1
|
Lu M, Jones S, McKinney M, Kandow A, Donahoe R, Cobb Faulk B, Chen S, Lu Y. Assessment of phthalic acid esters plasticizers in sediments of coastal Alabama, USA: Occurrence, source, and ecological risk. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 897:165345. [PMID: 37414190 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Considering the ubiquitous occurrences and ecotoxicity of phthalates (PAEs), it is essential to understand their sources, distribution, and associated ecological risks of PAEs in sediments to assess the environmental health of estuaries and support effective management practices. This study provides the first comprehensive dataset on the occurrence, spatial variation, inventory, and potential ecological risk assessment of PAEs in surface sediments of commercially and ecologically significant estuaries in the southeastern United States, Mobile Bay and adjoining eastern Mississippi Sound. Fifteen PAEs were widely detected in the sediments of the study region, with total concentrations varying between 0.02 and 3.37 μg/g. The dominance of low-molecular-weight (LMW) PAEs (DEP, DBP and DiBP) relative to high-molecular-weight (HMW) PAEs (DEHP, DOP, DNP) indicates that residential activities have stronger impacts than industrial activities on PAE distributions. The total PAE concentrations displayed an overall decreasing trend with increasing bottom water salinity, with the maximum concentrations occurring near river mouths. These observations suggest that river inputs were an important pathway by which PAEs were transported to the estuary. Linear regression models identified sediment adsorption (measured by total organic carbon and median grain size) and riverine inputs (measured by bottom water salinity) as significant predictors for the concentrations of LMW and HMW PAEs. Estimated 5-year total inventories of sedimentary PAEs in Mobile Bay and the eastern Mississippi Sound were 13.82 tons and 1.16 tons, respectively. Risk assessment calculations suggest that LMW PAEs posed a medium-to-high risk to sensitive aquatic organisms, and DEHP posed a low or negligible risk to the aquatic organisms. The results of this study provide important information needed for establishing and implementing effective practices for monitoring and regulating plasticizer pollutants in estuaries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Man Lu
- Molecular Eco-Geochemistry (MEG) Laboratory, Department of Geological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA; College of Geosciences, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China.
| | - Stephen Jones
- Geological Survey of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35486, USA
| | - Mac McKinney
- Geological Survey of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35486, USA
| | - Alyssa Kandow
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Rona Donahoe
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Bethany Cobb Faulk
- Molecular Eco-Geochemistry (MEG) Laboratory, Department of Geological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Shuo Chen
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - YueHan Lu
- Molecular Eco-Geochemistry (MEG) Laboratory, Department of Geological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ortmann AC, Cobanli SE, Wohlgeschaffen G, Poon HY, Ryther C, Greer CW, Wasserscheid J, Elias M, Robinson B, King TL. Factors that affect water column hydrocarbon concentrations have minor impacts on microbial responses following simulated diesel fuel spills. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115358. [PMID: 37567129 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115358] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Effects of season and mixing on hydrocarbon concentrations and the microbial community response was explored in a series of mesocosm experiments simulating surface spills of diesel into coastal waters. Mixing of any amount contributed to hydrocarbons entering the water column, but diesel fuel composition had a significant effect on hydrocarbon concentrations. Higher initial concentrations of aromatic hydrocarbons resulted in higher water column concentrations, with minimal differences among seasons due to high variability. Regardless of the concentrations of hydrocarbons, prokaryotes increased and there were higher relative abundances of hydrocarbon affiliated bacteria with indications of biodegradation within 4 d of exposure. As concentrations decreased over time, the eukaryote community shifted from the initial community to one which appeared to be composed of organisms with some resilience to hydrocarbons. This series of experiments demonstrates the wide range of conditions under which natural attenuation of diesel fuel is an effective response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice C Ortmann
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada.
