Colonization Of Artificial Substrates Research Articles

Colonization of Artificial Substrates by Macroinvertebrates: An Approach for Assessing the Water Quality of the La Vega River in Tunja, Boyaca ́

Los macroinvertebrados son organismos utilizados en el monitoreo de la calidad del agua. Se evaluó la calidad ecológica del río La Vega a su paso por la Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia (UPTC) a través del análisis de la colonización de sustratos artificiales por macroinvertebrados acuáticos. Se seleccionaron cinco puntos de muestreo, en donde se ubicaron dos ladrillos, uno de arcilla y uno madera, para permitir la colonización por estos organismos. En cada punto se realizó la recolección de macroinvertebrados, junto con la medición de variables fisicoquímicas y ambientales. Se destacan familias como Physidae, Polycentropodidae y Chironomidae, con una colonización notable en el ladrillo de madera debido a la mayor capacidad de adherencia proporcionada. Además, se encontró una fuerte correlación entre los macroinvertebrados y variables como intensidad lumínica, oxígeno disuelto, conductividad y profundidad del río. Finalmente se evidenció una mala calidad del agua en el río según el Índice Biótico Andino (ABI), posiblemente por la influencia de actividades antrópicas.

Impact of hydrodynamics on community structure and metabolic production of marine biofouling formed in a highly energetic estuary

Biofouling is a specific lifestyle including both marine prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities. Hydrodynamics are poorly studied parameters affecting biofouling formation. This study aimed to investigate how water dynamics in the Etel Estuary (Northwest Atlantic coasts of France) influences the colonization of artificial substrates. Hydrodynamic conditions, mainly identified as shear stress, were characterized by measuring current velocity, turbulence intensity and energy using Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP). One-month biofouling was analyzed by coupling metabarcoding (16S rRNA, 18S rRNA and COI genes), untargeted metabolomics (liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry, LC-HRMS) and characterization of the main biochemical components of the microbial exopolymeric matrix. A higher richness was observed for biofouling communities (prokaryotes and eukaryotes) exposed to the strongest currents. Ectopleura (Cnidaria) and its putative symbionts Endozoicomonas (Gammaproteobacteria) were dominant in the less dynamic conditions. Eukaryotes assemblages were specifically shaped by shear stress, leading to drastic changes in metabolite profiles. Under high hydrodynamic conditions, the exopolymeric matrix increased and was composed of 6 times more polysaccharides than proteins, these latter playing a crucial role in the adhesion and cohesion properties of biofilms. This original multidisciplinary approach demonstrated the importance of shear stress on both the structure of marine biofouling and the metabolic response of these complex communities.

New ecological frontiers in the plastisphere: Diatoms and macroinvertebrates turnover assessment by a traits-based approach

To date, there are very few studies regarding the colonization of artificial substrates in wetlands by macroinvertebrates and diatoms and even fewer are the studies in Italy that take into consideration the diatomic guilds and the biological and ecological traits proposed in literature. Wetlands are at the forefront through the most delicate and threatened freshwater ecosystems. In this study, we want to evaluate the colonization capacity of plastics of diatoms and macroinvertebrates and characterize the diatomic and macroinvertebrate communities using a “traits-based” approach focusing on the colonization of virgin substrates made of polystyrene and polyethylene terephthalate. The study was conducted within the ‘Torre Flavia wetland Special Protection Area’ a protected wetland area in Central Italy. The study was conducted from November 2019 to August 2020. The results obtained in this study show a tendency of diatom species to colonize artificial plastic supports placed in lentic environments without differences related to the plastic type and water depth. There is also a greater number of species belonging to the “Motile” guild, endowed with a high motility that they exploit to search for more ecologically suitable habitats for settlement. Macroinvertebrates, prefer settlement on polystyrene supports, those on the surface, probably due to the anoxic conditions present on the bottom and the physical structure of the polystyrene that provides shelter to many animal taxa. The analysis on traits highlighted the establishment of an ecologically diverse community mainly formed by univoltine organisms, with dimensions between 5 and 20 mm, predators, choppers and scrapers feeding on plant organisms and animals, but without the formation of a clear ecological system, that is, without evidence of ecological relationships established between two or more taxa. Our research can contribute to underline the ecological complexity of biota inhabiting plastic litter in freshwaters and the implications for plastic-impacted ecosystems biodiversity enrichment.

