Organic contaminants can be detected at low concentrations in drinking water, raising concerns for human health, particularly in reproduction. In this respect, we attempted to use the zebrafish as a bioindicator to de...Organic contaminants can be detected at low concentrations in drinking water, raising concerns for human health, particularly in reproduction. In this respect, we attempted to use the zebrafish as a bioindicator to detect the possible presence of these substances in drinking water, aiming to define the most relevant parameters to detect these substances, which particularly affect the development and reproduction of zebrafish. To this end, batches of30 embryos with the chorion intact were cultured in drinking waters from different sources,throughout their full life-cycle up to 5 months, in 20 L tanks. Six replicates were performed in all water groups, with a total of 24 aquariums. Two generations（F0 and F1） were studied and the following parameters were tested： in the F0 generation, survival and abnormality rates evaluated at 5 dpf（days post-fertilization） and at 5 mpf（months post-fertilization）,the onset of spawning and the fertility rate from 3 mpf to 5 mpf, and the sex ratio and underdeveloped specimens at 5 mpf. Furthermore, in the F0 offspring（F1）, survival and abnormality rates were evaluated at 5 dpf and the hatching rate at 72 hpf. These results revealed that the hatching rate is the most sensitive parameter to distinguish different levels of effects between waters during the early life stages, whereas the rate of underdeveloped specimens is more suitable at later life stages. Regarding adult reproduction, fertility rate was the most sensitive parameter. The possible reversibility or accumulative nature of such effects will be studied in future work.展开更多
Pollution of the aquatic environment is an ever-growing problem, as waters are the ultimate sink for the large number of xenobiotics from multiple sources. DNA damaging agents have a significant ecological relevance s...Pollution of the aquatic environment is an ever-growing problem, as waters are the ultimate sink for the large number of xenobiotics from multiple sources. DNA damaging agents have a significant ecological relevance since they are implicated in many pathological processes and exert effects beyond that of individual being active through following generations. A large number of methods have been applied to evaluate genotoxic damage in different aquatic species. Comet assay, as method for de- tecting DNA alterations, and micronucleus test, as an index of chromosomal damage are the most widely applied and validated methods in field studies. These methods were applied in different vertebrate and invertebrate aquatic species, but only mollusk and fish species have been employed in routine biomonitoring programs. Mussels, due to their widely geographical distribution and the suitability for caging represent the bioindicator of choice in field studies. Mytilus species is the most used marine mussel. The use of fish is limited to specific geographic areas. The present review mainly focuses on the application of comet assay and micronucleus test in mussels. A number of biomonitoring studies in mussels, using comet assay or micronucleus test, revealed exposure to different classes of genotoxic compounds with a good discrimination power. The different evidence from the two as- says, reflects different biological mechanisms for the two genetic endpoints, DNA damage and chromosomal damage, suggesting their combined application in the field. Different endogenous and exogenous factors have been shown to modulate the genotoxic responses in mussels, acting as confounding factors in environmental monitoring. The use of standardized protocol for caging, sampling and genotoxity evaluation is critical in biomonitoring studies. The use of a multimarker approach coupling genotoxicity biomarkers with physiological and biochemical factors allows to have a complete picture of the environmental pollution [Current Zoology 60 （2）： 273-284, 2014].展开更多
Coral reefs are in terminal decline.For conservation to be effective,naturally depauperate reefs must be distinguished from those recently degraded by humans.Traditional reef monitoring is time consuming and lacks the...Coral reefs are in terminal decline.For conservation to be effective,naturally depauperate reefs must be distinguished from those recently degraded by humans.Traditional reef monitoring is time consuming and lacks the longevity to make this distinction.Success in using foraminifera as bioindicators for reef health has hitherto levered their response to nutrients.Because ocean heat waves are the dominant driver of coral bleaching and death,there is compelling motivation to develop new foraminiferal bioindicators that inform on temperature stress over meaningful timescales.This study focuses on identifying which foraminifera respond systematically to the temperature stress that kills corals.Statistical models were used to compare endosymbiont-bearing foraminiferal families,collected along a heat-stress gradient spanning the Solomon Islands and New Caledonia,to live coral cover at the same sites.Results indicate that Amphisteginidae foraminifera and coral cover show a significant decline in abundance as heat stress increases along the transect sites.Furthermore,ocean productivity and salinity,both recognized environmental influences on foraminifera,are shown to be subordinate to temperature in their sway of this ecological patterning.These findings indicate the potential for using foraminifera to develop new indices capable of quantifying long-term thermal impacts on reefs.展开更多
Vertebrates have particular habitat needs as a function of life cycle and reproductive stage. This paper uses four species as examples to illustrate a paradigm of environmental assessment that includes physical, biolo...Vertebrates have particular habitat needs as a function of life cycle and reproductive stage. This paper uses four species as examples to illustrate a paradigm of environmental assessment that includes physical, biological, toxicological and human dimensions. Species used include Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens), northern pine snake (Pituophis m. melanoleucus), and red knot (Calidris canutus rufa, a sandpiper). The life cycles of these species include reliance on habitats that are aquatic, terrestrial, aerial, or combinations of these. Two species (frog, snake) are sedentary and two (salmon, sandpiper) are long-distance migrants. While some measurement endpoints are similar for all species (reproductive success, longevity, contaminant loads), others vary depending upon life cycle and habitat. Salmon have a restricted breeding habitat requiring coarse sand, moderate current, and high oxygen levels for adequate egg incubation. Leopard frogs require still water of appropriate temperature for development of eggs. Pine snakes require sand compaction sufficient to sustain a nest burrow without collapsing, and full sun penetration to the sand to allow their eggs in underground nests to incubate and hatch. Red knots migrate to high Arctic tundra, but incubate their own eggs, so temperature is less of a constraint, but feedinging habitat is. These habitat differences suggest the measurement endpoints that are essential to assess habitat suitability and to manage habitats to achieve stable and sustainable populations. Habitat use and population stability have implications for human activities for some, but not all species. Salmon are important economically, recreationally, and as part of Native American culture and diet. Red knots are of interest to people mainly because of their long, intercontinental migrations and declining populations. Other measurement endpoints for these four species illustrate the differences and similarities in metrics necessary to assess habitat needs. The implications of these differences are discussed.展开更多
