1
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Ortmann AC, Cobanli SE, Wohlgeschaffen G, Poon HY, Ryther C, Greer CW, Wasserscheid J, Elias M, Robinson B, King TL. Factors that affect water column hydrocarbon concentrations have minor impacts on microbial responses following simulated diesel fuel spills. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115358. [PMID: 37567129 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115358] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Effects of season and mixing on hydrocarbon concentrations and the microbial community response was explored in a series of mesocosm experiments simulating surface spills of diesel into coastal waters. Mixing of any amount contributed to hydrocarbons entering the water column, but diesel fuel composition had a significant effect on hydrocarbon concentrations. Higher initial concentrations of aromatic hydrocarbons resulted in higher water column concentrations, with minimal differences among seasons due to high variability. Regardless of the concentrations of hydrocarbons, prokaryotes increased and there were higher relative abundances of hydrocarbon affiliated bacteria with indications of biodegradation within 4 d of exposure. As concentrations decreased over time, the eukaryote community shifted from the initial community to one which appeared to be composed of organisms with some resilience to hydrocarbons. This series of experiments demonstrates the wide range of conditions under which natural attenuation of diesel fuel is an effective response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice C Ortmann
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada.
| | - Susan E Cobanli
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Gary Wohlgeschaffen
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Ho Yin Poon
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Camilla Ryther
- Dalhousie University, 6299 South Street, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Charles W Greer
- National Research Council of Canada, Energy, Mining and Environment Research Centre, 6100 Royalmount Ave, Montreal, PQ H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Jessica Wasserscheid
- National Research Council of Canada, Energy, Mining and Environment Research Centre, 6100 Royalmount Ave, Montreal, PQ H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Miria Elias
- National Research Council of Canada, Energy, Mining and Environment Research Centre, 6100 Royalmount Ave, Montreal, PQ H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Brian Robinson
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Thomas L King
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
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2
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Ryther CM, Ortmann AC, Wohlgeschaffen G, Robinson BJ. Temperate Coastal Microbial Communities Rapidly Respond to Low Concentrations of Partially Weathered Diesel. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2022; 84:1122-1132. [PMID: 34888738 PMCID: PMC9747835 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-021-01939-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Diesel is frequently encountered in coastal ecosystems due to land run-off from road surfaces. The current study investigates how partially weathered diesel at environmentally relevant concentrations, as may be seen during a run-off event, affect coastal microbial communities. A mesocosm experiment using seawater from the Bedford Basin, Nova Scotia, was followed for 72 h after the addition of partially weathered diesel. Sequencing data suggests partially weathered diesel acts quickly to alter the prokaryotic community, as both opportunistic (Vibrio and Lentibacter) and oil-degrading (Colwellia, Sulfitobacter, and Pseudoalteromonas) bacteria proliferated after 24 h in comparison to the control. In addition, total prokaryotes seemed to recover in abundance after 24 h, where eukaryotes only ceased to decrease slightly at 72 h, likely because of an inability to adapt to the oil-laden conditions, unlike the prokaryotes. Considering there were no highly volatile components (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene) present in the diesel when the communities were exposed, the results indicate that even a relatively small concentration of diesel run-off can cause a drastic change to the microbial community under low energy conditions. Higher energy conditions due to wave action may mitigate the response of the microbial communities by dilution and additional weathering of the diesel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla M Ryther
- Biology Department, Dalhousie University, 6299 South Street, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Alice C Ortmann
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research Laboratory, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS, B2Y 4A2, Canada.
| | - Gary Wohlgeschaffen
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research Laboratory, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS, B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Brian J Robinson
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research Laboratory, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS, B2Y 4A2, Canada
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3
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Tang CH, Buskey EJ. De-coupled phytoplankton growth and microzooplankton grazing in a simulated oil spill event in mesocosms. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 178:113631. [PMID: 35397341 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113631] [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: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microzooplankton (<200 μm) are essential intermediates between primary production and organisms at the higher trophic levels. Their ecological functions could be substantially affected by crude oil pollution. A natural plankton community was exposed to 10 μL L-1 of chemically dispersed crude oil (DOil) in outdoor mesocosms for 7 days, with control (Ctrl) mesocosms set up for comparison. Dilution experiments were conducted to estimate the grazing rates of microzooplankton on the 2nd and 6th days of the pollutants exposure. Results showed 0.36-2.28 d-1 microzooplankton grazing rates in the Ctrl mesocosms on both days but negative rates in the DOil mesocosms. A significant linear relationship between in situ phytoplankton growth and microzooplankton grazing rates was found in the Ctrl treatment but not in the DOil treatment. This suggests a de-coupling between phytoplankton growth and microzooplankton and the potential for the formation of phytoplankton blooms in seawater after an oil spill event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Hung Tang
- Marine Science Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA; School of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Edward J Buskey
- Marine Science Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA
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4
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Cobanli SE, Wohlgeschaffen G, Ryther C, MacDonald J, Gladwell A, Watts T, Greer CW, Elias M, Wasserscheid J, Robinson B, King TL, Ortmann AC. Microbial community response to simulated diluted bitumen spills in coastal seawater and implications for oil spill response. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2022; 98:6563616. [PMID: 35380637 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiac033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oil spills in coastal waters can have devastating impacts on local ecosystems, from the microscopic base through to mammals and seabirds. Increasing transport of diluted bitumen, has led to concerns about how this novel product might impact coastal ecosystems. A mesocosm study determined that the type of diluent and the season can affect the concentrations of hydrocarbons entering the water column from a surface spill. Those same mesocosms were sampled to determine if diluent type and season also affected the microbial response a surface spill. Overall, there were no differences in impacts among the three types of diluted bitumen, but there were consistent responses to all products within each season. Although microbial abundances with diluted bitumen rarely differed from unoiled controls, community structure in these organisms shifted in response to hydrocarbons, with hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria becoming more abundant. The relative abundance of heterotrophic eukaryotes also increased with diluted bitumen, with few photosynthetic organisms responding positively to oil. Overall shifts in the microbial communities were minimal relative to spills of conventional oil products, with low concentrations of hydrocarbons in the water column. Oil spill response should focus on addressing the surface slick to prevent sinking or stranding to minimize ecosystem impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Cobanli
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Canada
| | - Gary Wohlgeschaffen
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Charles W Greer
- National Research Council of Canada, Energy, Mining and Environment Research Centre, Canada
| | - Miria Elias
- National Research Council of Canada, Energy, Mining and Environment Research Centre, Canada
| | - Jessica Wasserscheid
- National Research Council of Canada, Energy, Mining and Environment Research Centre, Canada
| | - Brian Robinson
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Canada
| | - Thomas L King
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Canada
| | - Alice C Ortmann
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Canada
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5
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Daly KL, Remsen A, Outram DM, Broadbent H, Kramer K, Dubickas K. Resilience of the zooplankton community in the northeast Gulf of Mexico during and after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 163:111882. [PMID: 33360725 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated the resilience of the zooplankton community to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the northeast Gulf of Mexico, by assessing abundance, biomass, spatial distribution, species composition, and diversity indices during spring, summer, and winter, May 2010 to August 2014. SEAMAP samples collected between spring and summer 2005-2009 were analyzed as a baseline. Our results did not indicate that there was a long-term impact from the oil spill, but did demonstrate that environmental variability and riverine processes strongly governed zooplankton community dynamics. Zooplankton abundances during the oil spill (spring 2010) were not significantly different from abundances during spring 2011 and 2012. Summer 2010 abundances were the highest observed for the 2005 to 2014 period, due to high river discharge, high chlorophyll, and aggregation in eddies. High densities of the dinoflagellate, Noctiluca, during the oil spill, and the copepod, Centropages velificatus, and larvaceans in all years, suggest that these taxa warrant further investigation. Ecosystem connectivity (zooplankton transport by currents into the oil spill region), high fecundity, relatively short generation times, and refugia in deeper depths are key factors in zooplankton resilience to major perturbations. This study serves as a baseline for assessment of future impacts to this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendra L Daly
- College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL, USA.
