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Silva C, Santos JI, Vidal T, Silva S, Almeida SFP, Gonçalves FJM, Abrantes N, Pereira JL. Potential effects of the discharge of wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents in benthic communities: evidence from three distinct WWTP systems. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:34492-34506. [PMID: 38709406 PMCID: PMC11136724 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33462-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents can be sources of environmental contamination. In this study, we aimed to understand whether effluents of three different WWTPs may have ecological effects in riverine recipient ecosystems. To achieve this, we assessed benthic phytobenthos and macroinvertebrate communities at three different locations relative to the effluent discharge: immediately upstream, immediately downstream and 500-m downstream the effluent discharge. Two approaches were employed: the ecological status classification as defined in the Water Framework Directive (WFD) based on biological indicators; constrained multivariate analysis to disentangle the environmental drivers (physicochemical variables and contaminants, namely metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products) of ecological changes across the study sites. The results showed inconsistencies between the WFD approach and the multivariate approach, as well as between the responses of macroinvertebrates and diatoms. The WWTP effluents impacted benthic communities in a single case: macroinvertebrates were negatively affected by one of the WWTP effluents, likely by the transported pharmaceuticals (other stressors are essentially homogeneous among sites). Given the findings and the scarcity of consistent evidence on ecological impacts that WWTP effluents may have in recipient ecosystems, further research is needed towards more sustainable regulation and linked environmental protection measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Silva
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana Isabel Santos
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Tânia Vidal
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Susana Silva
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Salomé Fernandes Pinheiro Almeida
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
- GeoBioTec - Geobiociências, Geotecnologias E Geo-Engenharias, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Fernando José Mendes Gonçalves
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Nelson Abrantes
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana Luísa Pereira
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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Bona F, Falasco E, Nizzoli D, Zoppi M, La Morgia V. A diatom-based approach to refine nutrient concentrations compatible with the "good" status of Northern Italy rivers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169444. [PMID: 38114027 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The identification of ecologically sound thresholds represents an important step toward improving the ecological status of rivers through appropriate measures to contain nutrient loads. The aim of the present study was to estimate phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations compatible with the achievement of the "good" ecological status of rivers from data collected in the Po River District, the largest hydrographic system in Italy. For this purpose, relationships between the diatom index used in Italy for the national assessment of the stream ecological status, the ICMi (Intercalibration Common Metric index), and total phosphorus and nitrate concentrations were analyzed using monitoring data collected between 2009 and 2019. The Po River Basin encompasses five distinct river types, from Alpine to Mediterranean to Lowlands, characterized by different anthropogenic pressures and water quality. Through regression analysis between the ICMi and nutrient concentrations, we estimated ranges of the latter values corresponding to a "good" ecological status for each river type. The resulting thresholds are far more stringent than the limits set by the Italian legislation for water quality classification. This is particularly true for total phosphorus, whose threshold value should be roughly halved for all river types. For nitrates, the results are more differentiated according to river type: the estimated thresholds are much more stringent than those currently in use for siliceous Alpine and Mediterranean rivers. Moreover, the availability of such a large database allowed also to assess the influence of one nutrient over the other on the diatom community and to highlight some critical issues in the formulation of ICMi for Mediterranean rivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Bona
- Università di Torino, DBIOS via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Torino, Italy; ALPSTREAM Alpine Streams Research Center, Parco del Monviso Ostana (CN), Italy.
| | - Elisa Falasco
- Università di Torino, DBIOS via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Torino, Italy; ALPSTREAM Alpine Streams Research Center, Parco del Monviso Ostana (CN), Italy
| | - Daniele Nizzoli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Marta Zoppi
- Università di Torino, DBIOS via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Torino, Italy; ALPSTREAM Alpine Streams Research Center, Parco del Monviso Ostana (CN), Italy
| | - Valentina La Morgia
- ISPRA Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, via Ca' Fornacetta 9, I-40064 Ozzano Emilia (BO), Italy
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Fang M, Lyu L, Wang N, Zhou X, Hu Y. Application of unsupervised clustering model based on graph embedding in water environment. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22774. [PMID: 38123700 PMCID: PMC10733311 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50301-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Surface water monitoring data has spatiotemporal characteristics, and water quality will change with time and space in different seasons and climates. Data of this nature brings challenges to clustering, especially in terms of obtaining the temporal and spatial characteristics of the data. Therefore, this paper proposes an improved TADW algorithm and names it RTADW to obtain the spatiotemporal characteristics of surface water monitoring points. We improve the feature matrix in TADW and input the original time series data and spatial information into the improved model to obtain the spatiotemporal feature vector. When the improved TADW model captures watershed information for clustering, it can simultaneously extract the temporal and spatial characteristics of surface water compared with other clustering algorithms such as the DTW algorithm. We applied the proposed method to multiple different monitoring sites in the Liaohe River Basin, analyzed the spatiotemporal regional distribution of surface water monitoring points. The results show that the improved feature extraction method can better capture the spatiotemporal feature information between surface water monitoring points. Therefore, this method can provide more potential information for cluster analysis of water environment monitoring, thereby providing a scientific basis for watershed zoning management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Fang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Shenyang Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China.
| | - Li Lyu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Shenyang Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Ning Wang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Shenyang Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China.
| | - Xiaolei Zhou
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Shenyang Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Yankun Hu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Shenyang Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
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Cesarini G, Secco S, Taurozzi D, Venditti I, Battocchio C, Marcheggiani S, Mancini L, Fratoddi I, Scalici M, Puccinelli C. Teratogenic effects of environmental concentration of plastic particles on freshwater organisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 898:165564. [PMID: 37467998 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Given the widespread presence of plastics, especially in micro- and nanoscale sizes, in freshwater systems, it is crucial to identify a suitable model organism for assessing the potential toxic and teratogenic effects of exposure to plastic particles. Until now, the early life stage of freshwater organisms and the regeneration capacity in relation to plastic particles exposure is a still poorly investigated topic. In this study, we examine the teratogenic effect on diatom Cocconeis placentula and cnidarian Hydra vulgaris under controlled exposure conditions of poly(styrene-co-methyl methacrylate) (P(S-co-MMA)) particles. Significant effects were observed at the lowest concentrations (0.1 μg/L). A significant increase in the teratological frequency in C. placentula and a significant decrease in the regeneration rate in H. vulgaris were found at the lowest concentration. The delay in hydra regeneration impaired the feeding capacity and tentacles reactivity at 96 h of exposure. No effects on diatom growth were observed upon exposure to P(S-co-MMA) particles (0.1, 1, 100, 10,000 μg/L) for 28 days and these findings agree with other studies investigating algal growth. The application of the Teratogenic Risk Index, modified for diatoms, highlighted a moderate risk for the lowest concentration evaluating C. placentula and low risk at the lowest and the highest concentrations considering H. vulgaris. This study suggests the importance of testing organisms belonging to different trophic levels as diverse teratogenic effects can be found and the need to evaluate environmentally relevant concentrations of plastic particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Cesarini
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Secco
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Taurozzi
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Iole Venditti
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Battocchio
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Marcheggiani
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Mancini
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Fratoddi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Scalici
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy.
| | - Camilla Puccinelli
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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Tison-Rosebery J, Boutry S, Bertrin V, Leboucher T, Morin S. A new diatom-based multimetric index to assess lake ecological status. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1202. [PMID: 37702871 PMCID: PMC10499699 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11855-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Eutrophication impairs lake ecosystems at a global scale. In this context, as benthic microalgae are well-established warnings for a large range of stressors, particularly nutrient enrichment, the Water Framework Directive required the development of diatom-based methods to monitor lake eutrophication. Here, we present the diatom-based index we developed for French lakes, named IBDL (Indice Biologique Diatomées en Lacs). Data were collected in 93 lakes from 2015 to 2020. A challenge arose from the discontinuous pressure gradient of our dataset, especially the low number of nutrient-impacted lakes. To analyze the data we opted for the so-called "Threshold Indicator Taxa ANalysis" method, which makes it possible to determine a list of "alert taxa." We obtained a multimetric index based on specific pressure gradients (Kjeldahl nitrogen, suspended matter, biological oxygen demand, and total phosphorous). Considering the European intercalibration process, the very good correlation between IBDL and the common metric (R2 from 0.52 to 0.87 according to the lake alkalinity type) makes us very confident in our ability to match future IBDL quality thresholds with European standards. The IBDL proved at last to be particularly relevant as it has a twofold interest: an excellent relationship with total phosphorus (R2 from 0.63 to 0.83 according to the lake alkalinity type) and a possible application to any lake metatype. Its complementarity with macrophyte-based indices moreover justifies the use of at least two primary producer components for lake ecological status classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Tison-Rosebery
- INRAE, UR EABX, 33612, Cestas, France.
