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McLaverty C, Beukhof ED, Bromhall K, Dinesen GE, Erichsen AC, Eigaard OR. The relative effects of bottom trawling, organic enrichment, and natural environmental factors on coastal seabed communities. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 209:117169. [PMID: 39454398 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 08/30/2024] [Accepted: 10/15/2024] [Indexed: 10/28/2024]
Abstract
Coastal regions are under intense and growing pressure from human activities. Here, we examine how human and natural drivers interact with benthic communities, species, and life-history traits across four distinct coastal areas. Sediment organic content was a key driver of seabed community characteristics, with positive (increased benthic biomass) and strongly adverse (depauperate communities) effects observed. Similarly, environmental factors such as bottom currents were highly influential. In contrast, bottom trawling impacts varied by location. Beam trawling in areas of low organic enrichment was most damaging to seabed fauna, even in the presence of strong bottom currents. However, we did not observe any faunal impacts of trawling under chronic enrichment, despite the fishery using relatively heavy gears (e.g. otter trawls) at high intensities. Lastly, we discuss how human and natural factors interact and shape seabed ecosystems under different conditions, and how management measures can be adapted to improve coastal seabed health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciarán McLaverty
- DTU Aqua, National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark; Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK.
| | - Esther D Beukhof
- DTU Aqua, National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Katrina Bromhall
- DTU Aqua, National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Grete E Dinesen
- DTU Aqua, National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Ole R Eigaard
- DTU Aqua, National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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2
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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.
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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.
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3
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Hou C, Zhao J, Ma Y, Wang Q, Liu Y, Zhang C, Wang L, Zhang W, Sun X, Zhang J, Dong Z, Yuan X. Impact of summer hypoxia on macrobenthic communities in a semi-enclosed bay: A long-term observation in the North Yellow sea of China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 258:119433. [PMID: 38889838 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The O2 content of the global ocean has been declining progressively over the past decades, mainly because of human activities and global warming. Despite this situation, the responses of macrobenthos under hypoxic conditions remain poorly understood. In this study, we conducted a long-term observation (2015-2022) to investigate the intricate impact of summer hypoxia on macrobenthic communities in a semi-enclosed bay of the North Yellow Sea. Comparative analyses revealed higher macrobenthos abundance (1956.8 ± 1507.5 ind./m2 vs. 871.8 ± 636.9 ind./m2) and biomass (8.2 ± 4.1 g/m2 vs. 5.6 ± 3.2 g/m2) at hypoxic sites compared to normoxic sites during hypoxic years. Notably, polychaete species demonstrated remarkable adaptability, dominating hypoxic sites, and shaping community structure. The decline in biodiversity underscored the vulnerability and diminished resilience of macrobenthic communities to hypoxic stressors. Stable isotope analysis provided valuable insights into food web structures. The average trophic level of macrobenthos measured 2.84 ± 0.70 at hypoxic sites, contrasting with the higher value of 3.14 ± 0.74 observed at normoxic sites, indicating the absence of predators at high trophic levels under hypoxic conditions. Moreover, trophic interactions were significantly altered, resulting in a simplified and more vulnerable macrobenthic trophic structure. The findings underscored the importance of comprehensive research to understand the complex responses of macrobenthic communities to hypoxia, thereby informing future conservation efforts in impacted ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaowei Hou
- Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264100, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Jianmin Zhao
- Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264100, PR China; Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China
| | - Yuanqing Ma
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Restoration, Shandong Marine Resources and Environment Research Institute, Yantai, 264006, Shandong, PR China
| | - Qing Wang
- Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264100, PR China; Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China
| | - Yongliang Liu
- Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264100, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264100, PR China
| | - Lei Wang
- Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264100, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264100, PR China
| | - Xiyan Sun
- Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264100, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Jinhao Zhang
- Yantai Marine Economic Research Institute, Yantai, 264003, PR China
| | - Zhijun Dong
- Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264100, PR China; Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China
| | - Xiutang Yuan
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China.
