1
|
Zhu P, Pan B, Li Z, He H, Hou Y, Zhao G. Responses of biodiversity to microhabitat heterogeneity in debris flow gullies: Assessing the impact of hydrological disturbance. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 902:166509. [PMID: 37619718 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166509] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Rivers play a vital role in the maintenance of the biosphere and human society, since they participate in the global water cycle and provide varied habitats to support biodiversity. Microhabitat heterogeneity is regarded as a key factor driving biodiversity and it plays an active ecological role in different types of mountain rivers. Whether river microhabitat heterogeneity exhibits the same ecological patterns across hydrological periods remains unclear. Here, we analyzed the changes in macroinvertebrate community composition, functional traits, and multi-faceted α-diversity in five debris flow gullies in the Xiaojiang River Basin (southwestern China) between two different hydrological periods. We explored the responses of biodiversity to river microhabitat heterogeneity and its driving factors before and after hydrological disturbance. The results indicated that river microhabitat heterogeneity and three facets of macroinvertebrate α-diversity decreased after hydrological disturbance, with macroinvertebrate state traits becoming more unbalanced. Macroinvertebrate taxonomic diversity increased with increasing river microhabitat heterogeneity across hydrological periods, and this pattern was more prominent before hydrological disturbance. A high correlation emerged between macroinvertebrate phylogenetic diversity and river microhabitat heterogeneity only before hydrological disturbance. Hydrogeomorphic parameters prominently affected macroinvertebrate communities before hydrological disturbance. Water environmental parameters worked together with hydrogeomorphic parameters to shape macroinvertebrate communities in hydrologically disturbed debris flow gullies, indicating a reduced ecological role of river microhabitat heterogeneity. The ecological health of debris flow gullies can be improved by increasing vegetation coverage on river bank slopes to increase slope stability and mitigate hydrological disturbances, as well as placing large rocks into river channels to enhance riverbed stability and create habitats for more biological groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Penghui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulic in Northwest Arid Region of China, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, Shaanxi, China
| | - Baozhu Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulic in Northwest Arid Region of China, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Zhiwei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Hydropower Engineering Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Haoran He
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulic in Northwest Arid Region of China, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yiming Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulic in Northwest Arid Region of China, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, Shaanxi, China
| | - Gengnan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulic in Northwest Arid Region of China, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, Shaanxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jesus F, Patrício Silva AL, Pereira JL, Ré A, Campos I, Gonçalves FJM, Nogueira AJA, Abrantes N, Serpa D. Do sediment-bound nickel and lead affect chironomids life-history? Toxicity assessment under environmentally relevant conditions. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 253:106347. [PMID: 36343614 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2022.106347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems translates into increased concentrations of sediment-bound metals, representing a risk for benthic species. This risk might be enhanced in soft and moderately hard waters, world widely distributed, due to the protective role of hardness against metal toxicity. As lead (Pb) and nickel (Ni) are amongst the more abundant metals in aquatic systems, and since their combined effects to benthic species have been overlooked, in this study we aimed to investigate the life-cycle toxicity of Pb and Ni (using spiked sediment) to the benthic species Chironomus riparius, considering both single and mixture exposures, in moderately hard water. Environmentally relevant concentrations of each metal were used (25 and 75 mg kg-1, based on a scenario of pollution by runoff waters from burnt forests), following a full factorial design. Effects of the mixture with the highest metal concentrations (Pb 75 mg kg-1 dw + Ni 75 mg kg-1 dw) were also assessed in the second generation. In the first generation, exposure to Pb increased emergence and the weight of males, and decreased time to emergence of both males and females. Conversely, exposure to Ni delayed female emergence and decreased the weight of imagoes. Summarizing, Pb affected more endpoints but showed an apparent positive effect, whereas Ni affected less endpoints but exhibited adverse effects. Reproduction was not affected by these metals. In the second generation, the mixture Pb 75 mg kg-1 + Ni 75 mg kg-1 dw delayed emergence and reduced the emerged female fraction and their weight. These results highlight that Pb and Ni can alter the structure of C. riparius populations at environmentally relevant concentrations, which signals potential repercussions in the dynamics and functioning of freshwater ecosystems under these contamination scenarios. The findings of the present study are relevant not only for metal-polluted environments, in general, but also for fire-affected ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fátima Jesus
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal.
