Blackwater Ecosystems Research Articles

Crude Oil Degradation Potentials of Bacterial Communities from Humic Freshwater Ecosystem of Eniong River Sediment Samples

Crude oil degradation potentials of bacterial communities from humic freshwater sediment of Eniong River were determined using diverse bacteriological and analytical procedures. The humic sediment harbours remarkable bacteria load such as heterotrophic bacteria with a mean count of 5.94±0.41 log10cfu/g, sulphate reducing bacteria with a mean count of 5.51±0.62 log10cfu/g and hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria with an average count of 4.48±0.95 log10cfu/g. The characterization studies of the isolates from the humic sediment ecosystem revealed 19 genera and 25 species of bacteria and 1 genus and 1 species of Actinomycetes. The screening tests revealed 14 out of 19 species of bacteria encountered in the black water ecosystem possess the ability to utilize hydrocarbons. Among the isolates, Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus sp., Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed very strong crude-oil degrading potentials. The results of the effect of environmental factors showed that the best growth was obtained by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2.60x102cfu/g) at 30oC while the best growth was exhibited by B. cereus (1.20x102cfu/g) at pH of 6. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (log106.93cfu/ml) exhibited the highest growth at day 10 and 180 revolution per minute (rpm). The profiles showing the relationship between cell numbers and pH indicate a steady increase in cell numbers and decrease in pH of the medium as incubation periods increase from day 1 to day 10. The result showed the rich assemblage of different bacteria with the ability to degrade crude oil and therefore should be harnessed for application in remediation of the crude oil polluted ecosystems.

Evaluation of the management potential of timber resources in clearwater floodplain forests in the Amazon using growth models

The Amazonian clearwater igapós are poorly studied floodplain ecosystems that are mainly covered by forests and are undergoing massive threats due to changes in land use and climate. Their hydrochemical characteristics and edaphic conditions fall between those of the eutrophic várzea floodplains on whitewater rivers and those of the oligotrophic igapós on blackwater rivers. Previous studies have indicated the management potential of timber species in the highly dynamic várzea floodplains due to the fast tree growth and high forest productivity. Timber resource management, however, is not recommended for the blackwater ecosystem because of its slow dynamics and high vulnerability to disturbances. For clearwater igapós, information on the potential for sustainable management of timber resources is lacking. In this study, we modeled the growth in diameter, height, and volume to derive species-specific minimum logging diameters (MLD) and felling cycles (FC) for eight merchantable species in the clearwater igapós of the Branco and Tapajós rivers in the northern and southern Amazon Basin, respectively. Diameter growth was modeled by analyzing the tree rings that are annually formed in the Amazonian floodplains as a consequence of the regular and predicable long-term flooding. Growth modeling followed the guidelines of the Growth-Oriented Logging (GOL) concept, with the adjustment of diameter growth improved by applying nonlinear mixed-effects regression. MLDs varied from 36 to 90 cm and FCs ranged from 6 to 21 years, which diverges from the standards of Brazilian logging regulations (MLD: 50 cm; FC: 25–35 years). This indicates the potential for timber resource management, which should be tested and introduced at small scales, integrated in protected areas to stepwise promote the sustainable management of these natural resources by traditional communities to increase their income and the conservation of this ecosystem.

Diversity of riparian plants of black water ecosystem in the Sebangau River of Central Kalimantan Indonesian

Riparian vegetation that grows on the bank of the Sebangau river plays an important role in supporting the composition of the biota and the quality of river water. This study aims to investigate the condition of riparian vegetation in the Sebangau river. Sampling was carried out in March 2020 using quadrant methods are with various size 1 × 1 m plots for herb and grass habitus 5 × 5 m for shrub habitus, copses, lianas, and 10 × 10 m plots for tree habitus. The data analyzed were species composition, diversity, and species dominance. The results showed that the plant composition at the study location was characterized by herb and grass habitus where we found 4 families (214 individuals) of grass and herbs, 3 families (135 individuals of shrubs, copses and lianas), and 2 families (282 individuals of tree habitus). The herb and grass habitus were dominated by Hydrilla verticillata species, shrub, copse, and liana habitus were dominated by Pandanus helicopus species, and the dominant species of tree habitus was Shorea balangeran. The low diversity index was found in tree habitus, while for herb and grass habitus and shrubs, shrubs and lianas were classified as moderate diversity.