The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of Zn nutritional status on the content of pigments, nonstructural carbohydrates, foliage proteins and amino acids of the pecan tree, as possible bioindicators of Zn...The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of Zn nutritional status on the content of pigments, nonstructural carbohydrates, foliage proteins and amino acids of the pecan tree, as possible bioindicators of Zn deficiency. The experimental design was completely random with three Zn nutritional statuses: Normal, Intermediate and Deficient, being selected considering visual symptomatology. On all three nutritional statuses, the concentration of photosynthetic pigments was determined as well as of total soluble proteins and amino acids. Obtained results indicate that Zn deficient nutritional status was characterized by minimum photosynthetic pigment, protein concentrations, maximum amino acid and nonstructural carbohydrate concentrations. While the normal Zn nutritional status presented maximum photosynthetic pigments, proteins concentrations, minimum amino acids and carbohydrate concentrations. On the other hand, intermediate Zn nutritional status was characterized by a medium level between the other two Zn nutritional statuses. Finally, we stress the fact that pigments, proteins, amino acids and nonstructural carbohydrates may be good physiological indicators related to Zn nutritional status on pecan trees.展开更多
It is well known that mussels have been applied more and more to monitoring marine pollution, and have been reported on the marine radioactive monitoring. The majority concentrates the attention on the study of monito...It is well known that mussels have been applied more and more to monitoring marine pollution, and have been reported on the marine radioactive monitoring. The majority concentrates the attention on the study of monitoring active products. However, the report on monitoring fission products is rare. T. R. Rice reported that the phytoplankton could concentrateSr, but its drawback is too large mobility to reflect the radioactive level of the specific sea area. For this purpose, the paper applies the mussel, which life range is more fixed, to discuss the possibility of monitoringSr.展开更多
Coastal pollution assessment is a pressing matter as the anthropogenic pressure continues to increase worldwide. A leading approach to assess coastal pollution is using bioindicators. However, identifying species is t...Coastal pollution assessment is a pressing matter as the anthropogenic pressure continues to increase worldwide. A leading approach to assess coastal pollution is using bioindicators. However, identifying species is time-consuming and demands profound morphological knowledge. Our goal was to find the meiobenthic composition in each pollution level. By utilizing the meiobenthic assemblage’s ratios, we will be able to indicate the pollution level. We examined the meiobenthos distribution at three sites exposed to a pollution gradient. We quantified the changes in the fauna assemblage in the community phylum level, focusing on nematodes and foraminifera (90% of the total population). Over 400 samples were examined, covering an annual seasonal cycle. Nematodes population dominated in the polluted coast. Nematodes density increased with the pollution level, up to seemingly harmful levels of pollution. In contradiction, the foraminifera flourished in the control site and exhibited an inverse relationship to the nematodes. We witnessed drastic changes in the entire meiobenthic population in the winter, which we speculate that originated from winter turbulences. We suggest that nematodes-foraminifers’ population ratios may be utilized as bioindicators for assessing coast intertidal zone pollution levels.展开更多
The increasing global concern over the public health impacts attributed to environmental pollution led us to investigate and compare the deposition of some heavy metals in mosses from an urban area, Aramoko Ekiti and ...The increasing global concern over the public health impacts attributed to environmental pollution led us to investigate and compare the deposition of some heavy metals in mosses from an urban area, Aramoko Ekiti and a rural area, Are Ekiti. Both towns are located in the SouthWest, Nigeria. Moss samples were collected at different sites in the two towns. These samples were then digested in acid and analysed for Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb and Cu, using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer. The results of the study show variations in the concentrations of the heavy metals among the different sites in each town as well as between the two towns. Apart from cd which was suspected to have originated from natural sources in the investigated samples, the relatively higher concentrations of the other metals in Aramoko-Ekiti suggests an important anthropogenic source which we suspect to be automobiles since there are little or no industrial or mining activities within the town. Furthermore, the relatively higher concentrations of the metals exhibited by moss samples collected around locations prone to higher traffic situations in the two towns such as roadsides, filling stations and garages stresses the significance of traffic density in heavy metal pollution of the environment. These places （filling stations and garages） should be sited far away from residential areas. Also, residences should be sited at considerably far distances from major roads. These will prevent the bioaccumulation of the heavy metals in residents. Though, the results show that Aramoko-Ekiti is more polluted with the heavy metals than Are-Ekiti, the concentration of the heavy metals were still within the permissible limits. Given the results of this work and similar ones, there is need to evaluate the pollution status of the environment from time to time especially the urban areas and high traffic areas.展开更多
The World Health Organization (WHO), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have recommended the use of hair for worldwide environmental monitoring. Mercury exposure to th...The World Health Organization (WHO), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have recommended the use of hair for worldwide environmental monitoring. Mercury exposure to the inhabitants of Karachi was assessed by using hair as bioindicator. Hair samples of 200 residents of Karachi were collected and analyzed through cold vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy (CVAA) technique for mercury concentration. The effects of age, gender, working status, location, food and smoking habit were investigated. Control region showed a positive correlation between HHg and age of donor while no such correlation was observed for polluted regions. Mercury exposure through cosmetic usage in female was only pronounced in control region. These results indicate that environmental pollution dominates other potential factors. Age and smoking habit were not found to be the influencing factors while an elevated mean level of mercury was noticed for regular fish consumers than rarely fish consumers. 95.33% of the samples contained HHg greater than the permissible level of 2 μg?g?1 set by WHO. An apparently healthy male donor had HHg concentration (28.24 μg?g?1) closer to the high risk concentration of 30 μg?g?1 based on WHO criteria. Whereas, two female donors of the age group of 41-50 years had HHg concentrations (10.82 and 11.84 μg?g?1) higher than the NOAEL (no observed adverse affects level) value (10 μg?g?1) for females which is associated with fetus neurotoxicity. However, no symptoms of mercury toxicity were visible. The results indicate the alarming condition of pollution in the city which should be taken into further consideration.展开更多
