1
|
Zhang E, Wong SY, Czechowski P, Terauds A, Ray AE, Benaud N, Chelliah DS, Wilkins D, Montgomery K, Ferrari BC. Effects of increasing soil moisture on Antarctic desert microbial ecosystems. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2024:e14268. [PMID: 38622950 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Overgeneralization and a lack of baseline data for microorganisms in high-latitude environments have restricted the understanding of the microbial response to climate change, which is needed to establish Antarctic conservation frameworks. To bridge this gap, we examined over 17,000 sequence variants of bacteria and microeukarya across the hyperarid Vestfold Hills and Windmill Islands regions of eastern Antarctica. Using an extended gradient forest model, we quantified multispecies response to variations along 79 edaphic gradients to explore the effects of change and wind-driven dispersal on community dynamics under projected warming trends. We also analyzed a second set of soil community data from the Windmill Islands to test our predictions of major environmental tipping points. Soil moisture was the most robust predictor for shaping the regional soil microbiome; the highest rates of compositional turnover occurred at 10-12% soil moisture threshold for photoautotrophs, such as Cyanobacteria, Chlorophyta, and Ochrophyta. Dust profiles revealed a high dispersal propensity for Chlamydomonas, a microalga, and higher biomass was detected at trafficked research stations. This could signal the potential for algal blooms and increased nonendemic species dispersal as human activities increase in the region. Predicted increases in moisture availability on the Windmill Islands were accompanied by high photoautotroph abundances. Abundances of rare oligotrophic taxa, such as Eremiobacterota and Candidatus Dormibacterota, which play a crucial role in atmospheric chemosynthesis, declined over time. That photosynthetic taxa increased as soil moisture increased under a warming scenario suggests the potential for competition between primary production strategies and thus a more biotically driven ecosystem should the climate become milder. Better understanding of environmental triggers will aid conservation efforts, and it is crucial that long-term monitoring of our study sites be established for the protection of Antarctic desert ecosystems. Furthermore, the successful implementation of an improved gradient forest model presents an exciting opportunity to broaden its use on microbial systems globally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eden Zhang
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sin Yin Wong
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul Czechowski
- Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Aleks Terauds
- Environmental Stewardship Program, Australian Antarctic Division, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Kingston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Angelique E Ray
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicole Benaud
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Devan S Chelliah
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daniel Wilkins
- Environmental Stewardship Program, Australian Antarctic Division, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Kingston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Kate Montgomery
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Belinda C Ferrari
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yin H, Perera-Castro AV, Randall KL, Turnbull JD, Waterman MJ, Dunn J, Robinson SA. Basking in the sun: how mosses photosynthesise and survive in Antarctica. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2023; 158:151-169. [PMID: 37515652 PMCID: PMC10684656 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-023-01040-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
The Antarctic environment is extremely cold, windy and dry. Ozone depletion has resulted in increasing ultraviolet-B radiation, and increasing greenhouse gases and decreasing stratospheric ozone have altered Antarctica's climate. How do mosses thrive photosynthetically in this harsh environment? Antarctic mosses take advantage of microclimates where the combination of protection from wind, sufficient melt water, nutrients from seabirds and optimal sunlight provides both photosynthetic energy and sufficient warmth for efficient metabolism. The amount of sunlight presents a challenge: more light creates warmer canopies which are optimal for photosynthetic enzymes but can contain excess light energy that could damage the photochemical apparatus. Antarctic mosses thus exhibit strong photoprotective potential in the form of xanthophyll cycle pigments. Conversion to zeaxanthin is high when conditions are most extreme, especially when water content is low. Antarctic mosses also produce UV screening compounds which are maintained in cell walls in some species and appear to protect from DNA damage under elevated UV-B radiation. These plants thus survive in one of the harshest places on Earth by taking advantage of the best real estate to optimise their metabolism. But survival is precarious and it remains to be seen if these strategies will still work as the Antarctic climate changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yin
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | | | - Krystal L Randall
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Johanna D Turnbull
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Melinda J Waterman
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Jodie Dunn
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Sharon A Robinson