An Assessment of Dissolved Organic Carbon Biodegradability and Priming in Blackwater Systems

AbstractRivers deliver approximately 260 Tg of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) to the ocean annually, yet there is little evidence of terrigenous DOC (tDOC) in the ocean. While tDOC was historically believed to be stable and resistant to microbial degradation, it has recently been shown that freshwater systems mineralize more tDOC than originally thought. The priming effect is a possible mechanism by which inputs of biolabile DOC enhance the bioavailability of stable DOC components in aquatic systems, resulting in higher rates of microbial remineralization. Here we investigate tDOC biodegradability by conducting bioincubation experiments and utilizing ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry to characterize the chemical composition of blackwater and leachate dissolved organic matter (DOM) samples. The role of priming in blackwater ecosystems was assessed through the inclusion of bioincubation treatments amended with a variety of simple biolabile OC substrates. Blackwaters lost 6.10 ± 3.85% DOC within 1 month, while leachates lost 38.10 ± 16.74% DOC. There were no significant differences between DOC remineralization in control and primed treatments, indicating that priming is not an important factor in the biodegradation of DOC in blackwater ecosystems. However, the proportion of biodegradable DOC and DOM composition were significantly correlated, mostly driven by the contribution of aliphatic compounds (H/C ≥ 1.5, O/C < 0.9) that were abundant (9.3 ± 5.2%) in leachate DOM. The molecular signature of biodegraded leachate DOM resembled that of stable blackwater DOM, indicating that bioavailable DOM components leached from plant litter are rapidly utilized and stable DOM is exported downstream.

Natural products discovery from Indonesian black water ecosystems

Natural products discovery from Indonesian black water ecosystems

Seasonal variation and interaction of photodegradation and microbial metabolism of DOC in black water Amazonian ecosystems

AME Aquatic Microbial Ecology Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsSpecials AME 70:157-168 (2013) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/ame01651 Seasonal variation and interaction of photodegradation and microbial metabolism of DOC in black water Amazonian ecosystems João Henrique F. Amaral1,*, Albert L. Suhett2,3, Sérgio Melo1,4, Vinicius F. Farjalla2 1Laboratório de Ecossistemas Aquáticos, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia INPA-V8, CPEC, Av. Ephigênio Sales, 2239 Aleixo - Manaus, Amazonas 69060-020, Brazil 2Laboratório de Limnologia, Depto de Ecologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil 3Present address: Unidade de Biotecnologia e Ciências Biológicas, Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste, Av. Manuel Caldeira de Alvarenga 1203, Campo Grande, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, Brazil 4Present address: Instituto de Ciências e Tecnologia das Águas, Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará, Campus Tapajós, Av. Vera Paz, s/n, Bairro Salé, Santarém, Pará 68035-110, Brazil *Email: jh.amaral@gmail.com ABSTRACT: Photodegradation of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) can generate labile substrates readily available for microbial consumption, thus increasing DOC removal, especially in freshwater humic ecosystems. While a few studies have evaluated the effects of sunlight on DOC removal and CO2 production in aquatic environments, none have investigated the seasonal variation and interaction of photodegradation and microbial metabolism of DOC in a large tropical black-water river system. We present the results of experiments designed to evaluate the rates of photodegradation and subsequent microbial metabolism of DOC in the Negro River and an associated floodplain lake (Lake Tupé) in the central Brazilian Amazon Basin. Water samples collected in both environments at different phases of the river hydrological cycle were filtered and exposed to natural sunlight to estimate photodegradation; they were then inoculated with natural bacteria and incubated in the dark to evaluate bacterial metabolism. Changes in incident solar radiation and in DOC concentration and quality throughout the hydrological cycle directly affected the DOC photodegradation rates and microbial metabolism. Total DOC mineralization (photodegradation plus bacterial consumption) was more intense in the falling water period. DOC photodegradation generally stimulated further microbial DOC degradation, enhancing total DOC removal in samples exposed to solar radiation in both ecosystems. While direct photodegradation represented only a small part of the total DOC mineralization (6.7% in the high water period in the Negro River), the combined effect of photodegradation and stimulus of bacterial metabolism could account for a significant part of the CO2 production in Amazonian black water ecosystems. KEY WORDS: DOC photodegradation · Bacterial metabolism · Amazon · Carbon mineralization · Seasonality · Hydrological cycle Full text in pdf format PreviousNextCite this article as: Amaral JHF, Suhett AL, Melo S, Farjalla VF (2013) Seasonal variation and interaction of photodegradation and microbial metabolism of DOC in black water Amazonian ecosystems. Aquat Microb Ecol 70:157-168. https://doi.org/10.3354/ame01651 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in AME Vol. 70, No. 2. Online publication date: August 22, 2013 Print ISSN: 0948-3055; Online ISSN: 1616-1564 Copyright © 2013 Inter-Research.