- Pôle R&D ECLA, Le Bourget-du-Lac, France.
| | - S Boutry
- INRAE, UR EABX, 33612, Cestas, France
- Pôle R&D ECLA, Le Bourget-du-Lac, France
| | - V Bertrin
- INRAE, UR EABX, 33612, Cestas, France
- Pôle R&D ECLA, Le Bourget-du-Lac, France
| | - T Leboucher
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LIEC, 57000, Metz, France
| | - S Morin
- INRAE, UR EABX, 33612, Cestas, France
- Pôle R&D ECLA, Le Bourget-du-Lac, France
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Çelekli A, Lekesiz Ö, Çetin T. Eco-assessment of streams of Konya closed river basin (Turkey) using various ecoregional diatom indices. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:36143-36159. [PMID: 36542282 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24747-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Ecological assessment of freshwater ecosystems based on diatom metrics is an important issue for attaining environmental sustainability. The present study aimed to evaluate differences in the diatom-stressor relationship in relatively least disturbed streams in the Konya closed river basin using multivariate analyses and to bio-assess streams by the application of different ecoregional diatom indices. Cocconeis euglypta, Cymbella excisa, Cocconeis placentula, and Achnanthidium minutissimum are the most contributing species to the dissimilarity of sampling stations between rainy (spring) and dry (summer and fall) seasons and also between altitude (A2 800- < 1600 m and A3 ≥ 1600 m) groups. The first two axes of canonical correspondence analysis revealed a significant (82.8%) relationship between diatom species and stressors. Diatom species displayed distinct responses to environmental variables (electrical conductivity, Ni, Cu, B, and altitude) playing important roles on the distribution of species. Diatom indices indicate different ecological statuses of stations, from bad to high. European diatom indices except Duero Diatom Index (DDI) and Trophic Diatom Index (TDI) showed good responses to the eco-assessment of streams and indicated high ecological status for the least disturbed sampling stations symbolized as S16, S20, S24, S25, S27-29, S37, and S39. These results were also supported by abiotic evaluation. Although TIT was more competitive in the bio-assessment of streams among diatom indices, it is necessary to increase its species list by determining their trophic weights in future studies. Therefore, the use of ecoregion-specific diatom indices is suggested along with increasing the number of used species to correctly interpret the water quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abuzer Çelekli
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Art and Science, Gaziantep University, 27310, Gaziantep, Turkey.
| | - Ömer Lekesiz
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Art and Science, Osmaniye Korkut Ata University, 80000, Osmaniye, Turkey
| | - Tolga Çetin
- T.R. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Directorate General of Water Management, Ankara, Turkey
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de Almeida RGB, Lamparelli MC, Dodds WK, Cunha DGF. Spatial optimization of the water quality monitoring network in São Paulo State (Brazil) to improve sampling efficiency and reduce bias in a developing sub-tropical region. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:11374-11392. [PMID: 34535862 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16344-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Water quality monitoring networks (WQMNs) are essential to provide good data for management decisions. Nevertheless, some WQMNs may not appropriately reflect the conditions of the water bodies and their temporal/spatial dimensions, more particularly in developing countries. Also, some WQMNs may use more resources to attain management goals than necessary and can be improved. Here we analyzed the São Paulo State (Brazil) WQMN design in order to evaluate and increase its spatial representativeness based on cluster analysis and stratified sampling strategy focused on clear monitoring goals. We selected water resources management units (UGRHIs) representative of contrasting land uses in the state, with bimonthly data from 2004 to 2018 in 160 river/stream sites. Cluster analysis indicated monitoring site redundancy above 20% in most of the UGRHIs. We identified heterogeneous spatial strata based on land use, hydrological, and geological features through a stratified sampling strategy. We identified that monitoring sites overrepresented more impacted areas. Thus, the network is biased against determination of baseline conditions and towards highly modified aquatic systems. Our proposed spatial strategy suggested the reduction of the number of sites up to 12% in the UGRHIs with the highest population densities, while others would need expansions based on their environmental heterogeneity. The final densities ranged from 1.6 to 13.4 sites/1,000km2. Our results illustrate a successful approach to be considered in the São Paulo WQMN strategy, as well as providing a methodology that can be broadly applied in other developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Gabriel Bandeira de Almeida
- Departamento de Hidráulica e Saneamento, Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Trabalhador São-Carlense, 400. Centro, São Carlos, SP, CEP 13566-590, Brazil.
| | - Marta Condé Lamparelli
- Companhia Ambiental do Estado de São Paulo, Avenida Professor Frederico Hermann Júnior, 345. Alto de Pinheiros, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05459-900, Brazil
| | - Walter Kennedy Dodds
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, 116 Ackert Hall, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Davi Gasparini Fernandes Cunha
- Departamento de Hidráulica e Saneamento, Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Trabalhador São-Carlense, 400. Centro, São Carlos, SP, CEP 13566-590, Brazil
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Serrana JM, Watanabe K. Sediment-associated microbial community profiling: sample pre-processing through sequential membrane filtration for 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. BMC Microbiol 2022; 22:33. [PMID: 35057747 PMCID: PMC8772107 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-022-02441-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sequential membrane filtration as a pre-processing step for capturing sediment-associated microorganisms could provide good quality and integrity DNA that can be preserved and kept at ambient temperatures before community profiling through culture-independent molecular techniques. However, the effects of sample pre-processing via filtration on DNA-based profiling of sediment-associated microbial community diversity and composition are poorly understood. Specifically, the influences of pre-processing on the quality and quantity of extracted DNA, high-throughput DNA sequencing reads, and detected microbial taxa need further evaluation. RESULTS We assessed the impact of pre-processing freshwater sediment samples by sequential membrane filtration (from 10, 5 to 0.22 μm pore size) for 16S rRNA-based community profiling of sediment-associated microorganisms. Specifically, we examined if there would be method-driven differences between non- and pre-processed sediment samples regarding the quality and quantity of extracted DNA, PCR amplicon, resulting high-throughput sequencing reads, microbial diversity, and community composition. We found no significant difference in the qualities and quantities of extracted DNA and PCR amplicons, and the read abundance after bioinformatics processing (i.e., denoising and chimeric-read filtering steps) between the two methods. Although the non- and pre-processed sediment samples had more unique than shared amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), we report that their shared ASVs accounted for 74% of both methods' absolute read abundance. More so, at the genus level, the final collection filter identified most of the genera (95% of the reads) captured from the non-processed samples, with a total of 51 false-negative (2%) and 59 false-positive genera (3%). We demonstrate that while there were differences in shared and unique taxa, both methods revealed comparable microbial diversity and community composition. CONCLUSIONS Our observations highlight the feasibility of pre-processing sediment samples for community analysis and the need to further assess sampling strategies to help conceptualize appropriate study designs for sediment-associated microbial community profiling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joeselle M Serrana
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University, Bunkyo-cho 3, Matsuyama, Ehime, 790-8577, Japan
| | - Kozo Watanabe
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University, Bunkyo-cho 3, Matsuyama, Ehime, 790-8577, Japan.
