Effects of two lubricant oils on marine nematode assemblages in a laboratory microcosm experiment

Ecological impact assessment of irrigation dam in the Mekong Delta using intertidal nematode communities as bioindicators

The ecological response of nematode communities to dam construction has limited attention. In this study, the response of intertidal nematode communities in the Ba Lai River (Mekong Delta, Vietnam) to the construction of an irrigation dam was investigated. Nematode communities and environmental parameters were investigated during the rainy season of 2015. The obtained results showed that the Ba Lai dam had caused negative impacts on the local environment by disrupting longitudinal connectivity, the accumulation of nutrients (total organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus), and heavy metals (copper, iron, arsenic, lead) in the upstream and the lateral sides of the dam, consequently leading to changes in the nematode communities. The response of nematode communities to the dam's presence was clear based on their abundance, diversity, dominant genera, and community composition. Furthermore, changes in the abundance and diversity of nematodes in the Ba Lai River appeared to be controlled primarily by acidity (pH), total suspended solids (TSS), iron (Fe), clay, and salinity most responsible for changes to nematode communities. Because the nematode communities are well adapted to the physicochemical disturbances caused by dam construction, they are a potential tool for ecological monitoring and understanding the influence of dams on aquatic ecosystems.

The exposure to polyvinyl chloride microplastics and chrysene induces multiple changes in the structure and functionality of marine meiobenthic communities

The effects of microplastics and sorbed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons at community levels were rarely assessed in laboratory experiments, despite their obvious advantage in reflecting better the natural conditions compared to traditionally single species-focused toxicological experiments. In the current study, the multifaceted effects of polyvinyl chloride and chrysene, acting alone or combined, on general marine meiobenthos, but with a special focus on free-living marine nematode communities were tested in a laboratory experiment carried in microcosms. The meiobenthos was exposed to two polyvinyl chloride (5 and 10 mg.kg^-1 Dry Weight 'DW') and chrysene (37.5 and 75 ng.g^-1 DW) concentrations, respectively, as well as to a mixture of both compounds, for 30 days. The results highlighted a significant decrease in the abundance of all meiobenthic generic groups, including nematodes, directly with increasing dosages of these compounds when added alone. The addition of chrysene adheres to microplastics, making the sediment matrix glueyer, hence inducing greater mortality among generic meiobenthic groups. Moreover, the nematofauna went through a strong restructuring phase following the exposure to both compounds when added alone, leading to the disappearance of sensitive nematodes and their replacement with tolerant taxa. However, the similarity in nematofauna composition between control and polyvinyl chloride and chrysene mixtures suggests that the toxicity of the latter could be attenuated by its physical bonding to the former pollutant. Other changes in the functional traits within the nematode communities were a decline in the fertility of females and an increase of the pharyngeal pumping power following exposure to both pollutants for the dominant species. The latter results were also supported by additional toxicokinetics analyses and in silico modeling.

Effects of benzo(a)pyrene on meiobenthic assemblage and biochemical biomarkers in an Oncholaimus campylocercoides (Nematoda) microcosm

A microcosm experiment was carried out to determine how benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) may affect marine meiofauna community, with a main emphasis on nematode structure and functional traits. Three increasing concentrations of BaP (i.e. 100, 200 and 300 ng/l, respectively) were used for 30 days. The results revealed a gradual decrease in the abundance of all meiobenthic groups (i.e. nematodes, copepods, amphipods, polychaetes and oligochaetes), except for isopods. Starting at concentrations of 200 and 300 ng/l BaP, respectively, significant changes were observed at community level. At taxonomic level, the nematode communities were dominated at the start of the experiment and also after being exposed or not to BaP by Odontophora villoti, explicable through its high ecologic ubiquity and the presence of well-developed chemosensory organs (i.e. amphids), which potentially increased the avoidance reaction following exposure to this hydrocarbon. Moreover, changes in the activity of several biochemical biomarkers (i.e. catalase 'CAT', gluthatione S-transferase 'GST', and ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase 'EROD') were observed in the nematode species Oncholaimus campylocercoides, paralleled by significant decreases in CAT activity for non-gravid females compared to controls at concentrations of 25 ng/l BaP and associated with significant increase in GST and EROD activities for both types of individuals.

