Effects Of Bioturbation Research Articles

Research on the Ecological Restoration Effects of a Vallisneria natans (Lour.) Hara-Dominated Multitrophic Level Ecosystem

This study aims to assess the ecological restoration effects of Vallisneria natans in a multitrophic level ecosystem. The water-purification effects of two hierarchical configuration modes of V. natans-Bellamya aeruginosa and V. natans-B. aeruginosa-Hyriopsis cumingii were studied. Results show that a V. natans and B. aeruginosa configuration ratio of 15:2 stabilizes water quality at Grade IV (TN ≤ 1.5 mg/L, TP ≤ 0.3 mg/L), and increasing B. aeruginosa density significantly reduces total phosphorus. The V. natans, B. aeruginosa, and H. cumingii configuration at 15:2:10 stabilizes water at Grade III (TN ≤ 1.0 mg/L, TP ≤ 0.2 mg/L), with a positive correlation between H. cumingii density and chlorophyll-a removal. Furthermore, the filtration and biocycling actions of B. aeruginosa (snails) and H. cumingii (mussels) significantly reduce levels of Total Nitrogen (TN), Total Phosphorus (TP), and Ammonium (NH4+-N) in water, thus enhancing the self-purification capacity of the water bodies. However, the bioturbation effect of H. cumingii can temporarily increase phosphorus release from sediments, leading to a short-term rise in TP concentration in the water. Overall, the study concludes that multitrophic level ecosystems are effective in purifying water quality and offer significant ecological restoration benefits. This research provides crucial data support for future construction and ecological restoration projects involving multitrophic level approaches in China’s rivers and lakes.

The effect of bioturbation on the release behavior of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from sediments: A sediment–seawater microcosm experiment combined with a fugacity model

The effects of two benthonic species, Perinereis aibuhitensis and Matuta planipes Fabricius, on the release of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from sediments were investigated using a sediment–seawater microcosm. A Level IV fugacity model was used to simulate the behavior and fate of PAHs in the environment. This study revealed that both benthos significantly influenced the release of PAHs, and Matuta planipes Fabricius had a stronger disturbance effect than another. The final concentrations of Matuta planipes Fabricius group, Perinereis aibuhitensis group and the control group in the seawater phase reached 10.8, 9.94 and 7.90 μg/L, respectively. There were certain differences in the behaviour of the two benthonic species. Matuta planipes Fabricius caused more sediment resuspension, while Perinereis aibuhitensis increased the total organic carbon (TOC) content in the environment. The vertical concentration distribution of sediment indicated that vertical mixing was slightly stronger in the Matuta planipes Fabricius group than that in the Perinereis aibuhitensis group. The fugacity model effectively simulated the release behavior of PAHs, providing insight into PAH transport and distribution. The results demonstrated that bioturbation could promote the release of PAHs from seawater. The amount of PAHs released was significantly correlated with the biological habits of the benthos.

Water and sediment chemistry drivers of chlorophyll-a dynamics within a Ramsar declared floodplain pan wetland system.

Floodplain pans are hydrologically dynamic in nature and characterised by variables such as chlorophyll-a (chl-a), water, and sediment chemistry over their hydroperiods. The present study investigated the spatio-temporal variations in water and sediment physico-chemical, and chlorophyll-a concentration characteristics of six floodplain pans found in the Ramsar declared Makuleke wetlands, Kruger National Park, South Africa. The water and sediment physico-chemical variable values were generally elevated during the high-water period, whereas chlorophyll-a concentrations varied across pans and hydroperiod. Benthic chl-a concentration significantly varied across pans with concentrations ranging from 161 to 1036.2mg m2. The two-way ANOVA showed significant differences in benthic chl-a concentration among hydroperiods, and no significant differences were observed in pelagic chl-a across pans and hydroperiods. Generally, pelagic and benthic chl-a concentration increased as water and sediment chemistry variables increased. Furthermore, three sediment variables, i.e. pH, calcium, and magnesium, and water conductivity were found to be significant in structuring benthic chlorophyll-a dynamics in pans. However, none of the sediment and water variables had a significant effect on pelagic chl-a. Hydroperiod had a significant effect on influencing chl-a concentration, with high and low water level periods being characterised by low and high chl-a concentration, respectively. The n-MDS results showed strong overlaps in chl-a biomass among the Makuleke floodplain pans across hydroperiods. The increasing chl-a concentration in these floodplain pans due to potential bioturbation effects as a result of large mammals could potentially lead to eutrophication, which in turn could affect the system's primary productivity and aquatic biota. Therefore, it is important to establish a continuous monitoring programme on these pans to inform sound management decisions.

