Insights into the diversity,distribution and phylogeny of three ergasilid copepods (Hexanauplia: Ergasilidae) in lentic water bodies of the Morava river basin,Czech Republic

Ergasilidae are a globally distributed group of copepods parasitising fish. Despite their common occurrence in European freshwaters, there is relatively little molecular data available. In this study, we recorded three ergasilid copepod species parasitising six fish species (families Cyprinidae, Percidae, Centrarchidae) in lentic water bodies along the River Morava in the Czech Republic: Ergasilus sieboldi infecting fish gills, Paraergasilus longidigitus infecting nasal cavities and Neoergasilus japonicus infecting fins. This represents a further occurrence of N. japonicus as a non-native European species, and the first report of P. longidigitusis from Central Europe waters. While strong niche selection potentially offers a free niche for each of these ergasilids in all hosts, parasite co-infections were relatively rare, with species distribution among hosts reflecting host preference. This study provides the first molecular data for E. sieboldi and P. longidigitus as native European ergasilid copepods. Phylogenetic analysis based on combined 18S and 28S rDNA showed a close relationship between P. longidigitus with other Paraergasilus species, supporting a monophyletic origin of this genus. The phylogenetic position of E. sieboldi was not clearly resolved, highlighting the need for more data and further intensive genetic investigations of other ergasilid species.     

Shared microsporidian profiles between an obligate (Niphargus) and facultative subterranean amphipod population (Gammarus) at sympatry provide indications for underground transmission pathways

Only sparse knowledge exists on amphipod-infecting microsporidians in subterranean waters. Here, we DNA barcoded two sympatric amphipod populations (obligate subterranean Niphargus schellenbergi, facultative Gammarus fossarum) and their microsporidian parasites. Parasite prevalence was assessed by diagnostic PCR assays. Overall prevalence was 82.7 %. Both amphipod populations shared all four identified parasite species (Nosema granulosis, Microsporidium sp. I, Orthosomella sp., Microsporidium sp. BPAR3). Hence, we postulate underground transmission pathways of microsporidians mediated by subterranean amphipod hosts.     

Bowhead whales feed on plankton concentrated by estuarine and tidal currents in Academy Bay,Sea of Okhotsk

Academy Bay in the Sea of Okhotsk is an important summertime feeding ground for pelagic-feeding Bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) in the western subarctic North Pacific. The present work combines satellite observations with physical (CTD, currents, tides) and biological (zooplankton sampling) measurements. Data obtained aboard the RV Lugovoe in August–September 2003 and July–August 2004 show dense populations of zooplankton (such as copepods Calanus glacialis, Pseudocalanus sp., pteropods Limacina helicina, and chaetognaths Sagitta sp.) that are concentrated by physical mechanisms within this critically important ecosystem. We show that near-bottom, cold water intrusions from the northern Sea of Okhotsk associated with the estuarine circulation advect arctic herbivorous calanoids (Calanus glacialis) and mollusks Limacina helicina into the region.     

Vertical copepod aggregations and interactions with chlorophyll and production on the Peru shelf

Data consisting of high resolution profiles of in situ chlorophyll fluorescence and copepods have been measured with a towed Batfish on the Peru shelf during November 1977. The day to day vertical variability of chlorophyll fluorescence was highly complex; however, there were indications of common features consisting of a surface chlorophyll layer about 10 to 15 m thick and a subsurface chlorophyll maximum at about 25-m depth. Of the dominant copepods measured, Eucalanus inermis, Calanus chilensis, and Centropages brachiatus, the latter two were aggregated in layers at about 15 to 20 m directly within a depression located between the surface and subsurface chlorophyll layer. Primary production profiles estimated from light and chlorophyll data indicated that carbon production was generally restricted to the surface layer (≈15m). Estimates of integrated carbon production (m^?2) within the surface layer ranged from 1.3 to 1.5 g C m^?2 d^?3. Copepod grazing estimates indicated that only 10% of daily carbon production was utilized.     

