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Tan M, Hall KC, Litchfield S, Champion C, de Carvalho MC, Mos B, Dworjanyn S, Kelaher BP. Water temperature affects somatic growth, body condition and oxygen and carbon otolith isotopes of stout whiting (Sillago robusta). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 945:174058. [PMID: 38897478 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174058] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Ocean warming will continue to affect the growth, body condition and geographic distributions of marine fishes and understanding these effects is an urgent challenge for fisheries research and management. Determining how temperature is recorded in fish otolith carbonate, provides an additional chronological tool to investigate thermal histories, preferences and patterns of movement throughout an individual's life history. The influence of three water temperature treatments (22°C, 25°C, and 28°C) on hatchery-reared juvenile stout whiting, Sillago robusta, was tested using a controlled outdoor mesocosm system. Fish were measured for change in length and weight, and body condition was determined using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Sagittal otoliths were analysed for stable oxygen (δ18Ootolith) and carbon (δ13Cotolith) isotopes via isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Whiting kept at 22°C were significantly smaller and had diminished body condition compared to fish in 25°C and 28°C, which did not significantly differ from each other. The δ18O otolith values of stout whiting demonstrated a negative temperature-dependent fractionation relationship which was similar in slope but had a different intercept to the relationships reported for inorganic aragonite and other marine fish species. The δ13C otolith values also showed a negative relationship with water temperature, and the calculated proportion of metabolic carbon M in otoliths differed between fish reared in the coolest (22°C) and warmest (28°C) temperature treatments. Overall, the results suggest that stout whiting may have reached an upper growth threshold between 25°C and 28°C, and that growth and body condition may be optimised during warmer seasons and toward the northerly regions of their distribution. Otolith oxygen thermometry shows promise as a natural tracer of thermal life history, and species-specific fractionation equations should be utilised when possible to prevent errors in temperature reconstructions of wild-caught fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Tan
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, 2 Bay Dr, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450, Australia.
| | - Karina C Hall
- Fisheries Research, NSW Department of Primary Industries, National Marine Science Centre, 2 Bay Dr, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450, Australia
| | - Sebastian Litchfield
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, 2 Bay Dr, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450, Australia
| | - Curtis Champion
- Fisheries Research, NSW Department of Primary Industries, National Marine Science Centre, 2 Bay Dr, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450, Australia
| | - Matheus Carvalho de Carvalho
- Southern Cross Analytical Research Services, Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry - IRMS laboratory, Military Rd, East Lismore, New South Wales 2480, Australia
| | - Benjamin Mos
- Moreton Bay Research Station, School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, Dunwich/Goompi, QLD 4183, Australia; Centre for Marine Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Symon Dworjanyn
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, 2 Bay Dr, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450, Australia
| | - Brendan P Kelaher
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, 2 Bay Dr, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450, Australia
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Carvalho MC. Adapting an elemental analyser to perform high-temperature catalytic oxidation for dissolved organic carbon measurements in water. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2023; 37:e9451. [PMID: 36479758 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Many laboratories employ elemental analyzers (EAs) coupled to isotope ratio mass spectrometers (IRMSs) to measure carbon stable isotope ratios (δ13 C) in solid samples. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in most natural water samples cannot be analyzed using this approach unless time-consuming preconcentration is employed. METHODS An EA-IRMS can be used to measure DOC δ13 C in natural waters without the need for sample preconcentration by employing high-temperature catalytic oxidation. An autosampler injects water into the EA reactor at 680°C filled with platinum catalyst beads, where all carbon is converted to CO2 . Remaining water and halides are removed, while CO2 is trapped in a cryotrap and later released to the IRMS. RESULTS Measurements were accurate (deviation <0.3‰ compared to solid sample measurements) and precise (error of 0.3‰ for concentrations ≥46 μM). Blanks were present and accounted for. Salinity up to seawater level did not affect accuracy or precision, but limited the number of samples that could be run before cleaning of the reactor was needed. DOC δ13 C in a river/estuary varied between -25.7 and -23.2‰, with higher values for waters with higher salinity, as expected. Deep-sea water reference material had a value of -22.9 ± 0.5‰, very similar to those found in recent reports employing similar techniques. CONCLUSION Adapting an EA is a feasible approach for the measurement of DOC δ13 C in natural waters. The low cost and simplicity of the system allow its use in any laboratory already equipped with EA-IRMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus C Carvalho