| | - Andrew Remsen
- College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 45600 Woodland Road, Sterling, VA 20166, USA.
| | - Dawn M Outram
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, RI, USA.
| | - Heather Broadbent
- College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL, USA.
| | - Kurt Kramer
- College of Computer Science and Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA; Microsoft Research, Redmond, WA, USA.
| | - Kate Dubickas
- College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL, USA.
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6
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Changes in Reef Fish Community Structure Following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5621. [PMID: 32273520 PMCID: PMC7145834 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62574-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Large-scale anthropogenic disturbances can have direct and indirect effects on marine communities, with direct effects often taking the form of widespread injury or mortality and indirect effects manifesting as changes in food web structure. Here, we report a time series that captures both direct and indirect effects of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (DWH) on northern Gulf of Mexico (nGoM) reef fish communities. We observed significant changes in community structure immediately following the DWH, with a 38% decline in species richness and 26% decline in Shannon-Weiner diversity. Initial shifts were driven by widespread declines across a range of trophic guilds, with subsequent recovery unevenly distributed among guilds and taxa. For example, densities of small demersal invertivores, small demersal browsers, generalist carnivores, and piscivores remained persistently low with little indication of recovery seven years after the DWH. Initial declines among these guilds occurred prior to the arrival of the now-widespread, invasive lionfish (Pterois spp.), but their lack of recovery suggests lionfish predation may be affecting recovery. Factors affecting persistently low densities of generalist carnivores and piscivores are not well understood but warrant further study given the myriad ecosystem services provided by nGoM reef fishes.
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7
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Ortmann AC, Cobanli SE, Wohlgeschaffen G, MacDonald J, Gladwell A, Davis A, Robinson B, Mason J, King TL. Measuring the fate of different diluted bitumen products in coastal surface waters. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 153:111003. [PMID: 32275551 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Diluted bitumens are produced by adding lower viscosity diluent to highly viscous bitumen to enable it to flow through pipelines and thus may behave differently than conventional oils when spilled into coastal seawater. Simulated surface spills using three different diluted bitumen products were carried out in May, July and November and water column hydrocarbons were monitored over a 14 day period. Volatile and total petroleum hydrocarbons varied in the water column depending on season and type of diluent. In summer, products diluted with synthetic crude or a mixture of condensate and crude released droplets into the water column. Diluted bitumen did not sink to the bottom of the enclosures with surface slicks showing a range of weathering after 14 d. With most of the diluted bitumen product remaining on the surface for 14 d, a rapid conventional clean up response may be effective in low energy, coastal waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice C Ortmann
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada.
| | - Susan E Cobanli
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Gary Wohlgeschaffen
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Jessica MacDonald
- Dalhousie University, 6299 South Street, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Alison Gladwell
- Dalhousie University, 6299 South Street, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Andrew Davis
- Acadia University, 15 University Avenue, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Brian Robinson
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Jennifer Mason
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Thomas L King
- Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
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8
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Finkel ZV, Liang Y, Nanjappa D, Bretherton L, Brown CM, Quigg A, Irwin AJ. A ribosomal sequence-based oil sensitivity index for phytoplankton groups. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 151:110798. [PMID: 32056593 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Species-level variability has made it difficult to determine the relative sensitivity of phytoplankton to oil and mixtures of oil and dispersant. Here we develop a phytoplankton group sensitivity index using ribosome sequence data that we apply to a mesocosm experiment in which a natural microbial community was exposed to oil and two oil-dispersant mixtures. The relative sensitivity of four phytoplankton taxonomic groups, diatoms, dinoflagellates, green algae, and Chrysophytes, was computed using the log of the ratio of the number of species that increase to the number that decrease in relative abundance in the treatment relative to the control. The index indicates that dinoflagellates are the most sensitive group to oil and oil-dispersant treatments while the Chrysophytes benefit under oil exposure compared to the other groups examined. The phytoplankton group sensitivity index can be generally applied to quantify and rank the relative sensitivity of diverse microbial groups to environmental conditions and pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe V Finkel
- Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
| | - Yue Liang
- Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Deepak Nanjappa
- Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Laura Bretherton
- Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | | | - Andrew J Irwin
- Department of Mathematics & Statistics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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9
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Pančić M, Köhler E, Paulsen ML, Toxværd K, Lacroix C, Le Floch S, Hjorth M, Nielsen TG. Effects of oil spill response technologies on marine microorganisms in the high Arctic. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 151:104785. [PMID: 31519452 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2019.104785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We studied how exposure to oil spill response technologies affect marine microorganisms during Arctic winter and spring. Microorganisms were exposed to chemically dispersed oil (DISP), in situ burnt oil (ISB), and natural attenuated oil (NATT) in mesocosms from February to May. We subsampled the mesocosms and studied the effects of oil in laboratory incubations as changes in biomass of the major functional groups: bacteria, heterotrophic-nanoflagellates, dinoflagellates, ciliates, pico- and nanophytoplankton, and diatoms over two 14-day periods. In winter, the majority of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) remained encapsulated in the ice, and the low concentrations of PAHs in water led to minute changes in biomass of the investigated groups. In spring, however, when the PAHs were partially released from the melting ice, the biomass of many functional groups in DISP and NATT decreased significantly, while the changes in ISB were less pronounced. The overall biomass reduction, as observed in this study, could lead to a disrupted transfer of energy from the primary producers to the higher trophic levels in oil affected areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Pančić
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Building 202, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Eva Köhler
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Building 202, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark; University of Applied Sciences Bremen, Neustadswall 30, 28199, Bremen, Germany.
