1
|
Borrero-Santiago AR, Ribicic D, Bonnail E, Netzer R, Koseto D, Ardelan MV. Response of bacterial communities in Barents Sea sediments in case of a potential CO 2 leakage from carbon reservoirs. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 160:105050. [PMID: 32907742 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.105050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Carbon capture and storage sites in Barents Sea shelf are currently in progress as part of climate change mitigation activities. However environmental impacts of a possible CO2 seepage on bacterial community are lacking knowledge. This work addressed potential consequences on bacterial communities from Snøvit region in Barents Sea sediments. Long-term experiment (92 days) was carried out mimicking realistic conditions of pressure (∼30 bars) using the unique hyperbaric chamber (Karl Erik TiTank). The experiment was divided in three stages: i) 21 days of no CO2, ii) 50 days of simulation of carbon dioxide leakage (depletion of pH to 7.0) and iii) 14 days emulating a leakage cessation. Results suggested that bacterial communities can adapt to a CO2 leakage in short term. However, bacteria showed negative effects in terms of activity, community structure, and number of cells after long term CO2 exposure. After CO2 leakage cessation, bacterial communities did not show a significant recovery. These findings highlighted that, even though marine bacteria showed adaptation to the new conditions (acidified environment), in case of a small but continuous CO2 leakage marine bacteria might not be recovered upon pre-exposure status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A R Borrero-Santiago
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department of Chemistry, 7491, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Deni Ribicic
- SINTEF Ocean, Department of Environment and New Resources, Brattørkaia 17c, 7010, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Estefania Bonnail
- Centro de Investigaciones Costeras-Universidad de Atacama (CIC-UDA), Avenida Copayapu 485, University of Atacama, Copiapó, Chile
| | - Roman Netzer
- SINTEF Ocean, Department of Environment and New Resources, Brattørkaia 17c, 7010, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Deni Koseto
- SINTEF Industry, Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, P.O.Box 4760 Torgarden, 7465, Trondheim, Norway
| | - M V Ardelan
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department of Chemistry, 7491, Trondheim, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Calcium carbonate alters the functional response of coastal sediments to eutrophication-induced acidification. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12012. [PMID: 31427639 PMCID: PMC6700140 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48549-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Coastal ocean acidification research is dominated by laboratory-based studies that cannot necessarily predict real-world ecosystem response given its complexity. We enriched coastal sediments with increasing quantities of organic matter in the field to identify the effects of eutrophication-induced acidification on benthic structure and function, and assess whether biogenic calcium carbonate (CaCO3) would alter the response. Along the eutrophication gradient we observed declines in macrofauna biodiversity and impaired benthic net primary productivity and sediment nutrient cycling. CaCO3 addition did not alter the macrofauna community response, but significantly dampened negative effects on function (e.g. net autotrophy occurred at higher levels of organic matter enrichment in +CaCO3 treatments than −CaCO3 (1400 vs 950 g dw m−2)). By identifying the links between eutrophication, sediment biogeochemistry and benthic ecosystem structure and function in situ, our study represents a crucial step forward in understanding the ecological effects of coastal acidification and the role of biogenic CaCO3 in moderating responses.
