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Liu L, Li Y, Yuan D, Li X, Mao Y, Zhao F. Variations in water exchange in the sub-areas of a bay following large-scale land reclamation. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 208:116998. [PMID: 39326333 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 09/13/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
Semi-enclosed bays often have weak water exchange capacities, leading to frequent environmental pollution, particularly localized pollution. This study examines the local effects of changes in local factors on water circulation within Bohai Bay after land reclamation. To address the limitations of previous methods in measuring sub-regional water exchange, we introduce the concept of Local Average Influence Time (LAIT) to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the impact of land reclamation on water exchange between sub-regions in semi-enclosed bays. Results indicate that land reclamation can enhance the self-purification capacity of sub-regions with significant shoreline changes in Bohai Bay, but this improvement is closely linked to dynamic factors such as wind, tide, and runoff. The degree of water exchange between sub-regions shows significant spatial heterogeneity, with land reclamation influencing the primary direction of water transport. This is largely due to the obstruction caused by newly constructed artificial headlands, making the neighbor area new high-risk zones for pollution. Wind can promote water circulation within the bay, but its effects are spatially heterogeneous and sensitive to shoreline topography changes. River discharge can enhance local water exchange but is weakened by obstruction from artificial headlands. Tide promotes water exchange between the bay mouth and inner bay areas, while their impact on sub-regional water exchange is also spatially heterogeneous and sensitive to changes in shoreline and topography. This study provides a quantitative method for assessing water exchange between regions and offers insights into the impact of land reclamation on water circulation within semi-enclosed bays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Liu
- College of Mechanic Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yuanyi Li
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Dekui Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Simulation and Safety, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Xu Li
- CSSC Systems Engineering Research Institute, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Yitian Mao
- College of Mechanic Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Fengze Zhao
- College of Mechanic Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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2
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Page CE, Ainsworth TD, Leggat W, Egan S, Gupta AS, Raoult V, Gaston TF. Localising terrestrially derived pollution inputs to threatened near-shore coral reefs through stable isotope, water quality and oceanographic analysis. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 193:115193. [PMID: 37399735 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Near-shore coral reefs are at high-risk of exposure to pollution from terrestrial activities. Pollution impacts can vary with site-specific factors that span sources, rainfall and oceanographic characteristics. To effectively manage pollution, we need to understand how these factors interact. In this study, we detect terrestrially derived nutrient inputs on near-shore reefs at Norfolk Island, South Pacific by analysis of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and stable isotopes. When compared to a reef site with predominantly oceanic inputs, we found that both the lagoon and a small reef adjacent to a catchment have signatures of human-derived DIN shown through depleted δ15N signatures in macroalgae. We find pollution exposure of reef sites is associated with known and unknown sources, rainfall and mixing of water with the open ocean. In characterising exposure of reef sites we highlight the role of site-specific context in influencing pollution exposure for benthic communities even in remote island systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Page
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES), UNSW, Kensington, NSW 2033, Australia.
| | - T D Ainsworth
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES), UNSW, Kensington, NSW 2033, Australia
| | - W Leggat
- University of Newcastle, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University Dr, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - S Egan
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES), UNSW, Kensington, NSW 2033, Australia
| | - A Sen Gupta
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES), UNSW, Kensington, NSW 2033, Australia
| | - V Raoult
- University of Newcastle, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University Dr, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Marine Ecology Group, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2113, Australia
| | - T F Gaston
- University of Newcastle, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University Dr, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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D'Olivo JP, McCulloch M. Impact of European settlement and land use changes on Great Barrier Reef river catchments reconstructed from long-term coral Ba/Ca records. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 830:154461. [PMID: 35278559 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154461] [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: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The increase in sediment and nutrient loads entering the coastal waters of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and the associated degradation of water quality represents a major threat to coral reefs. Although the strengthening of preventative management strategies remains a priority, there is a general lack of terrestrial runoff baseline information with respect to the spatial and temporal severity of disturbances associated with ongoing European-style land use practices. Here we use new and existing high-resolution coral Ba/Ca and luminescence records from the central Cairns region to the southern GBR shelf to reconstruct sediment fluxes discharged into the GBR from before European settlement in the 1860s to the present-day. Since the commencement of European settlement in the 1860s we document a tripling of flood-plume suspended sediment loads delivered by the Burdekin River to the GBR lagoon relative to 'natural' pre-European baseline levels. We show that this is indicative of a much more extreme degradation of the river catchments than hitherto appreciated with intensified discharge events particularly from the central and southern catchments carrying higher sediment loads. More-over from the 1930s onwards the Burdekin River, the largest source of both sediment and freshwater to the GBR, has also exhibited a progressive northwards expansion of its flood plume. This, together with increased variability of freshwater inputs indicated by coral luminescence records, now shows that the inner GBR not only continues to be impacted by increasing sediment/nutrient loads but is also subject to higher intensity river discharge events due to the loss of ground cover causing increased overland runoff and erosion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Pablo D'Olivo
- Institute of Geological Sciences, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin 12249, Germany.
| | - Malcolm McCulloch
- The ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Faculty of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
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Water Circulation and Transport Time Scales in the Beagle Channel, Southernmost Tip of South America. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse10070941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The Beagle Channel is a long and narrow interoceanic passage within the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the southernmost tip of South America. A high-resolution 3D hydrodynamic model based on the finite elements method was applied to investigate the residual circulation, water fluxes and transport time scales inside this channel. Numerical solutions were analyzed at seasonal time scale and the model results compared with observed ocean data. The circulation pattern is characterized by a west-to-east residual flow with low intensity and low seasonal variability. The water fluxes through the channel were estimated to be, on average, around 12,700 m3/s, with inflow through its western entrance and eastwards outflow mainly through the Mackinlay Strait. The water residence times vary seasonally with basin averages between 36 and 43 days and maximum values between 53 and 95 days. The results provide an overview of the hydrodynamics and water residence times in the Beagle Channel, a unique ecosystem threatened by recent anthropogenic pressures and climate change.
