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Van Gray JB, Ayayee P. Examining the impacts of salt specificity on freshwater microbial community and functional potential following salinization. Environ Microbiol 2024; 26:e16628. [PMID: 38757470 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
The degradation of freshwater systems by salt pollution is a threat to global freshwater resources. Salinization is commonly identified by increased specific conductance (conductivity), a proxy for salt concentrations. However, conductivity fails to account for the diversity of salts entering freshwaters and the potential implications this has on microbial communities and functions. We tested 4 types of salt pollution-MgCl2, MgSO4, NaCl, and Na2SO4-on bacterial taxonomic and functional α-, β-diversity of communities originating from streams in two distinct localities (Nebraska [NE] and Ohio [OH], USA). Community responses depended on the site of origin, with NE and OH exhibiting more pronounced decreases in community diversity in response to Na2SO4 and MgCl2 than other salt amendments. A closer examination of taxonomic and functional diversity metrics suggests that core features of communities are more resistant to induced salt stress and that marginal features at both a population and functional level are more likely to exhibit significant structural shifts based on salt specificity. The lack of uniformity in community response highlights the need to consider the compositional complexities of salinization to accurately identify the ecological consequences of instances of salt pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathon B Van Gray
- The Ohio State University CFAES Wooster, Agriculture Technical Institute, Wooster, Ohio, USA
| | - Paul Ayayee
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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2
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Kefford BJ, Hyne RV, Brooks AJ, Shenton MD, Hills K, Nichols SJ, Bray JP. Do magnesium and chloride ameliorate high sodium bicarbonate concentrations? A comparison between laboratory and mesocosm toxicity experiments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169003. [PMID: 38043815 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169003] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Increasing salinity is a concern for biodiversity in many freshwater ecosystems globally. Single species laboratory toxicity tests show major differences in freshwater organism survival depending on the specific ions that comprise salinity types and/or their ion ratios. Toxicity has been shown to be reduced by altering ionic composition, despite increasing (total) salinity. For insistence, single species tests show the toxicity of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3, which commonly is a large proportion of the salts from coalbeds) to freshwater invertebrates is reduced by adding magnesium (Mg2+) or chloride (Cl-). However, it is uncertain whether reductions in mortality observed in single-species laboratory tests predict effects within populations, communities and to ecosystem processes in more complex multi-species systems both natural and semi-natural. Here we report the results of an outdoor multi-species mesocosm experiment to determine if the effects of NaHCO3 are reduced by increasing the concentrations of Mg2+ or Cl- on: a) stream macroinvertebrate populations and communities; b) benthic chlorophyll-a and; c) the ecosystem process of leaf litter decomposition. We found a large effect of a high NaHCO3 concentration (≈4.45 mS/cm) with reduced abundances of multiple taxa, reduced emergence of adult insects and reduced species richness, altered community structure and increased leaf litter breakdown rates but no effect on benthic chlorophyll-a. However, despite predictions based on laboratory findings, we found no evidence that the addition of either Mg2+ or Cl- altered the effect of NaHCO3. In semi-natural environments such as mesocosms, and natural environments, organisms are subject to varying temperature and habitat factors, while also interacting with other species and trophic levels (e.g. predation, competition, facilitation), which are absent in single species laboratory tests. Thus, it should not be assumed single-species tests are good predictors of the effects of changing ionic compositions on stream biota in more natural environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben J Kefford
- Centre for Applied Water Science, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia.
