediment extracts based on biomarkers response in clams: the results demonstrated that site S7 located in the mouth of Nanxin'an River show higher IBRv2 values compared to the other sites. The IBRv2 values exhibited the good consistency with SQG-Q values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Lin
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, PR China; National Marine Hazard Mitigation Service, Risk Management Department, Beijing 100194, PR China
| | - Qunqun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, PR China
| | - Fanping Meng
- Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, PR China.
| | - Yichen Lin
- Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, PR China; Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Yongxiang Du
- Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, PR China; Rizhao Environmental Protection Bureau, Rizhao 276800, PR China
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32
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Birch GF, O'Donnell MA, McCready S. Complex relationships between shallow muddy benthic assemblages, sediment chemistry and toxicity in estuaries in southern New South Wales, Australia. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 129:573-591. [PMID: 29089114 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.10.033] [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: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Synoptic sediment quality triad (contaminants, benthic assemblages, toxicity testing) data were collected for sites in Sydney estuary, adjacent Cooks River and five less-modified southern estuaries. Matching data tested relationships between contaminants and benthic assemblages, correlations with specific contaminants, and the ability of sediment quality guidelines to predict the risk of adverse effects. Significant but weak relationships occurred in complex patterns between assemblages, contaminant concentrations and environmental variables. Maximum benthos abundance occurred where sediment contamination was high and was dominated by polychaetes. Spionidae (polychaete) and Galeommatidae (mollusc) abundances were strongly correlated with site environmental characteristics and with varying mixtures of metals and organic contaminants. The risk of adverse effects on benthic assemblage structure increased with increasing sediment toxicity except for areas of very high contamination and for non-bioavailable anthropogenic chemicals. The overall weight-of-evidence scores differentiated the highly modified sites from less-contaminated southern estuaries, where toxicity scores were higher than predicted.
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Affiliation(s)
- G F Birch
- Environmental Geology Group, School of Geosciences, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | | | - S McCready
- Environmental Geology Group, School of Geosciences, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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33
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Birch GF, Cox BM, Besley CH. The relationship between metal concentrations in seagrass (Zostera capricorni) tissue and ambient fine sediment in modified and near-pristine estuaries (Sydney estuaries, Australia). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 128:72-81. [PMID: 29571414 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Seagrass (Zostera capricorni) tissue metal concentrations in Sydney estuary are some of the highest reported for urban environments. A strong declining metal (As, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn) concentration gradient in fine sediment from highly modified to the near-pristine estuarine environments was matched by a concurrent and statistically significant, moderately strong, relationship with declining metal concentrations for leaf, rhizomes and root tissue types. Leaf tissue more consistently expressed metal concentration uptake from sediment. Rhizome tissue contained the highest concentrations for all metals, except Mn, while leaf concentrations were higher for Cr and Zn and roots were more elevated in Cr and Pb. Tissue Cr, Pb and Zn were close to background for reference sites for leaves. Maximum tissue enrichment over background was 25, 19, 47 and 8 times for Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn. Bio-sediment accumulation factors were generally <1 for all metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- G F Birch
- School of Geosciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - B M Cox
- School of Geosciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - C H Besley
- Monitoring, Design and Reporting, Customer Delivery, Sydney Water, NSW 2143, Australia
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Jahan S, Strezov V. Comparison of pollution indices for the assessment of heavy metals in the sediments of seaports of NSW, Australia. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 128:295-306. [PMID: 29571376 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Sediments samples from six seaports of NSW, Australia were analysed for the presence of metal contamination. Geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), pollution load index (PLI), potential ecological risk (PER) and sediment pollution index (SPI) along with multivariate statistical analysis were used to identify the pollution pattern and possible sources of metals in the ports. The results demonstrate Cu, Pb and Zn pollution (Igeo > 5) at most sites and enrichment of As, Ni, Mn (EF > 3) and other metals. The PER recommends serious pollution at Port Kembla and Eden. By contrast, PLI and SPI demonstrate high contamination in all ports with exception of Port Botany and Yamba. PCA and cluster analysis detected major groups of elements in which three distinct clusters of pollutants and sites were apparent by dendrogram which portray simple and effective baseline scenarios for port activity-related quality assessment of surface sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayka Jahan
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University NSW 2109, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Vladimir Strezov
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University NSW 2109, Sydney, Australia