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4
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Kendzierska H, Janas U. Functional diversity of macrozoobenthos under adverse oxygen conditions in the southern Baltic Sea. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8946. [PMID: 38637621 PMCID: PMC11026434 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59354-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Oxygen deficiency is a major problem in the Baltic Sea. To study the impact of hypoxia on the functional diversity of benthic fauna and the possibility of macrozoobenthos recovery, data were analyzed in a gradient of oxygen conditions in the Gdańsk Basin. The research conducted on the basis of biological traits analysis enabled us to analyze the number, type and spatial distribution of biological traits-a proxy for functions performed by macrozoobenthos. A significant depletion of macrofauna was already observed under conditions of reduced oxygen above the bottom, both in terms of functional diversity and biomass. Although taxa observed in hypoxia (DO < 2 mL L-1) perform a number of functions, the remaining species do not form complex structures in the sediments or cause deep bioturbation and bioirrigation. Moreover, their extremely low biomass plays an irrelevant role in benthic-pelagic coupling. Thus, benthic fauna under hypoxia is not an element that ensures the functioning of the ecosystem. We assess that traits important for species dispersal and the presence of taxa resistant to short-term hypoxia in the oxic zone above the halocline provide a "backup" for ecosystem functioning under altered diverse oxygen conditions below the halocline after cessation of hypoxia in the southern Baltic Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halina Kendzierska
- Department of Marine Ecology, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, University of Gdańsk, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378, Gdynia, Poland.
| | - Urszula Janas
- Department of Marine Ecology, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, University of Gdańsk, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378, Gdynia, Poland
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Zhan Y, Ning B, Sun J, Chang Y. Living in a hypoxic world: A review of the impacts of hypoxia on aquaculture. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115207. [PMID: 37453286 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia is a harmful result of anthropogenic climate change. With the expansion of global low-oxygen zones (LOZs), many organisms have faced unprecedented challenges affecting their survival and reproduction. Extensive research has indicated that oxygen limitation has drastic effects on aquatic animals, including on their development, morphology, behavior, reproduction, and physiological metabolism. In this review, the global distribution and formation of LOZs were analyzed, and the impacts of hypoxia on aquatic animals and the molecular responses of aquatic animals to hypoxia were then summarized. The commonalities and specificities of the response to hypoxia in aquatic animals in different LOZs were discussed lastly. In general, this review will deepen the knowledge of the impacts of hypoxia on aquaculture and provide more information and research directions for the development of fishery resource protection strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoyao Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Bingyu Ning
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Jingxian Sun
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, Liaoning, PR China; College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116029, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Yaqing Chang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, Liaoning, PR China; College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116029, Liaoning, PR China.
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6
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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.
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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
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7
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Chunga-Llauce JA, Benavides MT, Borja Á, Vélez-Zuazo X, Vildoso B, Alonso A, Pacheco AS, Tasso V. Assessing the ecological quality status of macrobenthic communities in a marine terminal of liquefied natural gas in Peru. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 185:105879. [PMID: 36642023 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.105879] [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: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Macrobenthic organisms are useful bioindicators to assess ecological quality status. On the south-central coast of Peru (13°15.15'S, 76°18.5'W), a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) marine terminal has been operating since 2010. We investigated the macrobenthic communities and sediment parameters from 2011 to 2020 to evaluate the ecological quality status in the surrounding area of the marine terminal, using the AZTI Marine Biotic Index (AMBI) and its multivariate version (M-AMBI). We analyzed the diversity and community composition of macrobenthic invertebrates and the physico-chemical parameters of the sediment from 29 sampling sites, ranging from 0 to 15m depth. The sampling design considered: the direct influence zone ("DIZ", surroundings of the marine terminal), and northern (NCZ) and southern (SCZ) control zones. Our results indicated that abundance was high at SCZ and decreased with depth. Species richness and diversity were high at DIZ and NCZ, respectively, and increased up to 10m but dropped at 15m. High sand content was recorded in shallow depths, while in deeper areas and DIZ, mud and organic matter increased and redox potential was negative. AMBI indicated a "slightly disturbed" status in general, while M-AMBI indicated "good" or "moderate" status at depths ≤ 12m, and "poor" status at 15m. Overall, the season/year factor was not important, and variables were mostly significantly different across depths. Redox potential and organic matter were correlated with M-AMBI at 15m. In general, our results indicate an acceptable ecological quality surrounding the marine terminal, likely because the study area is not influenced by an important input of an anthropogenic stressor. This study highlights the importance of monitoring benthic communities in the surroundings of human-made structures and the use of ecological quality indices for understanding potential impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A Chunga-Llauce
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20008, USA; Asociación Peruana para la Conservación de la Naturaleza, Parque José de Acosta 187, Lima, 15076, Peru; Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Av. Venezuela s/n cuadra 34, Lima, 15081, Peru.
