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Wei X, Liang J, Ning T, Zhang C, Wang J, Tan L, Shen F. Response of soil microbial community structure and function to the sewage leakage: A case study of a 25-year-old cesspool. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 363:142753. [PMID: 38971439 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142753] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Providing many millions of rural households with decentralized sanitation facilities remains challenging. In undeveloped areas, cesspools have still been widely used due to technologically simple and low-cost. However, the influence of cesspools on the surrounding soil remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the influence of a 25-year-old household cesspool on soil physicochemical factors, microbial community composition and function, pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Soil at the depth around the sewage liquid level (D70) was mostly disturbed where TOC, NO3-N and TP was increased to 16.8 g/kg, 18.2 mg/kg and 1.02 mg/kg respectively. Correspondingly, the element cycling genes of carbon fixation, methanotrophy, nitrogen fixation, ammonia oxidation, and nitrate reduction etc., were increased at D70. Notably, human derived pathogens such as Enterobacter, Salmonella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Prevotella, and Vibrio were highly enriched by 5-10 folders in D70, indicating the potential health risk to human. Mantel tests suggested that EC, TP, pH, NH3-N and particularly NO3-N are important factors that influence the microbial community and element cycling genes in cesspool-affected soil. Overall, this study revealed the impact of household cesspool leakage on the surrounding soil and provided information for the selection and construction of basic sanitation facilities in poor regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocheng Wei
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 31 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300191, China; Key Laboratory of Rural Toilet and Sewage Treatment Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 31 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Jiayin Liang
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 31 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300191, China; Key Laboratory of Rural Toilet and Sewage Treatment Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 31 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Tianyang Ning
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 31 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300191, China; Key Laboratory of Rural Toilet and Sewage Treatment Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 31 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Chunxue Zhang
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 31 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300191, China; Key Laboratory of Rural Toilet and Sewage Treatment Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 31 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Jiarui Wang
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 31 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300191, China; Key Laboratory of Rural Toilet and Sewage Treatment Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 31 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Lu Tan
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 31 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300191, China; Key Laboratory of Rural Toilet and Sewage Treatment Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 31 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300191, China.
| | - Feng Shen
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 31 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300191, China; Key Laboratory of Rural Toilet and Sewage Treatment Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 31 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300191, China.
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Ahmed AM, Mekonnen ML, Mekonnen KN. Review on nanocomposite materials from cellulose, chitosan, alginate, and lignin for removal and recovery of nutrients from wastewater. CARBOHYDRATE POLYMER TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS 2023; 6:100386. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carpta.2023.100386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
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Guzmán EA, Peterson TA, Winder PL, Francis KT, McFarland M, Roberts JC, Sandle J, Wright AE. An Assessment of Potential Threats to Human Health from Algae Blooms in the Indian River Lagoon (USA) 2018-2021: Unique Patterns of Cytotoxicity Associated with Toxins. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:664. [PMID: 37999526 PMCID: PMC10675324 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15110664] [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: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The Indian River Lagoon (IRL), a 156-mile-long estuary located on the eastern coast of Florida, experiences phytoplankton bloom events due to increased seasonal temperatures coupled with anthropogenic impacts. This study aimed to gather data on the toxicity to human cells and to identify secondary metabolites found in water samples collected in the IRL. Water samples from 20 sites of the IRL were collected during the wet and dry seasons over a three-year period. A panel of cell lines was used to test cytotoxicity. Hemagglutination, hemolysis, and inhibition of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) were also measured. Cytotoxic blooms were seen both in the south (Microcystis) and the north (Pyrodinium) of the IRL. Each toxin induced a consistent pattern of cytotoxicity in the panel of human cell lines assayed. During blooms, cytotoxicity due to a single type of toxin is obvious from this pattern. In the absence of blooms, the cytotoxicity seen reflected either a mixture of toxins or it was caused by an unidentified toxin. These observations suggest that other toxins with the potential to be harmful to human health may be present in the IRL. Moreover, the presence of toxins in the IRL is not always associated with blooms of known toxin-producing organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther A. Guzmán
- The Florida Center for Coastal and Human Health, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, 5600 US 1 North, Fort Pierce, FL 34946, USA; (T.A.P.); (P.L.W.); (K.T.F.); (M.M.); (J.C.R.); (J.S.); (A.E.W.)