Colonization of Artificial Substrates by Invertebrate Macrofauna in a River Ecosystem-Implications for Forensic Entomology.

Forensic entomology includes the analysis of organisms colonizing various parts of the body in order to determine the circumstances of an incident, mainly the time, place, and cause of death. The presence of insects and other arthropods on carcasses can be a source of knowledge for the judicial system. However, this type of research (on submerged bodies) is less published. The aim of our study was to analyse the qualitative and quantitative structure of macroinvertebrates colonizing potential evidence in an upland river. The experimental research involved an eight-week exposure to articles of clothing made of different materials: natural materials (bottom sediments with plants from a river), synthetic (socks), and cotton (t-shirts). Control samples of water after 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks were taken from experiment locations in the River Bystrzyca with a tube apparatus and hand net. The results indicated that the abundance of organisms on a given substrate depended on the period of development of invertebrate macrofauna and the time of exposure of the substrates. The abundance of aquatic macrofauna on the exposed items increased in direct proportion to the duration of the experiment, which may indicate the adaptability of these organisms to new habitat conditions. Among the taxonomic groups used in forensic entomology, Diptera, Coleoptera, and Odonata were the most abundant. The remaining taxa (including Heteroptera), though not widely used in judicial proceedings, can also provide valuable information about the circumstances of an incident.

Macroinvertebrates’ response to different land use in lowland streams from Uruguay: use of artificial substrates for biomonitoring

ABSTRACT The use of macroinvertebrates as indicators of water quality is an effective and low-cost tool, which is widely implemented in biomonitoring programmes. Certain taxa are characteristic of impaired watercourses (e.g. Oligochaeta, Chironomidae and Amphipoda), while others are characteristic of good-quality watercourses (e.g. Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera; EPT). In this work, we evaluated the response of the macroinvertebrate assemblages to different land uses. For this purpose, artificial substrate colonization experiments were conducted in streams including urban (U, n = 3), intensive agriculture and dairy production (AD, n = 4) and extensive cattle ranching (CR, n = 4) land uses. Because in Uruguay pristine ecosystems are practically non-existent and streams of low order streams associated with extensive cattle production represent the lowest deterioration water quality condition, CR sites were used as control reference streams. Physicochemical water parameters were measured. For macroinvertebrate sampling, 10 artificial substrates were installed in each stream. A total of 110 artificial substrates were analysed. Each sample/site consisted of a plastic mesh bag of 1.2 cm opening, which were filled with 160 cm3 (including 73.3 ± 5.8 cm3 interstitial water) of stones sieved between 1.3 and 1.5 cm. During the summer of 2018 (February), devices were left in streams for 15 days for communities to colonize them. U and AD land use represented the stressors with the highest impact on the attributes and composition of the macroinvertebrate communities. Abundance of EPT was higher in CR, meanwhile Caenogastropoda dominated in AD, and Amphipoda in U sites. Macroinvertebrate groups to order level classification were able to effectively discriminate between different land uses. The use of artificial substrate also demonstrated to be efficient method for monitoring macroinvertebrate community. We did not find a correlation between the physicochemical water parameters and the macroinvertebrate community. In this context, we propose a rapid and cost-effective biomonitoring approach, capable of estimating the degree of impact of different land uses.

Surface Characteristics Together With Environmental Conditions Shape Marine Biofilm Dynamics in Coastal NW Mediterranean Locations

Microbial colonization of artificial substrates in coastal areas, which concerns hull ships, sensors as well as plastic debris, is of huge significance to attain a rational environmental management. Some surface and environmental drivers of biofilm development have previously been described but their relative impact on the formation of biofilms remains unknown while crucial. Especially, there is no evidence of the relative importance of physical surface properties (wettability, roughness, smoothness) compared to seawater characteristics in driving biofilm abundance and diversity. In addition, few studies have considered the temporal evolution of this complex form of colonization, which often prevent to globally understand the process. Using experimental facilities in two Mediterrranean locations, a multidisciplinary approach including surface characterizations as well as seawaterquality analyses, flow cytometry and 16S rDNA metabarcoding, allowed for the identification of the main drivers of colonization for two antifouling (AF) coatings. One AF coating released copper (SPC1) while the other limit colonization thanks to physical properties, namely a low surface energy, roughness and smoothness (FRC1). Results were obtained over 75 days and compared to a control surface (PVC). Biofilm development was observed on all surfaces, with increasing density from AF coatings to PVC. Pionneer bacteria were dissimilar within all three surface types, however, communities observed on FRC1 converged toward PVC ones overtime, whereas SPC1 communities remained highly specific. A remarkably low and unique diversity was found on SPC1 during the experiment as Alteromonas accounted for more than 90% of the community colonizing this substrate until 12 days, and remained one of the co-dominant taxa of mature biofilms. Moreover, clear differences were found between geographical locations. Low nutrients and higher hydrodymanics in Banyuls bay resulted in less dense biofilms overall compared to Toulon, but also in a the slower dynamic of biofilm formation. This is illustrated by the persistence of pioneer Alteromonas but also Hyphomonadacae after 75 days on SPC1. We concluded that, even if local environmental conditions influenced the composition of biofilm communities, particular physical features may control the biofilm density but not the diversity, while copper releasing coating controlled both. In addition, it is evident from these results that sequential biofilm dynamics should carefully be considered as initial processes of formation differed from the long-term ones.