| | - Maria Lund Paulsen
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Building 202, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgate 53 A/B, 5020, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Kirstine Toxværd
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Building 202, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark; Cowi Denmark, Department of Water & Nature, Parallelvej 2, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Camille Lacroix
- CEDRE, 715 rue Alain Colas, CS 41836, 29218, Brest Cedex 2, France.
| | | | - Morten Hjorth
- Cowi Denmark, Department of Water & Nature, Parallelvej 2, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Torkel Gissel Nielsen
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Building 202, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
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10
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Ortmann AC, Cobanli SE, Wohlgeschaffen G, Thamer P, McIntyre C, Mason J, King TL. Inorganic nutrients have a significant, but minimal, impact on a coastal microbial community's response to fresh diluted bitumen. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 139:381-389. [PMID: 30686441 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Microbes capable of degrading hydrocarbons in oil are present in low abundances in coastal waters, but quickly respond to oil following a spill. When estimating potential biodegradation rates in the laboratory, high concentrations of inorganic nutrients are often added to prevent nutrient limitation. In this study, we tested the short term response of coastal microbes to fresh diluted bitumen under varying nutrient conditions in a cold water regime. Total hydrocarbon concentrations changed minimally over five days; however, oil composition changed over time and the abundance of microbes increased in all treatments. Addition of phosphate, with or without nitrogen, resulted in rapid changes in community composition, but after three days treatments no longer differed. Nutrients were never depleted in any treatment suggesting that, even at low inorganic nutrient concentrations, microbial communities can quickly respond to hydrocarbons following a spill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice C Ortmann
- Center for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada.
| | - Susan E Cobanli
- Center for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Gary Wohlgeschaffen
- Center for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Peter Thamer
- Center for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Claire McIntyre
- Center for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Jennifer Mason
- Center for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Thomas L King
- Center for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
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11
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Ramesh S, Bhattacharya D, Majrashi M, Morgan M, Prabhakar Clement T, Dhanasekaran M. Evaluation of behavioral parameters, hematological markers, liver and kidney functions in rodents exposed to Deepwater Horizon crude oil and Corexit. Life Sci 2018; 199:34-40. [PMID: 29474811 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill is the largest marine oil spill in US history. In the aftermath of the spill, the response efforts used a chemical dispersant, Corexit, to disperse the oil spill. The health impacts of crude oil and Corexit mixture to humans, mammals, fishes, and birds are mostly unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate the in vivo effects of DWH oil, Corexit, and oil-Corexit mixture on the general behavior, hematological markers, and liver and kidney functions of rodents. C57 Bl6 mice were treated with DWH oil (80 mg/kg) and/or Corexit (95 mg/kg), and several hematological markers, lipid profile, liver and kidney functions were monitored. The results show that both DWH oil and Corexit altered the white blood cells and platelet counts. Moreover, they also impacted the lipid profile and induced toxic effects on the liver and kidney functions. The impacts were more pronounced when the mice were treated with a mixture of DWH-oil and Corexit. This study provides preliminary data to elucidate the potential toxicological effects of DWH oil, Corexit, and their mixtures on mammalian health. Residues from the DWH spill continue to remain trapped along various Gulf Coast beaches and therefore further studies are needed to fully understand their long-term impacts on coastal ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sindhu Ramesh
- Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, USA
| | | | - Mohammed Majrashi
- Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, 23881, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marlee Morgan
- Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, USA
| | - T Prabhakar Clement
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, USA
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12
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van Eenennaam JS, Rahsepar S, Radović JR, Oldenburg TBP, Wonink J, Langenhoff AAM, Murk AJ, Foekema EM. Marine snow increases the adverse effects of oil on benthic invertebrates. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 126:339-348. [PMID: 29421110 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
After the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, a MOSSFA (Marine Oil Snow Sedimentation and Flocculent Accumulation) event took place, transporting an estimated 14% of total released oil to the sediment, and smothering parts of the benthic ecosystem. This microcosm study describes the effects of oiled artificial marine snow on benthic macroinvertebrates. Corophium volutator survival was reduced by 80% in oil-contaminated snow. Hydrobia ulvae survival was reduced by 40% in oil-contaminated snow, possibly due to consumption of oiled snow. Macoma balthica was sensitive to marine snow, addition of oil slightly decreased survival. This study reveals trait-dependent sensitivity to oil with or without marine snow. The main drivers for organismal response to marine snow and oil are motility, sensitivity to hypoxia and oil toxicity, and feeding habits. Adverse effects of MOSSFA events on benthos will have consequence for the benthic-pelagic habitat and food chain, and should receive more attention in oil spill management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine S van Eenennaam
- Sub-department of Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Shokouh Rahsepar
- Sub-department of Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jagoš R Radović
- PRG, Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, T2N 1N4 Calgary, Canada
| | - Thomas B P Oldenburg
- PRG, Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, T2N 1N4 Calgary, Canada
| | - Jessica Wonink
- Marine Animal Ecology Group, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alette A M Langenhoff
- Sub-department of Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Albertinka J Murk
- Marine Animal Ecology Group, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Edwin M Foekema
- Marine Animal Ecology Group, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands; Wageningen Marine Research, Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 57, 1780 AB Den Helder, The Netherlands
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13
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Williams AK, Bacosa HP, Quigg A. The impact of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphorous on responses of microbial plankton to the Texas City "Y" oil spill in Galveston Bay, Texas (USA). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 121:32-44. [PMID: 28545863 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Ongoing bioremediation research seeks to promote naturally occurring microbial polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) degradation during and after oil spill events. However, complex relationships among functionally different microbial groups, nutrients and PAHs remain unconstrained. We conducted a surface water survey and corresponding nutrient amendment bioassays following the Texas City "Y" oil spill in Galveston Bay, Texas. Resident microbial groups, defined as either heterotrophic or autotrophic were enumerated by flow cytometry. Heterotrophic abundance was increased by oil regardless of nutrient concentrations. Contrastingly, autotrophic abundance was inhibited by oil, but this reaction was less severe when nutrient concentrations were higher. Several PAH compounds were reduced in nutrient amended treatments relative to controls suggesting nutrient enhanced microbial PAH processing. These findings provide a first-look at nutrient limitation during microbial oil processing in Galveston Bay, an important step in understanding if nutrient additions would be a useful bioremediation strategy in this and other estuarine systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia K Williams
- Texas A&M University at Galveston, Department of Marine Biology, 200 Seawolf Parkway, Galveston, TX 77554, USA; Texas A&M University, Department of Oceanography, 797 Lamar Street, College Station, TX 77840, USA.