| | - Ross V Hyne
- Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, Environment Protection Science, Lidcombe Laboratories, NSW 2141, Australia
| | - Andrew J Brooks
- Centre for Applied Water Science, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia; Department of Planning and Environment - Water, 53, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia
| | - Mark D Shenton
- Centre for Applied Water Science, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
| | - Kasey Hills
- Centre for Applied Water Science, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia; New South Wales Environmental Protection Authority, Locked Bag 5022, Parramatta, NSW 2124, Australia
| | - Susan J Nichols
- Centre for Applied Water Science, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
| | - Jonathan P Bray
- Centre for Applied Water Science, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia; Department of Pest Management and Conservation, Lincoln University, 85084, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
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Venâncio C, Ribeiro R, Lopes I. Pre-exposure to seawater or chloride salts influences the avoidance-selection behavior of zebrafish larvae in a conductivity gradient. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 334:122126. [PMID: 37390916 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
The risk assessment of freshwater salinization is constructed around standard assays and using sodium chloride (NaCl), neglecting that the stressor is most likely a complex mixture of ions and the possibility of prior contact with it, triggering acclimation mechanisms in the freshwater biota. To date, as far as we are aware of, no information has been generated integrating both acclimation and avoidance behavior in the context of salinization, that may allow these risk assessments upgrading. Accordingly, 6-days-old Danio rerio larvae were selected to perform 12-h avoidance assays in a non-confined 6-compartment linear system to simulate conductivity gradients using seawater (SW) and the chloride salts MgCl2, KCl, and CaCl2. Salinity gradients were established from conductivities known to cause 50% egg mortality in a 96-h exposure (LC50,96h,embryo). The triggering of acclimation processes, which could influence organisms' avoidance-selection under the conductivity gradients, was also studied using larvae pre-exposed to lethal levels of each salt or SW. Median avoidance conductivities after a 12-h of exposure (AC50,12h), and the Population Immediate Decline (PID) were computed. All non-pre-exposed larvae were able to detect and flee from conductivities corresponding to the LC50,96h,embryo, selecting compartments with lower conductivities, except for KCl. The AC50,12h and LC50,96h overlapped for MgCl2 and CaCl2, though the former is considered as more sensitive as it was obtained in 12 h of exposure. The AC50,12h for SW was 1.83-fold lower than the LC50,96h, thus, reinforcing the higher sensitivity of the parameter ACx and its adequacy for risk assessment frameworks. The PID, at low conductivities, was solely explained by the avoidance behavior of non-pre-exposed larvae. Larvae pre-exposed to lethal levels of salt or SW were found to select higher conductivities, except for MgCl2. Results indicated that avoidance-selection assays are ecologically relevant and sensitive tools to be used in risk assessment processes. Stressor pre-exposure influenced organisms' avoidance-selection behavior under conductivity gradients, suggesting that under salinization events organisms may acclimate, remaining in altered habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Venâncio
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Rui Ribeiro
- Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Isabel Lopes
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
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Venâncio C, Caon K, Lopes I. Cation Composition Influences the Toxicity of Salinity to Freshwater Biota. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1741. [PMID: 36767106 PMCID: PMC9914514 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The effects of salinization on freshwater ecosystems have been estimated by testing sodium chloride (NaCl) since it is the most widely used salt as a deicing agent and Na+ and Cl- ions are the most representative in seawater composition. However, calcium, magnesium, and/or potassium are starting to be proposed as potential surrogates for NaCl, but for which ecotoxicological effects are less explored. This study aimed to identify (i) the less toxic salt to freshwater biota to be suggested as a safer alternative deicer and (ii) to contribute to the lower tiers of salinity risk assessment frameworks by identifying a more suitable surrogate salt than NaCl. The battery of ecotoxicity assays with five key trophic level species showed that among the tested salts (MgCl2, CaCl2, and KCl), KCl and CaCl2 seemed to induce the highest and lowest toxicity, respectively, compared with NaCl. CaCl2 is suggested as a safer alternative for use as a deicer and KCl as a surrogate for the risk assessment of seawater intrusion in coastal regions. These results enrich the salt toxicity database aiming to identify and propose more suitable surrogate salts to predict the effects of salinization to a broader extent.
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Pyle GG, Plomp RD, Zink L, Klemish JL. Invertebrate metal accumulation and toxicity from sediments affected by the Mount Polley mine disaster. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:70380-70395. [PMID: 35585460 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20677-1] [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: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
On August 4, 2014, a tailings dam failed at the Mount Polley copper and gold mine near Likely, British Columbia, Canada, releasing approximately 25 M m[Formula: see text] of contaminated water and solid tailings material into Polley and Quesnel lakes. Water, sediment, freshwater scuds (Hyalella azteca), and mayfly larvae (Ephemeroptera) were collected during the summer of 2018 from Polley Lake, affected and unaffected sites in Quesnel Lake, and both mine-contaminated and clean far-field sites as references. Analytical results indicated that invertebrates from sites affected by the tailings breach had elevated metal concentrations relative to those from non-affected or reference sites. We conducted a controlled laboratory exposure to determine if laboratory-reared Hyalella azteca metal concentrations were related to field-collected water or sediments from the same sites as the field study. Half of the replicates prevented amphipods from directly contacting sediments (water-only exposure), while the other half allowed them direct access (sediment and water exposure). Whole-body Cu concentration was highest in Hyalella exposed to substrate from the most contaminated sites as well as in treatments where they were allowed direct access to sediments. Hyalella having direct access to metal-contaminated sediments showed reduced survival and growth relative to those in reference or control treatments. These results suggest that metals from the fine sediments associated with the Mount Polley mine disaster are bioavailable and potentially toxic to epibenthic invertebrates, even several years after the initial breach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory G Pyle
- Dept. of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada.
