1
|
Han Q, Wang X, Xu Y. Deciphering macrobenthic biological traits in response to long-term eutrophication in Xiangshan Bay, China. Sci Rep 2024; 14:20209. [PMID: 39215038 PMCID: PMC11364632 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-71239-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
As an emerging global issue in coastal marine ecosystems, eutrophication may lead to profound ecological consequences or disasters. Six locations in Xiangshan Bay were sampled during 2012-2022 along the eutrophication gradient from the innermost bay with the most eutrophication to the outer bay with the least eutrophication. A trait-based method was adopted to explore the ecological effects of eutrophication on macrobenthic communities. The results showed that the community composition is mostly characterized by deposit feeders and predators with small (1-3 cm) and large (> 10 cm) body sizes, classified as indifferent and tolerant species (AMBI ecological groups), deposit feeders and predators (feeding mode), and a preference for a free living lifestyle. The RLQ and fourth-corner analyses further confirmed that there was a negative correlation between the abundance of small macrobenthic organisms (< 1 cm) and nitrate concentration. Phosphorus was a crucial influencing factor for macrobenthic spatial patterns and was strongly affected by the activities of deposit feeders and the decomposition of macrobenthos. Due to mass organic deposition resulting from increased primary production, long-term eutrophication had led to an increase in the proportion of detritus feeders. In addition, the significant negative correlation between the concentration of dissolved oxygen and first-order opportunistic species represented by the polychaete Capitella capitata indicated tolerance to hypoxia. The macrobenthic community in Xiangshan Bay had been negatively affected but maintains considerable stability in functional diversity and functional redundancy under the influence of long-term eutrophication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingxi Han
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315832, China
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Ministry of Natural Resources, Marine Environmental Monitoring Center of Ningbo, Ningbo, 315012, Zhejiang, China
- Yuzhi Environmental Technology (Zhejiang) Co., Ltd., Ningbo, 315199, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Department of Marine Organism Taxonomy & Phylogeny, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China.
- Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Alves CM, Gomes MA, Troncoso JS, Gomes PT. Environmental influence on the functional ecological structure of benthic macrofaunal communities of the northwest Iberian coast. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 201:106712. [PMID: 39213894 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Evaluating the functional structure of benthic macrofaunal communities provides insights into how environmental drivers shape the ecosystem and establishes a baseline knowledge of the communities' dynamics and functioning. This understanding allows the prediction of responses to environmental changes and the implementation of efficient conservation and management strategies. Here we examine the structures and functions of benthic macrofaunal communities on the Northwest Iberian coast concerning environmental factors such as depth, hydrodynamic energy, and bottom type. The results suggest that the community assemblages and their function are structured by factors which influence food availability and habitat heterogeneity. The different sites exhibited different trait compositions and functional structures, indicating that distinct functions are performed according to environmental conditions. The communities found in sandy bottom areas with low hydrodynamic conditions presented frail functionality and demonstrated high vulnerability to alterations in their environment. Conversely, the communities found in rocky bottoms with high hydrodynamic conditions exhibited a fulfilled functional niche space, rendering them more resilient to such changes and less prone to loss of function. Although the analyses did not reveal significant differences in the factor depth, its influence on several factors seems relevant in shaping the functional structure of the communities. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the impact of local environmental conditions on ecosystem functioning, to effectively implement monitoring, management, and conservation strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catarina M Alves
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Department of Biology, Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; ECOCOST Lab, Marine Research Centre (CIM-UVIGO), Department of Ecology and Animal Biology University of Vigo, 36310, Vigo, Spain.