| | - Ana Luísa Patrício Silva
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Joana L Pereira
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Ana Ré
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Isabel Campos
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Fernando J M Gonçalves
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - António J A Nogueira
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Nelson Abrantes
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Dalila Serpa
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Montaño-Campaz ML, G-Dias L, Toro-Restrepo B. Chironomus columbiensis (Diptera: Chironomidae) as test organism for aquatic bioassays: Mass rearing and biological traits. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2022; 94:e20210389. [PMID: 35766598 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202220210389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chironomidae are aquatic insects that have become a model in laboratory tests to evaluate toxic effect of different pollutants. The use of chironomids as test organisms depends on standard protocols for the rearing under laboratory conditions and expanding knowledge on its biology. We standardize a culture of C. columbiensis and analyze its life cycle under laboratory conditions. The experiments were carried out with different treatments for water, temperature, and food. As a result, a protocol was proposed for the rearing of C. columbiensis under the following conditions: semi-soft and reconstituted water, shredded paper towels as a substrate, soft aeration, temperature of 22 ± 2°C, fed with 0.3 g TetraMin® twice a week and weekly renewal of 50% of the water. Under these conditions, the duration of the life cycle was 17-31 days, with a continuous growth of 1.16 to 14.05 mm in the larval stage and an average of 530 eggs per oviposition. In comparison with other species in the family, this study indicated that C. columbiensis is a species with a short life cycle, sensible to changing conditions (e.g., temperature and food), wide distribution, so is a good organism for being used in aquatic bioassays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milton L Montaño-Campaz
- Universidad de Caldas, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Bionat research group, Calle 65 Nro 26-10, P.O. Box 275, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
| | - Lucimar G-Dias
- Universidad de Caldas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Bionat research group, Calle 65 Nro 26-10, P.O. Box 275, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
| | - Beatriz Toro-Restrepo
- Universidad de Caldas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Bionat research group, Calle 65 Nro 26-10, P.O. Box 275, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ré A, Campos I, Keizer JJ, Gonçalves FJM, Pereira JL, Abrantes N. Effects of post-fire contamination in sediment-dwelling species of riverine systems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 771:144813. [PMID: 33736160 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144813] [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: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Wildfires are an important environmental problem in forested watersheds and can significantly alter water quality. Besides the reported ecotoxicological effects on pelagic species, the accumulation of post-fire contaminants in river sediments can also impair the benthic species. In this study, three sediment-dwelling species, Chironomus riparius, Atyaephyra desmarestii and Echinogammarus meridionalis, with different sensitivities, habitats, behaviours and/or feeding strategies, were exposed to water and sediments, in in-situ and in laboratory. Four sites were selected in a partially burnt basin (Alfusqueiro river basin), within and upstream the burnt area. The sites within the burnt area showed higher metal burden in both water and sediment, as well as changes in water physico-chemistry, consistently with the typical effects of incoming post-fire runoff. Both in-situ and laboratory exposures to water and sediments affected by the wildfire induced post-exposure feeding inhibition in the three tested macroinvertebrates. In fact, laboratory and field bioassays have produced generally consistent post-exposure feeding inhibition responses, but the most impactful response could be recognised after in-situ bioassays at the river site within the burnt area, where the species respond to the physico-chemical fluctuations during the exposure period. This comparative perspective supports the importance of using in-situ bioassays as a more realistic approach when dealing with complex and intermittent natural samples such as those affected by post-fire runoff. Overall, our results reinforce the awareness about the negative effects of wildfires on benthic biota, with significant feeding depression and consequent reduction in the available energy budget to ensure successful detoxification, growth and reproduction signalling potential trophic and functional disruption at the ecosystem level. In addition, the duality conditions of sediments as a sink and source of contaminants reinforce concerns, as the exposure of benthic organisms may persist in the long term, even after runoff income ceases due to the resuspension of contaminated sediments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Ré
- Department of Biology and Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Isabel Campos
- Department of Environment and Planning and Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Jan Jacob Keizer
- Department of Environment and Planning and Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Fernando J M Gonçalves
- Department of Biology and Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana L Pereira
- Department of Biology and Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Nelson Abrantes
- Department of Environment and Planning and Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhu P, Pan B, Li Z, Yuan J, Jiang X, Jiang W, Lu Y. Responses of macroinvertebrate functional traits to riverbed structure of typical debris flow gullies in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 738:138906. [PMID: 32526415 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Debris flow is a typical natural disaster in mountainous areas. Its occurrence has serious impacts on the ecological environment and the life, property safety of local people. The structure of mountain riverbed plays an important role in maintaining the ecological stability of debris flow gullies (DFGs) and improving the ecological condition. However, the effects of hydro-geomorphological processes induced by riverbed structure on local macroinvertebrates have not been well examined. A functional approach was applied to macroinvertebrate data collected in a field survey at sites with different riverbed structure to investigate the response of macroinvertebrate functional traits and environment factors to riverbed structure-induced processes. Riverbed structure was quantitatively calculated by concavity-convexity degree. The results showed that (a) Macroinvertebrates were mainly composed of individuals with the ability of avoiding risks and recovering quickly in DFGs. (b) The environmental factors affecting macroinvertebrates (i.e., average particle size, velocity, flow rate, water depth, and gradient) had a great relationship with riverbed structure. (c) Only 3 (trophic habit, attachment and drift) of the 10 benthic functional traits in the study area had a good correlation with riverbed structure. This study thus found that riverbed structure, as a complex of various environmental factors directly or indirectly affected the community structure and functional traits of macroinvertebrates in DFGs. Besides, it was more suitable for macroinvertebrates of different species to live, and more conducive to the maintenance of ecological stability when the concavity-convexity degree value was about 0.075. Because 5 environmental factors affecting macroinvertebrates were moderate when the degree of concavity was about 0.075. These results can provide scientific basis for ecological conservation and management in DFGs where eco-environment is very fragile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Penghui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulic in Northwest Arid Region of China, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, Shaanxi, China
| | - Baozhu Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulic in Northwest Arid Region of China, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Zhiwei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Hydropower Engineering Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jianping Yuan
- North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou 450045, China
| | - Xiaoming Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulic in Northwest Arid Region of China, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wanxiang Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulic in Northwest Arid Region of China, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute, Nanjing 210029, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Jones JI, Murphy JF, Collins AL, Spencer KL, Rainbow PS, Arnold A, Pretty JL, Moorhouse AML, Aguilera V, Edwards P, Parsonage F, Potter H, Whitehouse P. The Impact of Metal-Rich Sediments Derived from Mining on Freshwater Stream Life. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2020; 248:111-189. [PMID: 30671689 DOI: 10.1007/398_2018_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Metal-rich sediments have the potential to impair life in freshwater streams and rivers and, thereby, to inhibit recovery of ecological conditions after any remediation of mine water discharges. Sediments remain metal-rich over long time periods and have long-term potential ecotoxicological interactions with local biota, unless the sediments themselves are physically removed or replaced by less metal-rich sediment. Laboratory-derived environmental quality standards are difficult to apply to the field situation, as many complicating factors exist in the real world. Therefore, there is a strong case to consider other, field-relevant, measures of toxic effects as alternatives to laboratory-derived standards and to seek better biological tools to detect, diagnose and ideally predict community-level ecotoxicological impairment. Hence, this review concentrated on field measures of toxic effects of metal-rich sediment in freshwater streams, with less emphasis on laboratory-based toxicity testing approaches. To this end, this review provides an overview of the impact of metal-rich sediments on freshwater stream life, focusing on biological impacts linked to metal contamination.