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Ahmed AM, Mekonnen ML, Mekonnen KN. REVIEW ON NANOCOMPOSITE MATERIALS FROM CELLULOSE, CHITOSAN, ALGINATE, AND LIGNIN FOR REMOVAL AND RECOVERY OF NUTRIENTS FROM WASTEWATER. CARBOHYDRATE POLYMER TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS 2023:100386. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.1016/j.carpta.2023.100386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
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Brewton RA, Lapointe BE. Eutrophication leads to food web enrichment and a lack of connectivity in a highly impacted urban lagoon. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 195:115441. [PMID: 37683393 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) loading can affect estuarine food webs through alteration of primary producers. In the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida there has been long-term N enrichment, worsening phytoplankton blooms, large-scale macroalgal blooms, and catastrophic seagrass losses. To investigate how N enrichment affects higher trophic levels and food webs in the IRL, nutrient availability was compared to primary producer and faunal stable N (δ15N) isotope values. Seawater samples were collected in the IRL for dissolved nutrient, chlorophyll-a, and particulate organic matter δ15N analyses. Macrophytes and fauna were also collected for δ15N analyses. Throughout the IRL, N was elevated but was highest in the northern IRL and Banana River Lagoon. δ15N was enriched in these segments for most samples to levels characteristic of human-waste impacted estuaries. Variability in δ15N among lagoon segments suggests a low level of trophic connectivity. Decreasing N loading to the IRL and other eutrophic estuaries may help improve resiliency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Brewton
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, 5600 US-1, Fort Pierce, Florida 34946, USA.
| | - Brian E Lapointe
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, 5600 US-1, Fort Pierce, Florida 34946, USA
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Tyre KN, Brewton RA, Kreiger LB, Lapointe BE. Widespread human waste pollution in surface waters observed throughout the urbanized, coastal communities of Lee County, Florida, USA. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 879:162716. [PMID: 36921859 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The coastal communities of Lee County, Florida, USA have grown rapidly since the 1970s. In this county, drainage ditches, canals, creeks, and the Caloosahatchee River Estuary often have high concentrations of nutrients and bacteria limiting their designated uses. Septic systems have previously been identified as a major pollution source in some areas of Lee County; therefore, this study sought to identify the extent of this issue throughout the county. To accomplish this, surface water samples were collected at 25 ditch, creek, or canal sites suspected of human waste contamination from septic systems in various drainage basins throughout Lee County during January 2020-January 2021. Water samples were analyzed for nutrients, dual stable nitrate isotopes (δ15N-NO3-, δ18O-NO3-), fecal indicator bacteria (enterococci, Escherichia coli), a molecular tracer of human waste (HF183), and chemical tracers of human waste (the artificial sweetener sucralose, pharmaceuticals). Particulate organic matter (POM) and macrophytes were also collected and analyzed for stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopes, as well as elemental composition (C:N:P). To broaden the assessment of stable isotope values and C:N:P, archived macrophyte samples from 2019 were also included in analyses. Ammonium concentrations were high (> 4.3 μM) in 55 % of samples. Fecal bacteria were high in 66 % of samples. HF183 was detected in 50 % of samples and positively correlated with enterococci (r = 0.32). Sucralose concentrations were high (> 380 ng/L) in 54 % of samples, while carbamazepine was detected in 40 % of samples. Human waste N sources were indicated by δ15N > 3.00 ‰ at 44 % of sites by δ15N-NO3-, 68 % of sites by POM, and at 100 % of sites where macrophyte samples were collected. This large-scale study provides evidence of widespread human waste pollution throughout Lee County and can help guide infrastructure improvements to promote sustainable development. These findings should be applicable to urbanized regions globally that are experiencing declines in water quality and harmful algal blooms due to development with inadequate infrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin N Tyre
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, 5600 N US Highway 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34946, United States of America; Geosyntec Consultants, 3504 Lake Lynda Dr., Suite 155, Orlando, FL 32817, United States of America
| | - Rachel A Brewton
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, 5600 N US Highway 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34946, United States of America.