| | - Raegan D Plomp
- Dept. of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Lauren Zink
- Dept. of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Jaimie L Klemish
- Dept. of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
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Po BHK, Wood CM. Trans-epithelial potential (TEP) response as an indicator of major ion toxicity in rainbow trout and goldfish exposed to 10 different salts in ion-poor water. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 276:116699. [PMID: 33639489 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater ecosystems are facing increasing contamination by major ions. The Multi-Ion Toxicity (MIT) model, a new tool for risk assessment and regulation, predicts major ion toxicity to aquatic organisms by relating it to a critical disturbance of the trans-epithelial potential (TEP) across the gills, as predicted by electrochemical theory. The model is based on unproven assumptions. We tested some of these by directly measuring the acute TEP responses to a geometric series of 10 different single salts (NaCl, Na2SO4, KCl, K2SO4, CaCl2, CaSO4, MgCl2, MgSO4, NaHCO3, KHCO3) in the euryhaline rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and the stenohaline goldfish (Carassius auratus) acclimated to very soft, ion-poor water (hardness 10 mg CaCO3/L). Results were compared to 24-h and 96-h LC50 data from the literature, mainly from fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas). All salts caused concentration-dependent increases in TEP to less negative/more positive values, in patterns well-described by the Michaelis-Menten equation, or a modified version incorporating substrate inhibition. The ΔTEP above baseline became close to a maximum at the 96-h LC50, except for the HCO3- salts. Furthermore, the range of ΔTEP values at the LC50 within one species was much more consistent (1.6- to 2.1-fold variation) than the molar concentrations of the different salts at the LC50 (19- to 25-fold variation). ΔTEP responses were related to cation rather than anion concentrations. Overall patterns were qualitatively similar between trout and goldfish, with some quantitative differences, and also in general accord with recently published data on three other species in harder water where ΔTEP responses were much smaller. Blood plasma Na+ and K+ concentrations were minimally affected by the exposures. The results are in accord with most but not all of the assumptions of the MIT model and support its further development as a predictive tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beverly H K Po
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Chris M Wood
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada; Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada; Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33149, USA.
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Woon SHJ, Srinuansom K, Chuah CJ, Ramchunder SJ, Promya J, Ziegler AD. Pre-closure assessment of elevated arsenic and other potential environmental constraints to developing aquaculture and fisheries: The case of the Mae Moh mine and power plant, Lampang, Thailand. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 269:128682. [PMID: 33183787 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128682] [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: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Our assessment of 30 water bodies in the vicinity of the Mae Moh coal mine and power station in northern Thailand does not indicate substantial water quality management challenges to developing fisheries/aquaculture in peripheral reservoirs and streams. Negative water quality issues such as high concentrations of arsenic (2-17 μg/L) and ions including sulfate (868-2605 mg/L), sodium (217-552 mg/L), and total ammonia (<1-5 mg/L) were associated with groundwater and surface water resources on the facility, as well as the stream network draining from it. Total dissolved solids were also very high, ranging from 658 to 3610 mg/L. Six of seven ponds tested had As concentrations in the range of 5-17 μg/L. Although these levels are less than the Thai regulation for industrial effluent, they are elevated over background surface water concentrations. The highest concentration in a contaminated stream was 10.54 μg/L As, which is only slightly above the WHO (2017) regulation of 10 μg/L for drinking water. Ponds, contaminated streams, and deep subsurface water should not be used for fisheries/aquaculture without extensive remediation/treatment. Concentrations of these water parameters in peripheral streams and reservoirs were not of environmental concern. High water hardness (161-397 mg/L CaCO3 and potential ionic imbalances may be the greatest hindrances to developing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in reservoirs in the study area. Routine monitoring of inorganic As species and other contaminants in water is needed to assess the full extent of arsenic risk at the site following closure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - K Srinuansom
- Faculty of Fisheries Technology and Aquatic Resources, Mae Jo University, Thailand
| | - C J Chuah
- Tembusu College, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sorain J Ramchunder
- Department of Geography and Bachelor of Environmental Studies, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - J Promya
- Faculty of Fisheries Technology and Aquatic Resources, Mae Jo University, Thailand
| | - A D Ziegler
- Faculty of Fisheries Technology and Aquatic Resources, Mae Jo University, Thailand.