Collapse
|
7
|
Cheng D, Song J, Zhao X, Wang S, Lin Q, Peng J, Su P, Deng W. Effects of chironomid larvae and Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri bioturbation on the distribution and flux of chromium at the sediment-water interface. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2019; 245:151-159. [PMID: 31150906 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.05.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The impacts of chironomid larvae and the tubificid worm Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri on the distribution and flux of the heavy metal chromium (Cr) across the sediment-water interface were investigated with a 21-day laboratory microcosm experiment. The two studied species feature different bioturbation modes involving bioirrigation and upward bioconveyance. The Cr concentrations in the overlying water and pore water were measured and compared using treatments with bioturbation by a single species and by combinations of both species and a treatment with no organisms. The results indicated that both bioturbation modes significantly increased the Cr concentrations in the overlying water and pore water. The overlying water had lower Cr concentrations than the pore water. Little variation in the Cr concentrations was observed in the treatment without organisms. Both species enhanced the Cr flux from the pore water to the overlying water. The worm treatments had a great impact on the Cr concentration in the overlying water through intensive upward conveyance activity, while the chironomid larvae treatments exerted significant effects on the Cr variation in the pore water and Cr flux across the interface via bioirrigation activity. These findings reveal the importance of bioturbation in biogeochemical processes in freshwater ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dandong Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, Yangling 712100, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jinxi Song
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, Yangling 712100, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China.
| | - Xiaotian Zhao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Shaoqing Wang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Qidong Lin
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Jianglin Peng
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Ping Su
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Wenjia Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, Yangling 712100, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Väänänen K, Abel S, Oksanen T, Nybom I, Leppänen MT, Asikainen H, Rasilainen M, Karjalainen AK, Akkanen J. Ecotoxicity assessment of boreal lake sediments affected by metal mining: Sediment quality triad approach complemented with metal bioavailability and body residue studies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 662:88-98. [PMID: 30690382 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.01.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
There are several methods for studying metal-contaminated freshwater sediments, but more information is needed on which methods to include in ecological risk assessment. In this study, we compliment the traditional Sediment Quality Triad (SQT) approach - including information on chemistry, toxicity and ecological status - with studies on metal bioavailability and metal body residues in local organisms. We studied four mining-affected boreal lakes in Finland by conducting chemical analyses of sediment and water, toxicity tests (L. variegatus, V. fischeri, C. riparius, L. stagnalis), and analysis of benthic organism community structure. In addition, we studied the relationships between metal loading, toxicity, metal bioavailability, and metal body residues in the field-collected biota. Chemistry and benthic organism community structures show adverse effects in those lakes, where the metal concentrations are the highest. However, toxicity was connected to low sediment pH during the experiment, rather than to high metal concentrations. Toxicity was observed in 4 out of 6 toxicity tests including growth test with L. variegatus, bulk sediment test with V. fischeri, and the L. stagnalis toxicity test. The C. riparius test did not show toxicity. Metal body residues in biota were not high enough to induce adverse effects (0.1-4.1 mg Cu/kg fw, 0.01-0.3 mg Ni/kg fw, 2.9-26.7 mg Zn/kg fw and 0.01-0.7 mg As/kg fw). Chemical analyses, metal bioavailability assessment and benthic community structures survey revealed adverse effects in the sediments, where metal concentrations are highest (Lake SJ and Lake KS). Standard toxicity tests were not suitable for studying acid, sulfide-rich sediments and, therefore, benthic structure study and chemical analyses are believed to give more reliable results of the ecological status of these sediments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristiina Väänänen
- University of Eastern Finland, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, P.O. Box 111, FI-80101 Joensuu, Finland.
| | - Sebastian Abel
- University of Eastern Finland, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, P.O. Box 111, FI-80101 Joensuu, Finland.
| | - Tähti Oksanen
- University of Eastern Finland, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, P.O. Box 111, FI-80101 Joensuu, Finland
| | - Inna Nybom
- University of Eastern Finland, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, P.O. Box 111, FI-80101 Joensuu, Finland.
| | - Matti T Leppänen
- Finnish Environment Institute, Survontie 9 A, FI-40500 Jyväskylä, Finland.
| | - Harri Asikainen
- Finnish Environment Institute, Survontie 9 A, FI-40500 Jyväskylä, Finland; University of Jyväskylä, Department of Biological and Environmental Science, P.O. Box 35, FI-40014, Finland
| | - Maj Rasilainen
- Finnish Environment Institute, Survontie 9 A, FI-40500 Jyväskylä, Finland; University of Jyväskylä, Department of Biological and Environmental Science, P.O. Box 35, FI-40014, Finland.
| | - Anna K Karjalainen
- University of Jyväskylä, Department of Biological and Environmental Science, P.O. Box 35, FI-40014, Finland.