| | - Marisa A Gomes
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Department of Biology, Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; ECOCOST Lab, Marine Research Centre (CIM-UVIGO), Department of Ecology and Animal Biology University of Vigo, 36310, Vigo, Spain
| | - Jesus S Troncoso
- ECOCOST Lab, Marine Research Centre (CIM-UVIGO), Department of Ecology and Animal Biology University of Vigo, 36310, Vigo, Spain
| | - Pedro T Gomes
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Department of Biology, Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sahu N, Bhowmik M, Lakra RK, Haldar S. Tracing microplastic pollution in Mahi River estuary, Gulf of Khambhat, Gujarat, and their influence on functional traits of macrobenthos. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:47882-47898. [PMID: 39012532 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34342-2] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Most maritime habitats contain microplastic (MPs) contamination. The quality of the benthic ecosystem's habitat is declining as MPs accumulate in marine system. The contamination of MPs must therefore be investigated. We studied MPs pollution in the Mahi River, estuary, and macrobenthos. In the present study, the abundance of MPs fragments gradually decreased from the high tide zone to the low tide zone and muddy sediment has high MPs concentrations due to sediment characteristics and particle size. The majority of sediment and biota MPs were fibrous and black. MPs in both silt and biota have identical chemical compositions (modified cellulose), shapes, and colors. A significant source of pollutants and MPs fluxing into the ocean is well within the river system. Perinereis aibuhitensis ingested the most MPs out of 11 species, whereas Amphipods did not show any presence of MPs. Our findings showed that functional characteristics are essential for macrobenthos MPs intake. MPs in macrobenthos are high due to biological functions such as feeding, ecological groups, feeding mechanisms, body size, and bioturbation. MPs in marine sediment and organisms are tracked down to the Mahi River exceeding 50 km. The present work has investigated the idea that the macrobenthos that live in the sediment are ingesting the MPs that are building up there and this ingestion relies on the macrobenthos' functional characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nosad Sahu
- Analytical and Environmental Science Division & Centralized Instrument Facility, CSIR-Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar, 364 002, Gujarat, India
- Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Kochi, 682508, India
| | - Moumita Bhowmik
- Analytical and Environmental Science Division & Centralized Instrument Facility, CSIR-Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar, 364 002, Gujarat, India
| | - Raj Kiran Lakra
- Department of Ocean Studies and Marine Biology, Pondicherry University, Port Blair, 744112, India
| | - Soumya Haldar
- Analytical and Environmental Science Division & Centralized Instrument Facility, CSIR-Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar, 364 002, Gujarat, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Boulenger A, Lanza-Arroyo P, Langedock K, Semeraro A, Van Hoey G. Nature-based solutions for coastal protection in sheltered and exposed coastal waters: integrated monitoring program for baseline ecological structure and functioning assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:316. [PMID: 38416228 PMCID: PMC10901964 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12480-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Nature-based solutions, such as shellfish reefs, can support natural coastal defence and be a potential solution for climate-resilient shorelines in the future. In the Belgian Part of the North Sea, the "Coastbusters" projects aim to develop nature-based coastal protection by favouring subtidal mussel bed establishment on the seafloor through typical longline aquaculture techniques. Mussel beds are dependent on environmental conditions, and both influence the physical and biogeochemical features in a soft-sediment environment. Therefore, a comprehensive ecological monitoring program is essential to assess the success of future mussel bed development and its influence on the surrounding ecosystem. For establishing a monitoring baseline of the two experimental areas, a combination of conventional benthic assessment methods (grab sampling and granulometry) and non-invasive techniques (sediment profile imaging and transect diving video surveys) were utilised. Although mussel reefs did not yet develop by the time of this study, clear differences in ecological and sedimentological characteristics were found between two experimental areas (sheltered and exposed), subjected to slightly different hydrodynamic conditions. The one sheltered by coastal sandbanks was dominated by fine-muddy sand, higher species richness, biomass, and higher biological activity (burrows, fauna, and biological beds) as observed by all methods in one or another way. Moreover, functional diversity indices revealed a higher partitioning of the total available resources, suggesting more complex ecological processes in the sheltered area. Conversely, the area more exposed to the open sea was dominated by more sandy sediments, and fewer organisms were found. The combination of those different monitoring tools provides an integrated, complementary view, from different perspectives, on the biological, physical and functional characteristics of the study areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Boulenger
- Laboratory of Oceanology, MARE Centre, UR FOCUS, University of Liège, 11 allée du six août, 4000, Liège, Belgium.