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Wood CM, McDonald MD, Grosell M, Mount DR, Adams WJ, Po BHK, Brix KV. The potential for salt toxicity: Can the trans-epithelial potential (TEP) across the gills serve as a metric for major ion toxicity in fish? AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2020; 226:105568. [PMID: 32791376 PMCID: PMC11131365 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2020.105568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
An emerging Multi-Ion Toxicity (MIT) model for assessment of environmental salt pollution is based on the premise that major ion toxicity to aquatic organisms is related to a critical disturbance of the trans-epithelial potential across the gills (ΔTEP), which can be predicted by electrochemical theory. However, the model has never been evaluated physiologically. We directly tested key assumptions by examining the individual effects of eight different salts (NaCl, Na2SO4, MgCl2, MgSO4, KCl, K2SO4, CaCl2, and CaSO4) on measured TEP in three different fish species (fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas = FHM; channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus = CC; bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus = BG). A geometric concentration series based on previously reported 96-h LC50 values for FHM was used. All salts caused concentration-dependent increases in TEP to less negative/more positive values in a pattern well-described by the Michaelis-Menten equation. The ΔTEP responses for different salts were similar to one another within each species when concentrations were expressed as a percentage of the FHM LC50. A plateau was reached at or before 100 % of the LC50 where the ΔTEP values were remarkably consistent, with only 1.4 to 2.2-fold variation. This relative uniformity in the ΔTEP responses contrasts with 28-fold variation in salt concentration (in mmol L-1), 9.6-fold in total dissolved solids, and 7.9-fold in conductivity at the LC50. The Michaelis-Menten Km values (salt concentrations causing 50 % of the ΔTEPmax) were positively related to the 96-h LC50 values. ΔTEP responses were not a direct effect of osmolarity in all species and were related to specific cation rather than specific anion concentrations in FHM. These responses were stable for up to 24 h in CC. The results provide strong physiological support for the assumptions of the MIT model, are coherent with electrochemical theory, and point to areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris M Wood
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33149, USA; Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada; Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada.
| | - M Danielle McDonald
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33149, USA.
| | - Martin Grosell
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33149, USA.
| | - David R Mount
- Office of Research and Development, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, Duluth, MN 55804, USA.
| | | | - Beverly H K Po
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Kevin V Brix
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33149, USA; EcoTox LLC, Miami, FL 33145, USA.
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Sowa A, Krodkiewska M, Halabowski D, Lewin I. Response of the mollusc communities to environmental factors along an anthropogenic salinity gradient. Naturwissenschaften 2019; 106:60. [PMID: 31758263 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-019-1655-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Anthropogenic salinisation of freshwater ecosystems is frequent across the world. The scale of this phenomenon remains unrecognised, and therefore, monitoring and management of such ecosystems is very important. We conducted a study on the mollusc communities in inland anthropogenic ponds covering a large gradient of salinity located in an area of underground coal mining activity. A total of 14 gastropod and 6 bivalve species were noted. No molluscs were found in waters with total dissolved solids (TDS) higher than 17.1 g L-1. The share of alien species in the communities was very high in waters with elevated salinity and significantly lower in the freshwaters. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed that TDS, pH, alkalinity, nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, iron, the content of organic matter in sediments, the type of substrate and the content of sand and gravel in sediments were the variables that were significantly associated with the distribution of molluscs. The regression analysis revealed that total mollusc density was positively related to alkalinity and negatively related to nitrate nitrogen. The taxa richness was negatively related to TDS, which is consistent with previous studies which indicated that a high salinity level is a significant threat to freshwater malacofauna, causing a loss of biodiversity and contributing to the colonisation and establishment of alien species in aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Sowa
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Bankowa 9, 40-007, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Mariola Krodkiewska
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Bankowa 9, 40-007, Katowice, Poland
| | - Dariusz Halabowski
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Bankowa 9, 40-007, Katowice, Poland
| | - Iga Lewin
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Bankowa 9, 40-007, Katowice, Poland
