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Quintanilla-Ahumada D, Quijón PA, Jahnsen-Guzmán N, Lynn KD, Pulgar J, Palma J, Manríquez PH, Duarte C. Splitting light pollution: Wavelength effects on the activity of two sandy beach species. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124317. [PMID: 38844041 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) threatens to disrupt most natural habitats and species, including those in coastal settings, where a growing number of studies have identified ALAN impacts. A careful examination of the light properties behind those impacts is important to better understand and manage the effects of this stressor. This study focused on ALAN monochromatic wavelengths and examined which types of light spectra altered the natural activity of two prominent coastal species from the Pacific southeast: the talitroid amphipod Orchestoidea tuberculata and the oniscoid isopod Tylos spinulosus. We compared the natural daylight/night activity of these organisms with the one they exhibit when exposed to five different ALAN wavelengths: lights in the violet, blue, green, amber, and red spectra. Our working hypothesis was that ALAN alters these species' activity at night, but the magnitude of such impact differs depending on light wavelengths. Measurements of activity over 24 h cycles for five consecutive days and in three separate experiments confirmed a natural circadian activity pattern in both species, with strong activity at night (∼90% of probability) and barely any activity during daylight. However, when exposed to ALAN, activity declined significantly in both species under all light wavelengths. Interestingly, amphipods exhibited moderate activity (∼40% of probability) when exposed to red lights at night, whereas isopods shifted some of their activity to daylight hours in two of the experiments when exposed to blue or amber lights, suggesting a possible alteration in this species circadian rhythm. Altogether, our results were consistent with our working hypothesis, and suggest that ALAN reduces night activity, and some wavelengths have differential effects on each species. Differences between amphipods and isopods are likely related to their distinct adaptations to natural low-light habitat conditions, and therefore distinct sensitivity to ALAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Quintanilla-Ahumada
- Programa de Doctorado en Medicina de la Conservación, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile; Departamento de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pedro A Quijón
- Coastal Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE, Canada
| | - Nicole Jahnsen-Guzmán
- Programa de Doctorado en Medicina de la Conservación, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile; Departamento de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - K Devon Lynn
- Coastal Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE, Canada
| | - José Pulgar
- Departamento de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile; Centro de Investigaciones Marinas de Quintay (CIMARQ), Chile
| | | | - Patricio H Manríquez
- Laboratorio de Ecología y Conducta de la Ontogenia Temprana (LECOT), Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Cristian Duarte
- Departamento de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile; Centro de Investigaciones Marinas de Quintay (CIMARQ), Chile.
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Lynn KD, Quintanilla-Ahumada D, Duarte C, Quijón PA. Artificial light at night alters the feeding activity and two molecular indicators in the plumose sea anemone Metridium senile (L.). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 202:116352. [PMID: 38604080 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116352] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Artificial light at night (ALAN) is becoming a widespread stressor in coastal ecosystems, affecting species that rely on natural day/night cycles. Yet, studies examining ALAN effects remain limited, particularly in the case of sessile species. This study assessed the effects of ALAN upon the feeding activity and two molecular indicators in the widespread plumose sea anemone Metridium senile. Anemones were exposed to either natural day/night or ALAN conditions to monitor feeding activity, and tissue samples were collected to quantify proteins and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme concentrations. In day/night conditions, sea anemones showed a circadian rhythm of activity in which feeding occurs primarily at night. This rhythm was altered by ALAN, which turned it into a reduced and more uniform pattern of feeding. Consistently, proteins and SOD concentrations were significantly lower in anemones exposed to ALAN, suggesting that ALAN can be harmful to sea anemones and potentially other marine sessile species.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Devon Lynn
- Coastal Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE, Canada
| | - Diego Quintanilla-Ahumada
- Departamento de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile; Programa de Doctorado en Medicina de la Conservación, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristian Duarte
- Departamento de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pedro A Quijón
- Coastal Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE, Canada.