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Vinueza D, Ochoa-Herrera V, Maurice L, Tamayo E, Mejía L, Tejera E, Machado A. Determining the microbial and chemical contamination in Ecuador's main rivers. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17640. [PMID: 34480050 PMCID: PMC8531378 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96926-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
One major health issue is the microbial and chemical contamination of natural freshwater, particularly in Latin American countries, such as Ecuador, where it is still lacking wastewater treatment plants. This study analyzed the water quality in twelve rivers of Ecuador (Coastal, Andean, and Amazonian regions). All rivers showed levels of E. coli and total coliforms above the maximum limit according to International and Ecuadorian legislations. The most polluted rivers were Zamora, Esmeraldas and Machángara. Also, E. coli pathotypes were found in six rivers. Several physicochemical and metal parameters were detected in high levels, such as CODTOTAL (in eight rivers), TSS (in six rivers), TS (in two rivers), Al (in nine rivers), Zn (in eight rivers), Pb (in three rivers), Cu (in three rivers), Fe (in two rivers), and Mn (in Machángara River). Our results agree with other studies in Latin America (such as Colombia, Brazil, and Peru) reporting similar contamination in water resources used for agriculture, livestock, and human consumption. Overall, Guayas, Guayllabamba, and Machángara Rivers showed the highest levels of physicochemical parameters (such as CODTOTAL and TSS) and metal concentrations (such as copper, zinc, aluminum, iron, and manganese). Further studies should evaluate contamination sources and public health impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayana Vinueza
- grid.412251.10000 0000 9008 4711Instituto de Microbiología, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales (COCIBA), Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Diego de Robles y Vía Interoceánica, Campus Cumbayá, Casilla Postal 17-1200-841, Quito, 170901 Ecuador
| | - Valeria Ochoa-Herrera
- grid.412251.10000 0000 9008 4711Colegio de Ciencias e Ingeniería, Instituto Biósfera, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), El Politécnico, Quito, 170901 Ecuador ,grid.10698.360000000122483208Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Laurence Maurice
- grid.462928.30000 0000 9033 1612Geosciences Environnement Toulouse, CNRS/IRD/CNES/Université Paul Sabatier, 14 avenue Edouard Belin, 31400 Toulouse, France ,grid.442269.f0000 0001 0299 0990Área de Salud de la Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar, Área de Salud, Toledo N22-80, P.O. Box 17-12-569, Quito, 170143 Ecuador
| | - Esteban Tamayo
- grid.412251.10000 0000 9008 4711Colegio de Ciencias e Ingeniería, Instituto Biósfera, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), El Politécnico, Quito, 170901 Ecuador
| | - Lorena Mejía
- grid.412251.10000 0000 9008 4711Instituto de Microbiología, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales (COCIBA), Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Diego de Robles y Vía Interoceánica, Campus Cumbayá, Casilla Postal 17-1200-841, Quito, 170901 Ecuador
| | - Eduardo Tejera
- grid.442184.f0000 0004 0424 2170Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Agropecuarias Aplicadas, Grupo de Bioquimioinformática, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, 170125 Ecuador
| | - António Machado
- grid.412251.10000 0000 9008 4711Instituto de Microbiología, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales (COCIBA), Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Diego de Robles y Vía Interoceánica, Campus Cumbayá, Casilla Postal 17-1200-841, Quito, 170901 Ecuador
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Pissaridou P, Cantonati M, Bouchez A, Tziortzis I, Dörflinger G, Vasquez MI. How can integrated morphotaxonomy- and metabarcoding-based diatom assemblage analyses best contribute to the ecological assessment of streams? METABARCODING AND METAGENOMICS 2021. [DOI: 10.3897/mbmg.5.68438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental conditions, such as nutrient concentrations, salinity, elevation etc., shape diatom assemblages of periphytic biofilms. These assemblages respond rapidly to environmental changes, a fact which makes diatoms valuable bioindicators. Hence, freshwater biomonitoring programmes currently use diatom indices (e.g. EU Water Framework Directive - WFD). To date, microscopy-based assessments require high taxonomic expertise for diatom identification at the species level. High-throughput technologies now provide cost-effective identification approaches that are promising, complementary or alternative tools for bioassessment. The suitability of the metabarcoding method is evaluated for the first time in the Cyprus streams WFD monitoring network, an eastern Mediterranean country with many endemic species and results are compared to the results acquired from the morphotaxonomic analysis. Morphotaxonomic identification was conducted microscopically, using the most updated taxonomic concepts, literature and online resources. At the same time, DNA metabarcoding involved the use of the rbcL 312 bp barcode, high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. The ecological status was calculated using the IPS Index. Results show a positive correlation between morpho-taxonomic and molecular IPS scores. Discrepancies between the two methodologies are related to the limitations of both techniques. This study confirmed that Fistulifera saprophila can have a crucial role in key differences observed, as it negatively influences IPS scores and microscopy methods frequently overlook it. Importantly, gaps in the DNA barcoding reference databases lead to a positive overestimation in IPS scores. Overall, we conclude that DNA metabarcoding offsets the morphotaxonomic methodology for the ecological quality assessment of freshwaters.
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Pinto R, Vilarinho R, Carvalho AP, Moreira JA, Guimarães L, Oliva-Teles L. Raman spectroscopy applied to diatoms (microalgae, Bacillariophyta): Prospective use in the environmental diagnosis of freshwater ecosystems. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 198:117102. [PMID: 33882320 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Diatom species are good pollution bioindicators due to their large distribution, fast response to changes in environmental parameters and different tolerance ranges. These organisms are used in ecological water assessment all over the world using autoecological indices. Such assessments commonly rely on the taxonomic identification of diatom species-specific shape and frustule ornaments, from which cell counts, species richness and diversity indices can be estimated. Taxonomic identification is, however, time-consuming and requires years of expertise. Additionally, though the diatom autoecological indices are region-specific, they are often applied indiscriminately across regions. Raman spectroscopy is a simpler, fast and label-free technique that can be applied to environmental diagnosis with diatoms. However, this approach has been poorly explored. This work reviews Raman spectroscopy studies involving the structure, location and conformation of diatom cell components and their variation under different conditions. A critical appreciation of the pros and cons of its application to environmental diagnosis is also given. This knowledge provides a strong foundation for the development of environmental protocols using Raman spectroscopy in diatoms. Our work aims at stimulating further research on the application of Raman spectroscopy as a tool to assess physiological changes and water quality under a changing climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Pinto
- CIIMAR/CIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, s/n 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Vilarinho
- IFIMUP, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n. 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - António Paulo Carvalho
- CIIMAR/CIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, s/n 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - J Agostinho Moreira
- IFIMUP, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n. 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Laura Guimarães
- CIIMAR/CIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, s/n 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Luís Oliva-Teles
- CIIMAR/CIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, s/n 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal.
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12
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Rivaes RP, Feio MJ, Almeida SFP, Vieira C, Calapez AR, Mortágua A, Gebler D, Lozanovska I, Aguiar FC. Multi-biologic group analysis for an ecosystem response to longitudinal river regulation gradients. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 767:144327. [PMID: 33422957 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This work assesses the effects of river regulation on the diversity of different instream and riparian biological communities along a relieve gradient of disturbance in regulated rivers. Two case studies in Portugal were used, with different river regulation typology (downstream of run-of-river and reservoir dams), where regulated and free-flowing river stretches were surveyed for riparian vegetation, macrophytes, bryophytes, macroalgae, diatoms and macroinvertebrates. The assessment of the regulation effects on biological communities was approached by both biological and functional diversity analysis. Results of this investigation endorse river regulation as a major factor differentiating fluvial biological communities through an artificial environmental filtering that governs species assemblages by accentuating species traits related to river regulation tolerance. Communities' response to regulation gradient seem to be similar and insensitive to river regulation typology. Biological communities respond to this regulation gradient with different sensibilities and rates of response, with riparian vegetation and macroinvertebrates being the most responsive to river regulation and its gradient. Richness appears to be the best indicator for general fluvial ecological quality facing river regulation. Nevertheless, there are high correlations between the biological and functional diversity indices of different biological groups, which denotes biological connections indicative of a cascade of effects leading to an indirect influence of river regulation even on non-responsive facets of communities' biological and functional diversities. These results highlight the necessary holistic perspective of the fluvial system when assessing the effects of river regulation and the proposal of restoration measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Pedro Rivaes
- Forest Research Centre (CEF), School of Agriculture, University of Lisbon, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Maria João Feio
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Largo Marquês de Pombal, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Salomé F P Almeida
- Department of Biology, GeoBioTec - GeoBioSciences, GeoTechnologies and GeoEngineering Research Centre, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Cristiana Vieira
- Museu de História Natural e da Ciência da Universidade do Porto (MHNC-UP; UPorto/PRISC), Praça Gomes Teixeira, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana R Calapez
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Largo Marquês de Pombal, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Andreia Mortágua
- Department of Biology, GeoBioTec - GeoBioSciences, GeoTechnologies and GeoEngineering Research Centre, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Daniel Gebler
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 28, 60-637 Poznań, Poland
| | - Ivana Lozanovska
- Forest Research Centre (CEF), School of Agriculture, University of Lisbon, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Francisca C Aguiar
- Forest Research Centre (CEF), School of Agriculture, University of Lisbon, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal
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A Comparison of Linear and Non-Linear Machine Learning Techniques (PCA and SOM) for Characterizing Urban Nutrient Runoff. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13042054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Urban stormwater runoff represents a significant challenge for the practical assessment of diffuse pollution sources on receiving water bodies. Given the high dimensionality of the problem, the main goal of this study was the comparison of linear and non-linear machine learning (ML) methods to characterize urban nutrient runoff from impervious surfaces. In particular, the principal component analysis (PCA) for the linear technique and the self-organizing map (SOM) for the non-linear technique were chosen and compared considering the high number of successful applications in the water quality field. To strengthen this comparison, these techniques were supported by well-known linear and non-linear methods. Those techniques were applied to a complete dataset with precipitation, flow rate, and water quality (sediments and nutrients) records of 577 events gathered for a watershed located in Southern Italy. According to the results, both linear and non-linear techniques can represent build-up and wash-off, the two main processes that characterize urban nutrient runoff. In particular, non-linear methods are able to capture and represent better the rainfall-runoff process and the transport of dissolved nutrients in urban runoff (dilution process). However, their computational time is higher than the linear technique (0.0054 s vs. 15.24 s, for linear and non-linear, respectively, in our study). The outcomes of this study provide significant insights into the application of ML methods for the water quality field.
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14
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Benthic Diatoms in River Biomonitoring—Present and Future Perspectives within the Water Framework Directive. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13040478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The European Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC (WFD) has been implemented over the past 20 years, using physicochemical, biological and hydromorphological elements to assess the ecological status of surface waters. Benthic diatoms (i.e., phytobenthos) are one of the most common biological quality elements (BQEs) used in surface water monitoring and are particularly successful in detecting eutrophication, organic pollution and acidification. Herein, we reviewed their implementation in river biomonitoring for the purposes of the WFD, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages over other BQEs, and we discuss recent advances that could be applied in future biomonitoring. Until now, phytobenthos have been intercalibrated by the vast majority (26 out of 28) of EU Member States (MS) in 54% of the total water bodies assessed and was the most commonly used BQE after benthic invertebrates (85% of water bodies), followed by fish (53%), macrophytes (27%) and phytoplankton (4%). To meet the WFD demands, numerous taxonomy-based quality indices have been developed among MS, presenting, however, uncertainties possibly related to species biogeography. Recent development of different types of quality indices (trait-based, DNA sequencing and predictive modeling) could provide more accurate results in biomonitoring, but should be validated and intercalibrated among MS before their wide application in water quality assessments.