- IMBRSea, Marine Biology Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281/S8, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Pablo Lanza-Arroyo
- Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidad de Sevilla, E-41012, Seville, Spain
- IMBRSea, Marine Biology Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281/S8, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kobus Langedock
- Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ), Jacobsenstraat 1, 8400, Ostend, Belgium
| | - Alexia Semeraro
- Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Jacobsenstraat 1, 8400, Ostend, Belgium
| | - Gert Van Hoey
- Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Jacobsenstraat 1, 8400, Ostend, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dias HQ, Sukumaran S, Neetu S, Mulik J, Janakiram P, Kumar DS. Deciphering benthic ecosystem functioning and resilience in a major port and marine protected area via the multi-trait approach. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 237:116988. [PMID: 37648193 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The preservation of ecosystem functioning of coastal zones, in face of increasing environmental stressors and species extinctions, relies on the functional redundancy and inherent resilience of its inhabitants. To compare the benthic functioning and resilience of a disturbed area with a relatively less impacted area, a study was conducted in Mumbai Port and Malvan Marine Protected Area (MPA), which exhibited contrasting characteristics. The hypothesis posited that the anthropogenically influenced Mumbai port would exhibit lower functional parameters and resilience compared to Malvan. Overall, the MPA presented higher species richness and functional diversity with a greater presence of sensitive species, while Mumbai was dominated by the presence of opportunistic species, as anticipated. However, our findings demonstrated that despite varied trends in species diversity metrics, in both the coastal areas, the resemblance in benthic functioning was high due to similarity in dominant trait profiles. Surprisingly, Functional Richness was higher at Mumbai, while Functional Evenness, Divergence and Dispersion were comparable at both sites. The resilience, as quantified by Functional Redundancy, was also comparable at both areas attributable to the presence of clusters of species with similar traits and a low occurrence of rare traits. The combination of traits observed in both areas was influenced by the extant environmental conditions, as revealed by RLQ analyses. This study underscores the valuable insights provided by the application of Biological Trait Analysis (BTA) tool in deciphering the relationship between species diversity and ecosystem functioning, as well as the resilience capabilities of ecosystems subjected to varying levels of perturbation. Moreover, the incorporation of functional diversity indices yielded valuable inferences regarding ecosystems resilience, which can aid future ecosystem management strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidy Q Dias
- CSIR - National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre Andheri (W), Mumbai, 400 053, India.
| | - Soniya Sukumaran
- CSIR - National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre Andheri (W), Mumbai, 400 053, India.
| | - S Neetu
- CSIR - National Institute of Oceanography, Panaji, Goa, 403 004, India
| | - Jyoti Mulik
- CSIR - National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre Andheri (W), Mumbai, 400 053, India
| | - P Janakiram
- Department of Marine Living Resources, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, 530 003, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - D Sunil Kumar
- Department of Marine Living Resources, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, 530 003, Andhra Pradesh, India
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cuello GV, Saracho Bottero MA, Llanos EN, Garaffo GV, Hines E, Elías R, Jaubet ML. Submarine outfall effect on subtidal macrobenthic communities in a southwestern Atlantic coastal city. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18258. [PMID: 37519750 PMCID: PMC10372403 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Submarine outfalls are an effective alternative for the final discharge of wastewater. The aim was to evaluate the subtidal macrobenthic community's responses and the changes in bottom sedimentary dynamics due to submarine outfall (SO) location. Sampling stages were: before SO (BSO), after SO (ASO) and after treatment plant (AEDAR). Sampling sites were determined at different distances from the coastline (coastal, oceanic, and reference) on both sides of the pipe (North and South). Species shifts (from tolerant to sensitive) were observed along with a decrease in organic matter in the AEDAR Stage. There were changes in the sedimentary dynamic with sediment accumulation on the South side of the SO (finest sediments) and erosion on the North side (coarsest sediments) in the ASO and AEDAR Stages. Species turnover was higher than nesting in all stages. Functional trait analysis allowed the identification of temporal variations in benthic communities. The body size, development mode, feeding mode, habit, adult mobility and tolerance to pollution were useful functional traits to detect changes through Stages (BSO, ASO, and AEDAR). Biotic indices classified the sites as slightly disturbed, indicating a slight improvement in the AEDAR Stage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Graciela Verónica Cuello
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras, (IIMyC), Facultad de Ciencias, Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CC1260, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - María Andrea Saracho Bottero
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras, (IIMyC), Facultad de Ciencias, Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CC1260, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Elizabeth Noemí Llanos
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras, (IIMyC), Facultad de Ciencias, Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CC1260, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Griselda Valeria Garaffo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras, (IIMyC), Facultad de Ciencias, Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CC1260, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Emiliano Hines
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras, (IIMyC), Facultad de Ciencias, Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CC1260, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Rodolfo Elías