| | - Susan E Cobanli
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Gary Wohlgeschaffen
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Ho Yin Poon
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Camilla Ryther
- Dalhousie University, 6299 South Street, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Charles W Greer
- National Research Council of Canada, Energy, Mining and Environment Research Centre, 6100 Royalmount Ave, Montreal, PQ H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Jessica Wasserscheid
- National Research Council of Canada, Energy, Mining and Environment Research Centre, 6100 Royalmount Ave, Montreal, PQ H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Miria Elias
- National Research Council of Canada, Energy, Mining and Environment Research Centre, 6100 Royalmount Ave, Montreal, PQ H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Brian Robinson
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Thomas L King
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ryther CM, Ortmann AC, Wohlgeschaffen G, Robinson BJ. Temperate Coastal Microbial Communities Rapidly Respond to Low Concentrations of Partially Weathered Diesel. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2022; 84:1122-1132. [PMID: 34888738 PMCID: PMC9747835 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-021-01939-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Diesel is frequently encountered in coastal ecosystems due to land run-off from road surfaces. The current study investigates how partially weathered diesel at environmentally relevant concentrations, as may be seen during a run-off event, affect coastal microbial communities. A mesocosm experiment using seawater from the Bedford Basin, Nova Scotia, was followed for 72 h after the addition of partially weathered diesel. Sequencing data suggests partially weathered diesel acts quickly to alter the prokaryotic community, as both opportunistic (Vibrio and Lentibacter) and oil-degrading (Colwellia, Sulfitobacter, and Pseudoalteromonas) bacteria proliferated after 24 h in comparison to the control. In addition, total prokaryotes seemed to recover in abundance after 24 h, where eukaryotes only ceased to decrease slightly at 72 h, likely because of an inability to adapt to the oil-laden conditions, unlike the prokaryotes. Considering there were no highly volatile components (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene) present in the diesel when the communities were exposed, the results indicate that even a relatively small concentration of diesel run-off can cause a drastic change to the microbial community under low energy conditions. Higher energy conditions due to wave action may mitigate the response of the microbial communities by dilution and additional weathering of the diesel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camilla M Ryther
- Biology Department, Dalhousie University, 6299 South Street, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Alice C Ortmann
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research Laboratory, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS, B2Y 4A2, Canada.
| | - Gary Wohlgeschaffen
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research Laboratory, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS, B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Brian J Robinson
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research Laboratory, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS, B2Y 4A2, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lu M, Jones S, McKinney M, Wagner R, Ahmad SM, Kandow A, Donahoe R, Lu Y. Sources and composition of natural and anthropogenic hydrocarbons in sediments from an impacted estuary. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:155779. [PMID: 35561908 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155779] [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: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Hydrocarbons in estuarine sediments provide information on sources of sedimentary organic matter (OM), and they are thus useful for tracing natural and anthropogenic OM inputs to the estuary. Here, we assessed the amounts, compositions and sources of natural and anthropogenic hydrocarbons from the sediments of a large, ecologically important estuary, Mobile Bay in Southeast USA. TOC/TN ratios and δ13C of organic carbon suggest that the bulk natural OM was sourced from marine phytoplankton and bacteria mixed with marsh and terrigenous C3 plants. Normal alkanes show high proportions of long-chain compounds with a high Carbon Preference Index, indicating the importance of C3 plants-derived OM in Mobile Bay. High concentrations of biogenic hopanes and perylene indicate microbial sources and degradation played an important role in shaping OM compositions. Anthropogenic hydrocarbons, αβ-hopanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), were widely detected in Mobile Bay sediments. The source diagnostic ratios of hopanes and steranes suggest they were sourced from coal and diesel combustions. The source diagnostic ratios of PAHs, together with a positive correlation between PAHs and total mercury, suggests that PAHs originated primarily from coal