Toxicity of hydroxychloroquine, a potential treatment for COVID-19, on free-living marine nematodes

On March 2020, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) was recommended as a treatment for COVID-19 high risk patients. Following the massive and widespread use of HCQ worldwide, a discernible high quantity is anticipated to end-up through the sewage systems in marine coastal areas. A closed microcosm study was undertaken herein for 30 days where meiobenthic nematodes were exposed to a range of HCQ concentrations (3.162, 31.62 and 63.24 μg.ml^-1). After one month of exposure in HCQ, the total abundances and Shannon-Wiener index of the assemblages decreased, whereas the individual mass and the Trophic Diversity Index increased at the highest concentrations. Overall, a numerical negative impact was observed for the epistrate feeders and non-selective deposit feeders, however, this benefited to the omnivores-carnivores, and particularly to the Oncholaimids. Such responses of the nematodes 2B and the corresponding taxa are bioindicative of current- or post-COVID-19 crisis risks in relation with the bioaccumulation of HCQ in seafood.

Experimental selection of Marylynnia puncticaudata (Cyatholaimidae, Nematoda) and effects of organic enrichment

Meiobenthic nematodes are well-known bioindicators in aquatic ecosystem health programs. However, the explored taxa are still limited and practically devoted to the community level. The present study provided a new method of experimental isolation of a species from a pristine nematofauna. In our method, the nematofauna faced two types of sediment, namely, the leaves of Posidonia oceanica and shells of Mytilus galloprovincialis, under controlled laboratory conditions, and several changes in species composition occurred through gradual selection of the most adaptable nematode taxa to the new environments, which were previously defaunated. We used the selected nematode taxon, Marylynnia puncticaudata (Cyatholaimidae), to examine the possible effects of organic enrichment, and the results clearly showed that the body size of the nematodes significantly increased and they became fat when after enrichment using a powder made of marine agar (1200 mg l^-1) and cuticles of Crangon crangon (900 mg l^-1), but their relative body growth showed no discernible changes.

Baseline study to determine the implementation area of an oily waste management system for artisanal fishing vessels

This work seeks to perform a baseline study to determine the implementation area for a management system of oily waste generated by artisanal fishing boats within the Peruvian context. This explanatory study, conducted based on quantitative and cross-sectional considerations, includes a regulatory review; content analysis of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) both in seawater and sediments; and metal assessment in sediments and waste oil, with the corresponding result correlations. In this study, the results reveal that while regulations are adequate, their implementation is not evident. In addition, no evidence of contamination by PAH and TPH was found. However, traces of metal contamination were found in sediments, and, after being correlated with the metal values from waste oil, a Spearman's Rho correlation coefficient of 0.619480 was reported. Hence, we can conclude that the regulations to prevent marine pollution from oily waste contained in the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships MARPOL agreement have been accepted and approved for implementation. In fact, they can even be applied to different activities that fall out of the scope of the agreement. Finally, the baseline study reveals oily waste generation indicators, as well as a correlation between waste oil metals and marine sediment metals that merits the implementation of an oily waste management system within the study area.

Natural Surface Hydrocarbons and Soil Faunal Biodiversity: A Bioremediation Perspective

Hydrocarbon pollution threatens aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems globally, but soil fauna in oil-polluted soils has been insufficiently studied. In this research, soil hydrocarbon toxicity was investigated in two natural oil seepage soils in Val D’Agri (Italy) using two different approaches: (i) toxicological tests with Folsomia candida (Collembola) and Eisenia fetida (Oligochaeta) and (ii) analysis of abundance and composition of micro- and meso-fauna. Soil sampling was done along 20 m-transepts starting from the natural oil seepages. Toxicological testing revealed that no exemplars of F. candida survived, whereas specimens of E. fetida not only survived but also increased in weight in soils with higher PAH concentrations, although no reproduction was observed. Analysis on microfauna showed that Nematoda was the most abundant group, with distance from seepages not affecting its abundance. Arthropoda results showed that Acarina, Collembola and Diptera larvae represented the most abundant taxa. The highest divergence in community composition was found between soils situated near seepages and at 5 m and 10 m distance. Arthropoda taxa numbers, total abundance and Acarina were lower in soils with high PAH concentration, while Diptera larvae were not significantly affected. Earthworms, together with Nematoda and Diptera larvae, could therefore represent ideal candidates in PAH degradation studies.

