Benthic foraminifera as bio-indicators of chemical and physical stressors in Hammerfest harbor (Northern Norway)

We investigated benthic foraminiferal assemblages in contaminated sediments in a subarctic harbor of Northern Norway to assess their utility as indicators of anthropogenic impacts. Sediments in the harbor are repositories for POPs and heavy metals supplied through discharges from industry and shipping activities. Sediment contaminant concentrations are at moderate to poor ecological quality status (EcoQS) levels. The EcoQS based on benthic foraminiferal diversity reflects a similar trend to the EcoQS based on contaminant concentrations. Foraminiferal density and diversity is low throughout the harbor with distinct assemblages reflecting influence of physical disturbances or chemical stressors. Assemblages impacted by physical disturbance are dominated by L. lobatula and E. excavatum, while assemblages impacted by chemical stressors are dominated by opportunistic species S. fusiformis, S. biformis, B. spathulata and E. excavatum. The foraminiferal assemblage from an un-impacted nearby fjord consists mainly of agglutinated taxa. These assemblages provides a valuable baseline of the ecological impacts of industrialization in northern coastal communities.     

Functions and ecological status of eight Italian lagoons examined using biological traits analysis (BTA)

The soft-bottom communities of eight Italian lagoons were analyzed for eight biological traits (feeding, mobility, adult life habitat, body size, life span, reproductive technique, type of larva and reproductive frequency) in order to identify the dominant traits in different transitional environments. We considered the ecological quality status (EcoQS) of the stations, assessed by two biotic indices, AMBI and Bentix. Stations were categorized into EcoQS classes to investigate the relationship between biological functions and ecological quality. The results indicate that the variability of the data was governed by traits linked to resource utilization rather than to life cycle. Lagoons affected by chronic disturbance displayed a poor functional composition, which usually corresponded to poor EcoQS in some cases, correlations between ecological groups and traits modalities were ecologically relevant; however, classes of EcoQS were found to be relatively independent from the functional structure of the considered stations.     

Dose-dependent response of a benthic system to biodeposition from suspended blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) culture

This study reports the results of a field experiment using benthic mesocosms that examined dose-dependent effects of mussel biodeposition on the benthic environment. Mesocosms were placed in the natural sea bottom and subjected to one of eight levels of biodeposition (from 0 to 1400 mussels m^?2). Most analyses indicated non-linear (i.e., threshold) effects. Sediment characteristics changed significantly between 200 and 400 mussels m^?2 as did multivariate community structure. Community structure effects were characterised by changes in abundances of species that are very sensitive or tolerant to organic loading. The multivariate AZTI Marine Biotic Index (M-AMBI) indicated that the benthic status changed from High to Good in all mesocosms receiving biodeposits. Sediments acted as a sink for oxygen (O₂), but results suggest O₂ sediment demand was not sensitive enough to evaluate organic loading impacts. Results from this and improved experiments can be used to determine the environmental carrying capacity of sites for bivalve culture.     

Spatial variability in the hyporheic zone refugium of temporary streams

A key ecological role hypothesized for the hyporheic zone is as a refugium that promotes survival of benthic invertebrates during adverse conditions in the surface stream. Many studies have investigated use of the hyporheic refugium during hydrological extremes (spates and streambed drying), and recent research has linked an increase in the abundance of benthic invertebrates within hyporheic sediments to increasing biotic interactions during flow recession in a temporary stream. This study examined spatial variability in the refugial capacity of the hyporheic zone in two groundwater-dominated streams in which flow permanence varied over small areas. Two non-insect taxa, Gammarus pulex and Polycelis spp. were common to both streams and were investigated in detail. Hydrological conditions in both streams comprised a four-month period of flow recession and low flows, accompanied by reductions in water depth and wetted width. Consequent declines in submerged benthic habitat availability were associated with increases in population densities of mobile benthic taxa, in particular G. pulex. The reduction in the spatial extent of the hyporheic zone was minimal, and this habitat was therefore a potential refugium from increasing biotic interactions in the benthic sediments. Concurrent increases in the hyporheic abundance and hyporheic proportion of a taxon’s total (benthic + hyporheic) population were considered as evidence of active refugium use. Such evidence was species-specific and site-specific, with refugium use being observed only for G. pulex and at sites dominated by downwelling water. A conceptual model of spatial variability in the refugial capacity of the hyporheic zone during habitat contraction is presented, which highlights the potential importance of the direction of hydrologic exchange.     