Sediment provenance and geomorphic development of soils in a blackwater ecosystem, South Carolina Coastal Plain

Mineral soil is a conundrum on southeastern U.S. blackwater floodplains because these freshwater ecosystems are known for slow-flowing streams bearing little suspended sediment. Investigations on soils along this riparian system revealed two distinct geomorphic surfaces, the modern swamp floodplain (classified as Inceptisols according to Soil Taxonomy) and slightly elevated landforms (intra-swamp terraces) with more developed soils (Alfisols and Ultisols). This study examined soil characteristics and sediment provenance on the Black River floodplain and its tributaries in the Atlantic Coastal Plain of South Carolina to determine the properties and pedogenic relationship between these two geomorphic surfaces and to propose a theory for the geomorphic evolution for soils on these landforms. Spatial characterization of the soils will benefit ecologists researching the biological aspects of blackwater ecosystems such as the concentration and flux of dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Results showed terrace soils had aquic moisture regimes while floodplain soils had peraquic moisture regimes. Floodplain surface horizons were organic carbon-rich (5% to 25% OC) but seldom with enough to qualify as organic soil material. Discontinuities occurred within the soils of both landforms indicating two distinct sedimentological environments. The fine-earth fraction of soil profiles on both landforms generally had upper strata composed mainly of silt and clay indicative of wash load sediments underlain with sandy strata indicative of bed load deposits. Fine clay distribution and fine clay:total clay ratios (FC/TC) showed argillic horizon development in the terrace subsoils but not in the floodplain soils. Micromorphology supported argillic horizons for the terraces, but also revealed modest clay accumulation in pores and channels of the floodplain soils. These floodplain clay features are interpreted to have formed during a period of subaerial weathering. The sandy strata were likely deposited during the beginning of the transgressions following the down cutting that occurred during the regressions and sea level lows. Silt fraction comparisons between the blackwater soils and soils on other landscapes in the region suggest the silts and clays likely were deposited in an estuarine environment late in the transgressions.

Landscape Influences on Headwater Streams on Fort Stewart, Georgia, USA

Military landscapes represent a mixture of undisturbed natural ecosystems, developed areas, and lands that support different types and intensities of military training. Research to understand water-quality influences of military landscapes usually involves intensive sampling in a few watersheds. In this study, we developed a survey design of accessible headwater watersheds intended to improve our ability to distinguish land-water relationships in general, and training influences, in particular, on Fort Stewart, GA. We sampled and analyzed water from watershed outlets. We successfully developed correlative models for total suspended solids (TSS), total nitrogen (TN), organic carbon (OC), and organic nitrogen (ON), which dominated in this blackwater ecosystem. TSS tended to be greater in samples after rainfall and during the growing season, and models that included %Wetland suggested a "build-and-flush" relationship. We also detected a positive association between TSS and tank-training, which suggests a need to intercept sediment-laden runoff from training areas. Models for OC showed a negative association with %Grassland. TN and ON both showed negative associations with %Grassland, %Wetland, and %Forest. Unexpected positive associations were observed between OC and equipment-training activity and between ON and %Bare ground + Roads. Future studies that combine our survey-based approach with more intensive monitoring of the timing and intensity of training would be needed to better understand the mechanisms for these empirical relationships involving military training. Looking beyond local effects on Fort Stewart streams, we explore questions about how exports of OC and nitrogen from coastal military installations ultimately influence estuaries downstream.