- Southern Cross Analytical Research Services, Southern Cross University, Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, Australia
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Carvalho MC. Automated weighing in the stable isotope lab: When less is more. MethodsX 2023; 10:102207. [PMID: 37213434 PMCID: PMC10193001 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2023.102207] [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: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Automated powder weighing is an elusive goal in scientific laboratories. The main problem is that powders are much more heterogeneous than liquids, making difficult the development of a unified automation solution for their handling. A compromise has been presented with miau, a low-cost, open-source autosampler for microbalance. Miau was demonstrably useful to perform the automated weighing of some powders, as long as the same powder is weighed repeatedly, which is useful for preparing standards to be measured along samples. However, in stable-isotope laboratories it is also necessary to weigh samples, which are often very heterogeneous, and thus not amenable for miau. Here it is demonstrated how miau can be adapted to handle not only standards, but also samples, using the "less is more" philosophy:•Miau is simplified to perform only the manipulation of weighing capsules, becoming "miau redux"•Miau redux can be used not only for standards, but for a variety of samples as well•Miau redux saves 64% of operator time when using a microbalance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus C. Carvalho
- Southern Cross Analytical Research Services, Southern Cross University, Australia
- Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry, Southern Cross University, Australia
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Parra GJ, Wojtkowiak Z, Peters KJ, Cagnazzi D. Isotopic niche overlap between sympatric Australian snubfin and humpback dolphins. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8937. [PMID: 35646312 PMCID: PMC9130291 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecological niche theory predicts the coexistence of closely related species is promoted by resource partitioning in space and time. Australian snubfin (Orcaella heinsohni) and humpback (Sousa sahulensis) dolphins live in sympatry throughout most of their range in northern Australian waters. We compared stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) in their skin to investigate resource partitioning between these ecologically similar species. Skin samples were collected from live Australian snubfin (n = 31) and humpback dolphins (n = 23) along the east coast of Queensland in 2014–2015. Both species had similar δ13C and δ15N values and high (>50%) isotopic niche space overlap, suggesting that they feed at similar trophic levels, have substantial dietary overlap, and rely on similar basal food resources. Despite similarities, snubfin dolphins were more likely to have a larger δ15N value than humpback dolphins, indicating they may forage on a wider diversity of prey. Humpback dolphins were more likely to have a larger δ13C range suggesting they may forage on a wider range of habitats. Overall, results suggest that subtle differences in habitat use and prey selection are likely the principal resource partitioning mechanisms enabling the coexistence of Australian snubfin and humpback dolphins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido J. Parra
- Cetacean Ecology, Behavior and Evolution Lab College of Science and Engineering Flinders University Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Zachary Wojtkowiak
- Cetacean Ecology, Behavior and Evolution Lab College of Science and Engineering Flinders University Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Katharina J. Peters
- Evolutionary Genetics Group Department of Anthropology University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
- School of Earth and Environment University of Canterbury Christchurch New Zealand
| | - Daniele Cagnazzi
- Marine Ecology Research Centre Faculty of Science and Engineering Southern Cross University Lismore New South Wales Australia
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Carvalho MC. Miau, a microbalance autosampler. HARDWAREX 2021; 10:e00215. [PMID: 35607678 PMCID: PMC9123439 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2021.e00215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Powder weighing is an essential but tedious activity in many branches of science. Here I describe a MIcrobalance AUtosampler (miau) that transfers solids in the sub-mg range to a microbalance. Miau is a pick-and-place machine which moves a gripper with dual function: 1) move tin capsules; 2) deliver powder from a container to tin capsules. In our laboratory we routinely use miau to prepare working standards for quality control of elemental and isotopic analyses. In a test, miau produced standards between 0.3 and 1.1 mg, which is a useful range in our laboratory. Failure to produce a weighed standard happened in 5% of the cases. A comparison with manual measurements demonstrated that obtained amounts for automated samples were as accurate and precise as manually prepared ones. Setup for daily use is simple, and the microbalance can be easily used alternately with or without miau. Miau is a low-cost device that can work with microbalances from many manufacturers, and can be readily adopted by many laboratories.