| | - Martín T Benavides
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20008, USA; Asociación Peruana para la Conservación de la Naturaleza, Parque José de Acosta 187, Lima, 15076, Peru
| | - Ángel Borja
- AZTI, Marine Research Division, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Herrera Kaia, Portualdea s/n, Pasaia, 20110, Spain; Faculty of Marine Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ximena Vélez-Zuazo
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20008, USA; Asociación Peruana para la Conservación de la Naturaleza, Parque José de Acosta 187, Lima, 15076, Peru
| | - Bruno Vildoso
- Hunt LNG Operating Company, Calle Las Palmeras 435, Lima, 15073, Peru
| | - Alfonso Alonso
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20008, USA
| | - Aldo S Pacheco
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Av. Venezuela s/n cuadra 34, Lima, 15081, Peru
| | - Vicente Tasso
- Oceansnell, Marine Environmental Consulting, Calle Aitana, Valencia, 46940, Spain
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8
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Akamagwuna FC, Edegbene AO, Ntloko P, Arimoro FO, Nnadozie CF, Choruma DJ, Odume ON. Functional groups of Afrotropical EPT (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera) as bioindicators of semi-urban pollution in the Tsitsa River Catchment, Eastern Cape, South Africa. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13970. [PMID: 36540799 PMCID: PMC9760020 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13970] [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: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined the distribution patterns of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera functional feeding groups (EPT FFGs) in five streams that drain semi-urban landscapes in the Tsitsa River catchment, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. We undertook macroinvertebrate and physicochemical analysis over four seasons between 2016 and 2017 at eight sites in three land-use categories (Sites 1, 2 and 3), representing an increasing gradient of semi-urban pollution. Five EPT FFGs (shredders, grazers/scrapers, predators, collector-gatherers and collector-filterers) were fuzzy coded and analyzed using RLQ-R (environmental characteristics of samples), L (taxa distribution across samples) and Q (species traits) and fourth-corner analyses. Physicochemical variables, including phosphate-phosphorus, total inorganic nitrogen and temperature, were the most influential variables that significantly influenced the distribution patterns of EPT FFGs in the Tsitsa River. RLQ and the fourth-corner model revealed varying responses of FFGs to semi-urban pollution. Of the five FFGs, collectors were the most abundant EPT FFGs in the study area, exhibiting disparate responses to disturbances, with collector-gatherers associated with impacted sites and significantly associated with phosphate-phosphorus. On the other hand, collector-filterers decreased with increasing semi-urban disturbance and exhibited a significant negative association with phosphate-phosphorus, total inorganic nitrogen and temperature. Overall, this study provides further insights into the environmental factors that influence the distribution patterns of FFGs in Afrotropical streams and the potential use of FFGs as indicators of anthropogenic pollution in tropical streams and rivers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Augustine Ovie Edegbene
- Institute for Water Research, Faculty of Science, Rhodes University, Makhanda, Eastern Cape, South Africa,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State, Nigeria
| | - Phindiwe Ntloko
- Institute for Water Research, Faculty of Science, Rhodes University, Makhanda, Eastern Cape, South Africa
| | - Francis Ofurum Arimoro
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria
| | - Chika Felicitas Nnadozie
- Institute for Water Research, Faculty of Science, Rhodes University, Makhanda, Eastern Cape, South Africa
| | - Dennis Junior Choruma
- Institute for Water Research, Faculty of Science, Rhodes University, Makhanda, Eastern Cape, South Africa
| | - Oghenekaro Nelson Odume
- Institute for Water Research, Faculty of Science, Rhodes University, Makhanda, Eastern Cape, South Africa
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9
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Lam-Gordillo O, Huang J, Barceló A, Kent J, Mosley LM, Welsh DT, Simpson SL, Dittmann S. Restoration of benthic macrofauna promotes biogeochemical remediation of hostile sediments; An in situ transplantation experiment in a eutrophic estuarine-hypersaline lagoon system. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 833:155201. [PMID: 35421488 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Estuarine ecosystems have very high ecological and economic value, and also act as a buffer for coastal oceans by processing nutrient inputs from terrestrial sources. However, ongoing pressures from increased urbanisation and agriculture, overlaid by climate change, has reduced inflows and increased nutrient loads that challenge the health and buffering capacity of these ecosystems. This study aimed to investigate whether restoring the bioturbating activity of Simplisetia aequisetis (Polychaeta: Nereididae) and other macrofauna could improve biogeochemical conditions in 'hostile' (i.e. hypersaline, sulfide-rich) sediments. To achieve this aim, we conducted an in situ experiment in the Coorong estuarine-lagoon