Interrelationships between Rates of Microbial Production, Exopolymer Production, Microbial Biomass, and Sediment Stability in Biofilms of Intertidal Sediments

Microbial community and extracellular polymeric substance dynamics in arid-zone temporary pan ecosystems

Microbial extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are an important component in sediment ecology. However, most research is highly skewed towards the northern hemisphere and in more permanent systems. This paper investigates EPS (i.e., carbohydrates and proteins) dynamics in arid Austral zone temporary pans sediments. Colorimetric methods and sequence-based metagenomics techniques were employed in a series of small temporary pan ecosystems characterised by alternating wet and dry hydroperiods. Microbial community patterns of distribution were evaluated between seasons (hot-wet and cool-dry) and across depths (and inferred inundation period) based on estimated elevation. Carbohydrates generally occurred in relatively higher proportions than proteins; the carbohydrate:protein ratio was 2.8:1 and 1.6:1 for the dry and wet season respectively, suggesting that EPS found in these systems was largely diatom produced. The wet- hydroperiods (Carbohydrate mean 102 μg g-1; Protein mean 65 μg g-1) supported more EPS production as compared to the dry- hydroperiods (Carbohydrate mean 73 μg g-1; Protein mean 26 μg g-1). A total of 15,042 Unique Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) were allocated to 51 bacterial phyla and 1127 genera. The most abundant genera had commonality in high temperature tolerance, with Firmicutes, Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria in high abundances. Microbial communities were more distinct between seasons compared to within seasons which further suggested that the observed metagenome functions could be seasonally driven. This study's findings implied that there were high levels of denitrification by mostly nitric oxide reductase and nitrite reductase enzymes. EPS production was high in the hot-wet season as compared to relatively lower rates of nitrification in the cool-dry season by ammonia monooxygenases. Both EPS quantities and metagenome functions were highly associated with availability of water, with high rates being mainly associated with wet- hydroperiods compared to dry- hydroperiods. These data suggest that extended dry periods threaten microbially mediated processes in temporary wetlands, with implications to loss of biodiversity by desiccation.

Effects of herbicides and fertilization on biofilms of Pampean lotic systems: A microcosm study

We experimentally assessed the impact of the application of herbicides and fertilizers derived from agricultural activity through the individual and simultaneous addition of glyphosate, atrazine, and nutrients (nitrogen 'N' and phosphorus 'P') on the biofilm community and their resilience when the experimental factors were removed. We hypothesize that i) the presence of agrochemicals negatively affects the biofilm community leading to the simplification of the community structure; ii) the individual or simultaneous addition of herbicides and nutrients produces differential responses in the biofilm; and iii) the degree of biofilm recovery differs according to the treatment applied. Environmentally relevant concentrations of glyphosate (0.7 mgL-1), atrazine (44 μgL-1), phosphorus (1 mg P L-1 [KH2PO4]), and nitrogen (3 mg N L-1[NaNO3]) were used. Chlorophyll a, ash-free dry weight, abundance of main biofilm groups and nutrient contents in biofilm were analyzed. At initial exposure time, all treatments were dominated by Cyanobacteria; through the exposure period, it was observed a progressive replacement by Bacillariophyceae. This replacement occurred on day 3 for the control and was differentially delayed in all herbicides and/or nutrient treatments in which the abundance of cyanobacteria remains significant yet in T5. A significant correlation was observed between the abundance of cyanobacteria and the concentration of atrazine, suggesting that this group is less sensitive than diatoms. The presence of agrochemicals exerted differential effects on the different algal groups. Herbicides contributed to phosphorus and nitrogen inputs. The most frequently observed interactions between experimental factors (nutrients and herbicides) was additivity excepting for species richness (antagonistic effect). In the final recovery time, no significant differences were found between the treatments and the control in most of the evaluated parameters, evincing the resilience of the community.

Plastic Paradox in Blue Carbon Ecosystems

Plastics are rapidly accumulating in blue carbon ecosystems, i.e., mangrove forests, tidal marshes, and seagrass meadows. Accumulated plastic is diverted from the ocean, but the extent and nature of impacts on blue carbon ecosystem processes, including carbon sequestration, are poorly known. Here, we explore the potential positive and negative consequences of plastic accumulation in blue carbon ecosystems. We highlight the effects of plastic accumulation on organic carbon stocks and sediment biogeochemistry through microbial metabolism. The notion of beneficial plastic accumulation in blue carbon ecosystems is controversial, yet considering the alternative impacts of plastics on oceanic and aboveground environments, this may be the "lesser of evils". Using environmental life cycle impact assessment, we propose a research framework to address the potential positive and negative impacts of plastic accumulation in blue carbon ecosystems. Considering the multifaceted benefits, we prioritize expanding and managing blue carbon ecosystems, which may help with ecosystem conservation, as well as mitigating the negative effects of plastic.

Influence of nutrient enrichment on colonisation and photosynthetic parameters of hard substrate marine microphytobenthos

This study aimed to assess the influence of nutrient enrichment on the development of microalgal biofilm on concrete and PVC cubes. Three mesocosms were utilized to create a nutrient gradient over a period of 28 days. Various parameters including biomass, photosynthetic activity, microtopography, and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) were measured. Imaging PAM techniques were employed to obtain surface-wide data. Results revealed that nutrient availability had no significant impact on Chl a biomass and the maximum quantum efficiency of PSII (F v /F m ). The photosynthetic capacity and efficiency were minimally affected by nutrient availability. Interestingly, the relationship between microphytobenthic (MPB) biomass and photosynthesis and surface rugosity exhibited distinct patterns. Negative reliefs showed a strong correlation with F v /F m , while no clear pattern emerged for biomass on rough concrete structures. Overall, our findings demonstrate that under conditions of heightened eutrophication, biofilm photosynthesis thrives in the fissures and crevasses of colonized structures regardless of nutrient levels. This investigation provides valuable insights into the interplay between nutrient availability and surface rugosity.

Regulating phytoplankton-available suspended particulate phosphorus (P) to control internal P pollution in lake: Conclusion from a short review

The necessity on controlling internal P pollution has been widely reported for lake restoration; thus far, cutting the migrations of soluble P from sediment to overlying water, especially under anoxic condition, is the main target of the internal P pollution control to achieve favorable ecological responses in lake. Here, according to the types of P directly available by phytoplankton, phytoplankton-available suspended particulate P (SPP) pollution, which mainly occurs under aerobic condition and due to sediment resuspension and soluble P adsorption by suspended particle, is found to be the other kind of internal P pollution. The SPP has long been a key index for environmental quality assessment, which could be indirectly reflected by the developed various methods for phytoplankton-available P pool analysis; also, the P has been demonstrated to be a major cause of phytoplankton breeding, typically in shallow lakes. Importantly, compared to the soluble P, SPP pollution clearly has more complicated loading pathways and P activation mechanisms and involves in different fractions of P, even part of which are with relatively high stability in sediment and suspended particle, leading to the potential control measures for the pollution being more complex. Considering the potential differences of internal P pollution among various lakes, this study is therefore calling for more research to focus on regulating phytoplankton-available SPP pollution. Recommendations are also offered to bridge knowledge gap of the regulation to design proper measures for lake restoration.