Macrophytes and phytobenthos as indicators of ecological status in German lakes — a contribution to the implementation of the water framework directive

A new assessment system for macrophytes and phytobenthos in German lakes according to the Water Framework Directive of the European Community is described. Based on biological, chemical and hydromorphological data from about 100 lake sites covering the main ecoregions, hydromorphological lake types and degradation forms, biocoenotic types could be defined. For developing a classification system the quality element macrophytes and phytobenthos was divided into two components: macrophytes and benthic diatoms. For macrophytes 4 and for benthic diatoms 4 lake types were identified. The benthic vegetation at reference conditions is described and degradation is characterised as deviation in benthic vegetation species composition and abundance from the reference biocoenosis. For classification in five ecological status classes, several metrics were developed and used in combination with existing indices. For a few of the described lake types further investigations are necessary before a classification can be developed.     

鄱阳湖水体沉积物中Zn、Cd对底栖生物的毒性效应及基准验证

以泥鳅（Misgurnus anguillicaudatus）、铜锈环棱螺（Bellamya aeruginosa）、河蚬（Corbicula fluminea）为受试生物,以死亡率、渗血率、体质量变化、行动迟钝率、挖洞率为测试指标,探究沉积物中Zn和Cd对底栖生物的21 d慢性毒性效应,并对鄱阳湖Zn和Cd的沉积物基准值进行了验证.结果表明,沉积物中Cd对底栖生物的毒性效应强于Zn,沉积物中Zn、Cd对泥鳅、铜锈环棱螺、河蚬的LC₅₀（半数致死浓度）分别为644和61 mg/kg、751和54 mg/kg、652和81 mg/kg,EC₅₀（半数效应浓度）值分别为526和49 mg/kg、589和35 mg/kg、474和45 mg/kg.经验证,沉积物Zn和Cd的TEL（临界效应浓度）、PEL（必然效应浓度）值比较合理,具有一定适用性,即当Zn、Cd的加标含量低于TEL值时,Q_TEL<1,不具有毒性;当加标含量高于PEL值时,Q_PEL>1,毒性明显.     

光照强度对水华微囊藻(Microcystis flos-aquae)群体大小增长的影响

大量微囊藻群体的形成和聚集是微囊藻水华形成的重要条件.光照强度是影响微囊藻生长的重要因素之一.为了了解光照强度对水华微囊藻(Microcystis flos-aquae)群体大小增长的影响,以太湖微囊藻水华优势种之一的水华微囊藻作为研究对象,开展了不同光照强度对水华微囊藻群体大小增长的影响研究.共设置5个不同光强处理组,依次为G1:2000 lx;G2:4000 lx;G3:8000 lx;G4:16000 lx;G5:变化光照强度(模拟野外光强).实验期间,G1~G5组大于100细胞群体的平均大小分别为255、480、630、763和662 cells/群体.胞外多糖含量分析显示水华微囊藻形成的群体越大,胞外多糖含量越高.结果表明,低光照强度不利于太湖水华微囊藻群体大小的增长,而变化光照强度和高光照强度有利于水华微囊藻群体大小的增长.研究结果解释了太湖夏季野外变化光照强度和高光照强度有利于微囊藻水华形成的原因.     

