1
|
Rishan ST, Kline RJ, Rahman MS. Exploitation of environmental DNA (eDNA) for ecotoxicological research: A critical review on eDNA metabarcoding in assessing marine pollution. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 351:141238. [PMID: 38242519 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
The rise in worldwide population has led to a noticeable spike in the production, consumption, and transportation of energy and food, contributing to elevated environmental pollution. Marine pollution is a significant global environmental issue with ongoing challenges, including plastic waste, oil spills, chemical pollutants, and nutrient runoff, threatening marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health. Pollution detection and assessment are crucial to understanding the state of marine ecosystems. Conventional approaches to pollution evaluation usually represent laborious and prolonged physical and chemical assessments, constraining their efficacy and expansion. The latest advances in environmental DNA (eDNA) are valuable methods for the detection and surveillance of pollution in the environment, offering enhanced sensibility, efficacy, and involvement. Molecular approaches allow genetic information extraction from natural resources like water, soil, or air. The application of eDNA enables an expanded evaluation of the environmental condition by detecting both identified and unidentified organisms and contaminants. eDNA methods are valuable for assessing community compositions, providing indirect insights into the intensity and quality of marine pollution through their effects on ecological communities. While eDNA itself is not direct evidence of pollution, its analysis offers a sensitive tool for monitoring changes in biodiversity, serving as an indicator of environmental health and allowing for the indirect estimation of the impact and extent of marine pollution on ecosystems. This review explores the potential of eDNA metabarcoding techniques for detecting and identifying marine pollutants. This review also provides evidence for the efficacy of eDNA assessment in identifying a diverse array of marine pollution caused by oil spills, harmful algal blooms, heavy metals, ballast water, and microplastics. In this report, scientists can expand their knowledge and incorporate eDNA methodologies into ecotoxicological research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sakib Tahmid Rishan
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program, School of Integrative Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, Texas, USA
| | - Richard J Kline
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program, School of Integrative Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, Texas, USA; School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, Texas, USA
| | - Md Saydur Rahman
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program, School of Integrative Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, Texas, USA; School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, Texas, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rishan ST, Kline RJ, Rahman MS. New prospects of environmental RNA metabarcoding research in biological diversity, ecotoxicological monitoring, and detection of COVID-19: a critical review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:11406-11427. [PMID: 38183542 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31776-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Ecosystems are multifaceted and complex systems and understanding their composition is crucial for the implementation of efficient conservation and management. Conventional approaches to biodiversity surveys can have limitations in detecting the complete range of species present. In contrast, the study of environmental RNA (eRNA) offers a non-invasive and comprehensive method for monitoring and evaluating biodiversity across different ecosystems. Similar to eDNA, the examination of genetic material found in environmental samples can identify and measure many species, including ones that pose challenges to traditional methods. However, eRNA is degraded quickly and therefore shows promise in detection of living organisms closer to their actual location than eDNA methods. This method provides a comprehensive perspective on the well-being of ecosystems, facilitating the development of focused conservation approaches to save at-risk species and uphold ecological equilibrium. Furthermore, eRNA has been recognized as a valuable method for the identification of COVID-19 in the environment, besides its established uses in biodiversity protection. The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is accountable for the worldwide epidemic, releases RNA particles into the surrounding environment via human waste, providing insights into the feasibility of detecting it in wastewater and other samples taken from the environment. In this article, we critically reviewed the recent research activities that use the eRNA method, including its utilization in biodiversity conservation, ecological surveillance, and ecotoxicological monitoring as well as its innovative potential in identifying COVID-19. Through this review, the reader can understand the recent developments, prospects, and challenges of eRNA research in ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sakib Tahmid Rishan
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program, School of Integrative Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX, USA
| | - Richard J Kline
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program, School of Integrative Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX, USA
- School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX, USA
| | - Md Saydur Rahman
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program, School of Integrative Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX, USA.
- School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sun X, Guo N, Gao J, Xiao N. Using eDNA to survey amphibians: Methods, applications, and challenges. Biotechnol Bioeng 2024; 121:456-471. [PMID: 37986625 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, environmental DNA (eDNA) has received attention from biologists due to its sensitivity, convenience, labor and material efficiency, and lack of damage to organisms. The extensive application of eDNA has opened avenues for the monitoring and biodiversity assessment of amphibians, which are frequently small and difficult to observe in the field, in areas such as biodiversity survey assessment and detection of specific, rare and threatened, or alien invasive species. However, the accuracy of eDNA can be influenced by factors such as ambient temperature, pH, and false positives or false negatives, which makes eDNA an adjunctive tool rather than a replacement for traditional surveys. This review provides a concise overview of the eDNA method and its workflow, summarizes the differences between applying eDNA for detecting amphibians and other organisms, reviews the research progress in eDNA technology for amphibian monitoring, identifies factors influencing detection efficiency, and discusses the challenges and prospects of eDNA. It aims to serve as a reference for future research on the application of eDNA in amphibian detection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxuan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ningning Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
- Collage of Forestry, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Nengwen Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Abd Malek MN, Frontalini F. Benthic foraminifera as bioindicators of marine pollution: A bibliometric approach to unravel trends, patterns and perspectives. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 199:115941. [PMID: 38134870 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115941] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Benthic foraminifera, single-celled marine organisms, are known for their wide distribution, high abundance and species diversity, test (i.e., shell) preservation in the sedimentary (e.g., historical) record, and sensitivity to environmental changes. Because of these characteristics, they have been widely used as bioindicators in environmental monitoring and, more recently, as Biological Quality Elements (BQEs) in the Ecological Quality Status (EcoQS) evaluation. The global scientific literature on benthic foraminifera as bioindicators was gathered from the Scopus database (overall 966 papers from 1973 to 2022) and explored with scientometric software. The outcomes highlight that the investigation of benthic foraminiferal response to pollutants started over 50 years ago. Indeed, not only the number of published documents has recently peaked (i.e., 2021 and 2022) but there has been also a growth in the percentages of papers falling within the Decision Sciences category that deals with the application of foraminiferal indices for the EcoQS assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabrizio Frontalini
- Department of Pure and Applied Science, Urbino University, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Terzin M, Laffy PW, Robbins S, Yeoh YK, Frade PR, Glasl B, Webster NS, Bourne DG. The road forward to incorporate seawater microbes in predictive reef monitoring. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME 2024; 19:5. [PMID: 38225668 PMCID: PMC10790441 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-023-00543-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Marine bacterioplankton underpin the health and function of coral reefs and respond in a rapid and sensitive manner to environmental changes that affect reef ecosystem stability. Numerous meta-omics surveys over recent years have documented persistent associations of opportunistic seawater microbial taxa, and their associated functions, with metrics of environmental stress and poor reef health (e.g. elevated temperature, nutrient loads and macroalgae cover). Through positive feedback mechanisms, disturbance-triggered heterotrophic activity of seawater microbes is hypothesised to drive keystone benthic organisms towards the limit of their resilience and translate into shifts in biogeochemical cycles which influence marine food webs, ultimately affecting entire reef ecosystems. However, despite nearly two decades of work in this space, a major limitation to using seawater microbes in reef monitoring is a lack of a unified and focused approach that would move beyond the indicator discovery phase and towards the development of rapid microbial indicator assays for (near) real-time reef management and decision-making. By reviewing the current state of knowledge, we provide a comprehensive framework (defined as five phases of research and innovation) to catalyse a shift from fundamental to applied research, allowing us to move from descriptive to predictive reef monitoring, and from reactive to proactive reef management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marko Terzin
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB no3 Townsville MC, Townsville, QLD, 4810, Australia.
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia.
- AIMS@JCU, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia.
| | - Patrick W Laffy
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB no3 Townsville MC, Townsville, QLD, 4810, Australia
- AIMS@JCU, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
| | - Steven Robbins
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Yun Kit Yeoh
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB no3 Townsville MC, Townsville, QLD, 4810, Australia
- AIMS@JCU, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
| | - Pedro R Frade
- Natural History Museum Vienna, 1010, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bettina Glasl
- Division of Microbial Ecology, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nicole S Webster
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB no3 Townsville MC, Townsville, QLD, 4810, Australia
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Australian Antarctic Program, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Kingston, TAS, 7050, Australia
| | - David G Bourne
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB no3 Townsville MC, Townsville, QLD, 4810, Australia.
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia.
- AIMS@JCU, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Giroux MS, Reichman JR, Langknecht T, Burgess RM, Ho KT. Using eRNA/eDNA metabarcoding to detect community-level impacts of nanoplastic exposure to benthic estuarine ecosystems. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 338:122650. [PMID: 37777055 PMCID: PMC10762991 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Plastic particles are ubiquitous in marine systems and fragment into smaller pieces, such as nanoplastics (NPs). The effects of NPs on marine organisms are of growing concern but are not well understood. Marine sediments act as a sink for many contaminants, like microplastics, and are rich habitats for benthic micro- and meiofauna which are ecologically-important components of marine food webs; however, little is known about the sensitivities of specific organisms to NPs or the effects on community diversity and composition. Utilizing molecular methods, such as metabarcoding of environmental DNA/RNA, allows for the rapid and comprehensive detection of microscopic organisms via high-throughput sequencing to assess adverse effects at the community level. The objective of this study was to use a metabarcoding approach to investigate the effects of NPs on benthic micro- and meiofaunal community diversity. Mesocosms were created with sediment cores collected from the Narrow River estuary (Rhode Island, USA) and exposed to 900 nm diameter weathered polystyrene beads at concentrations of 0.1, 1, 10, or 100 mg/kg dry weight in sediment for two weeks. Following exposure, RNA and DNA were co-extracted from the sediment, RNA was reverse-transcribed, 18S and COI markers were PCR-amplified, and amplicons were sequenced on an Illumina MiSeq. Using the 18S marker and eRNA template, increases to α-diversity and significant differences to β-diversity were observed in the highest NP exposures relative to the control. Observed differences in community composition were driven by the differential abundance of several types of protists and arthropods. Significant dose-dependent shifts in composition were observed in β-diversity Jaccard and Unweighted-Unifrac metrics with the 18S marker using the RNA template. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a dose-response relationship for NPs at a community level, and it highlights the value of using community-level endpoints to assess environmental impacts of nanoparticles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marissa S Giroux
- U.S. EPA, Office of Research and Development, Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, Narragansett, RI, USA.
| | - Jay R Reichman
- U.S. EPA, Office of Research and Development, Pacific Ecological Systems Division, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Troy Langknecht
- ORISE c/o U.S. EPA ORD/CEMM Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, USA
| | - Robert M Burgess
- U.S. EPA, Office of Research and Development, Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, Narragansett, RI, USA
| | - Kay T Ho
- U.S. EPA, Office of Research and Development, Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, Narragansett, RI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Singer D, Fouet MPA, Schweizer M, Mouret A, Quinchard S, Jorissen FJ. Unlocking foraminiferal genetic diversity on estuarine mudflats with eDNA metabarcoding. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 902:165983. [PMID: 37543334 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Environmental biomonitoring is a prerequisite for efficient evaluation and remediation of ecosystem degradation due to anthropogenic pressure or climate change. Estuaries are key habitats subject to multiple anthropogenic and natural stressors. Due to these multiple stressors, the detection of anthropogenic pressure is challenging. The fact that abundant natural stressors often lead to negative quality assessments has been coined the "estuarine quality paradox". To solve this issue, the application of molecular approaches with successful bioindicators like foraminifera is promising. However, sampling protocols, molecular procedures and data analyses need to be validated before such tools can be routinely applied. We conducted an environmental DNA survey of estuarine mudflats along the French Atlantic coast, using a metabarcoding approach targeting foraminifera. Our results demonstrate that estuarine environments have only a few active OTUs dominating the community composition and a large stock of dormant or propagule stages. This last genetic diversity components constitute an important reservoir, with different species which can potentially develop in response to the temporal variability of the multiple stressors. In fact, different OTUs were dominant in the studied estuaries. Our statistical model shows that the physical and chemical characteristics of the sediment and the climatic conditions explain only 43 % of the community composition variance. This suggests that other, less easily quantifiable factors, such as the history and use of the estuaries or the ecological drift could play an important role as well. Environmental DNA biomonitoring opens new perspectives to better characterize the genetic diversity in estuaries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Singer
- Université d'Angers, Nantes Université, Le Mans Université, CNRS, Laboratoire de Planétologie et Géosciences, LPG UMR 6112, 49000 Angers, France; Changins College for Viticulture and Enology, University of Sciences and Art Western Switzerland, Route de Duillier 60, 1260 Nyon, Switzerland.
