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Martins I, Guerra A, Azevedo A, Harasse O, Colaço A, Xavier J, Caetano M, Carreiro-Silva M, Martins I, Neuparth T, Raimundo J, Soares J, Santos MM. A modelling framework to assess multiple metals impacts on marine food webs: Relevance for assessing the ecological implications of deep-sea mining based on a systematic review. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 191:114902. [PMID: 37058834 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Industrial deep-sea mining will release plumes containing metals that may disperse over long distances; however, there is no general understanding of metal effects on marine ecosystems. Thus, we conducted a systematic review in search of models of metal effects on aquatic biota with the future perspective to support Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) of deep-sea mining. According to results, the use of models to study metal effects is strongly biased towards freshwater species (83% freshwater versus 14% marine); Cu, Hg, Al, Ni, Pb, Cd and Zn are the best-studied metals, and most studies target few species rather than entire food webs. We argue that these limitations restrain ERA on marine ecosystems. To overcome this gap of knowledge, we suggest future research directions and propose a modelling framework to predict the effects of metals on marine food webs, which in our view is relevant for ERA of deep-sea mining.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Martins
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-LA, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Alexandra Guerra
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-LA, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Azevedo
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-LA, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ombéline Harasse
- SeaTech Engineering School, University of Toulon, Avenue de l'Université, 83130 La Garde, France
| | - Ana Colaço
- Institute of Marine Sciences, Okeanos, University of the Azores, Rua Prof Frederico Machado, 9901-862 Horta, Portugal
| | - Joana Xavier
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-LA, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Porto, Portugal; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Thormøhlens gate 53 A/B, 5006 Bergen, Norway
| | - Miguel Caetano
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-LA, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Porto, Portugal; IPMA, Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere, Rua Alfredo Magalhães, 6, 1495-165 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marina Carreiro-Silva
- Institute of Marine Sciences, Okeanos, University of the Azores, Rua Prof Frederico Machado, 9901-862 Horta, Portugal
| | - Inês Martins
- Institute of Marine Sciences, Okeanos, University of the Azores, Rua Prof Frederico Machado, 9901-862 Horta, Portugal
| | - Teresa Neuparth
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-LA, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Raimundo
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-LA, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Porto, Portugal; IPMA, Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere, Rua Alfredo Magalhães, 6, 1495-165 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Soares
- AIR Centre, TERINOV-Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia da Ilha Terceira, Canada de Belém S/N, Terra Chã, 9700-702 Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
| | - Miguel M Santos
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-LA, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Porto, Portugal; FCUP, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre S/N, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
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Martins I, Guerra A, Leite N, Constantino E, Ilarri MI, Souza AT, Santos MM, Ford AT, Campos J. Comparing production and life-history traits of a key amphipod species within and between estuaries under different levels of anthropogenic pressure. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 173:105538. [PMID: 34844058 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Inter-population variability may arise as a response to adverse natural and anthropogenic stressors. The dynamics of a key amphipod species (Echinogammarus marinus) was followed during ≈ 1-year at its southerly range (NW Portugal), in three estuaries with different levels of anthropogenic pressure (High - Ave estuary; Moderate - Mondego estuary; Low - Minho estuary). We hypothesised that E. marinus populations would present lower production and fitness, and higher intersexuality incidence with increasing anthropogenic pressure. According to a GAM model explaining ≈70% of the observed variability, E. marinus biomass depends on temperature, organic matter, Fucus area and time of the year. Significant differences were found between the gammarid biomass in Minho and Mondego estuaries and within sites from the same estuary. As expected, Ave estuary exhibited the lowest average annual production, abundance and fecundity rates. However, the highest average production was found in Mondego and not in Minho estuary, although the turnover ratio (P/B) of both estuaries was very similar. Besides the system's global ecological status, E. marinus also seems to respond to microhabitat conditions, which may explain the spatial heterogeneity observed in the amphipod production within the same estuary. Intersexuality prevalence was negligible in the three populations, which does not support the idea of a link between anthropogenic pressure and intersexuality in E. marinus. We argue that the dependence of E. marinus on Fucus sp. should be further investigated to fully understand the role of both fucoids and the gammarid in coastal foodwebs.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Martins
- MARE- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade de Coimbra, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - A Guerra
- MARE- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade de Coimbra, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - N Leite
- MARE- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade de Coimbra, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal; SEAentia - Science Based Aquaculture, Parque Tecnológico de Cantanhede, Núcleo 04, Lote 2, 3060-197, Cantanhede, Portugal
| | - E Constantino
- MARE- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade de Coimbra, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - M I Ilarri
- CIIMAR- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - A T Souza
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Na Sádkách 7, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - M M Santos
- CIIMAR- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal; FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - A T Ford
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Institute of Marine Sciences Laboratories, Langstone Harbour, Ferry Road, Eastney, Portsmouth, P04 9LY, UK
| | - J Campos
- CIIMAR- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal.