Hg bioaccumulation in marine copepods around hydrothermal vents and the adjacent marine environment in northeastern Taiwan

The Hg concentration in seawater and copepod samples collected from the area around hydrothermal vents at Kueishan Island and the adjacent marine environment in northeastern Taiwan were analyzed to study Hg bioaccumulation in copepods living in polluted and clean marine environments. The seawater collected from the hydrothermal vent area had an extremely high concentration of dissolved Hg, 50.6–256 ng l⁻¹. There was slightly higher Hg content in the copepods, 0.08–0.88 μg g⁻¹. The dissolved Hg concentration in the hydrothermal vent seawater was two to three orders of magnitude higher than that in the adjacent environment. The bioconcentration factor of the studied copepods ranged within 10³–10⁶, and showed higher dissolved concentration as the bioconcentration factor was lower. A substantial abundance, but with less copepod diversity was recorded in the seawater around the hydrothermal vent area. Temora turbinata was the species of opportunity under the hydrothermal vent influence.     

Dynamics of mesozooplankton assemblages in subtropical coastal waters of Hong Kong: A comparative study between a eutrophic estuarine and a mesotrophic coastal site

A monthly comparative study of mesozooplankton biomass and composition between a eutrophic Pearl River estuarine site (WE) and a mesotrophic coastal-oceanic site (EO) in Hong Kong waters was conducted to examine the response of mesozooplankton to nutrient-rich riverine discharge. Although the annual average mesozooplankton biomass was higher at WE than at EO, they were not statistically significant. Variations of mesozooplankton biomass at both stations followed similar trends of Chl a concentrations, with the exception of July at WE where mesozooplankton biomass was low but total Chl a was high. This mismatch may be due to the high flushing effect of the Pearl River discharge in summer and a time lag in mesozooplankton population growth. On the other hand, the composition of mesozooplankton was significantly modified by riverine discharge and eutrophication conditions. While small copepods dominated at both sites, the eutrophic estuarine water had a high abundance of barnacle and polychaete larvae, while cladocerans, bivalve larvae, gastropod larvae and chaetognaths mainly occurred at EO. Eutrophication increased the top-down role of copepods in the grazing community, revealed by an increase in the percentage of copepods in the total metazoan mesozooplankton, especially during the period of high river discharge. Moreover, mesozooplankton diversity at the two stations was similar, and they both showed relatively higher diversity during autumn and winter and lower diversity during summer, especially at WE. These results suggest that, despite high nutrient and Chl a concentrations in estuarine waters, mesozooplankton biomass were not enhanced compared to coastal waters with no river impact, possibly due to poor food quality and increased predation in the eutrophic estuarine waters.     

贵州百花湖麦西河河口后生浮游动物群落结构及与环境因子的关系

为了探明百花湖麦西河后生浮游动物的群落组成及动态特征,于2009年8月至2011年8月对百花湖麦西河河口后生浮游动物进行调查研究.结果表明:百花湖麦西河河口共监测到轮虫29种,丰度为0.16～837.80 ind./L;桡足类浮游动物仅检测到了温中剑水蚤(Mesocyclops thermocyclopoides)和猛水蚤(Harpacticella sp.)2种,以无节幼体和桡足幼体为主,其丰度为0～642.75 ind./L;枝角类浮游动物9种,丰度为0～31.20 ind./L.后生浮游动物的丰度主要由轮虫和桡足类组成,轮虫丰度比例为4.09%～100%,桡足类丰度比例为0～95.64%.前节晶囊轮虫(Asplanchna priodonta)、卜氏晶囊轮虫(Asplanchna brightwelli)、裂足臂尾轮虫(Brachionus diversicornis)为轮虫类的主要优势种,最高丰度分别达到424.88、392.20和61.99 ind./L;长额象鼻溞(Bosmina longirostris)为枝角类优势种,最高丰度达到27.93 ind./L.轮虫丰度与透明度、总氮、硝态氮呈极显著正相关;枝角类丰度与透明度、硝态氮呈极显著正相关,与温度呈极显著负相关.     

