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Canning AD, Smart JCR, Dyke J, Curwen G, Hasan S, Waltham NJ. Constructed Wetlands Suitability for Sugarcane Profitability, Freshwater Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 71:304-320. [PMID: 36269373 PMCID: PMC9892086 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-022-01734-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater ecosystems, such as wetlands, are among the most impacted by agricultural expansion and intensification through extensive drainage and pollution. There is a pressing need to identify ways of managing agricultural landscapes to ensure food and water security without jeopardising biodiversity and other environmental benefits. Here we examine the potential fish biodiversity and landholder financial benefits arising from the integration of constructed lagoons to improve drainage, flow regulation and habitat connectivity within a sugarcane dominated catchment in north Queensland, Australia. A hybrid approach was used, combining the findings of both fish ecological surveys and a financial cost-benefit analysis. We found that the constructed lagoons supported at least 36 native freshwater fishes (over half of all native freshwater fishes in the region), owing to their depth, vegetated margins, moderate water quality and high connectivity to the Tully River. In addition to biodiversity benefits, we estimated that surrounding sugarcane farms would have financially benefited from reduced flooding of cropland and the elevation of low-lying cropland with deposited spoil excavated from lagoon construction. Improved drainage and flow regulation allowed for improvement in sugarcane yield and elevated land increased gross margins from extending the length of the cane production cycle or enabling a switch from cattle grazing to cane production. Restoring or creating wetlands to reduce flooding in flood-prone catchments is a globally applicable model that could improve both agricultural productivity and aquatic biodiversity, while potentially increasing farm income by attracting payments for provision of ecosystem services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam D Canning
- Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER), James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia.
| | - James C R Smart
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - Joshua Dyke
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - Graeme Curwen
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - Syezlin Hasan
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - Nathan J Waltham
- Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER), James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
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2
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Thorburn PJ, Biggs JS, McCosker K, Northey A. Assessing water quality for cropping management practices: A new approach for dissolved inorganic nitrogen discharged to the Great Barrier Reef. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 321:115932. [PMID: 35973290 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115932] [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: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Applications of nitrogen (N) fertiliser to agricultural lands impact many marine and aquatic ecosystems, and improved N fertiliser management is needed to reduce these water quality impacts. Government policies need information on water quality and risk associated with improved practices to evaluate the benefits of their adoption. Policies protecting Great Barrier Reef (GBR) ecosystems are an example of this situation. We developed a simple metric for assessing the risk of N discharge from sugarcane cropping, the biggest contributor of dissolved inorganic N to the GBR. The metric, termed NiLRI, is the ratio of N fertiliser applied to crops and the cane yield achieved (i.e. kg N (t cane)-1). We defined seven classes of water quality risk using NiLRI values derived from first principles reasoning. NiLRI values calculated from (1) results of historical field experiments and (2) survey data on the management of 170,177 ha (or 53%) of commercial sugarcane cropping were compared to the classes. The NiLRI values in both the experiments and commercial crops fell into all seven classes, showing that the classes were both biophysically sensible (c.f. the experiments) and relevant to farmers' experience. We then used machine learning to explore the association between crop management practices recorded in the surveys and associated NiLRI values. Practices that most influenced NiLRI values had little apparent direct impact on N management. They included improving fallow management and reducing tillage and compaction, practices that have been promoted for production rather than N discharge benefits. The study not only provides a metric for the change in N water quality risk resulting from adoption of improved practices, it also gives the first clear empirical evidence of the agronomic practices that could be promoted to reduce water quality risk while maintaining or improving yields of sugarcane crops grown in catchments adjacent to the GBR. Our approach has relevance to assessing the environmental risk of N fertiliser management in other countries and cropping systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Thorburn
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, 306 Carmody Rd, St Lucia, Qld, 4067, Australia.