combustion. We proposed two ratios, αβ-hopanes/(ββ-hopanes+hopenes) and 16 PAHs/perylene, to evaluate anthropogenic versus natural contributions of hydrocarbons. These ratios were higher in the western estuary than in the eastern estuary, suggesting elevated anthropogenic hydrocarbon inputs to the western estuary. Correspondingly, the toxic equivalent quantity (TEQBaQ) of PAHs showed a higher ecological risk for the western estuary. This spatially uneven distribution of hydrocarbon pollutants can be attributed to more concentrated urban and industrial areas on the western shore, suggesting the importance of adjacent pollution sources. Collectively, our results provide new insights into the origins and dynamics of natural and anthropogenic OM and highlight the significance of coal combustion in contributing hydrocarbon pollutants in Mobile Bay sediments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Man Lu
- Molecular Eco-Geochemistry (MEG) Laboratory, Department of Geological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | | | - Mac McKinney
- Geological Survey of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Rick Wagner
- Geological Survey of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Sakinat Mojisola Ahmad
- Molecular Eco-Geochemistry (MEG) Laboratory, Department of Geological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Alyssa Kandow
- Department of Geological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Rona Donahoe
- Department of Geological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - YueHan Lu
- Molecular Eco-Geochemistry (MEG) Laboratory, Department of Geological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hafez T, Ortiz-Zarragoitia M, Cagnon C, Cravo-Laureau C, Duran R. Legacy and dispersant influence microbial community dynamics in cold seawater contaminated by crude oil water accommodated fractions. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113467. [PMID: 35588780 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Dispersants, used for combating oil spills, increase hydrocarbon bioavailability promoting their biodegradation. Oil weathering process introduces harmful soluble hydrocarbons, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), into the water column, resulting in water-accommodated fraction (WAF). The presence of dispersants can influence the weathering process by increasing PAHs solubility, toxicity and biodegradability. However, little is known on how dispersants affect microbial communities and their degradation capacities, especially in cold environment where low temperature decreases microbial activity and thus hydrocarbon degradation. Here, we investigated the microbial community dynamics in cold water contaminated by WAF prepared from crude oil with or without a commercial dispersant (Finasol OSR52). The WAFs, prepared with Naphthenic North Atlantic crude oil, were used to contaminate seawater from Norwegian cold sites, one oil-contaminated and the other pristine. The WAF-contaminated seawaters were maintained in microcosms at 4 °C for 21 days. The content of PAHs and microbial compositions (16S rRNA gene sequencing) were determined at days 0, 7, 14 and 21. In addition, the 96 h toxicity assay with adult Acartia tonsa revealed WAFs toxicity at days 0 and 21. The toxicity of WAF mixtures, with and without dispersant, against Acartia tonsa was reduced during the experiment, but PAHs removal was not increased. The water from the oil-contaminated site showed the highest PAHs removal revealing legacy effect (presence of microorganisms adapted to PAHs). Additionally, our results reveal: i) microbial community plasticity allowing the adaptation to the presence of PAHs and dispersant, ii) specific bacteria taxa probably involved in PAHs degradation, and iii) dispersants shape the microbial communities dynamics by stimulating potential dispersant-degrading taxa, such as Fusibacter. Thus, our results provide valuable insights on the role of microbial community in determining the fate of water-solubilized hydrocarbon in cold environment while questioning the role of dispersant used for fighting oil spill.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamer Hafez
- CBET Research Group, Department of Zoology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology and Research Center for Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PiE-UPV/EHU) University of the Basque Country, Areatza z/g, 48620, Plentzia, Bizkaia, Basque Country, Spain; Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S/UPPA, IPREM5254, 64000, Pau, France
| | - Maren Ortiz-Zarragoitia
- CBET Research Group, Department of Zoology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology and Research Center for Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PiE-UPV/EHU) University of the Basque Country, Areatza z/g, 48620, Plentzia, Bizkaia, Basque Country, Spain
| | - Christine Cagnon
- Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S/UPPA, IPREM5254, 64000, Pau, France
| | | | - Robert Duran
- Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S/UPPA, IPREM5254, 64000, Pau, France.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cobanli SE, Wohlgeschaffen G, Ryther C, MacDonald J, Gladwell A, Watts T, Greer CW, Elias M, Wasserscheid J, Robinson B, King TL, Ortmann AC. Microbial community response to simulated diluted bitumen spills in coastal seawater and implications for oil spill response. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2022; 98:6563616. [PMID: 35380637 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiac033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oil spills in coastal waters can have devastating impacts on local ecosystems, from the microscopic base through to mammals and seabirds. Increasing transport of diluted bitumen, has led to concerns about how this novel product might impact coastal ecosystems. A mesocosm study determined that the type of diluent and the season can affect the concentrations of hydrocarbons entering the water column from a surface spill. Those same mesocosms were sampled to determine if diluent type and season also affected the microbial response a surface spill. Overall, there were no differences in impacts among the three types of diluted bitumen, but there were consistent responses to all products within each season. Although microbial abundances with diluted bitumen rarely differed from unoiled controls, community structure in these organisms shifted in response to hydrocarbons, with hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria becoming more abundant. The relative abundance of heterotrophic eukaryotes also increased with diluted bitumen, with few photosynthetic organisms responding positively to oil. Overall shifts in the microbial communities were minimal relative to spills of conventional oil products, with low concentrations of hydrocarbons in the water column. Oil spill response should focus on addressing the surface slick to prevent sinking or stranding to minimize ecosystem impacts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Cobanli
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Canada
| | - Gary Wohlgeschaffen
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Charles W Greer
- National Research Council of Canada, Energy, Mining and Environment Research Centre, Canada
| | - Miria Elias
- National Research Council of Canada, Energy, Mining and Environment Research Centre, Canada
| | - Jessica Wasserscheid
- National Research Council of Canada, Energy, Mining and Environment Research Centre, Canada
| | - Brian Robinson
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Canada
| | - Thomas L King
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Canada
| | - Alice C Ortmann
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Unveiling the Gut Microbiota and Resistome of Wild Cotton Mice, Peromyscus gossypinus, from Heavy Metal- and Radionuclide-Contaminated Sites in the Southeastern United States. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0009721. [PMID: 34431703 PMCID: PMC8552609 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00097-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) can be driven by direct selection from antibiotic use and indirect selection from substances such as heavy metals (HMs). While significant progress has been made to characterize the influence of HMs on the enrichment and dissemination of ARGs in the environment, there is still much we do not know. To fill this knowledge gap, we present a comprehensive analysis of gut bacteria associated with wild cotton mice (Peromyscus gossypinus) trapped from several areas affected by legacies of HM and radionuclide contamination. We explore how these contaminants affect gut microbial community (GMC) composition and diversity and the enrichment of antibiotic, biocide, and metal resistance genes. Although we were able to identify that a myriad of co-occurring antimicrobial and HM resistance genes appear in mice from all areas, including those without a history of contamination, the proportions of co-occurring ARGs and metal resistance genes (MRGs) are higher in sites with radionuclide contamination. These results support those from several previous studies and enhance our understanding of the coselection process, while providing new insights into the ubiquity of antimicrobial resistance in the resistome of wild animals. IMPORTANCE Antimicrobial resistance is a serious global public health concern because of its prevalence and ubiquitous distribution. The rapid dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes is thought to be the result of the massive overuse of antibiotics in agriculture and therapeutics. However, previous studies have demonstrated that the spread of antibiotic resistance genes can also be influenced by heavy metal contamination. This coselection phenomenon, whereby different resistance determinants are genetically linked on the same genetic element (coresistance) or a single genetic element provides resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents (cross-resistance), has profound clinical and environmental implications. In contrast to antibiotics, heavy metals can persist in the environment as a selection pressure for long periods of time. Thus, it is important to understand how antibiotic resistance genes are distributed in the environment and to what extent heavy metal contaminants may be driving their selection, which we have done in one environmental setting.