The present study was used freshwater Crab(Sesarma boulengeri Caiman)as bioindicator to measured the PAHs levels in AI-Hilla River,Iraq,during the period from March 2010 to February 2011.Crab samples were collected fr...The present study was used freshwater Crab(Sesarma boulengeri Caiman)as bioindicator to measured the PAHs levels in AI-Hilla River,Iraq,during the period from March 2010 to February 2011.Crab samples were collected from two sites on the AI-Hilla River.Sixteen of PAils compounds were identified seasonally in these samples.High mean value was(72.06μg/g),recorded by Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene(DbA)in Site 1 and low mean value was(0.36μg/g)recorded by Anthracene(Ant)in Site 2.The study showed a clear variation in PAHs concentration independent from the seasons and locations.Site 1 recorded high value of HMW(high molecular weight)and LMW(low molecular weight)more than Site 2.The present study revealed that all PAHs compounds were from Pyrogenic Origin.Seven carcinogenic PAHs(cPAHs)were recorded in crab tissues that were collected from the AI-Hilla River.The TEF(toxicity equivalency factor)was calculated to toxicity equivalent crab concentration.From the results,the fresh water Crab Sesarma boulengeri is a good bioindicator to water pollution by PAHs.展开更多
Environmental assessment of impacts, management, and policy are important aspects of protection of human health and the environment. Assessing the impacts of human activities requires selection of bioindicator species...Environmental assessment of impacts, management, and policy are important aspects of protection of human health and the environment. Assessing the impacts of human activities requires selection of bioindicator species that can be used to assess, manage, and develop public policies that ensure ecosystem integrity, and therefore sustainability of social, cultural, and economic systems. With the use of Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), Pacific Cod (Gadusmacrocephalus), Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), and Red Knot (Calidris canutus rufa), we explore assessment and measurement endpoints, and their relationship to management and development of public policy. This combination of fish and birds provides a diversity of life histories, ecosystem roles, human values, and resource use to explore their use as bioindicators and endpoints. It also allows examination of 1) conservation and protection of species and biodiversity, 2) protection of ecosystems, 3) provision of goods and services, and 4) societal well-being.展开更多
Biosphere reserves are protected areas whose purpose is to combine conservation and sustainable development.However,their effectiveness has not been tested sufficiently,especially from an ecological and genetic ap...Biosphere reserves are protected areas whose purpose is to combine conservation and sustainable development.However,their effectiveness has not been tested sufficiently,especially from an ecological and genetic approach.In this sense,the Peromyscus genus represents an excellent bioindicator to address these questions,due to its short life and high evolutionary rate and fecundity.For conservation managers,genetic structure can increase the rate of loss of genetic diversity because alleles exclusive of a subpopulation are more likely to disappear as a consequence of genetic drift in comparison with a panmictic population.Here we analyzed the abundance,movement distances,morphology/morphometry and genetic structure of 3 populations of Mexican deer mouse(Peromyscus mexicanus)located in different protected zones of La Tigra National Park(Honduras).Our results are consistent among the 3 approaches and showed the highest values of abundance,morphometry and genetic diversity in the population located at the core zone,whereas non-statistically significant differences were found between buffer and transition zone populations,suggesting suitable effectiveness of conservation management in the core zone but a lack of ecological buffering function of the other zones.In addition,the low movement distances and high genetic structure among the studied populations provide evidence of poor conservation management in the buffer and transition zone.Thus,we discuss the utility of the novel methodology used in this work,combining morphometry,abundance and genetics,in testing the effectiveness of conservation strategies in biosphere reserves,and the value of the Peromyscus genus as a bioindicator.展开更多
Nematode communities were monitored in a field study at depths of 0～10 cmand 10～20 cm throughout a corn (Zea mays L.) growing season in the black soil region of NortheastChina. Plots were cropped corn with (IF) and ...Nematode communities were monitored in a field study at depths of 0～10 cmand 10～20 cm throughout a corn (Zea mays L.) growing season in the black soil region of NortheastChina. Plots were cropped corn with (IF) and without (NF) nitrogen fertilization. Fifteen familiesand 16 genera were observed in the nematode suspensions. Cephalobidae, Rhabditidae, Aphelenchus,Filenchus, and Helicotylenchus were found to be dominant genera/families in both plots at bothdepths. Significant differences were found between treatments and corn growing stages in the totalnumbers of nematodes during the study period. The total numbers of nematodes at the 0～10 cm depthwere higher in the inorganic fertilizer plot than in the control plot (no fertilizer applications)across jointing, filling, and mature stages. Bacterivores were the most abundant trophic groupsunder two treatments and at both depths, and the relative abundance averaged 42.8%.Omuivores-predators at both depths were lower in the inorganic fertilizer plot than in the controlplot during the study period, excluding corn jointing stage. Maturity index (MI) and plant parasiteindex (PPI) were used to detect the differences between the two treatments, MI and PPI wereeffective in distinguishing differences in nematode communities during corn growing season. The roleof nematode communities as bioindicators of ecosystem disturbance due to fertilization is noted.展开更多
The indicator values of microfauna functional groups and species for treatment performancewere systematically evaluated based on the continuous monitoring of the entire microfauna communities including both protozoa a...The indicator values of microfauna functional groups and species for treatment performancewere systematically evaluated based on the continuous monitoring of the entire microfauna communities including both protozoa and metazoa over a period of 14 months, in two parallel full-scale municipalwastewater treatment systems in a plant in Beijing, China. A total of 57 species of ciliates, 14 species （units） of amoebae, 14 species （units） of flagellates and4 classes of small metazoawere identified,with Arcella hemisphaerica, Vorticella striata, Vorticella convallaria, Epistylis plicatilis and small flagellates （e.g. Bodo spp.） as thedominant protozoa, and rotifers as thedominant metazoa. The abundance of the sessile ciliateswas correlatedwith the removals of BOD 5 （Pearson＇s r = 0.410, p 〈 0.05） and COD Cr （r = 0.397, p 〈 0.05）while the testate amoebaewas significantly positively related to nitrification （r = 0.523, p 〈 0.01）. At the same time, some other associationswere also identified： the abundances of the large flagellates （r = 0.447, p 〈 0.01）, the metazoa （r = 0.718, p 〈 0.01） and species Aspidisca sulcata （r = 0.337, p 〈 0.05）were positively related to nitrification; the abundance of Aspidisca costatawas correlated to the TN （total nitrogen） removal （r = -0.374, p 〈 0.05 ）; the abundances of the sessile species Carchesium polypinum （r = 0.458, p 〈 0.01） and E. plicatilis （r = 0.377, p 〈 0.05）were correlatedwith the removal of suspended solids.展开更多
Protists are essential components of soil biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. They play a vital role in the microbial food web as consumers of bacteria, fungi, and other small eukaryotes and are also involved in m...Protists are essential components of soil biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. They play a vital role in the microbial food web as consumers of bacteria, fungi, and other small eukaryotes and are also involved in maintaining soil fertility and plant productivity. Protists also contribute to regulating and shaping the bacterial community in terrestrial ecosystems via specific prey spectra. They play a role in plant growth promotion and plant health improvement,mostly via nutrient cycling, grazing, and the activation of bacterial genes required for plant growth and phytopathogen suppression. Thus, protists may prove to be a useful inoculant as biofertilizer and biocontrol agent. They can also be applied as model organisms as bioindicators of soil health. Despite their usefulness and essentiality, they are often forgotten and under-researched components of the soil microbiome, as most of our research focuses on bacteria and fungi. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of protists in plant productivity and plant health management and in shifts in soil bacterial community composition, as well as their roles as bioindicator. We also discuss the perspectives of knowledge gaps and future prospects to further improve soil biology.More research in soil protistology will provide insights into sustainable agriculture and environmental health alongside the study of bacteria and fungi.展开更多