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Strugnell JM, McGregor HV, Wilson NG, Meredith KT, Chown SL, Lau SCY, Robinson SA, Saunders KM. Emerging biological archives can reveal ecological and climatic change in Antarctica. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2022; 28:6483-6508. [PMID: 35900301 PMCID: PMC9826052 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic climate change is causing observable changes in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean including increased air and ocean temperatures, glacial melt leading to sea-level rise and a reduction in salinity, and changes to freshwater water availability on land. These changes impact local Antarctic ecosystems and the Earth's climate system. The Antarctic has experienced significant past environmental change, including cycles of glaciation over the Quaternary Period (the past ~2.6 million years). Understanding Antarctica's paleoecosystems, and the corresponding paleoenvironments and climates that have shaped them, provides insight into present day ecosystem change, and importantly, helps constrain model projections of future change. Biological archives such as extant moss beds and peat profiles, biological proxies in lake and marine sediments, vertebrate animal colonies, and extant terrestrial and benthic marine invertebrates, complement other Antarctic paleoclimate archives by recording the nature and rate of past ecological change, the paleoenvironmental drivers of that change, and constrain current ecosystem and climate models. These archives provide invaluable information about terrestrial ice-free areas, a key location for Antarctic biodiversity, and the continental margin which is important for understanding ice sheet dynamics. Recent significant advances in analytical techniques (e.g., genomics, biogeochemical analyses) have led to new applications and greater power in elucidating the environmental records contained within biological archives. Paleoecological and paleoclimate discoveries derived from biological archives, and integration with existing data from other paleoclimate data sources, will significantly expand our understanding of past, present, and future ecological change, alongside climate change, in a unique, globally significant region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan M. Strugnell
- Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture and College of Science and EngineeringJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental FutureJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| | - Helen V. McGregor
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life SciencesUniversity of WollongongWollongongNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Nerida G. Wilson
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental FutureWestern Australian MuseumWestern AustraliaAustralia
- Research and CollectionsWestern Australian MuseumWestern AustraliaAustralia
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of Western AustraliaCrawleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Karina T. Meredith
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental FutureAustralian Nuclear Science and Technology OrganisationLucas HeightsNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Steven L. Chown
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, School of Biological SciencesMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Sally C. Y. Lau
- Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture and College of Science and EngineeringJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental FutureJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| | - Sharon A. Robinson
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life SciencesUniversity of WollongongWollongongNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Krystyna M. Saunders
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life SciencesUniversity of WollongongWollongongNew South WalesAustralia
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental FutureAustralian Nuclear Science and Technology OrganisationLucas HeightsNew South WalesAustralia
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic StudiesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lee JR, Waterman MJ, Shaw JD, Bergstrom DM, Lynch HJ, Wall DH, Robinson SA. Islands in the ice: Potential impacts of habitat transformation on Antarctic biodiversity. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2022; 28:5865-5880. [PMID: 35795907 PMCID: PMC9542894 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Antarctic biodiversity faces an unknown future with a changing climate. Most terrestrial biota is restricted to limited patches of ice-free land in a sea of ice, where they are adapted to the continent's extreme cold and wind and exploit microhabitats of suitable conditions. As temperatures rise, ice-free areas are predicted to expand, more rapidly in some areas than others. There is high uncertainty as to how species' distributions, physiology, abundance, and survivorship will be affected as their habitats transform. Here we use current knowledge to propose hypotheses that ice-free area expansion (i) will increase habitat availability, though the quality of habitat will vary; (ii) will increase structural connectivity, although not necessarily increase opportunities for species establishment; (iii) combined with milder climates will increase likelihood of non-native species establishment, but may also lengthen activity windows for all species; and (iv) will benefit some species and not others, possibly resulting in increased homogeneity of biodiversity. We anticipate considerable spatial, temporal, and taxonomic variation in species responses, and a heightened need for interdisciplinary research to understand the factors associated with ecosystem resilience under future scenarios. Such research will help identify at-risk species or vulnerable localities and is crucial for informing environmental management and policymaking into the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine R. Lee
- British Antarctic SurveyNERCCambridgeUK
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, School of Biology and Environmental ScienceQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Melinda J. Waterman
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life SciencesUniversity of WollongongWollongongNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Justine D. Shaw
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, School of Biology and Environmental ScienceQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Dana M. Bergstrom
- Australian Antarctic Division, Department of AgricultureWater and the EnvironmentKingstonTASAustralia