巢湖流域不同水系大型底栖动物群落结构及影响因素

2013年4月对巢湖流域8个水系147个样点的大型底栖动物进行调查,分析其群落结构及与环境因子的关系.共采集到大型底栖动物213种,隶属于3门7纲22目76科177属.8个水系大型底栖动物物种数差异较大,在杭埠河发现172种,而在十五里河仅发现10种.大型底栖动物密度组成呈现出显著的空间差异.南淝河和十五里河的寡毛纲相对密度均超过96%,派河的寡毛纲和摇蚊幼虫的相对密度分别为47.8%和41.1%.裕溪河、白石天河、柘皋河和杭埠河的腹足纲相对密度最大.杭埠河的水生昆虫相对密度达30.6%,是水生昆虫相对密度最大的水系.相似性分析结果表明,8个水系特征种差异明显,霍甫水丝蚓(Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri)是十五里河和派河的最主要优势种,而铜锈环棱螺(Bellamya aeruginosa)是兆河、裕溪河、杭埠河、白石天河和柘皋河的最主要优势种,铜锈环棱螺和霍甫水丝蚓是南淝河贡献率较大的两种优势种.生物多样性结果表明,Shannon-Wiener、Simpson及Margalef指数在8个水系间具有显著差异,Pielou指数在8个水系间差异不明显.典范对应分析结果表明,影响大型底栖动物群落结构的主要因素为水体营养状态和底质异质性.高营养盐浓度导致南淝河、派河和十五里河的耐污种密度高、生物多样性低,而相对较高的底质异质性维持了杭埠河大型底栖动物的高多样性和敏感型物种的生存.     

Lichens and mosses moisture content assessment through high‐spectral resolution remote sensing technology: a case study of the Hudson Bay Lowlands,Canada

Assessing moisture contents of lichens and mosses using ground‐based high‐spectral resolution spectrometers offers immense opportunities for a comprehensive monitoring of peatland moisture status by satellite/airborne imagery. This study investigates the impact of various moisture conditions of common subarctic lichen and moss species upon the spectral signatures obtained. The lichens are Cladina stellaris and Cladina rangiferina, and the mosses are Dicranum elongatum and Tomenthypnum nitens. Reflectance and moisture content measurements of these species were made in a laboratory setting, while maintaining the natural moisture conditions of the samples; once the moisture and spectral measurements were complete, the samples were returned to the field and placed in their natural setting, continuously receiving moisture from precipitation and groundwater and losing water through evaporation and drainage. Changes in reflectance of the visible to shortwave infrared (SWIR) range (400–2500 nm) at various moisture contents were examined, as well as the potential of current spectral reflectance indices to evaluate the plants' moisture contents was examined. Results indicate that the SWIR region is useful in identifying variations in plants moisture conditions, while the unique spectral signatures of the lichens and mosses in the visible and near‐infrared range suggest that these species may be detected by satellite and airborne imagery. Of current spectral indices, the normalized difference infrared index (NDII) was most successful in identifying the above plants' moisture content (details are discussed in the paper). Future study should focus on the development of improved moisture content spectral indices, as well as upscaling reflectance data and spectral indices. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evidence for ecosystem engineering in a lentic habitat by tadpoles of the western toad

A number of aquatic organisms have demonstrated an ability to modulate sediment deposition in tropical and temperate stream systems, but little is known about the impact of similar benthic grazing processes in temperate pond systems. Using exclosure experiments in mesocosms, we used tadpoles of the western toad (Anaxyrus boreas) to investigate two questions: (1) can grazing activities of tadpoles of the western toad in ponds reduce sediment accrual on grazing surfaces (e.g. via bioturbation or ingestion); and (2) do these grazing activities contribute to enhanced periphyton biomass and chlorophyll a content of benthic matter. Mesocosms received pulses of fine sediment weekly over 8 weeks to simulate allochthonous surface inputs following rainstorms. Accumulated sediment and periphyton matter on exposed and grazing-restricted substrate surfaces were measured weekly. Tadpole grazing activity significantly reduced the standing stock of periphyton on open grazing surfaces by 80% in controls. Under sediment-additions, tadpoles effectively removed settled particulate matter from exposed grazing surfaces, but no corresponding increase in periphyton biomass was observed. These results suggest that tadpoles can impact the dynamics of sediment distribution in ponds as well as streams, providing support for a role as “ecosystem engineers” in these habitats.     