Preservation of exopolymeric substances in estuarine sediments

The surface of intertidal estuarine sediments is covered with diatom biofilms excreting exopolymeric substances (EPSs) through photosynthesis. These EPSs are highly reactive and increase sediment cohesiveness notably through organo-mineral interactions. In most sedimentary environments, EPSs are partly to fully degraded by heterotrophic bacteria in the uppermost millimeters of the sediment and so they are thought to be virtually absent deeper in the sedimentary column. Here, we present the first evidence of the preservation of EPSs and EPS-mineral aggregates in a 6-m-long sedimentary core obtained from an estuarine point bar in the Gironde Estuary. EPSs were extracted from 18 depth intervals along the core, and their physicochemical properties were characterized by (i) wet chemical assays to measure the concentrations of polysaccharides and proteins, and EPS deprotonation of functional groups, (ii) acid–base titrations, and (iii) Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. EPS-sediment complexes were also imaged using cryo-scanning electron microscopy. EPS results were analyzed in the context of sediment properties including facies, grain size, and total organic carbon, and of metabolic and enzymatic activities. Our results showed a predictable decrease in EPS concentrations (proteins and polysaccharides) and reactivity from the surface biofilm to a depth of 0.5 m, possibly linked to heterotrophic degradation. Concentrations remained relatively low down to ca. 4.3 m deep. Surprisingly, at that depth EPSs abundance was comparable to the surface and showed a downward decrease to 6.08 m. cryo-scanning electron microscopy (Cryo-SEM) showed that the EPS complexes with sediment were abundant at all studied depth and potentially protected EPSs from degradation. EPS composition did not change substantially from the surface to the bottom of the core. EPS concentrations and acidity were anti-correlated with metabolic activity, but showed no statistical correlation with grain size, TOC, depth or enzymatic activity. Maximum EPS concentrations were found at the top of tide-dominated sedimentary sequences, and very low concentrations were found in river flood-dominated sedimentary sequences. Based on this observation, we propose a scenario where biofilm development and EPS production are maximal when (i) the point bar and the intertidal areas were the most extensive, i.e., tide-dominated sequences and (ii) the tide-dominated deposit were succeeded by rapid burial beneath sediments, potentially decreasing the probability of encounter between bacterial cells and EPSs.

Quantifying impacts of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on natural assemblages of riverine phytobenthos and phytoplankton in an outdoor setting

Impacts of widespread release of engineered titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO₂) on freshwater phytoplankton and phytobenthic assemblages in the field, represents a significant knowledge gap. Using outdoor experiments, we quantified impacts of nTiO₂ on phytoplankton and periphyton from UK rivers, applied at levels representative of environmentally realistic concentrations (0.05 mg/L) and hot spots of accumulation (5.0 mg/L). Addition of nTiO₂ to river water led to rapid temporal size changes in homoagglomerates and many heteroaggregates of nTiO₂ with cells in the phytoplankton, including green algae, pennate and centric diatoms, increasing settlement of some cells. Changes in phytoplankton composition were evident after 72-h resulting from a significant decline in the relative abundance of very small phytoplankton cells (1-3 μm), often accompanied by increases in centric diatoms at both concentrations. Significant changes detected in the composition of the phytobenthos after 12 days, following nTiO₂ treatments, were not evident when using benthic diatoms alone after 56 days. A lack of inhibition in the maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm) in phytobenthos after 72-h exposures contrasted with a significant inhibition in Fv/Fm in 75% of phytoplankton samples, the highest recorded in Rutile nTiO₂ exposures at both concentrations of nTiO₂. After 12 days, strong positive stimulatory responses were recorded in the maximum relative electron transport rate (rETR_max) and the maximum non-photochemical coefficient (NPQ_max), in phytoplankton and phytobenthos samples exposed to the higher Anatase nTiO₂ concentration, were not measured in Rutile exposed biota. Collectively, these results indicate that the Rutile phase of nTiO₂ has more negative impacts on freshwater algae than the Anatase form, at specific time scales, and phytoplankton may be more impacted by nTiO₂ than phytobenthos. We caution that repeated release of nTiO₂, could lead to significant changes in riverine algal biomass and species composition, dependent on the phase and concentration of nTiO₂.

Particle size-related vertical redistribution of phosphorus (P)-inactivating materials induced by resuspension shaped P immobilization in lake sediment profile

Lake geoengineering with phosphorus (P)-inactivating materials to reduce sediment P loading is often used for eutrophication control. The redistribution of materials in sediment, especially those induced by resuspension, is reportedly a common phenomenon during practical applications, which may interfere with the pollution control. Notably, a recent study by the authors initially found that the heterogeneous properties of materials and sediments varied the P immobilization in different sized sediments which exhibited diverse movement characteristics. Therefore, this study hypothesizes a particle size-related vertical redistribution of materials in the sediment profile induced by resuspension, which shapes sediment P immobilization at different depths. Based on two differently sized materials, lanthanum (La)-modified bentonite clay (Phoslock) and drinking water treatment residue (DWTR), this study found a weakened reduction of mobile P and bioavailable P pool by both DWTR and Phoslock in surface sediment after resuspension. As the depth decreased from >12 to surface 0-1 cm, the remaining mobile P increased from 7.11%-10.8% to 11.0%-17.8% of the total P in the sediment with Phoslock and from 1.66%-4.73% to 9.70%-20.7% of the total P in the sediment with DWTR; meanwhile, bioavailable P pool reduction proportions decreased from 48.6%-72.3% to 3.23%-45.1% for Phoslock and from 51.5%-71.4% to 4.94%-25.2% for DWTR. Further analysis verified the hypothesis of this study; importantly, the redistributions of the potential target P (including mobile and bioavailable P) for immobilization were regulated by relatively small sediments (e.g., <8 μm fraction), which tended to become enriched in surface sediment after resuspension, while relatively large materials (e.g., >63 μm fraction) regulated their redistributions and were more likely to be buried at the bottom of the sediments. Accordingly, to design appropriate strategies for lake geoengineering, relatively small materials (e.g., <8 μm) targeting to immobilize both mobile and bioavailable P are typically recommended to be developed for restoration of lakes with frequent sediment resuspension.

Metal pollutant pathways in cohesive coastal catchments: Influence of flocculation and biopolymers on partitioning and flux

The impacts of the partitioning of potentially toxic metals (PTM) within the estuarine environment is highly complex, but is of key significance owing to increases in populations living within such sensitive environments. Although empirical data exist for the partitioning of metals between the dissolved and particulate phases, little is known regarding the impacts of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) upon the flocculation of particles within such a dynamic system nor the resultant influence on the distribution of metals between the particulate and dissolved phases. This prevents regulators from fully understanding the fate and risks associated with metals in estuaries. This study provides data associated with the simulation of 3 settlings typical of the turbulent mixing found in estuaries and partitioning of copper, cadmium, nickel, arsenic, lead and zinc for 3 salinities (0, 15, 30 PSU) reflecting the full salinity range from freshwater to seawater. Experiments were completed with and without the presence of EPS, using kaolin as the mineral particulate. The results showed significant differences between salinity, PTMs and turbulence for the experiments with and without EPS present. Overall, salinity was the main factor controlling the PTM partitioning to sediment, however the flocculation process did impact on the PTM distribution and with the addition of EPS the impact was more pronounced. The data highlighted the importance of taking account of EPS within any estuarine sediment process modelling, for relying on simple partitioning with corrections for salinity would likely lead to significant bias.

