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Nava V, Leoni B, Arienzo MM, Hogan ZS, Gandolfi I, Tatangelo V, Carlson E, Chea S, Soum S, Kozloski R, Chandra S. Plastic pollution affects ecosystem processes including community structure and functional traits in large rivers. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 259:121849. [PMID: 38851112 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121849] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Plastics in aquatic ecosystems rapidly undergo biofouling, giving rise to a new ecosystem on their surface, the 'plastisphere.' Few studies quantify the impact of plastics and their associated community on ecosystem traits from biodiversity and functional traits to metabolic function. It has been suspected that impacts on ecosystems may depend on its state but comparative studies of ecosystem responses are rare in the published literature. We quantified algal biomass, bacterial and algal biodiversity (16S and 18S rRNA), and metabolic traits of the community growing on the surface of different plastic polymers incubated within rivers of the Lower Mekong Basin. The rivers selected have different ecological characteristics but are similar regarding their high degree of plastic pollution. We examined the effects of plastics colonized with biofilms on ecosystem production, community dark respiration, and the epiplastic community's capability to influence nitrogen, phosphorus, organic carbon, and oxygen in water. Finally, we present conceptual models to guide our understanding of plastic pollution within freshwaters. Our findings showed limited microalgal biomass and bacterial dominance, with potential pathogens present. The location significantly influenced community composition, highlighting the role of environmental conditions in shaping community development. When assessing the effects on ecosystem productivity, our experiments showed that biofouled plastics led to a significant drop in oxygen concentration within river water, leading to hypoxic/anoxic conditions with subsequent profound impacts on system metabolism and the capability of influencing biogeochemical cycles. Scaling our findings revealed that plastic pollution may exert a more substantial and ecosystem-altering impact than initially assumed, particularly in areas with poorly managed plastic waste. These results highlighted that the plastisphere functions as a habitat for biologically active organisms which play a pivotal role in essential ecosystem processes. This warrants dedicated attention and investigation, particularly in sensitive ecosystems like the Mekong River, which supports a rich biodiversity and the livelihoods of 65 million people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Nava
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano MI, Italy
| | - Barbara Leoni
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano MI, Italy.
| | - Monica M Arienzo
- Desert Research Institute, 2215 Raggio Pkwy, Reno, NV 89512, United States
| | - Zeb S Hogan
- Global Water Center and Biology Department, University of Nevada, 1664 N. Virginia, Reno, NV 89557-0314, United States
| | - Isabella Gandolfi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano MI, Italy
| | - Valeria Tatangelo
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano MI, Italy
| | - Emily Carlson
- Global Water Center and Biology Department, University of Nevada, 1664 N. Virginia, Reno, NV 89557-0314, United States
| | - Seila Chea
- Institute of Technology of Cambodia, PO Box 86, Russian Conf. Blvd. Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Savoeurn Soum
- Royal University of Phnom Penh, Russian Federation Blvd (110), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Rachel Kozloski
- Desert Research Institute, 2215 Raggio Pkwy, Reno, NV 89512, United States
| | - Sudeep Chandra
- Global Water Center and Biology Department, University of Nevada, 1664 N. Virginia, Reno, NV 89557-0314, United States.