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Jackson JK, Funk DH. Temperature affects acute mayfly responses to elevated salinity: implications for toxicity of road de-icing salts. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018; 374:rstb.2018.0081. [PMID: 30509923 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2018.0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Salinity in freshwater ecosystems has increased significantly at numerous locations throughout the world, and this increase often reflects the use or production of salts from road de-icing, mining/oil and gas drilling activities, or agricultural production. When related to de-icing salts, highest salinity often occurs in winter when water temperature is often low relative to mean annual temperature at a site. Our study examined acute (96 h) responses to elevated salinity (NaCl) concentrations at five to seven temperature treatments (5-25°C) for four mayfly species (Baetidae: Neocloeon triangulifer, Procloeon fragile; Heptageniidae: Maccaffertium modestum; Leptophlebiidae: Leptophlebia cupida) that are widely distributed across eastern North America. Based on acute LC50s at 20°C, P. fragile was most sensitive (LC50 = 767 mg l-1, 1447 µS cm-1), followed by N. triangulifer (2755 mg l-1, 5104 µS cm-1), M. modestum (2760 mg l-1, 5118 µS cm-1) and L. cupida (4588 mg l-1, 8485 µS cm-1). Acute LC50s decreased as temperature increased for all four species (n = 5-7, R 2 = 0.65-0.88, p = 0.052-0.002). Thus, acute salt toxicity is strongly temperature dependent for the mayfly species we tested, which suggests that brief periods of elevated salinity during cold seasons or in colder locations may be ecologically less toxic than predicted by standard 20 or 25°C laboratory bioassays.This article is part of the theme issue 'Salt in freshwaters: causes, ecological consequences and future prospects'.
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Affiliation(s)
- John K Jackson
- Stroud Water Research Center, 970 Spencer Road, Avondale, PA 19311, USA
| | - David H Funk
- Stroud Water Research Center, 970 Spencer Road, Avondale, PA 19311, USA
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Cañedo-Argüelles M, Kefford B, Schäfer R. Salt in freshwaters: causes, effects and prospects - introduction to the theme issue. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018; 374:rstb.2018.0002. [PMID: 30509904 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2018.0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Humans are globally increasing the salt concentration of freshwaters (i.e. freshwater salinization), leading to significant effects at the population, community and ecosystem level. The present theme issue focuses on priority research questions and delivers results that contribute to shaping the future research agenda on freshwater salinization as well as fostering our capacity to manage salinization. The issue is structured along five topics: (i) the estimation of future salinity and evaluation of the relative contribution of the different drivers; (ii) the physiological responses of organisms to alterations in ion concentrations with a specific focus on the osmophysiology of freshwater insects and the responses of different organisims to seawater intrusion; (iii) the impact of salinization on ecosystem functioning, also considering the connections between riparian and stream ecosystems; (iv) the role of context in moderating the response to salinization. The contributions scrutinise the role of additional stressors, biotic interactions, the identify of the ions and their ratios, as well as of the biogeographic and evolutionary context; and (v) the public discourse on salinization and recommendations for management and regulation. In this paper we introduce the general background of salinization, outline research gaps and report key findings from the contributions to this theme issue.This article is part of the theme issue 'Salt in freshwaters: causes, ecological consequences and future prospects'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Cañedo-Argüelles
- Grup de recerca FEHM (Freshwater Ecology, Hydrology and Management), Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciència Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona, Avda Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ben Kefford
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Ralf Schäfer
- Department of Quantitative Landscape Ecology, University Koblenz-Landau, Fortstr. 7, 76829 Landau, Germany
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Berger E, Frör O, Schäfer RB. Salinity impacts on river ecosystem processes: a critical mini-review. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018; 374:rstb.2018.0010. [PMID: 30509912 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2018.0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In many dry parts of the world, salinization of water resources threatens freshwater biodiversity and the livelihood of people. However, ecological impact studies remain scarce. Here, we review field-observations of salinity impacts on ecosystem processes such as leaf decomposition, metabolism, biomass production and nutrient cycling, with a special emphasis on dryland ecosystems. In addition, we discuss the potential linkages of these processes to ecosystem service delivery-the benefits that humans derive from ecosystems-as additional nature conservation arguments and the challenges associated with this endeavour.This article is part of the theme issue 'Salt in freshwaters: causes, ecological consequences and future prospects'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Berger
- Department of Quantitative Landscape Ecology, University Koblenz-Landau, Fortstr. 7, 76829 Landau, Germany
| | - Oliver Frör