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Tian C, Doblin MA, Dafforn KA, Johnston EL, Pei H, Hu W. Dinoflagellate cyst abundance is positively correlated to sediment organic carbon in Sydney Harbour and Botany Bay, NSW, Australia. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:5808-5821. [PMID: 29235023 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0886-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
There is growing public concern about the global expansion of harmful algal bloom species (HABs), with dinoflagellate microalgae comprising the major portion of the harmful taxa. These motile, unicellular organisms have a lifecycle involving sexual reproduction and resting cyst formation whereby cysts can germinate from sediments and 'seed' planktonic populations. Thus, investigation of dinoflagellate cyst (dinocyst) distribution in sediments can provide significant insights into HAB dynamics and contribute to indices of habitat quality. Species composition and abundance of dinocysts in relation to sediment characteristics were studied at 18 stations in two densely populated temperate Australian estuaries, Sydney Harbour (Parramatta River/Port Jackson; PS) and Botany Bay (including Georges River; GB). Eighteen dinocyst taxa were identified, dominated by Protoceratium reticulatum and Gonyaulax sp.1 in the PS estuary, together with Archaeperidinium minutum and Gonyaulax sp.1 in the GB estuary. Cysts of Alexandrium catenella, which is one of the causative species of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), were also detected in both estuaries. Out of the measured sediment characteristics (TOC, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mn, Ni, Zn and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), TOC was the parameter explaining most of the variation in dinocyst assemblages and was positively correlated to most of the heavy metals. Given the significant relationship between sediment TOC and dinocyst abundance and heavy metal concentrations, this study suggests that sediment TOC could be broadly used in risk management for potential development of algal blooms and sediment contamination in these estuaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Tian
- Climate Change Cluster, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, 2007, Australia
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, 250061, China
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology, Jinan, 250353, China
| | - Martina A Doblin
- Climate Change Cluster, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, 2007, Australia.
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, NSW, 2088, Australia.
| | - Katherine A Dafforn
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology, Jinan, 250353, China
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Emma L Johnston
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, NSW, 2088, Australia
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Haiyan Pei
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, 250061, China.
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Center on Environmental Science and Technology, Jinan, 250061, China.
| | - Wenrong Hu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, 250061, China
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Center on Environmental Science and Technology, Jinan, 250061, China
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Lawes JC, Dafforn KA, Clark GF, Brown MV, Johnston EL. Multiple stressors in sediments impact adjacent hard substrate habitats and across biological domains. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 592:295-305. [PMID: 28319716 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.03.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Coastal systems are increasingly impacted by human activities. While the direct effects of individual contaminants have been investigated, the potential for multiple contaminants to impact adjacent hard substrate habitats is poorly understood. Sediment-bound contaminants pose a risk to water column organisms through resuspension and the fluxing of dissolved nutrients and metals. This study experimentally manipulated contaminated coastal sediments in mesocosms with additions of a common fertiliser to investigate the impact on both bacterial biofilms and macrofouling communities on nearby hard substrates. Field mesocosms were deployed sub-tidally for two weeks in a fully crossed design with two levels of metal contamination (ambient or high) and three levels of organic enrichment (ambient, low and high). Developing biofilm and macrofaunal communities were collected on acetate settlement sheets above the mesocosm sediments and censused with a combination of high-throughput sequencing (biofilm) and microscopy (macrofauna). Organic enrichment of sediments induced compositional shifts in biofilm communities, reducing their diversity, evenness and richness. Furthermore, co-occurrence networks built from microbial assemblages exposed to contaminated sediments displayed reduced connectivity compared to controls, suggesting a more stochastic assembly dynamic, where microbial interactions are reduced. Macrofouling community composition shifted in response to increased enrichment with separate and interactive effects of metals also observed for individual taxa. Specifically, antagonistic stressor interactions were observed for colonial ascidians and arborescent bryozoans; metal contamination decreased abundances of these taxa, except under high enrichment conditions. Together these micro- and macrofaunal responses indicate selection for depauperate, but contaminant-tolerant, communities and a potential breakdown in biotic connectivity through multiple stressor impacts across habitat boundaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin C Lawes
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia; Sydney Institute of Marine Science, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Katherine A Dafforn
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia; Sydney Institute of Marine Science, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Graeme F Clark
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia; Sydney Institute of Marine Science, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Mark V Brown
- School of Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Emma L Johnston
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia; Sydney Institute of Marine Science, New South Wales, Australia.