Seasonal variability in body-size spectrum of periphytic protozoa during colonization of artificial substrates for marine bioassessment

To identify the seasonal variability of body-size spectrum for monitoring surveys based on periphytic protozoa, a one-year baseline survey was carried out in a coastal region of Yellow Sea, northern China. A total of 240 glass slides were collected after immersion times of 3, 7, 10, 14, 21 and 28 days in a four season cycle, i.e., winter, spring, summer, and autumn. Body-size ranks S2 and S5 dominated the periphytic protozoan communities from the initial stage (from day 3) to the next periods in spring and autumn, while body-size ranks S7, S8 and S4 showed high variety at the equilibrium stages (from day 10) in summer and winter. The expectation analysis revealed that the samples had different patterns of departure from the anticipated body-size spectrum in each season. This study shows that an ideal sampling approach needs to be established when protozoa is used as bioindicators of marine water quality.

Genetic insights into recolonization processes of Mediterranean octocorals

Marine ecosystems are strongly impacted by the consequences of human activities, such as habitat destruction or artificialization and climate change. In the Mediterranean Sea, sessile benthic species, and particularly octocorals, have been affected by mass mortality events linked with positive thermal anomalies. The future survival of octocoral populations impacted by global change will depend on their recolonization abilities facing local extirpation or important modification of their habitat. We studied these processes in Mediterranean octocorals in two situations: the colonization of artificial substrates (wrecks) by the red gorgonian Paramuricea clavata, and the recolonization following mortality events in the yellow gorgonian Eunicella cavolini. With microsatellite markers (seven for P. clavata, five for E. cavolini), we analyzed the genetic diversity of populations on artificial substrates and their differentiation from other neighboring populations. For P. clavata the populations on artificial substrates were not or lowly differentiated from the closest populations (1.3–1.6 km) on natural substrates, and showed similar levels of genetic diversity. Artificial substrates can then be considered as an interesting substitute for natural substrates for this species. For E. cavolini we did not detect any variation in diversity or relatedness following recuperation after mortality events. In both cases, our results suggest the input from different populations in the recolonization process, which helps in maintaining the genetic diversity. These results are useful for the management of these species and of associated ecosystems.

Trophic-functional patterns of marine periphytic protozoan communities during colonization of artificial substrates immersed at different depths in Chinese coastal waters of the Yellow Sea

Trophic-functional patterns of periphytic protozoan communities are routinely used as a tool for marine bioassessment. In this study, a biofilm sampling approach was used to evaluate the effect of water depth on trophic-functional groupings of periphytic protozoa during the colonization process in Chinese coastal waters of the Yellow Sea. A total of 240 glass microscope slides were used to collect the protozoan assemblages at four water depths, i.e., 1, 2, 3.5 and 5 m, after immersion periods of 3, 7, 10, 14, 21 and 28 d. Four trophic-functional groups (TFgrs) were recorded from a 92-species abundance dataset, namely algivores (TFgr A), non-selectives (TFgr N), bacterivores (TFgr B) and predators (TFgr R), comprising 39, 26, 17 and 10 species, respectively. The TFgrs differed with depth in the water column in both relative species number and relative abundances. TFgrs A and N generally dominated the samples and increased in abundance with increasing depth from 1 m to 3.5 m, whereas TFgrs B and R decreased in abundance with increasing depth. Distance-based redundancy analysis (dbRDA) demonstrated that the colonization dynamics in trophic-functional patterns differed among the four depths. Multidimensional scaling ordinations (MDS) based on bootstrap average analyses revealed a clear shift in trophic-functional groupings from surface to deeper layers. This study shows that an optimal sampling strategy needs to be developed for marine bioassessment.