| | - Jarkko Akkanen
- University of Eastern Finland, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, P.O. Box 111, FI-80101 Joensuu, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
陈 菲. Joint Toxic Effects of Mercury and Cadmium on Chironomus kiinensis Larval. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.12677/ije.2019.81005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|
10
|
de Souza Beghelli FG, Lopez-Dovál JC, Rosa AH, Pompêo M, Carlos VM. Lethal and sublethal effects of metal-polluted sediments on Chironomus sancticaroli Strixino and Strixino, 1981. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2018; 27:286-299. [PMID: 29372366 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-018-1894-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The Cantareira Complex is one of the most important water supplies of the metropolitan region of São Paulo, Brazil. Previously, it was demonstrated that the sediments in this complex were polluted with metals and that Paiva Castro Reservoir-the last reservoir in the sequence, which receives water from the five previous reservoirs-was the reservoir with the greatest concentration of pollutants. Based on field data, it was noticed that copper concentrations in sediments were related to morphological alterations in chironomids. The present study provides novel monitoring methods and results for the complex by isolating the environmental and biological sources of variation. An adaptation of the in situ assay proposed by Soares et al. (Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 49:163-172, 2005), which uses a native tropical Chironomus species and low-cost materials, is also provided. The aim of this study was to isolate the effects of sediments from Paiva Castro on controlled populations of C. sancticaroli larvae using an in situ assay. A seven-day experiment was performed in triplicate. Third instar larvae were inoculated in chambers containing sediments from two distinct regions of Paiva Castro reservoir and a control site with sand. Five biological responses were considered: mouthpart alterations, larval length, width of cephalic capsule, mortality and total damage. The results suggest the effects of sediment toxicity on larvae include a reduction in length and a higher occurrence of total damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frederico Guilherme de Souza Beghelli
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais - Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia de Sorocaba, UNESP, Avenida Três de Março, 511 - Alto da Boa Vista, Rio de Janeiro, 18087-180, Brazil.
| | - Julio César Lopez-Dovál
- Departamento de Ecologia - Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, 321, travessa 14 - Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, 05508-090, Brazil
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), Carrer Emili Grahit 101, Girona, 17003, Spain
| | - André Henrique Rosa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais - Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia de Sorocaba, UNESP, Avenida Três de Março, 511 - Alto da Boa Vista, Rio de Janeiro, 18087-180, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Pompêo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais - Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia de Sorocaba, UNESP, Avenida Três de Março, 511 - Alto da Boa Vista, Rio de Janeiro, 18087-180, Brazil
- Departamento de Ecologia - Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, 321, travessa 14 - Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Viviane Moschini Carlos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais - Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia de Sorocaba, UNESP, Avenida Três de Março, 511 - Alto da Boa Vista, Rio de Janeiro, 18087-180, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Arrighetti F, Ambrosio E, Astiz M, Capítulo AR, Lavarías S. Differential response between histological and biochemical biomarkers in the apple snail Pomacea canaliculata (Gasteropoda: Amullariidae) exposed to cypermethrin. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2018; 194:140-151. [PMID: 29179149 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2017.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
To develop effective programs to monitor water quality is necessary to identify sensitive biomarkers in indicator species. The aim of this study was to evaluate different biomarkers in the apple snail Pomacea canaliculata exposed to the insecticide Cypermethrin (CYP). Adult male and female snails were exposed to sublethal CYP concentrations (10, 25 and 100μgl-1) for 1, 4, 7 and 14days. The recovery of the exposed snails was also studied by a post-exposure assay. The activities of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and protein oxidation (PC) in digestive gland and gills were studied as biomarkers of exposure. Histopathological changes in target tissues were also evaluated. In digestive gland, CYP caused a significant increase in SOD, CAT and GST activities compared to control (p<0.05) as well as in LPO and PC levels (p<0.05). However, such biochemical effects were neither concentration nor time dependent. Histopatological changes were observed in the exposed groups, such as an increase in the number of basophilic cells, hemocytic infiltration and epithelia atrophy. Additionally, a positive correlation between the surface occupied by pigmented corpuscles and CYP concentrations was observed at all exposure periods. Gills showed greater sensitivity to oxidative damage than digestive gland. CYP caused an acute toxic effect in LPO levels in this respiratory organ. The gill filament of exposed snails, exhibited a reduction or loss of cilia, vacuolization of the columnar cells and an increase in haemocyte content irrespective of the concentration. High concentrations of CYP caused disruptions in the columnar muscle fibers. In general, snails did not show an improvement in their basal state during post-exposure treatment. Apparently, males and females do not have differential sensitivity to the pesticide. The results of this study suggest that histopathological changes are the most sensitive time- and dose-dependent biomarkers of toxicity induced by CYP in P. canaliculata.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Arrighetti
- Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia" CONICET, CABA, Argentina
| | - E Ambrosio
- Instituto de Limnología de La Plata "Dr. Raúl A. Ringuelet" (ILPLA) CCT CONICET La Plata-Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - M Astiz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (INIBIOLP) CCT CONICET La Plata-Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - A Rodrigues Capítulo
- Instituto de Limnología de La Plata "Dr. Raúl A. Ringuelet" (ILPLA) CCT CONICET La Plata-Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - S Lavarías
- Instituto de Limnología de La Plata "Dr. Raúl A. Ringuelet" (ILPLA) CCT CONICET La Plata-Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Somparn A, Iwai CB, Noller BN. Assessment of pesticide contaminated sediment using biological response of tropical chironomid, Chironomus javanus Kiffer as biomarker. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apjtb.2017.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
|
13
|
Pedrosa JAM, Cocchiararo B, Verdelhos T, Soares AMVM, Pestana JLT, Nowak C. Population genetic structure and hybridization patterns in the cryptic sister species Chironomus riparius and Chironomus piger across differentially polluted freshwater systems. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2017; 141:280-289. [PMID: 28359994 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Chironomids are an integral and functionally important part of many freshwater ecosystems. Yet, to date, there is limited understanding of their microevolutionary processes under chemically polluted natural environments. In this study, we investigated the genetic variation within populations of the ecotoxicological model species Chironomus riparius and its cryptic sister species Chironomus piger at 18 metal-contaminated and reference sites in northwestern Portugal. Microsatellite analysis was conducted on 909 samples to answer if metal contamination affects genetic variation in natural chironomid populations as previously suggested from controlled laboratory experiments. Similarly high levels of genetic diversity and significant but weak genetic substructuring were found across all sites and temporal replicates, with no effects of metal contamination on the genetic variation or species' abundance, although C. piger tended to be less frequent at highly contaminated sites. Our results indicate that high levels of gene flow and population dynamic processes may overlay potential pollutant effects. At least for our study species, we conclude that the "genetic erosion hypothesis", which suggests that chemical pollution will reduce genome-wide genetic variability in affected populations, does not hold under natural conditions. Interestingly, our study provides evidence of successful hybridization between the two sister species under natural conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João A M Pedrosa
- Department of Biology & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Conservation Genetics Group, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Clamecystrasse 12, 63571 Gelnhausen, Germany.