| | - Lisa B Kreiger
- Lee County Department of Natural Resources, 1500 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901, United States of America
| | - Brian E Lapointe
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, 5600 N US Highway 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34946, United States of America
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Lapointe BE, Brewton RA, Wilking LE, Herren LW. Fertilizer restrictions are not sufficient to mitigate nutrient pollution and harmful algal blooms in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 193:115041. [PMID: 37356131 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
In Florida's Indian River Lagoon (IRL), anthropogenic eutrophication has resulted in harmful algal blooms and catastrophic seagrass losses. Hoping to improve water quality, policy makers enacted fertilizer bans, assuming that this would reduce the nitrogen (N) load. To assess the effectiveness of these bans, seawater and macroalgal samples were collected at 20 sites "pre" and ~ five-years "post" bans and analyzed to determine concentrations of dissolved nutrients and stable nitrogen isotope values (δ15N). Higher concentrations of ammonium and nitrate were observed post-ban and macroalgal δ15N values increased. A comparison of nutrient concentrations and δ15N between brown tide (Aureoumbra lagunensis) blooms indicated that the post-ban bloom was more strongly N-enriched with higher δ15N values than the pre-ban bloom, which had depleted values in the range of fertilizers. These data indicate a primary role of human waste influence in the IRL, suggesting that current management actions have been insufficient at mitigating eutrophication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian E Lapointe
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, 5600 US-1, Fort Pierce, FL 34946, USA
| | - Rachel A Brewton
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, 5600 US-1, Fort Pierce, FL 34946, USA.
| | - Lynn E Wilking
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, 5600 US-1, Fort Pierce, FL 34946, USA; Consolidated Safety Services, Inc. under contract to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Beaufort Lab, 101 Pivers Island Rd, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
| | - Laura W Herren
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, 5600 US-1, Fort Pierce, FL 34946, USA
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Stelling B, Phlips E, Badylak S, Landauer L, Tate M, West-Valle A. Seasonality of phytoplankton biomass and composition on the Cape Canaveral shelf of Florida: Role of shifts in climate and coastal watershed influences. Front Ecol Evol 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2023.1134069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Seasonal patterns of phytoplankton biomass and composition in the inner continental shelf off Cape Canaveral on the east coast of Florida were examined for a 6-year period (2013–2019). In situ water samples were collected and analyzed for chlorophyll a, phytoplankton biomass and composition, along with water quality parameters. Regional satellite data on chlorophyll a, and temperature was also obtained from NASA. Average chlorophyll a values over the study period ranged from 0.63 ± 0.03 μg L−1 in the summer to 2.55 ± 0.10 μg L−1 in the fall. Phytoplankton community composition also showed seasonal differences, with persistent dominance by picoplanktonic cyanobacteria in the summer, but mixed dominance by picocyanobacteria and dinoflagellates in the fall. Seasonal differences were attributed to a shift in predominant seasonal wind directions, which drive water along the coast from the north in the fall and winter, but from the south in the spring and summer, including eddies and upwelling from the Gulf Stream. Water masses moving along the Florida coast from the north are influenced by nutrient and phytoplankton-enriched inputs from estuaries along the north coast of Florida, explaining the higher phytoplankton biomass levels on the Cape Canaveral shelf in the fall and winter. Seasonal patterns observed in this study demonstrate the importance of allochthonous influences on phytoplankton biomass and composition, and highlight the potential sensitivity of phytoplankton communities to continuing cultural eutrophication and future climate changes, including the frequency and intensity of tropical storms, and alterations in discharges from land.