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Murray G, Bednarski S, Hall M, Foster SW, Jin S, Davis JJ, Xue W, Constans E, Grinias JP. Comparison of Design Approaches for Low-Cost Sampling Mechanisms in Open-Source Chemical Instrumentation. HARDWAREX 2021; 10:e00220. [PMID: 34553104 PMCID: PMC8452234 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2021.e00220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Robotic positioning systems are used in a variety of chemical instruments, primarily for liquid handling purposes, such as autosamplers from vials or well plates. Here, two approaches to the design of open-source autosampler positioning systems for use with 96-well plates are described and compared. The first system, a 3-axis design similar to many low-cost 3D printers that are available on the market, is constructed using an aluminum design and stepper motors. The other system relies upon a series of 3D printed parts to achieve movement with a series of linker arms based on Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm (SCARA) design principles. Full printer design files, assembly instructions, software, and user directions are included for both samplers. The positioning precision of the 3-axis system is better than the SCARA mechanism due to finer motor control, albeit with a slightly higher cost of materials. Based on the improved precision of this approach, the 3-axis autosampler system was used to demonstrate the generation of a segmented flow droplet stream from adjacent wells within a 96-well plate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greggory Murray
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, United States
| | - Samuel Bednarski
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN, United States
| | - Michael Hall
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN, United States
| | - Samuel W. Foster
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, United States
| | - SiJun Jin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN, United States
| | - Joshua J. Davis
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, United States
| | - Wei Xue
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, United States
| | - Eric Constans
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN, United States
| | - James P. Grinias
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, United States
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Davis JJ, Foster SW, Grinias JP. Low-cost and open-source strategies for chemical separations. J Chromatogr A 2021; 1638:461820. [PMID: 33453654 PMCID: PMC7870555 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2020.461820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, a trend toward utilizing open access resources for laboratory research has begun. Open-source design strategies for scientific hardware rely upon the use of widely available parts, especially those that can be directly printed using additive manufacturing techniques and electronic components that can be connected to low-cost microcontrollers. Open-source software eliminates the need for expensive commercial licenses and provides the opportunity to design programs for specific needs. In this review, the impact of the "open-source movement" within the field of chemical separations is described, primarily through a comprehensive look at research in this area over the past five years. Topics that are covered include general laboratory equipment, sample preparation techniques, separations-based analysis, detection strategies, electronic system control, and software for data processing. Remaining hurdles and possible opportunities for further adoption of open-source approaches in the context of these separations-related topics are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua J Davis
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
| | - Samuel W Foster
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
| | - James P Grinias
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States.
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Carvalho MC. Portable open-source autosampler for shallow waters. HARDWAREX 2020; 8:e00142. [PMID: 35498257 PMCID: PMC9041177 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2020.e00142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Automated water sampling can be very useful, but open-source choices are limited. Here I present an autosampler which consists of a gantry robot that delivers water from a syringe pump to 24 capped 40 ml vials. The autosampler is controlled using an Android tablet automatized using Macrodroid. Three rinsing cycles ensure negligible carryover between consecutive samples. Hourly sampling from a creek under rainy conditions suggested that total organic carbon in water was diluted by the rain. Some important limitations: 1) the autosampler must be on a steady, flat, horizontal surface; 2) unattended sampling can only last as long as the batteries powering the tablet and the motors; 3) distance from the syringe pump to water cannot exceed ~2 m in height and ~4 m in length for 3 mm tubing; 4) sampling frequency does not exceed one sample every eleven minutes. However, because of its open design, the autosampler can be modified and improved to not only overcome these limitations, but also potentially expand its scope to more demanding sampling if necessary.
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