| | - Berardino Cocchiararo
- Conservation Genetics Group, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Clamecystrasse 12, 63571 Gelnhausen, Germany
| | - Tiago Verdelhos
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Department of Biology & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João L T Pestana
- Department of Biology & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Carsten Nowak
- Conservation Genetics Group, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Clamecystrasse 12, 63571 Gelnhausen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Roig N, Sierra J, Moreno-Garrido I, Nieto E, Gallego EP, Schuhmacher M, Blasco J. Metal bioavailability in freshwater sediment samples and their influence on ecological status of river basins. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 540:287-296. [PMID: 26148425 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.06.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Revised: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The general aim of this work has been to check the ecological impact of metals on the Ebro river basin. In order to evaluate this, metal behavior considering water, sediment as well as metal bioaccumulation in fish has been studied. Total concentrations of metals, as well as the potentially bioavailable fraction of metals in sediment has also been analyzed by the application of the sequential extraction method (BCR method). In order to evaluate the influence of metal pollution on the river ecological status, according to the Water Framework Directive (WFD), diverse biological indices such as macroinvertebrates (IBMWP), diatoms (IPS) and macrophytes (IVAM), have been considered from an integrated point of view. Considering both water and sediment, metals which contributed in higher extend to the reduction of biological quality have been demonstrated to be Pb and Zn, as they presented a negative influence on macroinvertebrates, diatoms and macrophytes communities. As and Cr that seemed to have a significant influence on macroinvertebrates and diatoms too, while Ni negatively influenced only diatom communities. This study also demonstrated that monitoring programs only based on total metal determination in water are inefficient, as metals present even at undetectable concentrations in water are strongly accumulated in fish. Moreover, the high concentrations of Hg found in sediments indicated that this river basin may present pollution problems regarded to this metal, as demonstrated by the high Hg levels found in fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neus Roig
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain; Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jordi Sierra
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain; Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Laboratori d'Edafologia, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Ignacio Moreno-Garrido
- Departamento Ecología y Gestión Costera, Instituto de Ciencias Marinas de Andalucía (CSIC), Campus Rio San Pedro, 11510 Puerto Real, Cadiz, Spain
| | - Elena Nieto
- Departamento Ecología y Gestión Costera, Instituto de Ciencias Marinas de Andalucía (CSIC), Campus Rio San Pedro, 11510 Puerto Real, Cadiz, Spain
| | - Elena Pérez Gallego
- Confederación Hidrográfica del Ebro (CHE), Paseo Sagasta 24-26, 50071 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Marta Schuhmacher
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain; Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Julián Blasco
- Departamento Ecología y Gestión Costera, Instituto de Ciencias Marinas de Andalucía (CSIC), Campus Rio San Pedro, 11510 Puerto Real, Cadiz, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Planelló R, Servia MJ, Gómez-Sande P, Herrero Ó, Cobo F, Morcillo G. Transcriptional responses, metabolic activity and mouthpart deformities in natural populations of Chironomus riparius larvae exposed to environmental pollutants. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2015; 30:383-395. [PMID: 23893657 DOI: 10.1002/tox.21893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Revised: 06/24/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Biomarkers are an important tool in laboratory assays that link exposure or effect of specific toxicants to key molecular and cellular events, but they have not been widely used in invertebrate populations exposed to complex mixtures of environmental contaminants in their natural habitats. The present study focused on a battery of biomarkers and their comparative analysis in natural populations of the benthic larvae of Chironomus riparius (Diptera), sampled in three differentially polluted rivers (the Con, Sar, and Louro in Galicia, Spain). In our study, some parameters were identified, such as hsp70 gene activity, GST enzymatic activity, total glycogen content and mouthpart deformities, which showed significant differences among populations from the three rivers that differed in the levels and types of sedimentary contaminants analyzed (metals, organic-chlorine pesticides, alkylphenols, pharmaceutical, and personal care products). In contrast to these sensitive biomarkers, other parameters showed no significant differences (hsc70 gene, EcR gene, P450 gene, RNA:DNA ratio, total protein content), and were stable even when comparing field and nonexposed laboratory