- Global Challenges ProgramUniversity of WollongongWollongongNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Heather J. Lynch
- Department of Ecology and EvolutionStony Brook UniversityStony BrookNew YorkUSA
| | - Diana H. Wall
- Department of Biology and School of Global Environmental SustainabilityColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Sharon A. Robinson
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life SciencesUniversity of WollongongWollongongNew South WalesAustralia
- Global Challenges ProgramUniversity of WollongongWollongongNew South WalesAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liu S, Li T, Fang S, Zhang P, Yi D, Cong B, Zhang Z, Zhao L. Metabolic profiling and gene expression analyses provide insights into cold adaptation of an Antarctic moss Pohlia nutans. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:1006991. [PMID: 36176693 PMCID: PMC9514047 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1006991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Antarctica is the coldest, driest, and most windy continent on earth. The major terrestrial vegetation consists of cryptogams (mosses and lichens) and two vascular plant species. However, the molecular mechanism of cold tolerance and relevant regulatory networks were largely unknown in these Antarctic plants. Here, we investigated the global alterations in metabolites and regulatory pathways of an Antarctic moss (Pohlia nutans) under cold stress using an integrated multi-omics approach. We found that proline content and several antioxidant enzyme activities were significantly increased in P. nutans under cold stress, but the contents of chlorophyll and total flavonoids were markedly decreased. A total of 559 metabolites were detected using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). We observed 39 and 71 differentially changed metabolites (DCMs) after 24 h and 60 h cold stress, indicating that several major pathways were differentially activated for producing fatty acids, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic acids. In addition, the quantitative transcriptome sequencing was conducted to uncover the global transcriptional profiles of P. nutans under cold stress. The representative differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and summarized to the function including Ca2+ signaling, ABA signaling, jasmonate signaling, fatty acids biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, and other biological processes. The integrated dataset analyses of metabolome and transcriptome revealed that jasmonate signaling, auxin signaling, very-long-chain fatty acids and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways might contribute to P. nutans acclimating to cold stress. Overall, these observations provide insight into Antarctic moss adaptations to polar habitats and the impact of global climate change on Antarctic plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shenghao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Eco-Environmental Science and Technology, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao, China
- School of Advanced Manufacturing, Fuzhou University, Jinjiang, China
| | - Tingting Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Eco-Environmental Science and Technology, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao, China
| | - Shuo Fang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Eco-Environmental Science and Technology, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao, China
| | - Pengying Zhang
- National Glycoengineering Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Dan Yi
- Key Laboratory of Marine Eco-Environmental Science and Technology, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao, China
| | - Bailin Cong
- Key Laboratory of Marine Eco-Environmental Science and Technology, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao, China
- School of Advanced Manufacturing, Fuzhou University, Jinjiang, China
| | - Zhaohui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Eco-Environmental Science and Technology, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Linlin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Eco-Environmental Science and Technology, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao, China
- School of Advanced Manufacturing, Fuzhou University, Jinjiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Snyder KA, Robinson SA, Schmidt S, Hultine KR. Stable isotope approaches and opportunities for improving plant conservation. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 10:coac056. [PMID: 35966756 PMCID: PMC9367551 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coac056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Successful conservation of threatened species and ecosystems in a rapidly changing world requires scientifically sound decision-making tools that are readily accessible to conservation practitioners. Physiological applications that examine how plants and animals interact with their environment are now widely used when planning, implementing and monitoring conservation. Among these tools, stable-isotope physiology is a potentially powerful, yet under-utilized cornerstone of current and future conservation efforts of threatened and endangered plants. We review the underlying concepts and theory of stable-isotope physiology and describe how stable-isotope applications can support plant conservation. We focus on stable isotopes of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen to address plant ecophysiological responses to changing environmental conditions across temporal scales from hours to centuries. We review examples from a broad range of plant taxa, life forms and habitats and provide specific examples where stable-isotope analysis can directly improve conservation, in part by helping identify resilient, locally adapted genotypes or populations. Our review aims to provide a guide for practitioners to easily access and evaluate the information that can be derived from stable-isotope signatures, their limitations and how stable isotopes can improve conservation efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keirith A Snyder
- Corresponding author: USDA Agricultural Research Service, Great Basin Rangelands Research Unit, Reno,