| | - Marie P A Fouet
- Université d'Angers, Nantes Université, Le Mans Université, CNRS, Laboratoire de Planétologie et Géosciences, LPG UMR 6112, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Magali Schweizer
- Université d'Angers, Nantes Université, Le Mans Université, CNRS, Laboratoire de Planétologie et Géosciences, LPG UMR 6112, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Aurélia Mouret
- Université d'Angers, Nantes Université, Le Mans Université, CNRS, Laboratoire de Planétologie et Géosciences, LPG UMR 6112, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Sophie Quinchard
- Université d'Angers, Nantes Université, Le Mans Université, CNRS, Laboratoire de Planétologie et Géosciences, LPG UMR 6112, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Frans J Jorissen
- Université d'Angers, Nantes Université, Le Mans Université, CNRS, Laboratoire de Planétologie et Géosciences, LPG UMR 6112, 49000 Angers, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Colette M, Guentas L, Della Patrona L, Ansquer D, Callac N. Suaeda australis and its associated rhizosphere microbiota: a comparison of the nutrient removal potential between different shrimp farm sediments in New Caledonia. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1260585. [PMID: 37876780 PMCID: PMC10591223 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1260585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Shrimp rearing generate organic waste that is trapped in the pond sediment. In excess, these wastes may impair aquaculture ecosystem and shrimps' health. To promote the biological oxidation of accumulated organic waste, the pond is drained and dried at the end of each production cycle. However, this practice is not always conducive to maintaining microbial decomposition activities in sediments. Shrimp production in New Caledonia is no exception to this problem of pollution of pond bottoms. One promising way of treating this waste would be bioremediation, using a native halophyte plant and its microbiota. Thus, this study explored the nutrient removal potential of Suaeda australis and its microbiota on sediments from four shrimp farms. Suaeda australis was grown in an experimental greenhouse for 6 months. In order to mimic the drying out of the sediments, pots containing only sediments were left to dry in the open air without halophytes. An analysis of the chemical composition and active microbiota was carried out initially and after 6 months in the sediments of the halophyte cultures and in the dry sediments for each farm, respectively. In the initial state, the chemical parameters and the microbial diversity of the sediment varied considerably from one farm to another. Growing Suaeda australis reduced the nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur content in all type of sediment. However, this reduction varied significantly from one sediment to another. The rhizosphere of Suaeda australis is mainly composed of micro-organisms belonging to the Alphaproteobacteria class. However, the families recruited from this class vary depending on the farm in question. Depending on the sediment, the variation in microbiota leads to different putative biochemical functions. For two of the farms, a similar reduction in nitrogen concentration was observed in both dry and cultivated sediments. This suggests that certain initial chemical characteristics of the sediments influence the nutrient removal efficiency of Suaeda australis. Our study therefore highlights the need to control the pH of sediments before cultivation or in dry sediments in order to ensure optimal microbial decomposition of organic waste and nutrient cycling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Colette
- French Institute for Research in the Science of the Sea (IFREMER), Research Institute for Development (IRD), University of New Caledonia, University of Reunion, CNRS, UMR 9220 ENTROPIE, Nouméa, New Caledonia
- Institute of Exact and Applied Sciences (ISEA), University of New Caledonia, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - Linda Guentas
- Institute of Exact and Applied Sciences (ISEA), University of New Caledonia, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - Luc Della Patrona
- French Institute for Research in the Science of the Sea (IFREMER), Research Institute for Development (IRD), University of New Caledonia, University of Reunion, CNRS, UMR 9220 ENTROPIE, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - Dominique Ansquer
- French Institute for Research in the Science of the Sea (IFREMER), Research Institute for Development (IRD), University of New Caledonia, University of Reunion, CNRS, UMR 9220 ENTROPIE, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - Nolwenn Callac
- French Institute for Research in the Science of the Sea (IFREMER), Research Institute for Development (IRD), University of New Caledonia, University of Reunion, CNRS, UMR 9220 ENTROPIE, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Durán-Vinet B, Araya-Castro K, Zaiko A, Pochon X, Wood SA, Stanton JAL, Jeunen GJ, Scriver M, Kardailsky A, Chao TC, Ban DK, Moarefian M, Aran K, Gemmell NJ. CRISPR-Cas-Based Biomonitoring for Marine Environments: Toward CRISPR RNA Design Optimization Via Deep Learning. CRISPR J 2023; 6:316-324. [PMID: 37439822 PMCID: PMC10494903 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2023.0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Almost all of Earth's oceans are now impacted by multiple anthropogenic stressors, including the spread of nonindigenous species, harmful algal blooms, and pathogens. Early detection is critical to manage these stressors effectively and to protect marine systems and the ecosystem services they provide. Molecular tools have emerged as a promising solution for marine biomonitoring. One of the latest advancements involves utilizing CRISPR-Cas technology to build programmable, rapid, ultrasensitive, and specific diagnostics. CRISPR-based diagnostics (CRISPR-Dx) has the potential to allow robust, reliable, and cost-effective biomonitoring in near real time. However, several challenges must be overcome before CRISPR-Dx can be established as a mainstream tool for marine biomonitoring. A critical unmet challenge is the need to design, optimize, and experimentally validate CRISPR-Dx assays. Artificial intelligence has recently been presented as a potential approach to tackle this challenge. This perspective synthesizes recent advances in CRISPR-Dx and machine learning modeling approaches, showcasing CRISPR-Dx potential to progress as a rising molecular tool candidate for marine biomonitoring applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamín Durán-Vinet
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN-UFRO), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Karla Araya-Castro
- Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN-UFRO), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Anastasija Zaiko
- Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand; Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- Sequench Ltd, Nelson, New Zealand; Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Xavier Pochon
- Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand; Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Susanna A. Wood
- Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand; Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Jo-Ann L. Stanton
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Gert-Jan Jeunen
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Michelle Scriver
- Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand; Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Anya Kardailsky
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Tzu-Chiao Chao
- Institute of Environmental Change and Society, Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, Canada; Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Deependra K. Ban
- Keck Graduate Institute, The Claremont Colleges, Claremont, California, USA; Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Maryam Moarefian
- Keck Graduate Institute, The Claremont Colleges, Claremont, California, USA; Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Kiana Aran
- Keck Graduate Institute, The Claremont Colleges, Claremont, California, USA; Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- Cardea Bio Inc., San Diego, California, USA; and Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Neil J. Gemmell
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Callac N, Giraud C, Boulo V, Wabete N, Pham D. Microbial biomarker detection in shrimp larvae rearing water as putative bio-surveillance proxies in shrimp aquaculture. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15201. [PMID: 37214103 PMCID: PMC10198154 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Aquacultured animals are reared in water hosting various microorganisms with which they are in close relationships during their whole lifecycle as some of these microorganisms can be involved in their host's health or physiology. In aquaculture hatcheries, understanding the interactions existing between the natural seawater microbiota, the rearing water microbiota, the larval stage and the larval health status, may allow the establishment of microbial proxies to monitor the rearing ecosystems. Indeed, these proxies could help to define the optimal microbiota for shrimp larval development and could ultimately help microbial management. Methods In this context, we monitored the daily composition of the active microbiota of the rearing water in a hatchery of the Pacific blue shrimp Penaeus stylirostris. Two distinct rearing conditions were analyzed; one with antibiotics added to the rearing water and one without antibiotics. During this rearing, healthy larvae with a high survival rate and unhealthy larvae with a high mortality rate were observed. Using HiSeq sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene of the water microbiota, coupled with zootechnical and statistical analysis, we aimed to distinguish the microbial taxa related to high mortality rates at a given larval stage. Results We highlight that the active microbiota of the rearing water is highly dynamic whatever the larval survival rate. A clear distinction of the microbial composition is shown between the water harboring heathy larvae reared with antibiotics versus the unhealthy larvae reared without antibiotics. However, it is hard to untangle the effects of the antibiotic addition and of the larval death on the active microbiota of the rearing water. Various active taxa of the rearing water are specific to a given larval stage and survival rate except for the zoea with a good survival rate. Comparing these communities to those of the lagoon, it appears that many taxa were originally detected in the natural seawater. This highlights the great importance of the microbial composition of the lagoon on the rearing water microbiota. Considering the larval stage and larval survival we highlight that several genera: Nautella, Leisingera, Ruegerira, Alconivorax, Marinobacter and Tenacibaculum, could be beneficial for the larval survival and may, in the rearing water, overcome the r-strategist microorganisms and/or putative pathogens. Members of these genera might also act as probiotics for the larvae. Marivita, Aestuariicocccus, HIMB11 and Nioella, appeared to be unfavorable for the larval survival and could be associated with upcoming and occurring larval mortalities. All these specific biomarkers of healthy or unhealthy larvae, could be used as early routine detection proxies in the natural seawater and then during the first days of larval rearing, and might help to manage the rearing water microbiota and to select beneficial microorganisms for the larvae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nolwenn Callac
- Ifremer, IRD, Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, Université de La Réunion, CNRS, UMR 9220 ENTROPIE, Ifremer, Nouméa, New-Caledonia
| | - Carolane Giraud
- Ifremer, IRD, Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, Université de La Réunion, CNRS, UMR 9220 ENTROPIE, Ifremer, Nouméa, New-Caledonia
- Institut des Sciences Exactes et Appliquées, University of New Caledonia, Nouméa, New-Calédonia
| | - Viviane Boulo
- Ifremer, IRD, Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, Université de La Réunion, CNRS, UMR 9220 ENTROPIE, Ifremer, Nouméa, New-Caledonia
- IHPE, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, Université de Perpignan via Domitia, Ifremer, Montpellier, France
| | - Nelly Wabete
- Ifremer, IRD, Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, Université de La Réunion, CNRS, UMR 9220 ENTROPIE, Ifremer, Nouméa, New-Caledonia
| | - Dominique Pham
- Ifremer, IRD, Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, Université de La Réunion, CNRS, UMR 9220 ENTROPIE, Ifremer, Nouméa, New-Caledonia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
von Ammon U, Pochon X, Casanovas P, Trochel B, Zirngibl M, Thomas A, Witting J, Joyce P, Zaiko A. Net overboard: Comparing marine eDNA sampling methodologies at sea to unravel marine biodiversity. Mol Ecol Resour 2023; 23:440-452. [PMID: 36226834 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13722] [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: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Environmental DNA (eDNA) analyses are powerful for describing marine biodiversity but must be optimized for their effective use in routine monitoring. To maximize eDNA detection probabilities of sparsely distributed populations, water samples are usually concentrated from larger volumes and filtered using fine-pore membranes, often a significant cost-time bottleneck in the workflow. This study aimed to streamline eDNA sampling by investigating plankton net versus bucket sampling, direct versus sequential filtration including self-preserving filters. Biodiversity was assessed using metabarcoding of the small ribosomal subunit (18S rRNA) and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) genes. Multispecies detection probabilities were estimated for each workflow using a probabilistic occupancy modelling approach. Significant workflow-related differences in biodiversity metrics were reported. Highest amplicon sequence variant (ASV) richness was attained by the bucket sampling combined with self-preserving filters, comprising a large portion of microplankton. Less diversity but more metazoan taxa were captured in the net samples combined with 5 μm pore size filters. Prefiltered 1.2 μm samples yielded few or no unique ASVs. The highest average (~32%) metazoan detection probabilities in the 5 μm pore size net samples confirmed the effectiveness of preconcentration plankton for biodiversity screening. These results contribute to streamlining eDNA sampling protocols for uptake and implementation in marine biodiversity research and surveillance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Xavier Pochon
- Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand.,Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | | | | | | | - Jan Witting
- SEA Education Association, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Paul Joyce
- SEA Education Association, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anastasija Zaiko
- Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand.,Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Comparative environmental RNA and DNA metabarcoding analysis of river algae and arthropods for ecological surveys and water quality assessment. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19828. [PMID: 36400924 PMCID: PMC9674700 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23888-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding is widely used for species analysis, while the use of environmental RNA (eRNA) metabarcoding is more limited. We conducted comparative eDNA/eRNA metabarcoding of the algae and arthropods (aquatic insects) in water samples from Naka River, Japan, to evaluate their potential for biological monitoring and water quality assessment. Both methods detected various algae and arthropod species; however, their compositions were remarkably different from those in traditional field surveys (TFSs), indicating low sensitivity. For algae, the species composition derived from eDNA and eRNA metabarcoding was equivalent. While TFSs focus on attached algae, metabarcoding analysis theoretically detects both planktonic and attached algae. A recently expanded genomic database for aquatic insects significantly contributed to the sensitivity and positive predictivity for arthropods. While the sensitivity of eRNA was lower than that of eDNA, the positive predictivity of eRNA was higher. The eRNA of terrestrial arthropods indicated extremely high or low read numbers when compared with eDNA, suggesting that eRNA could be an effective indicator of false positives. Arthropod and algae eDNA/eRNA metabarcoding analysis enabled water quality estimates from TFSs. The eRNA of algae and arthropods could thus be used to evaluate biodiversity and water quality and provide insights from ecological surveys.