Selective zooplanktivory of an invasive Ponto-Caspian mysid and possible consequences for the zooplankton community structure of invaded habitats

The impact of invasive alien species on native species is of increasing global concern. Invasive species can cause food-web shifts that have severe consequences for native species and ecosystems. However, the mechanisms by which the invaders influence the native communities are poorly understood. Here we investigated the interactions of the invasive Ponto-Caspian mysid Limnomysis benedeni with native freshwater zooplankton in laboratory and mesocosm experiments. This mysid migrates between benthic and pelagic zones and thereby forms a potential trophic link between these habitats. In laboratory predation experiments, L. benedeni fed both on Daphnia galeata and D. magna, and predation rates depended on the sizes of predator and prey but not on the availability of light. However, no predation was observed at prey sizes greater than 2 mm, which appears to be the upper size limit for a successful prey capture by L. benedeni. In outdoor mesocosm experiments, L. benedeni strongly decreased the densities of cladocerans, rotifers and copepod nauplii within a few days, while the densities of copepods were unaffected. Prey selection indices provide further evidence for strongly selective predation of L. benedeni on different zooplankton taxa. The presence of phytoplankton as an additional resource for the omnivorous mysid led to a lower predation pressure of L. benedeni on Cladocera and rotifers, indicating that the presence of alternative prey modulates the strength of the top-down effect of invasive mysids on the zooplankton community. These results suggest that the invasion of L. benedeni can have profound and complex impacts on the community structure of the native zooplankton fauna and that mysid invasions potentially have whole-ecosystem consequences.     

Assessing basin storage: Comparison of hydrometric- and tracer-based indices of dynamic and total storage

Storage is a fundamental but elusive component of drainage basin function, influencing synchronization between precipitation input and streamflow output and mediating basin sensitivity to climate and land use/land cover (LULC) change. We compare hydrometric and isotopic approaches to estimate indices of dynamic and total basin storage, respectively, and assess inter-basin differences in these indices across the Oak Ridges Moraine (ORM) region of southern Ontario, Canada. Dynamic storage indices for the 20 study basins included the ratio of baseflow to total streamflow (baseflow index BFI), Q ₉₉ flow and flow duration curve (FDC) slope. Ratios of the standard deviation of the streamflow stable isotope signal relative to that of precipitation were determined for each basin from a 1 year bi-weekly sampling program and used as indicators of total storage. Smaller ratios imply longer water travel times, smaller young water fractions (F _yw, < ~2–3 months in age) in streamflow and greater basin storage. Ratios were inversely related to BFI and Q ₉₉, and positively related to FDC slope, suggesting longer travel times and smaller F _yw for basins with stable baseflow-dominated streamflow regimes. Inter-basin differences in all indices reflected topographic, hydrogeologic and LULC controls on storage, which was greatest in steep, forest-covered headwaters underlain by permeable deposits with thick and relatively uniform unsaturated zones. Nevertheless, differential sensitivity of indices to controls on storage indicates the value of using several indices to capture more completely how basin characteristics influence storage. Regression relationships between storage indices and basin characteristics provided reasonable predictions of aspects of the streamflow regime of test basins in the ORM region. Such relationships and the underlying knowledge of controls on basin storage in this landscape provide the foundation for initial predictions of relative differences in streamflow response to regional changes in climate and LULC.     

应用底栖动物完整性指数评价太湖生态健康

依据2010年春季至2012年秋季,太湖32个样点的底栖动物和环境变量共11次的季节性调查结果,采用干扰程度最小系统法定义构建底栖动物生物完整性指数的参照系统,提出了确定参照系统的4个基本条件,进而按非湖心区和湖心区两个生态区分别构建太湖底栖动物完整性指数(LTB-IBI).通过对候选生物参数的分布范围筛选、判别能力分析、与理化因子的相关性和参数间的冗余分析,获得了非湖心区LTB-IBI的4个构成指数:总分类单元数、Simpson多样性指数、前3位优势单元%和BMWP指数,以及湖心区LTB-IBI的5个构成指数:总分类单元数、Simpson多样性指数、甲壳+软体分类单元数、前3位优势单元%和BMWP指数.采用比值法统一构成指数量纲,分别构建了非湖心区和湖心区LTBIBI指数,评价太湖水生态健康的等级.2010-2012年,太湖生态健康总体上呈现逐步提升的趋势.影响太湖底栖动物完整性的重要环境变量是水体中的氮含量.研究表明,连续观察数据可较大程度上提高太湖LTB-IBI指数的可靠性和评价结果的合理性.     