Ecotoxic response of nematodes to ivermectin, a potential anti-COVID-19 drug treatment

At the end of March 2020, ivermectin was confirmed as a drug for COVID-19 treatment. A significant amount of ivermectin could deposit into sediments of the semi-closed Mediterranean Sea, where three European COVID-19 epicenters are located: Italy, Spain, and France. Meiobenthic nematodes were exposed to three ivermectin doses (1.8 ng.g^-1, 9 ng.g^-1, and 18 ng.g^-1) for 10 days. Ivermectin caused a great reduction in abundance. However, the diversity indices decreased only at high doses. Ivermectin disadvantaged the 1B-Cr-Id functional type (non-selective deposit feeders and nematodes with circular or indistinct amphids) and benefited the 2A-REL-Sp type (epistrate feeders and nematodes with rounded or elongated loop amphids). Thus, Trophic Diversity and Amphideal Diversity index values increased with sedimentary ivermectin enrichment. Large amphideal foveas were more efficient for 2A-REL-Sp nematodes to avoid ivermectin. The responses of the functional type 2A-REL-Sp and corresponding taxa predict post-COVID-19 environmental concerns and the bioaccumulation of ivermectin in seafoods.

Effects of the water-soluble fraction of a crude oil on freshwater meiofauna and nematode assemblages

Oil water-soluble fractions (WSFs) compounds have low persistence in water; evaporating in a matter of hours to days. Nonetheless, they pose high toxicity to exposed biota. Their effects may be instantaneous or delayed, affecting, respectively, mainly survival vs growth and reproduction. We investigated the effects of crude oil WSFs on freshwater meiobenthos, with a focus on nematode assemblages, in community microcosm experiments lasting 15 weeks. Treatments consisted of the application of different concentrations of oil WSFs, i.e. high (100%) medium (50%) and low (10%), and effects were assessed one, three, nine and 15 weeks after contamination, allowing us to detect both short-term and lasting effects of oil-WSF. Additionally, we compared the effects of a single contamination event with those of a so-called 'constant' oil-WSF contamination where we replenished evaporated water with water containing the medium concentration of oil WSF. Next to nematodes, the most abundant meiofaunal taxa were rotifers, gastrotrichs, oligochaetes and tardigrades. Total abundance, different diversity indices, the composition of feeding-types and the age structure were investigated in the assessment of direct oil effects on the structure of nematode assemblages. Limited immediate effects were observed, except for a significant decrease of the index of taxonomic distinctness, which already appeared in the first week. Significant impacts on total nematode abundance, diversity and species composition only became apparent after 9-15 weeks of incubation, indicating that delayed effects of a single exposure are far more pronounced than instantaneous effects. Moreover, for most response variables, the strongest impacts were not observed in the highest-concentration treatment, but in a medium-concentration treatment with regular replenishment of oil WSF, suggesting that internal exposure may be important in generating effects. Furthermore, the predictability of the sensitivity of individual species was sometimes poor, which may not only result from these species' sensitivities, but also from alterations in interspecific interactions in polluted communities. Further toxicity tests should be carried out in order to unravel the main modes of action of crude oil WSF which lead to the observed long-term sublethal effects on nematode communities.

Effects of the water-soluble fraction of a crude oil on estuarine meiofauna: A microcosm approach

Although soluble hydrocarbons persist for only hours to days in aquatic environments, they potentially pose a high toxicity to aquatic biota. Here we investigate effects of the water-soluble fraction (WSF) of crude oil on estuarine meiofauna, with special focus on nematodes. Copepods and amphipods were the most sensitive taxa, disappearing almost completely within 3 weeks after exposure. In nematodes, we observed mostly sublethal short-term effects of WSF, such as changes in feeding-type composition and age structure. In the longer term (months), total nematode density and species composition were significantly affected, whereas different diversity indices did not exhibit significant responses. Deposit-feeding and predatory nematodes were the most affected feeding types. Nevertheless, sensitivity was species-specific, with sometimes opposing responses between even congeneric species. Our results demonstrate the need to assess WSF effects on communities at the species level and over time periods well exceeding the residence time of the WSF in the environment.

Effects of antifouling booster biocide Irgarol 1051 on the structure of free living nematodes: a laboratory experiment