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Hook SE, Kroon FJ, Greenfield PA, Warne MSJ, Smith RA, Turner RD. Hepatic transcriptomic profiles from barramundi, Lates calcarifer, as a means of assessing organism health and identifying stressors in rivers in northern Queensland. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 129:166-179. [PMID: 28601346 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2017.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Resource managers need to differentiate between sites with and without contaminants and those where contaminants cause impacts. Potentially, transcriptomes could be used to evaluate sites where contaminant-induced effects may occur, to identify causative stressors of effects and potential adverse outcomes. To test this hypothesis, the hepatic transcriptomes in Barramundi, a perciforme teleost fish, (Lates calcarifer) from two reference sites, two agriculturally impacted sites sampled during the dry season, and an impacted site sampled during the wet season were compared. The hepatic transcriptome was profiled using RNA-Seq. Multivariate analysis showed that transcriptomes were clustered based on site and by inference water quality, but not sampling time. The largest differences in transcriptomic profile were between reference sites and a site sampled during high run-off, showing that impacted sites can be identified via RNA-Seq. Transcripts with altered abundance were linked to xenobiotic metabolism, peroxisome proliferation and stress responses, indicating putative stressors with the potential for adverse outcomes in barramundi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon E Hook
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Oceans and Atmosphere, Kirrawee, NSW 2232, Australia.
| | - Frederieke J Kroon
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia
| | - Paul A Greenfield
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere North Ryde, New South Wales 2113, Australia
| | - Michael St J Warne
- Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience, Coventry University, United Kingdom; Queensland Department of Science, Information Technology, and Innovation, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia; Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Queensland 4111, Australia; National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (EnTox), University of Queensland, Queensland 4108, Australia
| | - Rachael A Smith
- Queensland Department of Science, Information Technology, and Innovation, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia; Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - Ryan D Turner
- Queensland Department of Science, Information Technology, and Innovation, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia; Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Queensland 4111, Australia
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Manning TM, Roach AC, Edge KJ, Ferrell DJ. Levels of PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs in seafood from Sydney Harbour, Australia. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 224:590-596. [PMID: 28284547 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.02.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Sydney Harbour, Australia is contaminated with polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) due to a historical Union Carbide chemical manufacturing facility. We measured levels of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs in over 400 seafood samples (covering 20 species) collected throughout Sydney Harbour. Concentrations ranged from 0.1 to 193 pg total TEQ (WHO05)/g wet weight. These concentrations were above those considered safe for human consumption in many cases. Dioxin accumulation varied among species and was associated with life history traits. Mobile species had elevated concentrations throughout Sydney Harbour whereas accumulation in species likely to move less widely was dependent on the distance they were caught from the point source. This large scale study on multiple species of recreationally caught seafood resulted in the implementation of human consumption advisories for recreational fishing based on individual species and distance from point source. In addition, all forms of commercial fishing in Sydney Harbour were banned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Therese M Manning
- Office of Environment and Heritage, PO Box A290 Sydney South NSW 1232, Australia
| | - Anthony C Roach
- Office of Environment and Heritage, PO Box A290 Sydney South NSW 1232, Australia
| | - Katelyn J Edge
- Office of Environment and Heritage, PO Box A290 Sydney South NSW 1232, Australia.