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15
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Feio MJ, Hughes RM, Callisto M, Nichols SJ, Odume ON, Quintella BR, Kuemmerlen M, Aguiar FC, Almeida SF, Alonso-EguíaLis P, Arimoro FO, Dyer FJ, Harding JS, Jang S, Kaufmann PR, Lee S, Li J, Macedo DR, Mendes A, Mercado-Silva N, Monk W, Nakamura K, Ndiritu GG, Ogden R, Peat M, Reynoldson TB, Rios-Touma B, Segurado P, Yates AG. The Biological Assessment and Rehabilitation of the World's Rivers: An Overview. WATER 2021; 13:371. [PMID: 33868721 PMCID: PMC8048141 DOI: 10.3390/w13030371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The biological assessment of rivers i.e., their assessment through use of aquatic assemblages, integrates the effects of multiple-stressors on these systems over time and is essential to evaluate ecosystem condition and establish recovery measures. It has been undertaken in many countries since the 1990s, but not globally. And where national or multi-national monitoring networks have gathered large amounts of data, the poor water body classifications have not necessarily resulted in the rehabilitation of rivers. Thus, here we aimed to identify major gaps in the biological assessment and rehabilitation of rivers worldwide by focusing on the best examples in Asia, Europe, Oceania, and North, Central, and South America. Our study showed that it is not possible so far to draw a world map of the ecological quality of rivers. Biological assessment of rivers and streams is only implemented officially nation-wide and regularly in the European Union, Japan, Republic of Korea, South Africa, and the USA. In Australia, Canada, China, New Zealand, and Singapore it has been implemented officially at the state/province level (in some cases using common protocols) or in major catchments or even only once at the national level to define reference conditions (Australia). In other cases, biological monitoring is driven by a specific problem, impact assessments, water licenses, or the need to rehabilitate a river or a river section (as in Brazil, South Korea, China, Canada, Japan, Australia). In some countries monitoring programs have only been explored by research teams mostly at the catchment or local level (e.g., Brazil, Mexico, Chile, China, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam) or implemented by citizen science groups (e.g., Southern Africa, Gambia, East Africa, Australia, Brazil, Canada). The existing large-extent assessments show a striking loss of biodiversity in the last 2-3 decades in Japanese and New Zealand rivers (e.g., 42% and 70% of fish species threatened or endangered, respectively). A poor condition (below Good condition) exists in 25% of South Korean rivers, half of the European water bodies, and 44% of USA rivers, while in Australia 30% of the reaches sampled were significantly impaired in 2006. Regarding river rehabilitation, the greatest implementation has occurred in North America, Australia, Northern Europe, Japan, Singapore, and the Republic of Korea. Most rehabilitation measures have been related to improving water quality and river connectivity for fish or the improvement of riparian vegetation. The limited extent of most rehabilitation measures (i.e., not considering the entire catchment) often constrains the improvement of biological condition. Yet, many rehabilitation projects also lack pre-and/or post-monitoring of ecological condition, which prevents assessing the success and shortcomings of the recovery measures. Economic constraints are the most cited limitation for implementing monitoring programs and rehabilitation actions, followed by technical limitations, limited knowledge of the fauna and flora and their life-history traits (especially in Africa, South America and Mexico), and poor awareness by decision-makers. On the other hand, citizen involvement is recognized as key to the success and sustainability of rehabilitation projects. Thus, establishing rehabilitation needs, defining clear goals, tracking progress towards achieving them, and involving local populations and stakeholders are key recommendations for rehabilitation projects (Table 1). Large-extent and long-term monitoring programs are also essential to provide a realistic overview of the condition of rivers worldwide. Soon, the use of DNA biological samples and eDNA to investigate aquatic diversity could contribute to reducing costs and thus increase monitoring efforts and a more complete assessment of biodiversity. Finally, we propose developing transcontinental teams to elaborate and improve technical guidelines for implementing biological monitoring programs and river rehabilitation and establishing common financial and technical frameworks for managing international catchments. We also recommend providing such expert teams through the United Nations Environment Program to aid the extension of biomonitoring, bioassessment, and river rehabilitation knowledge globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria João Feio
- Department of Life Sciences, MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Robert M. Hughes
- Amnis Opes Institute, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
- Department of Fisheries & Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Marcos Callisto
- Laboratory of Ecology of Benthos, Department of Genetic, Ecology and Evolution, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Susan J. Nichols
- Centre for Applied Water Science, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, 2601 Canberra, Australia
| | - Oghenekaro N. Odume
- Unilever Centre for Environmental Water Quality, Institute for Water Research, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa
| | - Bernardo R. Quintella
- MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, University of Évora, 7000-812 Évora, Portugal
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mathias Kuemmerlen
- Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity Centre for the Environment, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Francisca C. Aguiar
- Centro de Estudos Florestais, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Salomé F.P. Almeida
- Department of Biology and GeoBioTec—GeoBioSciences, GeoTechnologies and GeoEngineering Research Centre, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Perla Alonso-EguíaLis
- Mexican Institute of Water Technology, Bioindicators Laboratory, Jiutepec Morelos 62550, Mexico
| | - Francis O. Arimoro
- Department of Animal and Environmental Biology (Applied Hydrobiology Unit), Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 65 Minna, Nigeria
| | - Fiona J. Dyer
- Centre for Applied Water Science, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, 2601 Canberra, Australia
| | - Jon S. Harding
- School of Biologcal Sciences, University of Canterbury, 8140 Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Sukhwan Jang
- Department of Civil Engineering, Daejin University, Hoguk-ro, Pocheon-si 1007, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Philip R. Kaufmann
- Department of Fisheries & Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- Pacific Ecological Systems Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
| | - Samhee Lee
- Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT), 283 Goyangdaero, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si 10223, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Jianhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education of China, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Diego R. Macedo
- Department of Geography, Geomorphology and Water Resources Laboratory, Institute of Geosciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ana Mendes
- MED—Instituto Mediterrâneo para a Agricultura, Ambiente e Desenvolvimento, LabOr—Laboratório de Ornitologia, Universidade de Évora, Polo da Mitra, 7002-774 Évora, Portugal
| | - Norman Mercado-Silva
- Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Conservacíon, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, 62209 Morelos, Mexico
| | - Wendy Monk
- Environment and Climate Change Canada and, Canadian Rivers Institute, Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada
| | - Keigo Nakamura
- Water Environment Research Group, Public Works Research Institute, 1-6 Minamihara, Tsukuba 305-8516, Japan
| | - George G. Ndiritu
- School of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Karatina University, P.O. Box 1957, 10101 Karatina, Kenya
| | - Ralph Ogden
- Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate, 2601 Canberra, Australia
| | - Michael Peat
- Wetlands, Policy and Northern Water Use Branch, Commonwealth Environmental Water Office, 2601 Canberra, Australia
| | | | - Blanca Rios-Touma
- Grupo de Investigación en Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Salud (BIOMAS), Facultad de Ingenierías y Ciencias Aplicadas, Ingeniería Ambiental, Universidad de Las Américas, Vía Nayón S/N, 170503 Quito, Ecuador
| | - Pedro Segurado
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Adam G. Yates
- Department of Geography, Western University and Canadian Rivers Institute, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada
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16
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Valerio C, De Stefano L, Martínez-Muñoz G, Garrido A. A machine learning model to assess the ecosystem response to water policy measures in the Tagus River Basin (Spain). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 750:141252. [PMID: 33182174 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities are seriously endangering the conservation of biodiversity worldwide, calling for urgent actions to mitigate their impact on ecosystems. We applied machine learning techniques to predict the response of freshwater ecosystems to multiple anthropogenic pressures, with the goal of informing the definition of water policy targets and management measures to recover and protect aquatic biodiversity. Random Forest and Gradient Boosted Regression Trees algorithms were used for the modelling of the biological indices of macroinvertebrates and diatoms in the Tagus river basin (Spain). Among the anthropogenic stressors considered as explanatory variables, the categories of land cover in the upstream catchment area and the nutrient concentrations showed the highest impact on biological communities. The model was then used to predict the biological response to different nutrient concentrations in river water, with the goal of exploring the effect of different regulatory thresholds on the ecosystem status. Specifically, we considered the maximum nutrient concentrations set by the Spanish legislation, as well as by the legislation of other European Union Member States. According to our model, the current nutrient thresholds in Spain ensure values of biological indices consistent with the good ecological status in only about 60% of the total number of water bodies. By applying more restrictive nutrient concentrations, the number of water bodies with biological indices in good status could increase by almost 40%. Moreover, coupling more restrictive nutrient thresholds with measures that improve the riparian habitat yields up to 85% of water bodies with biological indices in good status, thus proving to be a key approach to restore the status of the ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Valerio
- Facultad de Ciencias Geológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Calle José Antonio Nováis 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Water Observatory, Botín Foundation, Calle de Castelló 18, 28001 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Lucia De Stefano