A mesocosm experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of Irgarol on nematode diversity, composition and trophic structure. Sediment samples were experimentally contaminated using four increasing Irgarol concentrations [I1 (11.5 ng g(-1)), I2 (35 ng g(-1)), I3 (105 ng g(-1)) and I4 (315 ng g(-1))] and compared to non-contaminated sediments (controls). Nematode diversity as the number of nematodes species (S) and species richness (d) was significantly lower in all Irgarol treatments than in the controls while the evenness (J') increased significantly in I4 treated mesocosms. The nematode species composition significantly changed following Irgarol concentrations. Paracomesoma dubiun and Terschellingia longicaudata appeared as "tolerant" species to the highest Irgarol concentration. Additionally, Chromadorina germanica and Microlaimus cyatholaimoides appeared as "opportunistic" species. In contrast, Daptonema normandicum seemed to be a "sensitive" species to Irgarol contamination. Irgarol modified also the nematode trophic structure where the relative abundance of deposit feeders decreased significantly in all the treatments compared to control mesocosms and optional predators decreased only in treated mesocosms with I3. Epigrowth feeders increased significantly in treated mesocosms with I3 and I4 and the microvores increased with I1 and decreased with I4. The relative abundance of ciliate consumers appeared unaffected by the presence of Irgarol contamination. Our results open new perspectives on the potential impact of antifouling booster biocide Irgarol 1051 on nematode biodiversity and functional diversity as trophic structures.

Responses of a free-living benthic marine nematode community to bioremediation of a PAH mixture

The objectives of this study were (1) to assess the responses of benthic nematodes to a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination and (2) to test bioremediation techniques for their efficiency in PAH degradation and their effects on nematodes. Sediments with their natural nematofauna communities from Bizerte lagoon (Tunisia) were subjected to a PAH mixture (100 ppm) of phenanthrene, fluoranthene, and pyrene during 30 days. Nematode abundance and diversity significantly decreased, and the taxonomic structure was altered. Results from multivariate analyses of the species abundance data revealed that PAH treatments were significantly different from the control. Spirinia parasitifera became the dominant species (70 % relative abundance) and appeared to be an "opportunistic" species to PAH contamination while Oncholaimus campylocercoides and Neochromadora peocilosoma were strongly inhibited. Biostimulation (addition of mineral salt medium) and bioaugmentation (inoculation of a hydrocarbonoclastic bacterium) were used as bioremediation techniques. Bioremediation treatments enhanced degradation of all three PAHs, with up to 96 % degradation for phenanthrene resulting in a significant stimulation of nematode abundance relative to control microcosms. Nevertheless, these treatments, especially the biostimulation provoked a weak impact on the community structure and diversity index relative to the control microcosms suggesting their feasibility in biorestoration of contaminated sediments.

Stress-induced selection of a single species from an entire meiobenthic nematode assemblage: is this possible using iron enrichment and does pre-exposure affect the ease of the process?

The present work proposes a new experimental design using iron enrichment to select a single species from an entire meiobenthic nematode community. The high diversity of nematodes makes it impossible to study their responses to stressors in terms of chemical biomarkers, as this kind of research demands a single species as a form of biological material. Two assemblages, one from a control site (Canal) and one from an iron-contaminated site (Fouledh) in Bizerte Lagoon (Tunisia), were used to validate the protocol and to study whether pre-exposure to iron could affect the ease of the selection process. Analyses of variance suggested that the abundance and species number of nematodes from the Canal and Fouledh sites decreased discernibly with exposure to iron. Multivariate analyses performed on nematode abundances revealed that Oncholaimus campylocercoides, Sabatieria granifer, Sabatieria punctata and Theristus flevensis were the most tolerant species, probably due to their deposit-feeding behaviour. Species with a restricted feeding spectrum showed a low tolerance potential. At the end of the experiment, O. campylocercoides became the unique component of the nematode community from both sites. The complete alteration of the community was achieved with more difficulty for nematodes from Fouledh than for those from Canal. The identity of the selected species was confirmed at both the morphological levels and by sequencing the nuclear small subunit ribosomal DNA (18S rDNA).

Are changes in the structure of nematode assemblages reliable indicators of moderate petroleum contamination?

This study assesses through a multiple before-after-control-impact (MBACI) design the effects of diesel oil on the structure of nematode assemblages in unvegetated tidal flats of a subtropical estuary. Oil-exposed treatments were contrasted with controls for a duration of four successive days before and after an experimental spill in three distinct areas of the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex (Southern Brazil). No significant differences were observed in nematode total density, number of taxa and the overall assemblage structure between the control and impact treatments from before to after the experimental spill. This reinforces the idea that, despite being good indicators of environmental stress, free-living marine nematodes are able to tolerate low concentrations of hydrocarbons and to survive in moderately contaminated areas. We also show that robust experimental designs are useful to avoid confounding expected natural variability with the effects of a mild impact.