Collapse
|
13
|
Oladi M, Leontidou K, Stoeck T, Shokri MR. Environmental DNA-based profiling of benthic bacterial and eukaryote communities along a crude oil spill gradient in a coral reef in the Persian Gulf. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 184:114143. [PMID: 36182786 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Coral reef ecosystems in the Persian Gulf are frequently exposed to crude oil spills. We investigated benthic bacterial and eukaryote community structures at such coral reef sites subjected to different degrees of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) pollution using environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding. Both bacterial and eukaryote communities responded with pronounced shifts to crude oil pollution and distinguished control sites, moderately and heavily impacted sites with significant confidentiality. The observed community patterns were predominantly driven by Alphaproteobacteria and metazoans. Among these, we identified individual genera that were previously linked to oil spill stress, but also taxa, for which a link to hydrocarbon still remains to be established. Considering the lack of an early-warning system for the environmental status of coral reef ecosystems exposed to frequent crude-oil spills, our results encourage further research towards the development of an eDNA-based biomonitoring tool that exploits benthic bacterial and eukaryote communities as bioindicators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahshid Oladi
- Technische Universität Kaiserslautern, Ecology Group, Kaiserslautern, Germany; Department of Animal Sciences and Marine Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, G.C., Evin, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kleopatra Leontidou
- Technische Universität Kaiserslautern, Ecology Group, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Thorsten Stoeck
- Technische Universität Kaiserslautern, Ecology Group, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Mohammad Reza Shokri
- Department of Animal Sciences and Marine Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, G.C., Evin, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Littlefair JE, Rennie MD, Cristescu ME. Environmental nucleic acids: A field-based comparison for monitoring freshwater habitats using eDNA and eRNA. Mol Ecol Resour 2022; 22:2928-2940. [PMID: 35730338 PMCID: PMC9796649 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acids released by organisms and isolated from environmental substrates are increasingly being used for molecular biomonitoring. While environmental DNA (eDNA) has received much attention, the potential of environmental RNA as a biomonitoring tool remains under-explored. Several recent studies using paired DNA and RNA metabarcoding of bulk samples suggest that RNA might better reflect "metabolically active" parts of the community. However, such studies mainly capture organismal eDNA and eRNA. For larger eukaryotes, isolation of extra-organismal RNA will be important, but viability needs to be examined in a field-based setting. In this study we evaluate (a) whether extra-organismal eRNA release from macroeukaryotes can be detected given its supposedly rapid degradation, and (b) if the same field collection methods for eDNA can be applied to eRNA. We collected eDNA and eRNA from water in lakes where fish community composition is well documented, enabling a comparison between the two nucleic acids in two different seasons with monitoring using conventional methods. We found that eRNA is released from macroeukaryotes and can be filtered from water and metabarcoded in a similar manner as eDNA to reliably provide species composition information. eRNA had a small but significantly greater true positive rate than eDNA, indicating that it correctly detects more species known to exist in the lakes. Given relatively small differences between the two molecules in describing fish community composition, we conclude that if eRNA provides significant advantages in terms of lability, it is a strong candidate to add to the suite of molecular monitoring tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanne E. Littlefair
- Department of BiologyMcGill UniversityMontréalQuebecCanada,Queen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
| | - Michael D. Rennie
- IISD Experimental Lakes AreaWinnipegManitobaCanada,Department of BiologyLakehead UniversityThunder BayOntarioCanada
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Turon M, Nygaard M, Guri G, Wangensteen OS, Præbel K. Fine-scale differences in eukaryotic communities inside and outside salmon aquaculture cages revealed by eDNA metabarcoding. Front Genet 2022; 13:957251. [PMID: 36092881 PMCID: PMC9458982 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.957251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaculture impacts on marine benthic ecosystems are widely recognized and monitored. However, little is known about the community changes occurring in the water masses surrounding aquaculture sites. In the present study, we studied the eukaryotic communities inside and outside salmonid aquaculture cages through time to assess the community changes in the neighbouring waters of the farm. Water samples were taken biweekly over five months during the production phase from inside the cages and from nearby points located North and South of the salmon farm. Eukaryotic communities were analyzed by eDNA metabarcoding of the partial COI Leray-XT fragment. The results showed that eukaryotic communities inside the cages were significantly different from those in the outside environment, with communities inside the cages having higher diversity values and more indicator species associated with them. This is likely explained by the appearance of fouling species that colonize the artificial structures, but also by other species that are attracted to the cages by other means. Moreover, these effects were highly localized inside the cages, as the communities identified outside the cages, both North and South, had very similar eukaryotic composition at each point in time. Overall, the eukaryotic communities, both inside and outside the cages, showed similar temporal fluctuations through the summer months, with diversity peaks occurring at the end of July, beginning of September, and in the beginning of November, with the latter showing the highest Shannon diversity and richness values. Hence, our study suggests that seasonality, together with salmonid aquaculture, are the main drivers of eukaryotic community structure in surface waters surrounding the farm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Turon
- Norwegian College of Fishery Science, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Magnus Nygaard
- Norwegian College of Fishery Science, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Gledis Guri
- Norwegian College of Fishery Science, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Norwegian Institute of Marine Research, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Owen S. Wangensteen
- Norwegian College of Fishery Science, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kim Præbel
- Norwegian College of Fishery Science, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- *Correspondence: Kim Præbel,
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Pilgrim EM, Smucker NJ, Wu H, Martinson J, Nietch CT, Molina M, Darling JA, Johnson BR. Developing Indicators of Nutrient Pollution in Streams Using 16S rRNA Gene Metabarcoding of Periphyton-Associated Bacteria. WATER 2022; 14:1-24. [PMID: 36213613 PMCID: PMC9534034 DOI: 10.3390/w14152361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Indicators based on nutrient-biota relationships in streams can inform water quality restoration and protection programs. Bacterial assemblages could be particularly useful indicators of nutrient effects because they are species-rich, important contributors to ecosystem processes in streams, and responsive to rapidly changing conditions. Here, we sampled 25 streams weekly (12-14 times each) and used 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding of periphyton-associated bacteria to quantify the effects of total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN). Threshold indicator taxa analysis identified assemblage-level changes and amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) that increased or decreased with increasing TP and TN concentrations (i.e., low P, high P, low N, and high N ASVs). Boosted regression trees confirmed that relative abundances of gene sequence reads for these four indicator groups were associated with nutrient concentrations. Gradient forest analysis complemented these results by using multiple predictors and random forest models for each ASV to identify portions of TP and TN gradients at which the greatest changes in assemblage structure occurred. Synthesized statistical results showed bacterial assemblage structure began changing at 24 μg TP/L with the greatest changes occurring from 110 to 195 μg/L. Changes in the bacterial assemblages associated with TN gradually occurred from 275 to 855 μg/L. Taxonomic and phylogenetic analyses showed that low nutrient ASVs were commonly Firmicutes, Verrucomicrobiota, Flavobacteriales, and Caulobacterales, Pseudomonadales, and Rhodobacterales of Proteobacteria, whereas other groups, such as Chitinophagales of Bacteroidota, and Burkholderiales, Rhizobiales, Sphingomonadales, and Steroidobacterales of Proteobacteria comprised the high nutrient ASVs. Overall, the responses of bacterial ASV indicators in this study highlight the utility of metabarcoding periphyton-associated bacteria for quantifying biotic responses to nutrient inputs in streams.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erik M. Pilgrim
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Nathan J. Smucker
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Huiyun Wu
- School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - John Martinson
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Christopher T. Nietch
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Marirosa Molina
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - John A. Darling
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - Brent R. Johnson
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Greco M, Lejzerowicz F, Reo E, Caruso A, Maccotta A, Coccioni R, Pawlowski J, Frontalini F. Environmental RNA outperforms eDNA metabarcoding in assessing impact of marine pollution: A chromium-spiked mesocosm test. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 298:134239. [PMID: 35292278 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Environmental (e)DNA metabarcoding holds great promise for biomonitoring and ecotoxicological applications. However, few studies have compared the performance of eDNA versus eRNA metabarcoding in assessing organismal response to marine pollution, in experimental conditions. Here, we performed a chromium (Cr)-spiked mesocosm experimental test on benthic foraminiferal community to investigate the effects on species diversity by analysing both eDNA and eRNA metabarcoding data across different Cr concentrations in the sediment. Foraminiferal diversity in the eRNA data showed a significant negative correlation with the Cr concentration in the sediment, while a positive response was observed in the eDNA data. The foraminiferal OTUs exhibited a higher turnover rate in eRNA than in the eDNA-derived community. Furthermore, in the eRNA samples, OTUs abundance was significantly affected by the Cr gradient in the sediment (Pseudo-R2 = 0.28, p = 0.05), while no significant trend was observed in the eDNA samples. The correlation between Cr concentration and foraminiferal diversity in eRNA datasets was stronger when the less abundant OTUs (<100 reads) were removed and the analyses were conducted exclusively on OTUs shared between eRNA and eDNA datasets. This indicates the importance of metabarcoding data filtering to capture ecological impacts, in addition to using the putatively active organisms in the eRNA dataset. The comparative analyses on foraminiferal diversity revealed that eRNA-based metabarcoding can better assess the response to heavy metal exposure in presence of subtle concentrations of the pollutant. Furthermore, our results suggest that to unlock the full potential for ecosystem assessment, eDNA and eRNA should be studied in parallel to control for potential sequence artifacts in routine ecosystem surveys.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Greco
- Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 81-712, Sopot, Poland.
| | - Franck Lejzerowicz
- Jacobs School of Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Emanuela Reo
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Genève, Switzerland.
| | - Antonio Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DiSTeM), Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Antonella Maccotta
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
| | | | - Jan Pawlowski
- Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 81-712, Sopot, Poland; Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Genève, Switzerland; ID-Gene Ecodiagnostics, Chemin du Pont-du-Centenaire 109, CH-1228, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland.