- Department of Environmental Economics, University Koblenz-Landau, Fortstr. 7, 76829 Landau, Germany
| | - Ralf B Schäfer
- Department of Quantitative Landscape Ecology, University Koblenz-Landau, Fortstr. 7, 76829 Landau, Germany
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Entrekin SA, Clay NA, Mogilevski A, Howard-Parker B, Evans-White MA. Multiple riparian-stream connections are predicted to change in response to salinization. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018; 374:20180042. [PMID: 30509922 PMCID: PMC6283969 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2018.0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Secondary freshwater salinization, a common anthropogenic alteration, has detrimental, lethal and sub-lethal effects on aquatic biota. Ions from secondary salinization can become toxic to terrestrial and aquatic organisms when exposed to salinized runoff that causes periodic high-concentration pulses. Gradual, low-level (less than 1000 ppm salinity) increases in salt concentrations are also commonly documented in regions with urbanization, agriculture, drilling and mining. Despite widespread low-level salt increases, little is known about the biological and ecological consequences in coupled riparian-stream systems. Recent research indicates lethal and even sub-lethal levels of ions can subsidize or stress microbial decomposer and macroinvertebrate detritivores that could lead to alterations of three riparian-stream pathways: (i) salinized runoff that changes microbial decomposer and macroinvertebrate detritivore and algae performance leading to changes in composition and processing of detrital pools; (ii) riparian plant salt uptake and altered litter chemistry, and litterfall for riparian and aquatic detritivores and their subsequent enrichment, stimulating decomposition rates and production of dissolved and fine organic matter; and (iii) salt consumption in salinized soils could increase riparian detritivore growth, decomposition and dissolved organic matter production. Subsidy-stress and reciprocal flows in coupled riparian-stream connections provide frameworks to identify the extent and magnitude of changes in detrital processing from salinization.This article is part of the theme issue 'Salt in freshwaters: causes, ecological consequences and future prospects'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally A Entrekin
- Department of Biology, University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR 72035, USA
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Natalie A Clay
- School of Biological Sciences, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA 71272, USA
| | | | - Brooke Howard-Parker
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
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Schuler MS, Cañedo-Argüelles M, Hintz WD, Dyack B, Birk S, Relyea RA. Regulations are needed to protect freshwater ecosystems from salinization. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018; 374:rstb.2018.0019. [PMID: 30509918 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2018.0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities such as mining, agriculture and industrial wastes have increased the rate of salinization of freshwater ecosystems around the world. Despite the known and probable consequences of freshwater salinization, few consequential regulatory standards and management procedures exist. Current regulations are generally inadequate because they are regionally inconsistent, lack legal consequences and have few ion-specific standards. The lack of ion-specific standards is problematic, because each anthropogenic source of freshwater salinization is associated with a distinct set of ions that can present unique social and economic costs. Additionally, the environmental and toxicological consequences of freshwater salinization are often dependent on the occurrence, concentration and ratios of specific ions. Therefore, to protect fresh waters from continued salinization, discrete, ion-specific management and regulatory strategies should be considered for each source of freshwater salinization, using data from standardized, ion-specific monitoring practices. To develop comprehensive monitoring, regulatory, and management guidelines, we recommend the use of co-adaptive, multi-stakeholder approaches that balance environmental, social, and economic costs and benefits associated with freshwater salinization.This article is part of the theme issue 'Salt in freshwaters: causes, ecological consequences and future prospects'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Schuler
- Department of Biological Sciences, Darrin Fresh Water Institute, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
| | - Miguel Cañedo-Argüelles
- Grup de Recerca Freshwater Ecology and Management (FEM), Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciencies Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Institut de Recerca de l'Aigua (IdRA), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - William D Hintz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Darrin Fresh Water Institute, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
| | - Brenda Dyack
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra 2601, Australia
| | - Sebastian Birk
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstrasse 5, 45141 Essen, Germany.,Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstrasse 5, 45141 Essen, Germany
| | - Rick A Relyea
- Department of Biological Sciences, Darrin Fresh Water Institute, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
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