920 Valley Road, NV 89512, USA.
| | - Sharon A Robinson
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
- Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Susanne Schmidt
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Building 62, Brisbane Queensland 4075, Australia
| | - Kevin R Hultine
- Department of Research, Conservation and Collections, Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Drone Technology for Monitoring Protected Areas in Remote and Fragile Environments. DRONES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/drones6020042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Protected Areas are established to protect significant ecosystems and historical artefacts. However, many are subject to little structured monitoring to assess whether the attributes for which they have been protected are being maintained or degraded. Monitoring sensitive areas using ground surveys risks causing damage to the values for which they are being protected, are usually based on limited sampling, and often convey insufficient detail for understanding ecosystem change. Therefore, there is a need to undertake quick and accurate vegetation surveys that are low impact, cost effective and repeatable with high precision. Here we use drone technology to map protected areas in Antarctica to ultra-high resolution and provide baseline data for future monitoring. Our methods can measure micro-scale changes, are less expensive than ground-based sampling and can be applied to any protected area where fine scale monitoring is desirable. Drone-based surveys should therefore become standard practice for protected areas in remote fragile environments.
Collapse
|
8
|
Bokhorst S, Convey P, van Logtestijn R, Aerts R. Temperature impact on the influence of penguin-derived nutrients and mosses on non-native grass in a simulated polar ecosystem. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2022; 28:816-828. [PMID: 34747548 PMCID: PMC9299205 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15979] [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: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Human activity and climate change are increasing the spread of species across the planet, threatening biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Invasion engineers, such as birds, facilitate plant growth through manuring of soil, while native vegetation influences plant germination by creating suitable microhabitats which are especially valuable in cold and dry polar regions. Here we tested how penguin-derived nitrogen, several common Antarctic moss species and warming affect seed germination and growth of the non-native grass Agrostis capillaris under laboratory conditions. Experimental settings included a simulation of contemporary season-specific Antarctic light and temperature (2°C) conditions and a +5°C warming scenario. Mosses (Andreaea depressinervis, A. regularis, Sanionia uncinata and Chorisodontium aciphyllum) incorporated a range of nitrogen content and isotopic nitrogen signatures (δ15 N) due to variation in sampling proximity to penguin colonies. Moss species greatly affected time to germination with consequences for further growth under the simulated Antarctic conditions. Grass seeds germinated 10 days earlier among A. regularis compared to S. uncinata and C. aciphyllum and 26 days earlier compared to A. depressinervis. Moss-specific effects are likely related to microclimatic differences within the moss canopy. Warming reduced this moss influence. Grass emerged on average 20 days earlier under warming, leading to increased leaf count (88%), plant height (112%) and biomass (145%). Positive correlations were identified between moss and grass nitrogen content (r = 0.377), grass biomass (r = 0.332) and height (r = 0.742) with stronger effects under the warming scenario. Transfer of nitrogen from moss to grass was confirmed by δ15 N (r = 0.803). Overall, the results suggest a shift from temperature-limited to N-limited growth of invasive plants under increased warming in the maritime Antarctic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stef Bokhorst
- Department of Ecological ScienceVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Peter Convey
- British Antarctic SurveyNatural Environment Research CouncilCambridgeUK
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of JohannesburgJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | | | - Rien Aerts
- Department of Ecological ScienceVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sironić A, Alegro A, Horvatinčić N, Barešić J, Brozinčević A, Vurnek M, Krajcar Bronić I, Borković D, Mikelić IL. Carbon isotope fractionation in karst aquatic mosses. ISOTOPES IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH STUDIES 2021; 57:142-165. [PMID: 33295811 DOI: 10.1080/10256016.2020.1852235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Radiocarbon activity (a14C) and 13C composition (δ13C) were measured in hygrophyte and mesophyte (land) mosses collected in the natural habitat of the Plitvice Lakes and along the Zrmanja and Krupa Rivers (typical continental and Mediterranean climates, respectively), Croatia. a14C and δ13C values of mosses, of atmospheric CO2 and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) were compared with contemporary data and with data from 30 years ago at the Plitvice Lakes when 14C activity of atmospheric CO2 was ∼30% higher. A positive correlation between a14Cmoss and δ13Cmoss was observed for all data reflecting the change of carbon isotopic composition in DIC along the water flows and in atmospheric CO2 regardless of the climatic regions and historic period. Fraction of the atmospheric carbon in moss (ωatm.C) and carbon fractionation factor from aquatic CO2 (DIC) to moss tissue (εmoss/g-aq) were calculated for each individual moss. Three species of mosses had ωatm.C ∼ 0 % implying that they turn to anabiosis during dry periods. The relation εmoss/g-aqvs.