| | - Fabrizio Frontalini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Pure e Applicate, University of Urbino, Urbino, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Neidel V, Sint D, Wallinger C, Traugott M. RNA allows identifying the consumption of carrion prey. Mol Ecol Resour 2022; 22:2662-2671. [PMID: 35668675 PMCID: PMC9541938 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Facultative scavenging by predatory carnivores is a prevalent but frequently underestimated feeding strategy. DNA‐based methods for diet analysis, however, do not allow to distinguish between scavenging and predation, thus, the significance of scavenging on population dynamics and resource partitioning is widely unknown. Here, we present a methodological innovation to differentiate between scavenging and fresh prey consumption using prey RNA as a target molecule. We hypothesized that the rapid post‐mortem breakdown of RNA in prey tissue should lead to a significantly lower detection probability of prey RNA than DNA when carrion rather than fresh prey is consumed. To test this hypothesis, ground beetles (Pseudoophonus rufipes [De Geer]) were offered either fresh or 1‐day‐old dead Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies (carrion). The detectability of prey RNA and DNA in the beetles' regurgitates was assessed with diagnostic Drosophila‐specific RT‐PCR and PCR assays at 0, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h post‐feeding. After fresh fly consumption, prey RNA and DNA were detectable equally well at all times. When carrion prey was consumed, the detection strength of prey RNA immediately after feeding was significantly lower than that of prey DNA and reached zero in most samples within 6 h of digestion. Our findings provide evidence that prey RNA allows distinguishing between the consumption of fresh and scavenged prey, thereby overcoming a long‐known weakness of molecular diet analysis. The assessment of prey RNA offers a generally applicable approach for examining the importance of scavenging in food webs to unravel its functional consequences for populations, communities, and ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Neidel
- Applied Animal Ecology, Department of Zoology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Daniela Sint
- Applied Animal Ecology, Department of Zoology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Corinna Wallinger
- Applied Animal Ecology, Department of Zoology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michael Traugott
- Applied Animal Ecology, Department of Zoology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Pawlowski J, Bruce K, Panksep K, Aguirre FI, Amalfitano S, Apothéloz-Perret-Gentil L, Baussant T, Bouchez A, Carugati L, Cermakova K, Cordier T, Corinaldesi C, Costa FO, Danovaro R, Dell'Anno A, Duarte S, Eisendle U, Ferrari BJD, Frontalini F, Frühe L, Haegerbaeumer A, Kisand V, Krolicka A, Lanzén A, Leese F, Lejzerowicz F, Lyautey E, Maček I, Sagova-Marečková M, Pearman JK, Pochon X, Stoeck T, Vivien R, Weigand A, Fazi S. Environmental DNA metabarcoding for benthic monitoring: A review of sediment sampling and DNA extraction methods. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 818:151783. [PMID: 34801504 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding (parallel sequencing of DNA/RNA for identification of whole communities within a targeted group) is revolutionizing the field of aquatic biomonitoring. To date, most metabarcoding studies aiming to assess the ecological status of aquatic ecosystems have focused on water eDNA and macroinvertebrate bulk samples. However, the eDNA metabarcoding has also been applied to soft sediment samples, mainly for assessing microbial or meiofaunal biota. Compared to classical methodologies based on manual sorting and morphological identification of benthic taxa, eDNA metabarcoding offers potentially important advantages for assessing the environmental quality of sediments. The methods and protocols utilized for sediment eDNA metabarcoding can vary considerably among studies, and standardization efforts are needed to improve their robustness, comparability and use within regulatory frameworks. Here, we review the available information on eDNA metabarcoding applied to sediment samples, with a focus on sampling, preservation, and DNA extraction steps. We discuss challenges specific to sediment eDNA analysis, including the variety of different sources and states of eDNA and its persistence in the sediment. This paper aims to identify good-practice strategies and facilitate method harmonization for routine use of sediment eDNA in future benthic monitoring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Pawlowski
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 81-712 Sopot, Poland; ID-Gene Ecodiagnostics, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - K Bruce
- NatureMetrics Ltd, CABI Site, Bakeham Lane, Egham TW20 9TY, UK
| | - K Panksep
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu 50411, Estonia; Chair of Hydrobiology and Fishery, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia; Chair of Aquaculture, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Estonia
| | - F I Aguirre
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council of Italy (IRSA-CNR), Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - S Amalfitano
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council of Italy (IRSA-CNR), Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - L Apothéloz-Perret-Gentil
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; ID-Gene Ecodiagnostics, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - T Baussant
- Norwegian Research Center AS, NORCE Environment, Marine Ecology Group, Mekjarvik 12, 4070 Randaberg, Norway
| | - A Bouchez
- INRAE, CARRTEL, 74200 Thonon-les-Bains, France
| | - L Carugati
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, Ancona 60131, Italy
| | - K Cermakova
- ID-Gene Ecodiagnostics, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - T Cordier
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; NORCE Climate, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS, Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research, Jahnebakken 5, 5007 Bergen, Norway
| | - C Corinaldesi
- Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, Ancona 60131, Italy
| | - F O Costa
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - R Danovaro
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, Ancona 60131, Italy
| | - A Dell'Anno
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, Ancona 60131, Italy
| | - S Duarte
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - U Eisendle
- University of Salzburg, Dept. of Biosciences, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - B J D Ferrari
- Swiss Centre for Applied Ecotoxicology (Ecotox Centre), EPFL ENAC IIE-GE, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - F Frontalini
- Department of Pure and Applied Sciences, Urbino University, Urbino, Italy
| | - L Frühe
- Technische Universität Kaiserslautern, Ecology Group, D-67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - A Haegerbaeumer
- Bielefeld University, Animal Ecology, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - V Kisand
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu 50411, Estonia
| | - A Krolicka
- Norwegian Research Center AS, NORCE Environment, Marine Ecology Group, Mekjarvik 12, 4070 Randaberg, Norway
| | - A Lanzén
- AZTI, Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Pasaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - F Leese
- University of Duisburg-Essen, Faculty of Biology, Aquatic Ecosystem Research, Germany
| | - F Lejzerowicz
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - E Lyautey
- Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, INRAE, CARRTEL, 74200 Thonon-les-Bains, France
| | - I Maček
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies (FAMNIT), University of Primorska, Glagoljaška 8, 6000 Koper, Slovenia
| | - M Sagova-Marečková
- Czech University of Life Sciences, Dept. of Microbiology, Nutrition and Dietetics, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - J K Pearman
- Coastal and Freshwater Group, Cawthron Institute, Private Bag 2, Nelson 7042, New Zealand
| | - X Pochon
- Coastal and Freshwater Group, Cawthron Institute, Private Bag 2, Nelson 7042, New Zealand; Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Warkworth 0941, New Zealand
| | - T Stoeck
- Technische Universität Kaiserslautern, Ecology Group, D-67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - R Vivien
- Swiss Centre for Applied Ecotoxicology (Ecotox Centre), EPFL ENAC IIE-GE, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - A Weigand
- National Museum of Natural History Luxembourg, 25 Rue Münster, L-2160 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - S Fazi
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council of Italy (IRSA-CNR), Monterotondo, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Omics-based ecosurveillance for the assessment of ecosystem function, health, and resilience. Emerg Top Life Sci 2022; 6:185-199. [PMID: 35403668 PMCID: PMC9023019 DOI: 10.1042/etls20210261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Current environmental monitoring efforts often focus on known, regulated contaminants ignoring the potential effects of unmeasured compounds and/or environmental factors. These specific, targeted approaches lack broader environmental information and understanding, hindering effective environmental management and policy. Switching to comprehensive, untargeted monitoring of contaminants, organism health, and environmental factors, such as nutrients, temperature, and pH, would provide more effective monitoring with a likely concomitant increase in environmental health. However, even this method would not capture subtle biochemical changes in organisms induced by chronic toxicant exposure. Ecosurveillance is the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of ecosystem health-related data that can address this knowledge gap and provide much-needed additional lines of evidence to environmental monitoring programs. Its use would therefore be of great benefit to environmental management and assessment. Unfortunately, the science of ‘ecosurveillance’, especially omics-based ecosurveillance is not well known. Here, we give an overview of this emerging area and show how it has been beneficially applied in a range of systems. We anticipate this review to be a starting point for further efforts to improve environmental monitoring via the integration of comprehensive chemical assessments and molecular biology-based approaches. Bringing multiple levels of omics technology-based assessment together into a systems-wide ecosurveillance approach will bring a greater understanding of the environment, particularly the microbial communities upon which we ultimately rely to remediate perturbed ecosystems.
Collapse
|
21
|
Ankley PJ, Xie Y, Havens S, Peters L, Timlick L, Rodriguez-Gil JL, Giesy JP, Palace VP. RNA metabarcoding helps reveal zooplankton community response to environmental stressors. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 292:118446. [PMID: 34737027 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
DNA metabarcoding can provide a high-throughput and rapid method for characterizing responses of communities to environmental stressors. However, within bulk samples, DNA metabarcoding hardly distinguishes live from the dead organisms. Here, both DNA and RNA metabarcoding were applied and compared in experimental freshwater mesocosms conducted for assessment of ecotoxicological responses of zooplankton communities to remediation treatment until 38 days post oil-spill. Furthermore, a novel indicator of normalized vitality (NV), sequence counts of RNA metabarcoding normalized by that of DNA metabarcoding, was developed for assessment of ecological responses. DNA and RNA metabarcoding detected similar taxa richness and rank of relative abundances. Both DNA and RNA metabarcoding demonstrated slight shifts in measured α-diversities in response to treatments. NV presented relatively greater magnitudes of differential responses of community compositions to treatments compared to DNA or RNA metabarcoding. NV declined from the start of the experiment (3 days pre-spill) to the end (38 days post-spill). NV also differed between Rotifer and Arthropoda, possibly due to differential life histories and sizes of organisms. NV could be a useful indicator for characterizing ecological responses to anthropogenic influence; however, the biology of target organisms and subsequent RNA production need to be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phillip J Ankley
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Yuwei Xie
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
| | - Sonya Havens
- IISD Experimental Lakes Area Inc, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Lisa Peters
- University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Lauren Timlick
- IISD Experimental Lakes Area Inc, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | | - John P Giesy
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada; Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada; Department of Environmental Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.
| | - Vince P Palace
- IISD Experimental Lakes Area Inc, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Beentjes KK, Barmentlo SH, Cieraad E, Schilthuizen M, van der Hoorn BB, Speksnijder AGCL, Trimbos KB. Environmental DNA metabarcoding reveals comparable responses to agricultural stressors on different trophic levels of a freshwater community. Mol Ecol 2021; 31:1430-1443. [PMID: 34908199 PMCID: PMC9306904 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Freshwater habitats are under stress from agricultural land use, most notably the influx of neonicotinoid pesticides and increased nutrient pressure from fertilizer. Traditional studies investigating the effects of stressors on freshwater systems are often limited to a narrow range of taxa, depending heavily on morphological expertise. Additionally, disentanglement of multiple simultaneous stressors can be difficult in field studies, whereas controlled laboratory conditions do not accurately reflect natural conditions and food webs. To overcome these drawbacks, we investigated the impacts of two agricultural stressors (the neonicotinoid insecticide thiacloprid and fertilizer) in full‐factorial design in a semi‐natural research site, using environmental DNA sampling to study three different taxonomic groups representing three trophic levels: bacteria (decomposers), phytoplankton (primary producers), and chironomids (consumers). The results show considerable impact of both stressors across trophic levels, with an additive effect of fertilizer and thiacloprid on community composition at all levels. These findings suggest that agricultural stressors affect the entire food web, either directly or through cascade reactions. They are also consistent with morphological assessments that were performed in the same study site, even at a lower number of replicates. The study presented shows that the use of multimarker environmental DNA provides a more comprehensive assessment of stressor impacts across multiple trophic levels, at a higher taxonomic resolution than traditional surveys. Additionally, many putative novel bioindicators for both agricultural stressors were discovered. We encourage further investigations into stressors impacts at different trophic levels, which will lead to more effective monitoring and management of freshwater systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin K Beentjes
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - S Henrik Barmentlo
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen Cieraad
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Nelson-Marlborough Institute of Technology, Nelson, New Zealand
| | - Menno Schilthuizen
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Krijn B Trimbos
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Dully V, Rech G, Wilding TA, Lanzén A, MacKichan K, Berrill I, Stoeck T. Comparing sediment preservation methods for genomic biomonitoring of coastal marine ecosystems. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:113129. [PMID: 34784523 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113129] [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: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
To avoid loss of genetic information in environmental DNA (eDNA) field samples, the preservation of nucleic acids during field sampling is a critical step. In the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for eDNA-based compliance monitoring, the effect of different routinely used sediment preservations on biological community structures serving as bioindicators has gone untested. We compared eDNA metabarcoding results of marine bacterial communities from sample aliquots that were treated with a nucleic acid preservation solution (treated samples) and aliquots that were frozen without further treatment (non-treated samples). Sediment samples were obtained from coastal locations subjected to different stressors (aquaculture, urbanization, industry). DNA extraction efficiency, bacterial community profiles, and measures of alpha- and beta-diversity were highly congruent between treated and non-treated samples. As both preservation methods provide the same relevant information to environmental managers and regulators, we recommend the inclusion of both methods into SOPs for biomonitoring in marine coastal environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Verena Dully
- Technische Universität Kaiserslautern, Ecology, D-67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Giulia Rech
- Technische Universität Kaiserslautern, Ecology, D-67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Thomas A Wilding
- Scottish Association for Marine Science, Scottish Marine Institute, Oban, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Anders Lanzén
- AZTI, Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Pasaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | | | - Iain Berrill
- Scottish Salmon Producers Organization, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Thorsten Stoeck
- Technische Universität Kaiserslautern, Ecology, D-67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Cavaliere M, Barrenechea Angeles I, Montresor M, Bucci C, Brocani L, Balassi E, Margiotta F, Francescangeli F, Bouchet VMP, Pawlowski J, Frontalini F. Assessing the ecological quality status of the highly polluted Bagnoli area (Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy) using foraminiferal eDNA metabarcoding. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 790:147871. [PMID: 34098278 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Morphology-based benthic foraminifera indices are increasingly used worldwide for biomonitoring the ecological quality of marine sediments. The recent development of foraminiferal eDNA metabarcoding offers a reliable, time-, and cost-effective alternative to morphology-based foraminiferal biomonitoring. However, the practical applications of these new tools are still highly limited. In the present study, we evaluate the response of benthic foraminifera and define the ecological quality status (EcoQS) in the Bagnoli area (Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy) based on a traditional morphology-based approach and eDNA metabarcoding. The geochemical data show that several sites in front of the former industrial plant contain higher concentrations of potentially toxic elements than the effect range median and are characterized by the highest total organic carbon (TOC) content, whereas the distantly located sites can be considered relatively low- to unpolluted. Significant differences (i.e., diversity and assemblage composition) in both morphological and molecular datasets were found between the relatively low- to unpolluted and the most polluted areas. Similarly, the selected ecological indices of both morphological and molecular datasets strikingly and congruently resulted in a clear separation following the environmental stress gradient. The molecular indices (i.e., g-exp(H'bc), g-Foram AMBI, and g-Foram AMBI-MOTUs) reliably identified poor-to-bad EcoQS in the polluted area in front of the former industrial plant. On the other hand, the Foram-AMBI based on morphology well identified an overall trend but seemed to overestimate the EcoQS if the traditional class boundaries were considered. The congruent and complementary trends between morphological and metabarcoding data observed in the case of the Bagnoli site further support the application of foraminiferal metabarcoding in routine biomonitoring to assess the environmental impacts of heavily polluted marine areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Cavaliere
- Dipartimento di Scienze Pure e Applicate, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", 61029 Urbino, Italy.