- Facultad de Ciencias Geológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Calle José Antonio Nováis 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Water Observatory, Botín Foundation, Calle de Castelló 18, 28001 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Gonzalo Martínez-Muñoz
- Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Calle Francisco Tomás y Valiente 11, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Alberto Garrido
- Water Observatory, Botín Foundation, Calle de Castelló 18, 28001 Madrid, Spain; CEIGRAM, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Paseo Senda del Rey 13, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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González-Paz L, Delgado C, Pardo I. Understanding divergences between ecological status classification systems based on diatoms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 734:139418. [PMID: 32460081 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139418] [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: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A large number of diatom-based classification systems have been developed worldwide in recent years. These new systems, together with the oldest, emerged on the need to assess the water quality of rivers, but knowledge on possible divergences resulting from their simultaneous application within a territory is limited. This study aimed to compare the ecological status classification provided by conceptually different methodological approaches, of use or potential use within the same region. 402 monitoring samples were collected from Atlantic siliceous streams (NW-Iberian Peninsula) and temporary Mediterranean streams (Balearic Islands, Spain). Two multimetric indices specifically developed for these areas (MDIAT and DIATMIB, respectively) were calculated, as well as the Specific Polluosensitivity Index (IPS). Multimetric indices were more sensitive methods at diagnosing degradation than IPS since they took directly account of abundance (i.e. chlorophyll a in DIATMIB) or indirectly by its proved inverse relationship with Chl a (MDIAT), together with their use of the regional reference diatom community. Alteration gradients were identified in both studied regions based on the distribution of diatoms, with the first axis of distance-based redundancy analyses (dbRDA) being related to nutrient enrichment and organic loads. Threshold Indicator Taxa ANalysis (TITAN) performed on diatoms sampled along environmental (dbRDA axis 1 and phosphate) and biological gradients (as Ecological Quality Ratio scores of classifications), pointed to lower than current Good/Moderate boundaries for phosphate maximum values (e.g. 22.5 and 71.6 μg L-1 for Galicia and the Balearic Islands, respectively) as well as for higher Good/Moderate boundaries for the MDIAT and IPS classifications. A 'transition group' of species was classified as sensitive or as tolerant depending on the regional nutrients range. Findings of the present study highlight the need to perform auto-ecological studies to increase the knowledge on regional diatoms and their optimal survival ranges across regions prior to adopt other non-regional diatom indices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cristina Delgado
- Department of Ecology and Animal Biology, University of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - Isabel Pardo
- Department of Ecology and Animal Biology, University of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
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18
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Pérez-Burillo J, Trobajo R, Vasselon V, Rimet F, Bouchez A, Mann DG. Evaluation and sensitivity analysis of diatom DNA metabarcoding for WFD bioassessment of Mediterranean rivers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 727:138445. [PMID: 32334210 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Our study of 164 diatom samples from Catalonia (NE Spain) is the first to evaluate the applicability of DNA metabarcoding, based on high throughput sequencing (HTS) using a 312-bp rbcL marker, for biomonitoring Mediterranean rivers. For this, we compared the values of a biotic index (IPS) and the ecological status classes derived from them, between light microscope-based (LM) and HTS methods. Very good correspondence between methods gives encouraging results concerning the applicability of DNA metabarcoding for Catalan rivers for the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD). However, in 10 sites, the ecological status class was downgraded from "Good"/"High" obtained by LM to "Moderate"/"Poor"/"Bad" by HTS; these "critical" sites are especially important, because the WFD requires remedial action by water managers for any river with Moderate or lower status. We investigated the contribution of each species to the IPS using a "leave-one-out" sensitivity analysis, paying special attention to critical sites. Discrepancies in IPS between LM and HTS were mainly due to the misidentification and overlooking in LM of a few species, which were better recovered by HTS. This bias was particularly important in the case of Fistulifera saprophila, whose clear underrepresentation in LM was important for explaining 8 out of the 10 critical sites and probably reflected destruction of weakly-silicified frustules during sample preparation. Differences between species in the rbcL copy number per cell affected the relative abundance obtained by HTS for Achnanthidium minutissimum, Nitzschia inconspicua and Ulnaria ulna, which were also identified by the sensitivity analysis as important for the WFD. Only minor IPS discrepancies were attributed to the incompleteness of the reference library, as most of the abundant and influential species (to the IPS) were well represented there. Finally, we propose that leave-one-out analysis is a good method for identifying priority species for isolation and barcoding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Pérez-Burillo
- IRTA-Institute for Food and Agricultural Research and Technology, Marine and Continental Waters Programme, Ctra de Poble Nou Km 5.5, E43540 Sant Carles de la Rápita, Catalonia, Spain; Departament de Geografia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, C/Joanot Martorell 15, E43500 Vila-seca, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Rosa Trobajo
- IRTA-Institute for Food and Agricultural Research and Technology, Marine and Continental Waters Programme, Ctra de Poble Nou Km 5.5, E43540 Sant Carles de la Rápita, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Valentin Vasselon
- Pôle R&D "ECLA", France; AFB, Site INRA UMR CARRTEL, Thonon-les-Bains, France
| | - Frédéric Rimet
- INRAE, UMR Carrtel, 75 av. de Corzent, FR-74203 Thonon les Bains cedex, France; University Savoie Mont-Blanc, UMR CARRTEL, FR-73370 Le Bourget du Lac, France
| | - Agnès Bouchez
- INRAE, UMR Carrtel, 75 av. de Corzent, FR-74203 Thonon les Bains cedex, France; University Savoie Mont-Blanc, UMR CARRTEL, FR-73370 Le Bourget du Lac, France
| | - David G Mann
- IRTA-Institute for Food and Agricultural Research and Technology, Marine and Continental Waters Programme, Ctra de Poble Nou Km 5.5, E43540 Sant Carles de la Rápita, Catalonia, Spain; Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH3 5LR, Scotland, UK
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19
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An experimental approach to estimate uncertainty of diatom community analysis in the accreditation process. Microchem J 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2019.104078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Puccinelli C, Marcheggiani S, Mancini L. A Patented Rapid Method for Identification of Italian Diatom Species. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16203933. [PMID: 31623119 PMCID: PMC6843774 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16203933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The study of diatoms—unicellular algae of the class Bacillariophyceae—has several applications, first and foremost the evaluation of freshwater ecosystem quality according to the Water Frame Directive 2000/60/EC (WFD). Identification at the species level is a crucial step in diatom studies, considering that species belonging to the same genus have different geographical distributions and different ecological requirements. The Rapid Method for Identification of Italian Diatom Species is aimed at guiding users in the classification of freshwater diatom species. It consists of a digitized flow chart that leads, step by step, to the identification, starting with an image capture by light or electron microscopy. This rapid and easy tool could be useful to workers of an environmental agency when performing the operational monitoring required by the WFD to classify surface waters. It will also expand the application of diatoms in numerous fields. This method has been patented in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Puccinelli
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Environment and Health Dept., Ecosystem and Health Unit, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Stefania Marcheggiani
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Environment and Health Dept., Ecosystem and Health Unit, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Laura Mancini
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Environment and Health Dept., Ecosystem and Health Unit, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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Rodrigues C, Alves P, Bio A, Vieira C, Guimarães L, Pinheiro C, Vieira N. Assessing the ecological status of small Mediterranean rivers using benthic macroinvertebrates and macrophytes as indicators. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2019; 191:596. [PMID: 31463760 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-019-7766-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Rivers are amongst the most threatened ecosystems in Europe. To prevent further degradation and to improve their ecological status, effective mitigation and restoration actions are needed. Those actions are primarily based on the precision of the ecological assessment results. This study aims to assess the ecological status of two small Mediterranean rivers-the Âncora (AR) and the Ferreira (FR) rivers-through the analysis of biological (benthic macroinvertebrates and macrophytes), physico-chemical and hydromorphological quality elements. Specific objectives were to analyse variations of biotic and abiotic parameters amongst rivers, and amongst seasons and sites within each river, to confirm adequate temporal windows to develop the monitoring surveys. Results showed that only one AR site achieved a good ecological status in spring and summer, while the other sites presented a moderate ecological status in all seasons. FR sites had a moderate to bad ecological status in all seasons. Both rivers showed high levels of nutrients, particularly during spring and summer, and were found quite altered in terms of floristic composition of the riparian communities. The riparian forest and the forbs fringe were dominated by several alien woody species and nitrophilous communities, respectively. Based on a multidisciplinary approach, this study provides an in-depth description of the ecological status of two small Mediterranean rivers located in sites of European interest, as well as a sound basis for the management of the aquatic environments. Mitigation of diffuse pollution and restoration of the riparian zones are a priority to improve their ecological status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Rodrigues
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal.