ωatm.C differentiates true aquatic and amphiphyte mosses. The first had a statistically significant negative correlation between εmoss/g-aq and ωatm.C. The amphiphyte mosses had lower εmoss/g-aq with higher water flow rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreja Sironić
- Division of Experimental Physics, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Antun Alegro
- Division of Botany, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nada Horvatinčić
- Division of Experimental Physics, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jadranka Barešić
- Division of Experimental Physics, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Andrijana Brozinčević
- Scientific Research Center 'Dr. Ivo Pevalek', The Plitvice Lakes National Park, Plitvička Jezera, Croatia
| | - Maja Vurnek
- Scientific Research Center 'Dr. Ivo Pevalek', The Plitvice Lakes National Park, Plitvička Jezera, Croatia
| | | | - Damir Borković
- Division of Experimental Physics, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
King DH, Wasley J, Ashcroft MB, Ryan-Colton E, Lucieer A, Chisholm LA, Robinson SA. Semi-Automated Analysis of Digital Photographs for Monitoring East Antarctic Vegetation. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:766. [PMID: 32582270 PMCID: PMC7296125 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is affecting Antarctica and minimally destructive long-term monitoring of its unique ecosystems is vital to detect biodiversity trends, and to understand how change is affecting these communities. The use of automated or semi-automated methods is especially valuable in harsh polar environments, as access is limited and conditions extreme. We assessed moss health and cover at six time points between 2003 and 2014 at two East Antarctic sites. Semi-automatic object-based image analysis (OBIA) was used to classify digital photographs using a set of rules based on digital red, green, blue (RGB) and hue-saturation-intensity (HSI) value thresholds, assigning vegetation to categories of healthy, stressed or moribund moss and lichens. Comparison with traditional visual estimates showed that estimates of percent cover using semi-automated OBIA classification fell within the range of variation determined by visual methods. Overall moss health, as assessed using the mean percentages of healthy, stressed and moribund mosses within quadrats, changed over the 11 years at both sites. A marked increase in stress and decline in health was observed across both sites in 2008, followed by recovery to baseline levels of health by 2014 at one site, but with significantly more stressed or moribund moss remaining within the two communities at the other site. Our results confirm that vegetation cover can be reliably estimated using semi-automated OBIA, providing similar accuracy to visual estimation by experts. The resulting vegetation cover estimates provide a sensitive measure to assess change in vegetation health over time and have informed a conceptual framework for the changing condition of Antarctic mosses. In demonstrating that this method can be used to monitor ground cover vegetation at small scales, we suggest it may also be suitable for other extreme environments where repeat monitoring via images is required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana H. King
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Global Challenges Program, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Jane Wasley
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Antarctic Conservation and Management, Australian Antarctic Division, Kingston, TAS, Australia
| | - Michael B. Ashcroft
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Ellen Ryan-Colton
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Alice Springs, NT, Australia
| | - Arko Lucieer
- School of Technology, Environments and Design, College of Sciences and Engineering, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Laurie A. Chisholm
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Sharon A. Robinson
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Global Challenges Program, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
|
12
|