Biostimulation as an attractive technique to reduce phenanthrene toxicity for meiofauna and bacteria in lagoon sediment

A microcosm experiment was setup to examine (1) the effect of phenanthrene contamination on meiofauna and bacteria communities and (2) the effects of different bioremediation strategies on phenanthrene degradation and on the community structure of free-living marine nematodes. Sediments from Bizerte lagoon were contaminated with (100 mg kg(-1)) phenanthrene and effects were examined after 20 days. Biostimulation (addition of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer or mineral salt medium) and bioaugmentation (inoculation of a hydrocarbonoclastic bacterium) were used as bioremediation treatments. Bacterial biomass was estimated using flow cytometry. Meiofauna was counted and identified at the higher taxon level using a stereomicroscope. Nematodes, comprising approximately two thirds of total meiofauna abundance, were identified to genus or species. Phenanthrene contamination had a severe impact on bacteria and meiofauna abundances with a strong decrease of nematodes with a complete disappearance of polychaetes and copepods. Bioremediation counter balanced the toxic effects of phenanthrene since meiofauna and bacteria abundances were significantly higher (p < 0.01) than those observed in phenanthrene contamination. Up to 98 % of phenanthrene removal was observed. In response to phenanthrene contamination, the nematode species had different behavior: Daptonema fallax was eliminated in contaminated microcosms, suggesting that it is an intolerant species to phenanthrene; Neochromadora peocilosoma, Spirinia parasitifera, and Odontophora n. sp., which significantly (p < 0.05) increased in contaminated microcosms, could be considered as "opportunistic" species to phenanthrene whereas Anticoma acuminata and Calomicrolaimus honestus increased in the treatment combining biostimulation and bioaugmentation. Phenanthrene had a significant effect on meiofaunal and bacterial abundances (p < 0.05), with a strong reduction of density and change in the nematode communities. Biostimulation using mineral salt medium strongly enhanced phenanthrene removal, leading to a decrease of its toxicity. This finding opens exciting axes for the future use of biostimulation to reduce toxic effects of PAHs for meiofauna and bacteria in lagoon sediment.

Impacts of bioremediation schemes for the mitigation of a low-dose anthracene contamination on free-living marine benthic nematodes

A microcosm experiment was used to examine (1) the effects of different bioremediation schemes on degradation of anthracene and the structure of free-living marine nematodes in a lightly contaminated (4.5 μg g(-1)) sediment from Bizerte lagoon and (2) the responses of the nematode community upon an artificial spiking of a low dose anthracene (1 μg g(-1)). For that purpose sediment microcosms were incubated in laboratory for 40 days. Bioremediation techniques decreased the anthracene contamination, and interestingly, biodegradation were more efficient when anthracene was artificial supplied into the sediment suggesting that the addition of bioavailable anthracene stimulated the bacterial community to adjust towards a PAH-degrading community. Spiking with this low dose of anthracene provoked significant changes in the nematode community structure and abundance, with the elimination of specific species such as Mesacanthion diplechma, the decrease of the dominant species Oncholaimus campylocercoides and the increase in abundance of opportunistic species such as Spirinia parasitifera. This would suggest a low tolerance of the nematode community despite the presence of a weak anthracene contamination in the sediment that could have allow dominance of an anthracene tolerant nematode species. Anthracene toxicity was alleviated in biostimulation treatments, leading to a strong increase in nematode abundance, concomitantly with changes in the nematode community structure; Prochromadorella neapolitana became the most abundant species.

The roles of biological interactions and pollutant contamination in shaping microbial benthic community structure

Biological interactions between metazoans and the microbial community play a major role in structuring food webs in aquatic sediments. Pollutants can also strongly affect the structure of meiofauna and microbial communities. This study aims investigating, in a non-contaminated sediment, the impact of meiofauna on bacteria facing contamination by a mixture of three PAHs (fluoranthene, phenanthrene and pyrene). Sediment microcosms were incubated in the presence or absence of meiofauna during 30 days. Bioremediation treatments, nutrient amendment and addition of a hydrocarbon-degrading bacterium, were also tested to enhance PAH biodegradation. Results clearly show the important role of meiofauna as structuring factor for bacterial communities with significant changes observed in the molecular fingerprints. However, these structural changes were not concomitant with changes in biomass or function. PAH contamination had a severe impact on total meiofaunal abundance with a strong decrease of nematodes and the complete disappearance of polychaetes and copepods. In contrast, correspondence analysis, based on T-RFLP fingerprints, showed that contamination by PAH resulted in small shifts in microbial composition, with or without meiofauna, suggesting a relative tolerance of bacteria to the PAH cocktail. The PAH bioremediation treatments were highly efficient with more than 95% biodegradation. No significant difference was observed in presence or absence of meiofauna. Nutrient addition strongly enhanced bacterial and meiofaunal abundances as compared to control and contaminated microcosms, as well as inducing important changes in the bacterial community structure. Nutrients thus were the main structural factor in shaping bacterial community composition, while the role of meiofauna was less evident.