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras, (IIMyC), Facultad de Ciencias, Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Argentina
| | - María Lourdes Jaubet
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras, (IIMyC), Facultad de Ciencias, Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CC1260, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Shi Y, He Y, Shin PKS, Guo Y, Zhang G, Wen Y, Zhang G, Xu W, Sun J. Responses of biological traits of macrobenthic fauna to a eutrophication gradient in a semi-enclosed bay, China. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 189:106072. [PMID: 37385085 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
The impacts of eutrophication on benthic ecological functions are of increasing concern in recent years. In order to assess the response of macrobenthic fauna to increasing eutrophication, two field sampling surveys were conducted during the summer (July-August 2020) and autumn (October-November 2020) from offshore, nearshore to estuarine sediments in Bohai Bay, northern China. Biological trait analysis was employed for the assessment of macrofaunal samples. The results indicated that there was an increase in the proportion of benthic burrowering or tube-dwelling sediment feeders and taxa with higher larval dispersal ability, but a decrease in the proportion of taxa showing high motility in areas with higher nutrient levels. Seasonal differences were also noted in the shift in biological traits, with a significantly lower similarity among the sampling areas in summer and a higher proportion of carnivorous taxa in autumn. The findings suggested that long-term disturbance can lead to the dominance of smaller body-sized benthic species and reduced sediment quality, impeding ecological recovery of benthic organisms under such harsh environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Shi
- Research Centre for Indian Ocean Ecosystem, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Chemistry, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Yixuan He
- Research Centre for Indian Ocean Ecosystem, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Chemistry, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Paul K S Shin
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Yu Guo
- Research Centre for Indian Ocean Ecosystem, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Chemistry, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Guodong Zhang
- Research Centre for Indian Ocean Ecosystem, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Chemistry, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Yujian Wen
- Research Centre for Indian Ocean Ecosystem, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Chemistry, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Guicheng Zhang
- Research Centre for Indian Ocean Ecosystem, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Chemistry, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Wenzhe Xu
- Research Centre for Indian Ocean Ecosystem, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Chemistry, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China.
| | - Jun Sun
- Research Centre for Indian Ocean Ecosystem, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Chemistry, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China; State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan, 430074, China; College of Marine Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan, 430074, China; Institute for Advanced Marine Research, China University of Geosciences, Guangzhou, 511462, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Nasi F, Vesal SE, Relitti F, Bazzaro M, Teixidó N, Auriemma R, Cibic T. Taxonomic and functional macrofaunal diversity along a gradient of sewage contamination: A three-year study. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 323:121022. [PMID: 36621717 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the structural and functional changes of the soft-bottom macrofaunal community following the improvement of a wastewater treatment-WWT plant. The macrofauna was collected at increasing distance from the main outfall in 2018, 2019, and 2021. Organic matter and nutrients were analysed in the water column near the outfalls to detect possible changes due to the improved treatment. We examined Functional Entities-FEs (i.e. a unique combination of species functional traits), species richness, Shannon-Wiener diversity-H', and taxonomic and functional β-diversity. From 2018 (before the year of the treatment change), to 2021, we noted a gradual decrease of organic carbon in the water column. In contrast, sediment characteristics (i.e. grain-size) did not change before and after treatment enhancement, with the exception of redox potential. Species richness and FEs gradually increased moving far from the source of organic contamination and after wastewater treatment enhancement, especially near the outfall. We observed different phases of macrofaunal succession stage after the WWT amelioration. A 'normal stage', i.e. slightly lower species richness, was reflected in decreasing functional richness. Higher taxonomic β-diversity values with significant turnover components indicated that the community was subjected to broad changes in species composition. However, functional β-diversity did not follow the same pattern. After treatment improvement, modified environmental conditions led to the establishment of new species, but with the same functions. Towards 2021, the community improved its resilience by increasing functional redundancy and reduction of vulnerability, which enhanced community stability. The latter was also reflected in the well-balanced proportion of macrofaunal feeding habits after the WWT upgrade. Integrating the classical taxonomic approach with the analysis of FEs, and environmental characteristics can provide an accurate insight into macrofauna sensitivity to stressors that are likely to lead to changes in the ecological state of an area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Nasi
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics - OGS, Via A. Piccard 54, I-34151 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Seyed Ehsan Vesal
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics - OGS, Via A. Piccard 54, I-34151 Trieste, Italy; Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Federica Relitti
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics - OGS, Via A. Piccard 54, I-34151 Trieste, Italy
| | - Matteo Bazzaro