- Departamento de Biologia da Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Paulo Alves
- Floradata-Biodiversidade, Ambiente e Recursos Naturais, Lda., Rua do Campinho 32, 4000-151, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Bio
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Cristiana Vieira
- Museu de História Natural e da Ciência da Universidade do Porto (MHNC-UP), Praça Gomes Teixeira, 4099-002, Porto, Portugal
| | - Laura Guimarães
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Carlos Pinheiro
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia da Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Natividade Vieira
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia da Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
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Cordier T, Lanzén A, Apothéloz-Perret-Gentil L, Stoeck T, Pawlowski J. Embracing Environmental Genomics and Machine Learning for Routine Biomonitoring. Trends Microbiol 2019; 27:387-397. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2018.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Chen J, Lyu Y, Zhao Z, Liu H, Zhao H, Li Z. Using the multidimensional synthesis methods with non-parameter test, multiple time scales analysis to assess water quality trend and its characteristics over the past 25 years in the Fuxian Lake, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 655:242-254. [PMID: 30471592 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.11.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Fuxian Lake is one of the most important conservation areas in the southwest of China. Understanding the water-quality trend and characteristics is the basis of area protection for Fuxian Lake. This study combines of the Mann-Kendall, Mann-Kendall-Sneyers, water pollution index (WPI), the trophic state index and time series analysis to detect and characterize the water quality with a set of indicators: transparency (SD), permanganate index (IMn), total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) and chlorophyll-a (Chl.a). Then, the characteristics are discussed on the scales of long-period, sections divided by the change point, and monthly data. Results show that the water quality of Fuxian Lake is at a good level but decreases consistently. Especially, the increasing trends of IMn, BOD5, and Chl.a pass the confidence limit of the Z value of 2.56. The year of 2007 was designated as the change point. The characteristics of pollution and typical components vary in the long-period series, between the two sections divided by the change point, and in the monthly data. In the long period, the TN and TP are typical pollution components. However, the IMn, BOD5, and Chl.a are typical components as the large changes of a 99.1% and 89.5% increase after the change point with respect to the former values, respectively. On the scale of monthly data of a typical year, the pollution grade and components varies within the years. The multidimensional synthesis methodology established by employing evaluation index systems from the aspects of pollution level, multi-attributes and the trophic state status could also be applied to detect and characterize the water quality of other water bodies. The results of the Fuxian Lake study can provide the base information and decision-making support for water quality management and area protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxu Chen
- School of Resource, Environment and Earth Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650504, China; International Joint Research Center for Karstology, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China.
| | - Yan Lyu
- School of Resource, Environment and Earth Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650504, China
| | - Zhifang Zhao
- School of Resource, Environment and Earth Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650504, China.
| | - Hong Liu
- School of Resource, Environment and Earth Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650504, China; International Joint Research Center for Karstology, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Hongling Zhao
- School of Resource, Environment and Earth Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650504, China
| | - Zichen Li
- School of Resource, Environment and Earth Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650504, China
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Mandaric L, Kalogianni E, Skoulikidis N, Petrovic M, Sabater S. Contamination patterns and attenuation of pharmaceuticals in a temporary Mediterranean river. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 647:561-569. [PMID: 30089278 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.07.308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Revised: 07/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The contamination patterns and fate of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) were investigated in the Evrotas River (Southern Greece). This is a temporary river with differing levels of water stress and water quality impairment in a number of its reaches. Three sampling campaigns were conducted in order to capture different levels of water stress and water quality. Four sampling sites located on the main channel of the Evrotas River were sampled in July 2015 (moderate stream flow), and June and September 2016 (low stream flow). Discharge of urban wastewater has been determined as the main source of pollution, with PhACs, nutrients and other physicochemical parameters considerably increasing downstream the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) of Sparta city. Due to the pronounced hydrological variation of the Evrotas River, generally, the highest concentrations of PhACs have been detected during low flow conditions. Simultaneously, low flow resulted in an increased water travel time and consequently longer residence time that accounted for the higher attenuation of most PhACs. The average decrease in total concentration of PhACs within the studied waterbody segment (downstream of Sparta city) increased from 22% in July 2015 to 25% in June 2016 and 77% in September 2016. The PhACs with the highest average concentration decrease throughout the sampling campaigns were hydrochlorothiazide, followed by sotalol, carbamazepine, valsartan, and naproxen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ladislav Mandaric
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), C/Emili Grahit 101, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Eleni Kalogianni
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters (IMBRIW), Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 46.7 km Athens-Souniou Av., 190 13, P.O. Box 712, Anavissos, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Skoulikidis
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters (IMBRIW), Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 46.7 km Athens-Souniou Av., 190 13, P.O. Box 712, Anavissos, Greece
| | - Mira Petrovic
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), C/Emili Grahit 101, E-17003 Girona, Spain; Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Lluis Company 25, 08010 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Sergi Sabater
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), C/Emili Grahit 101, E-17003 Girona, Spain; Institute of Aquatic Ecology (IEA), Faculty of Science, University of Girona (UdG), Campus de Montilivi, M. Aurélia Capmany 69, 17003 Girona, Spain
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25
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Herrero A, Gutiérrez-Cánovas C, Vigiak O, Lutz S, Kumar R, Gampe D, Huber-García V, Ludwig R, Batalla R, Sabater S. Multiple stressor effects on biological quality elements in the Ebro River: Present diagnosis and predicted responses. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 630:1608-1618. [PMID: 29554777 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Multiple abiotic stressors affect the ecological status of water bodies. The status of waterbodies in the Ebro catchment (NE Spain) is evaluated using the biological quality elements (BQEs) of diatoms, invertebrates and macrophytes. The multi-stressor influence on the three BQEs was evaluated using the monitoring dataset available from the catchment water authority. Nutrient concentrations, especially total phosphorus (TP), affected most of the analyzed BQEs, while changes in mean discharge, water temperature, or river morphology did not show significant influences. Linear statistical models were used to evaluate the change of water bodies' ecological status under different combinations of future socioeconomic and climate scenarios. Changes in land use, rainfall, water temperature, mean discharge, TP and nitrate concentrations were modeled according to the future scenarios. These revealed an evolution of the abiotic stressors that could lead to a general decrease in the ecosystem quality of water bodies within the Ebro catchment. This deterioration was especially evidenced on the diatoms and invertebrate biological indices, mainly because of the foreseen increase in TP concentrations. Water bodies located in the headwaters were seen as the most sensitive to future changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Herrero
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), H(2)O Building, C/Emili Grahit, 101, 17003 Girona, Spain; Fluvial Dynamics Research Group (RIUS), University of Lleida, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Cayetano Gutiérrez-Cánovas
- Freshwater Ecology and Management group, Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Diagonal, 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olga Vigiak
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Directorate D - Sustainable Resources, Ispra, Italy; Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, Department of Geography, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefanie Lutz
- UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Department Catchment Hydrology, Theodor-Lieser-Str. 4, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Rohini Kumar
- UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Department of Computational Hydrosystems, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - David Gampe
- Department of Geography, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Ralf Ludwig
- Department of Geography, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Ramon Batalla
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), H(2)O Building, C/Emili Grahit, 101, 17003 Girona, Spain; Fluvial Dynamics Research Group (RIUS), University of Lleida, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain; Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Sergi Sabater
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), H(2)O Building, C/Emili Grahit, 101, 17003 Girona, Spain; GRECO, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
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26
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Tornés E, Mor JR, Mandaric L, Sabater S. Diatom responses to sewage inputs and hydrological alteration in Mediterranean streams. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 238:369-378. [PMID: 29574361 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We analyzed the conjoint effects of sewage inputs and hydrological alteration on the occurrence of teratological forms and on the assemblage composition of stream benthic diatoms. The study was performed in 11 Mediterranean streams which received treated or untreated urban sewage (Impact sites, I), whose composition and morphological anomalies were compared to upstream unaffected (Control, C) sites. The impact sites had high concentrations of ammonium, phosphorus, and pharmaceutical compounds (antibiotics, analgesics, and anti-inflammatories), particularly in those receiving untreated sewage. Impact sites had a higher proportion of teratological forms as well as a prevalence of diatom taxa tolerant to pollution. The differences in the diatom assemblage composition between the paired C and I sites were the largest in the impacted sites that received untreated sewage inputs as well as in the systems with lower dilution capacity. In these sites, the diatom assemblage was composed by a few pollution-tolerant species. Mediterranean river systems facing hydrological stress are highly sensitive to chemical contamination, leading to the homogenization of their diatom assemblages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabet Tornés
- Institute of Aquatic Ecology, GRECO, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, M. Aurèlia Capmany 69, 17003, Girona, Spain; ICRA, Scientific and Technologic Park of the University of Girona, Carrer Emili Grahit 101, Girona, 17003, Spain
| | - Jordi-René Mor
- ICRA, Scientific and Technologic Park of the University of Girona, Carrer Emili Grahit 101, Girona, 17003, Spain; Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Avda. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ladislav Mandaric
- ICRA, Scientific and Technologic Park of the University of Girona, Carrer Emili Grahit 101, Girona, 17003, Spain
| | - Sergi Sabater
- Institute of Aquatic Ecology, GRECO, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, M. Aurèlia Capmany 69, 17003, Girona, Spain; ICRA, Scientific and Technologic Park of the University of Girona, Carrer Emili Grahit 101, Girona, 17003, Spain.