Collapse
|
3
|
Yazdani Foshtomi M, Leliaert F, Derycke S, Willems A, Vincx M, Vanaverbeke J. The effect of bio-irrigation by the polychaete Lanice conchilega on active denitrifiers: Distribution, diversity and composition of nosZ gene. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0192391. [PMID: 29408934 PMCID: PMC5800672 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of large densities of the piston-pumping polychaete Lanice conchilega can have important consequences for the functioning of marine sediments. It is considered both an allogenic and an autogenic ecosystem engineer, affecting spatial and temporal biogeochemical gradients (oxygen concentrations, oxygen penetration depth and nutrient concentrations) and physical properties (grain size) of marine sediments, which could affect functional properties of sediment-inhabiting microbial communities. Here we investigated whether density-dependent effects of L. conchilega affected horizontal (m-scale) and vertical (cm-scale) patterns in the distribution, diversity and composition of the typical nosZ gene in the active denitrifying organisms. This gene plays a major role in N2O reduction in coastal ecosystems as the last step completing the denitrification pathway. We showed that both vertical and horizontal composition and richness of nosZ gene were indeed significantly affected when large densities of the bio-irrigator were present. This could be directly related to allogenic ecosystem engineering effects on the environment, reflected in increased oxygen penetration depth and oxygen concentrations in the upper cm of the sediment in high densities of L. conchilega. A higher diversity (Shannon diversity and inverse Simpson) of nosZ observed in patches with high L. conchilega densities (3,185-3,440 ind. m-2) at deeper sediment layers could suggest a downward transport of NO3- to deeper layers resulting from bio-irrigation as well. Hence, our results show the effect of L. conchilega bio-irrigation activity on denitrifying organisms in L. conchilega reefs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Yazdani Foshtomi
- Marine Biology Research Group, Biology Department, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- CeMoFE, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Frederik Leliaert
- Marine Biology Research Group, Biology Department, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Botanic Garden Meise, Meise, Belgium
| | - Sofie Derycke
- Marine Biology Research Group, Biology Department, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Aquatic Environment and Quality, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Ostend, Belgium
| | - Anne Willems
- CeMoFE, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Magda Vincx
- Marine Biology Research Group, Biology Department, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Vanaverbeke
- Marine Biology Research Group, Biology Department, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Marine Ecology and Management, Operational Directorate Natural Environment (OD Nature), Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mevenkamp L, Ong EZ, Van Colen C, Vanreusel A, Guilini K. Combined, short-term exposure to reduced seawater pH and elevated temperature induces community shifts in an intertidal meiobenthic assemblage. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 133:32-44. [PMID: 29198410 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In future global change scenarios the surface ocean will experience continuous acidification and rising temperatures. While effects of both stressors on marine, benthic communities are fairly well studied, consequences of the interaction of both factors remain largely unknown. We performed a short-term microcosm experiment exposing a soft-bottom community from an intertidal flat in the Westerscheldt estuary to two levels of seawater pH (ambient pHT = 7.9, reduced pHT = 7.5) and temperature (10 °C ambient and 13 °C elevated temperature) in a crossed design. After 8 weeks, meiobenthic community structure and nematode staining ratios, as a proxy for mortality, were compared between treatments and structural changes were related to the prevailing abiotic conditions in the respective treatments (pore water pHT, sediment grain size, total organic matter content, total organic carbon and nitrogen content, phytopigment concentrations and carbonate concentration). Pore water pHT profiles were significantly altered by pH and temperature manipulations and the combination of elevated temperature and reduced pH intensified the already more acidic porewater below the oxic zone. Meiofauna community composition was significantly affected by the combination of reduced pH and elevated temperature resulting in increased densities of predatory Platyhelminthes, reduced densities of Copepoda and Nauplii and complete absence of Gastrotricha compared to the experimental control. Furthermore, nematode staining ratio was elevated when seawater pH was reduced pointing towards reduced degradation rates of dead nematode bodies. The observed synergistic interactions of pH and temperature on meiobenthic communities and abiotic sediment characteristics underline the importance of multistressor experiments when addressing impacts of global change on the marine environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Mevenkamp
- Marine Biology Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S8, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Ee Zin Ong
- Marine Biology Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S8, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Carl Van Colen
- Marine Biology Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S8, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ann Vanreusel
- Marine Biology Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S8, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katja Guilini
- Marine Biology Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S8, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sokołowski A, Brulińska D, Mirny Z, Burska D, Pryputniewicz-Flis D. Differing responses of the estuarine bivalve Limecola balthica to lowered water pH caused by potential CO 2 leaks from a sub-seabed storage site in the Baltic Sea: An experimental study. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 127:761-773. [PMID: 28987450 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Revised: 09/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Sub-Seabed CCS is regarded as a key technology for the reduction of CO2 emissions, but little is known about the mechanisms through which leakages from storage sites impact benthic species. In this study, the biological responses of the infaunal bivalve Limecola balthica to CO2-induced seawater acidification (pH7.7, 7.0, and 6.3) were quantified in 56-day mesocosm experiments. Increased water acidity caused changes in behavioral and physiological traits, but even the most acidic conditions did not prove to be fatal. In response to hypercapnia, the bivalves approached the sediment surface and increased respiration rates. Lower seawater pH reduced shell weight and growth, while it simultaneously increased soft tissue weight; this places L. balthica in a somewhat unique position among marine invertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Sokołowski
- University of Gdańsk, Institute of Oceanography, Al. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland.