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Faivre G, Sami E, Mackey B, Tomlinson R, Zhang H, Kotra KK, Aimbie J, Maniel M, da Silva GV, Rand E. Water circulation and impact on water quality in the southwest of Efate Island, Vanuatu. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:112938. [PMID: 34534934 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112938] [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] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In Small Island Developing States (SIDS), water pollution is not monitored or assessed frequently enough to fully understand the processes, impacts of water quality issues and what solutions are available This study investigated flushing time in Erakor lagoon and Port Vila Bay, Vanuatu using a numerical model developed in Delft3D. Microbial contamination by Escherichia coli was detected in multiple locations in the lagoon system with counts exceeding thresholds related to human health concerns. Modelling demonstrated a poor flushing time overall with a further decrease as the influence of waves and wind increased, especially in Vila Bay. Sea level rise resulted in an increase in flushing time downstream of the lagoon near the open sea, while with a decrease upstream and in Vila Bay. Based on these results, we recommend long-term continuous monitoring and identification of higher risks areas to prioritise decisions around wastewater management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaelle Faivre
- Griffith Centre for Coastal Management, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia; Griffith Climate Change Response Program, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia; School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.
| | - Erie Sami
- Department of Water Resources, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Port Vila, Vanuatu
| | - Brendan Mackey
- Griffith Climate Change Response Program, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Rodger Tomlinson
- Griffith Centre for Coastal Management, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Hong Zhang
- School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Krishna Kumar Kotra
- School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, Emalus Campus, Port Vila, Vanuatu
| | - Jim Aimbie
- Department of Water Resources, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Port Vila, Vanuatu
| | - Michael Maniel
- School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, Emalus Campus, Port Vila, Vanuatu
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Natural Processes and Anthropogenic Activity in the Indus River Sedimentary Environment in Pakistan: A Critical Review. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse9101109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The Indus River is Asia’s longest river, having its origin in the Tibet Mountain northwest of Pakistan. Routed from northern Gilgit and flowing to the plains, the river passes through several provinces and is connected by numerous small and large tributaries. The river was formed tectonically due to the collusion of the Indian and Eurasian plates, which is referred to as the Indus suture Plains zone (ISPZ). The geological setting of the study area is mainly composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks. The river passed through a variety of climatic zones and areas, although the predominant climate is subtropic arid and sub arid to subequatorial. Locally and globally, anthropogenic activities such as building, dams, and water canals for irrigation purposes, mining exploration, and industries and factories all affected the physical and chemical behaviors of the sediments in various rivers. The main effect of human activities is the reworking of weathered soil smectite, a chemical weathering indicator that rises in the offshore record about 5000 years ago. This material indicates increased transport of stronger chemically weathered material, which may result from agriculture-induced erosion of older soil. However, we also see evidence for the incision of large rivers into the floodplain, which is also driving the reworking of this type of material, so the signal may be a combination of the two. Sediments undergo significant changes in form and size due to clashing with one another in the high-charge river.
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Mitra A, Kumar VS. A numerical investigation on the tide-induced residence time and its association with the suspended sediment concentration in Gulf of Khambhat, northern Arabian Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 163:111947. [PMID: 33360611 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111947] [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: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A 2D-numerical model is used to estimate suspended sediment (SS) transport and residence time (RT) of the Gulf of Khambhat (Gulf). Tidal current, as well as bottom topography, play a key role in sediment entrapment inside the Gulf and hinders the SS exchange between Gulf and Arabian Sea. The northern and central regions of the Gulf experiences high RT throughout the year. RT of more than a month were recorded in the northern region of the Gulf where SS concentration was also high (>500 mg/l). A barrier formed during non-monsoonal months cause distinct RT and SS in the Gulf compared to Arabian Sea. During monsoon, a partial withdrawal of the barrier could be seen leading to lower RT inside the Gulf, especially in the southern region. Whereas, the SS plume resided in the northern region even during the monsoon. Present study infers that particle entrapment occurs inside Gulf for a prolonged period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Mitra
- Ocean Engineering, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research), Dona Paula 403 004, Goa, India; Research Scholar, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620023, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - V Sanil Kumar
- Ocean Engineering, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research), Dona Paula 403 004, Goa, India.
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8
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Timescale Methods for Simplifying, Understanding and Modeling Biophysical and Water Quality Processes in Coastal Aquatic Ecosystems: A Review. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12102717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In this article, we describe the use of diagnostic timescales as simple tools for illuminating how aquatic ecosystems work, with a focus on coastal systems such as estuaries, lagoons, tidal rivers, reefs, deltas, gulfs, and continental shelves. Intending this as a tutorial as well as a review, we discuss relevant fundamental concepts (e.g., Lagrangian and Eulerian perspectives and methods, parcels, particles, and tracers), and describe many of the most commonly used diagnostic timescales and definitions. Citing field-based, model-based, and simple algebraic methods, we describe how physical timescales (e.g., residence time, flushing time, age, transit time) and biogeochemical timescales (e.g., for growth, decay, uptake, turnover, or consumption) are estimated and implemented (sometimes together) to illuminate coupled physical-biogeochemical systems. Multiple application examples are then provided to demonstrate how timescales have proven useful in simplifying, understanding, and modeling complex coastal aquatic systems. We discuss timescales from the perspective of “holism”, the degree of process richness incorporated into them, and the value of clarity in defining timescales used and in describing how they were estimated. Our objective is to provide context, new applications and methodological ideas and, for those new to timescale methods, a starting place for implementing them in their own work.