Ashcroft MB, King DH, Raymond B, Turnbull JD, Wasley J, Robinson SA. Moving beyond presence and absence when examining changes in species distributions. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2017; 23:2929-2940. [PMID: 28100027 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Species distributions are often simplified to binary representations of the ranges where they are present and absent. It is then common to look for changes in these ranges as indicators of the effects of climate change, the expansion or control of invasive species or the impact of human land-use changes. We argue that there are inherent problems with this approach, and more emphasis should be placed on species relative abundance rather than just presence. The sampling effort required to be confident of absence is often impractical to achieve, and estimates of species range changes based on survey data are therefore inherently sensitive to sampling intensity. Species niches estimated using presence-absence or presence-only models are broader than those for abundance and may exaggerate the viability of small marginal sink populations. We demonstrate that it is possible to transform models of predicted probability of presence to expected abundance if the sampling intensity is known. Using case studies of Antarctic mosses and temperate rain forest trees, we demonstrate additional insights into biotic change that can be gained using this method. While species becoming locally extinct or colonising new areas are extreme and obviously important impacts of global environmental change, changes in abundance could still signal important changes in biological systems and be an early warning indicator of larger future changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Ashcroft
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Diana H King
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Ben Raymond
- Australian Antarctic Division, Department of Environment, Kingston, TAS, 7050, Australia
- Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre, Private Bag 80, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia
| | - Johanna D Turnbull
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Jane Wasley
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
- Australian Antarctic Division, Department of Environment, Kingston, TAS, 7050, Australia
| | - Sharon A Robinson
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Malenovský Z, Lucieer A, King DH, Turnbull JD, Robinson SA. Unmanned aircraft system advances health mapping of fragile polar vegetation. Methods Ecol Evol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.12833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zbyněk Malenovský
- Surveying and Spatial Sciences Group School of Land and Food University of Tasmania Hobart Tas. Australia
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions School of Biological Sciences University of Wollongong Wollongong NSW Australia
- Biospheric Sciences Laboratory USRA/GESTAR NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt MD USA
| | - Arko Lucieer
- Surveying and Spatial Sciences Group School of Land and Food University of Tasmania Hobart Tas. Australia
| | - Diana H. King
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions School of Biological Sciences University of Wollongong Wollongong NSW Australia
| | - Johanna D. Turnbull
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions School of Biological Sciences University of Wollongong Wollongong NSW Australia
| | - Sharon A. Robinson
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions School of Biological Sciences University of Wollongong Wollongong NSW Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Royles J, Amesbury MJ, Roland TP, Jones GD, Convey P, Griffiths H, Hodgson DA, Charman DJ. Moss stable isotopes (carbon-13, oxygen-18) and testate amoebae reflect environmental inputs and microclimate along a latitudinal gradient on the Antarctic Peninsula. Oecologia 2016; 181:931-45. [PMID: 27003701 PMCID: PMC4912596 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-016-3608-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The stable isotope compositions of moss tissue water (δ(2)H and δ(18)O) and cellulose (δ(13)C and δ(18)O), and testate amoebae populations were sampled from 61 contemporary surface samples along a 600-km latitudinal gradient of the Antarctic Peninsula (AP) to provide a spatial record of environmental change. The isotopic composition of moss tissue water represented an annually integrated precipitation signal with the expected isotopic depletion with increasing latitude. There was a weak, but significant, relationship between cellulose δ(18)O and latitude, with predicted source water inputs isotopically enriched compared to measured precipitation. Cellulose δ(13)C values were dependent on moss species and water content, and may reflect site exposure to strong winds. Testate amoebae assemblages were characterised by low concentrations and taxonomic diversity, with Corythion dubium and Microcorycia radiata types the most cosmopolitan taxa. The similarity between the intra- and inter-site ranges measured in all proxies suggests that microclimate and micro-topographical conditions around the moss surface were important determinants of proxy values. Isotope and testate amoebae analyses have proven value as palaeoclimatic, temporal proxies of climate change, whereas this study demonstrates that variations in isotopic and amoeboid proxies between microsites can be beyond the bounds of the current spatial variability in AP climate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Royles
- British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK.
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK.