| | - Dominika Brulińska
- University of Gdańsk, Institute of Oceanography, Al. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Mirny
- National Marine Fisheries Research Institute, ul. Kołłątaja 1, 81-332 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Dorota Burska
- University of Gdańsk, Institute of Oceanography, Al. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Vopel K, Del-Río C, Pilditch CA. Effects of CO 2 enrichment on benthic primary production and inorganic nitrogen fluxes in two coastal sediments. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1035. [PMID: 29348554 PMCID: PMC5773597 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-19051-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocean acidification may alter the cycling of nitrogen in coastal sediment and so the sediment-seawater nitrogen flux, an important driver of pelagic productivity. To investigate how this perturbation affects the fluxes of NOX- (nitrite/nitrate), NH4+ and O2, we incubated estuarine sand and subtidal silt in recirculating seawater with a CO2-adjusted pH of 8.1 and 7.9. During a 41-day incubation, the seawater kept at pH 8.1 lost 97% of its NOX- content but the seawater kept at pH 7.9 lost only 18%. Excess CO2 increased benthic photosynthesis. In the silt, this was accompanied by a reversal of the initial NOX- efflux into influx. The estuarine sand sustained its initial NOX- influx but, by the end of the incubation, released more NH4+ at pH 7.9 than at pH 8.1. We hypothesise that these effects share a common cause; excess CO2 increased the growth of benthic microalgae and so nutrient competition with ammonia oxidising bacteria (AOB). In the silt, diatoms likely outcompeted AOB for NH4+ and photosynthesis increased the dark/light fluctuations in the pore water oxygenation inhibiting nitrification and coupled nitrification/denitrification. If this is correct, then excess CO2 may lead to retention of inorganic nitrogen adding to the pressures of increasing coastal eutrophication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kay Vopel
- School of Science, Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag, 92006, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Cintya Del-Río
- School of Science, Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag, 92006, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Conrad A Pilditch
- School of Science, University of Waikato, Private Bag, 3105, Hamilton, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Borrero-Santiago AR, DelValls TÁ, Inmaculada Riba M. Bacterial community responses during a possible CO 2 leaking from sub-seabed storage in marine polluted sediments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 593-594:116-123. [PMID: 28342412 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.03.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a viable option to reduce high concentrations of CO2 and mitigate their negative effects. This option has associated risks such as possible CO2 leakage from the storage sites. So far, negative effects deriving from a CO2 release have been reported for benthic macrofauna in both polluted and nonpolluted sediments. However, bacterial communities has no considered. In this work, risk assessment was carried out in order to evaluate the possible effects in a contaminated area considering bacterial responses (total number of cells, respiring activity, changes in the bacterial community composition and diversity). Four microcosms were placed into an integrated CO2 injection system with a non-pressurized chamber to simulate four different pH treatments (pH control 7.8, 7, 6.5 and 6). Results showed an impact on bacterial communities because of the CO2 treatment. Changes in respiring activity, community composition groups and diversity were found. This study highlights the use of respiring bacteria activity not only as bioindicator for environmental risk assessment and monitoring purposes but also as a bioindicador during a CO2 leakage event or CO2 enrichment process among all the responses studied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana R Borrero-Santiago
- UNESCO/UNITWIN Wicop, Departamento de Química-Física, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz, Polígono Río San Pedro s/n, Puerto Real, 11510 Cádiz, Spain.