| | - Doug J Ferrell
- Fisheries NSW, Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman NSW, Australia
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Ushiama S, Smith JA, Suthers IM, Lowry M, Johnston EL. The effects of substratum material and surface orientation on the developing epibenthic community on a designed artificial reef. BIOFOULING 2016; 32:1049-1060. [PMID: 27626597 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2016.1224860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Artificial reefs provide shelter and can be an important source of food for fish depending on the epibenthic community on the structure. The growth and diversity of this community is influenced by the substratum material and the surface orientation of the reef. Settlement plates of four materials (Perspex, sandstone, wood and steel) were deployed in three orientations (upwards, downwards and vertical) at a depth of 33 m on a designed artificial reef (DAR) off the coast of Sydney, Australia. After three months, the steel surfaces had lower invertebrate species richness, total abundance and diversity compared to other surfaces. Steel was not an ideal material for the initial recruitment and growth of epibenthic invertebrates. A longer duration would be required to develop a mature epibenthic community. Surface orientation had species-specific impacts. Surface material and orientation are important factors for developing epibenthic assemblages, and are thus likely to affect the broader artificial reef assemblage, including fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinjiro Ushiama
- a Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences , University of New South Wales , Sydney , Australia
| | - James A Smith
- a Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences , University of New South Wales , Sydney , Australia
| | - Iain M Suthers
- a Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences , University of New South Wales , Sydney , Australia
| | - Michael Lowry
- b Wild Fisheries Research Division , NSW Department of Primary Industries (Port Stephens Fisheries Institute) , Port Stephens , Australia
| | - Emma L Johnston
- a Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences , University of New South Wales , Sydney , Australia
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40
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Fusi M, Beone GM, Suciu NA, Sacchi A, Trevisan M, Capri E, Daffonchio D, Din N, Dahdouh-Guebas F, Cannicci S. Ecological status and sources of anthropogenic contaminants in mangroves of the Wouri River Estuary (Cameroon). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2016; 109:723-733. [PMID: 27394634 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.06.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Mangroves are critically threatened by human activities, despite the important ecosystem functions and services they provide. Mangroves in Cameroon represent no exception to the worldwide trend of mangrove destruction, especially around Douala, on the Wouri river estuary. In two sites around Douala, we assessed the presence of sterols, PAHs, PCBs, DEHP, DDT and its metabolite p,p'-DDE and potentially toxic metals in sediment samples. As a proxy of ecological quality, we measured the diversity and abundance of macrobenthos assemblages. We detected p,p'-DDE contamination, with concentrations higher than 3μgkg(-1) in 16 out of 26 samples which were attributed to recent widespread use of DDT. The detection of sterols revealed faecal contamination. Significant sensitivity of the macrobenthos to contaminants was revealed, with possible implications on the overall mangrove vulnerability to climate change and on the provision of ecosystem services to local populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Fusi
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Biological and Environmental Sciences & Engineering Division, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Gian Maria Beone
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Nicoleta Alina Suciu
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Angela Sacchi
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Marco Trevisan
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Ettore Capri
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Daniele Daffonchio
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Biological and Environmental Sciences & Engineering Division, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ndongo Din
- The University of Douala, Faculty of Science, Department of Botany, P.O. Box 8948, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Farid Dahdouh-Guebas
- Laboratory of Systems Ecology and Resource Management, Department of Organism Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles - ULB, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt 50, CPI 264/1, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium; Laboratory of Plant Biology and Nature Management, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Bio-engineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel - VUB, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stefano Cannicci
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and The School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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41
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Lee JH, Birch GF. The mismatch of bioaccumulated trace metals (Cu, Pb and Zn) in field and transplanted oysters (Saccostrea glomerata) to ambient surficial sediments and suspended particulate matter in a highly urbanised estuary (Sydney estuary, Australia). ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2016; 188:236. [PMID: 27003401 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-016-5244-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