Preliminary study on responses of marine nematode community to crude oil contamination in intertidal zone of Bathing Beach, Dalian

This study investigated the responses of marine nematodes to crude oil contamination in polluted and relatively uncontaminated sites in Dalian Xingang, China, 40 days after an oil spill. Samples were taken at different tide levels on the beach and at different positions along the beach. We present the results of a comparison of nematode assemblages from undisturbed sediment from the Xiajiahezi Bathing Beach with those from sediment from the Xinghai Bathing Beach contaminated with crude oil. A total of 1666 nematodes from 26 genera were found in this study. Results showed significant differences in nematode assemblages between samples from undisturbed controls and those from the polluted area. Nematode abundance, number of species, diversity and species richness decreased significantly with increasing levels of crude oil contamination. Fifteen genera were eliminated and seemed to be composed of species intolerant to crude oil contamination; only the abundance of Marylynnia sp. increased slightly.

An assessment of the impact of chromium-amended sediment on a marine nematode assemblage using microcosm bioassays

Microcosms were used to assess the impact of chromium on free-living marine nematodes. Nematodes were exposed to three chromium concentrations (500 ppm (dm, dry mass), 800 ppm (dm) and 1,300 ppm (dm)), and effects were examined after 4 weeks. Results showed significant differences between univariate measures of control nematodes and those from medium- and high-chromium microcosms. Most, decreased significantly with increasing level of chromium contamination. The medium-chromium treatment seems to be the minimal concentration that could has a negative effect on nematodes. Results from multivariate analyses demonstrated that responses of nematode species to chromium treatments were varied: Leptonemella aphanothecae was eliminated at all doses tested and seemed to be intolerant species to chromium; Daptonema normandicum and Sabatieria longisetosa which significantly increased at 500 ppm chromium (dm) appeared to be "opportunistic" species at this dose whereas the two Bathylaimus species (Bathylaimus capacosus and Bathylaimus tenuicaudatus) which increased at all the doses tested seemed to be "chromium resistant". As we think such "opportunistic" and "resistant" species could be used as sensitive indicators of unsafe marine food. The use of microcosms has allowed the effects of the chromium on nematodes to be assessed individually, which was not possible in the field.

18S rDNA sequences from microeukaryotes reveal oil indicators in mangrove sediment

Background

Microeukaryotes are an effective indicator of the presence of environmental contaminants. However, the characterisation of these organisms by conventional tools is often inefficient, and recent molecular studies have revealed a great diversity of microeukaryotes. The full extent of this diversity is unknown, and therefore, the distribution, ecological role and responses to anthropogenic effects of microeukaryotes are rather obscure. The majority of oil from oceanic oil spills (e.g., the May 2010 accident in the Gulf of Mexico) converges on coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, which are threatened with worldwide disappearance, highlighting the need for efficient tools to indicate the presence of oil in these environments. However, no studies have used molecular methods to assess the effects of oil contamination in mangrove sediment on microeukaryotes as a group.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We evaluated the population dynamics and the prevailing 18S rDNA phylotypes of microeukaryotes in mangrove sediment microcosms with and without oil contamination, using PCR/DGGE and clone libraries. We found that microeukaryotes are useful for monitoring oil contamination in mangroves. Our clone library analysis revealed a decrease in both diversity and species richness after contamination. The phylogenetic group that showed the greatest sensitivity to oil was the Nematoda. After contamination, a large increase in the abundance of the groups Bacillariophyta (diatoms) and Biosoecida was detected. The oil-contaminated samples were almost entirely dominated by organisms related to Bacillariophyta sp. and Cafeteria minima, which indicates that these groups are possible targets for biomonitoring oil in mangroves. The DGGE fingerprints also indicated shifts in microeukaryote profiles; specific band sequencing indicated the appearance of Bacillariophyta sp. only in contaminated samples and Nematoda only in non-contaminated sediment.

Conclusions/Significance

We believe that the microeukaryotic targets indicated by our work will be of great applicability in biomonitoring hydrocarbons in mangroves under oil contamination risk or during recovery strategies.