populations. The hsp70 gene seems to be particularly sensitive to conditions of pollutant exposure, while its constitutive counterpart hsc70 showed invariable expression, suggesting that the hsc70/hsp70 ratio may be a potential indicator of polluted environments. Although further studies are required to understand the correlation between molecular responses and the ecological effects of pollutants on natural populations, the results provide new data about the biological responses to multiple-stressor environments. This field study adds new molecular endpoints, including gene expression, as suitable tools that, complementing other ecotoxicological parameters, may help to improve the methodologies of freshwater monitoring under the increasing burden of xenobiotics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Planelló
- Grupo de Biología y Toxicología Ambiental, Departamento de Física Matemática y Fluidos, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, UNED, Senda del Rey 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Campos D, Alves A, Lemos MFL, Correia A, Soares AMVM, Pestana JLT. Effects of cadmium and resource quality on freshwater detritus processing chains: a microcosm approach with two insect species. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2014; 23:830-839. [PMID: 24648031 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-014-1223-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Detritus processing is vital for freshwater ecosystems that depend on the leaf litter from riparian vegetation and is mediated by microorganisms and aquatic invertebrates. Shredder invertebrates transform coarse particulate organic matter into fine particulate organic matter used as food by collector species. Direct and indirect effects of contaminants can impair detritus processing and thus affect the functioning of these ecosystems. Here, we assessed the combined effects of a toxic metal (cadmium) and resource quality (leaf species) on detritus processing and shredder-collector interactions. We considered two types of leaves, alder and eucalyptus that were microbially conditioned under different Cd concentrations in the laboratory. The microbial communities present on leaves were analyzed by Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE), and we also measured microbial respiration rates. Sericostoma vittatum (a caddisfly shredder) and Chironomus riparius (a midge collector) were also exposed to Cd and allowed to consume the corresponding alder or eucalyptus leaves. We evaluated C. riparius growth and leaf mass loss in multispecies microcosms. Cadmium exposure affected leaf conditioning and fungal diversity on both leaf species, as assessed by DGGE. Cadmium exposure also affected the mass loss of alder leaves by reductions in detritivore feeding, and impaired C. riparius growth. Chironomus riparius consumed alder leaf discs in the absence of shredders, but S. vittatum appear to promote C. riparius growth in treatments containing eucalyptus. These results show that indirect effects of contaminants along detritus-processing chains can occur through effects on shredder-collector interactions such as facilitation but they also depend on the nutritional quality of detritus and on sensitivity and feeding plasticity of detritivore species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Campos
- Departamento de Biologia and CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Robertson L, Chasiotis H, Galperin V, Donini A. Allatostatin A-like immunoreactivity in the nervous system and gut of the larval midge, Chironomus riparius (Meigen): Modulation of hindgut motility, rectal K+ transport and implications for exposure to salinity. J Exp Biol 2014; 217:3815-22. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.108985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Evidence for the presence of allatostatin (AST) A-like neuropeptides in the larval midge, Chironomus riparius is reported. Immunohistochemical studies on the nervous system and gut revealed the presence of AST A-like immunoreactive (AST-IR) cells and processes. The nerve cord contained AST-IR processes that originated from cells in the brain and travelled the length of nerve cord to the terminal ganglion. Within each ganglion, these processes gave rise to varicosities suggesting that they formed synapses with neurons in the ganglia. Endocrine cells containing AST-IR were present in three regions of the midgut: near the attachment of the Malpighian tubules, between the anterior and posterior midgut and in the vicinity of the gastric caecae. The terminal ganglion also contained 4 AST-IR cells which gave rise to axons that projected onto the hindgut and posterior midgut. Application of a cockroach AST to the semi-isolated hindgut of larval C. riparius led to dose-dependent inhibition of muscle contractions with an EC50 of ~ 10 nM and a decrease in rectal K+ reabsorption resulting from reduced rectal Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) and vacuolar type H+-ATPase (VA) activities. The results suggest the presence of endogenous AST-like neuropeptides in the larval midge C. riparius where these factors play a role in the function of the gut. Furthermore, regulation of ion reabsorption by ASTs at the rectum could serve as an ideal mechanism of ion regulation in the face of abrupt and acute elevated salt levels.