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Warner LA, Krimsky LS, Rampold SD. Using a diffusion of innovation lens to understand homeowner support for septic system to sewer system conversions. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 319:115651. [PMID: 35797910 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115651] [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: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Water quality impairment linked to household septic systems presents a significant challenge for environmental management professionals given the costs and complexity of encouraging residents to convert to sewer systems. Septic-to-sewer conversion programs may be more effective if they employ innovative techniques such as social marketing to accelerate engagement, but there is a lack of the necessary formative audience research available on which to promote sanitation-related technologies and behaviors using these types of strategies. We used Diffusion of Innovations theory as a lens through which to view support for septic-to-sewer conversion programs, considering perceptions of relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, and observability as factors (i.e., barriers, motivators) in the decision to convert to sewer. We collected data from 518 septic system owners in the state of Florida, USA. Four out of ten respondents indicated there were septic-to-sewer conversion plans in place in their community, and most of these individuals reported the plans were voluntary rather than mandatory. Residents with plans in place had more favorable perceptions than those without such plans and were largely supportive of septic-to-sewer conversion programs. Ordinal regression revealed compatibility and observability were significant predictors of residents' support for septic-to-sewer conversion. When conversion project status variables were added to the final ordinal model, compatibility remained a significant predictor, and completed conversion status also predicted support. Environmental management professionals should consider using characteristics of compatibility and observability to bolster engagement in septic-to-sewer conversion programs, and consider integrating the influences of other communities with completed conversion programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Warner
- Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, University of Florida, PO Box 110540, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA; Center for Land Use Efficiency, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
| | - Lisa S Krimsky
- Center for Land Use Efficiency, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA; Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Indian River Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Ft. Pierce, FL, 34945, USA.
| | - Shelli D Rampold
- Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications, Institute of Agriculture, University of Tennessee, 2621 Morgan Circle, 320 Morgan Hall, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA.
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Brewton RA, Kreiger LB, Tyre KN, Baladi D, Wilking LE, Herren LW, Lapointe BE. Septic system-groundwater-surface water couplings in waterfront communities contribute to harmful algal blooms in Southwest Florida. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 837:155319. [PMID: 35452738 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
As human population growth has expanded in Southwest Florida, water quality has become degraded with an increased occurrence of harmful algal blooms (HABs). Red tide (Karenia brevis) originating offshore, intensifies in nearshore waters along Florida's Gulf Coast, and blue-green algae (Microcystis spp.) originating in Lake Okeechobee is discharged into the Caloosahatchee River. These HABs could be enhanced by anthropogenic nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from adjacent watersheds. North Fort Myers is a heavily developed, low-lying city on the Caloosahatchee River Estuary serviced by septic systems with documented nutrient and bacterial pollution. To identify sources of pollution within North Fort Myers and determine connections with downstream HABs, this multiyear (2017-2020) study examined septic system- groundwater- surface water couplings through the analysis of water table depth, nutrients (N, P), fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), molecular markers (HF183, GFD, Gull2), chemical tracers (sucralose, pharmaceuticals, herbicides, pesticides), stable isotopes of groundwater (δ15N-NH4, δ15N-NO3) and particulate organic matter (POM; δ15N, δ13C), and POM elemental composition (C:N:P). POM samples were also collected during K. brevis and Microcystis spp. HAB events. Most (>80%) water table depth measurements were too shallow to support septic system functioning (<1.07 m). High concentrations of NH4+ and NOx, up to 1094 μM and 482 μM respectively, were found in groundwater and surface water. δ15N values of groundwater (+4.7‰) were similar to septic effluent (+4.9‰), POM (+4.7‰), and downstream HABs (+4.8 to 6.9‰), indicating a human waste N source. In surface water, FIB were elevated and HF183 was detected, while in groundwater and surface water sucralose, carbamazepine, primidone, and acetaminophen were detected. These data suggest that groundwater and surface water in North Fort Myers are coupled and contaminated by septic system effluent, which is negatively affecting water quality and contributing to the maintenance and intensification of downstream HABs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Brewton
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, 5600 US 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34946, USA.