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9
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Takeuchi I, Takaichi D, Katsumata M, Ishibashi H. Succession of delayed fluorescence correlated with coral bleaching in the hermatypic coral Acropora tenuis. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 154:111008. [PMID: 32179506 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111008] [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: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We investigated coral bleaching by monitoring colour changes and measuring the delayed fluorescence (DF) of symbiotic dinoflagellates in the hermatypic coral Acropora tenuis, exposed to 1.0 μg/L Irgarol 1051 (photosystem II herbicide) for 14 d. The Irgarol concentration corresponded to those from international port regions of the world. The coral colour and DFs under the control treatment were stable throughout the experiment, whereas under the Irgarol treatment the corals showed gradual bleaching. The Irgarol treatment caused a rapid decrease in the slow decay DF component (10.1-60.0 s), while the fast decay DF component (0.1-10.0 s) decreased significantly after 6 d. The significant correlation between the latter values and the coral colour indicates that if the electron accumulation function of quinones QA and QB is compromised, corals will bleach. The present study will contribute to the understanding of the mechanism involved in bleaching of coral exposed to herbicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ichiro Takeuchi
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8566, Japan; The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8566, Japan; Center of Advanced Technology for the Environment, Graduate School of Agriculture, Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8566, Japan.
| | - Daisuke Takaichi
- The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8566, Japan
| | - Masakazu Katsumata
- Central Research Laboratory, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., 5000 Hirakuchi, Hamakita, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 434-8601, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ishibashi
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8566, Japan; The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8566, Japan; Center of Advanced Technology for the Environment, Graduate School of Agriculture, Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8566, Japan
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10
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Tebbett SB, Bellwood DR. Sediments ratchet-down coral reef algal turf productivity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 713:136709. [PMID: 32019043 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Coral reefs are highly productive ecosystems, with much of this productivity arising from the algal turfs which cover the hard reef substratum. This productivity can flow up the food chain through herbivorous fishes, to be harvested by humans as fishable biomass. However, algal turfs exist on a spectrum of forms from short productive algal turfs (SPATs), to long sediment-laden algal turfs (LSATs). The latter are increasingly likely to typify Anthropocene coral reefs, however, we have a limited understanding of their nature and potential productivity. We assessed the nature of algal turfs in terms of length, biomass, relative detritus content, and productivity across a sediment load gradient, from SPATs to LSATs, at two reefs separated by >450 km along Australia's Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Furthermore, to assess the capacity of sediments to shape productivity, we modelled algal turf productivity, as a function of sediment load, across multiple spatial scales in a Bayesian framework. We recorded precipitous declines in both the productivity of algal turfs, and the relative nutritional value of particulates, up to sediment loads of ~100 g m-2. However, algal turf biomass did not change with sediment loads. This appears to reflect a shift in algal community composition from short, high-biomass, highly-productive algae at low sediment loads, to longer, low-biomass, less productive algae at high sediment loads. Importantly, these relationships provide a robust framework for estimating algal turf productivity on coral reefs. Indeed, when we applied our models to known sediment loads, we reveal that sediment loads alone can explain observed algal turf productivity gradients across multiple spatial scales. In an era of global climate change and coral reef reconfiguration, algal turf sediments may hold the key to maintaining benthic productivity on coral reefs in the Anthropocene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sterling B Tebbett
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.
| | - David R Bellwood
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
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11
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Kamei M, Takayama K, Ishibashi H, Takeuchi I. Effects of ecologically relevant concentrations of Irgarol 1051 in tropical to subtropical coastal seawater on hermatypic coral Acropora tenuis and its symbiotic dinoflagellates. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 150:110734. [PMID: 31910516 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The effects of ecologically relevant concentrations of Irgarol 1051, a representative PSII herbicide, on hermatypic corals were studied in the laboratory. The colour and chlorophyll fluorescence of Acropora tenuis were examined following exposure to around ambient concentrations of Irgarol 1051 (20 ng/L and 200 ng/L) for 7 days. While the colour of corals was stable throughout the experiment at both concentrations, the maximum effective quantum yield (ΔF/Fm') of symbiotic dinoflagellates decreased with increasing Irgarol 1051 concentration (day 7: 8%, 20 ng/L; 37%, 200 ng/L). The expression of heat shock protein (HSP) 70 and 90 in symbiotic dinoflagellates was upregulated after 7 days exposure to both Irgarol concentrations, whereas HSP90 in coral was not upregulated. The findings of the present study suggest that the threshold of chlorophyll fluorescence and HSP expression in symbiotic dinoflagellates is lower than 20 ng/L, which is around ecologically relevant concentrations in tropical to subtropical waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misato Kamei
- Faculty of Agriculture, Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8566, Japan
| | - Kotaro Takayama
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8566, Japan; Electronics-Inspired Interdisciplinary Research Institute (EIIRIS), Toyohashi University of Technology, 1-1 Hibarigaoka, Tempaku-cho, Toyohashi, Aichi 441-8580, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ishibashi
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8566, Japan; Center of Advanced Technology for the Environment, Graduate School of Agriculture, Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8566, Japan
| | - Ichiro Takeuchi
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8566, Japan; Center of Advanced Technology for the Environment, Graduate School of Agriculture, Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8566, Japan.