Collapse
|
18
|
Tamura I, Kimura K, Kameda Y, Nakada N, Yamamoto H. Ecological risk assessment of urban creek sediments contaminated by untreated domestic wastewater: potential contribution of antimicrobials and a musk fragrance. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2013; 34:1567-1575. [PMID: 24191491 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2012.758667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Despite the fact that some hydrophobic pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) have been found to accumulate in river sediments, little is known about the contribution of these compounds to the toxicity of the whole sediment. We sampled river sediments from two urban creeks with an unsewered drainage area to investigate the toxicity for a benthic organism, Chironomus yoshimatsui. The concentrations of selected hydrophobic PPCPs, triclosan (TCS), triclocarban (TCC) and galaxolide (HHCB) were analysed using gas chromatographic mass spectroscopy or liquid chromatographic mass spectroscopy and were found to lie within the range 50 to 200 ng g(-1). The toxicity of the three individual contaminants for the chironomid was also determined. The toxicity of TCC was found to be the strongest, with an NOEC value of 2.5 microg g(-1). Combining the toxicity and measured environmental concentration, the ecological risk was assessed and the contribution of these contaminants to the whole sediment toxicity estimated, assuming additivity. The hazard quotient of all three compounds, determined without assessment factor, ranged between 0.01 and 0.1. The combined contribution of the three compounds to total sediment toxicity was as high as 8.2%, but other unknown factors may also make an important contribution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ikumi Tamura
- Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Martínez-Guitarte JL, Planelló R, Morcillo G. Overexpression of long non-coding RNAs following exposure to xenobiotics in the aquatic midge Chironomus riparius. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2012; 110-111:84-90. [PMID: 22277249 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2011.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2011] [Revised: 12/14/2011] [Accepted: 12/16/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) represent an important transcriptional output of eukaryotic genomes. In addition to their functional relevance as housekeeping and regulatory elements, recent studies have suggested their involvement in rather unexpected cellular functions. The aim of this work was to analyse the transcriptional behaviour of non-coding RNAs in the toxic response to pollutants in Chironomus riparius, a reference organism in aquatic toxicology. Three well-characterized long non-coding sequences were studied: telomeric repeats, Cla repetitive elements and the SINE CTRT1. Transcription levels were evaluated by RT-PCR after 24-h exposures to three current aquatic contaminants: bisphenol A (BPA), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) and the heavy metal cadmium (Cd). Upregulation of telomeric transcripts was found after BPA treatments. Moreover, BPA significantly activated Cla transcription, which also appeared to be increased by cadmium, whereas BBP did not affect the transcription levels of these sequences. Transcription of SINE CTRT1 was not altered by any of the chemicals tested. These data are discussed in the light of previous studies that have shown a response by long ncRNAS (lncRNAs) to cellular stressors, indicating a relationship with environmental stimuli. Our results demonstrated for the first time the ability of bisphenol A to activate non-coding sequences mainly located at telomeres and centromeres. Overall, this study provides evidence that xenobiotics can induce specific responses in ncRNAs derived from repetitive sequences that could be relevant in the toxic response, and also suggests that ncRNAs could represent a novel class of potential biomarkers in toxicological assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José-Luis Martínez-Guitarte
- Grupo de Biología y Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, UNED, Senda del Rey 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Galhano V, Gomes-Laranjo J, Peixoto F. Exposure of the cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum from Portuguese rice fields to Molinate (Ordram(®)): Effects on the antioxidant system and fatty acid profile. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2011; 101:367-376. [PMID: 21216347 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2010.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2010] [Revised: 11/16/2010] [Accepted: 11/22/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Herbicide contamination of aquatic ecosystems is a serious global environmental concern. Several herbicides enhance the intracellular formation of reactive oxygen species, and can lead to the damage of macromolecules and to a decrease of oxidant defenses in a wide range of non-target microorganisms including cyanobacteria. The effects of molinate (a thiocarbamate herbicide used for controlling grassy weeds in rice fields) on the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione S-transferase were evaluated in Nostoc muscorum, a freshwater cyanobacterium with a significant spread in Portuguese rice fields. These were determined in N. muscorum cultures acutely (72h) exposed to concentrations ranging from 0.75 to 2mM of molinate. This study also analyzed the effects of molinate on: (1) the nonenzymatic antioxidant contents (reduced and oxidized glutathione, carotenoids, and proline), (2) the oxidative cell damage measured in terms of lipid peroxidation (MDA level) and electrolyte leakage (intactness of plasma membrane), and (3) the total fatty acid profile. The results showed that the activities of all antioxidant enzymes decreased dramatically with the rising concentration of molinate after 72h. Time-dependent and concentration-dependent increase in MDA and enhanced cell membrane leakage were indicative of lipid peroxidation, formation of free radicals and oxidative damage. Compared to control, 72-h herbicide exposure increased lipid peroxidation by 5.4%, 19% and 28% with 0.75, 1.5 and 2mM of molinate, respectively. Similarly, herbicide stress induced an increase in electrolyte leakage (5.8%, 29.5% and 30.2% above control, with 0.75, 1.5 and 2mM of molinate, respectively). The increased production of proline at higher molinate concentrations (the values rose above control by 45%, 95% and 156% with 0.75, 1.5 and 2mM, respectively) indicated the involvement of this osmoprotectant in a free radical scavenging mechanism. Moreover, a radical decline in both glutathione pool, carotenoids and saturated fatty acids were also observed. The results of the present study lead us to conclude that: (1) both enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidative defense system of N. muscorum are dramatically affected by molinate, (2) the herbicide induces peroxidation, (3) it contributes to an increase of the unsaturation level of cell membrane fatty acids. These evidences should be taken in account when using N. muscorum as an environmental indicator species in studies of herbicide biotransformation and biomarker response as well as in environmental monitoring programmes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victor Galhano