Effects of elevated CO2 on the reproduction of two calanoid copepods

Some planktonic groups suffer negative effects from ocean acidification (OA), although copepods might be less sensitive. We investigated the effect of predicted CO₂ levels (range 480–750 ppm), on egg production and hatching success of two copepod species, Centropages typicus and Temora longicornis. In these short-term incubations there was no significant effect of high CO₂ on these parameters. Additionally a very high CO₂ treatment, (CO₂ = 9830 ppm), representative of carbon capture and storage scenarios, resulted in a reduction of egg production rate and hatching success of C. typicus, but not T. longicornis. In conclusion, reproduction of C. typicus was more sensitive to acute elevated seawater CO₂ than that of T. longicornis, but neither species was affected by exposure to CO₂ levels predicted for the year 2100. The duration and seasonal timing of exposures to high pCO₂, however, might have a significant effect on the reproduction success of calanoid copepods.     

The seasonal occurrence of Neocalanus cristatus,Neocalanus plumchrus,and Eucalanus bungii over the shelf of the northern Gulf of Alaska

Field collections of zooplankton from the northern Gulf of Alaska demonstrate that the large oceanic copepods Neocalanus cristatus, N. plumchrus, and Eucalanus bungii are seasonal members of shelf and coastal zooplankton communities. They account for more than 25% of the net zooplankton biomass (0.333 mm) during the spring and summer months.The presence, absence, and subsequent reappearance of these copepods over the shelf is apparently related to their seasonal shifts in vertical distributions and to a persistent pattern of onshore Ekman transport. During periods when these copepods occur in the surface water of the bordering deep ocean (late autumn to summer) they are swept shoreward over the shelf. During times when they occur below the Ekman layer, they are generally absent from the shelf.The ecological significance of this seasonally introduced biomass is discussed in terms of what is understood about these species from studies elsewhere in the North Pacific Ocean.     

Acute toxicity of bis(tributyltin) oxide to a marine copepod

A static renewal toxicity test was conducted to evaluate the response of the copepod Acartia tonsa to bis(tributyltin) oxide (TBTO), the active compound of recently developed antifouling paints. Copepods were individually placed in test tubes containing 4 ml of 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 1.7 or 3.0 μg l^?1 TBTO with acetone and seawater. Thirty copepods were used for each treatment and control condition and all solutions were renewed daily. The 96-h LC₅₀ was 1.0 μg l^?1 with a 95% confidence interval between 0.8 and 1.2 μg l^?1 TBTO. The 144-h EC₅₀ was 0.4 μg l^?1 TBTO which approaches concentrations recently measured in San Diego Bay. Some copepods exposed to 0.3 μg l^?1 TBTO became moribund after six days.     

Main meiofauna taxa as an indicator for assessing the spatial and seasonal impact of fish farming

The present study aimed to establish potential indicators of fish farming pollution in muddy substrate, by means of meiofauna, and to test whether the effect of the fish farm is more important to determine the meiofauna community than the seasonal environmental conditions. Sampling was performed in spring, after several months of light feeding, and in summer, at high food supply. Samples were collected in three directions at various distances from the floating cages. Harpacticoid copepods and kinorhynchs, whose abundance decreased under the cages, were put forward as indicator taxa. However, harpacticoid copepods were sensitive to fish farm only, while kinorhynchs showed responsiveness to fish farm and to seasonal environmental conditions. Total meiofauna density was dependent on season sensu stricto. The nMDS clearly showed a ‘cage community’ and ‘control community’ in both sampling occasions; therefore it is a good tool for impact assessment.     