Most urban rivers play an important role in urban flood control and drainage in China, but pollution is fast becoming an issue of greater importance in water management. In this study, 63 zooplankton species were reco...Most urban rivers play an important role in urban flood control and drainage in China, but pollution is fast becoming an issue of greater importance in water management. In this study, 63 zooplankton species were recorded in four downtown rivers in Shanghai between November 2007 and October 2008. Of these, 44 species belonged to the Rotifera, 13 to Cladocera, and six to Copepoda. The three most frequently occurring zooplankton （Brachionus calyciflorus, Microcyclops Ieuckarti, and Asplanchna priodonta） accounted for 80.00%, 76.84%, and 53.68%, respectively. Rotifera were found to be dominant, comprising 86.26% of total zooplankton, while cladoceran and copepod abundance amounted to 5.08% and 8.67%, respectively. Water temperature, salinity, electrical conductivity, and total nitrogen were of the greatest significance in the occurrence of zooplankton. Two species （Schmackeria forbesi and Lepadella ovalis） were notably more sensitive to environmental factors such as salinity and electrical conductivity than other species. The population size and community were inversely correlated with the increasing nutrient levels of the four rivers, suggesting that the water quality of the four rivers had been gradually recovering from a severe eutrophic state and that water conditions of the rivers had been gradually improved.展开更多
Indigenous grasses have been effectively used to rehabilitate degraded African drylands. Despite their success, studies examining their effects on soil bioindicators such as microbial biomass carbon(C) and enzyme acti...Indigenous grasses have been effectively used to rehabilitate degraded African drylands. Despite their success, studies examining their effects on soil bioindicators such as microbial biomass carbon(C) and enzyme activities are scarce. This study elucidates the effects of drought stress and phenological stages of a typical indigenous African grass, Enteropogon macrostachyus, on microbial biomass and enzyme activities(β-glucosidase, cellobiohydrolase, and chitinase) in the rhizosphere soil. Enteropogon macrostachyus was grown under controlled conditions. Drought stress(partial watering) was simulated during the last 10 d of plant growth, and data were compared with those from optimum moisture conditions. The rhizosphere soil was sampled after 40 d(seedling stage), 70 d(elongation stage), and 80 d(simulated drought stress). A high root:shoot ratio at seedling stage compared with elongation and reproduction stages demonstrated that E. macrostachyus invested more on root biomass in early development, to maximise the uptake of nutrients and water. Microbial biomass and enzyme activities increased with root biomass during plant growth. Ten-day drought at reproduction stage increased the microbial biomass and enzyme activities, accompanying a decrease in binding affinity and catalytic efficiency. In conclusion, drought stress controls soil organic matter decomposition and nutrient mobilization, as well as the competition between plant and microorganisms for nutrient uptake.展开更多
Variations in physical-chemical factors, species composition, abundance and biomass of nano-and micro-phytoplankton assemblages, as well as their responses to environmental factors, were investigated over a complete c...Variations in physical-chemical factors, species composition, abundance and biomass of nano-and micro-phytoplankton assemblages, as well as their responses to environmental factors, were investigated over a complete cycle (6 months) in a semi-enclosed shrimp-farming pond near Qingdao, northern China. The aim was to establish the temporal patterns of phytoplankton communities and to evaluate protists as suitable bioindicators to water quality in mariculture systems. A total of 34 taxa with nine dominant species were identified, belonging to six taxonomic groups (dinoflagellates, diatoms, cryptophyceans, chlorophyceans, euglenophyceans and chrysophyceans). A single peak of protist abundance occurred in October, mainly due to chlorophyceans, diatoms and chrysophyceans. Two biomass peaks in July and October were primarily due to dinoflagellates and diatoms. Temporal patterns of the phytoplankton communities significantly correlated with the changes in nutrients, temperature and pH, especially phosphate, either alone or in combination with NO3-N and NH3-N. Species diversity, evenness and richness indices were clearly correlated with water temperature and/or salinity, whereas the biomass/abundance ratio showed a significant correlation with NO3-N. The results suggest that phytoplankton are potentially useful bioindicators to water quality in semi-enclosed mariculture systems.展开更多
Coastal marine management is vital for socio-ecological sustainability of developing,tropical ecosystems,which calls for diverse tools to monitor and assess water quality.The carbonatedominated habitats off Zanzibar w...Coastal marine management is vital for socio-ecological sustainability of developing,tropical ecosystems,which calls for diverse tools to monitor and assess water quality.The carbonatedominated habitats off Zanzibar were chosen for study due to potential water quality degradation in a rapidly developing tourist destination heavily reliant on its coral reefs.These reefs are largely unmonitored and subject to local and global stressors.A widely used method for assessing reef health,as an early detection method of ecological changes,is the application of large benthic foraminiferal bioindicators,i.e.,the Fo RAM Index.We expected to find poor water quality conditions in the unmanaged reefs supported by stress-toelerant(opportunistic)foraminiferal assemblages.The dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphate values derived from untreated sewage effluent from Stone Town were highly variable(ranging 0.05–3.77 and 0.05–1.45μM,respectively),moderate,and occasionally approached or exceeded critical threshold values for oligotrophic ecosystems.The analysis of total assemblages indicated an abundance of symbiont-bearing large benthic foraminifera,dominated by prolific Amphistegina species,comparatively low-moderate diversity,high FI values(7.6 on average),and high coral cover.A water quality gradient was reflected by subtle assemblage differences,suggesting that LBF can provide early warning signals of benthic changes,indicating the importance of long-term monitoring programs in vulnerable,rapidly developing coastal ecosystems exposed to increasing pressures.展开更多