| | - I Barrenechea Angeles
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Earth Sciences, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - M Montresor
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80122 Naples, Italy
| | - C Bucci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Pure e Applicate, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - L Brocani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Pure e Applicate, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - E Balassi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Pure e Applicate, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - F Margiotta
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80122 Naples, Italy
| | - F Francescangeli
- University of Hamburg, Institute for Geology, Centre for Earth System Research and Sustainability, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - V M P Bouchet
- University of Lille, CNRS, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, UMR 8187, LOG, Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, Station Marine de Wimereux, F 59000 Lille, France
| | - J Pawlowski
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; ID-Gene ecodiagnostics, Campus Biotech Innovation Park, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland; Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 81-712 Sopot, Poland
| | - F Frontalini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Pure e Applicate, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", 61029 Urbino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Wang H, Kuang S, Lang Q, Wang L. Bacterial community structure of aged oil sludge contaminated soil revealed by illumina high-throughput sequencing in East China. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 37:183. [PMID: 34580778 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-021-03059-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Screening of the dominant or core oil resistant bacteria in Aged Oil Sludge (AOS) contaminated soil in Daqing and Shengli oilfields (DQ and SL) in China was investigated through High-Throughput Sequencing method. Enhanced total organic carbon (TOC, 12.53 to 28.35 g/kg in DQ and 3.07 to 4.97 g/kg in SL) and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs, 21 to 2837 mg/mg in DQ and 13 to 1558 mg/kg in SL) were observed. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing by Illumine Miseq platform at each taxonomic level revealed the notable toxicological effect of AOS on the diversity and community structure of bacteria. In this study, sequence analyses showed 77-89% and 92-98% reduction of Firmicutes at phylum level in DQ and SL respectively after treated with AOS. Enhanced universal gene location was observed in Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes and Bacteroidetes in DQ and SL. The universal dominant family in the two oilfields was anaerolineaceae. At the genus level, Algiphilus in DQ and Pseudomonas in SL were the majority respectively. In total, 3 negligible genera (Perlucidibaca, Alcanivorax and Algiphilus) in DQ and 13 negligible genera (Salinisphaera, Microbulbifer and Idiomarina, et al.,) in SL were significantly enriched after oil treatment indicating their possible role in the attenuation of petroleum hydrocarbons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Wang
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Shandong Province, Qingdao, 266042, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaoping Kuang
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Shandong Province, Qingdao, 266042, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qiaolin Lang
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Shandong Province, Qingdao, 266042, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Optic-Electric Sensing and Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, MOE, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Shandong Province, Qingdao, 266042, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Benthic Foraminiferal Indices and Environmental Quality Assessment of Transitional Waters: A Review of Current Challenges and Future Research Perspectives. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13141898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Transitional waters straddle the interface between marine and terrestrial biomes and, among others, include fjords, bays, lagoons, and estuaries. These coastal systems are essential for transport and manufacturing industries and suffer extensive anthropogenic exploitation of their ecosystem services for aquaculture and recreational activities. These activities can have negative effects on the local biota, necessitating investigation and regulation. As a result of this, EcoQS (ecological quality status) assessment has garnered great attention as an essential aspect of governmental bodies’ legislative decision-making process. Assessing EcoQS in transitional water ecosystems is problematic because these systems experience high natural variability and organic enrichment and often lack information about their pre-human impact, baseline, or “pristine” reference conditions, knowledge of which is essential to many commonly used assessment methods. Here, foraminifera can be used as environmental sentinels, providing ecological data such as diversity and sensitivity, which can be used as the basis for EcoQS assessment indices. Fossil shells of foraminifera can also provide a temporal aspect to ecosystem assessment, making it possible to obtain reference conditions from the study site itself. These foraminifera-based indices have been shown to correlate not only with various environmental stressors but also with the most common macrofaunal-based indices currently employed by bodies such as the Water Framework Directive (WFD). In this review, we firstly discuss the development of various foraminifera-based indices and address the challenge of how best to implement these synergistically to understand and regulate human environmental impact, particularly in transitional waters, which have historically suffered disproportionate levels of human impact or are difficult to assess with standard EcoQS methods. Further, we present some case studies to exemplify key issues and discuss potential solutions for those. Such key issues include, for example, the disparate performance of multiple indices applied to the same site and a proper assignment of EcoQS class boundaries (threshold values) for each index. Disparate aptitudes of indices to specific geomorphologic and hydrological regimes can be leveraged via the development of a site characteristics catalogue, which would enable the identification of the most appropriate index to apply, and the integration of multiple indices resulting in more representative EcoQS assessment in heterogenous transitional environments. In addition, the difficulty in assigning threshold values to systems without analogous unimpacted reference sites (a common issue among many transitional waters) can be overcome by recording EcoQS as an ecological quality ratio (EQR). Lastly, we evaluate the current status and future potential of an emerging field, genetic biomonitoring, focusing on how these new techniques can be used to increase the accuracy of EcoQS assessment in transitional systems by supplementing more established morphology-based methods.
Collapse
|
27
|
Ankley PJ, Xie Y, Black TA, DeBofsky A, Perry M, Paterson MJ, Hanson M, Higgins S, Giesy JP, Palace V. Using zooplankton metabarcoding to assess the efficacy of different techniques to clean-up an oil-spill in a boreal lake. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2021; 236:105847. [PMID: 34015755 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2021.105847] [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: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Regulators require adequate information to select best practices with less ecosystem impacts for remediation of freshwater ecosystems after oil spills. Zooplankton are valuable indicators of aquatic ecosystem health as they play pivotal roles in biochemical cycles while stabilizing food webs. Compared with morphological identification, metabarcoding holds promise for cost-effective, high-throughput, and benchmarkable biomonitoring of zooplankton communities. The objective of this study was to apply DNA and RNA metabarcoding of zooplankton for ecotoxicological assessment and compare it with traditional morphological identification in experimental shoreline enclosures in a boreal lake. These identification methods were also applied in context of assessing response of the zooplankton community exposed to simulated spills of diluted bitumen (dilbit), with experimental remediation practices (enhanced monitored natural recovery and shoreline cleaner application). Metabarcoding detected boreal zooplankton taxa up to the genus level, with a total of 24 shared genera, and while metabarcoding-based relative abundance served as an acceptable proxy for biomass inferred by morphological identification (ρ ≥ 0.52). Morphological identification determined zooplankton community composition changes due to treatments at 11 days post-spill (PERMANOVA, p = 0.0143) while metabarcoding methods indicated changes in zooplankton richness and communities at 38 days post-spill (T-test, p < 0.05; PERMANOVA, p ≤ 0.0429). Shoreline cleaner application overall seemed to have the largest impact on zooplankton communities relative to enhanced monitored natural recovery, regardless of zooplankton identification method. Both metabarcoding and morphological identification were able to discern the differences between the two experimental remediation practices. Metabarcoding of zooplankton could provide informative results for ecotoxicological assessment of the remediation practices of dilbit, advancing our knowledge of best practices for remediating oil-impacted aquatic ecosystems while serving to accelerate the assessment of at-risk freshwater ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phillip J Ankley
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Yuwei Xie
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
| | - Tyler A Black
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Abigail DeBofsky
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - McKenzie Perry
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Michael J Paterson
- International Institute for Sustainable Development - Experimental Lakes Area, Kenora, ON, Canada
| | - Mark Hanson
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Scott Higgins
- International Institute for Sustainable Development - Experimental Lakes Area, Kenora, ON, Canada
| | - John P Giesy
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada; Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada; Department of Environmental Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Vince Palace
- International Institute for Sustainable Development - Experimental Lakes Area, Kenora, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Cordier T, Alonso‐Sáez L, Apothéloz‐Perret‐Gentil L, Aylagas E, Bohan DA, Bouchez A, Chariton A, Creer S, Frühe L, Keck F, Keeley N, Laroche O, Leese F, Pochon X, Stoeck T, Pawlowski J, Lanzén A. Ecosystems monitoring powered by environmental genomics: A review of current strategies with an implementation roadmap. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:2937-2958. [PMID: 32416615 PMCID: PMC8358956 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
A decade after environmental scientists integrated high-throughput sequencing technologies in their toolbox, the genomics-based monitoring of anthropogenic impacts on the biodiversity and functioning of ecosystems is yet to be implemented by regulatory frameworks. Despite the broadly acknowledged potential of environmental genomics to this end, technical limitations and conceptual issues still stand in the way of its broad application by end-users. In addition, the multiplicity of potential implementation strategies may contribute to a perception that the routine application of this methodology is premature or "in development", hence restraining regulators from binding these tools into legal frameworks. Here, we review recent implementations of environmental genomics-based methods, applied to the biomonitoring of ecosystems. By taking a general overview, without narrowing our perspective to particular habitats or groups of organisms, this paper aims to compare, review and discuss the strengths and limitations of four general implementation strategies of environmental genomics for monitoring: (a) Taxonomy-based analyses focused on identification of known bioindicators or described taxa; (b) De novo bioindicator analyses; (c) Structural community metrics including inferred ecological networks; and (d) Functional community metrics (metagenomics or metatranscriptomics). We emphasise the utility of the three latter strategies to integrate meiofauna and microorganisms that are not traditionally utilised in biomonitoring because of difficult taxonomic identification. Finally, we propose a roadmap for the implementation of environmental genomics into routine monitoring programmes that leverage recent analytical advancements, while pointing out current limitations and future research needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tristan Cordier
- Department of Genetics and EvolutionScience IIIUniversity of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Laura Alonso‐Sáez
- AZTIMarine ResearchBasque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA)Spain
| | | | - Eva Aylagas
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC)Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE)King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)ThuwalSaudi Arabia
| | - David A. Bohan
- AgroécologieINRAEUniversity of BourgogneUniversity Bourgogne Franche‐ComtéDijonFrance
| | | | - Anthony Chariton
- Department of Biological SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Simon Creer
- School of Natural SciencesBangor UniversityGwyneddUK
| | - Larissa Frühe
- Department of EcologyTechnische Universität KaiserslauternKaiserslauternGermany
| | | | - Nigel Keeley
- Benthic Resources and Processes GroupInstitute of Marine ResearchTromsøNorway
| | - Olivier Laroche
- Benthic Resources and Processes GroupInstitute of Marine ResearchTromsøNorway
| | - Florian Leese
- Aquatic Ecosystem ResearchFaculty of BiologyUniversity of Duisburg‐EssenEssenGermany
- Centre for Water and Environmental Research (ZWU)University of Duisburg‐EssenEssenGermany
| | - Xavier Pochon
- Coastal & Freshwater GroupCawthron InstituteNelsonNew Zealand
- Institute of Marine ScienceUniversity of AucklandWarkworthNew Zealand
| | - Thorsten Stoeck
- Department of EcologyTechnische Universität KaiserslauternKaiserslauternGermany
| | - Jan Pawlowski
- Department of Genetics and EvolutionScience IIIUniversity of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
- ID‐Gene EcodiagnosticsGenevaSwitzerland
- Institute of OceanologyPolish Academy of SciencesSopotPoland
| | - Anders Lanzén
- AZTIMarine ResearchBasque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA)Spain
- Basque Foundation for ScienceIKERBASQUEBilbaoSpain
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Bonfantine KL, Trevathan-Tackett SM, Matthews TG, Neckovic A, Gan HM. Dumpster diving for diatom plastid 16S rRNA genes. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11576. [PMID: 34249491 PMCID: PMC8255066 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
High throughput sequencing is improving the efficiency of monitoring diatoms, which inhabit and support aquatic ecosystems across the globe. In this study, we explored the potential of a standard V4 515F-806RB primer pair in recovering diatom plastid 16S rRNA sequences. We used PhytoREF to classify the 16S reads from our freshwater biofilm field sampling from three stream segments across two streams in south-eastern Australia and retrieved diatom community data from other, publicly deposited, Australian 16S amplicon datasets. When these diatom operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were traced using the default RDPII and NCBI databases, 68% were characterized as uncultured cyanobacteria. We analysed the 16S rRNA sequences from 72 stream biofilm samples, separated the chloroplast OTUs, and classified them using the PhytoREF database. After filtering the reads attributed to Bacillariophyta (relative abundance >1%), 71 diatom OTUs comprising more than 90% of the diatom reads in each stream biofilm sample were identified. Beta-diversity analyses demonstrated significantly different diatom assemblages and discrimination among river segments. To further test the approach, the diatom OTUs from our biofilm sampling were used as reference sequences to identify diatom reads from other Australian 16S rRNA datasets in the NCBI-SRA database. Across the three selected public datasets, 67 of our 71 diatom OTUs were detected in other Australian ecosystems. Our results show that diatom plastid 16S rRNA genes are readily amplified with existing 515F-806RB primer sets. Therefore, the volume of existing 16S rRNA amplicon datasets initially generated for microbial community profiling can also be used to detect, characterize, and map diatom distribution to inform phylogeny and ecological health assessments, and can be extended into a range of ecological and industrial applications. To our knowledge, this study represents the first attempt to classify freshwater samples using this approach and the first application of PhytoREF in Australia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krista L Bonfantine
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Stacey M Trevathan-Tackett
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Ty G Matthews
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Ana Neckovic
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Han Ming Gan
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia.,GeneSEQ Sdn Bhd, Rawang, Selangor, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Mu J, Leng Q, Yang G, Zhu B. Anaerobic degradation of high-concentration polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in seawater sediments. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 167:112294. [PMID: 33799153 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112294] [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: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Recurring oil spill accidents have been a global challenge and contribute to PAHs' heavy accumulation in marine sediments. The rapid bioremediation of PAHs with high concentrations in marine sediments has rarely been studied. In this study, four representative PAHs in crude oil were tested for fast anaerobic biodegradation. An efficient system for the anaerobic degradation of high-concentration PAHs was obtained using petroleum-acclimated marine sediments as inoculants in the treatment system. The degradation efficiencies of benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, pyrene, and phenanthrene reached 0.21, 1.71, 3.89, and 4.10 mg/(L·d), respectively, which are 16, 2.8, 1.8, and 1.0 times higher than the reported values. Nitrate was preferred to sulfate as an electron acceptor. The acclimated sediment contains a high abundance of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria. The number and diversity of species in the treatment system supplemented with PAHs decreased, but the abundance of some hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria and hydrocarbon-intermediate utilising bacteria increased, and ecological succession was observed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Mu
- School of Ecological & Environment, Hainan Tropical Ocean University, Sanya, Hainan 572022, China.