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Leclerc M, Ponton DE, Bilodeau F, Planas D, Amyot M. Enhanced Bioaccumulation and Transfer of Monomethylmercury through Periphytic Biofilms in Benthic Food Webs of a River Affected by Run-of-River Dams. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:20792-20801. [PMID: 38016692 PMCID: PMC10720379 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Run-of-river (ROR) power plants impound limited terrestrial areas compared to traditional hydropower plants with large reservoirs and are assumed to have reduced impacts on mercury cycling. We conducted a study on periphyton and benthic communities from different habitats of the St. Maurice River (Québec, Canada) affected by two ROR power plants and their effect on the bioaccumulation and biomagnification of monomethylmercury (MMHg). Proportion of total mercury as MMHg reached maximum values about 2.9 times higher in flooded sites compared to unflooded sites. Impoundment by ROR would therefore provide favorable environments for the growth of periphyton, which can produce and accumulate MMHg. Periphyton MMHg concentrations significantly explained concentrations in some benthic macroinvertebrates, reflecting a local transfer. Through the analysis of δ13C and δ15N signatures, we found that flooding, creating scattered lenthic habitats, led to modifications in trophic structures by the introduction of new organic matter sources. The computed trophic magnification slopes did not show significant differences in the transfer efficiency of MMHg between sectors, while intercepts of flooded sectors were higher. Increases in MMHg concentrations in flooded areas are likely due to the impoundment, combined with watershed disturbances, and the creation of small habitats favorable to periphyton should be included in future predictive models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Leclerc
- GRIL,
GEOTOP, Département de Sciences Biologiques, Université de Montréal, 1375 Thérèse-Lavoie-Roux Ave., Montréal, Québec H2V 0B3, Canada
| | - Dominic E. Ponton
- GRIL,
GEOTOP, Département de Sciences Biologiques, Université de Montréal, 1375 Thérèse-Lavoie-Roux Ave., Montréal, Québec H2V 0B3, Canada
| | - François Bilodeau
- Hydro-Québec,
Direction Environnement, 800 De Maisonneuve Est Blvd., Montréal, Québec H2Z 1A4, Canada
| | - Dolors Planas
- GRIL,
GEOTOP, Département de Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, 141 Président-Kennedy Ave., Montréal, Québec H2X 1Y4, Canada
| | - Marc Amyot
- GRIL,
GEOTOP, Département de Sciences Biologiques, Université de Montréal, 1375 Thérèse-Lavoie-Roux Ave., Montréal, Québec H2V 0B3, Canada
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3
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Proano-Pena G, Kardel K, Blersch DM, Carrano AL. The effect of interstitial surface spacing on algal biomass accumulation. ALGAL RES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2023.102980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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4
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Gubelit YI. Studies of Lacustrine Phytoperiphyton: Current Trends and Prospects Considering Algae-Bacteria Interactions. RUSS J ECOL+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1067413622060054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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5
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Lv T, Fan S, Wang H, Li D, Wang Q, Lei X, Liu C, Yu D. Invasion of water hyacinth and water lettuce inhibits the abundance of epiphytic algae. DIVERS DISTRIB 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tian Lv
- The National Field Station of Freshwater Ecosystem of Liangzi Lake College of Life Science Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Shufeng Fan
- The National Field Station of Freshwater Ecosystem of Liangzi Lake College of Life Science Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Huiyuan Wang
- The National Field Station of Freshwater Ecosystem of Liangzi Lake College of Life Science Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Dexiang Li
- The National Field Station of Freshwater Ecosystem of Liangzi Lake College of Life Science Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Qiuyue Wang
- The National Field Station of Freshwater Ecosystem of Liangzi Lake College of Life Science Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Xinyi Lei
- The National Field Station of Freshwater Ecosystem of Liangzi Lake College of Life Science Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Chunhua Liu
- The National Field Station of Freshwater Ecosystem of Liangzi Lake College of Life Science Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Dan Yu
- The National Field Station of Freshwater Ecosystem of Liangzi Lake College of Life Science Wuhan University Wuhan China
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Biofilms for Turbidity Mitigation in Oil Sands End Pit Lakes. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9071443. [PMID: 34361879 PMCID: PMC8307862 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
End pit lakes (EPLs) have been proposed as a method of reclaiming oil sands fluid fine tailings (FFT), which consist primarily of process-affected water and clay- and silt-sized particles. Base Mine Lake (BML) is the first full-scale demonstration EPL and contains thick deposits of FFT capped with water. Because of the fine-grained nature of FFT, turbidity generation and mitigation in BML are issues that may be detrimental to the development of an aquatic ecosystem in the water cap. Laboratory mixing experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of mudline biofilms made up of microbial communities indigenous to FFT on mitigating turbidity in EPLs. Four mixing speeds were tested (80, 120, 160, and 200 rpm), all of which are above the threshold velocity required to initiate erosion of FFT in BML. These mixing speeds were selected to evaluate (i) the effectiveness of biofilms in mitigating turbidity and (ii) the mixing speed required to 'break' the biofilms. The impact of biofilm age (10 weeks versus 20 weeks old) on turbidity mitigation was also evaluated. Diverse microbial communities in the biofilms included photoautotrophs, namely cyanobacteria and Chlorophyta (green algae), as well as a number of heterotrophs such as Gammaproteobacteria, Desulfobulbia, and Anaerolineae. Biofilms reduced surface water turbidity by up to 99%, depending on the biofilm age and mixing speed. Lifting and layering in the older biofilms resulted in weaker attachment to the FFT; as such, younger biofilms performed better than older biofilms. However, older biofilms still reduced turbidity by 69% to 95%, depending on the mixing speed. These results indicate that biostabilization is a promising mechanism for turbidity mitigation in EPLs.
