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Havenhand JN, Filipsson HL, Niiranen S, Troell M, Crépin AS, Jagers S, Langlet D, Matti S, Turner D, Winder M, de Wit P, Anderson LG. Ecological and functional consequences of coastal ocean acidification: Perspectives from the Baltic-Skagerrak System. AMBIO 2019; 48:831-854. [PMID: 30506502 PMCID: PMC6541583 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-018-1110-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Ocean temperatures are rising; species are shifting poleward, and pH is falling (ocean acidification, OA). We summarise current understanding of OA in the brackish Baltic-Skagerrak System, focussing on the direct, indirect and interactive effects of OA with other anthropogenic drivers on marine biogeochemistry, organisms and ecosystems. Substantial recent advances reveal a pattern of stronger responses (positive or negative) of species than ecosystems, more positive responses at lower trophic levels and strong indirect interactions in food-webs. Common emergent themes were as follows: OA drives planktonic systems toward the microbial loop, reducing energy transfer to zooplankton and fish; and nutrient/food availability ameliorates negative impacts of OA. We identify several key areas for further research, notably the need for OA-relevant biogeochemical and ecosystem models, and understanding the ecological and evolutionary capacity of Baltic-Skagerrak ecosystems to respond to OA and other anthropogenic drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan N. Havenhand
- Department of Marine Sciences, Tjärnö Marine Laboratory, University of Gothenburg, Strömstad, 45296 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Susa Niiranen
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Kräftriket 2B, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Max Troell
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Kräftriket 2B, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
- Beijer Institute of Ecological Economics, Royal Swedish Academy of Science, Lilla Frescativägen 4, 10405 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anne-Sophie Crépin
- Beijer Institute of Ecological Economics, Royal Swedish Academy of Science, Lilla Frescativägen 4, 10405 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sverker Jagers
- Department of Political Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 711, Sprängkullsgatan 19, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - David Langlet
- Department of Law, University of Gothenburg, Box 650, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Simon Matti
- Department of Political Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, 97187 Luleå, Sweden
| | - David Turner
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 461, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Monika Winder
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pierre de Wit
- Department of Marine Sciences, Tjärnö Marine Laboratory, University of Gothenburg, Strömstad, 45296 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Leif G. Anderson
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 461, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
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Sokołowski A, Brulińska D. The effects of low seawater pH on energy storage and heat shock protein 70 expression in a bivalve Limecola balthica. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 140:289-298. [PMID: 30251647 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2018.06.018] [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: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Though biological consequences of CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) implementation into the marine environment have received substantial research attention, the impact of potential CO2 leakage on benthic infauna in the Baltic Sea remained poorly recognized. This study quantified medium-term (56-day laboratory exposure) effects of CO2-induced seawater acidification (pH 7.7, 7.0 and 6.3) on energetic reserves and heat-shock protein HSP70 expression of adult bivalve Limecola balthica from the southern Baltic. While no clear impact was evident in the most acidic treatment (pH 6.3), moderate seawater hypercapnia (pH 7.0) induced elevated catabolism of high caloric reserves (carbohydrates including glycogen and lipids) in order to provide energy to cover enhanced metabolic requirements for acid-base regulation. Biochemical response did not involve, however, breakdown of proteins, suggesting that they were not utilized as metabolic substrates. As indicated also by subtle variations in the chaperone protein HSP70, the clams demonstrated high CO2 tolerance, presumably through development of efficient defensive/compensatory mechanisms during their larval and/or ontogenic life stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Sokołowski
- University of Gdańsk, Institute of Oceanography, Al. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378, Gdynia, Poland.
| | - Dominika Brulińska
- University of Gdańsk, Institute of Oceanography, Al. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378, Gdynia, Poland
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Sokołowski A, Brulińska D, Mirny Z, Burska D, Pryputniewicz-Flis D. Differing responses of the estuarine bivalve Limecola balthica to lowered water pH caused by potential CO 2 leaks from a sub-seabed storage site in the Baltic Sea: An experimental study. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 127:761-773. [PMID: 28987450 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Revised: 09/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Sub-Seabed CCS is regarded as a key technology for the reduction of CO2 emissions, but little is known about the mechanisms through which leakages from storage sites impact benthic species. In this study, the biological responses of the infaunal bivalve Limecola balthica to CO2-induced seawater acidification (pH7.7, 7.0, and 6.3) were quantified in 56-day mesocosm experiments. Increased water acidity caused changes in behavioral and physiological traits, but even the most acidic conditions did not prove to be fatal. In response to hypercapnia, the bivalves approached the sediment surface and increased respiration rates. Lower seawater pH reduced shell weight and growth, while it simultaneously increased soft tissue weight; this places L. balthica in a somewhat unique position among marine invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Sokołowski
- University of Gdańsk, Institute of Oceanography, Al. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland.
| | - Dominika Brulińska
- University of Gdańsk, Institute of Oceanography, Al. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Mirny
- National Marine Fisheries Research Institute, ul. Kołłątaja 1, 81-332 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Dorota Burska
- University of Gdańsk, Institute of Oceanography, Al. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
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Bamber SD, Westerlund S. Behavioral responses of Arctica islandica (Bivalvia: Arcticidae) to simulated leakages of carbon dioxide from sub-sea geological storage. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2016; 180:295-305. [PMID: 27776295 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2016.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Revised: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Sub-sea geological storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) provides a viable option for the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) approach for reducing atmospheric emissions of this greenhouse gas. Although generally considered to offer a low risk of major leakage, it remains relevant to establish the possible consequences for marine organisms that live in or on sediments overlying these storage areas if such an event may occur. The present study has used a series of laboratory exposures and behavioral bioassays to establish the sensitivity of Arctica islandica to simulated leakages of CO2. This long-lived bivalve mollusc is widely distributed throughout the North Sea, an area where geological storage is currently taking place and where there are plans to expand this operation significantly. A recently published model has predicted a maximum drop of 1.9pH units in seawater at the point source of a substantial escape of CO2 from sub-sea geological storage in this region. Valve movements of A. islandica exposed to reduced pH seawater were recorded continuously using Hall effect proximity sensors. Valve movement regulation is important for optimising the flow of water over the gills, which supplies food and facilitates respiration. A stepwise reduction in seawater pH showed an initial increase in both the rate and extent of valve movements in the majority of individuals tested when pH fell to 6.2 units. Exposing A. islandica to pH 6.2 seawater continuously for seven days resulted in a clear increase in valve movements during the first 40h of exposure, followed by a gradual reduction in activity intensity over the subsequent five days, suggesting acclimation. The ability of both exposed and control bivalves to burrow successfully into sediment on completion of this exposure was very similar. A final exposure trial, testing whether increased valve movements initiated by reduced pH were related to foot extension during attempted burrowing, found no such association. In summary, significant changes in valve behavior did not occur until seawater pH fell to 6.2 units. The response took the form of an increase in valve activity rather than closure. The absence of foot extension coincident with increased valve movements indicates A. islandica were not attempting to burrow, leaving the possibility that valve movements are supporting a respiratory response to hypercapnia. In conclusion, A. islandica appears to be tolerant of reductions in seawater pH equivalent to those predicted for substantial losses of CO2 through leakage from sub-sea geological storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaw D Bamber
- International Research Institute of Stavanger, Mekjarvik 12, N-4070 Randaberg, Norway.
| | - Stig Westerlund
- International Research Institute of Stavanger, Mekjarvik 12, N-4070 Randaberg, Norway.
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