The influence of physical instream spatial variability on Chironomidae (Diptera) assemblages in Neotropical streams

In this study, the Chironomidae assemblages were studied in order to test the following hypotheses: a) mesohabitat type and substrate complexity affect the richness, abundance, and composition of the fauna; b) mesohabitat type is a good predictor for Chironomidae composition. To test the hypotheses, experiments were carried out in two mesohabitats (riffle and pool) using two substrate complexities (high and low) in 12 streams from Central Brazil. The mesohabitat type and substrate complexity did not affect the richness and abundance of the local fauna. The mesohabitat affected the faunistic composition. The assemblages of riffles and pools were distinct. Indicator Species Analysis showed that Paratendipes sp., Polypedilum sp. 2, Pentaneura sp., Rheotanytarsus sp. 1, Corynoneura sp. 2, Cricotopus sp. 2, Lopescladius sp., Nanocladius sp. 2, Parametriocnemus sp., and Thienemanniella sp. had preference for riffles and Chironomus sp., Ablabesmyia sp. 1, Ablabesmyia sp. 2, Djalmabatista sp., Fittkauimyia sp., and Labrundinia sp. for pools. Our results highlight the importance of physical instream variability on fauna structure, suggesting that habitat homogenization due to anthropic action may cause drastic effects on the diversity of chironomids and, probably, other benthic macroinvertebrates. Therefore, maintaining instream morphology, including the different mesohabitats, is fundamental for biodiversity conservation in streams.     

Abilities and genes for PAH biodegradation of bacteria isolated from mangrove sediments from the central of Thailand

PAH-degrading bacteria, including Novosphingobium sp. PCY, Microbacterium sp. BPW, Ralstonia sp. BPH, Alcaligenes sp. SSK1B, and Achromobacter sp. SSK4, were isolated from mangrove sediments. These isolates degraded 50–76% of 100 mg/l phenanthrene within 2 weeks. Strains PCY and BPW also degraded pyrene at 98% and 71%, respectively. Furthermore, all of them probably produced biosurfactants in the presence of hydrocarbons. Interestingly, PCY has a versatility to degrade various PAHs. Molecular techniques and plasmid curing remarkably revealed the presence of the alpha subunit of pyrene dioxygenase gene (nidA), involving in its pyrene/phenanthrene degrading ability, located on megaplasmid of PCY which has never before been reported in sphingomonads. Moreover, genes encoding ferredoxin, reductase, extradiol dioxygenase (bphA3A4C) and exopolysaccharide biosynthetase, which may be involved in PAH degradation and biosurfactant production, were also found in PCY. Therefore, we conclude that these isolates, especially PCY, can be the candidates for use as inoculums in the bioremediation.     

Activity levels of 210Po and 210Pb in some fish species of the Izmir Bay (Aegean Sea)

We investigated the spatial scales of variation of macrofauna in intertidal flats subjected to different levels of contamination from urban effluents in two areas sampled in the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex. The scales considered were: Conditions; Tidal flats and Plots. Although the numerically dominant taxa showed the greatest variability at a scale of Tidal flats, the variability at the Condition scale was also significant. Tubificinae sp. 1, Laeonereis culveri and Heteromastus sp. were the most abundant organisms in the Contaminated area, while Heleobia australis was most abundant in the Non-contaminated area. Our results, contrary to those frequently observed in the literature, showed that the variability was significant at the scale of hundreds of metres (Tidal flats). At this scale, the intrinsic characteristics of each tidal flat are more important in determining macrofaunal distribution, while the effects of the urban sewage contamination represent the primary forces acting at a greater spatial scale.     