| | - Jody S Biggs
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, 306 Carmody Rd, St Lucia, Qld, 4067, Australia
| | - Kevin McCosker
- Queensland Department Agriculture and Fisheries, 25 Yeppoon Road, Parkhurst, Qld, 4700, Australia
| | - Adam Northey
- Queensland Department Agriculture and Fisheries, 25 Yeppoon Road, Parkhurst, Qld, 4700, Australia
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3
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Combination of Inorganic Nitrogen and Organic Soil Amendment Improves Nitrogen Use Efficiency While Reducing Nitrogen Runoff. NITROGEN 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/nitrogen3010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Improved nitrogen fertiliser management and increased nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) can be achieved by synchronising nitrogen (N) availability with plant uptake requirements. Organic materials in conjunction with inorganic fertilisers provide a strategy for supplying plant-available N over the growing season and reducing N loss. This study investigated whether a combined application of inorganic N with an organic soil amendment could improve nitrogen use efficiency by reducing N loss in runoff. Nitrogen runoff from a ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) cover was investigated using a rainfall simulator. Nitrogen was applied at low, medium and high (50, 75 and 100 kg/ha) rates as either (NH4)2SO4 or in combination with a poultry manure-based organic material. We showed that the NUE in the combination (58–75%) was two-fold greater than in (NH4)2SO4 (24–42%). Furthermore, this combination also resulted in a two-fold lower N runoff compared with the inorganic fertiliser alone. This effect was attributed to the slower rate of N release from the organic amendment relative to the inorganic fertiliser. Here, we demonstrated that the combined use of inorganic and organic N substrates can reduce nutrient losses in surface runoff due to a better synchronisation of N availability with plant uptake requirements.
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Vilas MP, Shaw M, Rohde K, Power B, Donaldson S, Foley J, Silburn M. Ten years of monitoring dissolved inorganic nitrogen in runoff from sugarcane informs development of a modelling algorithm to prioritise organic and inorganic nutrient management. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 803:150019. [PMID: 34500267 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150019] [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: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Reducing nitrogen (N) losses from cropping systems to aquatic ecosystems is a global priority. In Australia, N losses from sugarcane production in catchments adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) are threatening the health of this World Heritage-listed coral reef ecosystem. N losses from sugarcane can be reduced by improving fertiliser management. However, little is known about the contribution of organic sources of N, such as mill mud. We used more than 10 years of data from two of the main Australian sugarcane regions, a high (Wet Tropics) and moderate (Mackay Whitsundays) rainfall area, to calibrate and validate a model to predict dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) losses in runoff from both inorganic and organic fertilisers. DIN losses in runoff were well simulated (RMSE = 0.37 and 2.0 kg N ha-1 for the Wet Tropics and Mackay Whitsunday regions, respectively). Long-term simulations of rate and fertiliser deductions to account for N from organic sources showed that adopting best management practices for organic fertiliser (applying ≤50 wet t ha-1 mill mud) can significantly reduce DIN in runoff losses compared with applications of 150 wet t ha-1. Simulations of typical farmer practices in relation to fallow management (bare fallow vs. legume fallow) and organic fertiliser placement (buried in a fallow but surface applied to a green cane trash blanket in ratoons) showed that inorganic fertiliser rates need to be adjusted to account for N inputs from both mill mud and legume crops. Rates of application of organic N had a larger impact on DIN runoff losses than placement or timing of application. This work presents a DIN in runoff modelling algorithm that can be coupled with nitrogen models readily available in agricultural models to assess the impact of nutrient management on the quality of water leaving agricultural systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria P Vilas
- Department of Resources, Queensland Government, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Melanie Shaw
- Department of Resources, Queensland Government, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ken Rohde
- Department of Resources, Queensland Government, Mackay, Queensland, Australia
| | - Brendan Power
- Department of Resources, Queensland Government, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Stephen Donaldson
- Department of Resources, Queensland Government, Mackay, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jenny Foley
- Department of Resources, Queensland Government, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mark Silburn
- Department of Resources, Queensland Government, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
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5