Role of intertidal microbial communities in carbon dioxide sequestration and pollutant removal: A review

Intertidal microbial communities occur as biofilms or microphytobenthos (MPB) which are sediment-attached assemblages of bacteria, protozoa, fungi, algae, diatoms embedded in extracellular polymeric substances. Despite their global occurrence, they have not been reviewed in light of their structural and functional characteristics. This paper reviews the importance of such microbial communities and their importance in carbon dioxide sequestration as well as pollutant bioremediation. Global annual benthic microalgal productivity was 500 million tons of carbon, 50% of which contributed towards the autochthonous carbon fixation in the estuaries. Primary production by MPB was 27-234 gCm^-2y^-1 in the estuaries of Asia, Europe and the United States. Mechanisms of heavy metal removal remain to be tested in intertidal communities. Cyanobacteria facilitate hydrocarbon degradation in intertidal biofilms and microbial mats by supporting the associated sulfate-reducing bacteria and aerobic heterotrophs. Physiological cooperation between the microorganisms in intertidal communities imparts enhanced ability to utilize polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon pollutants by these microorganisms than mono-species communities. Future research may be focused on biochemical characteristics of intertidal mats and biofilms, pollutant-microbial interactions and ecosystem influences.

Phytocompounds vs. Dental Plaque Bacteria: In vitro Effects of Myrtle and Pomegranate Polyphenolic Extracts Against Single-Species and Multispecies Oral Biofilms

In the last decades, resistant microbial infection rate has dramatically increased, especially infections due to biofilm-producing strains that require increasingly complex treatments and are responsible for the increased mortality percentages compared with other infectious diseases. Considering that biofilms represent a key factor for a wide range of chronic infections with high drug tolerance, the treatment of biofilm-causing bacterial infections represents a great challenge for the future. Among new alternative strategies to conventional antimicrobial agents, the scientific interest has shifted to the study of biologically active compounds from plant-related extracts with known antimicrobial properties, in order to also evaluate their antibiofilm activity. In this regard, the aim of this study has been to assess the antibiofilm activity of polyphenolic extracts from myrtle leaf and pomegranate peel against oral pathogens of dental plaque, an excellent polymicrobial biofilm model. In particular, the in vitro antibiofilm properties of myrtle and pomegranate extracts, also in binary combination, were highlighted. In addition to inhibiting the biofilm formation, the tested polyphenolic extracts have been proven to destroy both preformed single-species and multispecies biofilms formed by Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus mitis, and Rothia dentocariosa oral isolates, suggesting that the new natural sources are rich in promising compounds able to counteract biofilm-related infections.

Recovery of subtropical coastal intertidal system prokaryotes from a destruction event and the role of extracellular polymeric substances in the presence of endocrine disrupting chemicals

Intertidal sediments constitute the micro-environment for the co-existence of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and biofilms consisting of the microbial community and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). However, the interactions and the resulting eco-function of this community are complex and poorly characterized, especially after a destruction event. This study evaluates the re-construction of biofilms in terms of the abundance of prokaryotic cells and related EPS characterization in two destroyed sedimentary matrices from subtropical environments simulated by sterilization in the presence of EDCs and investigates the role of EPS. The results show that benthic prokaryotes recover from the deposition of active prokaryotes in natural seawater and form biofilms after sterilization. Sterilization triggers the release of polysaccharides and protein from lysed native microbial cells and bound EPS in sedimentary organic matter, thus increasing their concentrations. The increased portion of EPS also acts as a persistent stress on re-colonizing prokaryotes and leads to the overproduction of sedimentary EPS. Due to the protective role mediated by EPS, the effect of EDCs on biofilm composition in sterilized sediment is not significant. The sedimentary matrix is the most important determinant of the composition of the biofilm and the occurrence of EDCs. At the end of an 84-day experiment, the abundance of prokaryotic cells and the concentrations of polysaccharides and protein in mangrove sediment are 1.6-1.8 times higher than those in sandflat sediment, regardless of EDCs. Sandflat sediment exhibits higher concentrations of nonylphenol and bisphenol A but a lower concentration of 17α-ethinylestradiol than mangrove sediment. This study enhances our understanding of the role of sedimentary biofilms and the fate of EDCs in intertidal systems and highlights the benefit of a destructive event in enhancing ecosystem function, particularly tolerance to EDC adversity due to EPS production.

Dispersal mitigates bacterial dominance over microalgal competitor in metacommunities

Ecological theory suggests that a combination of local and regional factors regulate biodiversity and community functioning in metacommunities. The relative importance of different factors structuring communities likely changes over successional time, but to date this concept is scarcely documented. In addition, the few studies describing successional dynamics in metacommunity regulation have only focused on a single group of organisms. Here, we report results of an experimental study testing the effect size of initial local community composition and dispersal between local patches on community dynamics of benthic microalgae and their associated bacteria over community succession. Our results show that over time dispersal outweighed initial effects of community composition on microalgal evenness and biomass, microalgal β-diversity, and the ratio of bacteria to microalgae. At the end of the experiment (ca. 20 microalgae generations), dispersal significantly decreased microalgal evenness and β-diversity by promoting one regionally superior competitor. Dispersal also decreased the ratio of bacteria to microalgae, while it significantly increased microalgal biomass. These results suggest that the dispersal-mediated establishment of a dominant and superior microalgae species prevented bacteria from gaining competitive advantage over the autotrophs in these metacommunities, ultimately maintaining the provision of autotrophic biomass. Our study emphasizes the importance of time for dispersal to be a relevant community-structuring mechanism. Moreover, we highlight the need for considering multiple competitors in complex metacommunity systems to properly pinpoint the consequences of local change in dominance through dispersal for metacommunity function.

Assessing sediment particle-size effects on benthic algal colonisation and total carbohydrate production

Increased sedimentation and siltation associated with anthropogenic environmental change may alter microbial biofilms and the carbohydrates they produce, with potential bottom-up effects in these ecosystems. The present study aimed to examine to what extent carbohydrate (associated with biofilm exopolymer) concentration and benthic algal biomass vary among different sediment types (size-structure categories) using a microcosm experiment conducted over a period of 28 days. Substrate treatment and time had a significant effect on the total chlorophyll-a concentrations, whilst a significant interaction was present in the case of total sediment carbohydrates. Total sediment carbohydrates did not relate significantly to chlorophyll-a concentrations overall, nor for any substrate treatments owing to a non-significant 'chlorophyll-a × substrate' interaction term. The diatom community characteristics across sediment sizes were unique for each treatment in our study, with unique dominant diatom taxa compositions within each sediment size class. The finest sediment particle-size (<63 μm) may be the least stable, most likely due to lower binding. We anticipate that the current study findings will lead to a better understanding of how different sediment types due to sedimentation and siltation will impact on primary productivity and the composition of diatom communities in aquatic systems.