Selected pioneering works on humus in soils and sediments during the 20th century: A retrospective look from the International Humic Substances Society view

Organic matter in general, and humic substances (HS) in particular, are involved in many processes in soils, sediments, rocks and natural waters. These include rock weathering, plant nutrition, pH buffering, trace metal mobility and toxicity, bioavailability, degradation and transport of hydrophobic organic chemicals, formation of disinfection by-products during water treatment, heterotrophic production in blackwater ecosystems and, more generally, the global carbon cycle. Before the 1970s, natural organic matter of different ecosystem pools ( i.e., soils, sediments, and natural waters) was often studied in isolation, although many similarities exist between them. This is particularly so for HS. In this historical context, a need appeared at the international level for bringing together environmental chemists, soil scientists, hydrologists, and geologists who were interested in HS to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, to standardize analytical procedures and agree on definitions of HS. The International Humic Substances Society (IHSS) was founded in Denver, Colorado (USA) in 1981 with several objectives among them “to bring together scientists in the coal, soil, and water sciences with interests in humic substances” (home page of the IHSS web site: http://ihss.gatech.edu/ihss2/index.html). This paper presents selected pioneering works on humus in soils and sediments during the 20th century with a special focus on the links between the studies of soil HS and the formation, during early diagenesis, of the precursors of kerogens. Temporal coverage includes key contributions preceding the founding of the IHSS, and a brief history of the organization is presented.

ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASUREMENTS OF ADOLESCENTS FROM TWO AMAZONIAN ECOSYSTEMS: VARIATIONS ACCORDING TO SEASONALITY

This paper aims to describe the nutritional status of Caboclo adolescents living in two areas of the Amazon Basin. Two cross-sectional studies, the first in the dry and the second in the wet season, were carried out in two Amazonian ecosystems: the forest and black water ecosystem, and the floodplain and white water ecosystem. Measurements of weight, stature, arm circumference and triceps, subscapular and suprailiac skinfolds were performed on 247 adolescents (10-19 years of age). Nutritional status was classified using body mass index according to international criteria and the prevalence of underweight and overweight was estimated. Linear mixed effects models were used with the anthropometric measurements as dependent variables and time interval, place of residence, sex, age and stature variation as independent variables. During the wet season, the prevalence of overweight among girls was higher in the forest (42%) than in the floodplain (9%). Longitudinal linear regression models showed that the arm circumference measurement was influenced both by seasonality and location, revealing that the increment between dry and wet seasons was less pronounced in the floodplain. At the time of the study, overweight already constituted a major public health concern among girls living in the forest area. In order to develop adequate public health policies for this important segment of the Amazon population further studies are necessary to investigate the role of environment and seasonality on the growth and nutritional status of adolescents.

Ecological Praxis and Blackwater Ecosystems: A Case Study From the Brazilian Amazon

This article explores how anthropogenic modifications of soil condition human adaptive processes on the Amazonian uplands. The occurrence of black earth (a nutrient-rich anthrosol) in nutrient-poor blackwater environments and its cultivation by contemporary residents provide a unique opportunity for understanding the ecological praxis of Amazonian groups. Two years of ethnographic, ethnoscientific, and agronomic research among caboclo residents of the Lower Rio Negro and Rio Urubu confirm that unique cognitive and behavioral orientations characterize black earth and adjacent environments. When compared with cognitive and behavioral orientations to these two environments in distant blackwater regions, data suggest that political-economic, technological, cultural, and ecological factors have had~a strong influence on the trajectory of human-environmental interactions. Data in large part illustrate the utility of historical ecological models, yet point to an interactive role of diverse histories in shaping the range of human responses.