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12
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Microplastic Contamination Has Limited Effects on Coral Fertilisation and Larvae. DIVERSITY-BASEL 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/d11120228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous throughout the world’s oceans and contaminate coral reef ecosystems. There is evidence of microplastic ingestion by corals and passive contact with coral tissues, causing adverse health effects that include energy expenditure for particle removal from the tissue surface, as well as reduced growth, tissue bleaching, and necrosis. Here, it was examined whether microplastic contamination impairs the success of gamete fertilisation, embryo development and larval settlement of the reef-building coral Acropora tenuis. Coral gametes and larvae were exposed to fifteen microplastic treatments using two types of plastic: (1) weathered polypropylene particles and (2) spherical polyethylene microbeads. The treatments ranged from five to 50 polypropylene pieces L−1 and 25 to 200 microbeads L−1. Fertilisation was only negatively affected by the largest weathered microplastics (2 mm2), but the effects were not dose dependent. Embryo development and larval settlement were not significantly impacted by either microplastic type. The study shows that moderate–high levels of marine microplastic contamination, specifically particles <2 mm2, will not substantially interfere with the success of critical early life coral processes.
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Buah-Kwofie A, Humphries MS. Validation of a modified QuEChERS method for the analysis of organochlorine pesticides in fatty biological tissues using two-dimensional gas chromatography. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2019; 1105:85-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2018.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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14
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Bainbridge Z, Lewis S, Bartley R, Fabricius K, Collier C, Waterhouse J, Garzon-Garcia A, Robson B, Burton J, Wenger A, Brodie J. Fine sediment and particulate organic matter: A review and case study on ridge-to-reef transport, transformations, fates, and impacts on marine ecosystems. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 135:1205-1220. [PMID: 30301020 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Studies documenting the effects of land-derived suspended particulate matter (SPM, i.e., particulate organic matter and mineral sediment) on marine ecosystems are typically disconnected from terrestrial studies that determine their origin, transport and fate. This study reviews sources, transport, transformations, fate and effects of SPM along the 'ridge-to-reef' continuum. We show that some of the SPM can be transported over long distances and transformed into large and easily resuspendible organic-rich sediment flocs. These flocs may lead to prolonged reductions in water clarity, impacting upon coral reef, seagrass and fish communities. Using the Great Barrier Reef (NE Australia) as a case study, we identify the latest research tools to determine thresholds of SPM exposure, allowing for an improved appreciation of marine risk. These tools are used to determine ecologically-relevant end-of-basin load targets and reliable marine water quality guidelines, thereby enabling enhanced prioritisation and management of SPM export from ridge-to-reef.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Bainbridge
- TropWATER, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia.
| | - S Lewis
- TropWATER, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
| | - R Bartley
- CSIRO, Brisbane, Queensland 4068, Australia
| | - K Fabricius
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville MC, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - C Collier
- TropWATER, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
| | - J Waterhouse
- TropWATER, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
| | - A Garzon-Garcia
- Department of Environment and Science, GPO Box 5078, Brisbane 4001, Australia
| | - B Robson
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville MC, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - J Burton
- Department of Environment and Science, GPO Box 5078, Brisbane 4001, Australia
| | - A Wenger
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - J Brodie
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
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Schaffelke B, Fabricius K, Kroon F, Brodie J, De'ath G, Shaw R, Tarte D, Warne M, Thorburn P. Support for improved quality control but misplaced criticism of GBR science. Reply to viewpoint "The need for a formalised system of Quality Control for environmental policy-science" by P. Larcombe and P. Ridd (Marine Pollution Bulletin 126: 449-461, 2018). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 129:357-363. [PMID: 29680560 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.02.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This is a response to the published Viewpoint by Larcombe and Ridd (2018). We agree with Larcombe and Ridd (2018) that scientific merit goes hand in hand with rigorous quality control. However, we are responding here to several points raised by Larcombe and Ridd (2018) which in our view were misrepresented. We describe the formal and effective science review, synthesis and advice processes that are in place for science supporting decision-making in the Great Barrier Reef. We also respond in detail to critiques of selected publications that were used by Larcombe and Ridd (2018) as a case study to illustrate shortcomings in science quality control. We provide evidence that their representation of the published research and arguments to support the statement that "many (…) conclusions are demonstrably incorrect" is based on misinterpretation, selective use of data and over-simplification, and also ignores formal responses to previously published critiques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Schaffelke
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville MC, QLD, 4810, Australia.
| | - Katharina Fabricius
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville MC, QLD, 4810, Australia
| | - Frederieke Kroon
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville MC, QLD, 4810, Australia
| | - Jon Brodie
- Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Glenn De'ath
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville MC, QLD, 4810, Australia
| | - Roger Shaw
- Reef Independent Science Panel, Graceville Q 4075, Australia
| | - Diane Tarte
- Marine Ecosystem Policy Advisors, Redland Bay Q 4165, Australia; Mackay-Whitsunday Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership, Australia
| | - Michael Warne
- Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience, Coventry University, CV1 5FB Coventry, UK; Queensland Department of Environment and Science, Dutton Park, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia
| | - Peter Thorburn
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia
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Thornton CM, Elledge AE. Tebuthiuron Movement via Leaching and Runoff from Grazed Vertisol and Alfisol Soils in the Brigalow Belt Bioregion of Central Queensland, Australia. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2016; 64:3949-3959. [PMID: 26881916 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5b05393] [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] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Tebuthiuron is one of five priority herbicides identified as a water pollutant entering the Great Barrier Reef. A review of tebuthiuron research in Australia found 13 papers, 6 of which focused on water quality at the basin scale (>10,000 km(2)) with little focus on process understanding. This study examined the movement of tebuthiuron in soil and runoff at the plot (1.7 m(2)) and small catchment (12.7 ha) scales. The greatest concentration and mass in soil occurred from 0 to 0.05 m depth 30-57 days after application. Concentrations at all depths tended to decrease after 55-104 days. Runoff at the small catchment scale contained high concentrations of tebuthiuron (average = 103 μg/L) 100 days after application, being 0.05% of the amount applied. Tebuthiuron concentrations in runoff declined over time with the majority of the chemical in the dissolved phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig M Thornton
- Department of Natural Resources and Mines , P.O. Box 1762, Rockhampton, Queensland 4700, Australia
| | - Amanda E Elledge
- Department of Natural Resources and Mines , P.O. Box 1762, Rockhampton, Queensland 4700, Australia
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Dong Y, Rosenbaum RK, Hauschild MZ. Assessment of Metal Toxicity in Marine Ecosystems: Comparative Toxicity Potentials for Nine Cationic Metals in Coastal Seawater. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:269-278. [PMID: 26623924 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b01625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This study is a first attempt to develop globally applicable and spatially differentiated marine comparative toxicity potentials (CTPs) or ecotoxicity characterization factors for metals in coastal seawater for use in life cycle assessment. The toxicity potentials are based exclusively on marine ecotoxicity data and take account of metal speciation and bioavailability. CTPs were developed for nine cationic metals (Cd, Cr(III), Co, Cu(II), Fe(III), Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in 64 large marine ecosystems (LMEs) covering all coastal waters in the world. The results showed that the CTP of a specific metal varies 3-4 orders of magnitude across LMEs, largely due to different seawater residence times. Therefore, the highest toxicity potential for metals was found in the LMEs with the longest seawater residence times. Across metals, the highest CTPs were observed for Cd, Pb, and Zn. At the concentration levels occurring in coastal seawaters, Fe acts not as a toxic agent but as an essential nutrient and thus has CTPs of zero.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Dong
- Division for Quantitative Sustainability Assessment, Department of Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark , Nils Koppels Alle, Building 424, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ralph K Rosenbaum
- Irstea, UMR ITAP, ELSA-PACT - Industrial Chair for Environmental and Social Sustainability Assessment, 361 rue Jean-François Breton, BP 5095, F-34196 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Michael Z Hauschild
- Division for Quantitative Sustainability Assessment, Department of Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark , Nils Koppels Alle, Building 424, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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Wooldridge SA, Brodie JE. Environmental triggers for primary outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2015; 101:805-815. [PMID: 26460182 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.08.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Revised: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we postulate a unique environmental triggering sequence for primary outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS, Acanthaster planci) on the central Great Barrier Reef (GBR, Australia). Notably, we extend the previous terrestrial runoff hypothesis, viz. nutrient-enriched terrestrial runoff → elevated phytoplankton 'bloom' concentrations → enhanced COTS larval survival, to include the additional importance of strong larvae retention around reefs or within reef groups (clusters) that share enhanced phytoplankton concentrations. For the central GBR, this scenario is shown to occur when El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) linked hydrodynamic conditions cause the 'regional' larval connectivity network to fragment into smaller 'local' reef clusters due to low ocean current velocities. As inter-annual variations in hydrodynamic circulation patterns are not amenable to direct management intervention, the ability to reduce the future frequency of COTS outbreaks on the central GBR is shown to be contingent on reducing terrestrial bioavailable nutrient loads ~20-40%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott A Wooldridge
- Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, JCU, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville MC, QLD 4810, Australia.
| | - Jon E Brodie
- Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, JCU, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
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van Dam JW, Uthicke S, Beltran VH, Mueller JF, Negri AP. Combined thermal and herbicide stress in functionally diverse coral symbionts. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2015; 204:271-279. [PMID: 25989453 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2015.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Revised: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/08/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Most reef building corals rely on symbiotic microalgae (genus Symbiodinium) to supply a substantial proportion of their energy requirements. Functional diversity of different Symbiodinium genotypes, endorsing the host with physiological advantages, has been widely reported. Yet, the influence of genotypic specificity on the symbiont's susceptibility to contaminants or cumulative stressors is unknown. Cultured Symbiodinium of presumed thermal-tolerant clade D tested especially vulnerable to the widespread herbicide diuron, suggesting important free-living populations may be at risk in areas subjected to terrestrial runoff. Co-exposure experiments where cultured Symbiodinium were exposed to diuron over a thermal stress gradient demonstrated how fast-growing clade C1 better maintained photosynthetic capability than clade D. The mixture toxicity model of Independent Action, considering combined thermal stress and herbicide contamination, revealed response additivity for inhibition of photosynthetic yield in both tested cultures, emphasizing the need to account for cumulative stressor impacts in ecological risk assessment and resource management.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W van Dam
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PO Box 41775, Casuarina, NT 0811, Australia; The University of Queensland, School of Biological Sciences, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville MC, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia.
| | - S Uthicke
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville MC, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia.
| | - V H Beltran
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville MC, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia.
| | - J F Mueller
- The University of Queensland, National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, Australia.
| | - A P Negri
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville MC, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia.