Biochar-mediated enhanced ethanol fermentation (BMEEF) in Zymomonas mobilis under furfural and acetic acid stress

BACKGROUND

Pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass generates different types of inhibitors (e.g., furfural and acetic acid), which could remarkably inhibit subsequent ethanol fermentation. Here, biochar as an additive in the fermentation broth was first applied to enhance ethanol production by Z. mobilis wild-type strain ZM4 in the presence of typical inhibitors.

RESULTS

This study showed that the biochar-mediated tolerance to furfural and acetic acid for the strain Z. mobilis ZM4 was the highest reported level, resulting in much higher ethanol productivity under stress conditions than that in non-treated conditions. Further analysis showed that adsorptive detoxification was not the controlling factor for enhanced ethanol production under stress conditions, attributed to its low removal of furfural (< 20%) and incapability of acetic acid removal. When biochar was filtered from the biochar-treated inhibitor-containing broth, it still showed enhanced ethanol production. Furthermore, Z. mobilis immobilized on biochar was also observed. Thus, biochar extracts in the fermentation broth and cell immobilization on biochar might be the controlling factors for enhanced ethanol production under stress conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that biochar-mediated enhanced ethanol fermentation (BMEEF) might be a promising strategy for ethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass.

Surface colour: An overlooked aspect in the study of cyanobacterial biofilm formation

Cyanobacteria can grow as biofilms, communities that colonize surfaces and that play a fundamental role in the ecology of many diverse habitats and in the conversion of industrial production to green platforms. Although biofilm growth is known to be significantly affected by several characteristics, the effect of colour surface is an overlooked aspect that has not yet been investigated. In this study, we describe the effect of colour hues (white, red, blue and black) on the growth of cyanobacterial biofilms on air-exposed substrates. We measured growth, architecture, pigment production and levels of ATP and reactive oxygen species in cyanobacterial biofilms formed on different coloured substrates. The study findings demonstrate, for the first time, that the colour of a surface affects biofilm formation at the air-solid interface (with more biomass accumulating on white and red substrates than on blue and black substrates) and also alters the biofilm architecture. In addition, the roles of chromatic adaptation, phototrophic cells and reactive oxygen species as intermediates between colour sensing and biofilm response are discussed. Our results support the importance of colour as a new factor that favours surface colonization by cyanobacteria and its contribution to biofilm formation.

Overproduction of microbial extracellular polymeric substances in subtropical intertidal sediments in response to endocrine disrupting chemicals

Microorganisms and their extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in sediments are important in sediment stabilization and the fate of pollutants. However, how toxic organic pollutants affect bacteria and EPS in sediments, particularly in subtropical intertidal zones is poorly known. The present study aims to investigate the bacterial abundance and related EPS in simulated intertidal sandflat and mangrove sediments under the stress of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Results showed that the temporal changes of the bacterial number in both sandflat and mangrove sediments were similar, increased from days 0 to 56 then became steady during the 84-days incubation. Bacteria exhibited an important role in the production of high molecular weight (HMW) EPS protein and the degradation of the low molecular weight (LMW) EPS protein. During incubation, the EPS polysaccharides changed from a colloidal-LMW fraction at the beginning to a more complex-HMW fraction at the end of the experiment. The increases in the concentration of HMW polysaccharides might contribute to sediment stabilization. Among different spiked EDCs, nonylphenol (NP) and 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE₂) tended to accumulate in both sandflat and mangrove sediments and posed stresses to bacterial growth, especially the latter sediment. The persistent EDCs promoted a higher production of EPS polysaccharides and proteins in both sediments when compared to the respective control, but the EPS in the sandflat sediment was mainly in the colloidal fraction while the bound fraction was more abundant in the mangrove sediment. The present results enhance our understanding of the effects of EDCs on sediment biofilms in intertidal systems. This study also demonstrates the significance of EPS polysaccharides and proteins in sediment stabilization and provides a fundamental basis for future microbiology studies.

High salinity and UVR synergistically reduce the photosynthetic performance of an intertidal benthic diatom

The intertidal flat is an important intermediate ecosystem characterized by abrupt fluctuations of some environmental factors. As a major contributor to coastal primary productivity, benthic diatoms have to cope up with these fluctuating conditions, such as variations in salinity and light. In this study, we used a typical benthic diatom, Nitzschia sp., to investigate how the photosynthetic performance of a benthic species responded to coupled stresses of high salinity and simulated sunlight. Results showed that their responses were largely dependent on the spectra of light they received. Further, ultraviolet radiation (UVR) interacted with high salinity more effectively than photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), which synergistically reduced the photochemical performance of photosystem II (PSII). The different responses to PAR and UVR were mainly attributed to the repair processes of PSII. Under high salinity, particularly for cells exposed to UVR, the repair rate was significantly lower than those under the control treatment. The present work suggests that UVR, rather than PAR, could be more important in influencing the benthic diatom under high salinity conditions.

A limited legacy effect of copper in marine biofilms

The effects of confounding by temporal factors remains understudied in pollution ecology. For example, there is little understanding of how disturbance history affects the development of assemblages. To begin addressing this gap in knowledge, marine biofilms were subjected to temporally-variable regimes of copper exposure and depuration. It was expected that the physical and biological structure of the biofilms would vary in response to copper regime. Biofilms were examined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, chlorophyll-a fluorescence and field spectrometry and it was found that (1) concentrations of copper were higher in those biofilms exposed to copper, (2) concentrations of copper remain high in biofilms after the source of copper is removed, and (3) exposure to and depuration from copper might have comparable effects on the photosynthetic microbial assemblages in biofilms. The persistence of copper in biofilms after depuration reinforces the need for consideration of temporal factors in ecology.

Microbial interactions with naturally occurring hydrophobic sediments: Influence on sediment and associated contaminant mobility

The erosion, transport and fate of sediments and associated contaminants are known to be influenced by both particle characteristics and the flow dynamics imparted onto the sediment. The influential role of bitumen containing hydrophobic sediments and the microbial community on sediment dynamics are however less understood. This study links an experimental evaluation of sediment erosion with measured sediment-associated contaminant concentrations and microbial community analysis to provide an estimate of the potential for sediment to control the erosion, transport and fate of contaminants. Specifically the paper addresses the unique behaviour of hydrophobic sediments and the role that the microbial community associated with hydrophobic sediment may play in the transport of contaminated sediment. Results demonstrate that the hydrophobic cohesive sediment demonstrates unique transport and particle characteristics (poor settling and small floc size). Biofilms were observed to increase with consolidation/biostabilization times and generated a unique microbial consortium relative to the eroded flocs. Natural oil associated with the flocs appeared to be preferentially associated with microbial derived extracellular polymeric substances. While PAHs and naphthenic acid increased with increasing shear (indicative of increasing loads), they tended to decrease with consolidation/biostabilization (CB) time at similar shears suggesting a chemical and/or biological degradation. PAH and napthenic acid degrading microbes decreased with time as well, which may suggest that there was a reduced pool of PAHs and naphthenic acids available resulting in their die off. This study emphasizes the importance that any management strategies and operational assessments for the protection of human and aquatic health incorporate the sediment (suspended and bed sediment) and biological (biofilm) compartments and the energy dynamics within the system in order to better predict contaminant transport.