| | - Matthew J Amesbury
- Geography, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4RJ, UK
| | - Thomas P Roland
- Geography, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4RJ, UK
| | - Glyn D Jones
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK
| | - Peter Convey
- British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK
| | - Howard Griffiths
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK
| | - Dominic A Hodgson
- British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK
| | - Dan J Charman
- Geography, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4RJ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Malenovský Z, Turnbull JD, Lucieer A, Robinson SA. Antarctic moss stress assessment based on chlorophyll content and leaf density retrieved from imaging spectroscopy data. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2015; 208:608-24. [PMID: 26083501 DOI: 10.1111/nph.13524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2015] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The health of several East Antarctic moss-beds is declining as liquid water availability is reduced due to recent environmental changes. Consequently, a noninvasive and spatially explicit method is needed to assess the vigour of mosses spread throughout rocky Antarctic landscapes. Here, we explore the possibility of using near-distance imaging spectroscopy for spatial assessment of moss-bed health. Turf chlorophyll a and b, water content and leaf density were selected as quantitative stress indicators. Reflectance of three dominant Antarctic mosses Bryum pseudotriquetrum, Ceratodon purpureus and Schistidium antarctici was measured during a drought-stress and recovery laboratory experiment and also with an imaging spectrometer outdoors on water-deficient (stressed) and well-watered (unstressed) moss test sites. The stress-indicating moss traits were derived from visible and near infrared turf reflectance using a nonlinear support vector regression. Laboratory estimates of chlorophyll content and leaf density were achieved with the lowest systematic/unsystematic root mean square errors of 38.0/235.2 nmol g(-1) DW and 0.8/1.6 leaves mm(-1) , respectively. Subsequent combination of these indicators retrieved from field hyperspectral images produced small-scale maps indicating relative moss vigour. Once applied and validated on remotely sensed airborne spectral images, this methodology could provide quantitative maps suitable for long-term monitoring of Antarctic moss-bed health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zbyněk Malenovský
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
- Surveying and Spatial Sciences Group, School of Land and Food, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 76, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia
| | - Johanna D Turnbull
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Arko Lucieer
- Surveying and Spatial Sciences Group, School of Land and Food, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 76, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia
| | - Sharon A Robinson
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Nydahl AC, King CK, Wasley J, Jolley DF, Robinson SA. Toxicity of fuel-contaminated soil to Antarctic moss and terrestrial algae. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2015; 34:2004-2012. [PMID: 25891024 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Revised: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Fuel pollution is a significant problem in Antarctica, especially in areas where human activities occur, such as at scientific research stations. Despite this, there is little information on the effects of petroleum hydrocarbons on Antarctic terrestrial biota. The authors demonstrate that the Antarctic mosses Bryum pseudotriquetrum, Schistidium antarctici, and Ceratodon purpureus, and the Antarctic terrestrial alga Prasiola crispa are relatively tolerant to Special Antarctic Blend (SAB) fuel-contaminated soil (measured as total petroleum hydrocarbons). Freshly spiked soils were more toxic to all species than were aged soils containing degraded fuel, as measured by photosynthetic efficiency (variable fluorescence/maximum fluorescence [Fv/Fm]), pigment content, and visual observations. Concentrations that caused 20% inhibition ranged from 16,600 mg/kg to 53,200 mg/kg for freshly spiked soils and from 30,100 mg/kg to 56,200 mg/kg for aged soils. The photosynthetic efficiency of C. purpureus and S. antarctici was significantly inhibited by exposure to freshly spiked soils with lowest-observed-effect concentrations of 27,900 mg/kg and 40,400 mg/kg, respectively. Prasiola crispa was the most sensitive species to freshly spiked soils (Fv/Fm lowest-observed-effect concentration 6700 mg/kg), whereas the Fv/Fm of B. pseudotriquetrum was unaffected by exposure to SAB fuel even at the highest concentration tested (62,900 mg/kg). Standard toxicity test methods developed for nonvascular plants can be used in future risk assessments, and sensitivity data will contribute to the development of remediation targets for petroleum hydrocarbons to guide remediation activities in Antarctica.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna C Nydahl
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Catherine K King
- Terrestrial and Nearshore Ecosystems Program, Australian Antarctic Division, Kingston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Jane Wasley
- Terrestrial and Nearshore Ecosystems Program, Australian Antarctic Division, Kingston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Dianne F Jolley