ecosystem, translocating hostile hypersaline sediments, devoid of bioturbating macrofauna, to a 'healthy' (lower salinity) location where macrobenthic fauna naturally occur, and manipulating the S. aequisetis density in the sediments. Porewater, solid-phase, and diffusive equilibrium and diffusive gradient in thin-films (DET/DGT) measurements showed that bioturbation by macrobenthic fauna significantly influenced sediment biogeochemistry and remediated hostile conditions in sediment within a short time (four weeks) irrespective of S. aequisetis density. Bioturbation promoted sediment oxygenation, while salinity and the concentrations of total organic carbon and porewater sulfide, ammonium, and phosphate all decreased over time at all sediment depths. This research highlights the importance of macrobenthic communities and their functional traits for improving sediment conditions, promoting resilience to eutrophication, providing a nature-based remediation option, and in general ensuring healthy functioning of estuarine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orlando Lam-Gordillo
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Kaurna Country, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Jianyin Huang
- University of South Australia, STEM, Scarce Resources and Circular Economy (ScaRCE), Kaurna Country, SA 5095, Australia
| | - Andrea Barceló
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Kaurna Country, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Jordan Kent
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Kaurna Country, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Luke M Mosley
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Kaurna Country, Adelaide, Australia
| | - David T Welsh
- University of South Australia, STEM, Scarce Resources and Circular Economy (ScaRCE), Kaurna Country, SA 5095, Australia; School of Environment, Griffith University, Yugambeh/Kombumerri Country, Queensland, Australia
| | - Stuart L Simpson
- Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, CSIRO Land & Water, Tharawal Country, Lucas Heights, NSW 2234, Australia
| | - Sabine Dittmann
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Kaurna Country, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
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10
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Lam-Gordillo O, Mosley LM, Simpson SL, Welsh DT, Dittmann S. Loss of benthic macrofauna functional traits correlates with changes in sediment biogeochemistry along an extreme salinity gradient in the Coorong lagoon, Australia. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 174:113202. [PMID: 34864464 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113202] [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: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Estuarine ecosystems are considered hotspots for productivity, biogeochemical cycling and biodiversity, however, their functions and services are threatened by several anthropogenic pressures. We investigated how abundance and diversity of benthic macrofauna, and their functional traits, correlate to sediment biogeochemistry and nutrient concentrations throughout an estuarine-to-hypersaline lagoon. Benthic communities and functional traits were significantly different across the sites analysed, with higher abundance and more traits expressed in the estuarine region. The results revealed that the benthic trait differences correlated with sediment biogeochemistry and nutrient concentrations in the system. The estuarine regions were dominated by high abundance of large burrowing and bioturbating macrofauna, promoting nutrient cycling and organic matter mineralisation, while these organisms were absent in the hypersaline lagoon, favouring accumulation of organic matter and nutrients in the sediment. The results highlight the importance of preserving healthy benthic communities to maintain ecosystem functioning and mitigate the potential impacts of eutrophication in estuarine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orlando Lam-Gordillo
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Kaurna Country, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Luke M Mosley
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Kaurna Country, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Stuart L Simpson
- Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, CSIRO Land & Water, Tharawal Country, Lucas Heights, NSW 2234, Australia
| | - David T Welsh
- School of Environment, Griffith University, Yugambeh/Kombumerri Country, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sabine Dittmann
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Kaurna Country, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