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Kramer N, Tamir R, Galindo-Martínez CT, Wangpraseurt D, Loya Y. Light pollution alters the skeletal morphology of coral juveniles and impairs their light capture capacity. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 193:115212. [PMID: 37385181 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Urbanization and infrastructure development have changed the night-time light regime of many coastal marine habitats. Consequently, Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) is becoming a global ecological concern, particularly in nearshore coral reef ecosystems. However, the effects of ALAN on coral architecture and their optical properties are unexplored. Here, we conducted a long-term ex situ experiment (30 months from settlement) on juvenile Stylophora pistillata corals grown under ALAN conditions using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and fluorescent lamps, mimicking light-polluted habitats. We found that corals exposed to ALAN exhibited altered skeletal morphology that subsequently resulted in reduced light capture capacity, while also gaining better structural and optical modifications to increased light levels than their ambient-light counterparts. Additionally, light-polluted corals developed a more porous skeleton compared to the control corals. We suggest that ALAN induces light stress in corals, leading to a decrease in the solar energy available for photosynthesis during daytime illumination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Netanel Kramer
- School of Zoology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, Israel National Center for Biodiversity Studies, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Raz Tamir
- Israel Oceanography & Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Daniel Wangpraseurt
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego,San Diego, USA; Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, San Diego, USA
| | - Yossi Loya
- School of Zoology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Pulgar J, Manríquez PH, Widdicombe S, García-Huidobro R, Quijón PA, Carter M, Aldana M, Quintanilla-Ahumada D, Duarte C. Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) causes size-dependent effects on intertidal fish decision-making. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 193:115190. [PMID: 37336043 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) alters cycles of day and night, potentially modifying species' behavior. We assessed whether exposure to ALAN influences decision-making (directional swimming) in an intertidal rockfish (Girella laevisifrons) from the Southeastern Pacific. Using a Y-maze, we examined if exposure to ALAN or natural day/night conditions for one week affected the number of visits and time spent in three Y-maze compartments: dark and lit arms ("safe" and "risky" conditions, respectively) and a neutral "non-decision" area. The results showed that fish maintained in natural day/night conditions visited and spent more time in the dark arm, regardless of size. Instead, fish exposed to ALAN visited and spent more time in the non-decision area and their response was size-dependent. Hence, prior ALAN exposure seemed to disorient or reduce the ability of rock fish to choose dark conditions, deemed the safest for small fish facing predators or other potential threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Pulgar
- Departamento de Ecología & Biodiversidad, Facultad Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Av. República 440, Santiago, Chile; Centro de Investigaciones Marinas de Quintay (CIMARQ), Chile.
| | - Patricio H Manríquez
- Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Coquimbo, Chile; Laboratorio de Ecología y Conducta de la Ontogenia Temprana (LECOT), Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Stephen Widdicombe
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, West Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, UK
| | - Roberto García-Huidobro
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación para el Cambio Climático (CiiCC), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Santo Tomás, Ejército 146, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pedro A Quijón
- Department of Biology, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3, Canada
| | - Mauricio Carter
- Departamento de Ecología & Biodiversidad, Facultad Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Av. República 440, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marcela Aldana
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación para el Cambio Climático (CiiCC), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Santo Tomás, Ejército 146, Santiago, Chile
| | - Diego Quintanilla-Ahumada
- Departamento de Ecología & Biodiversidad, Facultad Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Av. República 440, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristian Duarte
- Departamento de Ecología & Biodiversidad, Facultad Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Av. República 440, Santiago, Chile; Centro de Investigaciones Marinas de Quintay (CIMARQ), Chile