| | - Hernando P Bacosa
- Texas A&M University at Galveston, Department of Marine Biology, 200 Seawolf Parkway, Galveston, TX 77554, USA; The University of Texas at Austin, Marine Science Institute, 750 Channel View Drive, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA
| | - Antonietta Quigg
- Texas A&M University at Galveston, Department of Marine Biology, 200 Seawolf Parkway, Galveston, TX 77554, USA; Texas A&M University, Department of Oceanography, 797 Lamar Street, College Station, TX 77840, USA
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14
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Bayha KM, Ortell N, Ryan CN, Griffitt KJ, Krasnec M, Sena J, Ramaraj T, Takeshita R, Mayer GD, Schilkey F, Griffitt RJ. Crude oil impairs immune function and increases susceptibility to pathogenic bacteria in southern flounder. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176559. [PMID: 28464028 PMCID: PMC5413019 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to crude oil or its individual constituents can have detrimental impacts on fish species, including impairment of the immune response. Increased observations of skin lesions in northern Gulf of Mexico fish during the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill indicated the possibility of oil-induced immunocompromisation resulting in bacterial or viral infection. This study used a full factorial design of oil exposure and bacterial challenge to examine how oil exposure impairs southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) immune function and increases susceptibility to the bacteria Vibrio anguillarum, a causative agent of vibriosis. Fish exposed to oil prior to bacterial challenge exhibited 94.4% mortality within 48 hours of bacterial exposure. Flounder challenged with V. anguillarum without prior oil exposure had <10% mortality. Exposure resulted in taxonomically distinct gill and intestine bacterial communities. Mortality strongly correlated with V. anguillarum levels, where it comprised a significantly higher percentage of the microbiome in Oil/Pathogen challenged fish and was nearly non-existent in the No Oil/Pathogen challenged fish bacterial community. Elevated V. anguillarum levels were a direct result of oil exposure-induced immunosuppression. Oil-exposure reduced expression of immunoglobulin M, the major systemic fish antibody, and resulted in an overall downregulation in transcriptome response, particularly in genes related to immune function, response to stimulus and hemostasis. Ultimately, sediment-borne oil exposure impairs immune function, leading to increased incidences of bacterial infections. This type of sediment-borne exposure may result in long-term marine ecosystem effects, as oil-bound sediment in the northern Gulf of Mexico will likely remain a contamination source for years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith M. Bayha
- Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, School of Ocean Science and Technology, University of Southern Mississippi, Ocean Springs, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Natalie Ortell
- Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, School of Ocean Science and Technology, University of Southern Mississippi, Ocean Springs, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Caitlin N. Ryan
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kimberly J. Griffitt
- Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, School of Ocean Science and Technology, University of Southern Mississippi, Ocean Springs, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Michelle Krasnec
- Abt Associates, Suite 201, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Johnny Sena
- National Center for Genome Resources, 2935 Rodeo Park Dr E, Santa Fe, NM, United States of America
| | - Thiruvarangan Ramaraj
- National Center for Genome Resources, 2935 Rodeo Park Dr E, Santa Fe, NM, United States of America
| | - Ryan Takeshita
- Abt Associates, Suite 201, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Gregory D. Mayer
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Faye Schilkey
- National Center for Genome Resources, 2935 Rodeo Park Dr E, Santa Fe, NM, United States of America
| | - Robert J. Griffitt
- Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, School of Ocean Science and Technology, University of Southern Mississippi, Ocean Springs, Mississippi, United States of America
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15
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Mitra S, Gunda NSK, Mitra SK. Wetting characteristics of underwater micro-patterned surfaces. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra25888c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Wetting phenomena of underwater systems do not always follow the classical Wenzel and Cassie–Baxter configurations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surjyasish Mitra
- Micro & Nano-scale Transport Laboratory
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Lassonde School of Engineering
- York University
- Toronto
| | - Naga Siva Kumar Gunda
- Micro & Nano-scale Transport Laboratory
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Lassonde School of Engineering
- York University
- Toronto
| | - Sushanta K. Mitra
- Micro & Nano-scale Transport Laboratory
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Lassonde School of Engineering
- York University
- Toronto
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16
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Beyer J, Trannum HC, Bakke T, Hodson PV, Collier TK. Environmental effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill: A review. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2016; 110:28-51. [PMID: 27301686 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 253] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/05/2016] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill constituted an ecosystem-level injury in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Much oil spread at 1100-1300m depth, contaminating and affecting deepwater habitats. Factors such as oil-biodegradation, ocean currents and response measures (dispersants, burning) reduced coastal oiling. Still, >2100km of shoreline and many coastal habitats were affected. Research demonstrates that oiling caused a wide range of biological effects, although worst-case impact scenarios did not materialize. Biomarkers in individual organisms were more informative about oiling stress than population and community indices. Salt marshes and seabird populations were hard hit, but were also quite resilient to oiling effects. Monitoring demonstrated little contamination of seafood. Certain impacts are still understudied, such as effects on seagrass communities. Concerns of long-term impacts remain for large fish species, deep-sea corals, sea turtles and cetaceans. These species and their habitats should continue to receive attention (monitoring and research) for years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonny Beyer
- NIVA - Norwegian Institute for Water Research, NO-0349, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hilde C Trannum
- NIVA - Norwegian Institute for Water Research, NO-0349, Oslo, Norway
| | - Torgeir Bakke
- NIVA - Norwegian Institute for Water Research, NO-0349, Oslo, Norway
| | - Peter V Hodson
- School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Tracy K Collier
- Delta Independent Science Board, 980 Ninth Street, Suite 1500, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA
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17
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Brussaard CPD, Peperzak L, Beggah S, Wick LY, Wuerz B, Weber J, Samuel Arey J, van der Burg B, Jonas A, Huisman J, van der Meer JR. Immediate ecotoxicological effects of short-lived oil spills on marine biota. Nat Commun 2016; 7:11206. [PMID: 27041738 PMCID: PMC4822028 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms11206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine environments are frequently exposed to oil spills as a result of transportation, oil drilling or fuel usage. Whereas large oil spills and their effects have been widely documented, more common and recurrent small spills typically escape attention. To fill this important gap in the assessment of oil-spill effects, we performed two independent supervised full sea releases of 5 m(3) of crude oil, complemented by on-board mesocosm studies and sampling of accidentally encountered slicks. Using rapid on-board biological assays, we detect high bioavailability and toxicity of dissolved and dispersed oil within 24 h after the spills, occurring fairly deep (8 m) below the slicks. Selective decline of marine plankton is observed, equally relevant for early stages of larger spills. Our results demonstrate that, contrary to common thinking, even small spills have immediate adverse biological effects and their recurrent nature is likely to affect marine ecosystem functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina P. D. Brussaard
- NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry and Utrecht University, PO Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, Texel, The Netherlands
- Department of Aquatic Microbiology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, PO Box 94248, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Louis Peperzak
- NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry and Utrecht University, PO Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, Texel, The Netherlands
| | - Siham Beggah
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, Bâtiment Biophore, Quartier UNIL-Sorge, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Y. Wick
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research—UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Birgit Wuerz
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research—UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jan Weber
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research—UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - J. Samuel Arey
- Environmental Chemistry Modeling Laboratory, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Bart van der Burg
- BioDetection Systems BV, Science Park 406, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arjen Jonas
- BioDetection Systems BV, Science Park 406, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes Huisman
- Rijkswaterstaat Zee en Delta, Ministerie van Infrastructuur en Milieu, Lange Kleiweg 34, 2288 GK Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Roelof van der Meer
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, Bâtiment Biophore, Quartier UNIL-Sorge, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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18
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Parsons ML, Morrison W, Rabalais NN, Turner RE, Tyre KN. Phytoplankton and the Macondo oil spill: A comparison of the 2010 phytoplankton assemblage to baseline conditions on the Louisiana shelf. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2015; 207:152-160. [PMID: 26378966 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2015.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Revised: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 09/06/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The Macondo oil spill was likely the largest oil spill to ever occur in United States territorial waters. We report herein our findings comparing the available baseline phytoplankton data from coastal waters west of the Mississippi River, and samples collected monthly from the same sampling stations, during and after the oil spill (May-October, 2010). Our results indicate that overall, the phytoplankton abundance was 85% lower in 2010 versus the baseline, and that the species composition of the phytoplankton community moved towards diatoms and cyanobacteria and away from ciliates and phytoflagellates. The results of this study reaffirm the view that phytoplankton responses will vary by the seasonal timing of the oil spill and the specific composition of the spilled oil. The trophic impacts of the purported lower abundance of phytoplankton in 2010 coupled with the observed assemblage shift remain unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Parsons
- Coastal Watershed Institute, Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 FGCU Blvd South, Fort Myers, FL 33965, United States.
| | - W Morrison
- Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, Chauvin, LA 70344, United States
| | - N N Rabalais
- Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, Chauvin, LA 70344, United States
| | - R E Turner
- Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, United States
| | - K N Tyre
- Coastal Watershed Institute, Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 FGCU Blvd South, Fort Myers, FL 33965, United States
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19
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Effects of Oil-Contaminated Sediments on Submerged Vegetation: An Experimental Assessment of Ruppia maritima. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138797. [PMID: 26430971 PMCID: PMC4592016 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Oil spills threaten the productivity of ecosystems through the degradation of coastal flora and the ecosystem services these plants provide. While lab and field investigations have quantified the response of numerous species of emergent vegetation to oil, the effects on submerged vegetation remain uncertain. Here, we discuss the implications of oil exposure for Ruppia maritima, one of the most common species of submerged vegetation found in the region affected by the recent Deepwater Horizon oil spill. We grew R. maritima in a range of manipulated sediment oil concentrations: 0, 0.26, 0.53, and 1.05 mL oil /L tank volume, and tracked changes in growth (wet weight and shoot density/length), reproductive activity (inflorescence and seed production), root characteristics (mass, length, diameter, and area), and uprooting force of plants. While no statistical differences were detected in growth, plants exhibited significant changes to reproductive output, root morphology, and uprooting force. We found significant reductions in inflorescences and fruiting bodies at higher oil concentrations. In addition, the roots growing in the high oil were shorter and wider. Plants in medium and high oil required less force to uproot. A second experiment was performed to separate the effects of root morphology and oiled sediment properties and indicated that there were also changes to sediment cohesion that contributed to a reduction in uprooting forces in medium and high oil. Given the importance of sexual reproduction for these plants, oil contamination may have substantial population-level effects. Moreover, areas containing buried oil may be more susceptible to high energy storm events due to the reduction in uprooting force of foundation species such as R. maritima.