- School of Chemistry, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sharon A Robinson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Bramley-Alves J, Wanek W, French K, Robinson SA. Moss δ(13) C: an accurate proxy for past water environments in polar regions. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2015; 21:2454-64. [PMID: 25545349 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.12848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Increased aridity is of global concern. Polar regions provide an opportunity to monitor changes in bioavailable water free of local anthropogenic influences. However, sophisticated proxy measures are needed. We explored the possibility of using stable carbon isotopes in segments of moss as a fine-scale proxy for past bioavailable water. Variation in δ(13) C with water availability was measured in three species across three peninsulas in the Windmill Islands, East Antarctica and verified using controlled chamber experiments. The δ(13) C from Antarctic mosses accurately recorded long-term variations in water availability in the field, regardless of location, but significant disparities in δ(13) C between species indicated some make more sensitive proxies. δ(13) CSUGAR derived from living tissues can change significantly within the span of an Antarctic season (5 weeks) in chambers, but under field conditions, slow growth means that this technique likely represents multiple seasons. δ(13) CCELLULOSE provides a precise and direct proxy for bioavailable water, allowing reconstructions for coastal Antarctica and potentially other cold regions over past centuries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Bramley-Alves
- Institute for Conservation Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abundance and diversity of soil invertebrates in the Windmill Islands region, East Antarctica. Polar Biol 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-015-1703-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
|
19
|
Royles J, Griffiths H. Invited review: climate change impacts in polar regions: lessons from Antarctic moss bank archives. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2015; 21:1041-57. [PMID: 25336089 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.12774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Revised: 09/24/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Mosses are the dominant plants in polar and boreal regions, areas which are experiencing rapid impacts of regional warming. Long-term monitoring programmes provide some records of the rate of recent climate change, but moss peat banks contain an unrivalled temporal record of past climate change on terrestrial plant Antarctic systems. We summarise the current understanding of climatic proxies and determinants of moss growth for contrasting continental and maritime Antarctic regions, as informed by 13C and 18O signals in organic material. Rates of moss accumulation are more than three times higher in the maritime Antarctic than continental Antarctica with growing season length being a critical determinant of growth rate, and high carbon isotope discrimination values reflecting optimal hydration conditions. Correlation plots of 13C and 18O values show that species (Chorisodontium aciphyllum / Polytrichum strictum) and growth form (hummock / bank) are the major determinants of measured isotope ratios. The interplay between moss growth form, photosynthetic physiology, water status and isotope composition are compared with developments of secondary proxies, such as chlorophyll fluorescence. These approaches provide a framework to consider the potential impact of climate change on terrestrial Antarctic habitats as well as having implications for future studies of temperate, boreal and Arctic peatlands. There are many urgent ecological and environmental problems in the Arctic related to mosses in a changing climate, but the geographical ranges of species and life-forms are difficult to track individually. Our goal was to translate what we have learned from the more simple systems in Antarctica, for application to Arctic habitats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Royles
- British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK; Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Wild S, McLagan D, Schlabach M, Bossi R, Hawker D, Cropp R, King CK, Stark JS, Mondon J, Nash SB. An Antarctic research station as a source of brominated and perfluorinated persistent organic pollutants to the local environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:103-12. [PMID: 25478728 DOI: 10.1021/es5048232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the role of a permanently manned Australian Antarctic research station (Casey Station) as a source of contemporary persistent organic pollutants (POPs) to the local environment. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and poly- and perfluoroalkylated substances (PFASs) were found in indoor dust and treated wastewater effluent of the station. PBDE (e.g., BDE-209 26-820 ng g(-1) dry weight (dw)) and PFAS levels (e.g., PFOS 3.8-2400 ng g(-1) (dw)) in dust were consistent with those previously reported in homes and offices from Australia, reflecting consumer products and materials of the host nation. The levels of PBDEs and PFASs in wastewater (e.g., BDE-209 71-400 ng L(-1)) were in the upper range of concentrations reported for secondary treatment plants in other parts of the world. The chemical profiles of some PFAS samples were, however, different from domestic profiles. Dispersal of chemicals into the immediate marine and terrestrial environments was investigated by analysis of abiotic and biotic matrices. Analytes showed decreasing concentrations with increasing distance from the station. This study provides the first evidence of PFAS input to Polar regions via local research stations and demonstrates the introduction of POPs recently listed under the Stockholm Convention into the Antarctic environment through local human activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seanan Wild
- Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith School of Environment, Griffith University , 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Spatial Co-Registration of Ultra-High Resolution Visible, Multispectral and Thermal Images Acquired with a Micro-UAV over Antarctic Moss Beds. REMOTE SENSING 2014. [DOI: 10.3390/rs6054003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
22
|
Convey P, Chown SL, Clarke A, Barnes DKA, Bokhorst S, Cummings V, Ducklow HW, Frati F, Green TGA, Gordon S, Griffiths HJ, Howard-Williams C, Huiskes AHL, Laybourn-Parry J, Lyons WB, McMinn A, Morley SA, Peck LS, Quesada A, Robinson SA, Schiaparelli S, Wall DH. The spatial structure of Antarctic biodiversity. ECOL MONOGR 2014. [DOI: 10.1890/12-2216.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 232] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|