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Mayer-Pinto M, Caley A, Knights AM, Airoldi L, Bishop MJ, Brooks P, Coutinho R, Crowe T, Mancuso P, Naval-Xavier LPD, Firth LB, Menezes R, de Messano LVR, Morris R, Ross DJ, Wong JXW, Steinberg P, Strain EMA. Complexity-functioning relationships differ across different environmental conditions. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 354:120370. [PMID: 38387353 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Habitat complexity is widely considered an important determinant of biodiversity, and enhancing complexity can play a key role in restoring degraded habitats. However, the effects of habitat complexity on ecosystem functioning - as opposed to biodiversity and community structure - are relatively poorly understood for artificial habitats, which dominate many coastlines. With Greening of Grey Infrastructure (GGI) approaches, or eco-engineering, increasingly being applied around the globe, it is important to understand the effects that modifying habitat complexity has on both biodiversity and ecological functioning in these highly modified habitats. We assessed how manipulating physical (primary substrate) and/or biogenic habitat (bivalves) complexity on intertidal artificial substrata affected filtration rates, net and gross primary productivity (NPP and GPP, respectively) and community respiration (CR) - as well as abundance of filter feeders and macro-algae and habitat use by cryptobenthic fish across six locations in three continents. We manipulated both physical and biogenic complexity using 1) flat or ridged (2.5 cm or 5 cm) settlement tiles that were either 2) unseeded or seeded with oysters or mussels. Across all locations, increasing physical and biogenic complexity (5 cm seeded tiles) had a significant effect on most ecological functioning variables, increasing overall filtration rates and community respiration of the assemblages on tiles but decreasing productivity (both GPP and NPP) across all locations. There were no overall effects of increasing either type of habitat complexity on cryptobenthic fish MaxN, total time in frame or macro-algal cover. Within each location, there were marked differences in the effects of habitat complexity. In Hobart, we found higher filtration, filter feeder biomass and community respiration on 5 cm tiles compared to flat tiles. However, at this location, both macro-algae cover and GPP decreased with increasing physical complexity. Similarly in Dublin, filtration, filter feeder biomass and community respiration were higher on 5 cm tiles compared to less complex tiles. In Sydney, filtration and filter feeder biomass were higher on seeded than unseeded tiles, and fish MaxN was higher on 5 cm tiles compared to flat tiles. On unseeded tiles in Sydney, filter feeder biomass also increased with increasing physical complexity. Our findings suggest that GGI solutions via increased habitat complexity are likely to have trade-offs among potentially desired functions, such as productivity and filtration rates, and variable effects on cryptobenthic fish communities. Importantly, our results show that the effects of GGI practices can vary markedly according to the environmental context and therefore should not be blindly and uniformly applied across the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Mayer-Pinto
- Centre of Marine Science and Innovation, Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Amelia Caley
- Centre of Marine Science and Innovation, Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Antony M Knights
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Airoldi
- Chioggia Hydrobiological Station "Umberto D'Ancona", Department of Biology, University of Padova, UO CoNISMa, Chioggia, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, 90133, Italy
| | - Melanie J Bishop
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Paul Brooks
- Earth Institute & School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Ricardo Coutinho
- Marine Biotechnology Program, Instituto de Estudos do Mar Almirante Paulo Moreira (IEAPM), Arraial do Cabo, Brazil and Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, Brazil; Marine Biotechnology Department, Instituto de Estudos do Mar Almirante Paulo Moreira, Arraial do Cabo, Brazil
| | - Tasman Crowe
- Earth Institute & School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Paolo Mancuso
- Chioggia Hydrobiological Station "Umberto D'Ancona", Department of Biology, University of Padova, UO CoNISMa, Chioggia, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, 90133, Italy
| | - Lais P D Naval-Xavier
- Marine Biotechnology Program, Instituto de Estudos do Mar Almirante Paulo Moreira (IEAPM), Arraial do Cabo, Brazil and Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, Brazil; Marine Biotechnology Department, Instituto de Estudos do Mar Almirante Paulo Moreira, Arraial do Cabo, Brazil
| | - Louise B Firth
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom
| | - Rafael Menezes
- Marine Biotechnology Program, Instituto de Estudos do Mar Almirante Paulo Moreira (IEAPM), Arraial do Cabo, Brazil and Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, Brazil; Marine Biotechnology Department, Instituto de Estudos do Mar Almirante Paulo Moreira, Arraial do Cabo, Brazil
| | - Luciana V R de Messano
- Marine Biotechnology Department, Instituto de Estudos do Mar Almirante Paulo Moreira, Arraial do Cabo, Brazil
| | - Rebecca Morris
- National Centre for Coasts and Climate, School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Donald J Ross
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Science, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - Joanne X W Wong
- Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca per le Scienze Ambientali (CIRSA), Alma Mater Studiorum - Universita' di Bologna, Via S. Alberto 163, 48123, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Peter Steinberg
- Centre of Marine Science and Innovation, Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Elisabeth M A Strain
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Science, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia; Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, 7053, Australia