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Souza FM, Gilbert ER, Brauko KM, Lorenzi L, Machado E, Camargo MG. Macrobenthic community responses to multiple environmental stressors in a subtropical estuary. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12427. [PMID: 34966574 PMCID: PMC8663631 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12427] [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: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We assessed how multi- and univariate models reflect marine environmental health based on macrobenthic community responses to three environmental stressor categories: hydrodynamics, organic enrichment and metal contamination. We then compared the models with the benthic index AMBI (AZTI Marine Biotic Index). Macrobenthic community and physicochemical variables were sampled at 35 sites along Babitonga Bay, a subtropical estuary in Southern Brazil. Distance-based linear modelling identified depth, grain size and organic matter as well as Cu and Zn as key stressors affecting the macrobenthos. Using canonical analysis of principal coordinates (CAP), we developed three multivariate models based on the variability in community composition, creating stress gradients. The metal gradient showed better correlation with the benthic community. Sediment quality indices (Geoaccumulation Index and Contamination Factor) showed a low to moderate contamination status, with higher concentrations for Cr, Ni and Zn at the inner areas of the bay. According to AMBI, Babitonga Bay has a “good” environmental health status, and the AMBI values show stronger correlations with the hydrodynamic and organic enrichment gradients (r = 0.50 and r = 0.47) rather than the metal gradient (r = 0.29). Lumbrineridae polychaetes (not included in the AMBI list) and Scoloplos sp. were negatively related to the metal contamination gradient and were considered sensitive, while Sigambra sp., Magelona papillicornis, the gastropod Heleobia australis and species of the crustacean order Mysida were positively related to the gradient and considered tolerant to higher concentrations of metals in the sediment. Despite the inconsistency in the ecological classification provided by AMBI and its relationship with the metal gradient, our results suggest that the environmental quality was satisfactory for the studied gradients. The metal gradient showed the weakest correlation to AMBI. In such cases, the ecological classification of taxa by the index should be evaluated under the perspective of the action of inorganic genotoxic contaminants represented by metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda M Souza
- University of Amapá State-UEAP, Macapá, AP, Brazil.,Centro de Estudos do Mar, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Pontal do Paraná, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Eliandro R Gilbert
- Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística-IBGE, Macapá, AP, Brazil
| | - Kalina M Brauko
- Coordenadoria Especial de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina-UFSC, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Luciano Lorenzi
- Department of Biology, University of Joinville Region-UNIVILLE, São Francisco do Sul, SC, Brazil
| | - Eunice Machado
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Meio Ambiente, Institute of Oceanography, Federal University of Rio Grande-FURG, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Mauricio G Camargo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Meio Ambiente, Institute of Oceanography, Federal University of Rio Grande-FURG, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
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12
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Sivadas SK, Gupta GVM, Kumar S, Ingole BS. Trait-based and taxonomic macrofauna community patterns in the upwelling ecosystem of the southeastern Arabian sea. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 170:105431. [PMID: 34364059 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105431] [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: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Coastal upwelling that occurs in the eastern Arabian Sea (EAS) drive the complex dynamics of the food chain. Macrofauna plays a key role in the functioning of coastal ecosystems, but few studies explored the taxonomic and functional patterns of macrofaunal communities under the influence of upwelling. These patterns have been investigated in this study by sampling macrofauna and environmental variables during March-December 2012 across six depths (13-100 m) over the continental shelf off Kochi, south EAS. Upwelling, set over outer shelf prior to March, occupies the entire shelf by May, peaked during June-July and withdrew rapidly by September. A total of 203 macrofaunal taxa were collected in this study. Multivariate analysis revealed that the macrofaunal composition showed a spatiotemporal variation. Taxonomic diversity increases from nearshore to mid shelf whereas abundance and biomass decreased. Macrobenthic functioning, assessed through Biological Trait Analyses, displayed similar trait modalities between depths and seasons but abundance driven differences in trait expression revealed important habitat filtering. Increase in organic matter and decrease in dissolved oxygen influenced by upwelling and the spatial variation in sediment texture were the strongest drivers of the macrofaunal taxonomic pattern. We suggest that taxonomic and biological trait information needs to be considered in ecological studies as it provides a better understanding of how biodiversity responds to and interacts with environmental changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanitha K Sivadas
- National Centre for Coastal Research, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Chennai, India; CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, India.
| | - G V M Gupta
- Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Kochi, India.
| | | | - Baban S Ingole
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, India; ESSO-National Centre for Polar & Ocean Research, Vasco-da-Gama, Goa, India.
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