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Segurado P, Almeida C, Neves R, Ferreira MT, Branco P. Understanding multiple stressors in a Mediterranean basin: Combined effects of land use, water scarcity and nutrient enrichment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 624:1221-1233. [PMID: 29929235 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.12.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2017] [Revised: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
River basins are extremely complex hierarchical and directional systems that are affected by a multitude of interacting stressors. This complexity hampers effective management and conservation planning to be effectively implemented, especially under climate change. The objective of this work is to provide a wide scale approach to basin management by interpreting the effect of isolated and interacting factors in several biotic elements (fish, macroinvertebrates, phytobenthos and macrophytes). For that, a case study in the Sorraia basin (Central Portugal), a Mediterranean system mainly facing water scarcity and diffuse pollution problems, was chosen. To develop the proposed framework, a combination of process-based modelling to simulate hydrological and nutrient enrichment stressors and empirical modelling to relate these stressors - along with land use and natural background - with biotic indicators, was applied. Biotic indicators based on ecological quality ratios from WFD biomonitoring data were used as response variables. Temperature, river slope, % of agriculture in the upstream catchment and total N were the variables more frequently ranked as the most relevant. Both the two significant interactions found between single hydrological and nutrient enrichment stressors indicated antagonistic effects. This study demonstrates the potentialities of coupling process-based modelling with empirical modelling within a single framework, allowing relationships among different ecosystem states to be hierarchized, interpreted and predicted at multiple spatial and temporal scales. It also demonstrates how isolated and interacting stressors can have a different impact on biotic quality. When performing conservation or management plans, the stressor hierarchy should be considered as a way of prioritizing actions in a cost-effective perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Segurado
- Universidade de Lisboa, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Centro de Estudos Florestais, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Carina Almeida
- Universidade de Lisboa, Instituto Superior Técnico, MARETEC, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ramiro Neves
- Universidade de Lisboa, Instituto Superior Técnico, MARETEC, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Teresa Ferreira
- Universidade de Lisboa, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Centro de Estudos Florestais, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Paulo Branco
- Universidade de Lisboa, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Centro de Estudos Florestais, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal
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Jiang M, Wang Y, Yang Q, Meng F, Yao Z, Cheng P. Assessment of surface water quality using a growing hierarchical self-organizing map: a case study of the Songhua River Basin, northeastern China, from 2011 to 2015. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2018; 190:260. [PMID: 29603019 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-018-6635-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The analysis of a large number of multidimensional surface water monitoring data for extracting potential information plays an important role in water quality management. In this study, growing hierarchical self-organizing map (GHSOM) was applied to a water quality assessment of the Songhua River Basin in China using 22 water quality parameters monitored monthly from 13 monitoring sites from 2011 to 2015 (14,782 observations). The spatial and temporal features and correlation between the water quality parameters were explored, and the major contaminants were identified. The results showed that the downstream of the Second Songhua River had the worst water quality of the Songhua River Basin. The upstream and midstream of Nenjiang River and the Second Songhua River had the best. The major contaminants of the Songhua River were chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), total phosphorus (TP), and fecal coliform (FC). In the Songhua River, the water pollution at downstream has been gradually eased in years. However, FC and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) showed growth over time. The component planes showed that three sets of parameters had positive correlations with each other. GHSOM was found to have advantages over self-organizing maps and hierarchical clustering analysis as follows: (1) automatically generating the necessary neurons, (2) intuitively exhibiting the hierarchical inheritance relationship between the original data, and (3) depicting the boundaries of the classification much more clearly. Therefore, the application of GHSOM in water quality assessments, especially with large amounts of monitoring data, enables the extraction of more information and provides strong support for water quality management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingcen Jiang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Water Resources & Environmental Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Yeyao Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Water Resources & Environmental Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China.
- China National Environmental Monitoring Center, Beijing, 100012, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qi Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Water Resources & Environmental Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Fansheng Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhipeng Yao
- China National Environmental Monitoring Center, Beijing, 100012, People's Republic of China
| | - Peixuan Cheng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Water Resources & Environmental Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
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Poulíčková A, Letáková M, Hašler P, Cox E, Duchoslav M. Species complexes within epiphytic diatoms and their relevance for the bioindication of trophic status. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 599-600:820-833. [PMID: 28499230 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The popularity of aquatic bioassessments has increased in Europe and worldwide, with a considerable number of methods being based on benthic diatoms. Recent evidence from molecular data and mating experiments has shown that some traditional diatom morphospecies represent species complexes, containing several to many cryptic species. This case study is based on epiphytic diatom and environmental data from shallow fishponds, investigating whether the recognition and use of fine taxonomic resolution (cryptic species) can improve assessment of community response to environmental drivers and increase sharpness of classification, compared to coarse taxonomic resolution (genus level and species level with unresolved species complexes). Secondly, trophy bioindication based on a species matrix divided into two compartments (species complexes and remaining species) was evaluated against the expectation that species complexes would be poor trophy indicators, due to their expected wide ecological amplitude. Finally, the response of species complexes and their members (cryptic species) to a trophic gradient (phosphorus) were compared. Multivariate analyses showed similar efficiency of all three taxonomic resolutions in depicting community patterns and their environmental correlates, suggesting that even genus level resolution is sufficient for routine bioassessment of shallow fishponds with a wide trophic range. However, after controlling for coarse taxonomic matrices, fine taxonomic resolution (with resolved cryptic species) still showed sufficient variance related to the environmental variable (habitat groups), and increased the sharpness of classification, number of indicator species for habitat categories, and gave better separation of habitat categories in the ordination space. Regression analysis of trophic bioindication and phosphorus concentration showed a weak relationship for species complexes but a close relationship for the remaining taxa. GLM models also showed that no species complex responded to phosphorus concentration. It follows that the studied species complexes have wide tolerances to, and no apparent optima for, phosphorus concentrations. In contrast, various responses (linear, unimodal, or no response) of cryptic species within species complexes were found to total phosphorus concentration. In some cases, fine taxonomic resolution to species level including cryptic species has the potential to improve data interpretation and extrapolation, supporting recent views of species surrogacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aloisie Poulíčková
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, Šlechtitelů 27, CZ-783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic.
| | - Markéta Letáková
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, Šlechtitelů 27, CZ-783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Hašler
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, Šlechtitelů 27, CZ-783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Eileen Cox
- The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Martin Duchoslav
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, Šlechtitelů 27, CZ-783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
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30
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Feio MJ, Calapez AR, Elias CL, Cortes RMV, Graça MAS, Pinto P, Almeida SFP. The paradox of expert judgment in rivers ecological monitoring. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2016; 184:609-616. [PMID: 27784580 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A great investment has been done in the last decades in the development of numerical and qualitative assessment methods to classify the ecological quality of water bodies. Yet, in spite of all attempts to avoid subjectivity, expert judgment is still used at numerous steps of the ecological classification and is considered by some authors as indispensible for management purposes. Thus, the aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that expert judgment, when done by the adequate experts (limnologists/river ecologist) with experience in the study area (i.e., natural conditions and expected communities), could be as good as quantitative indices and measures (i.e., result in the same classification), but quicker and with lower cost. For that we compared the classifications (on 13 aspects of rivers ecosystems) attributed by two experts to 20 sites (10 each) located in their study areas, with the classifications of ecological quality based on biological indices (for invertebrates and diatoms), hydromorphology and water chemistry, calculated by an independent team. Our results show that assessments made by experts and those calculated through indices (biological quality and hydromorphology) are globally very similar (RELATE test; Rho = 0.442; p < 0.001, 999 permutations). Most differences were of one class and experts tended to attribute a better condition than indices to the best quality sites but a worse condition to the worse quality sites. A Principal Components Analysis revealed that sites to which experts attributed a moderate quality had higher nitrate concentration and pH but were well oxygenated. The sites classified as poor and bad where those with stronger modifications in their habitats (given by the higher values of HMS). The difference between experts and indices is small but still represents 15% of sites, and includes both situations: the experts or the indices lead to the need of measures (i.e., classifications below class Good). Experts' evaluations on hydromorphological conditions of the channel and margins are also significantly correlated with the quality assessments made by the field team that has no experience in the study area (Rh0 = 0.518; p = 0.001; 999 permutation), indicating geographic independence in the expert judgment. We concluded that expert judgment could be used in the determination of streams and rivers ecological quality, saving money and time and helping to redirect monitoring funds to actual implementation of restoration measures. Yet, classification' scoring methods may still be useful for a better targeting of restoration measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Feio
- MARE- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, University of Coimbra, 3001-456, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - A R Calapez
- MARE- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, University of Coimbra, 3001-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - C L Elias
- Department of Biology and GeoBioTec-GeoBioSciences, GeoTechnologies and GeoEngineering Research Centre, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - R M V Cortes
- University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta dos Prados, 5001-801, Portugal
| | - M A S Graça
- MARE- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, University of Coimbra, 3001-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - P Pinto
- ICT- Institute of Earth Sciences, Department of Biology, University of Évora, Largo dos Colegiais, 7001, Évora codex, Portugal
| | - S F P Almeida
- Department of Biology and GeoBioTec-GeoBioSciences, GeoTechnologies and GeoEngineering Research Centre, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
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Poikane S, Kelly M, Cantonati M. Benthic algal assessment of ecological status in European lakes and rivers: Challenges and opportunities. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 568:603-613. [PMID: 26936662 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This opinion paper introduces a special series of articles dedicated to freshwater benthic algae and their use in assessment and monitoring. This special series was inspired by talks presented at the 9th International Congress on the Use of Algae for Monitoring Rivers and Comparable Habitats (Trento, Italy, 2015), the latest of a series of meetings started in 1991. In this paper, we will first provide a brief overview of phytobenthos methods in Europe. Then, we will turn towards the 'dark side' of phytobenthos and describe four particular problems for phytobenthos assessment in the European Union: (1) over-reliance on a single group of algae (mostly diatoms) to the exclusion of other groups; (2) relatively low adoption of benthic algae for ecological assessments in lakes; (3) absence of measures of phytobenthos abundance; (4) approaches used to define boundaries between ecological classes. Following this, we evaluate the strengths and limitations of current phytobenthos assessment methods against 12 criteria for method evaluation addressing four areas: ecological rationale, performance, feasibility of implementation, and use in communication and management. Using these criteria, we identify and discuss three general challenges for those developing new methods for phytobenthos-based assessment: a weak ecological rationale and insufficient consideration of the role of phytobenthos as a diagnostic tool and for communicating ecosystem health beyond a narrow group of specialists. The papers in the special series allow a comparison with the situation and approaches in the USA, present new methods for the assessment of ecological status and acidification, provide tools for an improved management of headwaters and petrifying springs, discuss the utility of phytobenthos for lake assessments, and test the utility of functional measures (such as biofilm phosphorus uptake capacity, PUC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Poikane
- European Commission Joint Research Centre, Institute for Environment and Sustainability, via E. Fermi 2749, Ispra 21027, Italy.