- CITAB-Centre for Research and Technology of Agro-Environment and Biological Sciences, Sustainable Agro-Food Chains Research Group/Department of Biology and Environment, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Apartado 1013, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Azevedo-Pereira HMVS, Soares AMVM. Effects of mercury on growth, emergence, and behavior of Chironomus riparius Meigen (Diptera: Chironomidae). ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2010; 59:216-224. [PMID: 20652487 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-010-9482-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2009] [Accepted: 01/28/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is a pervasive toxicant that can be found in the environment due to anthropogenic activity as well as natural sources. The majority of studies in freshwater environments focus mainly on bioaccumulation, population dynamics, and biomagnification. Here, we study the effects of mercuric chloride on Chironomus riparius Meigen, simulating a mercury discharge on a freshwater ecosystem. Growth, emergence, development time, and behavior were the end points assessed. Growth was measured after 8 days of exposure and behavior was recorded on days 4 and 10 of the experimental period. The behavioral responses of C. riparius to different mercury treatments were recorded with an online biomonitor, which allows a more objective and precise behavioral understanding than visual observation. Mercury exposure resulted in reductions in growth and emergence, a delayed development time, and a decrease in locomotor activity of the larvae. Our results demonstrate that mercury exposure can impair life-history responses of chironomids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henrique M V S Azevedo-Pereira
- CESAM & Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Planelló R, Martínez-Guitarte JL, Morcillo G. Effect of acute exposure to cadmium on the expression of heat-shock and hormone-nuclear receptor genes in the aquatic midge Chironomus riparius. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2010; 408:1598-1603. [PMID: 20089296 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2010.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2009] [Revised: 12/19/2009] [Accepted: 01/02/2010] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium is a widespread and highly toxic pollutant of particular ecotoxicological relevance for aquatic ecosystems where it accumulates. To identify biomarkers for ecotoxicity monitoring, the effect of cadmium on the expression of different genes related to the stress response as well as to the ecdysone hormone-signalling pathway was studied in the aquatic larvae of Chironomus riparius (Diptera, Chironomidae), a standard test organism in aquatic toxicology testing. Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) was used to evaluate the effects of acute and short-term cadmium exposures (10mM CdCl(2), 12h and 24h) on the expression of hsp70, hsc70, hsp90 and hsp40 genes, as well as on that of the ecdysone hormonal-receptor genes (EcR and usp). A significant 3-fold increase in the level of hsp70 gene transcripts was induced by the treatment, whereas neither the other stress genes tested (hsp90 and hsp40) nor the constitutive form of hsp70, hsc70, was affected in the larvae exposed to cadmium. These results show that hsp70 is differentially activated to other environmentally regulated heat-shock genes, and constitutes a biomarker of exposure to this toxic metal. In addition, we also found that cadmium is able to alter the expression of the ecdysone receptor gene (EcR), whose mRNA level is significantly increased whereas usp levels remained unaltered. This finding, evidenced for the first time in invertebrates, supports the view that cadmium has the ability to mimic the effect of the hormone by the activation of the ecdysone nuclear receptor, which may partly explain the endocrine disruption capability that has been previously suggested for this toxic metal. Our research adds to the growing evidence implicating heavy metals, and cadmium in particular, as potential endocrine disruptive agents and may have significant implications for ecological risk assessment of endocrine-disrupting compounds in invertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Planelló
- Grupo de Biología y Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, UNED, Senda del Rey 9, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Agra AR, Soares AMVM. Effects of two insecticides on survival, growth and emergence of Chironomus riparius Meigen. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2009; 82:501-504. [PMID: 19169612 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-009-9658-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2007] [Accepted: 01/12/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Effects of chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin on the survival, growth and emergence of Chironomus riparius were determined on a life-cycle study. Although neither cypermethrin nor chlorpyrifos affected larval survival or growth, a decrease in the number of emerged midges and in the number of females over males, as well as in female biomass, were found for both insecticides. The results from this study indicate that multiple biological endpoints and extended periods of exposure are needed in order to achieve a better screening of insecticide toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana R Agra
- CESAM & Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Faria MS, Lopes RJ, Malcato J, Nogueira AJA, Soares AMVM. In situ bioassays with Chironomus riparius larvae to biomonitor metal pollution in rivers and to evaluate the efficiency of restoration measures in mine areas. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2008; 151:213-21. [PMID: 17482733 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2007.01.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2006] [Revised: 01/07/2007] [Accepted: 01/26/2007] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
In this study we evaluate the ability of an in situ bioassay with Chironomus riparius larvae, using larval development and growth as endpoints, to biomonitor water quality and to assess the biological recovery of metal contaminated freshwater ecosystems of mine areas that are subject of restoration measures. The bioassay was carried out in streams located near an abandoned goldmine in North Portugal, throughout an environmental rehabilitation of the mine (2002-2004). During this period, a decrease in the inhibition of larval growth in the metal contaminated stream was observed. The bioassay was also performed in streams located near an active tungsten mine in Central Portugal. Larval growth and development were highly inhibited in the stream that receives acid drainage from the tungsten mine and treated water from the AMD treatment station. The results indicate that the bioassay can be used to evaluate the efficiency of environmental restoration measures in mining areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mafalda S Faria
- CESAM & Departamento de Biologia da Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Faria MS, Nogueira AJA, Soares AMVM. The use of Chironomus riparius larvae to assess effects of pesticides from rice fields in adjacent freshwater ecosystems. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2007; 67:218-26. [PMID: 17223193 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2006.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2006] [Revised: 11/10/2006] [Accepted: 11/20/2006] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
A bioassay with Chironomus riparius larvae, using larval development and growth as endpoints, was carried out inside a rice field and in the adjacent wetland channel in Portugal, during pesticide treatments (molinate, endosulfan and propanil) to determine impact caused by pesticide contamination in freshwater ecosystems. The bioassay was also performed under laboratory conditions, to assess whether in situ and laboratory bioassays demonstrated comparable results. Growth was inhibited by concentrations of endosulfan (2.3 and 1.9 microgL(-1) averages) in water from rice field in both the field and laboratory, and by concentrations of endosulfan (0.55 and 0.76 microgL(-1) averages) in water from the wetland channel in the laboratory bioassay, while development was not affected. C. riparius larvae were not affected by molinate and propanil concentrations. The results indicate that endosulfan treatments in rice fields may cause an ecological impairment in adjacent freshwater ecosystems. The results also indicate that laboratory testing can be used to assess in situ toxicity caused by pesticide contamination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mafalda S Faria
- CESAM & Departamento de Biologia da Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|