| | - Qingxue Leng
- School of Marine Science & Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316022, China
| | - Guangfeng Yang
- School of Marine Science & Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316022, China
| | - Baikang Zhu
- School of Marine Science & Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316022, China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Aylagas E, Atalah J, Sánchez-Jerez P, Pearman JK, Casado N, Asensi J, Toledo-Guedes K, Carvalho S. A step towards the validation of bacteria biotic indices using DNA metabarcoding for benthic monitoring. Mol Ecol Resour 2021; 21:1889-1903. [PMID: 33825307 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Environmental genomics is a promising field for monitoring biodiversity in a timely fashion. Efforts have increasingly been dedicated to the use of bacteria DNA derived data to develop biotic indices for benthic monitoring. However, a substantial debate exists about whether bacteria-derived data using DNA metabarcoding should follow, for example, a taxonomy-based or a taxonomy-free approach to marine bioassessments. Here, we showcase the value of DNA-based monitoring using the impact of fish farming as an example of anthropogenic disturbances in coastal areas and compare the performance of taxonomy-based and taxonomy-free approaches in detecting environmental alterations. We analysed samples collected near to the farm cages and along distance gradients from two aquaculture installations, and at control sites, to evaluate the effect of this activity on bacterial assemblages. Using the putative response of bacterial taxa to stress we calculated the taxonomy-based biotic index microgAMBI. The distribution of individual amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), as a function of a gradient in sediment acid volatile sulphides, was then used to derive a taxonomy-free bacterial biotic index specific for this data set using a de novo approach based on quantile regression splines. Our results show that microgAMBI revealed a organically enriched environment along the gradient. However, the de novo biotic index outperformed microgAMBI by providing a higher discriminatory power in detecting changes in abiotic factors directly related to fish production, whilst allowing the identification of new ASVs bioindicators. The de novo strategy applied here represents a robust method to define new bioindicators in regions or habitats where no previous information about the response of bacteria to environmental stressors exists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Aylagas
- Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Javier Atalah
- Coastal and Freshwater Group, Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand
| | - Pablo Sánchez-Jerez
- Department of Marine Science and Applied Biology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - John K Pearman
- Coastal and Freshwater Group, Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand
| | - Nuria Casado
- Department of Marine Science and Applied Biology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Jorge Asensi
- Department of Marine Science and Applied Biology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Kilian Toledo-Guedes
- Department of Marine Science and Applied Biology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Susana Carvalho
- Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Brandt MI, Trouche B, Quintric L, Günther B, Wincker P, Poulain J, Arnaud-Haond S. Bioinformatic pipelines combining denoising and clustering tools allow for more comprehensive prokaryotic and eukaryotic metabarcoding. Mol Ecol Resour 2021; 21:1904-1921. [PMID: 33835712 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Environmental DNA metabarcoding is a powerful tool for studying biodiversity. However, bioinformatic approaches need to adjust to the diversity of taxonomic compartments targeted as well as to each barcode gene specificities. We built and tested a pipeline based on read correction with DADA2 allowing analysing metabarcoding data from prokaryotic (16S) and eukaryotic (18S, COI) life compartments. We implemented the option to cluster amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) into operational taxonomic units (OTUs) with swarm, a network-based clustering algorithm, and the option to curate ASVs/OTUs using LULU. Finally, taxonomic assignment was implemented via the Ribosomal Database Project Bayesian classifier (RDP) and BLAST. We validated this pipeline with ribosomal and mitochondrial markers using metazoan mock communities and 42 deep-sea sediment samples. The results show that ASVs and OTUs describe different levels of biotic diversity, the choice of which depends on the research questions. They underline the advantages and complementarity of clustering and LULU-curation for producing metazoan biodiversity inventories at a level approaching the one obtained using morphological criteria. While clustering removes intraspecific variation, LULU effectively removes spurious clusters, originating from errors or intragenomic variability. Swarm clustering affected alpha and beta diversity differently depending on genetic marker. Specifically, d-values > 1 appeared to be less appropriate with 18S for metazoans. Similarly, increasing LULU's minimum ratio level proved essential to avoid losing species in sample-poor data sets. Comparing BLAST and RDP underlined that accurate assignments of deep-sea species can be obtained with RDP, but highlighted the need for a concerted effort to build comprehensive, ecosystem-specific databases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam I Brandt
- MARBEC, University of Montpellier, Ifremer, IRD, CNRS, Sète, France
| | - Blandine Trouche
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie des Environnements Extrêmes, University of Brest, Ifremer, CNRS, Plouzané, France
| | | | - Babett Günther
- MARBEC, University of Montpellier, Ifremer, IRD, CNRS, Sète, France
| | - Patrick Wincker
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Université of Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France.,Research Federation for the study of Global Ocean Systems Ecology and Evolution, Paris, France
| | - Julie Poulain
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Université of Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France.,Research Federation for the study of Global Ocean Systems Ecology and Evolution, Paris, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Yates MC, Derry AM, Cristescu ME. Environmental RNA: A Revolution in Ecological Resolution? Trends Ecol Evol 2021; 36:601-609. [PMID: 33757695 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Current advancements in environmental RNA (eRNA) exploit its relatively fast turnover rate relative to environmental DNA (eDNA) to assess 'metabolically active' or temporally/spatially recent community diversity. However, this focus significantly underutilizes the trove of potential ecological information encrypted in eRNA. Here, we argue for pushing beyond current species-level eDNA detection capabilities by using eRNA to detect any organisms with unique eRNA profiles, potentially including different life-history stages, sexes, or even specific phenotypes within a species. We also discuss the future of eRNA as a means of assessing the physiological status of organisms and the ecological health of populations and communities, reflecting ecosystem-level conditions. We posit that eRNA has the potential to significantly improve the resolution of organism detection, biological monitoring, and biomonitoring applications in ecology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Yates
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, 141 Avenue Président-Kennedy, Montréal, QC, H2X 1Y4, Canada.
| | - Alison M Derry
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, 141 Avenue Président-Kennedy, Montréal, QC, H2X 1Y4, Canada
| | - Melania E Cristescu
- Department of Biology, McGill University, 1205 Dr Penfield Avenue, Montreal, QC, H3A 1B1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Integration of DNA-Based Approaches in Aquatic Ecological Assessment Using Benthic Macroinvertebrates. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13030331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Benthic macroinvertebrates are among the most used biological quality elements for assessing the condition of all types of aquatic ecosystems worldwide (i.e., fresh water, transitional, and marine). Current morphology-based assessments have several limitations that may be circumvented by using DNA-based approaches. Here, we present a comprehensive review of 90 publications on the use of DNA metabarcoding of benthic macroinvertebrates in aquatic ecosystems bioassessments. Metabarcoding of bulk macrozoobenthos has been preferentially used in fresh waters, whereas in marine waters, environmental DNA (eDNA) from sediment and bulk communities from deployed artificial structures has been favored. DNA extraction has been done predominantly through commercial kits, and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) has been, by far, the most used marker, occasionally combined with others, namely, the 18S rRNA gene. Current limitations include the lack of standardized protocols and broad-coverage primers, the incompleteness of reference libraries, and the inability to reliably extrapolate abundance data. In addition, morphology versus DNA benchmarking of ecological status and biotic indexes are required to allow general worldwide implementation and higher end-user confidence. The increased sensitivity, high throughput, and faster execution of DNA metabarcoding can provide much higher spatial and temporal data resolution on aquatic ecological status, thereby being more responsive to immediate management needs.
Collapse
|
35
|
Clark DE, Pilditch CA, Pearman JK, Ellis JI, Zaiko A. Environmental DNA metabarcoding reveals estuarine benthic community response to nutrient enrichment - Evidence from an in-situ experiment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 267:115472. [PMID: 32891048 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Nutrient loading is a major threat to estuaries and coastal environments worldwide, therefore, it is critical that we have good monitoring tools to detect early signs of degradation in these ecologically important and vulnerable ecosystems. Traditionally, bottom-dwelling macroinvertebrates have been used for ecological health assessment but recent advances in environmental genomics mean we can now characterize less visible forms of biodiversity, offering a more holistic view of the ecosystem and potentially providing early warning signals of disturbance. We carried out a manipulative nutrient enrichment experiment (0, 150 and 600 g N fertilizer m-2) in two estuaries in New Zealand to assess the effects of nutrient loading on benthic communities. After seven months of enrichment, environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding was used to examine the response of eukaryotic (18S rRNA), diatom only (rbcL) and bacterial (16S rRNA) communities. Multivariate analyses demonstrated changes in eukaryotic, diatom and bacterial communities in response to nutrient enrichment at both sites, despite differing environmental conditions. These patterns aligned with changes in macrofaunal communities identified using traditional morphological techniques, confirming concordance between disturbance indicators detected by eDNA and current monitoring approaches. Clear shifts in eukaryotic and bacterial indicator taxa were seen in response to nutrient loading while changes in diatom only communities were more subtle. Community changes were discernible between 0 and 150 g N m-2 treatments, suggesting that estuary health assessment tools could be developed to detect early signs of degradation. Increasing variation in community structure associated with nutrient loading could also be used as an indicator of stress or approaching tipping points. This work represents a first step towards the development of molecular-based estuary monitoring tools, which could provide a more holistic and standardized approach to ecosystem health assessment with faster turn-around times and lower costs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D E Clark
- Cawthron Institute, Private Bag 2, Nelson, 7042, New Zealand; University of Waikato, Gate 1, Knighton Rd, Hamilton, 3240, New Zealand.