| | - Martyn Kelly
- Bowburn Consultancy, 11 Monteigne Drive, Bowburn, Durham DH6 5QB, UK
| | - Marco Cantonati
- Museo delle Scienze - MUSE, Limnology and Phycology Section, Corso del Lavoro e della Scienza 3, I-38123 Trento, Italy
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32
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Protist metabarcoding and environmental biomonitoring: Time for change. Eur J Protistol 2016; 55:12-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2016.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Revised: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Sabater S, Barceló D, De Castro-Català N, Ginebreda A, Kuzmanovic M, Petrovic M, Picó Y, Ponsatí L, Tornés E, Muñoz I. Shared effects of organic microcontaminants and environmental stressors on biofilms and invertebrates in impaired rivers. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 210:303-314. [PMID: 26803786 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.01.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Revised: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Land use type, physical and chemical stressors, and organic microcontaminants were investigated for their effects on the biological communities (biofilms and invertebrates) in several Mediterranean rivers. The diversity of invertebrates, and the scores of the first principal component of a PCA performed with the diatom communities were the best descriptors of the distribution patterns of the biological communities against the river stressors. These two metrics decreased according to the progressive site impairment (associated to higher area of agricultural and urban-industrial, high water conductivity, higher dissolved organic carbon and dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentrations, and higher concentration of organic microcontaminants, particularly pharmaceutical and industrial compounds). The variance partition analyses (RDAs) attributed the major share (10%) of the biological communities' response to the environmental stressors (nutrients, altered discharge, dissolved organic matter), followed by the land use occupation (6%) and of the organic microcontaminants (2%). However, the variance shared by the three groups of descriptors was very high (41%), indicating that their simultaneous occurrence determined most of the variation in the biological communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sabater
- Institute of Aquatic Ecology, GRECO, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, 17071 Girona, Spain; ICRA, Carrer Emili Grahit 101, Girona 17003, Spain.
| | - D Barceló
- ICRA, Carrer Emili Grahit 101, Girona 17003, Spain; Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - N De Castro-Català
- Department of Ecology, University of Barcelona. Fac. Biology, Avda. Diagonal 645, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Ginebreda
- Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Kuzmanovic
- Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Petrovic
- ICRA, Carrer Emili Grahit 101, Girona 17003, Spain; ICREA, Passeig Lluís Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Y Picó
- Food and Environmental Safety Research Group, Department of Medicine Preventive and Public Health, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Legal Medicine, University of Valencia, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n., 46100, Burjassot, València, Spain
| | - L Ponsatí
- ICRA, Carrer Emili Grahit 101, Girona 17003, Spain
| | - E Tornés
- Institute of Aquatic Ecology, GRECO, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, 17071 Girona, Spain; ICRA, Carrer Emili Grahit 101, Girona 17003, Spain
| | - I Muñoz
- Department of Ecology, University of Barcelona. Fac. Biology, Avda. Diagonal 645, Barcelona, Spain
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Pahissa J, Catalan J, Morabito G, Dörflinger G, Ferreira J, Laplace-Treyture C, Gîrbea R, Marchetto A, Polykarpou P, de Hoyos C. Benefits and limitations of an intercalibration of phytoplankton assessment methods based on the Mediterranean GIG reservoir experience. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 538:169-179. [PMID: 26298850 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.08.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The status of European legislation regarding inland water quality after the enactment of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) originated scientific effort to develop reliable methods, primarily based on biological parameters. An important aspect of the process was to ensure that quality assessment was comparable between the different Member States. The Intercalibration process (IC), required in the WFD ensures the unbiased application of the norm. The presented results were developed in the context of the 2nd IC phase. An overview of the reservoir type definition of the Lake Mediterranean Geographical Intercalibration Group, where four types were considered divided by both alkalinity and climate, together with the results for selection of Maximum Ecological Potential sites (MEP) are presented. MEP reservoirs were selected based on pressure and biological variables. Three phytoplankton-based assessment methods were intercalibrated using data from Mediterranean countries. The Mediterranean Assessment System for Reservoirs Phytoplankton (Spain), the New Mediterranean Assessment System for Reservoirs Phytoplankton (Portugal and Cyprus) and the New Italian Method (Italy) were applied. These three methods were compared through option 3 of the Intercalibration Guide. The similarity of the assessments was quantified, and the Good/Moderate (GM) boundaries assessed. All three methods stood as comparable at the GM boundary except for the MASRP in siliceous wet reservoirs, which was slightly stricter. Finally, the main taxonomic groups represented in the phytoplankton community at MEP conditions were identified, as well as their main changes with an increasing trophic status. MEP sites are dominated by chrysophytes in siliceous wet reservoirs and by the diatoms Cyclotella and Achnanthes in calcareous ones. Cyanobacteria take over the community in both calcareous and siliceous wet reservoirs as eutrophication increases. In summary, the relevance and reliability of the quality assessment methods compared were confirmed both from an ecological perspective and a health risk management point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Pahissa
- Department of Aquatic Environment, Centre for Hydrographic Studies, CEDEX, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Jordi Catalan
- CREAF, Cerdanyola del Vallès, CEAB, CSIC, Blanes, Spain
| | - Giuseppe Morabito
- Institute for Ecosystem Study, National Research Council, Verbania Pallanza, Italy
| | | | - João Ferreira
- Department of Water Resources, Portuguese Environment Agency, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Ruxandra Gîrbea
- National Administration "Apele Române", Department River Basin Management Plans, Bucureşti, Romania
| | - Aldo Marchetto
- Institute for Ecosystem Study, National Research Council, Verbania Pallanza, Italy
| | | | - Caridad de Hoyos
- Department of Aquatic Environment, Centre for Hydrographic Studies, CEDEX, Madrid, Spain
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35
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Tan X, Ma P, Bunn SE, Zhang Q. Development of a benthic diatom index of biotic integrity (BD-IBI) for ecosystem health assessment of human dominant subtropical rivers, China. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2015; 151:286-294. [PMID: 25585141 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2014.12.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Revised: 12/13/2014] [Accepted: 12/28/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
As efforts intensify to address the issues of declining water quality and biodiversity losses in freshwater ecosystems, there have been great demands for effective methods of evaluating aquatic ecosystem health. In this study, benthic algae assemblages and water quality variables were analyzed to develop a benthic diatom-based index of biotic integrity (BD-IBI) for assessment of the aquatic environment in the upper Han River (China). Through the use of multivariate and multimetric approaches, four metrics - % prostrate individuals, % Amphora individuals, % polysaprob species, and diatom-based eutrophication/pollution index (EPI-D) - were identified from 98 candidate metrics to develop a BD-IBI. Application of the index revealed that water quality in 11% of the 31 sampled sites could be described as excellent condition, in 43% of the sites it could be described as good condition, in 25% as moderate condition, and in 21% as poor condition. The assessment further revealed that the main reason for degradation of the Han river ecosystem was nutrient enrichment through agricultural land use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Tan
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China; Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Peiming Ma
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Impacts of Hydraulic-Projects and Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystem of Ministry of Water Resources, Institute of Hydroecology, Ministry of Water Resources and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Stuart E Bunn
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Quanfa Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China.
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36
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Ferreira MT, Sabater S. Intercalibration of ecological quality in European Mediterranean rivers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 476-477:743-744. [PMID: 24581342 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.02.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M Teresa Ferreira
- Department of Natural Resources, Environment and Landscape, Institute of Agronomy, University of Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sergi Sabater
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), Girona Spain; Institute of Aquatic Ecology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
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