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Di Duca F, Montuori P, De Rosa E, De Simone B, Russo I, Nubi R, Triassi M. Assessing Heavy Metals in the Sele River Estuary: An Overview of Pollution Indices in Southern Italy. TOXICS 2024; 12:38. [PMID: 38250994 PMCID: PMC10819315 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12010038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Rapid industrialization, coupled with a historical lack of understanding in toxicology, has led in an increase in estuary pollution, frequently resulting in unexpected environmental situations. Therefore, the occurrence of heavy metals (HMs) constitutes a major environmental issue, posing a serious risk both to aquatic ecosystems and public health. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of eight HMs (As, Hg, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in water, suspended particles, and sediment near the Sele River estuary (Italy) in order to assess their environmental impacts on the sea and health risks for humans. The results revealed an increasing order of HM concentration according to the scheme suspended particulate matter (SPM) > sediment (SED) > dissolved phase (DP) and a moderate contamination status in sediment. The health risk assessment indicated that the non-carcinogenic risk was negligible. Carcinogenic risk, expressed as the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR), was negligible for Cd and Ni and within tolerable limits for As, Pb, and Cr. The findings suggested that, even if there are currently no specific limits for chemical parameters in the transitional waters of Italy, monitoring systems should be implemented to determine pollution levels and implement effective steps to improve river water quality and reduce human health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paolo Montuori
- Department of Public Health, University “Federico II”, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy (R.N.)
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Downes S, Firth LB, Knights AM. Epibionts provide their basibionts with associational resistance to predation but at a cost. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 186:105941. [PMID: 36921402 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.105941] [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: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Epibiosis is increasingly considered a survival strategy in space-limited environments. However, epibionts can create a new interface between its host, environment and potential predators which may alter predator-prey relationships and biological functioning. Ex-situ experiments investigated the potential costs and benefits of epibiont barnacles on mortality and feeding rate of the mussel, Mytilus edulis, and its predator, the whelk Nucella lapillus. Mussels with living epibiont barnacles suffered no mortality from whelk predation, but when barnacles were absent, mortality was ∼21% over 48 days. Further comparisons revealed the structural complexity of barnacles provided mussels with protection from whelk predation, while the presence of living barnacles increased predator-prey encounters but led to predators targeting barnacles over mussels. Feeding trials revealed feeding rate increased by ∼24% in mussels with living epibionts over mussels with dead or without epibionts, indicating potential costs of hosting epibionts. Our results show that epibionts provide important associational resistance for mussels against whelk predation but a potential cost to the mussel of hosting epibionts requiring increased energy acquisition. These findings advance our understanding of associational resistance derived from epibionts and serve to highlight the potential trade-offs affecting basibiont functioning while showing the importance of positive ecological interactions in ecosystem structure and functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Downes
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Louise B Firth
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Antony M Knights
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK.
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Nunes M, Lemley DA, Adams JB. Flow regime and nutrient input control invasive alien aquatic plant distribution and species composition in small closed estuaries. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 819:152038. [PMID: 34861302 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Nutrient pollution is facilitating the encroachment of invasive aquatic plants in various water bodies globally. This study investigated seasonal aquatic macrophyte responses in two temporarily closed estuaries with different nutrient inputs. Consistent effluent discharge from the upstream wastewater treatment works (WWTW) facilitated the establishment of numerous freshwater invasive alien aquatic plants (IAAPs) in the uThongathi Estuary. IAAPs (Myriophyllum aquaticum, Pistia stratiotes and Pontederia crassipes) were only displaced from the estuary after high flow events (>5 m3 s-1). In the less polluted uMdlotane Estuary nutrient pulses (>1 mg/L DIN) associated with high rainfall changed the aquatic macrophyte composition. The nutrient tolerant non-rooted Ceratophyllum demersum outcompeted the rooted submerged macrophyte Stuckenia pectinata. Species composition changed in response to flow and nutrient inputs, with the exception of emergent macrophytes, such as the grass Echinochloa pyramidalis, that remained consistent in cover and distribution in the uMdlotane Estuary. This study demonstrated that aquatic macrophytes are more responsive to nutrient inputs in unimpacted estuaries compared to consistently nutrient-rich systems where flow is an important driver of IAAPs community dynamics. Many temporarily closed estuaries are subjected to nutrient pollution from WWTWs and restoration efforts such as diversion of discharges to constructed wetlands needs urgent implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Nunes
- Botany Department, Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa; DSI/NRF Research Chair in Shallow Water Ecosystems, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa.