Isolation and Activity Test of Acidophilic Iron and Sulfur Oxidizing Bacteria from Black Water Ecosystem of Central Kalimantan

The acidophilic iron and sulfur oxidizing bacteria were isolatedfrom black water ecosystem, an 'extreme' ecosystemaffected indirect or directly by peat land Isolation and selection were done on minimal media (liquid and solid). All selectedstrain of bacteria (BB 179, OM 349, AH 41, TB 23, TB 27, TP 3, NN 323, and SI 188) were identified as Thiohacillusferrooxidans. Biooxidation and bio-leaching tests were accomplished using the isolated bacteria. The results showed thecapability of the isolated bacteria to oxidize ferrous-salt and to leach the low qualities of sulfide ores.

Ability of Bacteria Isolated from Black Water Ecosystem of Central Kalimantan in Degrading of Crude Oil and Diesel Oil

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the abili!y of bacteria strains isolated from black water ecosystem of Central Kalimantan in degrading crude oil and diesel oil. The experiment was conducted at the Laboratory of Soil Biology, Department of Soil Sciences, Faculty ~f Agriculture, BogorAgricultural University (IPB). The crude oil degrading ability of bacteria was tested on a minimum liquid medium (Gurujeyalakshmi dan Orial, 1989) and soil. Six crude oil and diesel oil degrading bacteria were isolated. The bacteria were identified as Bacillus panthotenticus (2 strains), B. circulars (1 strain), Pssudomonas diminuta (1 strain), P. stufzeri (1strain) and Klebsiella edwardsii (1 strain). These bacteria were able to degrade crude oil or diesel oil whether in a liquid minimum medium or in soil.On a minimum liquid medium, after 10 days incubation, bacteria were able to degrade 20.49% of the crude oil, while in the Entisol soil, after 7 days of incubation, as high as 40.29% of crude oil was degraded and after 28 days incubation, 64.95 of crude oil had been degraded by selected bacteria.

Ability of Bacteria Isolated from Black Water Ecosystem of Central Kalimantan in Degrading of Crude Oil and Diesel Oil

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the abili!y of bacteria strains isolated from black water ecosystem of Central Kalimantan in degrading crude oil and diesel oil. The experiment was conducted at the Laboratory of Soil Biology, Department of Soil Sciences, Faculty ~f Agriculture, BogorAgricultural University (IPB). The crude oil degrading ability of bacteria was tested on a minimum liquid medium (Gurujeyalakshmi dan Orial, 1989) and soil. Six crude oil and diesel oil degrading bacteria were isolated. The bacteria were identified as Bacillus panthotenticus (2 strains), B. circulars (1 strain), Pssudomonas diminuta (1 strain), P. stufzeri (1strain) and Klebsiella edwardsii (1 strain). These bacteria were able to degrade crude oil or diesel oil whether in a liquid minimum medium or in soil.On a minimum liquid medium, after 10 days incubation, bacteria were able to degrade 20.49% of the crude oil, while in the Entisol soil, after 7 days of incubation, as high as 40.29% of crude oil was degraded and after 28 days incubation, 64.95 of crude oil had been degraded by selected bacteria.

A comparison of anthropometric indices of nutritional status in Tukanoan and Achuar Amerindians

Anthropometric data from a Tukanoan population in the Vaupes region of Colombia and an Achuar population in the Ecuadorian Amazon were compared relative to international references. The Tukanoans exploit an oligotrophic blackwater ecosystem, whereas the Achuar inhabit a resource rich montane ecosystem. Given this ecological distinction, three hypotheses regarding nutritional statuses were proposed: (1) Tukanoans are significantly shorter than the Achuar, indicating a greater degree of stunting; (2) Tukanoans are significantly leaner, indicating a greater degree of wasting; and (3) Tukanaons have significantly lower upper arm muscle area, indicating lower lean body mass. Z-scores for height, weight-for-height, and estimated upper arm muscle area were determined and significant nutritional stress was assumed at z ≤ −2.0. Between population differences in z-scores for height-for-age (ZHT), weight-for-height (ZWH), and upper arm muscle area (ZUMA) were examined using analysis of variance with a subsequent Scheffe's test. Between-group differences in the frequencies of individuals with low z-scores (z ≤ −2.0) were assessed via chi-squared analysis. Both populations showed stunting in most age groups, but neither showed low ZWH or ZUMA. Significant differences between populations were found only for ZHT in children (females 1.0–4.9 and 5.0–9.9 years, and males 5.0–9.9 years). Tukanoans have significantly higher frequencies of stunting in all age-sex groups except females and males age 30–49.9 years. There were no significant between-population differences in the frequencies of individuals with low ZWH or ZUMA. These differences in nutritional status may reflect differences in resource availability. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 13:301–309, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Light availability and variations in phytoplankton standing crops in a nutrient‐rich blackwater river