| | - T Ángel DelValls
- UNESCO/UNITWIN Wicop, Departamento de Química-Física, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz, Polígono Río San Pedro s/n, Puerto Real, 11510 Cádiz, Spain
| | - M Inmaculada Riba
- UNESCO/UNITWIN Wicop, Departamento de Química-Física, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz, Polígono Río San Pedro s/n, Puerto Real, 11510 Cádiz, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Godbold JA, Hale R, Wood CL, Solan M. Vulnerability of macronutrients to the concurrent effects of enhanced temperature and atmospheric pCO 2 in representative shelf sea sediment habitats. BIOGEOCHEMISTRY 2017; 135:89-102. [PMID: 32009693 PMCID: PMC6961501 DOI: 10.1007/s10533-017-0340-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Fundamental changes in seawater carbonate chemistry and sea surface temperatures associated with the ocean uptake of anthropogenic CO2 are accelerating, but investigations of the susceptibility of biogeochemical processes to the simultaneous occurrence of multiple components of climate change are uncommon. Here, we quantify how concurrent changes in enhanced temperature and atmospheric pCO2, coupled with an associated shift in macrofaunal community structure and behavior (sediment particle reworking and bioirrigation), modify net carbon and nutrient concentrations (NH4-N, NOx-N, PO4-P) in representative shelf sea sediment habitats (mud, sandy-mud, muddy-sand and sand) of the Celtic Sea. We show that net concentrations of organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphate are, irrespective of sediment type, largely unaffected by a simultaneous increase in temperature and atmospheric pCO2. However, our analyses also reveal that a reduction in macrofaunal species richness and total abundance occurs under future environmental conditions, varies across a gradient of cohesive to non-cohesive sediments, and negatively moderates biogeochemical processes, in particular nitrification. Our findings indicate that future environmental conditions are unlikely to have strong direct effects on biogeochemical processes but, particularly in muddy sands, the abundance, activity, composition and functional role of invertebrate communities are likely to be altered in ways that will be sufficient to regulate the function of the microbial community and the availability of nutrients in shelf sea waters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin A. Godbold
- Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH UK
- Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton, SO17 1BJ UK
| | - Rachel Hale
- Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH UK
| | - Christina L. Wood
- Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH UK
| | - Martin Solan
- Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Borrero-Santiago AR, Bautista-Chamizo E, DelValls TÁ, Riba I. A possible CO 2 leakage event: Can the marine microbial community be recovered? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 117:380-385. [PMID: 28202276 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial communities have been studied to a much lesser degree than macrofauna in the case of a CO2 release. The resistance capacity of marine bacteria is well known, but their possible responses and their ability to recover after a CO2 release has not been investigated. Therefore, this work evaluated the responses of a marine bacterial community after 96h of CO2 exposure under diverse pH treatments (7.8 as control without CO2, 7.0, 6.5, and 6.0) and 24h after CO2 exposure. Results showed that the respiration activity and the diversity of the community were affected in all pH treatments. However, after 24h without CO2 enrichment, the respiration activity and diversity increased, showing a partial recovery. Consequently, bacterial responses have the potential to be used as a monitoring tool for risk assessment related to carbon capture and storage techniques or in any similar CO2 enrichment situations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A R Borrero-Santiago
- UNESCO/UNITWIN Wicop. Departamento de Química-Física, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz. Av. República Saharaui S/N. Polígono Río San Pedro s/n, Puerto Real 11510, Cádiz, Spain.