Contrasted effects of natural complex mixtures of PAHs and metals on oxygen cycle in a microbial mat

The contamination of polluted environments is often due to a complex mixture of pollutants sometimes at trace levels which nevertheless may have significant effects on the diversity and functioning of organisms. The aim of this study was to assess the functional responses of a microbial mat exposed to a natural complex mixture of PAHs and metals as a function of the maturation stage of the biofilm. Microbial mats sampled in a slightly polluted environment were exposed to contaminated water of a retention basin of an oil refinery. The responses of the microbial mats differed according to season. In spring 2012, strong inhibition of both oxygen production and respiration was observed relative to the control, with rates representing less than 5% of the control after 72 h of incubation. A decrease of microbial activities was followed by a decrease of the coupling between autotrophs and heterotrophs. In contrast, in autumn 2012, no significant changes for oxygen production and respiration were observed and the coupling between autotrophs and heterotrophs was not altered. The differences observed between the spring and autumn mats might be explained by the maturity of the microbial mat with dominance of heterotrophic bacteria in spring, and diatoms and cyanobacteria in autumn, as well as by the differences in the chemical composition of the complex mixture of PAHs and metals.

Functional group diversity increases with modularity in complex food webs

Biodiversity increases the ability of ecosystems to provide multiple functions. Most studies report a positive relationship between species richness and the number of ecosystem functions. However, it is not known whether the number of functional groups is related to the structure of the underlying species interaction network. Here we present food web data from 115 salt marsh islands and show that network structure is associated with the number of functional groups present. Functional group diversity is heterogeneously distributed across spatial scales, with some islands hosting more functional groups than others. Functional groups form modules within the community so that food webs with more modular architectures have more functional group diversity. Further, in communities with different interaction types, modularity can be seen as the multifunctional equivalent of trophic complementarity. Collectively, these findings reveal spatial heterogeneity in the number of functional groups that emerges from patterns in the structure of the food web.

The influence of functional group diversity on food web structure is less well known than that of biodiversity. Analysing species interactions in a network of salt marsh islands, Montoya et al. show that functional group diversity is higher in more modular networks and varies spatially across the archipelago.

A doubling of microphytobenthos biomass coincides with a tenfold increase in denitrifier and total bacterial abundances in intertidal sediments of a temperate estuary

Surface sediments are important systems for the removal of anthropogenically derived inorganic nitrogen in estuaries. They are often characterized by the presence of a microphytobenthos (MPB) biofilm, which can impact bacterial communities in underlying sediments for example by secretion of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and competition for nutrients (including nitrogen). Pyrosequencing and qPCR was performed on two intertidal surface sediments of the Westerschelde estuary characterized by a two-fold difference in MPB biomass but no difference in MPB composition. Doubling of MPB biomass was accompanied by a disproportionately (ten-fold) increase in total bacterial abundances while, unexpectedly, no difference in general community structure was observed, despite significantly lower bacterial richness and distinct community membership, mostly for non-abundant taxa. Denitrifier abundances corresponded likewise while community structure, both for nirS and nirK denitrifiers, remained unchanged, suggesting that competition with diatoms for nitrate is negligible at concentrations in the investigated sediments (appr. 1 mg/l NO₃^-). This study indicates that MPB biomass increase has a general, significantly positive effect on total bacterial and denitrifier abundances, with stimulation or inhibition of specific bacterial groups that however do not result in a re-structured community.

Biostabilization of cohesive sediments: revisiting the role of abiotic conditions, physiology and diversity of microbes, polymeric secretion, and biofilm architecture

In aquatic habitats, micro-organisms successfully adhere to and mediate particles, thus changing the erosive response of fine sediments to hydrodynamic forcing by secreting glue-like extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Because sediment dynamics is vital for many ecological and economic aspects of watersheds and coastal regions, biostabilization of cohesive sediments is one of the important ecosystem services provided by biofilms. Although the research on biostabilization has gained momentum over the last 20 years, we still have limited insights principally due to the complex nature of this topic, the varying spatial, temporal, and community scales examined, oversimplified ecohydraulic experiments with little natural relevance, and the often partial views of the disciplines involved. This review highlights the current state of our knowledge on biostabilization and identifies important areas for future research on: (A) the influence of abiotic conditions on initial colonization and subsequent biofilm growth, focusing on hydrodynamics, substratum, salinity, nutrition, and light climate; (B) the response of microbes in terms of physiological activity and species diversity to environmental settings as well as biotic conditions such as competition and grazing; and (C) the effects of the former on the EPS matrix, its main constituents, their composition, functional groups/substitutes, and structures/linkages. The review focuses specifically on how the numerous mutual feedback mechanisms between abiotic and biotic conditions influence microbial stabilization capacity, and thus cohesive sediment dynamics.

Protection of cells from salinity stress by extracellular polymeric substances in diatom biofilms

Diatom biofilms are abundant in the marine environment. It is assumed (but untested) that extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), produced by diatoms, enable cells to cope with fluctuating salinity. To determine the protective role of EPS, Cylindrotheca closterium was grown in xanthan gum at salinities of 35, 50, 70 and 90 ppt. A xanthan matrix significantly increased cell viability (determined by SYTOX-Green), growth rate and population density by up to 300, 2,300 and 200%, respectively. Diatoms grown in 0.75% w/v xanthan, subjected to acute salinity shock treatments (at salinities 17.5, 50, 70 and 90 ppt) maintained photosynthetic capacity, Fq'/Fm', within 4% of pre-shock values, whereas Fq'/Fm' in cells grown without xanthan declined by up to 64% with hypersaline shock. Biofilms that developed in xanthan at standard salinity helped cells to maintain function during salinity shock. These results provide evidence of the benefits of living in an EPS matrix for biofilm diatoms.

