1
|
Paxton AB, McGonigle C, Damour M, Holly G, Caporaso A, Campbell PB, Meyer-Kaiser KS, Hamdan LJ, Mires CH, Taylor JC. Shipwreck ecology: Understanding the function and processes from microbes to megafauna. Bioscience 2024; 74:12-24. [PMID: 38313562 PMCID: PMC10831220 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biad084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
An estimated three million shipwrecks exist worldwide and are recognized as cultural resources and foci of archaeological investigations. Shipwrecks also support ecological resources by providing underwater habitats that can be colonized by diverse organisms ranging from microbes to megafauna. In the present article, we review the emerging ecological subdiscipline of shipwreck ecology, which aims to understand ecological functions and processes that occur on shipwrecks. We synthesize how shipwrecks create habitat for biota across multiple trophic levels and then describe how fundamental ecological functions and processes, including succession, zonation, connectivity, energy flow, disturbance, and habitat degradation, manifest on shipwrecks. We highlight future directions in shipwreck ecology that are ripe for exploration, placing a particular emphasis on how shipwrecks may serve as experimental networks to address long-standing ecological questions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Avery B Paxton
- National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Beaufort, North Carolina, United States
| | - Christopher McGonigle
- School of Geography and Environmental Science, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland
| | - Melanie Damour
- Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
| | - Georgia Holly
- Edinburgh Marine Archaeology, School of History, Classics, and Archaeology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Alicia Caporaso
- Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
| | - Peter B Campbell
- Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham, England, United Kingdom
| | | | - Leila J Hamdan
- School of Ocean Science and Engineering, University of Southern Mississippi, Ocean Springs, Mississippi, United States
| | - Calvin H Mires
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States
| | - J Christopher Taylor
- National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Beaufort, North Carolina, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fiskal A, Shuster J, Fischer S, Joshi P, Raghunatha Reddy L, Wulf SE, Kappler A, Fischer H, Herrig I, Meier J. Microbially influenced corrosion and rust tubercle formation on sheet piles in freshwater systems. Environ Microbiol 2023; 25:1796-1815. [PMID: 37145936 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16393] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The extent of how complex natural microbial communities contribute to metal corrosion is still not fully resolved, especially not for freshwater environments. In order to elucidate the key processes, we investigated rust tubercles forming massively on sheet piles along the river Havel (Germany) applying a complementary set of techniques. In-situ microsensor profiling revealed steep gradients of O2 , redox potential and pH within the tubercle. Micro-computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy showed a multi-layered inner structure with chambers and channels and various organisms embedded in the mineral matrix. Using Mössbauer spectroscopy we identified typical corrosion products including electrically conductive iron (Fe) minerals. Determination of bacterial gene copy numbers and sequencing of 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA amplicons supported a densely populated tubercle matrix with a phylogenetically and metabolically diverse microbial community. Based on our results and previous models of physic(electro)chemical reactions, we propose here a comprehensive concept of tubercle formation highlighting the crucial reactions and microorganisms involved (such as phototrophs, fermenting bacteria, dissimilatory sulphate and Fe(III) reducers) in metal corrosion in freshwaters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annika Fiskal
- Department U2-Microbial Ecology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, Koblenz, Germany
| | - Jeremiah Shuster
- Tübingen Structural Microscopy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Geomicrobiology, Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Fischer
- Tübingen Structural Microscopy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Geomicrobiology, Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Prachi Joshi
- Geomicrobiology, Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Sven-Erik Wulf
- Section B2-Steel Structures and Corrosion Protection, Federal Waterways Engineering and Research Institute, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Andreas Kappler
- Tübingen Structural Microscopy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Geomicrobiology, Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence: EXC 2124: Controlling Microbes to Fight Infection, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Helmut Fischer
- Department U2-Microbial Ecology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, Koblenz, Germany
| | - Ilona Herrig
- Department G3-Ecotoxicology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, Koblenz, Germany
| | - Jutta Meier
- Institute for Integrated Natural Sciences, University Koblenz, Koblenz, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Meyer-Kaiser KS, Mires CH. Underwater cultural heritage is integral to marine ecosystems. Trends Ecol Evol 2022; 37:815-818. [PMID: 35902291 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2022.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Underwater cultural heritage (UCH) supports marine biodiversity and influences connectivity. UCH structure, colonizing organisms, and anthropogenic stressors interact to shape sites over time, but these interactions are poorly understood. Here, we express the urgent need for biology-archeology collaborations to address interdisciplinary questions. We also codify the emerging field of Maritime Heritage Ecology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Calvin H Mires