Colonización y supervivencia de epibiontes sésiles en substratos artificiales similares a rizóforos de Rhizophora mangle (Rhizophoraceae) en La Mancha, México

La Mancha coastal lagoon, in the Gulf of Mexico, has an inlet that opens and closes seasonally, causing important fluctuations in flood-levels and exposing the intertidal zone to high solar radiation, high temperatures and desiccation. With the aim to examine the accumulated effect of variation in flood-levels on colonization and survival of sessile intertidal invertebrates on artificial substrates in a fringe mangrove forest, a field experiment was conducted from November-2000 to September-2001. A total of 72 PVC-stakes 2 m long were encased with cement to resemble rhizophores (prop roots) of Rhizophora mangle. They were then embedded in mud at four sampling stations (18 per station: 9 in a shaded site and 9 in a sunny site), and groups of 6 were collected from each sampling station (3 from each shaded site and 3 from each sunny site) without replacement at the end of each climatic period (nortes, dry and rainy). The open-closed condition of the inlet and the flood-level were monitored during different days throughout the 308-day experiment period. Temporal, spatial and vertical distribution of Species richness (S) and abundance of living and dead individuals were registered, and the data was analyzed by ANOVA. Only seven species colonized the substrates, the majority of them were recorded throughout the year and in all sampling stations. There was no seasonal succession of species. At the end of the experiment, only 20 % of the epibionts had survived. The polychaete Ficopomatus miamiensis was the most abundant, but had significantly lower survival than the other species (0–14 %). Epibionts preferred to settle in shaded sites rather than sunny ones regardless of the sampling station and the climatic season. In conclusion, artificial substrate colonization was successful but the majority of epibionts died because of long exposure and desiccation after the inlet was opened by local fishermen. Manual digging of the sand-barrier by local fishermen, disrupts the natural flooding cycles of the lagoon, and could severely impact the future development of mangrove communities.

Aquatic macroinvertebrate colonization of artificial substrates in low-order streams

One of the factors that determine the presence and establishment of the benthic biota in aquatic ecosystems is the nature of the available substrate. The colonization of artificial substrates for macroinvertebrates has often been used as a tool in environmental assessments by operating facilities it provides. The present study aimed to determine whether or not macrofauna exhibit selectivity for different types of artificial substrates. Colonization recipients containing different substrates were immersed in three small streams in the region of Sao Carlos, Sao Paulo, for 30 days. To evaluate selectivity for each substrate type, a comparison was made between the colonizing and resident fauna in each stream. Data analysis indicated that macroinvertebrate fauna exhibited selectivity for different artificial substrate types in the streams studied. These results point to the need for knowledge of water body characteristics prior to study (e. g., types of substrates in stream beds and surrounding vegetation, etc.) in order to choose the types that are better colonized by specific groups of macroinvertebrates.

Rapid colonisation of artificial substrates by macroinvertebrates in a South African lentic environment

Macroinvertebrate colonisation patterns on artificial substrates were investigated in a small reservoir in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Semi-closed 1 000 cm3 polythene netting cages filled with either brick, gravel, shredded plastic, or equal proportions of these three materials, were suspended above the benthic substrate. Gravel was preferred by caenid mayflies and chironomids, plastic by odonates, and brick by potamonautid crabs. Colonisation rates were rapid, with half the substrate-specific asymptotic diversity and richness being attained within a week. Overall, taxon richness on the substrates was similar to that in samples collected with a sweep net, but diversity was almost half. Taxon richness was found to be highest on the gravel and brick substrates, and lowest on plastic. By contrast, macroinvertebrate communities on the plastic and mixed substrates were the most diverse and the most even. All substrates, with the exception of gravel, showed that the number of odonates was significantly positively correlated with the number of potential prey that included chironomid midges, caenid mayflies and caddisfly larvae. It is recommended that plastic be used to construct artificial substrates if a high macroinvertebrate diversity is required for monitoring purposes within lentic environments.