Collapse
|
8
|
Thomas JC, Oladeinde A, Kieran TJ, Finger JW, Bayona‐Vásquez NJ, Cartee JC, Beasley JC, Seaman JC, McArthur JV, Rhodes OE, Glenn TC. Co-occurrence of antibiotic, biocide, and heavy metal resistance genes in bacteria from metal and radionuclide contaminated soils at the Savannah River Site. Microb Biotechnol 2020; 13:1179-1200. [PMID: 32363769 PMCID: PMC7264878 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Contaminants such as heavy metals may contribute to the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by enriching resistance gene determinants via co-selection mechanisms. In the present study, a survey was performed on soils collected from four areas at the Savannah River Site (SRS), South Carolina, USA, with varying contaminant profiles: relatively pristine (Upper Three Runs), heavy metals (Ash Basins), radionuclides (Pond B) and heavy metal and radionuclides (Tim's Branch). Using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, we explored the structure and diversity of soil bacterial communities. Sites with legacies of metal and/or radionuclide contamination displayed significantly lower bacterial diversity compared to the reference site. Metagenomic analysis indicated that multidrug and vancomycin antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and metal resistance genes (MRGs) including those associated with copper, arsenic, iron, nickel and zinc were prominent in all soils including the reference site. However, significant differences were found in the relative abundance and diversity of certain ARGs and MRGs in soils with metal/radionuclide contaminated soils compared to the reference site. Co-occurrence patterns revealed significant ARG/MRG subtypes in predominant soil taxa including Acidobacteriaceae, Bradyrhizobium, Mycobacterium, Streptomyces, Verrumicrobium, Actinomadura and Solirubacterales. Overall, the study emphasizes the potential risk of human activities on the dissemination of AMR in the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesse C. Thomas
- Department of Environmental Health ScienceUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGA30602USA
| | - Adelumola Oladeinde
- Bacterial Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Research UnitUnited States Department of AgricultureAthensGA30605USA
| | - Troy J. Kieran
- Department of Environmental Health ScienceUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGA30602USA
| | - John W. Finger
- Department of Biological SciencesAuburn UniversityAuburnAL36849USA
| | - Natalia J. Bayona‐Vásquez
- Department of Environmental Health ScienceUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGA30602USA
- Institute of BioinformaticsUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGA30602USA
| | - John C. Cartee
- Division of STD PreventionCenters for Disease Control and PreventionAtlantaGA30329USA
| | - James C. Beasley
- Savannah River Ecology LaboratoryUniversity of GeorgiaPO Drawer EAikenSC29802USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural ResourcesUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGA30602USA
| | - John C. Seaman
- Savannah River Ecology LaboratoryUniversity of GeorgiaPO Drawer EAikenSC29802USA
| | - J Vuan McArthur
- Savannah River Ecology LaboratoryUniversity of GeorgiaPO Drawer EAikenSC29802USA
| | - Olin E. Rhodes
- Savannah River Ecology LaboratoryUniversity of GeorgiaPO Drawer EAikenSC29802USA
- Odum School of EcologyUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGA30602USA
| | - Travis C. Glenn
- Department of Environmental Health ScienceUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGA30602USA
- Institute of BioinformaticsUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGA30602USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Louvado A, Coelho FJRC, Oliveira V, Gomes H, Cleary DFR, Simões MMQ, Cunha A, Gomes NCM. Microcosm evaluation of the impact of oil contamination and chemical dispersant addition on bacterial communities and sediment remediation of an estuarine port environment. J Appl Microbiol 2019; 127:134-149. [PMID: 30907485 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the interactive effects of oil contamination and chemical dispersant application on bacterial composition and sediment remediation of an estuarine port environment. METHODS AND RESULTS A multifactorial controlled microcosm experiment was set up using sediment cores retrieved from an estuarine port area located at Ria de Aveiro lagoon (Aveiro, Portugal). An oil spill with and without chemical dispersant addition was simulated. Sediment oil hydrocarbon concentrations and benthic bacterial community structure were evaluated by GC-MS and 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing respectively. Although initially (first 10 days) chemical dispersion of oil enhanced the concentrations of the heavier polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and of the C22 -C30 alkane group, with time (21 days), no significant differences in hydrocarbon concentrations were detected among treatments. Moreover, no significant changes were detected in the structure of sediment bacterial communities, which mainly consisted of operational taxonomic units related to hydrocarbon-contaminated marine environments. We hypothesize that the environmental background of the sampling site preconditioned the communities' response to additional contamination. CONCLUSION This experimental microcosm study showed that the chemical dispersion of oil did not influence sediment remediation or bacterial community composition. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Our study showed that chemical dispersion of oil may not improve the remediation of port sediments. Further studies are needed to investigate the impact of chemical dispersants in combination with bioremediation strategies on the process of sediment remediation in port areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Louvado
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - F J R C Coelho
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - V Oliveira
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - H Gomes
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - D F R Cleary
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - M M Q Simões
- Department of Chemistry & QOPNA, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - A Cunha
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - N C M Gomes
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ortmann AC, Cobanli SE, Wohlgeschaffen G, Thamer P, McIntyre C, Mason J, King TL. Inorganic nutrients have a significant, but minimal, impact on a coastal microbial community's response to fresh diluted bitumen. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 139:381-389. [PMID: 30686441 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Microbes capable of degrading hydrocarbons in oil are present in low abundances in coastal waters, but quickly respond to oil following a spill. When estimating potential biodegradation rates in the laboratory, high concentrations of inorganic nutrients are often added to prevent nutrient limitation. In this study, we tested the short term response of coastal microbes to fresh diluted bitumen under varying nutrient conditions in a cold water regime. Total hydrocarbon concentrations changed minimally over five days; however, oil composition changed over time and the abundance of microbes increased in all treatments. Addition of phosphate, with or without nitrogen, resulted in rapid changes in community composition, but after three days treatments no longer differed. Nutrients were never depleted in any treatment suggesting that, even at low inorganic nutrient concentrations, microbial communities can quickly respond to hydrocarbons following a spill.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice C Ortmann
- Center for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada.