| | - Daniel A Lemley
- Botany Department, Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa; DSI/NRF Research Chair in Shallow Water Ecosystems, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa
| | - Janine B Adams
- Botany Department, Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa; DSI/NRF Research Chair in Shallow Water Ecosystems, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa
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O’Shaughnessy KA, Perkol-Finkel S, Strain EMA, Bishop MJ, Hawkins SJ, Hanley ME, Lunt P, Thompson RC, Hadary T, Shirazi R, Yunnie ALE, Amstutz A, Milliet L, Yong CLX, Firth LB. Spatially Variable Effects of Artificially-Created Physical Complexity on Subtidal Benthos. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.690413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In response to the environmental damage caused by urbanization, Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are being implemented to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem processes with mutual benefits for society and nature. Although the field of NbS is flourishing, experiments in different geographic locations and environmental contexts have produced variable results, with knowledge particularly lacking for the subtidal zone. This study tested the effects of physical complexity on colonizing communities in subtidal habitats in two urban locations: (1) Plymouth, United Kingdom (northeast Atlantic) and (2) Tel Aviv, Israel (eastern Mediterranean) for 15- and 12-months, respectively. At each location, physical complexity was manipulated using experimental tiles that were either flat or had 2.5 or 5.0 cm ridges. In Plymouth, biological complexity was also manipulated through seeding tiles with habitat-forming mussels. The effects of the manipulations on taxon and functional richness, and community composition were assessed at both locations, and in Plymouth the survival and size of seeded mussels and abundance and size of recruited mussels were also assessed. Effects of physical complexity differed between locations. Physical complexity did not influence richness or community composition in Plymouth, while in Tel Aviv, there were effects of complexity on community composition. In Plymouth, effects of biological complexity were found with mussel seeding reducing taxon richness, supporting larger recruited mussels, and influencing community composition. Our results suggest that outcomes of NbS experiments are context-dependent and highlight the risk of extrapolating the findings outside of the context in which they were tested.
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Airoldi L, Beck MW, Firth LB, Bugnot AB, Steinberg PD, Dafforn KA. Emerging Solutions to Return Nature to the Urban Ocean. ANNUAL REVIEW OF MARINE SCIENCE 2021; 13:445-477. [PMID: 32867567 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-marine-032020-020015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Urban and periurban ocean developments impact 1.5% of the global exclusive economic zones, and the demand for ocean space and resources is increasing. As we strive for a more sustainable future, it is imperative that we better design, manage, and conserve urban ocean spaces for both humans and nature. We identify three key objectives for more sustainable urban oceans: reduction of urban pressures, protection and restoration of ocean ecosystems, and support of critical ecosystem services. We describe an array of emerging evidence-based approaches, including greening grayinfrastructure, restoring habitats, and developing biotechnologies. We then explore new economic instruments and incentives for supporting these new approaches and evaluate their feasibility in delivering these objectives. Several of these tools have the potential to help bring nature back to the urban ocean while also addressing some of the critical needs of urban societies, such as climate adaptation, seafood production, clean water, and recreation, providing both human and environmental benefits in some of our most impacted ocean spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Airoldi
- Department of Biology, Chioggia Hydrobiological Station Umberto D'Ancona, University of Padova, 30015 Chioggia, Italy;
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences and Interdepartmental Research Center for Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, UO CoNISMa, 48123 Ravenna, Italy
| | - Michael W Beck
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95060, USA;
| | - Louise B Firth
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, United Kingdom;
| | - Ana B Bugnot
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia;
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, New South Wales 2088, Australia
| | - Peter D Steinberg
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, New South Wales 2088, Australia
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation and School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia;
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551
| | - Katherine A Dafforn
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia;
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