A significant correlation between sedimentary metals, particularly the 'bio-available' fraction, and bioaccumulated metal concentrations in the native Sydney rock oyster (Saccostrea glomerata) tissues has been successfully demonstrated previously for Cu and Zn in a number of estuaries in New South Wales, Australia. However, this relationship has been difficult to establish in a highly modified estuary (Sydney estuary, Australia) where metal contamination is of greatest concern and where a significant relationship would be most useful for environmental monitoring. The use of the Sydney rock oyster as a biomonitoring tool for metal contamination was assessed in the present study by investigating relationships between metals attached to sediments and suspended particulate matter (SPM) to bioaccumulated concentrations in oyster tissues. Surficial sediments (both total and fine-fraction), SPM and wild oysters were collected over 3 years from three embayments (Chowder Bay, Mosman Bay and Iron Cove) with each embayment representing a different physiographic region of Sydney estuary. In addition, a transplant experiment of farmed oysters was conducted in the same embayments for 3 months. No relationship was observed between sediments or SPM metals (Cu, Pb and Zn) to tissue of wild oysters; however, significant relationship was observed against transplanted oysters. The mismatch between wild and farmed, transplanted oysters is perplexing and indicates that wild oysters are unsuitable to be used as a biomonitoring tool due to the involvement of unknown complex factors while transplanted oysters hold strong potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Ho Lee
- Environmental Geology Group, School of Geosciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Gavin F Birch
- Environmental Geology Group, School of Geosciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Lee JH, Birch GF, Simpson SL. Metal-contaminated resuspended sediment particles are a minor metal-uptake route for the Sydney rock oyster (Saccostrea glomerata)--A mesocosm study, Sydney Harbour estuary, Australia. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2016; 104:190-197. [PMID: 26849915 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.01.039] [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: 09/29/2015] [Revised: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Resuspension of surficial sediments is considered a key process influencing bioaccumulation of metals in filter-feeders in the contaminated Sydney Harbour estuary (Australia). However, previous investigations were unable to establish a significant relationship between metals in sediments or suspended particulate matter (SPM) and oyster tissue concentrations. This study used a 60-d laboratory mesocosm experiment to expose Sydney rock oysters, Saccostrea glomerata, to a natural range of SPM concentrations with different SPM-metal concentrations. Dissolved metal concentrations were low and the availability of algae provided as food was constant for all treatments. Tissue metal concentrations of Cu, Pb and Zn increased significantly, however, no relationship was determined between tissue metal concentrations in the oyster and either SPM or SPM-metal concentrations. The results indicated that exposure to resuspended contaminated sediment particles contributed little to the observed metal uptake. Dissolved or algae food sources appear to be more important for metal accumulation in these oysters.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-H Lee
- Environmental Geology Group, School of Geosciences, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - G F Birch
- Environmental Geology Group, School of Geosciences, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - S L Simpson
- Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, CSIRO Land and Water, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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43
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Nel L, Strydom NA, Bouwman H. Preliminary assessment of contaminants in the sediment and organisms of the Swartkops Estuary, South Africa. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2015; 101:878-85. [PMID: 26593278 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Revised: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Urban estuaries are susceptible to metal and organic pollution, yet most remain understudied in South Africa with respect to the presence, concentrations and distribution of contaminants. Metal and organic chemical concentrations were assessed in sediment and organisms from different trophic levels in the lower reaches of the Swartkops Estuary. Species sampled included Upogebia africana (Malacostraca: Upogebiidae), Gilchristella aestuaria (Clupeidae), Psammogobius knysnaensis (Gobiidae), Mugil cephalus (Mugilidae), Lichia amia (Carangidae), Argyrosomus japonicus (Sciaenidae), Pomadasys commersonnii (Haemulidae) and Larus dominicanus (Avis: Laridae). This study is one of the most comprehensive studies to date assessing pollution levels in a food web in estuaries in South Africa. Due to biomagnification, higher concentrations of Arsenic, Lead, Mercury and Cadmium were found in the juveniles stages of popular angling fishes. High concentrations of Cadmium and Arsenic were recorded in the liver of L. amia, A. japonicus and P. commersonnii which exceed international quality food guidelines. Eggs from the gull, L. dominicanus, showed detectable concentrations of PCBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Nel
- Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 1600, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa
| | - N A Strydom
- Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 1600, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa.