Variation in the Colonization of Artificial Substrates by Mangrove Root Fouling Species of the Port Royal Mangrove Lagoons in the Eutrophic Kingston Harbour, Jamaica

The aim of this study was to investigate temporal changes in mangrove root fouling species settled on artificial substrates in the mangrove zone of the Port Royal lagoons and to determine the effect of stress as part of a larger project to determine appropriate indicators of eutrophication in mangrove lagoons. Five Perspex? panels were suspended in the prop root zone at five contrasting stations within the Port Royal mangroves and the fouling organisms were monitored fortnightly using underwater digital photography. Nine taxonomic categories of epibionts were recorded of which the most prevalent group was the ascidians. Barnacles and hydroids were initially found to have established on the artificial substrates at all stations but were quickly replaced by ascidians and bryozoans at most. Species composition was similar between all stations by the end of the study, however, the dominant taxa were different. Sheltered lagoons like Fort Rocky lagoon (north and south) had a clear dominance of non-shelled species (ascidians and polychaetes) by the end of the study, while molluscs- bivalves and barnacles dominated Hurricane Refuge lagoon. This station, deemed to be experiencing greatest stress due to exposure to the eutrophic Kingston Harbour, also had the greatest proportion of shelled taxa represented in the epibiont biomass at the end of the study. Differences in biomass and species composition of root fouling species can therefore be used to indicate water quality in the mangrove lagoons.

Developing biomonitoring protocols for shallow Arctic lakes using diatoms and artificial substrate samplers

Growing concerns over effects of climate warming and other stressors on shallow Arctic lakes and ponds stimulate the need to develop and implement effective protocols to track changes in ecological integrity. This study assesses seasonal and spatial variability of periphytic diatom communities in a shallow Arctic lake in northern Yukon Territory to establish biomonitoring protocols. Artificial substrate samplers, which mimic macrophytes, allow direct measurement of biotic responses to shifting environmental conditions and control for possible confounding factors (e.g., accrual time and microhabitat type). Artificial substrate samplers were deployed at three locations and retrieved at three times (early, mid, and late) during the ice-free season. Analyses identified that diatom abundance increased exponentially and community composition changed significantly over the ice-free season, despite little variability in water chemistry, but did not differ among the three sampling locations within the lake. Patterns of seasonal succession in diatom community composition were characterized by first arrival of well-dispersed taxa, which included several planktonic taxa, followed by a transitional phase composed of planktonic and periphytic taxa, and culminated with dominance by periphytic species, mainly Achnanthes minutissima (Kutzing). Results highlight the role of seasonal succession on artificial substrate colonization and the need to deploy artificial substrate samplers for the duration of the ice-free season to capture peak periphytic algal abundance. Low spatial variability of shallow Arctic lakes allows for samplers to be deployed at one single location to characterize diatom community composition.

Colonização de substrato artificial pelo mexilhão dourado, Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857) (Bivalvia, Mytiloida, Mytilidae), no Delta do Rio Jacuí (RS, Brasil)

Colonization of artificial substrate by golden mussel, Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857), in the Jacui River Delta, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. In order to test a colonization method for Limnoperna fortunei, experiments were carried out in the Jacui River Delta (Rio Grande do Sul State), using wood substrate (X form). The sampling localities are in the Jacui River Delta: Jacui Canal (CJ) and Port Docks (PO). In December (2005), three replicas of substrate were exposed at different depth levels (1; 1.5 and 2m) in each sampling locality (total of 18 replicas). In March, all substrates were collected from the water and transported to the laboratory. The substrates were dehumidified in a Pasteur oven (60°C). The individual adults (> 0.5mm) incrusted on different sides of the substrate (upperside, underside, lateral sides 1 and 2) were removed and quantified under a stereoscopic microscope. The average densities (ind.m-2) and standard errors of golden mussel adults were: CJ, 309.19 ± 30.70 and PO, 39.40 ± 6.00. The Kruskal-Wallis test (α = 0.05) did not present any significant differences between the depth levels (p = 0.715) or substrate sides (p = 0.617). However, the U Test presented differences (p < 0.0001) between sampling localities. The average densities of adult individuals verified in this study were situated between extreme values recorded earlier for wood substrate colonization, i. e. they were higher than those obtained for the Paraguay River and lower than those obtained for the Parana River.