| | - Susan E Cobanli
- Center for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Gary Wohlgeschaffen
- Center for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Peter Thamer
- Center for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Claire McIntyre
- Center for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Jennifer Mason
- Center for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Thomas L King
- Center for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Louvado A, Coelho FJRC, Gomes H, Cleary DFR, Cunha Â, Gomes NCM. Independent and interactive effects of reduced seawater pH and oil contamination on subsurface sediment bacterial communities. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:32756-32766. [PMID: 30244446 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3214-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Ocean acidification may exacerbate the environmental impact of oil hydrocarbon pollution by disrupting the core composition of the superficial (0-1 cm) benthic bacterial communities. However, at the subsurface sediments (approximately 5 cm below sea floor), the local biochemical characteristics and the superjacent sediment barrier may buffer these environmental changes. In this study, we used a microcosm experimental approach to access the independent and interactive effects of reduced seawater pH and oil contamination on the composition of subsurface benthic bacterial communities, at two time points, by 16S rRNA gene-based high-throughput sequencing. An in-depth taxa-specific variance analysis revealed that the independent effects of reduced seawater pH and oil contamination were significant predictors of changes in the relative abundance of some specific bacterial groups (e.g., Firmicutes, Rhizobiales, and Desulfobulbaceae). However, our results indicated that the overall microbial community structure was not affected by independent and interactive effects of reduced pH and oil contamination. This study provides evidence that bacterial communities inhabiting subsurface sediment may be less susceptible to the effects of oil contamination in a scenario of reduced seawater pH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- António Louvado
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Francisco J R C Coelho
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Hélder Gomes
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Daniel F R Cleary
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ângela Cunha
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Newton C M Gomes
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Urakawa H, Rajan S, Feeney ME, Sobecky PA, Mortazavi B. Ecological response of nitrification to oil spills and its impact on the nitrogen cycle. Environ Microbiol 2018; 21:18-33. [DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.14391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 08/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hidetoshi Urakawa
- Department of Marine and Ecological Sciences Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers FL, 33965 USA
| | - Suja Rajan
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Alabama Tuscaloosa AL, 35487 USA
| | - Megan E. Feeney
- Department of Marine and Ecological Sciences Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers FL, 33965 USA
| | - Patricia A. Sobecky
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Alabama Tuscaloosa AL, 35487 USA
| | - Behzad Mortazavi
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Alabama Tuscaloosa AL, 35487 USA
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab Dauphin Island AL, 36528 USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Williams AK, Bacosa HP, Quigg A. The impact of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphorous on responses of microbial plankton to the Texas City "Y" oil spill in Galveston Bay, Texas (USA). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 121:32-44. [PMID: 28545863 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Ongoing bioremediation research seeks to promote naturally occurring microbial polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) degradation during and after oil spill events. However, complex relationships among functionally different microbial groups, nutrients and PAHs remain unconstrained. We conducted a surface water survey and corresponding nutrient amendment bioassays following the Texas City "Y" oil spill in Galveston Bay, Texas. Resident microbial groups, defined as either heterotrophic or autotrophic were enumerated by flow cytometry. Heterotrophic abundance was increased by oil regardless of nutrient concentrations. Contrastingly, autotrophic abundance was inhibited by oil, but this reaction was less severe when nutrient concentrations were higher. Several PAH compounds were reduced in nutrient amended treatments relative to controls suggesting nutrient enhanced microbial PAH processing. These findings provide a first-look at nutrient limitation during microbial oil processing in Galveston Bay, an important step in understanding if nutrient additions would be a useful bioremediation strategy in this and other estuarine systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia K Williams
- Texas A&M University at Galveston, Department of Marine Biology, 200 Seawolf Parkway, Galveston, TX 77554, USA; Texas A&M University, Department of Oceanography, 797 Lamar Street, College Station, TX 77840, USA.