In this paper we examine the potential role of light limitation in the regulation of phytoplankton standing crop in Florida's largest river, the St. Johns. We hypothesized that spatial and temporal patterns in standing crops of phytoplankton are strongly affected by variations in light availability in the mixed layer, particularly as they relate to river basin morphology and changes in water color, which reach high levels in the St. Johns River. This hypothesis was examined within the context of four principal research objectives: (1) Determination of the spatial and temporal patterns of phytoplankton standing crops and key environmental parameters related to nutrient concentration and light extinction, (2) Estimation of spatial and temporal patterns of mean light availability in the mixed‐layer, (3) Examination of the correlations between phytoplankton standing crops and light availability, and (4) Evaluation of the relative role of different limiting factors on the regulation of phytoplankton standing crop. The results of this study revealed a relationship between standing crops and light availability. Twelve sampling sites along a 130 km reach of the river were sampled and analyzed for phytoplankton abundance, water chemistry, and light attenuation over a three year period. Our empirical results, along with the outcome of our efforts to model light availability for planktonic production were consistent with our original hypothesis. Temporal variations in color were strongly correlated to variability in phytoplankton standing crops. Spatial trends in standing crop were most readily explained through the effects of changing basin morphology and flushing rates. The results are discussed in the context of the River Continuum Concept and variations on this theme specific to blackwater ecosystems.

Human Adaptive Strategies in Amazonian Blackwater Ecosystems

Blackwater ecosystems of Amazonia represent extreme nutrient-poor conditions that differ from those found in other regions of the Amazon. The tendency to contrast mainly the floodplain (varzea) and the upland forests (terra firme) has made it possible to overlook significant differences present within the Amazonian terra firme. These differences can be important in understanding human adaptation, particularly at the extremes of the nutrient-poorl-rich gradient. Human populations inhabiting blackwater areas have adjusted to the low productivity of the environment through complex forms of exchange and subsistence specialization, inherited and hierarchical control over the more productive fisheries, segmentary lineage organization, very small settlements at considerable distances from each other, and dependence on bitter manioc for the bulk of their calories. Analytical recognition of ecosystem heterogeneity in Amazonia is likely to lead to reinterpretations of several human/environment processes that have interested anthropologists, such as the protein debate and the role of environmental characteristics on the development of culture.

Residual Influence of Macronutrient Enrichment on the Aquatic Food Web of an Okefenokee Swamp Abandoned Bird Rookery

We present evidence for residual nutrient enrichment of diverse components of a blackwater marsh, by a biotic component of the ecosystem itself. Thousands of nesting white ibis (Eudocimus albus) that foraged over a 20-km radius fertilized a rookery with guano within Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia, USA. One to two yr after the birds abandoned it, this marsh showed continued enrichment effects. Elevated available phosphorus in sediments, as measured by equilibrium phosphate concentration, contributed to enhanced biomass of phytoplankton in the overlying water column. Planktivorous fish were greater in biomass than at reference sites. Experimental phosphorus and nitrogen fertilization of enclosures at a reference site (at levels representing residual enrichment after birds had left) caused zooplankton biomass to increase significantly. These results demonstrate that this blackwater ecosystem was macronutrient limited, and manifested residual enrichment effects of wading birds on sediments, and a positive effect of sediments on phytoplankton. Results also suggest further indirect positive effects of birds on higher trophic levels (zooplankton and fish), via macronutrient transfers.