| | - Lisa B Kreiger
- Lee County Division of Natural Resources, 1500 Monroe St, Fort Myers, FL 33901, USA
| | - Kevin N Tyre
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, 5600 US 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34946, USA
| | - Diana Baladi
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, 5600 US 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34946, USA
| | - Lynn E Wilking
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, 5600 US 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34946, USA
| | - Laura W Herren
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, 5600 US 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34946, USA
| | - Brian E Lapointe
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, 5600 US 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34946, USA
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Campbell LJ, Castillo NA, Dunn CD, Perez A, Schmitter-Soto JJ, Mejri SC, Boucek RE, Corujo RS, Adams AJ, Rehage JS, Goldberg TL. Viruses of Atlantic Bonefish ( Albula vulpes) in Florida and the Caribbean show geographic patterns consistent with population declines. ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY OF FISHES 2022; 106:303-317. [PMID: 35965638 PMCID: PMC9362051 DOI: 10.1007/s10641-022-01306-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Atlantic Bonefish (Albula vulpes) are economically important due to their popularity with recreational anglers. In the State of Florida, USA, bonefish population numbers declined by approximately 60% between the 1990s and 2015. Habitat loss, water quality impairment, chemical inputs, and other anthropogenic factors have been implicated as causes, but the role of pathogens has been largely overlooked, especially with respect to viruses. We used a metagenomic approach to identify and quantify viruses in the blood of 103 A. vulpes sampled throughout their Western Atlantic range, including populations in Florida that have experienced population declines and populations in Belize, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and The Bahamas that have remained apparently stable. We identified four viruses, all of which are members of families known to infect marine fishes (Flaviviridae, Iflaviridae, Narnaviridae, and Nodaviridae), but all of which were previously undescribed. Bonefish from Florida and Mexico had higher viral richness (numbers of distinct viruses per individual fish) than fish sampled from other areas, and bonefish from the Upper Florida Keys had the highest prevalence of viral infection (proportion of positive fish) than fish sampled from any other location. Bonefish from Florida also had markedly higher viral loads than fish sampled from any other area, both for a novel narnavirus and for all viruses combined. Bonefish viruses may be indicators of environmentally driven physiological and immunological compromise, causes of ill health, or both. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10641-022-01306-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis J. Campbell
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Nicholas A. Castillo
- Department of Earth and Environment, Florida International University, Miami, FL USA
| | - Christopher D. Dunn
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | | | - Juan J. Schmitter-Soto
- Departamento de Sistemática y Ecología Acuática, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Q.R, Campeche, Mexico
| | - Sahar C. Mejri
- Department of Aquaculture and Stock Enhancement, Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, FL USA
| | | | | | - Aaron J. Adams
- Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, Miami, FL USA
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, FL USA
| | - Jennifer S. Rehage
- Department of Earth and Environment, Florida International University, Miami, FL USA
| | - Tony L. Goldberg
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
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Lapointe BE, Brewton RA, Littlejohn JM. Distributed wastewater treatment offers an environmentally preferable alternative to conventional septic systems in Central Florida. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2022; 86:432-444. [PMID: 35960828 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2022.223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater management is a critical issue globally. In Florida, the importance of this issue is heightened by the proximity to sensitive ecosystems. Distributed wastewater treatment units (DWTU) are a recent, state-approved alternative to septic system conversions to centralized sewer infrastructure. In this study, the performance of a DWTU was tested at a new residence in Lake Hamilton, FL. A monitoring well was installed downgradient of the DWTU absorption field to establish baseline groundwater conditions prior to occupation of the residence. The residence was occupied, after which groundwater, DWTU influent, and effluent samples were collected. Many effluent parameters significantly decreased compared to influent, including ammonia (NH3; 97%), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN; 95%), total nitrogen (TN; 88%), the TN:TP ratio (84%), fecal coliforms (92%), carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand (CBOD; 96%), and total suspended solids (TSS; 96%). In the groundwater, nutrient concentrations initially increased compared to the baseline data, but eventually decreased, demonstrating that the DWTU was effective at improving quality of wastewater effluent. These systems could be especially effective in sensitive areas where advanced wastewater treatment has been mandated or is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian E Lapointe
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, 5600 US 1, Fort Pierce, Florida 34946, USA E-mail:
| | - Rachel A Brewton
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, 5600 US 1, Fort Pierce, Florida 34946, USA E-mail:
| | - Jeffrey M Littlejohn
- OnSyte Performance, LLC., 2282 Killearn Center Blvd., Tallahassee, Florida 32309, USA
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