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20
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Bargiela R, Herbst FA, Martínez-Martínez M, Seifert J, Rojo D, Cappello S, Genovese M, Crisafi F, Denaro R, Chernikova TN, Barbas C, von Bergen M, Yakimov MM, Ferrer M, Golyshin PN. Metaproteomics and metabolomics analyses of chronically petroleum-polluted sites reveal the importance of general anaerobic processes uncoupled with degradation. Proteomics 2015; 15:3508-20. [PMID: 26201687 PMCID: PMC4973819 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201400614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2014] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Crude oil is one of the most important natural assets for humankind, yet it is a major environmental pollutant, notably in marine environments. One of the largest crude oil polluted areas in the word is the semi-enclosed Mediterranean Sea, in which the metabolic potential of indigenous microbial populations towards the large-scale chronic pollution is yet to be defined, particularly in anaerobic and micro-aerophilic sites. Here, we provide an insight into the microbial metabolism in sediments from three chronically polluted marine sites along the coastline of Italy: the Priolo oil terminal/refinery site (near Siracuse, Sicily), harbour of Messina (Sicily) and shipwreck of MT Haven (near Genoa). Using shotgun metaproteomics and community metabolomics approaches, the presence of 651 microbial proteins and 4776 metabolite mass features have been detected in these three environments, revealing a high metabolic heterogeneity between the investigated sites. The proteomes displayed the prevalence of anaerobic metabolisms that were not directly related with petroleum biodegradation, indicating that in the absence of oxygen, biodegradation is significantly suppressed. This suppression was also suggested by examining the metabolome patterns. The proteome analysis further highlighted the metabolic coupling between methylotrophs and sulphate reducers in oxygen-depleted petroleum-polluted sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Bargiela
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Institute of Catalysis, Madrid, Spain
| | - Florian-Alexander Herbst
- Department of Proteomics, UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
- Center for Microbial Communities, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | | | - Jana Seifert
- Department of Proteomics, UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Animal Science, Universität Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - David Rojo
- Centro de Metabolómica y Bioanálisis (CEMBIO), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad CEU San Pablo, Madrid, Spain
| | - Simone Cappello
- Institute for Coastal Marine Environment, CNR, Messina, Italy
| | - María Genovese
- Institute for Coastal Marine Environment, CNR, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Renata Denaro
- Institute for Coastal Marine Environment, CNR, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Coral Barbas
- Centro de Metabolómica y Bioanálisis (CEMBIO), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad CEU San Pablo, Madrid, Spain
| | - Martin von Bergen
- Department of Proteomics, UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Metabolomics, UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Manuel Ferrer
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Institute of Catalysis, Madrid, Spain
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21
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Al-Jawasim M, Yu K, Park JW. Synergistic effect of crude oil plus dispersant on bacterial community in a louisiana salt marsh sediment. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2015; 362:fnv144. [DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnv144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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22
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Brown-Peterson NJ, Krasnec M, Takeshita R, Ryan CN, Griffitt KJ, Lay C, Mayer GD, Bayha KM, Hawkins WE, Lipton I, Morris J, Griffitt RJ. A multiple endpoint analysis of the effects of chronic exposure to sediment contaminated with Deepwater Horizon oil on juvenile Southern flounder and their associated microbiomes. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2015; 165:197-209. [PMID: 26092636 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2015.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Revised: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to oiled sediments can negatively impact the health of fish species. Here, we examine the effects of chronic exposure of juvenile southern flounder, Paralichthys lethostigma, to a sediment-oil mixture. Oil:sediment mixtures are persistent over time and can become bioavailable following sediment perturbation or resuspension. Juvenile flounder were exposed for 32 days under controlled laboratory conditions to five concentrations of naturally weathered Macondo MC252 oil mixed into uncontaminated, field-collected sediments. The percent composition of individual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) of the weathered oil did not change after mixing with the sediment. Spiked exposure sediments contained 0.04-395mg/kg tPAH50 (sum of 50 individual PAH concentration measurements). Mortality increased with both exposure duration and concentration of sediment-associated PAHs, and flounder exposed to concentrations above 8mg/kg tPAH50 showed significantly reduced growth over the course of the experiment. Evident histopathologic changes were observed in liver and gill tissues of fish exposed to more than 8mg/kg tPAH50. All fish at these concentrations showed hepatic intravascular congestion, macrovesicular hepatic vacoulation, telangiectasia of secondary lamellae, and lamellar epithelial proliferation in gill tissues. Dose-dependent upregulation of Cyp1a expression in liver tissues was observed. Taxonomic analysis of gill and intestinal commensal bacterial assemblages showed that exposure to oiled sediments led to distinct shifts in commensal bacterial population structures. These data show that chronic exposure to environmentally-relevant concentrations of oiled sediments produces adverse effects in flounder at multiple biological levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy J Brown-Peterson
- Department of Coastal Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, 703 East Beach Dr., Ocean Springs, MS 39564, United States.
| | - Michelle Krasnec
- Abt Associates, 1881 Ninth Street, Suite 201, Boulder, Colorado 80302, United States.
| | - Ryan Takeshita
- Abt Associates, 1881 Ninth Street, Suite 201, Boulder, Colorado 80302, United States.
| | - Caitlin N Ryan
- The Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Box 41163, Lubbock, TX 79409, United States.
| | - Kimberly J Griffitt
- Department of Coastal Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, 703 East Beach Dr., Ocean Springs, MS 39564, United States.
| | - Claire Lay
- Abt Associates, 1881 Ninth Street, Suite 201, Boulder, Colorado 80302, United States.
| | - Gregory D Mayer
- The Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Box 41163, Lubbock, TX 79409, United States.
| | - Keith M Bayha
- Department of Coastal Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, 703 East Beach Dr., Ocean Springs, MS 39564, United States.
| | - William E Hawkins
- Department of Coastal Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, 703 East Beach Dr., Ocean Springs, MS 39564, United States.
| | - Ian Lipton
- Abt Associates, 1881 Ninth Street, Suite 201, Boulder, Colorado 80302, United States.
| | - Jeffrey Morris
- Abt Associates, 1881 Ninth Street, Suite 201, Boulder, Colorado 80302, United States.
| | - Robert J Griffitt
- Department of Coastal Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, 703 East Beach Dr., Ocean Springs, MS 39564, United States.