Seston fatty acid composition and copepod RNA:DNA ratio with respect to the underwater light climate in fluvial Lac Saint-Pierre

The relationship between the underwater light availability at different wavelengths (from 351 to 700?nm) and the fatty acid (FA) composition of seston, as well as the trophic transfer of fatty acids from producers to consumers and its influence on copepod growth condition, were investigated throughout fluvial Lac Saint-Pierre (Québec, Canada). Seston and zooplankton were collected at 11 sampling sites located within distinct water masses discriminated according to their underwater spectral characteristics. Diffuse light attenuation coefficients (K_d(??)) varied among sampling sites and wavelengths (??) and were negatively correlated to seston composition in some essential fatty acids. Particularly, the relationships between K_d(??) and the seston concentration in 20:5n3 and 22:6n3 differed and were wavelength dependent, being stronger for ?? close to the absorption maxima of chlorophyll a, suggesting a potential link with photosynthetic processes. The concentrations of 16:1n7, 18:3n3 and 20:5n3 in copepods were strongly correlated to those in the seston, which points towards the trophic transfer of these fatty acids between primary producers and herbivorous consumers. Moreover, the growth condition of copepods, as expressed by their RNA:DNA ratio, was correlated to the concentrations of 16:1n7, 18:3n3 and 20:5n3 in the seston and in copepods. Our field study sheds light on the potential importance, yet to be precised, of specific wavelengths as a driver of Lac Saint-Pierre??s productivity through their influence on fatty acids composition of seston and its nutritional quality for primary consumers.     

Shallow sublittoral meiofauna communities and sediment polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) content on the Galician coast (NW Spain), six months after the Prestige oil spill

The aim of this work was to detect the impact of Prestige oil spill on meiobenthic community structure at higher levels of taxonomic aggregation. In addition, the relationship between sediment individual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentration and meiofauna community structure was investigated. Six months after the Prestige oil spill, meiobenthos community and sediment PAHs content from seven shallow subtidal localities along the Galician coast were studied. Two sites presented differences in community structure, characterized by high densities of nematodes, gastrotrichs and turbellarians, and low densities of copepods. Chrysene and triphenylene were only found at these two disturbed sites and could be responsible for differences of meiobenthos community structure. However, differences in community structure of sites could be linked with sedimentary parameters, and discrimination between the effect of PAHs and sedimentary parameters was impossible due to the lack of baseline studies on meiobenthos and PAHs contents in this area.     

Horizontal and seasonal patterns of tropical zooplankton from the eutrophic Prado Reservoir (Colombia)

Zooplankton community analyses can reveal valuable information about the trophic status and secondary production in reservoirs. The zooplankton seasonal distribution and important physical and chemical parameters in Prado Reservoir (Tolima, Central Colombia) were studied in monthly surveys throughout a hydrological cycle (February 2000-January 2001) in order to establish seasonal patterns and the biotic and abiotic relationships for the reservoir. Surface zooplankton collections at 1 m depth were taken at six sampling stations with regard to reservoir morphometry, location of main tributaries and mixing areas of the incoming tributaries. Cladocerans numerically dominated (48.1%) the community throughout the study period followed by Copepoda (32.7%), Rotifera (19.1%), and Diptera larvae (0.01%). Among the cladocerans, there was a greater abundance of Bosmina longirostris (69.8%) than other crustaceans. Among the Rotifera, Brachionus falcatus was the most abundant with 23% and Keratella tropica was least abundant with 8%. The only cyclopoid species found was Thermocyclops decipiens. The phantom midge Chaoborus sp. was also part of the zooplankton community. Based on numbers, cladocerans represented a significant component of the zooplankton in both dry and rainy seasons. Four species (Brachionus spp., K. tropica, Diaphanosoma brachyurum, Ceriodaphnia cornuta, Moina sp., and T. decipiens) had never previously been found in the reservoir, but were recorded for other standing Colombian water bodies. The replacement of B. longirostris instead of Daphnia sp. as dominant species was observed. The results of the comparison of the different studies confirmed that the trophic state of this artificial lake may be classified as eutrophic, and in general, physical, and chemical homogeneity were observed both spatially and temporally.     