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Investigating the trophic ecology of freshwater fish communities from central and eastern Indian streams using stable isotope analysis. COMMUNITY ECOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s42974-021-00049-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Gubelit YI, Grossart HP. New Methods, New Concepts: What Can Be Applied to Freshwater Periphyton? Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1275. [PMID: 32670226 PMCID: PMC7328189 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial interactions play an essential role in aquatic ecosystems and are of the great interest for both marine and freshwater ecologists. Recent development of new technologies and methods allowed to reveal many functional mechanisms and create new concepts. Yet, many fundamental aspects of microbial interactions have been almost exclusively studied for marine pelagic and benthic ecosystems. These studies resulted in a formulation of the Black Queen Hypothesis, a development of the phycosphere concept for pelagic communities, and a realization of microbial communication as a key mechanism for microbial interactions. In freshwater ecosystems, especially for periphyton communities, studies focus mainly on physiology, biodiversity, biological indication, and assessment, but the many aspects of microbial interactions are neglected to a large extent. Since periphyton plays a great role for aquatic nutrient cycling, provides the basis for water purification, and can be regarded as a hotspot of microbial biodiversity, we highlight that more in-depth studies on microbial interactions in periphyton are needed to improve our understanding on functioning of freshwater ecosystems. In this paper we first present an overview on recent concepts (e.g., the "Black Queen Hypothesis") derived from state-of-the-art OMICS methods including metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and metabolomics. We then point to the avenues how these methods can be applied for future studies on biodiversity and the ecological role of freshwater periphyton, a yet largely neglected component of many freshwater ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia I. Gubelit
- Laboratory of Freshwater Hydrobiology, Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Science, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Hans-Peter Grossart
- Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
- Department of Experimental Limnology, Leibniz-Institute for Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Stechlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Berlin, Germany
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9
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Effects of Invasive Watermilfoil on Primary Production in Littoral Zones of North-Temperate Lakes. DIVERSITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/d12020082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Species invasions are changing aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Submerged aquatic macrophytes control lake ecosystem processes through their direct and indirect interactions with other primary producers, but how these interactions may be altered by macrophyte species invasions in temperate lakes is poorly understood. We addressed whether invasive watermilfoil (IWM) altered standing crops and gross primary production (GPP) of other littoral primary producers (macrophytes, phytoplankton, attached algae, and periphyton) in littoral zones of six Michigan lakes through a paired-plot comparison study of sites with IWM (standardized abundance 7–56%) compared to those with little or no IWM (standardized abundance 0–2%). We found that primary producer standing crops and the GPP of epiphytes, phytoplankton, and benthic periphyton were variable among lakes and not significantly different between paired study plots. Macrophyte standing crops predicted rates of benthic periphyton GPP, and standing crops of all other primary producers across all study plots. Overall, our results suggest that the effects of IWM on other primary producers in littoral zones may be lake-specific, and are likely dependent on the density of IWM, or whether it is functionally similar to other native species that it replaces or co-exists with. Moreover, in lakes where IWM is established but does not dominate macrophyte assemblages, the effects on littoral zone productivity may be minimal. Instead, overall macrophyte biomass is the primary factor controlling the rates of production and biomass of the other littoral zone primary producers, as has long been understood and observed in lake ecosystems.