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23
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Sauret C, Böttjer D, Talarmin A, Guigue C, Conan P, Pujo-Pay M, Ghiglione JF. Top-Down Control of Diesel-Degrading Prokaryotic Communities. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2015; 70:445-458. [PMID: 25805213 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-015-0596-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 03/08/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Biostimulation through the addition of inorganic nutrients has been the most widely practiced bioremediation strategy in oil-polluted marine waters. However, little attention has so far been paid to the microbial food web and the impact of top-down control that directly or indirectly influences the success of the bioremediation. We designed a mesocosm experiment using pre-filtered (<50 μm) surface seawater from the Bay of Banyuls-sur-Mer (North-Western Mediterranean Sea) and examined the top-down effect exerted by heterotrophic nanoflagellates (HNF) and virus-like particles (VLP) on prokaryotic abundance, activity and diversity in the presence or absence of diesel fuel. Prokaryotes, HNF and VLP abundances showed a predator-prey succession, with a co-development of HNF and VLP. In the polluted system, we observed a stronger impact of viral lysis on prokaryotic abundances than in the control. Analysis of the diversity revealed that a bloom of Vibrio sp. occurred in the polluted mesocosm. That bloom was rapidly followed by a less abundant and more even community of predation-resistant bacteria, including known hydrocarbon degraders such as Oleispira spp. and Methylophaga spp. and opportunistic bacteria such as Percisivirga spp., Roseobacter spp. and Phaeobacter spp. The shift in prokaryotic dominance in response to viral lysis provided clear evidence of the 'killing the winner' model. Nevertheless, despite clear effects on prokaryotic abundance, activity and diversity, the diesel degradation was not impacted by top-down control. The present study investigates for the first time the functioning of a complex microbial network (including VLP) using a nutrient-based biostimulation strategy and highlights some key processes useful for tailoring bioremediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Sauret
- UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR 7621, Laboratoire d'Océanographie Microbienne, Observatoire Océanologique, Sorbonne Universités, 66650, Banyuls-sur-mer, France
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24
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Bargiela R, Mapelli F, Rojo D, Chouaia B, Tornés J, Borin S, Richter M, Del Pozo MV, Cappello S, Gertler C, Genovese M, Denaro R, Martínez-Martínez M, Fodelianakis S, Amer RA, Bigazzi D, Han X, Chen J, Chernikova TN, Golyshina OV, Mahjoubi M, Jaouanil A, Benzha F, Magagnini M, Hussein E, Al-Horani F, Cherif A, Blaghen M, Abdel-Fattah YR, Kalogerakis N, Barbas C, Malkawi HI, Golyshin PN, Yakimov MM, Daffonchio D, Ferrer M. Bacterial population and biodegradation potential in chronically crude oil-contaminated marine sediments are strongly linked to temperature. Sci Rep 2015; 5:11651. [PMID: 26119183 PMCID: PMC4484246 DOI: 10.1038/srep11651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Two of the largest crude oil-polluted areas in the world are the semi-enclosed Mediterranean and Red Seas, but the effect of chronic pollution remains incompletely understood on a large scale. We compared the influence of environmental and geographical constraints and anthropogenic forces (hydrocarbon input) on bacterial communities in eight geographically separated oil-polluted sites along the coastlines of the Mediterranean and Red Seas. The differences in community compositions and their biodegradation potential were primarily associated (P < 0.05) with both temperature and chemical diversity. Furthermore, we observed a link between temperature and chemical and biological diversity that was stronger in chronically polluted sites than in pristine ones where accidental oil spills occurred. We propose that low temperature increases bacterial richness while decreasing catabolic diversity and that chronic pollution promotes catabolic diversification. Our results further suggest that the bacterial populations in chronically polluted sites may respond more promptly in degrading petroleum after accidental oil spills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Bargiela
- Institute of Catalysis, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francesca Mapelli
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - David Rojo
- Centro de Metabolómica y Bioanálisis (CEMBIO), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad CEU San Pablo, Campus Montepríncipe, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bessem Chouaia
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Jesús Tornés
- Institute of Catalysis, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Borin
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Mercedes V. Del Pozo
- Institute of Catalysis, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Simone Cappello
- Institute for Coastal Marine Environment, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Messina, Italy
| | | | - María Genovese
- Institute for Coastal Marine Environment, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Messina, Italy
| | - Renata Denaro
- Institute for Coastal Marine Environment, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Messina, Italy
| | | | | | - Ranya A. Amer
- Environmental Biotechnology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City for Scientific Research & Technology Applications, Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | - Xifang Han
- BGI Tech Solutions Co., Ltd, Main Building, Beishan Industrial Zone, Yantian District, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianwei Chen
- BGI Tech Solutions Co., Ltd, Main Building, Beishan Industrial Zone, Yantian District, Shenzhen, China
| | | | | | - Mouna Mahjoubi
- LR Biotechnology and Bio-Geo Resources Valorization (LR11ES31), Higher Institute for Biotechnology - University of Manouba, Biotechpole of Sidi Thabet, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Ariana, Tunisia
| | - Atef Jaouanil
- Laboratory of Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Fatima Benzha
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environment, University Hassan II – Ain Chock, Casablanca, Morocco
| | | | - Emad Hussein
- Department of Biological Sciences, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Fuad Al-Horani
- Faculty of Marine Sciences, The University of Jordan-Aqaba, Jordan
| | - Ameur Cherif
- Laboratory of Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Blaghen
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environment, University Hassan II – Ain Chock, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Yasser R. Abdel-Fattah
- Bioprocess Development Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City for Scientific Research & Technology Applications, Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | - Coral Barbas
- Centro de Metabolómica y Bioanálisis (CEMBIO), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad CEU San Pablo, Campus Montepríncipe, Madrid, Spain
| | - Hanan I. Malkawi
- Hamdan Bin Mohammad Smart University, Academic City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Michail M. Yakimov
- Institute for Coastal Marine Environment, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Messina, Italy
| | - Daniele Daffonchio
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, BESE Division, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Manuel Ferrer
- Institute of Catalysis, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
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Kleindienst S, Paul JH, Joye SB. Using dispersants after oil spills: impacts on the composition and activity of microbial communities. Nat Rev Microbiol 2015; 13:388-96. [DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro3452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Ortmann AC, Lu Y. Initial community and environment determine the response of bacterial communities to dispersant and oil contamination. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2015; 90:106-114. [PMID: 25487088 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Revised: 11/02/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Bioremediation of seawater by natural bacterial communities is one potential response to coastal oil spills, but the success of the approach may vary, depending on geographical location, oil composition and the timing of spill. The short term response of coastal bacteria to dispersant, oil and dispersed oil was characterized using 16S rRNA gene tags in two mesocosm experiments conducted two months apart. Despite differences in the amount of oil-derived alkanes across the treatments and experiments, increases in the contributions of hydrocarbon degrading taxa and decreases in common estuarine bacteria were observed in response to dispersant and/or oil. Between the two experiments, the direction and rates of changes in particulate alkane concentrations differed, as did the magnitude of the bacterial response to oil and/or dispersant. Together, our data underscore large variability in bacterial responses to hydrocarbon pollutants, implying that bioremediation success varies with starting biological and environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice C Ortmann
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of South Alabama, 307 University Blvd, Mobile, AL 36688, United States; Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 101B Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, United States.