The analysis of stable isotopes of sulfur(δ34S) is a useful tool for identifying sources of sulfur in soils. Concentrations and sulfur(S)isotopes of water-soluble sulfate(WSS), adsorbed sulfate(AS), residual sulfur(R...The analysis of stable isotopes of sulfur(δ34S) is a useful tool for identifying sources of sulfur in soils. Concentrations and sulfur(S)isotopes of water-soluble sulfate(WSS), adsorbed sulfate(AS), residual sulfur(RS), and total sulfur(TS) in uncultivated surface soils of four Chinese provinces were systematically analyzed for identifying sources of S in the soils. Green and healthy mosses(Haplocladium microphyllum) were sampled as bioindicators. The mean WSS concentration(27.8 ± 23.4 mg kg-1) in the surface soils was lower than those of AS(101.4 ± 57.0 mg kg-1) and RS(381.5 ± 256.7 mg kg-1). The mean δ34S values of WSS and AS were very similar(about2.0‰), lower than those of RS(8.0‰) and TS(6.1‰). A significant linear correlation was found between the δ34S values of AS and WWS(y = 1.0002x- 0.0557, P < 0.0001), indicating that sulfate adsorption in the soils did not markedly fractionate S. All S species in the soils of Guizhou Province were characterized by the lowest δ34S values, consistent with the most34S-depleted rainwater sulfate reported at Guiyang of Guizhou Province. The δ34S values of sulfate in mosses and rainwater previously reported were significantly linearly correlated with those of both WWS and AS in surface soils, suggesting that atmospheric S input was an important source for soil WSS and AS. However, there were no significant correlations between isotopic composition of rainwater sulfate and RS or TS.The slopes of all these significant linear correlations(soil/rainwater or soil/moss isotopic ratio) were 0.4–0.6, indicating that inorganic sulfate in the surface soils should be a result of mixing of deposited atmospheric sulfate with a more34S-depleted sulfate component possibly from mineralization of RS.展开更多
文摘Organic contaminants can be detected at low concentrations in drinking water, raising concerns for human health, particularly in reproduction. In this respect, we attempted to use the zebrafish as a bioindicator to detect the possible presence of these substances in drinking water, aiming to define the most relevant parameters to detect these substances, which particularly affect the development and reproduction of zebrafish. To this end, batches of30 embryos with the chorion intact were cultured in drinking waters from different sources,throughout their full life-cycle up to 5 months, in 20 L tanks. Six replicates were performed in all water groups, with a total of 24 aquariums. Two generations（F0 and F1） were studied and the following parameters were tested： in the F0 generation, survival and abnormality rates evaluated at 5 dpf（days post-fertilization） and at 5 mpf（months post-fertilization）,the onset of spawning and the fertility rate from 3 mpf to 5 mpf, and the sex ratio and underdeveloped specimens at 5 mpf. Furthermore, in the F0 offspring（F1）, survival and abnormality rates were evaluated at 5 dpf and the hatching rate at 72 hpf. These results revealed that the hatching rate is the most sensitive parameter to distinguish different levels of effects between waters during the early life stages, whereas the rate of underdeveloped specimens is more suitable at later life stages. Regarding adult reproduction, fertility rate was the most sensitive parameter. The possible reversibility or accumulative nature of such effects will be studied in future work.
文摘Pollution of the aquatic environment is an ever-growing problem, as waters are the ultimate sink for the large number of xenobiotics from multiple sources. DNA damaging agents have a significant ecological relevance since they are implicated in many pathological processes and exert effects beyond that of individual being active through following generations. A large number of methods have been applied to evaluate genotoxic damage in different aquatic species. Comet assay, as method for de- tecting DNA alterations, and micronucleus test, as an index of chromosomal damage are the most widely applied and validated methods in field studies. These methods were applied in different vertebrate and invertebrate aquatic species, but only mollusk and fish species have been employed in routine biomonitoring programs. Mussels, due to their widely geographical distribution and the suitability for caging represent the bioindicator of choice in field studies. Mytilus species is the most used marine mussel. The use of fish is limited to specific geographic areas. The present review mainly focuses on the application of comet assay and micronucleus test in mussels. A number of biomonitoring studies in mussels, using comet assay or micronucleus test, revealed exposure to different classes of genotoxic compounds with a good discrimination power. The different evidence from the two as- says, reflects different biological mechanisms for the two genetic endpoints, DNA damage and chromosomal damage, suggesting their combined application in the field. Different endogenous and exogenous factors have been shown to modulate the genotoxic responses in mussels, acting as confounding factors in environmental monitoring. The use of standardized protocol for caging, sampling and genotoxity evaluation is critical in biomonitoring studies. The use of a multimarker approach coupling genotoxicity biomarkers with physiological and biochemical factors allows to have a complete picture of the environmental pollution [Current Zoology 60 （2）： 273-284, 2014].
基金supported by the National Science Foundation(NSF)(No.EAR-2035135)。
文摘Coral reefs are in terminal decline.For conservation to be effective,naturally depauperate reefs must be distinguished from those recently degraded by humans.Traditional reef monitoring is time consuming and lacks the longevity to make this distinction.Success in using foraminifera as bioindicators for reef health has hitherto levered their response to nutrients.Because ocean heat waves are the dominant driver of coral bleaching and death,there is compelling motivation to develop new foraminiferal bioindicators that inform on temperature stress over meaningful timescales.This study focuses on identifying which foraminifera respond systematically to the temperature stress that kills corals.Statistical models were used to compare endosymbiont-bearing foraminiferal families,collected along a heat-stress gradient spanning the Solomon Islands and New Caledonia,to live coral cover at the same sites.Results indicate that Amphisteginidae foraminifera and coral cover show a significant decline in abundance as heat stress increases along the transect sites.Furthermore,ocean productivity and salinity,both recognized environmental influences on foraminifera,are shown to be subordinate to temperature in their sway of this ecological patterning.These findings indicate the potential for using foraminifera to develop new indices capable of quantifying long-term thermal impacts on reefs.
文摘Vertebrates have particular habitat needs as a function of life cycle and reproductive stage. This paper uses four species as examples to illustrate a paradigm of environmental assessment that includes physical, biological, toxicological and human dimensions. Species used include Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens), northern pine snake (Pituophis m. melanoleucus), and red knot (Calidris canutus rufa, a sandpiper). The life cycles of these species include reliance on habitats that are aquatic, terrestrial, aerial, or combinations of these. Two species (frog, snake) are sedentary and two (salmon, sandpiper) are long-distance migrants. While some measurement endpoints are similar for all species (reproductive success, longevity, contaminant loads), others vary depending upon life cycle and habitat. Salmon have a restricted breeding habitat requiring coarse sand, moderate current, and high oxygen levels for adequate egg incubation. Leopard frogs require still water of appropriate temperature for development of eggs. Pine snakes require sand compaction sufficient to sustain a nest burrow without collapsing, and full sun penetration to the sand to allow their eggs in underground nests to incubate and hatch. Red knots migrate to high Arctic tundra, but incubate their own eggs, so temperature is less of a constraint, but feedinging habitat is. These habitat differences suggest the measurement endpoints that are essential to assess habitat suitability and to manage habitats to achieve stable and sustainable populations. Habitat use and population stability have implications for human activities for some, but not all species. Salmon are important economically, recreationally, and as part of Native American culture and diet. Red knots are of interest to people mainly because of their long, intercontinental migrations and declining populations. Other measurement endpoints for these four species illustrate the differences and similarities in metrics necessary to assess habitat needs. The implications of these differences are discussed.