| | - H Bouwman
- Research Unit: Environmental Sciences and Development, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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44
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Hook SE, Osborn HL, Spadaro DA, Simpson SL. Challenges for using quantitative PCR test batteries as a TIE-type approach to identify metal exposure in benthic invertebrates. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:17280-17289. [PMID: 24994105 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3234-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The epibenthic amphipod Melita plumulosa shows unique gene expression profiles when exposed to different contaminants. We hypothesized that specific changes in transcript abundance could be used in a battery of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays as a toxicity identification evaluation (TIE)-like approach to identify the most relevant stressor in field-contaminated sediments. To test this hypothesis, seven candidate transcriptomic markers were selected, and their specificity following metal exposure was confirmed. The performance of these markers across different levels of added metals was verified. The ability of these transcripts to act as markers was tested by exposing amphipods to metal-contaminated field-collected sediments and measuring changes in transcript abundance via qPCR. For two of the three sediments tested, at least some of the transcriptomic patterns matched our predictions, suggesting that they would be effective in helping to identify metal exposure in field sediments. However, following exposure to the third sediment, transcriptomic patterns were unlike our predictions. These results suggest that the seven transcripts may be insufficient to discern individual contaminants from complex mixtures and that microarray or RNA-Seq global gene expression profiles may be more effective for TIE. Changes in transcriptomics based on laboratory exposures to single compounds should be carefully validated before the results are used to analyze mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon E Hook
- CSIRO Land and Water, Locked Bag 2007, Kirrawee, NSW, 2232, Australia.
| | - Hannah L Osborn
- CSIRO Land and Water, Locked Bag 2007, Kirrawee, NSW, 2232, Australia
| | - David A Spadaro
- CSIRO Land and Water, Locked Bag 2007, Kirrawee, NSW, 2232, Australia
| | - Stuart L Simpson
- CSIRO Land and Water, Locked Bag 2007, Kirrawee, NSW, 2232, Australia
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45
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Lee JH, Birch GF, Cresswell T, Johansen MP, Adams MS, Simpson SL. Dietary ingestion of fine sediments and microalgae represent the dominant route of exposure and metal accumulation for Sydney rock oyster (Saccostrea glomerata): A biokinetic model for zinc. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2015; 167:46-54. [PMID: 26261879 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2015.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2015] [Revised: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Past studies disagree on the extent to which dissolved or dietary uptake contribute to metal bioaccumulation in the filter-feeding Sydney rock oyster (Saccostrea glomerata) in urbanized estuaries. Although most data support the assumption that fine sediments are a major route of metal uptake in these bivalves, some studies based in the Sydney estuary, Australia, have indicated a poor correlation. In the present study, seawater, sediment and microalgae were radiolabelled with (65)Zn tracer and exposed to S. glomerata to assess the influence of dissolved and dietary sources to Zn bioaccumulation. Oysters in the dissolved-phase uptake experiment (5, 25 and 50 μg L(-1) (65)Zn for 4 d followed by 21 days of depuration) readily accumulated (65)Zn for all three concentrations with an uptake rate constant of 0.160±0.006 L dry weight g(-1) d(-1). Oysters in the dietary assimilation experiment (1h pulse-feed of either (65)Zn-radiolabelled suspended fine-fraction (<63 μm) sediment or the microalgae Tetraselmis sp.) accumulated (65)Zn, with assimilation efficiencies of 59 and 67% for fine sediment and microalgae, respectively. The efflux rates were low for the three experiments (0.1-0.5% d(-1)). A bioaccumulation kinetic model predicts that uptake of Zn will occur predominantly through the dietary ingestion of contaminated fine sediment particles and microalgae within the water column, with considerably greater metal bioaccumulation predicted if oysters ingested microalgae preferentially to sediments. However, the model predicts that for dissolved Zn concentrations greater than 40 μg L(-1), as observed during precipitation events, the uptake of the dissolved phase may contribute ≥50% to accumulation. Overall, the results of the present study suggest that all three sources may be important exposure routes to S. glomerata under different environmental conditions, but contributions from dietary exposure will often dominate.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-H Lee
- Environmental Geology Group, School of Geosciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - G F Birch
- Environmental Geology Group, School of Geosciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - T Cresswell
- Institute for Environmental Research, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - M P Johansen
- Institute for Environmental Research, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - M S Adams
- Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, CSIRO Land and Water, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - S L Simpson
- Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, CSIRO Land and Water, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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46
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Belzunce-Segarra MJ, Simpson SL, Amato ED, Spadaro DA, Hamilton IL, Jarolimek CV, Jolley DF. The mismatch between bioaccumulation in field and laboratory environments: Interpreting the differences for metals in benthic bivalves. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2015; 204:48-57. [PMID: 25912886 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2015.03.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Revised: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Laboratory-based bioaccumulation and toxicity bioassays are frequently used to predict the ecological risk of contaminated sediments in the field. This study investigates the bioassay conditions most relevant to achieving environmentally relevant field exposures. An identical series of metal-contaminated marine sediments were deployed in the field and laboratory over 31 days. Changes in metal concentrations and partitioning in both sediments and waters were used to interpret differences in metal exposure and bioaccumulation to the benthic bivalve Tellina deltoidalis. Loss of resuspended sediments and deposition of suspended particulate matter from the overlying water resulted in the concentrations of Cu, Pb and Zn (major contaminants) becoming lower in the 1-cm surface layer of field-deployed sediments. Lower exchange rates of overlying waters in the laboratory resulted in higher dissolved metal exposures. The prediction of metal bioaccumulation by the bivalves in field and laboratory was improved by considering the metal partitioning within the surface sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J Belzunce-Segarra
- AZTI/Marine Research Division, Herrera kaia, Portualdea z/g, 20110 Pasaia, Spain; Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, CSIRO Land and Water, Locked Bag 2007, Kirrawee, NSW 2234, Australia.