Ecological classification of macrophytes and phytobenthos for rivers in Germany according to the water framework directive

A new assessment system for macrophytes and phytobenthos in German rivers meeting the requirements of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) of the European Community is described. Biocoenotic types based on biological, chemical and hydromorphological data from over 200 river sites covering the main ecoregions, hydromorphological stream types and degradation forms have been defined. For developing a classification system the quality element macrophytes and phytobenthos was divided into three components: macrophytes, benthic diatoms and remaining phytobenthos. For macrophytes seven types including one subtype, for benthic diatoms 14 types including three subtypes and for the remaining phytobenthos five river types were identified. The benthic vegetation at reference condition was described for most of the river types. Degradation is characterised as deviation in benthic vegetation species composition and abundance from the reference biocoenosis. For classification in five ecological status classes, several metrics were developed and used in combination with existing indices. For some of the described river types additional investigations are necessary before a classification system can be developed.     

湖滨带开发利用对大型底栖动物群落结构的影响:以洪泽湖为例

湖滨带是湖泊与陆地生态系统间非常重要的生态过渡带,能够保障周围生态系统结构的完整以及功能的正常发挥.随着湖滨带被持续开发与利用,人为干扰对湖滨带的影响逐渐增强.大型底栖动物是淡水生态系统的重要生物类群之一,也是物质循环和能量流动的主要环节,起着承上启下的关键作用.为了解湖滨带开发利用对大型底栖动物群落结构的影响,2020年8月对洪泽湖湖滨带49个样点的大型底栖动物进行调查.共采集到大型底栖动物49种,隶属3门7纲17目26科44属,各样点大型底栖动物的密度差别较大,介于6.67~1386.67 ind./m²之间,整体上呈现西北高,东南低的趋势.相似性分析结果表明,河口型湖滨带和大堤型湖滨带与其他类型湖滨带差异显著,而围网型、圈圩型和光滩型3种湖滨带类型之间的大型底栖动物群落差异均不显著.相似性百分比分析结果表明,腹足纲的环棱螺属是造成不同湖滨带类型差异的主要物种.典范对应分析结果表明,悬浮物（SS）、溶解态总氮、pH、透明度（SD）、浊度、水生植物盖度和扰动指数对大型底栖动物群落有显著影响.考虑不同湖滨带宽度的开发利用情况,发现湖滨带开发利用200 m范围内,物种-环境解释率最高,说明200 m湖滨带范围内的开发利用情况对大型底栖动物的影响最大,对湖滨带200 m范围内的开发利用应该加强管控.结构方程模型表明湖滨带开发利用主要通过影响水生植物盖度、总氮、硝态氮、叶绿素a、SS、SD等进而影响大型底栖动物,且围网也会直接影响大型底栖动物群落结构.     

Effects of an oil spill on benthic community production and respiration on subtropical intertidal sandflats

This study determined effects of an oil spill on subtropical benthic community production and respiration by monitoring CO₂ fluxes in benthic chambers on intertidal sandflats during emersion before and after an accidental spill. The oil spill decreased sediment chlorophyll a concentrations, altered benthic macrofaunal community, and affected ecological functioning by suppressing or even stopping microalgal production, increasing bacterial respiration, and causing a shift from an autotrophic system to a heterotrophic system. Effects of the oil spill on the macrofauna were more severe than on benthic microalgae, and affected sedentary infauna more than motile epifauna. Despite the oil spill’s impact on the benthic community and carbon metabolism, the affected area appeared to return to normal in about 23 days. Our results suggest that the prompt response of benthic metabolism to exposure to petroleum hydrocarbons can serve as a useful indicator of the impact of an oil spill.     