Microbes in Beach Sands: Integrating Environment, Ecology and Public Health

Beach sand is a habitat that supports many microbes, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa (micropsammon). The apparently inhospitable conditions of beach sand environments belie the thriving communities found there. Physical factors, such as water availability and protection from insolation; biological factors, such as competition, predation, and biofilm formation; and nutrient availability all contribute to the characteristics of the micropsammon. Sand microbial communities include autochthonous species/phylotypes indigenous to the environment. Allochthonous microbes, including fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and waterborne pathogens, are deposited via waves, runoff, air, or animals. The fate of these microbes ranges from death, to transient persistence and/or replication, to establishment of thriving populations (naturalization) and integration in the autochthonous community. Transport of the micropsammon within the habitat occurs both horizontally across the beach, and vertically from the sand surface and ground water table, as well as at various scales including interstitial flow within sand pores, sediment transport for particle-associated microbes, and the large-scale processes of wave action and terrestrial runoff. The concept of beach sand as a microbial habitat and reservoir of FIB and pathogens has begun to influence our thinking about human health effects associated with sand exposure and recreational water use. A variety of pathogens have been reported from beach sands, and recent epidemiology studies have found some evidence of health risks associated with sand exposure. Persistent or replicating populations of FIB and enteric pathogens have consequences for watershed/beach management strategies and regulatory standards for safe beaches. This review summarizes our understanding of the community structure, ecology, fate, transport, and public health implications of microbes in beach sand. It concludes with recommendations for future work in this vastly under-studied area.

Purification and culture characteristics of 36 benthic marine diatoms isolated from the Solthörn tidal flat (Southern North Sea)

Marine benthic diatoms growing in biofilms on sediment surfaces generally occur associated with heterotrophic bacteria, whereas modern molecular techniques and analyses of species-specific physiology create a demand for axenic cultures. Numerous benthic diatoms were isolated from surface sediments during a monitoring of the Solthörn tidal flat (southern North Sea, Germany) from May 2008 to May 2009. Of these, around 50% could be purified from the accompanying heterotrophic bacteria using different antibiotics combined with physical separation methods (vortexing, ultrasound). Overall, seven different antibiotics were tested at different concentrations, and a best working protocol was developed. The axenic strains were stable on average for only around 15 months, indicating a symbiotic interaction between the benthic diatoms and the associated bacteria. While most short-term effects during the purification process were restricted to differences in growth rates among xenic and axenic diatom strains, long-term cultivation led to distinct changes in cell volumes and growth characteristics of the axenic strains.

Seasonal variations of epipelic algal community in relation to environmental factors in the Istanbul Strait (the Bosphorus), Turkey

This study was implemented to investigate the species composition, abundance, seasonal variations and diversity of epipelic algae, to determine environmental variables affecting them and to reveal the accumulation of total organic carbon in the sediment in the coastal zone of the Istanbul Strait, Turkey. Epipelic algal community consisted of 44 taxa with a low diversity. The sediment structure which is highly unstable due to the high hydrodynamism of the zone played a dominant role as the main factor in the epipelic algal flora along the coasts of Istanbul Strait. Low TOC and high carbonate values also support this result. The dominance of cyanobacteria in some periods and, as a result of this, the record of the lowest diversity index values indicated the effect of nutrient enrichment and the risk of coastal eutrophication. High dominance of cyanobacteria may also be explicated by climate changes considering its effect in the other areas.

Microbial release from seeded beach sediments during wave conditions

Beach sands can sustain indigenous and introduced populations of enterococci. The objective of this study was to evaluate wave action in promoting the release of introduced bacteria. To accomplish this objective this study developed a method to assess attachment and identified conditions under which introduced bacteria are integrated into the sand. A new "shearing assay" showed that attachment of the introduced spike mimicked that of the natural sand when the spike was allowed to integrate into the sand for 24h at room temperature at a sand moisture content of 20%. Experiments in a wave flume showed that waves were capable of releasing about 60% of the total bacteria added. This suggests that for the range of wave conditions evaluated (height: 1.9-10.5 cm, period:1-2.7s), waves were incapable of releasing all of the bacteria. Further study is needed to evaluate bacteria attachment mechanisms.

Pore water transport of enterococci out of beach sediments

Enterococci are used to evaluate the safety of beach waters and studies have identified beach sands as a source of these bacteria. In order to study and quantify the release of microbes from beach sediments, flow column systems were built to evaluate flow of pore water out of beach sediments. Results show a peak in enterococci (average of 10% of the total microbes in core) released from the sand core within one pore water volume followed by a marked decline to below detection. These results indicate that few enterococci are easily removed and that factors other than simple pore water flow control the release of the majority of enterococci within beach sediments. A significantly larger quantity and release of enterococci were observed in cores collected after a significant rain event suggesting the influx of fresh water can alter the release pattern as compared to cores with no antecedent rainfall.

The stabilisation potential of individual and mixed assemblages of natural bacteria and microalgae

It is recognized that microorganisms inhabiting natural sediments significantly mediate the erosive response of the bed ("ecosystem engineers") through the secretion of naturally adhesive organic material (EPS: extracellular polymeric substances). However, little is known about the individual engineering capability of the main biofilm components (heterotrophic bacteria and autotrophic microalgae) in terms of their individual contribution to the EPS pool and their relative functional contribution to substratum stabilisation. This paper investigates the engineering effects on a non-cohesive test bed as the surface was colonised by natural benthic assemblages (prokaryotic, eukaryotic and mixed cultures) of bacteria and microalgae. MagPI (Magnetic Particle Induction) and CSM (Cohesive Strength Meter) respectively determined the adhesive capacity and the cohesive strength of the culture surface. Stabilisation was significantly higher for the bacterial assemblages (up to a factor of 2) than for axenic microalgal assemblages. The EPS concentration and the EPS composition (carbohydrates and proteins) were both important in determining stabilisation. The peak of engineering effect was significantly greater in the mixed assemblage as compared to the bacterial (x 1.2) and axenic diatom (x 1.7) cultures. The possibility of synergistic effects between the bacterial and algal cultures in terms of stability was examined and rejected although the concentration of EPS did show a synergistic elevation in mixed culture. The rapid development and overall stabilisation potential of the various assemblages was impressive (x 7.5 and ×9.5, for MagPI and CSM, respectively, as compared to controls). We confirmed the important role of heterotrophic bacteria in "biostabilisation" and highlighted the interactions between autotrophic and heterotrophic biofilm consortia. This information contributes to the conceptual understanding of the microbial sediment engineering that represents an important ecosystem function and service in aquatic habitats.

Quantification of phototrophic biomass on rocks: optimization of chlorophyll-a extraction by response surface methodology

Biological colonization of rock surfaces constitutes an important problem for maintenance of buildings and monuments. In this work, we aim to establish an efficient extraction protocol for chlorophyll-a specific for rock materials, as this is one of the most commonly used biomarkers for quantifying phototrophic biomass. For this purpose, rock samples were cut into blocks, and three different mechanical treatments were tested, prior to extraction in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). To evaluate the influence of the experimental factors (1) extractant-to-sample ratio, (2) temperature, and (3) time of incubation, on chlorophyll-a recovery (response variable), incomplete factorial designs of experiments were followed. Temperature of incubation was the most relevant variable for chlorophyll-a extraction. The experimental data obtained were analyzed following a response surface methodology, which allowed the development of empirical models describing the interrelationship between the considered response and experimental variables. The optimal extraction conditions for chlorophyll-a were estimated, and the expected yields were calculated. Based on these results, we propose a method involving application of ultrasound directly to intact sample, followed by incubation in 0.43 ml DMSO/cm(2) sample at 63°C for 40 min. Confirmation experiments were performed at the predicted optimal conditions, allowing chlorophyll-a recovery of 84.4 ± 11.6% (90% was expected), which implies a substantial improvement with respect to the expected recovery using previous methods (68%). This method will enable detection of small amounts of photosynthetic microorganisms and quantification of the extent of biocolonization of stone surfaces.