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Sun Y, Zhang X, Reis S, Chen D, Xu J, Gu B. Dry Climate Aggravates Riverine Nitrogen Pollution in Australia by Water Volume Reduction. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:16455-16464. [PMID: 34882400 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c06242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater is a scarce resource, and maintaining water quality is of great importance in dryland Australia. How water quality is affected by the dry climate and socio-economic influences in Australia remains widely unknown. Here, we find that agriculture activity dominates reactive nitrogen (Nr) emissions to water bodies. Such emissions not only contribute to deteriorating water quality in Southeastern Australia but also harm marine ecosystems, including the Great Barrier Reef, a World Natural Heritage site. A dry and warm climate reduces the share of Nr emitted directly to water bodies; however, it increases the Nr concentration in surface water due to reduced water volume, leading to a 3-fold higher water Nr concentration compared to major rivers globally, e.g., in the US or China. Business-as-usual socioeconomic development would increase the total Nr emitted to surface water by at least 43% by 2050, while effective mitigation measures could reduce N runoff by about 27%. Advanced agricultural management strategies should be considered to reduce future environmental pressures due to N runoff in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Sun
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Xiuming Zhang
- School of Agriculture and Food, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Stefan Reis
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0QB, U.K
- University of Exeter Medical School, European Centre for Environment and Health, Knowledge Spa, Truro TR1 3HD, U.K
| | - Deli Chen
- School of Agriculture and Food, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Jianming Xu
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Baojing Gu
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
- School of Agriculture and Food, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
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6
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McCloskey GL, Baheerathan R, Dougall C, Ellis R, Bennett FR, Waters D, Darr S, Fentie B, Hateley LR, Askildsen M. Modelled estimates of dissolved inorganic nitrogen exported to the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 171:112655. [PMID: 34265552 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Measuring stream pollutant loads across the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) catchment area (GBRCA) is challenging due to the spatial extent, climate variability, changing land use and evolving land management practices, and cost. Thus, models are used to estimate baseline pollutant loads. The eWater Source modelling framework is coupled with agricultural paddock scale models and the GBR Dynamic SedNet plugin to simulate dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) generation and transport processes across the GBRCA. Catchment scale monitoring of flow and loads are used to calibrate the models, and performance is assessed qualitatively and quantitatively. Modelling indicates almost half (47%) of the total modelled DIN load exported to the GBR lagoon is from the Wet Tropics, and almost half of the total modelled DIN load is from sugarcane areas. We demonstrate that using locally developed, customised models coupled with a complementary monitoring program can produce reliable estimates of pollutant loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- G L McCloskey
- Department of Resources, Queensland Government, Australia.
| | - R Baheerathan
- Department of Resources, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - C Dougall
- Department of Resources, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - R Ellis
- Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - F R Bennett
- Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - D Waters
- Department of Resources, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - S Darr
- Department of Resources, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - B Fentie
- Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - L R Hateley
- Department of Resources, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - M Askildsen
- Department of Resources, Queensland Government, Australia
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7
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Pearson RG, Connolly NM, Davis AM, Brodie JE. Fresh waters and estuaries of the Great Barrier Reef catchment: Effects and management of anthropogenic disturbance on biodiversity, ecology and connectivity. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 166:112194. [PMID: 33690082 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112194] [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: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We review the literature on the ecology, connectivity, human impacts and management of freshwater and estuarine systems in the Great Barrier Reef catchment (424,000 km2), on the Australian east coast. The catchment has high biodiversity, with substantial endemicity (e.g., lungfish). Freshwater and estuarine ecosystems are closely linked to the land and are affected by human disturbance, including climate change, flow management, land clearing, habitat damage, weed invasion, and excessive sediments, nutrients and pesticides. They require holistic integrated management of impacts, interactions, and land-sea linkages. This requirement is additional to land management aimed at reducing pollutant delivery to reef waters. Despite advances in research and management over recent decades, there are substantial deficiencies that need addressing, including understanding of physical and biological processes and impacts in ground waters, large rivers and estuaries; ecological effects of pesticides; management and mitigation for invasive species and climate change; and explicit protection of non-marine waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard G Pearson
- TropWater and College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.
| | - Niall M Connolly
- Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Townsville, Queensland 4814, Australia.
| | - Aaron M Davis
- TropWater, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.