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Gauthier PT, Blewett TA, Garman ER, Schlekat CE, Middleton ET, Suominen E, Crémazy A. Environmental risk of nickel in aquatic Arctic ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 797:148921. [PMID: 34346380 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The Arctic faces many environmental challenges, including the continued exploitation of its mineral resources such as nickel (Ni). The responsible development of Ni mining in the Arctic requires establishing a risk assessment framework that accounts for the specificities of this unique region. We set out to conduct preliminary assessments of Ni exposure and effects in aquatic Arctic ecosystems. Our analysis of Ni source and transport processes in the Arctic suggests that fresh, estuarine, coastal, and marine waters are potential Ni-receiving environments, with both pelagic and benthic communities being at risk of exposure. Environmental concentrations of Ni show that sites with elevated Ni concentrations are located near Ni mining operations in freshwater environments, but there is a lack of data for coastal and estuarine environments near such operations. Nickel bioavailability in Arctic freshwaters seems to be mainly driven by dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations with bioavailability being the highest in the High Arctic, where DOC levels are the lowest. However, this assessment is based on bioavailability models developed from non-Arctic species. At present, the lack of chronic Ni toxicity data on Arctic species constitutes the greatest hurdle toward the development of Ni quality standards in this region. Although there are some indications that polar organisms may not be more sensitive to contaminants than non-Arctic species, biological adaptations necessary for life in polar environments may have led to differences in species sensitivities, and this must be addressed in risk assessment frameworks. Finally, Ni polar risk assessment is further complicated by climate change, which affects the Arctic at a faster rate than the rest of the world. Herein we discuss the source, fate, and toxicity of Ni in Arctic aquatic environments, and discuss how climate change effects (e.g., permafrost thawing, increased precipitation, and warming) will influence risk assessments of Ni in the Arctic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick T Gauthier
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2M9, Canada
| | - Tamzin A Blewett
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2M9, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Emily Suominen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB E2L 4L5, Canada
| | - Anne Crémazy
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB E2L 4L5, Canada.
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Martinez-Haro M, Acevedo P, Pais-Costa AJ, Taggart MA, Martins I, Ribeiro R, Marques JC. Assessing estuarine quality: A cost-effective in situ assay with amphipods. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 212:382-391. [PMID: 26874320 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.01.071] [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: 10/20/2015] [Revised: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In situ assays based on feeding depression can be powerful ecotoxicological tools that can link physiological organism-level responses to population and/or community-level effects. Amphipods are traditional target species for toxicity tests due to their high sensitivity to contaminants, availability in the field and ease of handling. However, cost-effective in situ assays based on feeding depression are not yet available for amphipods that inhabit estuarine ecosystems. The aim of this work was to assess a short-term in situ assay based on postexposure feeding rates on easily quantifiable food items with an estuarine amphipod. Experiments were carried out under laboratory conditions using juvenile Echinogammarus marinus as the target individual. When 60 Artemia franciscana nauplii (as prey) were provided per individual for a period of 30 min in dark conditions, feeding rates could be easily quantified. As an endpoint, postexposure feeding inhibition in E. marinus was more sensitive to cadmium contamination than mortality. Assay calibration under field conditions demonstrated the relevance of sediment particle size in explaining individual feeding rates in uncontaminated water bodies. An evaluation of the 48-h in situ bioassay based on postexposure feeding rates indicated that it is able to discriminate between unpolluted and polluted estuarine sites. Using the harmonized protocol described here, the in situ postexposure feeding assay with E. marinus was found to be a potentially useful, cost-effective tool for assessing estuarine sediment and water quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Martinez-Haro
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Pelayo Acevedo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Antónia Juliana Pais-Costa
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mark A Taggart
- Environmental Research Institute, University of the Highlands and Islands, Castle Street, Thurso, Caithness, Scotland, KW14 7JD, UK
| | - Irene Martins
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui Ribeiro
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Carlos Marques
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Portugal
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Martinez-Haro M, Moreira-Santos M, Marques JC, Ribeiro R. A short-term laboratory and in situ sediment assay based on the postexposure feeding of the estuarine isopod Cyathura carinata. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 134:242-250. [PMID: 25173058 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.07.013] [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: 04/12/2014] [Revised: 07/12/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In situ assays based on feeding depression have been proposed as sublethal assays able to assess immediate contaminant effects on key ecosystem functions, long before effects on life-history traits can be detected. The in situ peculiarities provide more realistic exposure scenarios than laboratory-controlled conditions, which is particularly relevant for estuarine ecosystems where environmental conditions are highly variable. In this context, we developed a short-term cost-effective in situ assay based on the postexposure feeding of the estuarine species, Cyathura carinata, through the following steps: i) develop a methodology to quantify feeding under laboratory conditions; ii) quantify the sensitivity of the postexposure feeding response under laboratory conditions; iii) deploy the in situ assay at various field sites covering different environmental variables in a reference estuary and degrees of contamination in a contaminated estuary to, respectively, derive a model to predict postexposure feeding rates across sites varying in environmental variables and evaluate the potential of this in situ tool to assess sediment contamination in estuaries. A quantity of 100 defrosted nauplii of Artemia franciscana per isopod given during a short period of 30 min in darkness was adequate to allow estimating precise postexposure feeding rates. Laboratory toxicity tests showed the high sensitivity of postexposure feeding to Cd as a sublethal endpoint for C. carinata (7-fold lower than the corresponding 48-h LC50). However, this species appears to be able to face high concentrations of non-essential metals as Cd, with 96-h LC50 values (37 mg Cd/L) higher than values reported for other isopods, and among the highest concentrations reported for saltwater invertebrates. Results of in situ deployments at reference sites indicated that sediment with size fraction between 63-125 µm (very fine sand) influences feeding rates. The in situ assay across contaminated sites was able to discriminate between unpolluted and polluted estuaries, and also to detect degrees of toxicity among sampling sites within an estuary, after statistically adjusting feeding rates on the basis of the proportion of the sediment very fine sand influencing baseline feeding rates. The in situ postexposure feeding assay with C. carinata was found to be, therefore, a potential useful cost-effective tool for estuarine sediment toxicity assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Martinez-Haro
- IMAR-Instituto do Mar, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Apartado 3046, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Matilde Moreira-Santos
- IMAR-Instituto do Mar, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Apartado 3046, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Carlos Marques
- IMAR-Instituto do Mar, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Apartado 3046, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui Ribeiro
- IMAR-Instituto do Mar, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Apartado 3046, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
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