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Ekong J, Blersch DM, Kardel K, Carrano AL. Influence of three-dimensional features of a woven-fabric substrate on benthic algal biomass production. ALGAL RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2019.101661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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11
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Hilt S, Alirangues Nuñez MM, Bakker ES, Blindow I, Davidson TA, Gillefalk M, Hansson LA, Janse JH, Janssen ABG, Jeppesen E, Kabus T, Kelly A, Köhler J, Lauridsen TL, Mooij WM, Noordhuis R, Phillips G, Rücker J, Schuster HH, Søndergaard M, Teurlincx S, van de Weyer K, van Donk E, Waterstraat A, Willby N, Sayer CD. Response of Submerged Macrophyte Communities to External and Internal Restoration Measures in North Temperate Shallow Lakes. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018. [PMID: 29515607 PMCID: PMC5826081 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.00194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Submerged macrophytes play a key role in north temperate shallow lakes by stabilizing clear-water conditions. Eutrophication has resulted in macrophyte loss and shifts to turbid conditions in many lakes. Considerable efforts have been devoted to shallow lake restoration in many countries, but long-term success depends on a stable recovery of submerged macrophytes. However, recovery patterns vary widely and remain to be fully understood. We hypothesize that reduced external nutrient loading leads to an intermediate recovery state with clear spring and turbid summer conditions similar to the pattern described for eutrophication. In contrast, lake internal restoration measures can result in transient clear-water conditions both in spring and summer and reversals to turbid conditions. Furthermore, we hypothesize that these contrasting restoration measures result in different macrophyte species composition, with added implications for seasonal dynamics due to differences in plant traits. To test these hypotheses, we analyzed data on water quality and submerged macrophytes from 49 north temperate shallow lakes that were in a turbid state and subjected to restoration measures. To study the dynamics of macrophytes during nutrient load reduction, we adapted the ecosystem model PCLake. Our survey and model simulations revealed the existence of an intermediate recovery state upon reduced external nutrient loading, characterized by spring clear-water phases and turbid summers, whereas internal lake restoration measures often resulted in clear-water conditions in spring and summer with returns to turbid conditions after some years. External and internal lake restoration measures resulted in different macrophyte communities. The intermediate recovery state following reduced nutrient loading is characterized by a few macrophyte species (mainly pondweeds) that can resist wave action allowing survival in shallow areas, germinate early in spring, have energy-rich vegetative propagules facilitating rapid initial growth and that can complete their life cycle by early summer. Later in the growing season these plants are, according to our simulations, outcompeted by periphyton, leading to late-summer phytoplankton blooms. Internal lake restoration measures often coincide with a rapid but transient colonization by hornworts, waterweeds or charophytes. Stable clear-water conditions and a diverse macrophyte flora only occurred decades after external nutrient load reduction or when measures were combined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Hilt
- Department of Ecosystem Research, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Sabine Hilt
| | - Marta M. Alirangues Nuñez
- Department of Ecosystem Research, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elisabeth S. Bakker
- Departmnet of Aquatic Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Irmgard Blindow
- Biological Station of Hiddensee, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | | | - Mikael Gillefalk
- Department of Ecosystem Research, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Jan H. Janse
- Departmnet of Aquatic Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, Netherlands
- Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL), Den Haag, Netherlands
| | - Annette B. G. Janssen
- Departmnet of Aquatic Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, Netherlands
- Water Systems and Global Change Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Erik Jeppesen
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Silkeborg, Denmark
- Sino-Danish Centre for Education and Research, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Timm Kabus
- Institute of Applied Freshwater Ecology, Seddiner See, Germany
| | | | - Jan Köhler
- Department of Ecosystem Research, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany
| | - Torben L. Lauridsen
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Silkeborg, Denmark
- Sino-Danish Centre for Education and Research, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wolf M. Mooij
- Departmnet of Aquatic Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, Netherlands
- Department of Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Geoff Phillips
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline Rücker
- Department of Freshwater Conservation, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Senftenberg, Germany
| | - Hans-Heinrich Schuster
- Niedersächsischer Landesbetrieb für Wasserwirtschaft, Küsten- und Naturschutz, Sulingen, Germany
| | - Martin Søndergaard
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Silkeborg, Denmark
- Sino-Danish Centre for Education and Research, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Sven Teurlincx
- Departmnet of Aquatic Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Ellen van Donk
- Departmnet of Aquatic Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Arno Waterstraat
- Gesellschaft für Naturschutz und Landschaftsökologie, Kratzeburg, Germany
| | - Nigel Willby
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| | - Carl D. Sayer
- Department of Geography, Environmental Change Research Centre, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Blersch DM, Kardel K, Carrano AL, Kaur M. Customized 3D-printed surface topography governs species attachment preferences in a fresh water periphyton community. ALGAL RES 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2016.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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13