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Mercurio P, Mueller JF, Eaglesham G, Flores F, Negri AP. Herbicide Persistence in Seawater Simulation Experiments. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0136391. [PMID: 26313296 PMCID: PMC4552293 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Herbicides are detected year-round in marine waters, including those of the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef (GBR). The few previous studies that have investigated herbicide persistence in seawater generally reported half-lives in the order of months, and several studies were too short to detect significant degradation. Here we investigated the persistence of eight herbicides commonly detected in the GBR or its catchments in standard OECD simulation flask experiments, but with the aim to mimic natural conditions similar to those found on the GBR (i.e., relatively low herbicide concentrations, typical temperatures, light and microbial communities). Very little degradation was recorded over the standard 60 d period (Experiment 1) so a second experiment was extended to 365 d. Half-lives of PSII herbicides ametryn, atrazine, diuron, hexazinone and tebuthiuron were consistently greater than a year, indicating high persistence. The detection of atrazine and diuron metabolites and longer persistence in mercuric chloride-treated seawater confirmed that biodegradation contributed to the breakdown of herbicides. The shortest half-life recorded was 88 d for growth-regulating herbicide 2,4-D at 31°C in the dark, while the fatty acid-inhibitor metolachlor exhibited a minimum half-life of 281 d. The presence of moderate light and elevated temperatures affected the persistence of most of the herbicides; however, the scale and direction of the differences were not predictable and were likely due to changes in microbial community composition. The persistence estimates here represent some of the first appropriate data for application in risk assessments for herbicide exposure in tropical marine systems. The long persistence of herbicides identified in the present study helps explain detection of herbicides in nearshore waters of the GBR year round. Little degradation of these herbicides would be expected during the wet season with runoff and associated flood plumes transporting a high proportion of the original herbicide from rivers into the GBR lagoon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Mercurio
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- The University of Queensland, National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology, Coopers Plains, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Jochen F. Mueller
- The University of Queensland, National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology, Coopers Plains, Queensland, Australia
| | - Geoff Eaglesham
- The University of Queensland, National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology, Coopers Plains, Queensland, Australia
| | - Florita Flores
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew P. Negri
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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Wooldridge SA, Brodie JE, Kroon FJ, Turner RDR. Ecologically based targets for bioavailable (reactive) nitrogen discharge from the drainage basins of the Wet Tropics region, Great Barrier Reef. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2015; 97:262-272. [PMID: 26072049 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Revised: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
A modelling framework is developed for the Wet Tropics region of the Great Barrier Reef that links a quantitative river discharge parameter (viz. dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentration, DIN) with an eutrophication indicator within the marine environment (viz. chlorophyll-a concentration, chl-a). The model predicts catchment-specific levels of reduction (%) in end-of-river DIN concentrations (as a proxy for total potentially reactive nitrogen, PRN) needed to ensure compliance with chl-a 'trigger' guidelines for the ecologically distinct, but PRN-related issues of crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) outbreaks, reef biodiversity loss, and thermal bleaching sensitivity. The results indicate that even for river basins dominated by agricultural land uses, quite modest reductions in end-of-river PRN concentrations (∼20-40%) may assist in mitigating the risk of primary COTS outbreaks from the mid-shelf reefs of the Wet Tropics. However, more significant reductions (∼60-80%) are required to halt and reverse declines in reef biodiversity, and loss of thermal bleaching resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott A Wooldridge
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville MC, QLD 4810, Australia; Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, JCU Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.
| | - Jon E Brodie
- Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, JCU Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Frederieke J Kroon
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville MC, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - Ryan D R Turner
- Department of Science, Information, Technology and Innovation, Queensland Government, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
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22
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Butler IR, Sommer B, Zann M, Zhao JX, Pandolfi JM. The cumulative impacts of repeated heavy rainfall, flooding and altered water quality on the high-latitude coral reefs of Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2015; 96:356-367. [PMID: 25935807 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.04.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Revised: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/25/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Terrestrial runoff and flooding have resulted in major impacts on coral communities worldwide, but we lack detailed understanding of flood plume conditions and their ecological effects. Over the course of repeated flooding between 2010 and 2013, we measured coral cover and water quality on the high-latitude coral reefs of Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia. In 2013, salinity, total suspended solids, total nitrogen and total phosphorus were altered for up to six months post-flooding. Submarine groundwater caused hypo-saline conditions for a further four months. Despite the greater magnitude of flooding in 2013, declines in coral abundance (∼28%) from these floods were lower than the 2011 flood (∼40%), which occurred immediately after a decade of severe drought. There was an overall cumulative decrease of coral by ∼56% from 2010 to 2013. Our study highlights the need for local scale monitoring and research to facilitate informed management and conservation of catchments and marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- I R Butler
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - B Sommer
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - M Zann
- Biophysical Remote Sensing Group, Centre for Spatial Environmental Research (CSER), School of Geography, Planning & Environmental Management, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - J-X Zhao
- Radiogenic Isotope Laboratory, School of Earth Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - J M Pandolfi
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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23
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Morrison RJ, Peshut PJ, West RJ, Lasorsa BK. Mercury (Hg) speciation in coral reef systems of remote Oceania: Implications for the artisanal fisheries of Tutuila, Samoa Islands. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2015; 96:41-56. [PMID: 26028166 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.05.049] [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: 01/19/2015] [Revised: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We investigated Hg in muscle tissue of fish species from three trophic levels on fringing reefs of Tutuila (14°S, 171°W), plus water, sediment and turf alga. Accumulation of total Hg in the herbivore Acanthurus lineatus (Acanthuridae, lined surgeonfish, (n=40)) was negligible at 1.05 (±0.04) ng g(-1) wet-weight, (∼65% occurring as methyl Hg). The mid-level carnivore Parupeneus spp. (Mullidae, goatfishes (n=10)) had total Hg 29.8 (±4.5) ng g(-1) wet-weight (∼99% as methyl Hg). Neither A. lineatus or Parupeneus spp. showed a propensity to accumulate Hg based on body size. Both groups were assigned a status of "un-restricted" for monthly consumption limits for non-carcinogenic health endpoints for methyl Hg. The top-level carnivore Sphyraena qenie (Sphyraenidae, blackfin barracuda, n=3) had muscle tissue residues of 105, 650 and 741 ng g(-1) wet-weight (100% methyl Hg, with increasing concentration with body mass, suggesting that S. qenie >15 kg would have a recommendation of "no consumption".