A review of sediment dynamics in the Severn Estuary: influence of flocculation

This paper provides a review and critique of the distributions and characteristics of non-cohesive and cohesive sediments within the Severn Estuary, with particular reference to floc properties. The estuary is hyper-tidal and, consequently, highly turbid along most of its length and it generally has two turbidity maxima. In the upper reaches of the estuary, suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentrations can be in excess of 10 g l(-1) for river flows up to 50 m(3)s(-1), rising to over 50 g l(-1) during periods of lower river flow. The lower estuary turbidity maximum originates in the vicinity of Bridgwater Bay where SPM concentrations may vary between 0.1-200 g l(-1). The formation of fluid mud is coupled to the spring-neap cycle and strong vertical gradients in SPM concentrations produce turbulence damping and drag reduction effects, and hence impair the ability of the flow to transport sediments. Flocculation is an important mechanism for controlling the behaviour of fine sediments and mean settling velocities of flocs vary between 0.8-6 mm s(-1). A secondary consequence of flocculation is the formation of mud:sand mixtures in turbid suspensions. Improved understanding of the significance of flocculation processes is crucial as they may exert an influence on the mechanism by which adsorbed contaminants are transported in the system.

Microbial extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in fresh water sediments

Microbially produced extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) have been linked with many important ecological functions in natural sediments; yet, most information has been derived from marine systems. The present paper is the first comprehensive study on EPS (i.e., carbohydrates and proteins) dynamics in riverine sediments addressing spatial (six reservoirs and four groyne fields across three European rivers), temporal (all seasons in 2003-2005), and vertical (over a 50-cm sediment depth transect) pattern. The variation in hydrodynamic regime found in the reservoirs and groyne fields was reflected in the biomass and composition of the benthic microorganisms that produce EPS. The microphytobenthic communities consisted mainly of diatoms and a higher algal biomass (up to 248 microg g(-1) dry weight, DW) seemed to be indicative for higher amounts of secreted colloidal carbohydrates. Consequently, the model proposed by Underwood and Smith (1998) for the relation chlorophyll-colloidal carbohydrates was also applicable for upper riverine sediment layers. The close relation between algal biomass and bacterial cell counts (10(8)-10(9) cells g(-1) DW) supports the idea of bacterial use of the secreted EPS. However, the data also suggest a contribution to the EPS pool through bacterial secretion of proteins/extracellular enzymes and possibly carbohydrates. Over depth, the relationships between microorganisms and EPS became increasingly decoupled along with increasing ratios of bound (refractory) to colloidal (labile) EPS. These data suggest fresh production of polymeric substances in upper sediment layers and mainly accumulation of refractory, biodegraded material in deeper layers. The high contents of EPS colloidal and bound carbohydrates (0.1-1.8 and 1.3-6.7 mg g(-1) DW, respectively) and EPS proteins (0.4-12.9 mg g(-1) DW) at the freshwater study sites might indicate an important role in sediment ecology.

Relevance of polymeric matrix enzymes during biofilm formation

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) contribute to biofilm stability and adhesion properties. The EPS matrix might also be a site for free extracellular enzyme activity; however, little is known about participation of enzyme activity in EPS during biofilm formation. In this study, we analyzed the activities of beta-glucosidase, leu-aminopeptidase, and beta-glucosaminidase during the colonization of artificial substrata (glass tiles) in a stream distinguishing enzyme activity in EPS matrix (matrix-enzymes) and total biofilm extracellular enzyme activity. The 1-h incubation of a biofilm suspension and cation-exchange resin followed by centrifugation seems appropriate to extract the matrix fraction (supernatant) and measure matrix enzymes (including free and linked to EPS) in freshwater biofilms, although there is a methodological limitation for using a biofilm suspension instead of an undisrupted biofilm. Total biofilm activities and matrix-enzyme activities showed similar capabilities to decompose organic matter compounds, with a greater capacity for peptide decomposition (leu-aminopeptidase) than for polysaccharides (beta-glucosidase), and a low decomposition of chitin and peptidoglycan (beta-glucosaminidase). Matrix-enzyme activity increased with colonization time, but more slowly than that of total enzyme activity. At the beginning of the colonization experiment (days 1-4) matrix enzymes accounted for 65-81% of total biofilm enzyme activity. Higher proportion of polysaccharides in EPS versus total biofilm, and higher matrix-enzyme activities per microgram of polysaccharides in the EPS were measured during the first 1-3 days of biofilm formation, indicating a high rate of enzyme release into the matrix during this period. Relative contribution of matrix-enzyme activities decreased as biofilm matures, but was maintained at 13-37% of total enzyme activity at the 42- to 49-day-old biofilm. These enzymes, retained and conserved in the EPS, may contribute to community metabolism. When analyzing extracellular enzymes in biofilms, the contribution of matrix enzymes must be considered, especially for young biofilms.

The effect of bed age and shear stress on the particle morphology of eroded cohesive river sediment in an annular flume

Erosion experiments were conducted in an annular flume to determine the effect of bed age and shear stress on the particle morphology (fractal dimensions D, D(1), and D(k)) of eroded cohesive river sediment. Sediment beds were deposited under low shear and left to consolidate for one, two and seven days. Fractal data and photomicrographs show particle morphology changed with shear stress and bed age. During the one-day experiment, flocs were highly branched and particle geometry became more complex with increasing shear. Microflocs present in suspension at low shear, formed larger more loosely bound flocs at moderate shear due to flocculation. At higher shear, larger flocs were less prevalent due to particle breakup. As bed age increased, less sediment was eroded and particles appeared less porous and more angular in shape for a given shear stress. Changes in floc morphology and eroded sediment mass at various shear stresses may be related to bed age-associated biostabilization of bed deposits.