| | - E Bautista-Chamizo
- UNESCO/UNITWIN Wicop. Departamento de Química-Física, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz. Av. República Saharaui S/N. Polígono Río San Pedro s/n, Puerto Real 11510, Cádiz, Spain
| | - T Á DelValls
- UNESCO/UNITWIN Wicop. Departamento de Química-Física, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz. Av. República Saharaui S/N. Polígono Río San Pedro s/n, Puerto Real 11510, Cádiz, Spain
| | - I Riba
- UNESCO/UNITWIN Wicop. Departamento de Química-Física, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz. Av. República Saharaui S/N. Polígono Río San Pedro s/n, Puerto Real 11510, Cádiz, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Borrero-Santiago AR, DelValls TA, Riba I. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Risk assessment focused on marine bacteria. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2016; 131:157-163. [PMID: 27107627 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2016.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Revised: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is one of the options to mitigate the negative effects of the climate change. However, this strategy may have associated some risks such as CO2 leakages due to an escape from the reservoir. In this context, marine bacteria have been underestimated. In order to figure out the gaps and the lack of knowledge, this work summarizes different studies related to the potential effects on the marine bacteria associated with an acidification caused by a CO2 leak from CSS. An improved integrated model for risk assessment is suggested as a tool based on the rapid responses of bacterial community. Moreover, this contribution proposes a strategy for laboratory protocols using Pseudomona stanieri (CECT7202) as a case of study and analyzes the response of the strain under different CO2 conditions. Results showed significant differences (p≤0.05) under six diluted enriched medium and differences about the days in the exponential growth phase. Dilution 1:10 (Marine Broth 2216 with seawater) was selected as an appropriate growth medium for CO2 toxicity test in batch cultures. This work provide an essential and a complete tool to understand and develop a management strategy to improve future works related to possible effects produced by potential CO2 leaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A R Borrero-Santiago
- Departamento de Química Física. Facultad de Ciencias Del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz. Grupo de Contaminación de sistemas acuáticos. UNESCO/UNITWIN Wicop. Polígono Río San Pedro s/n, Puerto Real, 11510 Cádiz, Spain.
| | - T A DelValls
- Departamento de Química Física. Facultad de Ciencias Del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz. Grupo de Contaminación de sistemas acuáticos. UNESCO/UNITWIN Wicop. Polígono Río San Pedro s/n, Puerto Real, 11510 Cádiz, Spain
| | - I Riba
- Departamento de Química Física. Facultad de Ciencias Del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz. Grupo de Contaminación de sistemas acuáticos. UNESCO/UNITWIN Wicop. Polígono Río San Pedro s/n, Puerto Real, 11510 Cádiz, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Khosrovyan A, DelValls TA, Riba I. Effects of simulated CO₂ escape from sediments on the development of midge Chironomus riparius. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2014; 156:230-239. [PMID: 25265051 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2014.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The acidification of freshwater caused by potential CO2 gas seepage from sediment layers has not previously been studied, although freshwater is likely to be affected by the accidental escape of this gas from onshore storage facilities. In this study, two riparian sediments with different contamination levels were subjected to acidification via direct injection of CO2 gas, simulating the potential leak of CO2. Tests with the midge Chironomus riparius larvae were used to assess metal fluxes and vulnerability of benthic invertebrates to the effects of acidification. The midges were grown in whole sediments over 28d after which midge emergence and ability to reproduce were tested. The results revealed that acidification is an important factor controlling the development of the midges. Although larval development and emergence were affected by neither acidity (pH 7.5 and 7.0) nor contamination levels, none of the eggs, laid during the exposure, hatched. In less contaminated sediment, Chironomus larvae succumbed to the impact of pH 6.5 and 6.0, showing suppressed growth and metamorphosis and consequently, no emergence. In highly contaminated sediment, pH 6.5 level retarded larval growth and inhibited emergence, while pH 6.0 caused mortality. The latter could also be attributed to metal mobilization effects facilitated by an increase in the ambient acidity. Experimentation on clean sediments at pH 6.5 and 6.0 also showed absence of emergence during the experimental period. These results suggest that acidity factor could seriously diminish the vitality of midge larvae and ability of midge to produce offspring, challenging the commonly known tolerance of midges to high acidity (up to pH 3.5). Whilst larval midges can survive acidity and/or metal exposure, stimulated by creeping CO2 gas, and even emerge as adults, physiological impairments may take place which may seriously threaten the resilience of C. riparius population and subsequently lead to the decline of the population size and disruption of their function in ecosystems. Suggestions on using more sensitive endpoints than emergence when testing acidification effects are made.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Khosrovyan
- UNESCO UNITWIN/WiCop, Physical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, Polígono Río San Pedro s/n, Puerto Real 11510, Cádiz, Spain.