文摘The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of Zn nutritional status on the content of pigments, nonstructural carbohydrates, foliage proteins and amino acids of the pecan tree, as possible bioindicators of Zn deficiency. The experimental design was completely random with three Zn nutritional statuses: Normal, Intermediate and Deficient, being selected considering visual symptomatology. On all three nutritional statuses, the concentration of photosynthetic pigments was determined as well as of total soluble proteins and amino acids. Obtained results indicate that Zn deficient nutritional status was characterized by minimum photosynthetic pigment, protein concentrations, maximum amino acid and nonstructural carbohydrate concentrations. While the normal Zn nutritional status presented maximum photosynthetic pigments, proteins concentrations, minimum amino acids and carbohydrate concentrations. On the other hand, intermediate Zn nutritional status was characterized by a medium level between the other two Zn nutritional statuses. Finally, we stress the fact that pigments, proteins, amino acids and nonstructural carbohydrates may be good physiological indicators related to Zn nutritional status on pecan trees.
文摘It is well known that mussels have been applied more and more to monitoring marine pollution, and have been reported on the marine radioactive monitoring. The majority concentrates the attention on the study of monitoring active products. However, the report on monitoring fission products is rare. T. R. Rice reported that the phytoplankton could concentrateSr, but its drawback is too large mobility to reflect the radioactive level of the specific sea area. For this purpose, the paper applies the mussel, which life range is more fixed, to discuss the possibility of monitoringSr.
文摘Coastal pollution assessment is a pressing matter as the anthropogenic pressure continues to increase worldwide. A leading approach to assess coastal pollution is using bioindicators. However, identifying species is time-consuming and demands profound morphological knowledge. Our goal was to find the meiobenthic composition in each pollution level. By utilizing the meiobenthic assemblage’s ratios, we will be able to indicate the pollution level. We examined the meiobenthos distribution at three sites exposed to a pollution gradient. We quantified the changes in the fauna assemblage in the community phylum level, focusing on nematodes and foraminifera (90% of the total population). Over 400 samples were examined, covering an annual seasonal cycle. Nematodes population dominated in the polluted coast. Nematodes density increased with the pollution level, up to seemingly harmful levels of pollution. In contradiction, the foraminifera flourished in the control site and exhibited an inverse relationship to the nematodes. We witnessed drastic changes in the entire meiobenthic population in the winter, which we speculate that originated from winter turbulences. We suggest that nematodes-foraminifers’ population ratios may be utilized as bioindicators for assessing coast intertidal zone pollution levels.
文摘The increasing global concern over the public health impacts attributed to environmental pollution led us to investigate and compare the deposition of some heavy metals in mosses from an urban area, Aramoko Ekiti and a rural area, Are Ekiti. Both towns are located in the SouthWest, Nigeria. Moss samples were collected at different sites in the two towns. These samples were then digested in acid and analysed for Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb and Cu, using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer. The results of the study show variations in the concentrations of the heavy metals among the different sites in each town as well as between the two towns. Apart from cd which was suspected to have originated from natural sources in the investigated samples, the relatively higher concentrations of the other metals in Aramoko-Ekiti suggests an important anthropogenic source which we suspect to be automobiles since there are little or no industrial or mining activities within the town. Furthermore, the relatively higher concentrations of the metals exhibited by moss samples collected around locations prone to higher traffic situations in the two towns such as roadsides, filling stations and garages stresses the significance of traffic density in heavy metal pollution of the environment. These places （filling stations and garages） should be sited far away from residential areas. Also, residences should be sited at considerably far distances from major roads. These will prevent the bioaccumulation of the heavy metals in residents. Though, the results show that Aramoko-Ekiti is more polluted with the heavy metals than Are-Ekiti, the concentration of the heavy metals were still within the permissible limits. Given the results of this work and similar ones, there is need to evaluate the pollution status of the environment from time to time especially the urban areas and high traffic areas.
文摘The World Health Organization (WHO), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have recommended the use of hair for worldwide environmental monitoring. Mercury exposure to the inhabitants of Karachi was assessed by using hair as bioindicator. Hair samples of 200 residents of Karachi were collected and analyzed through cold vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy (CVAA) technique for mercury concentration. The effects of age, gender, working status, location, food and smoking habit were investigated. Control region showed a positive correlation between HHg and age of donor while no such correlation was observed for polluted regions. Mercury exposure through cosmetic usage in female was only pronounced in control region. These results indicate that environmental pollution dominates other potential factors. Age and smoking habit were not found to be the influencing factors while an elevated mean level of mercury was noticed for regular fish consumers than rarely fish consumers. 95.33% of the samples contained HHg greater than the permissible level of 2 μg?g?1 set by WHO. An apparently healthy male donor had HHg concentration (28.24 μg?g?1) closer to the high risk concentration of 30 μg?g?1 based on WHO criteria. Whereas, two female donors of the age group of 41-50 years had HHg concentrations (10.82 and 11.84 μg?g?1) higher than the NOAEL (no observed adverse affects level) value (10 μg?g?1) for females which is associated with fetus neurotoxicity. However, no symptoms of mercury toxicity were visible. The results indicate the alarming condition of pollution in the city which should be taken into further consideration.
文摘The present study was used freshwater Crab(Sesarma boulengeri Caiman)as bioindicator to measured the PAHs levels in AI-Hilla River,Iraq,during the period from March 2010 to February 2011.Crab samples were collected from two sites on the AI-Hilla River.Sixteen of PAils compounds were identified seasonally in these samples.High mean value was(72.06μg/g),recorded by Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene(DbA)in Site 1 and low mean value was(0.36μg/g)recorded by Anthracene(Ant)in Site 2.The study showed a clear variation in PAHs concentration independent from the seasons and locations.Site 1 recorded high value of HMW(high molecular weight)and LMW(low molecular weight)more than Site 2.The present study revealed that all PAHs compounds were from Pyrogenic Origin.Seven carcinogenic PAHs(cPAHs)were recorded in crab tissues that were collected from the AI-Hilla River.The TEF(toxicity equivalency factor)was calculated to toxicity equivalent crab concentration.From the results,the fresh water Crab Sesarma boulengeri is a good bioindicator to water pollution by PAHs.