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Affiliation(s)
- R John Morrison
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Wollongong, Australia.
| | - Peter J Peshut
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Wollongong, Australia; Nimbus Environmental Services, PO Box 72, Hilo, HI 96721, USA
| | - Ronald J West
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Wollongong, Australia
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Mercurio P, Flores F, Mueller JF, Carter S, Negri AP. Glyphosate persistence in seawater. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2014; 85:385-90. [PMID: 24467857 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2013] [Revised: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Glyphosate is one of the most widely applied herbicides globally but its persistence in seawater has not been reported. Here we quantify the biodegradation of glyphosate using standard "simulation" flask tests with native bacterial populations and coastal seawater from the Great Barrier Reef. The half-life for glyphosate at 25 °C in low-light was 47 days, extending to 267 days in the dark at 25 °C and 315 days in the dark at 31 °C, which is the longest persistence reported for this herbicide. AMPA, the microbial transformation product of glyphosate, was detected under all conditions, confirming that degradation was mediated by the native microbial community. This study demonstrates glyphosate is moderately persistent in the marine water under low light conditions and is highly persistent in the dark. Little degradation would be expected during flood plumes in the tropics, which could potentially deliver dissolved and sediment-bound glyphosate far from shore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Mercurio
- The University of Queensland, National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Brisbane, QLD 4108, Australia; Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB No. 3, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia.
| | - Florita Flores
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB No. 3, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- The University of Queensland, National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Brisbane, QLD 4108, Australia
| | - Steve Carter
- Forensic and Scientific Services, Health Services Support Agency, QLD Department of Health, PO Box 594, Archerfield, QLD 4108, Australia
| | - Andrew P Negri
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB No. 3, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
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Fabricius KE, Logan M, Weeks S, Brodie J. The effects of river run-off on water clarity across the central Great Barrier Reef. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2014; 84:191-200. [PMID: 24863415 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Revised: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Changes in water clarity across the shallow continental shelf of the central Great Barrier Reef were investigated from ten years of daily river load, oceanographic and MODIS-Aqua data. Mean photic depth (i.e., the depth of 10% of surface irradiance) was related to river loads after statistical removal of wave and tidal effects. Across the ∼25,000 km(2) area, photic depth was strongly related to river freshwater and phosphorus loads (R(2)=0.65 and 0.51, respectively). In the six wetter years, photic depth was reduced by 19.8% and below water quality guidelines for 156 days, compared to 9 days in the drier years. After onset of the seasonal river floods, photic depth was reduced for on average 6-8 months, gradually returning to clearer baseline values. Relationships were strongest inshore and midshelf (∼12-80 km from the coast), and weaker near the chronically turbid coast. The data show that reductions in river loads would measurably improve shelf water clarity, with significant ecosystem health benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- K E Fabricius
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB No. 3, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia.
| | - M Logan
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB No. 3, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia
| | - S Weeks
- Biophysical Oceanography Group, School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - J Brodie
- Centre for Tropical Water & Aquatic Ecosystem Research, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
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ESA-MERIS 10-Year Mission Reveals Contrasting Phytoplankton Bloom Dynamics in Two Tropical Regions of Northern Australia. REMOTE SENSING 2014. [DOI: 10.3390/rs6042963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Coral skeletons provide historical evidence of phosphorus runoff on the great barrier reef. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75663. [PMID: 24086606 PMCID: PMC3785503 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2013] [Accepted: 08/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the inshore reefs of the Great Barrier Reef have declined rapidly because of deteriorating water quality. Increased catchment runoff is one potential culprit. The impacts of land-use on coral growth and reef health however are largely circumstantial due to limited long-term data on water quality and reef health. Here we use a 60 year coral core record to show that phosphorus contained in the skeletons (P/Ca) of long-lived, near-shore Porites corals on the Great Barrier Reef correlates with annual records of fertiliser application and particulate phosphorus loads in the adjacent catchment. Skeletal P/Ca also correlates with Ba/Ca, a proxy for fluvial sediment loading, again linking near-shore phosphorus records with river runoff. Coral core records suggest that phosphorus levels increased 8 fold between 1949 and 2008 with the greatest levels coinciding with periods of high fertiliser-phosphorus use. Periods of high P/Ca correspond with intense agricultural activity and increased fertiliser application in the river catchment following agricultural expansion and replanting after cyclone damage. Our results demonstrate how coral P/Ca records can be used to assess terrestrial nutrient loading of vulnerable near-shore reefs.
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Álvarez-Romero JG, Devlin M, Teixeira da Silva E, Petus C, Ban NC, Pressey RL, Kool J, Roberts JJ, Cerdeira-Estrada S, Wenger AS, Brodie J. A novel approach to model exposure of coastal-marine ecosystems to riverine flood plumes based on remote sensing techniques. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2013; 119:194-207. [PMID: 23500022 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2013.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2012] [Revised: 01/19/2013] [Accepted: 01/29/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Increased loads of land-based pollutants are a major threat to coastal-marine ecosystems. Identifying the affected marine areas and the scale of influence on ecosystems is critical to assess the impacts of degraded water quality and to inform planning for catchment management and marine conservation. Studies using remotely-sensed data have contributed to our understanding of the occurrence and influence of river plumes, and to our ability to assess exposure of marine ecosystems to land-based pollutants. However, refinement of plume modeling techniques is required to improve risk assessments. We developed a novel, complementary, approach to model exposure of coastal-marine ecosystems to land-based pollutants. We used supervised classification of MODIS-Aqua true-color satellite imagery to map the extent of plumes and to qualitatively assess the dispersal of pollutants in plumes. We used the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), the world's largest coral reef system, to test our approach. We combined frequency of plume occurrence with spatially distributed loads (based on a cost-distance function) to create maps of exposure to suspended sediment and dissolved inorganic nitrogen. We then compared annual exposure maps (2007-2011) to assess inter-annual variability in the exposure of coral reefs and seagrass beds to these pollutants. We found this method useful to map plumes and qualitatively assess exposure to land-based pollutants. We observed inter-annual variation in exposure of ecosystems to pollutants in the GBR, stressing the need to incorporate a temporal component into plume exposure/risk models. Our study contributes to our understanding of plume spatial-temporal dynamics of the GBR and offers a method that can also be applied to monitor exposure of coastal-marine ecosystems to plumes and explore their ecological influences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge G Álvarez-Romero
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.