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics - OGS, Via A. Piccard 54, I-34151 Trieste, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze Fisiche, della Terra e Dell'Ambiente, Università Degli Studi di Siena, Strada Laterina, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Nuria Teixidó
- Department of Integrated Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Ischia Marine Centre, Ischia, Naples, Italy; Laboratoire D'Océanographie de Villefranche, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
| | - Rocco Auriemma
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics - OGS, Via A. Piccard 54, I-34151 Trieste, Italy
| | - Tamara Cibic
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics - OGS, Via A. Piccard 54, I-34151 Trieste, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bendary RE, Ibrahim SM, Goher ME, Elsaied HE, El Shabrawy GM, El Mordy MA, Khalil MT. Taxonomic and functional structure of macrobenthic invertebrate communities and their response to environmental variables along the subbranches of the Nile River (rayahs), Egypt. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:28803-28817. [PMID: 36402879 PMCID: PMC9995531 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24140-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Macrobenthic invertebrate communities serve as markers of anthropogenic stress in freshwater ecosystems. In this study, 17 sampling sites were selected from two Nile river subbranches (El-Rayah El-Behery and El-Rayah El-Nassery) and subjected to different anthropogenic influences to explore the ecological environment and characteristics of macrobenthos communities. Macrobenthos were studied using taxonomic diversity and biological trait analysis to investigate how human activity and variation in water quality affect their structure and function. A total of 37 taxa represented by 43,389 individuals were recognized. The communities are composed chiefly of Oligochaeta and aquatic insects. Multivariate statistical analyses found that the most influential environmental variables in the structural and functional community were sodium, dissolved oxygen, silicate, pH, calcium, and cadmium. At high levels of pollution, notably sewage and industrial pollution in the northern part of El-Rayah El-Behery, characteristics such as larger body size, detritus feeders, burrowers, and high tolerance to pollution predominated, whereas at low levels of pollution, features such as small body sizes, scraper and predator feeders, intolerant and fairly tolerant of pollution, and climber and swimmer mobility are predominant. The results confirm our prediction that the distribution of macroinvertebrate traits varies spatially in response to environmental changes. The diversity-based method distinguished impacted sewage and industrial sites from thermal effluent sites, while the trait-based approach illustrated an apparent variance between the ecological status of contaminated regions. Therefore, the biological features should be employed in addition to structural aspects for assessing the biodiversity of macroinvertebrate communities under environmental stressors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reda E. Bendary
- Hydrobiology Lab., Freshwater & Lakes Division, National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Shaimaa M. Ibrahim
- Hydrobiology Lab., Freshwater & Lakes Division, National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed E. Goher
- Chemistry Lab., Freshwater & Lakes Division, National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hosam E. Elsaied
- Genetics and Genetic Engineering Lab., Aquaculture Division, National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Gamal M. El Shabrawy
- Hydrobiology Lab., Freshwater & Lakes Division, National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF), Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Magdy T. Khalil
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Dias HQ, Sukumaran S, Neetu S, Ridha H. Benthic community resilience in two differently impacted tropical estuaries: Taxonomic vs functional approaches. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 324:116264. [PMID: 36194943 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Estuaries experience incessant modifications due to various stressors causing shifts in the benthic species community structure and ecosystem functioning. Two tropical estuaries along Northwest India, exposed to varied intensities of anthropogenic perturbations, were sampled seasonally for two consecutive years. Specific aims were to assess, compare and link the macroinvertebrate taxonomic and functional structures, to evaluate the resilience of estuarine benthic ecosystems by employing the multiple-trait approach and to identify major influencing environmental drivers for patterns discerned. Taxonomic and functional compositions in both the estuaries produced varied segregations along the estuarine zones, driven primarily by natural estuarine gradients like salinity and sediment grain size, despite extant anthropogenic stressors. Multiple traits contributed to the variance in benthic functioning. The Biological Trait Analysis (BTA) revealed that both the estuaries had similar trait compositions in the lower zones, while the middle and upper zones of each estuary presented different permutations of traits. The functional complexity at different estuarine sections was influenced by the variability in taxonomic composition and species dominance. However, relationships between Functional Diversity (FD) and species diversity were equivocal, signifying that taxonomic diversity may not be an efficient proxy for benthic functioning. As the zones had differential stressors and disturbance acts as a filter, discrete functional trait profiles of opportunistic traits were visualized along the potentially impacted zones. Thus, the less impacted lower zones had multiple traits, while the mid-upper zones that were subject to both anthropogenic and natural stressors had fewer traits. A more consistent functional structure, higher functional redundancy and substantial proportion of recolonisation traits (small-sized, short-lived, motile forms) suggested better resilience in one study estuary than the other one. Our study advocates that the inclusion of both taxonomical and functional metrics can provide in-depth inferences related to the macrobenthic community resilience and this coupled approach is imperative for effective future management programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidy Q Dias
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre Andheri (W), Mumbai, 400 053, India
| | - Soniya Sukumaran
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre Andheri (W), Mumbai, 400 053, India.