| | - Stuart L Simpson
- Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, CSIRO Land and Water, Locked Bag 2007, Kirrawee, NSW 2234, Australia.
| | - Elvio D Amato
- Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, CSIRO Land and Water, Locked Bag 2007, Kirrawee, NSW 2234, Australia; School of Chemistry, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - David A Spadaro
- Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, CSIRO Land and Water, Locked Bag 2007, Kirrawee, NSW 2234, Australia
| | - Ian L Hamilton
- Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, CSIRO Land and Water, Locked Bag 2007, Kirrawee, NSW 2234, Australia
| | - Chad V Jarolimek
- Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, CSIRO Land and Water, Locked Bag 2007, Kirrawee, NSW 2234, Australia
| | - Dianne F Jolley
- School of Chemistry, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
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47
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Sim VXY, Dafforn KA, Simpson SL, Kelaher BP, Johnston EL. Sediment Contaminants and Infauna Associated with Recreational Boating Structures in a Multi-Use Marine Park. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0130537. [PMID: 26086427 PMCID: PMC4472803 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Multi-use marine parks achieve conservation through spatial management of activities. Zoning of marine parks in New South Wales, Australia, includes high conservation areas and special purpose zones (SPZ) where maritime activities are concentrated. Although such measures geographically constrain anthropogenic impacts, we have limited understanding of potential ecological effects. We assessed sediment communities and contaminants adjacent to boating infrastructure (boat ramps, jetties and a marina) in a SPZ from the Clyde Estuary in Batemans Marine Park. Metal concentrations and fines content were elevated at boating structures compared to reference sites. Species richness was higher at sites with boating structures, where capitellid polychaetes and nematodes dominated the communities. Changes associated with boating structures were localised and did not extend beyond breakwalls or to reference sites outside the SPZ. The study highlights the benefits of appropriate zoning in a multi-use marine park and the potential to minimise stress on pristine areas through the application of spatial management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian X. Y. Sim
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Sciences, Mosman, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Katherine A. Dafforn
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Sciences, Mosman, Australia
| | - Stuart L. Simpson
- Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, CSIRO Land and Water, Locked Bag 2007, Sydney, Australia
| | - Brendan P. Kelaher
- National Marine Science Centre and Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry Research, School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, Australia
| | - Emma L. Johnston
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Sciences, Mosman, Australia
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48
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Gao J, Shi H, Dai Z, Mei X. Variations of sediment toxicity in a tidal estuary: a case study of the South Passage, Changjiang (Yangtze) Estuary. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 128:7-13. [PMID: 25635945 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Revised: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Sediments in estuaries, especially those containing a large reservoir of contaminants released from urban and industrial activities, have had great impacts on benthic fauna and associated species. A better understanding of the toxicity of contaminants in estuarine sediments is of great significance to ecological assessments. Here, based on the collected sediments from neap to spring tides in the South Passage, Changjiang Estuary, the toxicity of the sediments was first studied using the frog embryo teratogenesis assay-Xenopus (FETAX). The results showed that the extracts of estuarine sediments induced multiple malformations in the embryos and that the phenotypes of malformation had two distinct patterns of variations corresponding to the tidal cycles. The phenotypes in the first pattern were dominated by hypopigmentation and edema of the heart, and the pattern was mainly controlled by fine-grained fractions. The phenotypes in the second pattern were dominated by edema of the heart and enlarged proctodeum, and it was mostly controlled by coarse-grain fractions. The sediment toxicity was higher during the spring and flood tides, which may be influenced by the grain size and sediment resuspension. Furthermore, obvious periodicities existed in the changes of the percentages of hatching (14-16 h and 6 h), enlarged proctodeum (15-18 h), and bent tail (5-7 h) due to the influence of tidal cycles. Moreover, our results also suggested that FETAX is an appropriate cost-effective biological monitoring tool to assess estuarine ecological health in contaminated sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjuan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Huahong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Zhijun Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China.