文摘Environmental assessment of impacts, management, and policy are important aspects of protection of human health and the environment. Assessing the impacts of human activities requires selection of bioindicator species that can be used to assess, manage, and develop public policies that ensure ecosystem integrity, and therefore sustainability of social, cultural, and economic systems. With the use of Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), Pacific Cod (Gadusmacrocephalus), Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), and Red Knot (Calidris canutus rufa), we explore assessment and measurement endpoints, and their relationship to management and development of public policy. This combination of fish and birds provides a diversity of life histories, ecosystem roles, human values, and resource use to explore their use as bioindicators and endpoints. It also allows examination of 1) conservation and protection of species and biodiversity, 2) protection of ecosystems, 3) provision of goods and services, and 4) societal well-being.
文摘Biosphere reserves are protected areas whose purpose is to combine conservation and sustainable development.However,their effectiveness has not been tested sufficiently,especially from an ecological and genetic approach.In this sense,the Peromyscus genus represents an excellent bioindicator to address these questions,due to its short life and high evolutionary rate and fecundity.For conservation managers,genetic structure can increase the rate of loss of genetic diversity because alleles exclusive of a subpopulation are more likely to disappear as a consequence of genetic drift in comparison with a panmictic population.Here we analyzed the abundance,movement distances,morphology/morphometry and genetic structure of 3 populations of Mexican deer mouse(Peromyscus mexicanus)located in different protected zones of La Tigra National Park(Honduras).Our results are consistent among the 3 approaches and showed the highest values of abundance,morphometry and genetic diversity in the population located at the core zone,whereas non-statistically significant differences were found between buffer and transition zone populations,suggesting suitable effectiveness of conservation management in the core zone but a lack of ecological buffering function of the other zones.In addition,the low movement distances and high genetic structure among the studied populations provide evidence of poor conservation management in the buffer and transition zone.Thus,we discuss the utility of the novel methodology used in this work,combining morphometry,abundance and genetics,in testing the effectiveness of conservation strategies in biosphere reserves,and the value of the Peromyscus genus as a bioindicator.
基金the National Key Basic Research Support Foundation(NKBRSF)of China(G1999011804-04) the Foundation of Knowledge Innovation Program of IAE-CAS(Institute of Applied Ecology,the Chinese Academy of Science).
文摘Nematode communities were monitored in a field study at depths of 0～10 cmand 10～20 cm throughout a corn (Zea mays L.) growing season in the black soil region of NortheastChina. Plots were cropped corn with (IF) and without (NF) nitrogen fertilization. Fifteen familiesand 16 genera were observed in the nematode suspensions. Cephalobidae, Rhabditidae, Aphelenchus,Filenchus, and Helicotylenchus were found to be dominant genera/families in both plots at bothdepths. Significant differences were found between treatments and corn growing stages in the totalnumbers of nematodes during the study period. The total numbers of nematodes at the 0～10 cm depthwere higher in the inorganic fertilizer plot than in the control plot (no fertilizer applications)across jointing, filling, and mature stages. Bacterivores were the most abundant trophic groupsunder two treatments and at both depths, and the relative abundance averaged 42.8%.Omuivores-predators at both depths were lower in the inorganic fertilizer plot than in the controlplot during the study period, excluding corn jointing stage. Maturity index (MI) and plant parasiteindex (PPI) were used to detect the differences between the two treatments, MI and PPI wereeffective in distinguishing differences in nematode communities during corn growing season. The roleof nematode communities as bioindicators of ecosystem disturbance due to fertilization is noted.
基金supported by the Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.KZCX2-YW-JC407)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.20921140094)
文摘The indicator values of microfauna functional groups and species for treatment performancewere systematically evaluated based on the continuous monitoring of the entire microfauna communities including both protozoa and metazoa over a period of 14 months, in two parallel full-scale municipalwastewater treatment systems in a plant in Beijing, China. A total of 57 species of ciliates, 14 species （units） of amoebae, 14 species （units） of flagellates and4 classes of small metazoawere identified,with Arcella hemisphaerica, Vorticella striata, Vorticella convallaria, Epistylis plicatilis and small flagellates （e.g. Bodo spp.） as thedominant protozoa, and rotifers as thedominant metazoa. The abundance of the sessile ciliateswas correlatedwith the removals of BOD 5 （Pearson＇s r = 0.410, p 〈 0.05） and COD Cr （r = 0.397, p 〈 0.05）while the testate amoebaewas significantly positively related to nitrification （r = 0.523, p 〈 0.01）. At the same time, some other associationswere also identified： the abundances of the large flagellates （r = 0.447, p 〈 0.01）, the metazoa （r = 0.718, p 〈 0.01） and species Aspidisca sulcata （r = 0.337, p 〈 0.05）were positively related to nitrification; the abundance of Aspidisca costatawas correlated to the TN （total nitrogen） removal （r = -0.374, p 〈 0.05 ）; the abundances of the sessile species Carchesium polypinum （r = 0.458, p 〈 0.01） and E. plicatilis （r = 0.377, p 〈 0.05）were correlatedwith the removal of suspended solids.
基金supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Science and Engineering Research Board (DST-SERB), New Delhi, India under an ECRA grant for researchers to NA (ECR/2017/001977)。
文摘Protists are essential components of soil biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. They play a vital role in the microbial food web as consumers of bacteria, fungi, and other small eukaryotes and are also involved in maintaining soil fertility and plant productivity. Protists also contribute to regulating and shaping the bacterial community in terrestrial ecosystems via specific prey spectra. They play a role in plant growth promotion and plant health improvement,mostly via nutrient cycling, grazing, and the activation of bacterial genes required for plant growth and phytopathogen suppression. Thus, protists may prove to be a useful inoculant as biofertilizer and biocontrol agent. They can also be applied as model organisms as bioindicators of soil health. Despite their usefulness and essentiality, they are often forgotten and under-researched components of the soil microbiome, as most of our research focuses on bacteria and fungi. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of protists in plant productivity and plant health management and in shifts in soil bacterial community composition, as well as their roles as bioindicator. We also discuss the perspectives of knowledge gaps and future prospects to further improve soil biology.More research in soil protistology will provide insights into sustainable agriculture and environmental health alongside the study of bacteria and fungi.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.30700064,41372365)the Key Project of Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission(Nos.08DZ1203102,09DZ120010A)+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai City(No.13ZR1413100)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities
文摘Most urban rivers play an important role in urban flood control and drainage in China, but pollution is fast becoming an issue of greater importance in water management. In this study, 63 zooplankton species were recorded in four downtown rivers in Shanghai between November 2007 and October 2008. Of these, 44 species belonged to the Rotifera, 13 to Cladocera, and six to Copepoda. The three most frequently occurring zooplankton （Brachionus calyciflorus, Microcyclops Ieuckarti, and Asplanchna priodonta） accounted for 80.00%, 76.84%, and 53.68%, respectively. Rotifera were found to be dominant, comprising 86.26% of total zooplankton, while cladoceran and copepod abundance amounted to 5.08% and 8.67%, respectively. Water temperature, salinity, electrical conductivity, and total nitrogen were of the greatest significance in the occurrence of zooplankton. Two species （Schmackeria forbesi and Lepadella ovalis） were notably more sensitive to environmental factors such as salinity and electrical conductivity than other species. The population size and community were inversely correlated with the increasing nutrient levels of the four rivers, suggesting that the water quality of the four rivers had been gradually recovering from a severe eutrophic state and that water conditions of the rivers had been gradually improved.