| | - C A Pilditch
- University of Waikato, Gate 1, Knighton Rd, Hamilton, 3240, New Zealand
| | - J K Pearman
- Cawthron Institute, Private Bag 2, Nelson, 7042, New Zealand
| | - J I Ellis
- University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Tauranga, 3110, New Zealand
| | - A Zaiko
- Cawthron Institute, Private Bag 2, Nelson, 7042, New Zealand; Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Private Bag 349, Warkworth, 0941, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Apothéloz-Perret-Gentil L, Bouchez A, Cordier T, Cordonier A, Guéguen J, Rimet F, Vasselon V, Pawlowski J. Monitoring the ecological status of rivers with diatom eDNA metabarcoding: A comparison of taxonomic markers and analytical approaches for the inference of a molecular diatom index. Mol Ecol 2020; 30:2959-2968. [PMID: 32979002 PMCID: PMC8358953 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Recently, several studies demonstrated the usefulness of diatom eDNA metabarcoding as an alternative to assess the ecological quality of rivers and streams. However, the choice of the taxonomic marker as well as the methodology for data analysis differ between these studies, hampering the comparison of their results and effectiveness. The aim of this study was to compare two taxonomic markers commonly used in diatom metabarcoding and three distinct analytical approaches to infer a molecular diatom index. We used the values of classical morphological diatom index as a benchmark for this comparison. We amplified and sequenced both a fragment of the rbcL gene and the V4 region of the 18S rRNA gene for 112 epilithic samples from Swiss and French rivers. We inferred index values using three analytical approaches: by computing it directly from taxonomically assigned sequences, by calibrating de novo the ecovalues of all metabarcodes, and by using a supervised machine learning algorithm to train predictive models. In general, the values of index obtained using the two "taxonomy-free" approaches, encompassing molecular assignment and machine learning, were closer correlated to the values of the morphological index than the values based on taxonomically assigned sequences. The correlations of the three analytical approaches were higher in the case of rbcL compared to the 18S marker, highlighting the importance of the reference database which is more complete for the rbcL marker. Our study confirms the effectiveness of diatom metabarcoding as an operational tool for rivers ecological quality assessment and shows that the analytical approaches by-passing the taxonomic assignments are particularly efficient when reference databases are incomplete.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laure Apothéloz-Perret-Gentil
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,ID-Gene ecodiagnostics, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Agnès Bouchez
- UMR CARRTEL, INRAE, Université Savoie Mont-Blanc, Thonon, France
| | - Tristan Cordier
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,ID-Gene ecodiagnostics, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Arielle Cordonier
- Department of Territorial Management, Water Ecology Service, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Julie Guéguen
- UMR CARRTEL, INRAE, Université Savoie Mont-Blanc, Thonon, France
| | - Frederic Rimet
- UMR CARRTEL, INRAE, Université Savoie Mont-Blanc, Thonon, France
| | - Valentin Vasselon
- Pôle R&D "ECLA", Thonon-les-Bains, France.,OFB, Site INRA UMR CARRTEL, Thonon-les-Bains, France
| | - Jan Pawlowski
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,ID-Gene ecodiagnostics, Geneva, Switzerland.,Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sopot, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Mauffrey F, Cordier T, Apothéloz-Perret-Gentil L, Cermakova K, Merzi T, Delefosse M, Blanc P, Pawlowski J. Benthic monitoring of oil and gas offshore platforms in the North Sea using environmental DNA metabarcoding. Mol Ecol 2020; 30:3007-3022. [PMID: 33070453 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Since 2010, considerable efforts have been undertaken to monitor the environmental status of European marine waters and ensuring the development of methodological standards for the evaluation of this status. However, the current routine biomonitoring implicates time-consuming and costly manual sorting and morphological identification of benthic macrofauna. Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding represents an alternative to the traditional monitoring method with very promising results. Here, we tested it further by performing eDNA metabarcoding of benthic eukaryotic communities in the vicinity of two offshore oil and gas platforms in the North Sea. Three different genetic markers (18S V1V2, 18S V9 and COI) were used to assess the environmental pressures induced by the platforms. All markers showed patterns of alpha and beta diversity consistent with morphology-based macrofauna analyses. In particular, the communities' structure inferred from metabarcoding and morphological data significantly changed along distance gradients from the platforms. The impact of the operational discharges was also detected by the variation of biotic index values, AMBI index showing the best correlation between morphological and eDNA data sets. Finally, the sediment physicochemical parameters were used to build a local de novo pressure index that served as benchmark to test the potential of a taxonomy-free approach. Our study demonstrates that metabarcoding approach outperforms morphology-based approach and can be used as a cost and time-saving alternative solution to the traditional morphology-based monitoring in order to monitor more efficiently the impact of industrial activities on marine biodiversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florian Mauffrey
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,ID-Gene Ecodiagnostics, Campus Biotech Innovation Park, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tristan Cordier
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,ID-Gene Ecodiagnostics, Campus Biotech Innovation Park, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laure Apothéloz-Perret-Gentil
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,ID-Gene Ecodiagnostics, Campus Biotech Innovation Park, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kristina Cermakova
- ID-Gene Ecodiagnostics, Campus Biotech Innovation Park, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Merzi
- Total SA, Centre Scientifique et Technique Jean Feger, Pau, France
| | | | - Philippe Blanc
- Total SA, Centre Scientifique et Technique Jean Feger, Pau, France
| | - Jan Pawlowski
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,ID-Gene Ecodiagnostics, Campus Biotech Innovation Park, Geneva, Switzerland.,Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sopot, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Frontalini F, Cordier T, Balassi E, Armynot du Chatelet E, Cermakova K, Apothéloz-Perret-Gentil L, Martins MVA, Bucci C, Scantamburlo E, Treglia M, Bonamin V, Pawlowski J. Benthic foraminiferal metabarcoding and morphology-based assessment around three offshore gas platforms: Congruence and complementarity. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 144:106049. [PMID: 32835923 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Since the 1960 s, there has been a rapid expansion of drilling activities in the central and northern Adriatic Sea to meet the increasing global energy demand. The discharges of organic and inorganic pollutants, as well as the alteration of the sediment substrate, are among the main impacts associated with these activities. In the present study, we evaluate the response of benthic foraminifera to the activities of three gas platforms in the northwestern Adriatic Sea, with a special focus on the Armida A platform for which extensive geochemical data (organic matter, trace elements, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, other hydrocarbons, and volatile organic compounds) are available. The response to disturbance is assessed by analyzing the foraminiferal diversity using the traditional morphology-based approach and by 18S rDNA-based metabarcoding. The two methods give congruent results, showing relatively lower foraminiferal diversity and higher dominance values at stations closer to the platforms (<50 m). The taxonomic compositions of the morphological and metabarcoding datasets are very different, the latter being dominated by monothalamous, mainly soft-walled species. However, compositional changes consistently occur at 50 m from the platform and can be related to variations in sediment grain-size variation and higher concentrations of Ni, Zn, Ba, hydrocarbons and total organic carbon. Additionally, several morphospecies and Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTUs) show strong correlations with distance from the platform and with environmental parameters extracted from BIOENV analysis. Some of these MOTUs have the potential to become new bioindicators, complementing the assemblage of hard-shelled foraminiferal species detected through microscopic analyses. The congruence and complementarity between metabarcoding and morphological approaches support the application of foraminiferal metabarcoding in routine biomonitoring surveys as a reliable, time- and cost-effective methodology to assess the environmental impacts of marine industries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Frontalini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Pure e Applicate, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Tristan Cordier
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Eszter Balassi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Pure e Applicate, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Eric Armynot du Chatelet
- Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences UMR 8187 LOG CNRS/Lille/ULCO, Université de Lille, Bât SN5, Cité Scientifique, 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Kristina Cermakova
- ID-Gene ecodiagnostics, Campus Biotech Innovation Park, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laure Apothéloz-Perret-Gentil
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; ID-Gene ecodiagnostics, Campus Biotech Innovation Park, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maria Virginia Alves Martins
- Laboratory of Micropaleontology, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Universidade de Aveiro, GeoBioTec, Departamento de Geociências, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Carla Bucci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Pure e Applicate, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Jan Pawlowski
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; ID-Gene ecodiagnostics, Campus Biotech Innovation Park, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland; Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 81-712 Sopot, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Krolicka A, Gomiero A, Baussant T. qPCR-based assessment of microfaunal indicators of oil for monitoring benthos around oil and gas platforms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 736:139527. [PMID: 32497879 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Today's benthic offshore biological monitoring of oil & gas (O&G) activities relies on macrofauna taxa enumeration. For the future, analysis of DNA isolated directly from sediments holds great potential for multi-trophic biodiversity surveys and the monitoring of a larger spectrum of benthic taxa, including micro-fauna. Here, we evaluate more specifically the potential of microfauna-specific gene quantification in relation to both petroleum-related discharge compounds and other seafloor environmental properties. We carried out this evaluation using sediment samples collected at drilling Region III on the Norwegian continental shelf where DNA metabarcoding of eukaryotic diversity was already performed. Generally, the quantification of microfauna indicator taxa related well to the gradient of contamination on the seafloor. Contrary to eukaryotic Euplotida, metabarcoding data and qPCR numbers for indicative prokaryotic taxa showed the same relationship to offshore contaminants (both showed positive relationship). We found absolute numbers of SSU rRNA gene copies of (1) Dinophyceae, Bacillariophyceae and Alcanivorax were correlated with the level of petroleum-related compounds but not with other environmental variables, (2) bacteria closely related to Shewanella were correlated with the concentration of Ba, PAH, as well to percent of gravel, (3) Desulfobacteriales correlated with petroleum-related contaminants, but as well with percent of gravel and grain size. Findings from our study suggest that biomonitoring surveys of O&G activities on benthos could benefit from quantification of specific micro-fauna indicators that is simpler and faster than the methods currently used for impact assessment of benthos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Krolicka
- NORCE - Norwegian Research Centre - Environment, Mekjarvik 12, 4070 Randaberg, Norway.
| | - Alessio Gomiero
- NORCE - Norwegian Research Centre - Environment, Mekjarvik 12, 4070 Randaberg, Norway
| | - Thierry Baussant
- NORCE - Norwegian Research Centre - Environment, Mekjarvik 12, 4070 Randaberg, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Thakur IS, Roy D. Environmental DNA and RNA as Records of Human Exposome, Including Biotic/Abiotic Exposures and Its Implications in the Assessment of the Role of Environment in Chronic Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21144879. [PMID: 32664313 PMCID: PMC7402316 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21144879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Most of environment-related diseases often result from multiple exposures of abiotic and/or biotic stressors across various life stages. The application of environmental DNA/RNA (eDNA/eRNA) to advance ecological understanding has been very successfully used. However, the eminent extension of eDNA/eRNA-based approaches to estimate human exposure to biotic and/or abiotic environmental stressors to understand the environmental causes of chronic diseases has yet to start. Here, we introduce the potential of eDNA/eRNA for bio-monitoring of human exposome and health effects in the real environmental or occupational settings. This review is the first of its kind to discuss how eDNA/eRNA-based approaches can be applied for assessing the human exposome. eDNA-based exposome assessment is expected to rely on our ability to capture the genome- and epigenome-wide signatures left behind by individuals in the indoor and outdoor physical spaces through shedding, excreting, etc. Records of eDNA/eRNA exposome may reflect the early appearance, persistence, and presence of biotic and/or abiotic-exposure-mediated modifications in these nucleic acid molecules. Functional genome- and epigenome-wide mapping of eDNA offer great promise to help elucidate the human exposome. Assessment of longitudinal exposure to physical, biological, and chemical agents present in the environment through eDNA/eRNA may enable the building of an integrative causal dynamic stochastic model to estimate environmental causes of human health deficits. This model is expected to incorporate key biological pathways and gene networks linking individuals, their geographic locations, and random multi-hits of environmental factors. Development and validation of monitoring of eDNA/eRNA exposome should seriously be considered to introduce into safety and risk assessment and as surrogates of chronic exposure to environmental stressors. Here we highlight that eDNA/eRNA reflecting longitudinal exposure of both biotic and abiotic environmental stressors may serve as records of human exposome and discuss its application as molecular tools for understanding the toxicogenomics basis of environment-related health deficits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Indu Shekhar Thakur
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
- Correspondence: (I.S.T.); (D.R.); Tel.: +91-2670-4321 (I.S.T.); +1-30-5348-1694 (D.R.)