Macroinvertebrate colonisation of artificial substrates in a Nigerian river I: gravel and leaf litter

Benthic macroinvertebrate colonisation of artificial gravel and leaf litter substrates over periods of four to 40 days was examined in the Ogba River, Benin City, Nigeria. Of all the assemblages of organisms identified (398 individuals, 27 taxa) on different substrates, 38% occurred on gravel and 62% occurred on leaf litter. The dominant taxonomic groups were Crustacea, Ephemeroptera and Diptera. The taxa colonised the artificial substrates at different rates. Early colonisers, recorded after four days' exposure, included Adenophlebiodes sp. (Ephemeroptera), Desmocaris trispinosa (Decapoda: Crustacea) and Clinotanypus maculata (Diptera). Potamalpheops monodi (Decapoda: Crustacea) was a late coloniser recorded after 20 days' exposure. Higher diversity and evenness were recorded from the gravel substrate than from leaf litter. Sorensen's quotient and Jaccard's coefficient showed that there were similarities in the benthic fauna composition between the two artificial substrates.

Effects of river pollution on the colonisation of artificial substrates by macrozoobenthos

The impact of pesticides on macrobenthos communities was studied on two aquatic environments in Northern Italy; River Meolo, a site exposed to agricultural pollution, and River Upper Livenza a low pollution reference site. Colonisation of artificial substrates was compared throughout the productive season. The relevance of multiple environmental stressors other than pesticides (e.g. oxygen depletion) was also assessed. Biochemical indicators (enzyme and metabolite biomarkers) were measured on selected organisms. Biomarker results (acetylcholinesterase, glutathione S-transferase, and napthylacetate esterase), as well as community structure patterns, revealed a significant difference between the two rivers. Cause–effect relationships between results and multiple stress factors were discussed.

Relevance of Polymeric Matrix Enzymes During Biofilm Formation

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) contribute to biofilm stability and adhesion properties. The EPS matrix might also be a site for free extracellular enzyme activity; however, little is known about participation of enzyme activity in EPS during biofilm formation. In this study, we analyzed the activities of beta-glucosidase, leu-aminopeptidase, and beta-glucosaminidase during the colonization of artificial substrata (glass tiles) in a stream distinguishing enzyme activity in EPS matrix (matrix-enzymes) and total biofilm extracellular enzyme activity. The 1-h incubation of a biofilm suspension and cation-exchange resin followed by centrifugation seems appropriate to extract the matrix fraction (supernatant) and measure matrix enzymes (including free and linked to EPS) in freshwater biofilms, although there is a methodological limitation for using a biofilm suspension instead of an undisrupted biofilm. Total biofilm activities and matrix-enzyme activities showed similar capabilities to decompose organic matter compounds, with a greater capacity for peptide decomposition (leu-aminopeptidase) than for polysaccharides (beta-glucosidase), and a low decomposition of chitin and peptidoglycan (beta-glucosaminidase). Matrix-enzyme activity increased with colonization time, but more slowly than that of total enzyme activity. At the beginning of the colonization experiment (days 1-4) matrix enzymes accounted for 65-81% of total biofilm enzyme activity. Higher proportion of polysaccharides in EPS versus total biofilm, and higher matrix-enzyme activities per microgram of polysaccharides in the EPS were measured during the first 1-3 days of biofilm formation, indicating a high rate of enzyme release into the matrix during this period. Relative contribution of matrix-enzyme activities decreased as biofilm matures, but was maintained at 13-37% of total enzyme activity at the 42- to 49-day-old biofilm. These enzymes, retained and conserved in the EPS, may contribute to community metabolism. When analyzing extracellular enzymes in biofilms, the contribution of matrix enzymes must be considered, especially for young biofilms.

Artificial substrate colonization by invertebrates in two high altitude alpine streams

(2006). Artificial substrate colonization by invertebrates in two high altitude alpine streams. SIL Proceedings, 1922-2010: Vol. 29, No. 4, pp. 1866-1870.

Specificity of Life Conditions for Commercial Invertebrates on Artificial Substrates in the Eutrophicated Amur Bay, the Sea of Japan

The consequences of anthropogenic impact on the water area of Amur Bay (the Sea of Japan) near Vladivostok include the eutrophication of coastal waters and littering with various objects used as artificial substrates, which protect sedentary animals from predators and contribute to the survival of their larvae. An indicator of eutrophication, the diatom Skeletonema costatum accounting for 81–96% of the total abundance of phytoplankton (Stonik and Selina, 1995), is consumed mainly by barnacles and the Pacific oyster. Thus, these animals gain an advantage in the colonization of artificial substrates. The results of the study suggest that eutrophication will lead to changes in the structure of the marine community.