| | - T A DelValls
- UNESCO UNITWIN/WiCop, Physical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, Polígono Río San Pedro s/n, Puerto Real 11510, Cádiz, Spain.
| | - I Riba
- UNESCO UNITWIN/WiCop, Physical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, Polígono Río San Pedro s/n, Puerto Real 11510, Cádiz, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Braeckman U, Van Colen C, Guilini K, Van Gansbeke D, Soetaert K, Vincx M, Vanaverbeke J. Empirical evidence reveals seasonally dependent reduction in nitrification in coastal sediments subjected to near future ocean acidification. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108153. [PMID: 25329898 PMCID: PMC4199590 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Research so far has provided little evidence that benthic biogeochemical cycling is affected by ocean acidification under realistic climate change scenarios. We measured nutrient exchange and sediment community oxygen consumption (SCOC) rates to estimate nitrification in natural coastal permeable and fine sandy sediments under pre-phytoplankton bloom and bloom conditions. Ocean acidification, as mimicked in the laboratory by a realistic pH decrease of 0.3, significantly reduced SCOC on average by 60% and benthic nitrification rates on average by 94% in both sediment types in February (pre-bloom period), but not in April (bloom period). No changes in macrofauna functional community (density, structural and functional diversity) were observed between ambient and acidified conditions, suggesting that changes in benthic biogeochemical cycling were predominantly mediated by changes in the activity of the microbial community during the short-term incubations (14 days), rather than by changes in engineering effects of bioturbating and bio-irrigating macrofauna. As benthic nitrification makes up the gross of ocean nitrification, a slowdown of this nitrogen cycling pathway in both permeable and fine sediments in winter, could therefore have global impacts on coupled nitrification-denitrification and hence eventually on pelagic nutrient availability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Braeckman
- Ghent University, Department of Biology, Marine Biology Research Group, Ghent, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Carl Van Colen
- Ghent University, Department of Biology, Marine Biology Research Group, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katja Guilini
- Ghent University, Department of Biology, Marine Biology Research Group, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dirk Van Gansbeke
- Ghent University, Department of Biology, Marine Biology Research Group, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karline Soetaert
- Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Ecosystem Studies, Yerseke, The Netherlands
| | - Magda Vincx
- Ghent University, Department of Biology, Marine Biology Research Group, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Vanaverbeke
- Ghent University, Department of Biology, Marine Biology Research Group, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Basallote MD, De Orte MR, DelValls TÁ, Riba I. Studying the effect of CO2-induced acidification on sediment toxicity using acute amphipod toxicity test. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2014; 48:8864-8872. [PMID: 24988484 DOI: 10.1021/es5015373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Carbon capture and storage is increasingly being considered one of the most efficient approaches to mitigate the increase of CO2 in the atmosphere associated with anthropogenic emissions. However, the environmental effects of potential CO2 leaks remain largely unknown. The amphipod Ampelisca brevicornis was exposed to environmental sediments collected in different areas of the Gulf of Cádiz and subjected to several pH treatments to study the effects of CO2-induced acidification on sediment toxicity. After 10 days of exposure, the results obtained indicated that high lethal effects were associated with the lowest pH treatments, except for the Ría of Huelva sediment test. The mobility of metals from sediment to the overlying seawater was correlated to a pH decrease. The data obtained revealed that CO2-related acidification would lead to lethal effects on amphipods as well as the mobility of metals, which could increase sediment toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Dolores Basallote
- Cátedra UNESCO/UNITWIN WiCop. Departamento de Química-Física, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz , Polígono Río San Pedro s/n, Puerto Real, Cádiz 11510, Spain