| | - Hernando P Bacosa
- Texas A&M University at Galveston, Department of Marine Biology, 200 Seawolf Parkway, Galveston, TX 77554, USA; The University of Texas at Austin, Marine Science Institute, 750 Channel View Drive, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA
| | - Antonietta Quigg
- Texas A&M University at Galveston, Department of Marine Biology, 200 Seawolf Parkway, Galveston, TX 77554, USA; Texas A&M University, Department of Oceanography, 797 Lamar Street, College Station, TX 77840, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cuny P, Gilbert F, Militon C, Stora G, Bonin P, Michotey V, Guasco S, Duboscq K, Cagnon C, Jézéquel R, Cravo-Laureau C, Duran R. Use of dispersant in mudflat oil-contaminated sediment: behavior and effects of dispersed oil on micro- and macrobenthos. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:15370-15376. [PMID: 26062462 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-4800-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to examine whether the use of dispersant would be suitable for favoring the hydrocarbon degradation in coastal marine sediments without impacting negatively micro- and macrobenthic organisms. Mudflat sediments, maintained during 286 days in mesocosms designed to simulate natural conditions, were contaminated or not with Ural blend crude oil (REBCO) and treated or not with third-generation dispersant (Finasol OSR52). While the dispersant did not lead to an increase of hydrocarbon biodegradation, its use enables an attenuation of more than 55 % of the sediment concentration of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH). Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) correlating T-RFLP patterns with the hydrocarbon content and bacterial abundance indicated weak differences between the different treatments except for the mesocosm treated with oil and dispersant for which a higher bacterial biomass was observed. The use of the dispersant did not significantly decrease the macrobenthic species richness or macroorganisms' densities in uncontaminated or contaminated conditions. However, even if the structure of the macrobenthic communities was not affected, when used in combination with oil, biological sediment reworking coefficient was negatively impacted. Although the use of the dispersant may be worth considering in order to accelerate the attenuation of hydrocarbon-contaminated mudflat sediments, long-term effects on functional aspects of the benthic system such as bioturbation and bacterial activity should be carefully studied before.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Cuny
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS/INSU, Université de Toulon, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), UM 110, 13288, Marseille, France.
- Aix-Marseille Université, Bâtiment Méditerranée, Case 901, 13009, Marseille, Cédex 9, France.
| | - Franck Gilbert
- INP, UPS; EcoLab (Laboratoire écologie fonctionnelle et environnement), Université de Toulouse, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse, France
- CNRS, EcoLab, 31062, Toulouse, France
| | - Cécile Militon
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS/INSU, Université de Toulon, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), UM 110, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Georges Stora
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS/INSU, Université de Toulon, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), UM 110, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Patricia Bonin
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS/INSU, Université de Toulon, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), UM 110, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Valérie Michotey
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS/INSU, Université de Toulon, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), UM 110, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Sophie Guasco
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS/INSU, Université de Toulon, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), UM 110, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Karine Duboscq
- Centre de Documentation, de Recherche et d'Expérimentations sur les pollutions accidentelles des Eaux, Brest, France
| | - Christine Cagnon
- Equipe Environnement et Microbiologie, MELODY group, Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, IPREM UMR CNRS 5254, BP 1155, 64013, Pau Cedex, France
| | - Ronan Jézéquel
- Centre de Documentation, de Recherche et d'Expérimentations sur les pollutions accidentelles des Eaux, Brest, France
| | - Cristiana Cravo-Laureau
- Equipe Environnement et Microbiologie, MELODY group, Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, IPREM UMR CNRS 5254, BP 1155, 64013, Pau Cedex, France
| | - Robert Duran
- Equipe Environnement et Microbiologie, MELODY group, Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, IPREM UMR CNRS 5254, BP 1155, 64013, Pau Cedex, France
| |
Collapse
|