Potential risk of harmful algae transport by ballast waters: the case of Bilbao Harbour

Ballast water exchange was measured for the first time in Bilbao Harbour, one of the most active of northern Spain. Between 1997 and 2006, 41,900,980.34 ballast water tn were loaded and 13,272,709 tn were discharged. Bilbao Harbour appears to be mainly a source of ballast water, 90% of which would be discharged in European harbours. We estimated that vessels carrying liquid and solid bulk have higher probabilities of exporting ballast water, whereas those with liquid bulk and containers are more likely to introduce it. From 30 potentially harmful phytoplankton species identified to date near harbour facilities, there would be a high risk of exporting at least Alexandrium minutum, Dinophysis sp., Heterosigma akashiwo, Karlodinium sp., Ostreopsis cf. siamensis, Pfiesteria-like and Prorocentrum minimum. Invasion risk by ballast water was tested by analyzing the response of six strains of H. akashiwo from different geographic areas to varying salinity. Results show that successful growth of foreign strains would be possible.     

The most acidified Austrian lake in comparison to a neutralized mining lake

This study investigated two mining lakes located in the north of Lower Austria. These lakes arose 45 years ago when open cast lignite mining ceased. The lakes are separated by a 7-m wide dam. Due to the oxidation of pyrite, both lakes have been acidified and exhibit iron, sulphate, and heavy metal concentrations several orders of magnitude higher than in circumneutral lakes. The water column of both lakes is divided into two layers by a pronounced chemocline. The smaller mining lake (AML), with pH close to of 2.6, is the most acidic lake in Austria, whereas flooding with stream water and by drainage from the surrounding fields neutralized the adjacent larger pit lake. The goal of our study was to investigate the effect of flooding on its physical, chemical and biological properties, in comparison to the pristine AML. Even relative to other extremely acidic lakes, the flora and fauna in the AML was reduced and composed of only two flagellate, one ciliate, and one rotifer species. The simplified pelagic food web in the mixolimnion consisted of heterotrophic bacteria, the mixotrophic flagellates Chlamydomonas acidophila and Ochromonas sp., the ciliate Oxytricha sp., and the rotifer Cephalodella sp. The latter two are as yet undescribed new species. The heliozoan Actinophrys sp. that may act as top predator occurred only in low abundance. The euglenid Lepocinclis buetschlii formed a stable deep chlorophyll maximum (DCM) at 7 m depth. Highest cell numbers of L. buetschlii in the DCM exceeded 10⁸ L^?1. The neutralized mining lake harboured higher plankton diversity similar to that of natural circumneutral lakes. A peak of at least 16 different phytoplankton taxa was observed during summer. The zooplankton consisted of several copepod species, daphnids and other cladocerans, and at least six different rotifer species. Several fish species occurred in the neutralized lake. Although the effect of non-permanent flooding was largely sustainable, interannual fluctuations of the pH affected the plankton community and reduced its species diversity.     

Oxygen consumption rates of fecal pellets produced by three coastal copepod species fed with a diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana

Fecal pellet production rate and oxygen consumption rate of copepod fecal pellets egested by Paracalanus sp., Acartia spinicauda and Centropages orsinii feeding on a diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana were measured. Fecal pellet production rates varied between 3.6 and 80.6 pellets ind⁻¹ d⁻¹ among three species, with fecal pellet production of Paracalanus sp. significantly higher than the other two copepod species. Average pellet size varied between 2.82 × 10⁵ μm³ for Paracalanus sp. and 5.36 × 10⁵ μm³ for A. spinicauda. Average volumetric oxygen consumption rates were 27.32, 5.84 and 45 fmol O₂ μm⁻³ d⁻¹ for fecal pellets produced by Paracalanus sp., A. spinicauda and C. orsinii, respectively. The potential oxygen consumption of fecal pellets egested from Paracalanus sp. was the highest due to its high fecal pellet production rate and high population abundance throughout the year. Overall, the approximate in situ oxygen consumption due to copepod fecal pellet degradation was significant in estuarine and coastal waters of Hong Kong. Results of this study give insight of the role of zooplankton in potential occurrence of hypoxia in coastal waters during summer.