| | - S Neetu
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Panaji, Goa, 403004, India
| | - Hurmine Ridha
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre Andheri (W), Mumbai, 400 053, India
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Pedelacq ME, Garaffo G, Llanos E, Venturini N, Muniz P. Pollution has negative effects on macrozoobenthic trait diversity in a large subtropical estuary. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 184:114101. [PMID: 36095966 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Changes in species composition and relative abundance caused by pollution might have an impact on the community dynamics and ecosystem functioning. Macrobenthos are widely used as indicators of marine environmental health due to their sensitive to disturbance. The present study aims to evaluate spatial and temporal variability of functional diversity of macrobenthos of the Montevideo and Canelones coastal zone along a pre-established pollution gradient, based on Biological Traits Analysis, and functional diversity indices. Body-size", "Feeding-mode", "Habitat", and "Indicator-role" were useful proxies to detect changes in environmental conditions in organically enriched habitats. FRic, FEve and FDis detected temporal variations but only FRic registered spatial variations. Differences among surveys would mainly reflect environmental variability caused by the 2009-2010 El Niño-Southern Oscillation event. Finally, negative correlations between FEve and FDis with AMBI suggest both indices as useful proxies of benthic environmental health, with potential to be used in monitoring and quality assessment programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Eugenia Pedelacq
- Sección Oceanografía y Ecología Marina (OEM), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República (Udelar), Iguá 4225, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay.
| | - Griselda Garaffo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras, (IIMyC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP)- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Rodríguez Peña 4046, Nivel 1. Casilla de Correo 1260, Correo Central, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Elizabeth Llanos
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras, (IIMyC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP)- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Rodríguez Peña 4046, Nivel 1. Casilla de Correo 1260, Correo Central, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Natalia Venturini
- Sección Oceanografía y Ecología Marina (OEM), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República (Udelar), Iguá 4225, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay; Laboratorio de Biogeoquímica Marina (LABIM), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República (Udelar), Iguá 4225, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
| | - Pablo Muniz
- Sección Oceanografía y Ecología Marina (OEM), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República (Udelar), Iguá 4225, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Shi Y, Zhang G, Zhang G, Wen Y, Guo Y, Peng L, Xu W, Sun J. Species and functional diversity of marine macrobenthic community and benthic habitat quality assessment in semi-enclosed waters upon recovering from eutrophication, Bohai Bay, China. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 181:113918. [PMID: 35820235 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113918] [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: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the structure and function of macrobenthic community in Bohai Bay upon improvement of water quality due to pollution abatement. A total of 166 species were collected in the summer and autumn sampling, with an increase in sensitive species recorded as compared to data from previous studies. While historical variations in species richness indicated signs of improvement in community structure, results of functional diversity indices revealed that the macrobenthic community in Bohai Bay was still in an early stage of recovery. From BIO-ENV analysis, habitat instability may hinder how community responded to water quality improvement. Results of the benthic habitat quality assessment also indicated that the ecological status in most areas of Bohai Bay was classified as good, while a few estuarine regions were categorized in a poor status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Shi
- Research Centre for Indian Ocean Ecosystem, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Chemistry, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Guicheng Zhang
- Research Centre for Indian Ocean Ecosystem, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Chemistry, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Guodong Zhang
- Research Centre for Indian Ocean Ecosystem, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Chemistry, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Yujian Wen
- Research Centre for Indian Ocean Ecosystem, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Chemistry, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Yiyan Guo
- Research Centre for Indian Ocean Ecosystem, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Chemistry, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Liying Peng
- Research Centre for Indian Ocean Ecosystem, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Chemistry, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Wenzhe Xu
- Research Centre for Indian Ocean Ecosystem, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Chemistry, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China.