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tait K, Laverock B, Shaw J, Somerfield PJ, Widdicombe S. Minor impact of ocean acidification to the composition of the active microbial community in an Arctic sediment. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2013; 5:851-860. [PMID: 24249294 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Effects of ocean acidification on the composition of the active bacterial and archaeal community within Arctic surface sediment was analysed in detail using 16S rRNA 454 pyrosequencing. Intact sediment cores were collected and exposed to one of five different pCO(2) concentrations [380 (present day), 540, 750, 1120 and 3000 μatm] and RNA extracted after a period of 14 days exposure. Measurements of diversity and multivariate similarity indicated very little difference between pCO(2) treatments. Only when the highest and lowest pCO(2) treatments were compared were significant differences evident, namely increases in the abundance of operational taxonomic units most closely related to the Halobacteria and differences to the presence/absence structure of the Planctomycetes. The relative abundance of members of the classes Planctomycetacia and Nitrospira increased with increasing pCO(2) concentration, indicating that these groups may be able to take advantage of changing pH or pCO(2) conditions. The modest response of the active microbial communities associated with these sediments may be due to the low and fluctuating pore-water pH already experienced by sediment microbes, a result of the pH buffering capacity of marine sediments, or due to currently unknown factors. Further research is required to fully understand the impact of elevated CO(2) on sediment physicochemical parameters, biogeochemistry and microbial community dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Tait
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, Plymouth, PL1 3DH, UK
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Widdicombe S, Blackford JC, Spicer JI. Assessing the environmental consequences of CO2 leakage from geological CCS: generating evidence to support environmental risk assessment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2013; 73:399-401. [PMID: 23809332 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/27/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Widdicombe
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, West Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Laverock B, Kitidis V, Tait K, Gilbert JA, Osborn AM, Widdicombe S. Bioturbation determines the response of benthic ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms to ocean acidification. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2013; 368:20120441. [PMID: 23980243 PMCID: PMC3758174 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2012.0441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocean acidification (OA), caused by the dissolution of increasing concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) in seawater, is projected to cause significant changes to marine ecology and biogeochemistry. Potential impacts on the microbially driven cycling of nitrogen are of particular concern. Specifically, under seawater pH levels approximating future OA scenarios, rates of ammonia oxidation (the rate-limiting first step of the nitrification pathway) have been shown to dramatically decrease in seawater, but not in underlying sediments. However, no prior study has considered the interactive effects of microbial ammonia oxidation and macrofaunal bioturbation activity, which can enhance nitrogen transformation rates. Using experimental mesocosms, we investigated the responses to OA of ammonia oxidizing microorganisms inhabiting surface sediments and sediments within burrow walls of the mud shrimp Upogebia deltaura. Seawater was acidified to one of four target pH values (pHT 7.90, 7.70, 7.35 and 6.80) in comparison with a control (pHT 8.10). At pHT 8.10, ammonia oxidation rates in burrow wall sediments were, on average, fivefold greater than in surface sediments. However, at all acidified pH values (pH ≤ 7.90), ammonia oxidation rates in burrow sediments were significantly inhibited (by 79-97%; p < 0.01), whereas rates in surface sediments were unaffected. Both bacterial and archaeal abundances increased significantly as pHT declined; by contrast, relative abundances of bacterial and archaeal ammonia oxidation (amoA) genes did not vary. This research suggests that OA could cause substantial reductions in total benthic ammonia oxidation rates in coastal bioturbated sediments, leading to corresponding changes in coupled nitrogen cycling between the benthic and pelagic realms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Laverock
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, Plymouth PL1 3DH, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|