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 266 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Meyer-Kaiser KS, Mires CH, Kovacs M, Kovacs E, Haskell B. Structural factors driving benthic invertebrate community structure on historical shipwrecks in a large North Atlantic marine sanctuary. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 178:113622. [PMID: 35366553 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Shipwrecks are irreplaceable historical resources and valuable biological habitats. Understanding the environmental and anthropogenic factors affecting shipwrecks is critical for preservation in situ. We used remotely operated vehicles to study the benthic invertebrate communities on four shipwrecks in Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (SBNMS, North Atlantic, USA). Shipwrecks included coal schooners and a passenger steamer, all >100 years old. These large, complex structures hosted dense populations of invertebrates (34 species), especially on high-relief and overhanging substrata. Some species that are otherwise rare in the community may proliferate through asexual reproduction and form dense populations on shipwrecks. We also investigated impacts of entangled fishing gear on the invertebrate communities on each shipwreck and found that areas with the most ghost gear have lower species richness and different community structure. Fishing, particularly bottom trawling, damages shipwrecks and poses a threat to these valuable cultural resources and biological habitats in SBNMS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirstin S Meyer-Kaiser
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, United States of America.
| | - Calvin H Mires
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, United States of America
| | - Maryann Kovacs
- Marine Imaging Technologies, Pocasset, MA, United States of America
| | - Evan Kovacs
- Marine Imaging Technologies, Pocasset, MA, United States of America
| | - Benjamin Haskell
- Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, Scituate, MA, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ivo Ganchev. Role of Multispecies Biofilms with a Dominance of Bacillus subtilis in the Rhizosphere. BIOL BULL+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359021150061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
6
|
Moisander PH. Practicing Critical Thinking in Undergraduate Microbiology Classes by Presenting News Stories with Data Evidence. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOLOGY EDUCATION 2021; 22:jmbe00171-21. [PMID: 34970387 PMCID: PMC8673262 DOI: 10.1128/jmbe.00171-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Developing scientific literacy is a key objective in undergraduate biology education. However, finding and accessing important primary research articles and drawing conclusions from original data is often challenging for students. The approach described here aims to alleviate these challenges by using news stories as a starting point for identifying important research findings and having students ultimately explain the findings with original data. The students identify a microbial news story, find and read the original peer-reviewed article the news story was based upon, and finally, present the key findings in class, while explicitly focusing on presenting data evidence, followed by the key conclusions that resulted in the news story. This approach practices scientific literacy and critical thinking and promotes a student-centered learning environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pia H. Moisander
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Garrison CE, Field EK. Introducing a "core steel microbiome" and community functional analysis associated with microbially influenced corrosion. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2021; 97:5998222. [PMID: 33220682 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiaa237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms attached to aquatic steel structures play key roles in nutrient cycling and structural degradation processes. Corrosion-causing microbes are often the focus of studies involving microbially influenced corrosion, yet the roles of remaining community members remain unclear. This study characterizes the composition and functional potential of a 'core steel microbiome' across stainless steel types (304 and 316) and historic shipwreck steel along salinity gradients in North Carolina estuaries. We found higher phylogenetic evenness and diversity on steel surfaces compared to sediment, and at lower salinities. The core steel microbiome was composed of heterotrophic generalist taxa, and community composition was most strongly influenced by salinity. Substrate type was a secondary factor becoming more influential at higher salinities. The core steel microbiome included members of Sphingobacteriia, Cytophagia, Anaerolineaceae, Verrucomicrobiaceae, Chitinophagaceae, and Rheinheimera. While salinity differences led to phylogenetic separations across microbial community assemblages, functional genes were conserved across salinity and steel type. Generalist taxa on steel surfaces likely provide functional stability and biofilm protection for the community with limited functional trade-offs compared to surrounding environments. Further, characterization of a core steel microbiome increases the understanding of these complex steel surface microbial communities and their similarities to core microbiomes in other environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cody E Garrison
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, 1000 E 5th St, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Erin K Field
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, 1000 E 5th St, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| |
Collapse
|