| | - Deodutta Roy
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
- Correspondence: (I.S.T.); (D.R.); Tel.: +91-2670-4321 (I.S.T.); +1-30-5348-1694 (D.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Lanzén A, Mendibil I, Borja Á, Alonso-Sáez L. A microbial mandala for environmental monitoring: Predicting multiple impacts on estuarine prokaryote communities of the Bay of Biscay. Mol Ecol 2020; 30:2969-2987. [PMID: 32479653 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Routine monitoring of benthic biodiversity is critical for managing and understanding the anthropogenic impacts on marine, transitional and freshwater ecosystems. However, traditional reliance on morphological identification generally makes it cost-prohibitive to increase the scale of monitoring programmes. Metabarcoding of environmental DNA has clear potential to overcome many of the problems associated with traditional monitoring, with prokaryotes and other microorganisms showing particular promise as bioindicators. However, due to the limited knowledge regarding the ecological roles and responses of environmental microorganisms to different types of pressure, the use of de novo approaches is necessary. Here, we use two such approaches for the prediction of multiple impacts present in estuaries and coastal areas of the Bay of Biscay based on microbial communities. The first (Random Forests) is a machine learning method while the second (Threshold Indicator Taxa Analysis and quantile regression splines) is based on de novo identification of bioindicators. Our results show that both methods overlap considerably in the indicator taxa identified, but less for sequence variants. Both methods also perform well in spite of the complexity of the studied ecosystem, providing predictive models with strong correlation to reference values and fair to good agreement with ecological status groups. The ability to predict several specific types of pressure is especially appealing. The cross-validated models and biotic indices developed can be directly applied to predict the environmental status of estuaries in the same geographical region, although more work is needed to evaluate and improve them for use in new regions or habitats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anders Lanzén
- AZTI, Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Pasaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain.,IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Iñaki Mendibil
- AZTI, Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Pasaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Ángel Borja
- AZTI, Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Pasaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Laura Alonso-Sáez
- AZTI, Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Pasaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Knapik K, Bagi A, Krolicka A, Baussant T. Metatranscriptomic Analysis of Oil-Exposed Seawater Bacterial Communities Archived by an Environmental Sample Processor (ESP). Microorganisms 2020; 8:E744. [PMID: 32429288 PMCID: PMC7284936 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8050744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of natural marine bacteria as "oil sensors" for the detection of pollution events can be suggested as a novel way of monitoring oil occurrence at sea. Nucleic acid-based devices generically called genosensors are emerging as potentially promising tools for in situ detection of specific microbial marker genes suited for that purpose. Functional marker genes are particularly interesting as targets for oil-related genosensing but their identification remains a challenge. Here, seawater samples, collected in tanks with oil addition mimicking a realistic oil spill scenario, were filtered and archived by the Environmental Sample Processor (ESP), a fully robotized genosensor, and the samples were then used for post-retrieval metatranscriptomic analysis. After extraction, RNA from ESP-archived samples at start, Day 4 and Day 7 of the experiment was used for sequencing. Metatranscriptomics revealed that several KEGG pathways were significantly enriched in samples exposed to oil. However, these pathways were highly expressed also in the non-oil-exposed water samples, most likely as a result of the release of natural organic matter from decaying phytoplankton. Temporary peaks of aliphatic alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenases and monoaromatic ring-degrading enzymes (e.g., ben, box, and dmp clusters) were observed on Day 4 in both control and oil-exposed and non-exposed tanks. Few alkane 1-monooxygenase genes were upregulated on oil, mostly transcribed by families Porticoccaceae and Rhodobacteraceae, together with aromatic ring-hydroxylating dioxygenases, mostly transcribed by Rhodobacteraceae. Few transcripts from obligate hydrocarbonoclastic genera of Alcanivorax, Oleispira and Cycloclasticus were significantly enriched in the oil-treated exposed tank in comparison to control the non-exposed tank, and these were mostly transporters and genes involved in nitrogen and phosphorous acquisition. This study highlights the importance of seasonality, i.e., phytoplankton occurrence and senescence leading to organic compound release which can be used preferentially by bacteria over oil compounds, delaying the latter process. As a result, such seasonal effect can reduce the sensitivity of genosensing tools employing bacterial functional genes to sense oil. A better understanding of the use of natural organic matter by bacteria involved in oil-biodegradation is needed to develop an array of functional markers enabling the rapid and specific in situ detection of anthropogenic pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Thierry Baussant
- NORCE Environment, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS, 4070 Randaberg, Norway; (K.K.); (A.B.); (A.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Furey PC, Liess A, Lee S. Substratum-associated microbiota. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2019; 91:1326-1341. [PMID: 31523907 DOI: 10.1002/wer.1226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This survey of 2018 literature on substratum-associated microbiota presents brief highlights on research findings from primarily freshwaters, but includes those from a variety of aquatic ecosystems. Coverage of topics associated with benthic algae and cyanobacteria, though not comprehensive, includes new methods, taxa new to science, nutrient dynamics, trophic interactions, herbicides and other pollutants, metal contaminants, nuisance, bloom-forming and harmful algae, bioassessment, and bioremediation. Coverage of bacteria, also not comprehensive, focused on methylation of mercury, metal contamination, toxins, and other environmental pollutants, including oil, as well as the use of benthic bacteria as bioindicators, in bioassessment tools and in biomonitoring. Additionally, we cover trends in recent and emerging topics on substratum-associated microbiota of relevance to the Water Environment Federation. PRACTITIONER POINTS: This review of literature from 2018 on substratum-associated microbiota presents highlights of findings on algae, cyanobacteria, and bacteria from primarily freshwaters. Topics covered that focus on algae and cyanobacteria include findings on new methods, taxa new to science, nutrient dynamics, trophic interactions, herbicides and other pollutants, metal contaminants, nuisance, bloomforming and harmful algae, bioassessment, and bioremediation. Topics covered that focus on bacteria include findings on methylation of mercury, metal contamination, toxins and other environmental pollutants, including oil, as well as the us e of benthic bacteria as bioindicators, in bioassessment tools and in biomonitoring. A brief presentation of new, noteworthy and emerging topics on substratum-associated microbiota, build on those from 2017, to highlight those of particular relevance to the Water Environment Federation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula C Furey
- Department Biology, St. Catherine University, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Antonia Liess
- Rydberg Laboratory, School of Buisness, Engineering and Science, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - Sylvia Lee
- Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Astudillo-García C, Hermans SM, Stevenson B, Buckley HL, Lear G. Microbial assemblages and bioindicators as proxies for ecosystem health status: potential and limitations. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 103:6407-6421. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-019-09963-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
|
45
|
Banerji A, Bagley MJ, Shoemaker JA, Tettenhorst DR, Nietch CT, Allen HJ, Santo Domingo JW. Evaluating putative ecological drivers of microcystin spatiotemporal dynamics using metabarcoding and environmental data. HARMFUL ALGAE 2019; 86:84-95. [PMID: 31358280 PMCID: PMC7877229 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Microcystin is a cyanobacterial hepatotoxin of global concern. Understanding the environmental factors that cause high concentrations of microcystin is crucial to the development of lake management strategies that minimize harmful exposures. While the literature is replete with studies linking cyanobacterial production of microcystin to changes in various nutrients, abiotic stressors, grazers, and competitors, no single biotic or abiotic factor has been shown to be reliably predictive of microcystin concentrations in complex ecosystems. We performed random forest regression analyses with 16S and 18S rRNA gene sequencing data and environmental data to determine which putative ecological drivers best explained spatiotemporal variation in total microcystin and several individual congeners in a eutrophic freshwater reservoir. Model performance was best for predicting concentrations of the congener MC-LR, with ca. 88% of spatiotemporal variance explained. Most of the variance was associated with changes in the relative abundance of the cyanobacterial genus Microcystis. Follow-up RF regression analyses revealed that factors that were the most important in predicting MC-LR were also the most important in predicting Microcystis population dynamics. We discuss how these results relate to prevailing ecological hypotheses regarding the function of microcystin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Banerji
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, 45268, USA
| | - M J Bagley
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, 45268, USA
| | - J A Shoemaker
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, 45268, USA
| | - D R Tettenhorst
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, 45268, USA
| | - C T Nietch
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, 45268, USA
| | - H J Allen
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, 45268, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Cordier T, Lanzén A, Apothéloz-Perret-Gentil L, Stoeck T, Pawlowski J. Embracing Environmental Genomics and Machine Learning for Routine Biomonitoring. Trends Microbiol 2019; 27:387-397. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2018.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
|
47
|
Cordier T, Frontalini F, Cermakova K, Apothéloz-Perret-Gentil L, Treglia M, Scantamburlo E, Bonamin V, Pawlowski J. Multi-marker eDNA metabarcoding survey to assess the environmental impact of three offshore gas platforms in the North Adriatic Sea (Italy). MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 146:24-34. [PMID: 30890270 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2018.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding represents a new promising tool for biomonitoring and environmental impact assessment. One of the main advantages of eDNA metabarcoding, compared to the traditional morphotaxonomy-based methods, is to provide a more holistic biodiversity information that includes inconspicuous morphologically non-identifiable taxa. Here, we use eDNA metabarcoding to survey marine biodiversity in the vicinity of the three offshore gas platforms in North Adriatic Sea (Italy). We isolated eDNA from 576 water and sediment samples collected at 32 sampling sites situated along four axes at increasing distances from the gas platforms. We obtained about 46 million eDNA sequences for 5 markers from nuclear 18S V1V2, 18S V4, 18S 37F and mitochondrial 16S and COI genes that cover a wide diversity of benthic and planktonic eukaryotes. Our results showed some impact of platform activities on benthic and pelagic communities at very close distance (<50 m), while communities for intermediate (125 m, 250 m, 500 m) and reference (1000 m, 2000 m) sites did not show any particular biodiversity changes that could be related to platforms activities. The most significant community change along the distance gradient was obtained with the 18S V1V2 marker targeting benthic eukaryotes, even though other markers showed similar trends, but to a lesser extent. These results were congruent with the AMBI index inferred from the eDNA sequences assigned to benthic macrofauna. We finally explored the relation between various physicochemical parameters, including hydrocarbons, on benthic community in the case of one of the platforms. Our results showed that these communities were not significantly impacted by most of hydrocarbons, but rather by macro-elements and sediment texture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tristan Cordier
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Fabrizio Frontalini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Pure e Applicate (DiSPeA), Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", 61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Kristina Cermakova
- ID-Gene ecodiagnostics, Campus Biotech Innovation Park, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laure Apothéloz-Perret-Gentil
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Switzerland; ID-Gene ecodiagnostics, Campus Biotech Innovation Park, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mauro Treglia
- SGS Italia S.p.A., 35010, Villafranca Padovana, Italy
| | | | | | - Jan Pawlowski
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Switzerland; ID-Gene ecodiagnostics, Campus Biotech Innovation Park, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Past, present, and future perspectives of environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding: A systematic review in methods, monitoring, and applications of global eDNA. Glob Ecol Conserv 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 303] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
|
49
|
Diatom diversity through HTS-metabarcoding in coastal European seas. Sci Rep 2018; 8:18059. [PMID: 30584235 PMCID: PMC6305388 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36345-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Diatoms constitute a diverse lineage of unicellular organisms abundant and ecologically important in aquatic ecosystems. Compared to other protists, their biology and taxonomy are well-studied, offering the opportunity to combine traditional approaches and new technologies. We examined a dataset of diatom 18S rRNA- and rDNA- (V4 region) reads from different plankton size-fractions and sediments from six European coastal marine sites, with the aim of identifying peculiarities and commonalities with respect to the whole protistan community. Almost all metabarcodes (99.6%) were assigned to known genera (121) and species (236), the most abundant of which were those already known from classic studies and coincided with those seen in light microscopy. rDNA and rRNA showed comparable patterns for the dominant taxa, but rRNA revealed a much higher diversity particularly in the sediment communities. Peculiar to diatoms is a tight bentho-pelagic coupling, with many benthic or planktonic species colonizing both water column and sediments and the dominance of planktonic species in both habitats. Overall metabarcoding results reflected the marked specificity of diatoms compared to other protistan groups in terms of morphological and ecological characteristics, at the same time confirming their great potential in the description of protist communities.
Collapse
|
50
|
Laroche O, Pochon X, Tremblay LA, Ellis JI, Lear G, Wood SA. Incorporating molecular-based functional and co-occurrence network properties into benthic marine impact assessments. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2018; 94:5076376. [DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiy167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Laroche
- Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Xavier Pochon
- Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand
- Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Louis A Tremblay
- Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Joanne I Ellis
- Red Sea Research Centre, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gavin Lear
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | |
Collapse
|