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Ask J, Rowe O, Brugel S, Strömgren M, Byström P, Andersson A. Importance of coastal primary production in the northern Baltic Sea. AMBIO 2016; 45:635-648. [PMID: 27075572 PMCID: PMC5012998 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-016-0778-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Revised: 12/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we measured depth-dependent benthic microalgal primary production in a Bothnian Bay estuary to estimate the benthic contribution to total primary production. In addition, we compiled data on benthic microalgal primary production in the entire Baltic Sea. In the estuary, the benthic habitat contributed 17 % to the total annual primary production, and when upscaling our data to the entire Bothnian Bay, the corresponding value was 31 %. This estimated benthic share (31 %) is three times higher compared to past estimates of 10 %. The main reason for this discrepancy is the lack of data regarding benthic primary production in the northern Baltic Sea, but also that past studies overestimated the importance of pelagic primary production by not correcting for system-specific bathymetric variation. Our study thus highlights the importance of benthic communities for the northern Baltic Sea ecosystem in general and for future management strategies and ecosystem studies in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Ask
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Owen Rowe
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
- Division of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Food and Environmental Sciences, Viikki Biocenter 1, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sonia Brugel
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mårten Strömgren
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Pär Byström
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Agneta Andersson
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
- Umeå Marine Sciences Centre, 905 70 Hörnefors, Umeå, Sweden
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15
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Corman JR, Poret-Peterson AT, Uchitel A, Elser JJ. Interaction between lithification and resource availability in the microbialites of Río Mesquites, Cuatro Ciénegas, México. GEOBIOLOGY 2016; 14:176-189. [PMID: 26663088 DOI: 10.1111/gbi.12168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Lithified microbial structures (microbialites) have been present on Earth for billions of years. Lithification may impose unique constraints on microbes. For instance, when CaCO3 forms, phosphate may be captured via coprecipitation and/or adsorption and potentially rendered unavailable for biological uptake. Therefore, the growth of microbes associated with CaCO3 may be phosphorus-limited. In this study, we compared the effects of resource addition on biogeochemical functions of microbial communities associated with microbialites and photoautotrophic microbial communities not associated with CaCO3 deposition in Río Mesquites, Cuatro Ciénegas, México. We also manipulated rates of CaCO3 deposition in microbialites to determine whether lithification reduces the bioavailability of phosphorus (P). We found that P additions significantly increased rates of gross primary production (F2,13 = 103.9, P < 0.001), net primary production (F2,13 = 129.6, P < 0.0001) and ecosystem respiration (F2,13 = 6.44, P < 0.05) in the microbialites, while P addition had no effect on photoautotrophic production in the non-CaCO3 -associated microbial communities. Growth of the non-CaCO3-associated phototrophs was only marginally stimulated when nitrogen and P were added simultaneously (F1,36 = 3.98, P = 0.053). In the microbialites, resource additions led to some shifts in the abundance of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Cyanobacteria but mostly had little effect on bacterial community composition. Ca(2+) uptake rates increased significantly with organic carbon additions (F1,13 = 8.02, P < 0.05). Lowering of CaCO3 deposition by decreasing calcium concentrations in the water led to increased microbial biomass accumulation rates in terms of both organic carbon (F4,48 = 5.23, P < 0.01) and P (F6,48 = 13.91, P < 0.001). These results provide strong evidence in support of a role of lithification in controlling P limitation of microbialite communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Corman
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - A T Poret-Peterson
- School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - A Uchitel
- School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - J J Elser
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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Crawford JT, Loken LC, Casson NJ, Smith C, Stone AG, Winslow LA. High-speed limnology: using advanced sensors to investigate spatial variability in biogeochemistry and hydrology. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:442-450. [PMID: 25406073 DOI: 10.1021/es504773x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Advanced sensor technology is widely used in aquatic monitoring and research. Most applications focus on temporal variability, whereas spatial variability has been challenging to document. We assess the capability of water chemistry sensors embedded in a high-speed water intake system to document spatial variability. This new sensor platform continuously samples surface water at a range of speeds (0 to >45 km h(-1)) resulting in high-density, mesoscale spatial data. These novel observations reveal previously unknown variability in physical, chemical, and biological factors in streams, rivers, and lakes. By combining multiple sensors into one platform, we were able to detect terrestrial-aquatic hydrologic connections in a small dystrophic lake, to infer the role of main-channel vs backwater nutrient processing in a large river and to detect sharp chemical changes across aquatic ecosystem boundaries in a stream/lake complex. Spatial sensor data were verified in our examples by comparing with standard lab-based measurements of selected variables. Spatial fDOM data showed strong correlation with wet chemistry measurements of DOC, and optical NO3 concentrations were highly correlated with lab-based measurements. High-frequency spatial data similar to our examples could be used to further understand aquatic biogeochemical fluxes, ecological patterns, and ecosystem processes, and will both inform and benefit from fixed-site data.