| | - Xuefei Mei
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
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49
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Edge KJ, Dafforn KA, Simpson SL, Ringwood AH, Johnston EL. Resuspended contaminated sediments cause sublethal stress to oysters: A biomarker differentiates total suspended solids and contaminant effects. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2015; 34:1345-53. [PMID: 25677686 DOI: 10.1002/etc.2929] [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: 09/22/2014] [Revised: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Resuspended contaminated sediments represent an important route of contaminant exposure for aquatic organisms. During resuspension events, filter-feeding organisms are exposed to contaminants, in both the dissolved form (at the gills) and the particulate form (in the digestive system). In addition, these organisms must manage the physical stress associated with an increase in total suspended solids (TSS). To date, few studies have experimentally compared the contributions to biological stress of contaminated and clean suspended solids. The authors mixed field-collected sediments (<63 μm) from clean and contaminated field sites to create 4 treatments of increasing metal concentrations. Sydney rock oysters were then exposed to sediment treatments at different TSS concentrations for 4 d, and cellular biomarkers (lysosomal membrane stability, lipid peroxidation, and glutathione) were measured to evaluate sublethal toxicity. Lysosomal membrane stability was the most sensitive biomarker for distinguishing effects from resuspended contaminated sediments, as increasing amounts of contaminated TSS increased lysosomal membrane destabilization. The authors' results illustrate the importance of considering contaminant exposures from resuspended sediments when assessing the toxicity of contaminants to aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn J Edge
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katherine A Dafforn
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stuart L Simpson
- Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Land and Water, Kirrawee, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amy H Ringwood
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Emma L Johnston
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia
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50
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Porter AG, Scanes PR. Scavenging rate ecoassay: a potential indicator of estuary condition. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127046. [PMID: 26024225 PMCID: PMC4449174 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Monitoring of estuary condition is essential due to the highly productive and often intensely impacted nature of these ecosystems. Assessment of the physico-chemical condition of estuaries is expensive and difficult due to naturally fluctuating water quality and biota. Assessing the vigour of ecosystem processes is an alternative method with potential to overcome much of the variability associated with physico-chemical measures. Indicators of estuary condition should have small spatial and temporal variability, have a predictable response to perturbation and be ecologically relevant. Here, we present tests of the first criterion, the spatio-temporal variability of a potential ecoassay measuring the rate of scavenging in estuaries. We hypothesised that the proposed scavenging ecoassay would not vary significantly among A) sites in an estuary, B) trips separated by weeks, or C) days in a trip. Because not all habitats are present in all estuaries, this test was undertaken in two habitats. When conducted over bare substrate there were occasional significant differences, but no discernible patterns, within levels of the experiment. When conducted over vegetated substrate, days within a trip did not vary significantly, but later trips experienced greater scavenging. This scavenging ecoassay shows potential as a tool for assessing the condition of estuarine ecosystems, and further exploration of this protocol is warranted by implementation in estuaries across a gradient of anthropogenic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustine G. Porter
- Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Group, Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Estuary and Catchment Science, Office of Environment and Heritage, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Peter R. Scanes
- Estuary and Catchment Science, Office of Environment and Heritage, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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