| | - Jun Sun
- Research Centre for Indian Ocean Ecosystem, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China; State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, China; College of Marine Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, China; Institute for Advanced Marine Research, China University of Geosciences, Guangzhou 511462, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Structural diagnosis of benthic invertebrate communities in relation to salinity gradient in Baltic coastal lake ecosystems using biological trait analysis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12750. [PMID: 35882939 PMCID: PMC9325777 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17002-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
This study is based on biological trait analysis (BTA), which provides a link between the distribution and biological characteristics of species. The paper investigates differences in the structure and functional diversity of benthic fauna in terms of seven biological traits (mobility, habitat, feeding type, habitat modification, body form, body size and feeding apparatus) in nine Baltic coastal lakes whose salinity ranged from 0.1 to 7.3 PSU. Mobile organisms were more common in lakes with higher salinity, while sessile and semi-mobile species preferred low-salinity or freshwater environments. There were also noticeable differences connected with feeding type: collectors and scrapers were more common in brackish lakes, and collectors were significantly dominant in freshwater and transitional ones. This indicates that Baltic coastal lakes are inhabited by similar species of benthic fauna, but that certain biological traits occur with different frequencies. We therefore identified features that may affect the functioning of coastal lakes with a relatively narrow salinity gradient (0.1–7.3 PSU). It seems to confirm the possibility of using BTA methods to determine key characteristics that are helpful for understanding the differences between aquatic ecosystems. The results may provide a basis for further research on changes in the functional diversity of lakes along the southern coast of the Baltic Sea, particularly in view of climate change, given their being small, shallow and less resilient lakes.
Collapse
|
14
|
Hu C, Liu Y, Yang X, Shui B, Zhang X, Wang J. Functional trait responses of macrobenthic communities in seagrass microhabitats of a temperate lagoon. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 177:113491. [PMID: 35287010 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113491] [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: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the effects of habitat heterogeneity on the functioning of macrobenthic communities is essential to the conservation of biodiversity in coastal ecosystems. However, the effects of habitat heterogeneity on the functional trait composition and diversity of seagrass bed macrobenthos are as scarce. In the present study, functional diversity indices (i.e., functional dispersion, functional richness, and Rao's quadratic entropy), RLQ analysis, and fourth-corner analysis indicated that macrobenthic functional trait composition and diversity differ among seagrass bed microhabitats (interior, edge, and bare sediment). More specifically, functional traits were more evenly distributed in the seagrass bed interior and edge habitats, when compared to bare sediment, and functional diversity was significantly higher (p < 0.01). Functional trait distributions were influenced by environmental parameters (e.g., total organic carbon, organic matter, and grain size). Suspension-feeding and burrowing bivalves preferentially inhabited bare sediment with high sand content and low TOC, whereas herbivorous, small, and sensitive species mainly inhabited muddy sediments with higher organic supply.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chengye Hu
- Fishery College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China
| | - Yongtian Liu
- Fishery College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China
| | - Xiaolong Yang
- National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, State Oceanic Administration, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Bonian Shui
- Fishery College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China
| | - Xiumei Zhang
- Fishery College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266072, China.