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Jägerbrand AK, Spoelstra K. Effects of anthropogenic light on species and ecosystems. Science 2023; 380:1125-1130. [PMID: 37319223 DOI: 10.1126/science.adg3173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic light is ubiquitous in areas where humans are present and is showing a progressive increase worldwide. This has far-reaching consequences for most species and their ecosystems. The effects of anthropogenic light on natural ecosystems are highly variable and complex. Many species suffer from adverse effects and often respond in a highly specific manner. Ostensibly surveyable effects such as attraction and deterrence become complicated because these can depend on the type of behavior and specific locations. Here, we considered how solutions and new technologies could reduce the adverse effects of anthropogenic light. A simple solution to reducing and mitigating the ecological effects of anthropogenic light seems unattainable, because frugal lighting practices and turning off lights may be necessary to eliminate them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika K Jägerbrand
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Science, Faculty of Engineering and Sustainable Development, University of Gävle, 801 76 Gävle, Sweden
| | - Kamiel Spoelstra
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), 6700 AB Wageningen, Netherlands
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Christoforou E, Dominoni D, Lindström J, Diamantopoulou C, Czyzewski J, Mirzai N, Spatharis S. The effects of artificial light at night (ALAN) on the gaping activity and feeding of mussels. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 192:115105. [PMID: 37290299 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) is a common environmental pollutant which affects >22 % of the world's coastlines. However, the impact of ALAN wavelengths on coastal organisms is under-investigated. Here, we tested the impact of red, green, and white ALAN on the gaping activity and phytoplankton consumption of Mytilus edulis mussels and compared these to dark night. Mussels exhibited a semi-diel activity pattern. Although ALAN did not significantly affect the time open nor the phytoplankton consumption, it did have a colour-specific effect on the gaping frequency with red and white ALAN resulting in lower activity compared to the dark night. Green ALAN caused higher gaping frequency and a negative relationship between consumption and proportion of time open compared to the other treatments. Our findings suggest colour-specific ALAN effects on mussels and call for further investigation on the associated physiological mechanisms and potential ecological consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Christoforou
- University of Glasgow, School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, G12 8QQ Glasgow, UK; Cyprus University of Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, 3036 Limassol, Cyprus.
| | - Davide Dominoni
- University of Glasgow, School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, G12 8QQ Glasgow, UK
| | - Jan Lindström
- University of Glasgow, School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, G12 8QQ Glasgow, UK
| | - Christina Diamantopoulou
- University of Glasgow, School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, G12 8QQ Glasgow, UK; University of Amsterdam, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, 1098 XH Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jakub Czyzewski
- University of Glasgow, School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, BioElectronics Unit, G12 8QQ Glasgow, UK
| | - Nosrat Mirzai
- University of Glasgow, School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, BioElectronics Unit, G12 8QQ Glasgow, UK
| | - Sofie Spatharis
- University of Glasgow, School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, G12 8QQ Glasgow, UK
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Lynn KD, Quintanilla-Ahumada D, Duarte C, Quijón PA. Hemocyanin as a biological indicator of artificial light at night stress in sandy beach amphipods. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 184:114147. [PMID: 36152494 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114147] [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: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The influence of artificial light at night (ALAN) is becoming evident in marine sandy beaches. These habitats are dominated by species reliant on natural daylight/night regimes, making the identification of biological indicators a priority. We assessed the applicability of hemocyanin, an oxygen-transport protein in the hemolymph of many invertebrates, as an indicator of ALAN-related stress. Unlike total proteins, hemocyanins signal metabolic function and stress, so we expected them to increase in response to ALAN. We adapted spectrophotometry protocols to describe spatial variation in hemocyanins and total proteins in four populations of the talitroid amphipod Americorchestia longicornis. Then, a two-week experiment tested for changes in response to ALAN. Hemocyanin levels increased by 17 % and 40 % with respect to experimental controls after 7 and 14 d, respectively, and were higher than any measurements conducted in the field. These results suggest good prospects for hemocyanin as an indicator of ALAN effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Devon Lynn
- Department of Biology, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PE C1A4P3, Canada
| | - Diego Quintanilla-Ahumada
- Programa de Doctorado en Medicina de la Conservación, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile; Centro de Investigación Marina Quintay (CIMARQ), Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile; Departamento de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristian Duarte
- Centro de Investigación Marina Quintay (CIMARQ), Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile; Departamento de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pedro A Quijón
- Department of Biology, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PE C1A4P3, Canada.
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