Microbial stabilization of riverine sediments by extracellular polymeric substances

Sediment stability is a critical component for the understanding of cohesive sediment dynamics. Traditionally, physico-chemical sediment conditions have been regarded as most important drivers of sediment stability. However, over the last decade, the stabilization of sediment by biological activity, particularly the influence of highly hydrated matrices of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) has been given increasing attention. However, most studies have focused on the sediment/water interface and, usually, of marine systems. The present study exploits current knowledge of EPS dynamics from marine systems and applies it to freshwater habitats, also considering a wide range of biological and physico-chemical variables. Natural sediments were taken from a freshwater site with high levels of heavy metal pollution (Lauffen reservoir, River Neckar, Germany). Vertical profiles from the flocculent surface layer to depth of 50 cm within the sediment were investigated, monthly, over the course of year. Tubificidae and Chironomidae larvae constituted the majority of the macrofauna. Despite the turbidity of the water column, a highly diverse and abundant microphytobenthic community of diatoms (11-82 microg g(-1) DW) was found at the sediment surface closely associated with high numbers of bacteria (10(9) cells g(-1) DW). The concentrations of all EPS moieties were remarkably high (0.1-0.5, 1.7-3.8, 0.9-5.2 mg g(-1) DW, for colloidal and bound carbohydrates and proteins, respectively) and levels were comparable to those determined in intertidal studies. The microalgal and bacterial biomass both showed strong correlations with the colloidal and bound EPS carbohydrate fractions. The data suggested that the present macrofauna as well as the metabolic activities of microalgae and bacteria interact with sedimentological factors to influence the properties of the sediment by binding fine-grained sediment, changing water content and enhancing the organic content through secretion products. The colloidal and bound EPS moieties showed strong correlation with the critical shear stress for erosion over sediment depth. It is suggested that the cohesive strength of the sediment was controlled by a high number of active adsorption sites and higher charge densities in fine grained sediments. The EPS network may significantly enhance this by embedding particles and permeating the void space but also in offering additional ionic binding sites and cross-linkages.

Monitoring the effect of chemicals on biological communities. The biofilm as an interface

Biofilms can be regarded as early warning systems for detection of the effects of toxicants on aquatic systems, because they have been successfully used for detection of other environmental stressors (e.g. pH, salinity, organic pollution). A variety of methods is used for detection of the effects of toxicants by use of biofilms. The methods range from structurally-based to functionally-based, and from in vitro-based to systemic approaches. Physiological approaches may be appropriate for detection of acute effects. Among these methods, photosynthesis is more related to the effect of toxicants affecting algal communities, directly or indirectly, and extracellular enzyme activity is less specific. Selecting one or the other may depend on the suspected direct effect of the toxicant. Integrated studies have revealed the relevance of toxicants to top-down or bottom-up regulation of the biofilm community. Persistent or chronic effects should affect other biofilm indicators, for example growth or biomass-related factors (e.g. chlorophyll), or community composition. Among these, community composition might better reflect the effects of the toxicant(s), because this may cause a shift from a sensitive to a progressively tolerant community. Community composition-based approaches do not usually adequately reflect cause-effect relationships and require complementary analysis of properties affected in the short-term, for example physiological properties. The current array of methods available must be wisely combined to disentangle the effects of chemicals on biofilms, and whether these effects are transient or persistent, to successfully translate the chemical action of toxicants into the effect they might have on the river ecosystem.

Artificial sampling units: a tool for increasing the sensitivity of tests for impact in soft sediments

The distribution of benthic organisms in soft sediments is patchy in time and space on many scales. Such variability makes assessment of ecological impacts difficult. Sediment-related variables, such as grain-size and organic content, which can affect colonization by infauna, vary over similar scales. Variations in characteristics of the sediment may contribute to spatial variability in infaunal assemblages, making it difficult to detect the putative impacts of disturbances, such as the production of boat-generated waves (wash), on these organisms. Here, the hypothesis that infaunal assemblages colonizing containers of homogeneous sediment would be less spatially variable than those colonizing natural sediment was tested. Containers were deployed at mudflats differing in exposure to wash. If wash does affect colonization, a reduction in variability among sites of similar exposure should enable stronger differences to be seen between wash and no-wash zones. Assemblages colonizing homogeneous sediment were less variable than those colonizing site-specific sediment. No difference in colonization was, however, seen between places differing in their exposure to wash. Nevertheless, this method is of use in the assessment of ecological impacts in sedimentary environments, where it is difficult to detect putative impacts above the great natural variability in assemblages.

Biogenic stabilization of intertidal sediments: the importance of extracellular polymeric substances produced by benthic diatoms

The sediment-stabilizing effect of benthic diatoms was investigated in a laboratory setting. Axenic cultures of the benthic diatoms Nitzschia cf. brevissima and Cylindrotheca closterium were inoculated in Petri dishes containing sand and incubated under axenic conditions. By ensuring aseptic routines throughout the experiments, interference from other organisms occurring with diatoms in natural photothrophic biofilms was avoided. This allowed the examination of the role of benthic diatoms in sediment stabilization. Increases in the critical erosion shear stress of the sediment were observed in the presence of both diatom taxa relative to sterile sediment. However, N. cf. brevissima was more effective than C. closterium. Values of critical shear stress in the experimental system were in the same range as those observed in natural biofilms, which indicates that diatoms are important agents for biogenic stabilization. Extracellular carbohydrate contents in the microcosms were similar for both diatom species. However, in the presence of N cf. brevissima, extracellular carbohydrate correlated significantly to critical shear stress, explaining up to 80% of the variation, whereas this was not the case for C. closterium. Therefore, it was concluded that the quantity of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) alone did not explain the biogenic stabilization. Observed adsorption of EPS to sediment particles depended on the relative amount of uronic acids in the exopolymers. Using fluorescently labeled lectins, confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that EPS secretion by N. cf. brevissima resulted in ordered three-dimensional matrix structures. It is suggested that the structuring of EPS plays an prominent role in the process of biostabilization, and that diatoms such as N. cf. brevissima are actively involved in producing the structure of EPS, whereas others such as C. closterium do not do so to the same extent.

Use of fluorophore-conjugated lectins to study cell-cell interactions in model marine biofilms

Biofilms dominated by pennate diatoms are important in fields as diverse as ship biofouling and marine littoral sediment stabilization. The architecture of a biofilm depends on the fact that much of its mass consists of extracellular polymers. Although most illuminated biofilms in nature are dominated by phototrophs, they also contain heterotrophic bacteria. Given the close spatial association of the two types of organisms, cell-cell interaction is likely. Fluorophore-conjugated lectins were used to demonstrate the sites of the various extracellular polymers in three species of diatoms. Based on their lectin staining properties, the polymers in different species appeared to be similar, but their involvement in the process of attachment to a surface differed. In a coculture Pseudoalteromonas sp. strain 4 or its sterilized spent medium reduced the ability of Amphora coffeaeformis and Navicula sp. strains 1 and D to adhere, inhibited motility, and caused agglutination and eventually diatom cell lysis. Diatoms could be protected from the negative effects of the bacterial spent medium if D-galactose or mannan was included in the incubation medium. The active principle of the spent medium is probably a lectin/agglutinin that is able to bind to the extracellular polymers of the diatoms that are involved in adhesion and motility. Awareness of interactions of this type is important in the study of natural biofilms.

Biofilm quantification on stone surfaces: comparison of various methods

In the present study, the efficacy of three different methods of estimating biofilm biomass on stone (amount of chlorophyll a, fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis and changes in colour) is discussed. Stone samples were sprayed with solutions of cyanobacteria and the actual microbial biomass--determined by cell culture--was compared with the biomass estimated using the different methods. Statistically significant differences between actual biomass and that estimated from the fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis method invalidate its use. However, although the results indicated the amount of chlorophyll to be a good estimator of biofilm biomass, problems in the total extraction of chlorophyll from the stone cannot be overlooked. Determination of changes in colour was found to be a good method of quantifying biofilms growing on stone.