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Affiliation(s)
- John T Crawford
- U.S. Geological Survey , National Research Program, 3215 Marine Street, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
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17
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Ivanova EA, Anishchenko OV, Glushchenko LA, Gaevsky NA, Kolmakov VI. Contribution of different groups of autotrophs to the primary production of the mountain Lake Oiskoe. CONTEMP PROBL ECOL+ 2014. [DOI: 10.1134/s1995425514040040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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18
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Yang H, Flower RJ. EFFECTS OF LIGHT AND SUBSTRATE ON THE BENTHIC DIATOMS IN AN OLIGOTROPHIC LAKE: A COMPARISON BETWEEN NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL SUBSTRATES(1). JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2012; 48:1166-1177. [PMID: 27011276 DOI: 10.1111/j.1529-8817.2012.01201.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Benthic diatoms form a particularly important community in oligotrophic lakes, but factors influencing their distribution are not well known. This study reports the depth distribution of living motile and total diatoms (living plus dead diatoms) on both natural (from sand to fine organic mud) and artificial substrates in an oligotrophic lake. On artificial substrates, motile diatom densities peaked in abundance (24-30 cells · mm(-2) ) between 0.6 and 1.9 m depth; on natural sediment surfaces, motile diatoms were generally more numerous and peaked in abundance (925 cells · mm(-2) ) at 1.3 m depth. Total diatom densities on artificial substrates were highest (1260 valves · mm(-2) ) at 0.6 m depth, with very low values below 3 m depth; on natural sediment surfaces, total diatom abundances were generally much higher (21600 valves · mm(-2) ) at 3 m depth and declined gradually with depth. Significant relationships were found between light and diatom densities on the artificial substrate. Ordination analysis indicated that substrate type significantly correlated with the variation of diatom composition on artificial and natural substrates. Our results suggest that in oligotrophic lakes, light influences benthic diatom abundance, whereas substrate type has more influence on benthic diatom composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yang
- Geography and Environment, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK and Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UKEnvironmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Roger J Flower
- Geography and Environment, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK and Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UKEnvironmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary A. Lamberti
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556 USA
| | - Dominic T. Chaloner
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556 USA
| | - Anne E. Hershey
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina 27402 USA
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21
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Roy JW, Robillard JM, Watson SB, Hayashi M. Non-intrusive characterization methods for wastewater-affected groundwater plumes discharging to an alpine lake. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2009; 149:201-211. [PMID: 18253851 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-008-0194-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2007] [Accepted: 01/14/2008] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Streams and lakes in rocky environments are especially susceptible to nutrient loading from wastewater-affected groundwater plumes. However, the use of invasive techniques such as drilling wells, installing piezometers or seepage meters, to detect and characterize these plumes can be prohibitive. In this work, we report on the use of four non-intrusive methods for this purpose at a site in the Rocky Mountains. The methods included non-invasive geophysical surveys of subsurface electrical conductivity (EC), in-situ EC measurement of discharging groundwater at the lake-sediment interface, shoreline water sampling and nutrient analysis, and shoreline periphyton sampling and analysis of biomass and taxa relative abundance. The geophysical surveys were able to detect and delineate two high-EC plumes, with capacitively coupled ERI (OhmMapper) providing detailed two-dimensional images. In situ measurements at the suspected discharge locations confirmed the presence of high-EC water in the two plumes and corroborated their spatial extent. The nutrient and periphyton results showed that only one of the two high-EC plumes posed a current eutrophication threat, with elevated nitrogen and phosphorus levels, high localized periphyton biomass and major shifts in taxonomic composition to taxa that are commonly associated with anthropogenic nutrient loading. This study highlights the need to use non-intrusive methods in combination, with geophysical and water EC-based methods used for initial detection of wastewater-affected groundwater plumes, and nutrient or periphyton sampling used to characterize their ecological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W Roy
- National Water Research Institute, Environment Canada, Burlington, Ontario L7R4A6, Canada.
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22
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23
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Vadeboncoeur Y, Peterson G, Vander Zanden MJ, Kalff J. BENTHIC ALGAL PRODUCTION ACROSS LAKE SIZE GRADIENTS: INTERACTIONS AMONG MORPHOMETRY, NUTRIENTS, AND LIGHT. Ecology 2008; 89:2542-52. [PMID: 18831175 DOI: 10.1890/07-1058.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Vadeboncoeur
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, Ohio 45435, USA.
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