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Howe PL, Reichelt-Brushett AJ, Clark MW. Aiptasia pulchella: a tropical cnidarian representative for laboratory ecotoxicological research. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2012; 31:2653-2662. [PMID: 22927090 DOI: 10.1002/etc.1993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2012] [Revised: 07/13/2012] [Accepted: 08/02/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
An urgent need exists to identify suitable tropical marine species for use in the development of sensitive and reliable test methods for routine laboratory ecotoxicological testing. Corals are a group of organisms not represented in routine ecotoxicology due to inherent difficulties in laboratory husbandry, and sea anemones from the same phylum (cnidaria) may be useful proxies. Aiptasia pulchella is a tropical symbiotic sea anemone with a wide geographic range. It is well suited to laboratory conditions and has been used extensively in research. However, its suitability as a toxicity test species has not been investigated. Assessment of juvenile recruitment in laboratory and semi-outdoor conditions showed higher production in semi-outdoor conditions; however, laboratory rearing produced enough recruits to run routine toxicity tests. In investigations of the sensitivity of A. pulchella to contaminants, acute tests were conducted on 1- to 2-mm juveniles using copper. Lethal concentration, 50% (LC50) values at 96 h estimated from tests using five and 10 replicates ranged from 30 to 83 and 60 to 90 µg/L, respectively, and a 28-d LC50 of 26 µg/L was estimated. During the present study, sublethal endpoints were investigated; chronic assessment of inhibited asexual reproduction looks promising (12-d effective concentration, 50% [EC50] 15 µg/L) and should be assessed further. Aiptasia pulchella is a species worthy of investigation as a cnidarian representative, and will be an invaluable contribution to tropical marine ecotoxicologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pelli Louise Howe
- School of Environment, Science, and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia.
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Devlin M, Schaffelke B. Catchment-to-reef continuum: Case studies from the Great Barrier Reef. A special issue--Marine Pollution Bulletin 2012. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2012; 65:77-80. [PMID: 22626622 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2012.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
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Bainbridge ZT, Wolanski E, Alvarez-Romero JG, Lewis SE, Brodie JE. Fine sediment and nutrient dynamics related to particle size and floc formation in a Burdekin River flood plume, Australia. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2012; 65:236-248. [PMID: 22364951 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2012.01.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2011] [Revised: 01/27/2012] [Accepted: 01/30/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The extreme 2010-2011 wet season resulted in highly elevated Burdekin River discharge into the Great Barrier Reef lagoon for a period of 200 days, resulting in a large flood plume extending >50km offshore and >100km north during peak conditions. Export of suspended sediment was dominated by clay and fine silt fractions and most sediment initially settled within ∼10km of the river mouth. Biologically-mediated flocculation of these particles enhanced deposition in the initial low salinity zone. Fine silt and clay particles and nutrients remaining in suspension, were carried as far as 100km northward from the mouth, binding with planktonic and transparent exopolymer particulate matter to form large floc aggregates (muddy marine snow). These aggregates, due to their sticky nature, likely pose a risk to benthic organisms e.g. coral and seagrass through smothering, and also by contributing to increased turbidity during wind-induced resuspension events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe T Bainbridge
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.
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Brodie JE, Kroon FJ, Schaffelke B, Wolanski EC, Lewis SE, Devlin MJ, Bohnet IC, Bainbridge ZT, Waterhouse J, Davis AM. Terrestrial pollutant runoff to the Great Barrier Reef: An update of issues, priorities and management responses. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2012; 65:81-100. [PMID: 22257553 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2011] [Revised: 12/05/2011] [Accepted: 12/09/2011] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is a World Heritage Area and contains extensive areas of coral reef, seagrass meadows and fisheries resources. From adjacent catchments, numerous rivers discharge pollutants from agricultural, urban, mining and industrial activity. Pollutant sources have been identified and include suspended sediment from erosion in cattle grazing areas; nitrate from fertiliser application on crop lands; and herbicides from various land uses. The fate and effects of these pollutants in the receiving marine environment are relatively well understood. The Australian and Queensland Governments responded to the concerns of pollution of the GBR from catchment runoff with a plan to address this issue in 2003 (Reef Plan; updated 2009), incentive-based voluntary management initiatives in 2007 (Reef Rescue) and a State regulatory approach in 2009, the Reef Protection Package. This paper reviews new research relevant to the catchment to GBR continuum and evaluates the appropriateness of current management responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Brodie
- Catchment to Reef Research Group, Australian Centre for Tropical Freshwater Research, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia.
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Kroon FJ. Towards ecologically relevant targets for river pollutant loads to the Great Barrier Reef. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2011; 65:261-266. [PMID: 22136764 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2011] [Revised: 10/24/2011] [Accepted: 10/26/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Degradation of coastal ecosystems in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia, has been linked with a decline in water quality from land-based runoff. This paper examines the reduction in current end-of-catchment loads required for total suspended solids (TSS) and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) to achieve GBR water quality guidelines. Based on first-order estimates of sustainable pollutant loads, current TSS and DIN loads would need to be reduced by approximately 7000ktons/y (41%) and 6000tons/y (38%), respectively. Next, these estimated reductions for TSS and DIN are compared with Reef Plan targets for anthropogenic sediment (-20% by 2020) and nitrogen (-50% by 2013) loads. If successful, these targets will accomplish approximately 40% of TSS and 92% of DIN load reductions required to achieve sustainable loads to the GBR lagoon. These first-order estimates elucidate the need to establish ecologically relevant targets for river pollutant loads to the GBR for management and policy.
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