| | - Jing Wang
- Fishery College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Vazquez ND, Chierichetti MA, Acuña FH, Miglioranza KSB. Organochlorine pesticides and chlorpyrifos in the sea anemone Bunodosoma zamponii (Actiniaria: Actiniidae) from Argentina's southeastern coast. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150824. [PMID: 34655629 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Temporal and spatial distribution of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and the organophosphate pesticide chlorpyrifos, one of the main insecticides used in Argentina, was evaluated in two populations of the sea anemone Bunodosoma zamponii living under different anthropological stressors: Las Delicias (LD) adjacent to a wastewater plant, and Punta Cantera (PC) a reference site. Pesticides were analyzed throughout the year in water, sediments and whole organisms. Chlorpyrifos represented 50% of the total pesticide found in water samples during winter. HCHs and drins were predominant in sediment samples, mainly in LD. Total pesticide concentration in anemones from LD was higher than those from PC during winter (mainly associated with HCHs, endosulfans, DDTs and chlorpyrifos levels), coincident with the main period of effluent discharge to the coast after pesticide applications and also the rainiest season. Dissimilarities among anemones populations could stem from a differential input of pesticides in each site and/or a contrasting physiological status of the populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas D Vazquez
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología y Contaminación Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina; Laboratorio de Biología de Cnidarios, FCEyN, UNMdP, Funes 3350, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Funes 3350, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Melisa A Chierichetti
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología y Contaminación Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Funes 3350, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Fabián H Acuña
- Laboratorio de Biología de Cnidarios, FCEyN, UNMdP, Funes 3350, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Funes 3350, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina; Estación Científica Coiba (Coiba-AIP), Clayton, Panamá, Panama
| | - Karina S B Miglioranza
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología y Contaminación Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Funes 3350, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Dong JY, Zhao L, Sun X, Hu C, Wang Y, Li WT, Zhang PD, Zhang X. Response of macrobenthic communities to heavy metal pollution in Laoshan Bay, China: A trait-based method. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 167:112292. [PMID: 33873041 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The effects of multiple natural and anthropogenic stressors on the functional trait composition and diversity of marine macrobenthic communities in Laoshan Bay were investigated using biological trait analysis (BTA). Seven traits, including 27 trait modalities and four functional diversity indices (functional richness, functional evenness, functional divergence, and Rao's quadratic entropy), were considered. The results of RLQ (environmental variables (R), species taxa (L), and traits (Q)) and variance partitioning analysis (VPA) showed that the trait compositions and functional diversity of macrobenthic communities were influenced by a combination of stressors, among which heavy metals were the major factors. At the sites with high heavy metal pollution, the prevalent traits were infauna, burrower, and deposit feeder, whereas epifauna, carnivores and crawlers were dominant at the sites of low heavy metal contamination. The impact of natural environmental gradients on macrobenthic communities is also worthy of attention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Yu Dong
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Linlin Zhao
- First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao 266061, China
| | - Xin Sun
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Chengye Hu
- Fisheries College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China
| | - Yihang Wang
- Fisheries College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China
| | - Wen-Tao Li
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Pei-Dong Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xiumei Zhang
- Fisheries College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Bon M, Grall J, Gusmao JB, Fajardo M, Harrod C, Pacheco AS. Functional changes in benthic macrofaunal communities along a natural gradient of hypoxia in an upwelling system. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 164:112056. [PMID: 33517087 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Increasing global concern has been raised about the expansion of hypoxia in coastal waters and its potential to impact benthic ecosystems. Upwelling areas offer opportunities to study the effects of hypoxia on benthic communities under natural conditions. We used a biological trait-based approach and estimated functional diversity indices to assess macrobenthic community functioning along a depth gradient associated with naturally increasing hypoxia and concentrations of organic matter in the upwelling zone of northern Chile (South-East Pacific) over two years. Our results highlighted the increasing dominance of opportunistic biological traits associated with hypoxia and high organic matter content. Habitat filtering was the main process affecting the studied communities. Functional diversity patterns were persistent overtime despite the occurrence of a pulse of oxygenation. This study contributes to our understanding of how natural hypoxia impacts macrobenthic communities, providing useful information in the context of increasing eutrophication due to human influence on coastal areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Bon
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Aplicadas mención Sistemas Marinos Costeros, Universidad de Antofagasta, Avenida Universidad de Antofagasta 02800, Antofagasta, Chile; Laboratoire des Sciences de l'Environnement Marin (UMR 6539), Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer/Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Technopôle Brest-Iroise, rue Dumont D'Urville, 29280 Plouzané, France.
| | - Jacques Grall
- Laboratoire des Sciences de l'Environnement Marin (UMR 6539), Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer/Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Technopôle Brest-Iroise, rue Dumont D'Urville, 29280 Plouzané, France
| | - Joao B Gusmao
- Department of Marine Biology, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Maritza Fajardo
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Recursos Biológicos, Universidad de Antofagasta, Avenida Universidad de Antofagasta 02800, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Chris Harrod
- Instituto de Ciencias Naturales Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile; Universidad de Antofagasta Stable Isotope Facility, Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile; Núcleo Milenio INVASAL, Concepción, Chile
| | - Aldo S Pacheco
- Instituto de Ciencias Naturales Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| |
Collapse
|