基于浮游植物的城市湖泊生态健康评价——以长江下游铜陵市西湖为例

为了解铜陵西湖浮游植物群落结构与水生态健康状况,于2016年9月至2017年7月进行6次调查.结果显示：（1）浮游植物共检出6门88种,总密度变化范围为8.20×10⁵~1.60×10⁸ cells/L,均值为2.19×10⁷cells/L,生物量变化范围为1.34~27.76 mg/L,均值为9.45 mg/L,优势种为铜绿微囊藻（Microcystis aeruginosa）、浮游蓝丝藻（Planktothrix sp.）和微囊藻（Microcystis sp.）;（2） RDA分析表明浮游植物生物量主要受水温、悬浮物、总氮、亚硝态氮和总磷影响;（3）浮游植物隶属于22组功能群,基于功能群的Q指数表明,铜陵西湖水质整体处于“中等”状态,7月水生态状况最差,11月最佳;（4）依据候选参数与环境因子的相关性,最终选定生物量、密度和Margalef指数来构建铜陵西湖浮游植物生物完整性指数（P-IBI）,其评估结果与Q指数呈显著正相关,但P-IBI评估结果（整体为“较差”状态）更为严格.本研究阐述铜陵西湖浮游植物群落结构特征,并基于浮游植物Q指数和P-IBI评估其生态健康状况,相关研究结果可为其水环境管理及城市湖泊生态健康评估提供一定的科学参考.     

5个湖泊河川沙塘鳢(Odontobutis potamophila)种群线粒体细胞色素b基因的遗传变异分析

通过对5个湖泊的河川沙塘鳢种群的线粒体DNA细胞色素b基因进行PCR扩增、测序,获得1141 bp的序列全长.序列分析显示,cyt b基因序列中A+T含量(55.8%)略高于G+C含量(44.2%),共检测到806个多态位点,115个样本得到87个单倍型,平均单倍型多样性为0.969±0.012,核苷酸多样性为0.20081±0.00742,遗传多样性表现高度多样性.太湖种群与大纵湖种群间的遗传距离最近,为0.137,巢湖种群和大纵湖种群之间遗传距离最远,为0.424.分子方差分析表明,群体间遗传分化系数Fst为0.531,变异来自群体内及群体间.cyt b基因序列构建的UPGMA系统进化树显示,5个种群分化成不同的分支系谱,种群间存在的基因交流较少.     

Development of new spectral reflectance indices for the detection of lichens and mosses moisture content in the Hudson Bay Lowlands,Canada

Assessing moisture contents of lichens and mosses using ground‐based high‐spectral resolution spectrometers offers immense opportunities for a comprehensive monitoring of peatland moisture status by satellite/airborne imagery. This study investigates the impact of various moisture conditions of the lichens Cladina stellaris and Cladina rangiferina, and the mosses Dicranum elongatum and Tomenthypnum nitens on the spectral signatures obtained. Reflectance and moisture content measurements of these species were made in a laboratory setting, while maintaining the natural moisture conditions of the samples; once the moisture and spectral measurements were complete, the samples were returned to the field and placed in their natural setting, continuously receiving moisture from precipitation and groundwater and losing water through evaporation and drainage. Previously, we correlated the present spectral indices with the moisture contents of the above species, whereas the current study developed new species‐specific indices to improve the detection of the plants' moisture contents. The relationship between the plants' moisture content and the water table position was examined as well. It was found that the lichens are not responsive to variations in the water table position, whereas the mosses, specifically D. elongatum, are quite sensitive to changes in the water table position. Thus, the use of the mosses spectral indices may contribute to an indirect evaluation of the water table position. Overall, the results suggest that the unique spectral signatures of the above species can be detected by satellite and airborne imagery, whereas the mosses, can be used as indicators of peatlands moisture status. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

M m: Extension to Love waves of the concept of a variable-period mantle magnitude

We extend to Love waves the concept of the mantle magnitudeM _mintroduced recently for Rayleigh waves. Spectral amplitudesX() of Love waves in the 50–300 s period range are measured on broad-band records from major events. A distance correctionC _D, regionalized to reflect the influence of different tectonic paths, and a source correctionC _S, compensating for the variation of excitation with period are effected; the exact geometry and depth of the event are however ignored. The resulting expression