| | - Jon E Brodie
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
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8
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Fraser G, Rohde K, Silburn M. Fertiliser management effects on dissolved inorganic nitrogen in runoff from Australian sugarcane farms. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2017; 189:409. [PMID: 28733785 PMCID: PMC5522526 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-017-6115-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) movement from Australian sugarcane farms is believed to be a major cause of crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks which have reduced the Great Barrier Reef coral cover by ~21% (1985-2012). We develop a daily model of DIN concentration in runoff based on >200 field monitored runoff events. Runoff DIN concentrations were related to nitrogen fertiliser application rates and decreased after application with time and cumulative rainfall. Runoff after liquid fertiliser applications had higher initial DIN concentrations, though these concentrations diminished more rapidly in comparison to granular fertiliser applications. The model was validated using an independent field dataset and provided reasonable estimates of runoff DIN concentrations based on a number of modelling efficiency score results. The runoff DIN concentration model was combined with a water balance cropping model to investigate temporal aspects of sugarcane fertiliser management. Nitrogen fertiliser application in December (start of wet season) had the highest risk of DIN movement, and this was further exacerbated in years with a climate forecast for 'wet' seasonal conditions. The potential utility of a climate forecasting system to predict forthcoming wet months and hence DIN loss risk is demonstrated. Earlier fertiliser application or reducing fertiliser application rates in seasons with a wet climate forecast may markedly reduce runoff DIN loads; however, it is recommended that these findings be tested at a broader scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant Fraser
- Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Ken Rohde
- Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mark Silburn
- Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Queensland, Australia
- National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture, University of Southern Queensland, Queensland, Australia
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9
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Meier EA, Thorburn PJ. Long Term Sugarcane Crop Residue Retention Offers Limited Potential to Reduce Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates in Australian Wet Tropical Environments. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2016; 7:1017. [PMID: 27462340 PMCID: PMC4940410 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2016.01017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The warming of world climate systems is driving interest in the mitigation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In the agricultural sector, practices that mitigate GHG emissions include those that (1) reduce emissions [e.g., those that reduce nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions by avoiding excess nitrogen (N) fertilizer application], and (2) increase soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks (e.g., by retaining instead of burning crop residues). Sugarcane is a globally important crop that can have substantial inputs of N fertilizer and which produces large amounts of crop residues ('trash'). Management of N fertilizer and trash affects soil carbon and nitrogen cycling, and hence GHG emissions. Trash has historically been burned at harvest, but increasingly is being retained on the soil surface as a 'trash blanket' in many countries. The potential for trash retention to alter N fertilizer requirements and sequester SOC was investigated in this study. The APSIM model was calibrated with data from field and laboratory studies of trash decomposition in the wet tropics of northern Australia. APSIM was then validated against four independent data sets, before simulating location × soil × fertilizer × trash management scenarios. Soil carbon increased in trash blanketed soils relative to SOC in soils with burnt trash. However, further increases in SOC for the study region may be limited because the SOC in trash blanketed soils could be approaching equilibrium; future GHG mitigation efforts in this region should therefore focus on N fertilizer management. Simulated N fertilizer rates were able to be reduced from conventional rates regardless of trash management, because of low yield potential in the wet tropics. For crops subjected to continuous trash blanketing, there was substantial immobilization of N in decomposing trash so conventional N fertilizer rates were required for up to 24 years after trash blanketing commenced. After this period, there was potential to reduce N fertilizer rates for crops when trash was retained (≤20 kg N ha(-1) per plant or ratoon crop) while maintaining ≥95% of maximum yields. While these savings in N fertilizer use were modest at the field scale, they were potentially important when aggregated at the regional level.
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10
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Simister R, Taylor MW, Tsai P, Webster N. Sponge-microbe associations survive high nutrients and temperatures. PLoS One 2012; 7:e52220. [PMID: 23284943 PMCID: PMC3527390 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2012] [Accepted: 11/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral reefs are under considerable pressure from global stressors such as elevated sea surface temperature and ocean acidification, as well as local factors including eutrophication and poor water quality. Marine sponges are diverse, abundant and ecologically important components of coral reefs in both coastal and offshore environments. Due to their exceptionally high filtration rates, sponges also form a crucial coupling point between benthic and pelagic habitats. Sponges harbor extensive microbial communities, with many microbial phylotypes found exclusively in sponges and thought to contribute to the health and survival of their hosts. Manipulative experiments were undertaken to ascertain the impact of elevated nutrients and seawater temperature on health and microbial community dynamics in the Great Barrier Reef sponge Rhopaloeides odorabile. R. odorabile exposed to elevated nutrient levels including 10 µmol/L total nitrogen at 31°C appeared visually similar to those maintained under ambient seawater conditions after 7 days. The symbiotic microbial community, analyzed by 16S rRNA gene pyrotag sequencing, was highly conserved for the duration of the experiment at both phylum and operational taxonomic unit (OTU) (97% sequence similarity) levels with 19 bacterial phyla and 1743 OTUs identified across all samples. Additionally, elevated nutrients and temperatures did not alter the archaeal associations in R. odorabile, with sequencing of 16S rRNA gene libraries revealing similar Thaumarchaeota diversity and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) revealing consistent amoA gene patterns, across all experimental treatments. A conserved eukaryotic community was also identified across all nutrient and temperature treatments by DGGE. The highly stable microbial associations indicate that R. odorabile symbionts are capable of withstanding short-term exposure to elevated nutrient concentrations and sub-lethal temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Simister
- Centre for Microbial Innovation, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michael W. Taylor
- Centre for Microbial Innovation, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter Tsai
- Bioinformatics Institute, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Nicole Webster
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville Mail Centre, Qld 4810, Australia
- * E-mail:
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11
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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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12
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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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13
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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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