| | - YueHan Lu
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, United States
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King GM, Kostka JE, Hazen TC, Sobecky PA. Microbial responses to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill: from coastal wetlands to the deep sea. ANNUAL REVIEW OF MARINE SCIENCE 2015; 7:377-401. [PMID: 25251273 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-marine-010814-015543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the northern Gulf of Mexico represents the largest marine accidental oil spill in history. It is distinguished from past spills in that it occurred at the greatest depth (1,500 m), the amount of hydrocarbon gas (mostly methane) lost was equivalent to the mass of crude oil released, and dispersants were used for the first time in the deep sea in an attempt to remediate the spill. The spill is also unique in that it has been characterized with an unprecedented level of resolution using next-generation sequencing technologies, especially for the ubiquitous hydrocarbon-degrading microbial communities that appeared largely to consume the gases and to degrade a significant fraction of the petroleum. Results have shown an unexpectedly rapid response of deep-sea Gammaproteobacteria to oil and gas and documented a distinct succession correlated with the control of the oil flow and well shut-in. Similar successional events, also involving Gammaproteobacteria, have been observed in nearshore systems as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M King
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803;
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28
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Joye SB, Teske AP, Kostka JE. Microbial Dynamics Following the Macondo Oil Well Blowout across Gulf of Mexico Environments. Bioscience 2014. [DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biu121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
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Almeda R, Hyatt C, Buskey EJ. Toxicity of dispersant Corexit 9500A and crude oil to marine microzooplankton. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2014; 106:76-85. [PMID: 24836881 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2014.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2014] [Revised: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/20/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In 2010, nearly 7 million liters of chemical dispersants, mainly Corexit 9500A, were released in the Gulf of Mexico to treat the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. However, little is still known about the effects of Corexit 9500A and dispersed crude oil on microzooplankton despite the important roles of these planktonic organisms in marine ecosystems. We conducted laboratory experiments to determine the acute toxicity of Corexit 9500A, and physically and chemically dispersed Louisiana light sweet crude oil to marine microzooplankton (oligotrich ciliates, tintinnids and heterotrophic dinoflagellates). Our results indicate that Corexit 9500A is highly toxic to microzooplankton, particularly to small ciliates, and that the combination of dispersant with crude oil significantly increases the toxicity of crude oil to microzooplankton. The negative impact of crude oil and dispersant on microzooplankton may disrupt the transfer of energy from lower to higher trophic levels and change the structure and dynamics of marine planktonic communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Almeda
- Marine Science Institute, University of Texas at Austin, 750 Channel View Drive, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States.
| | - Cammie Hyatt
- Marine Science Institute, University of Texas at Austin, 750 Channel View Drive, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States
| | - Edward J Buskey
- Marine Science Institute, University of Texas at Austin, 750 Channel View Drive, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States
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Almeda R, Baca S, Hyatt C, Buskey EJ. Ingestion and sublethal effects of physically and chemically dispersed crude oil on marine planktonic copepods. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2014; 23:988-1003. [PMID: 24756329 PMCID: PMC4078238 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-014-1242-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2014] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Planktonic copepods play a key function in marine ecosystems, however, little is known about the effects of dispersants and chemically dispersed crude oil on these important planktonic organisms. We examined the potential for the copepods Acartia tonsa, Temora turbinata and Parvocalanus crassirostris to ingest crude oil droplets and determined the acute toxicity of the dispersant Corexit(®) 9500A, and physically and chemically dispersed crude oil to these copepods. We detected ingestion of crude oil droplets by adults and nauplii of the three copepod species. Exposure to crude oil alone (1 µL L(-1), 48 h) caused a reduction of egg production rates (EPRs) by 26-39 %, fecal pellet production rates (PPRs) by 11-27 %, and egg hatching (EH) by 1-38 % compared to the controls, depending on the species. Dispersant alone (0.05 µL L(-1), 48 h) produced a reduction in EPR, PPR and EH by 20-35, 12-23 and 2-11 %, respectively. Dispersant-treated crude oil was the most toxic treatment, ~1.6 times more toxic than crude oil alone, causing a reduction in EPR, PPR and EH by 45-54, 28-41 and 11-31 %, respectively. Our results indicate that low concentrations of dispersant Corexit 9500A and chemically dispersed crude oil are toxic to marine zooplankton, and that the ingestion of crude oil droplets by copepods may be an important route by which crude oil pollution can enter marine food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Almeda
- Marine Science Institute, University of Texas at Austin, 750 Channel View Drive, Port Aransas, TX, 78373, USA,
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31
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Landers SC, Nichols AC, Barron NK, Schimmer CA, Tao R, Yu K, Stewart PM, Ólafsson E. Nematode and copepod diversity (2012) from Louisiana near the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. P BIOL SOC WASH 2014. [DOI: 10.2988/0006-324x-127.1.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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32
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Ortmann AC, Ortell N. Changes in free-living bacterial community diversity reflect the magnitude of environmental variability. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2013; 87:291-301. [DOI: 10.1111/1574-6941.12225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2013] [Revised: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 09/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alice. C. Ortmann
- Department of Marine Sciences; University of South Alabama; Mobile AL USA
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab; Dauphin Island AL USA
| | - Natalie Ortell
- Department of Marine Sciences; University of South Alabama; Mobile AL USA
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab; Dauphin Island AL USA
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33
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Powers SP, Hernandez FJ, Condon RH, Drymon JM, Free CM. Novel pathways for injury from offshore oil spills: direct, sublethal and indirect effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on pelagic Sargassum communities. PLoS One 2013; 8:e74802. [PMID: 24086378 PMCID: PMC3783491 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2013] [Accepted: 08/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The pelagic brown alga Sargassum forms an oasis of biodiversity and productivity in an otherwise featureless ocean surface. The vast pool of oil resulting from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill came into contact with a large portion of the Gulf of Mexico's floating Sargassum mats. Aerial surveys performed during and after the oil spill show compelling evidence of loss and subsequent recovery of Sargassum. Expanding on the trends observed in the aerial surveys, we conducted a series of mesocosm experiments to test the effect of oil and dispersants on the vertical position and weight of the Sargassum complex (Sargassum natans and S. fluitans), as well as on the dissolved oxygen concentrations surrounding the algae. Dispersant and dispersed-oil had significant effects on the vertical position of both species of Sargassum over a period of 72 hours. Similarly, dissolved oxygen concentrations were lowest in dispersant and dispersed-oil treatments, respectively. Cumulatively, our findings suggest three pathways for oil-spill related injury: (1) Sargassum accumulated oil on the surface exposing animals to high concentrations of contaminants; (2) application of dispersant sank Sargassum, thus removing the habitat and potentially transporting oil and dispersant vertically; and (3) low oxygen surrounded the habitat potentially stressing animals that reside in the alga. These pathways represent direct, sublethal, and indirect effects of oil and dispersant release that minimize the ecosystem services provided by floating Sargassum - the latter two effects are rarely considered in assessing impacts of oil spills or response procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean P. Powers
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, United States of America
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Frank J. Hernandez
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Robert H. Condon
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, Alabama, United States of America
| | - J. Marcus Drymon
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, United States of America
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, Alabama, United States of America
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