文摘Indigenous grasses have been effectively used to rehabilitate degraded African drylands. Despite their success, studies examining their effects on soil bioindicators such as microbial biomass carbon(C) and enzyme activities are scarce. This study elucidates the effects of drought stress and phenological stages of a typical indigenous African grass, Enteropogon macrostachyus, on microbial biomass and enzyme activities(β-glucosidase, cellobiohydrolase, and chitinase) in the rhizosphere soil. Enteropogon macrostachyus was grown under controlled conditions. Drought stress(partial watering) was simulated during the last 10 d of plant growth, and data were compared with those from optimum moisture conditions. The rhizosphere soil was sampled after 40 d(seedling stage), 70 d(elongation stage), and 80 d(simulated drought stress). A high root:shoot ratio at seedling stage compared with elongation and reproduction stages demonstrated that E. macrostachyus invested more on root biomass in early development, to maximise the uptake of nutrients and water. Microbial biomass and enzyme activities increased with root biomass during plant growth. Ten-day drought at reproduction stage increased the microbial biomass and enzyme activities, accompanying a decrease in binding affinity and catalytic efficiency. In conclusion, drought stress controls soil organic matter decomposition and nutrient mobilization, as well as the competition between plant and microorganisms for nutrient uptake.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 40976075, 30700069),a post-doctoral fellowship awarded to XU Henglong by Inha Universitya grant from the Center of Excellence in Biodiversity Research, King Saud University and the 111 Project of China (No. B08049)
文摘Variations in physical-chemical factors, species composition, abundance and biomass of nano-and micro-phytoplankton assemblages, as well as their responses to environmental factors, were investigated over a complete cycle (6 months) in a semi-enclosed shrimp-farming pond near Qingdao, northern China. The aim was to establish the temporal patterns of phytoplankton communities and to evaluate protists as suitable bioindicators to water quality in mariculture systems. A total of 34 taxa with nine dominant species were identified, belonging to six taxonomic groups (dinoflagellates, diatoms, cryptophyceans, chlorophyceans, euglenophyceans and chrysophyceans). A single peak of protist abundance occurred in October, mainly due to chlorophyceans, diatoms and chrysophyceans. Two biomass peaks in July and October were primarily due to dinoflagellates and diatoms. Temporal patterns of the phytoplankton communities significantly correlated with the changes in nutrients, temperature and pH, especially phosphate, either alone or in combination with NO3-N and NH3-N. Species diversity, evenness and richness indices were clearly correlated with water temperature and/or salinity, whereas the biomass/abundance ratio showed a significant correlation with NO3-N. The results suggest that phytoplankton are potentially useful bioindicators to water quality in semi-enclosed mariculture systems.
基金carried out within the framework and through funding provided by the Leibniz Graduate School SUTAS(Sustainable Use of Tropical Aquatic Systems)to HWthe Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research(ZMT)based in Bremen,GermanyOpen Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL。
文摘Coastal marine management is vital for socio-ecological sustainability of developing,tropical ecosystems,which calls for diverse tools to monitor and assess water quality.The carbonatedominated habitats off Zanzibar were chosen for study due to potential water quality degradation in a rapidly developing tourist destination heavily reliant on its coral reefs.These reefs are largely unmonitored and subject to local and global stressors.A widely used method for assessing reef health,as an early detection method of ecological changes,is the application of large benthic foraminiferal bioindicators,i.e.,the Fo RAM Index.We expected to find poor water quality conditions in the unmanaged reefs supported by stress-toelerant(opportunistic)foraminiferal assemblages.The dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphate values derived from untreated sewage effluent from Stone Town were highly variable(ranging 0.05–3.77 and 0.05–1.45μM,respectively),moderate,and occasionally approached or exceeded critical threshold values for oligotrophic ecosystems.The analysis of total assemblages indicated an abundance of symbiont-bearing large benthic foraminifera,dominated by prolific Amphistegina species,comparatively low-moderate diversity,high FI values(7.6 on average),and high coral cover.A water quality gradient was reflected by subtle assemblage differences,suggesting that LBF can provide early warning signals of benthic changes,indicating the importance of long-term monitoring programs in vulnerable,rapidly developing coastal ecosystems exposed to increasing pressures.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.41173027,41273027,and 40721002)the West Light Foundation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences
文摘The analysis of stable isotopes of sulfur(δ34S) is a useful tool for identifying sources of sulfur in soils. Concentrations and sulfur(S)isotopes of water-soluble sulfate(WSS), adsorbed sulfate(AS), residual sulfur(RS), and total sulfur(TS) in uncultivated surface soils of four Chinese provinces were systematically analyzed for identifying sources of S in the soils. Green and healthy mosses(Haplocladium microphyllum) were sampled as bioindicators. The mean WSS concentration(27.8 ± 23.4 mg kg-1) in the surface soils was lower than those of AS(101.4 ± 57.0 mg kg-1) and RS(381.5 ± 256.7 mg kg-1). The mean δ34S values of WSS and AS were very similar(about2.0‰), lower than those of RS(8.0‰) and TS(6.1‰). A significant linear correlation was found between the δ34S values of AS and WWS(y = 1.0002x- 0.0557, P < 0.0001), indicating that sulfate adsorption in the soils did not markedly fractionate S. All S species in the soils of Guizhou Province were characterized by the lowest δ34S values, consistent with the most34S-depleted rainwater sulfate reported at Guiyang of Guizhou Province. The δ34S values of sulfate in mosses and rainwater previously reported were significantly linearly correlated with those of both WWS and AS in surface soils, suggesting that atmospheric S input was an important source for soil WSS and AS. However, there were no significant correlations between isotopic composition of rainwater sulfate and RS or TS.The slopes of all these significant linear correlations(soil/rainwater or soil/moss isotopic ratio) were 0.4–0.6, indicating that inorganic sulfate in the surface soils should be a result of mixing of deposited atmospheric sulfate with a more34S-depleted sulfate component possibly from mineralization of RS.