Bioturbation by Benthic Stingrays Alters the Biogeomorphology of Tidal Flats

AbstractFishing-down-marine-food-webs has resulted in alarming declines of various species worldwide. Benthic rays are one examples of such overexploited species. On tidal flats, these rays are highly abundant and play an ecologically important role. They use tidal flats as refuge, feeding and resting grounds, during which they bury into the sediment, which results in sediment bioturbation. Changes in bioturbation intensity, following ray removal, may affect the biogeomorphology of tidal flats with possible cascading effects on the macrozoobenthic community. However, it is poorly understood how these indirect effects could influence ecosystem function. We therefore studied the geomorphic impact of benthic rays (specifically the pearl whipray/stingray Fontitrygon margaritella) on the tropical tidal flats of the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau, on a landscape scale. We investigated 1) bioturbation rates by rays using drone and ground surveys, 2) the spatial distribution of ray pits on multiple tidal flats, 3) the impact of rays on sediment properties and macrozoobenthos by experimental exclusion (15 months). Benthic rays bioturbated 3.7 ± 0.35% of the tidal flat’s sediment surface per day over one single 24-h period, which equals a complete top-sediment-surface turnover every 27 days. The spatial distribution of ray pits was affected by tidal flat geomorphology since pits decayed faster at areas exposed to strong hydrodynamic forces. Predator exclusion altered sediment properties, leading to changes in sedimentation (− 17%) and erosion (− 43%) rates. In addition, macrozoobenthic species composition changed, marked by an increase in Capitellidae worms and a greater biomass of Malacostraca over time. These changes indicated substantial effects of ray bioturbation on the biotic and geomorphic landscape of tidal flats. Overall, we conclude that changing abundances of benthic rays can have clear landscape-wide geomorphological effects on intertidal ecosystems. These indirect consequences of fisheries should be incorporated in integrative management plans to preserve tidal flats and connected ecosystems.

Bioturbating megafauna limits the expansion of Cymodocea nodosa seagrass meadows

In seagrass systems, there is a realization that biotic interactions affecting sediment stability might be as important as abiotic stressors in shaping the growth and distribution patterns of seagrass vegetation. However, few studies have looked at the interaction between seagrass and large (mega) bioturbating species, although through sediment reworking activity they may have the capacity to cause large scale impact on seagrass establishment. We assessed the effect of bioturbation by mobile megabioturbators (species lager than 5 cm) on subtidal seagrass (Cymodocea nodosa) using a manipulative field experiment where access by megabioturbators was restricted for 4 months during the growth season. There was a negative effect of megabioturbators on both the biomass and density of young seagrass ramets extending outwards from a mature seagrass meadow, but megabioturbators did not have a notable effect on seagrass growth in the meadows. Interestingly, the exclusion of megabioturbators in all tested habitats significantly modified the infaunal community composition, indicating the presence of complexity in biotic interactions and the possibility of indirect effects caused by the megabioturbators. Overall, megabioturbators have direct and indirect impact in seagrass habitats, playing a significant role in seagrass distribution patterns.

Bioturbation effect of artificial inoculation on the flavor metabolites and bacterial communities in the Chinese Mao-tofu fermentation

A comparison between artificially inoculated Mao-tofu (CC) and naturally fermented Mao-tofu (MM) indicated that artificially adding Mucor plasmaticus to Mao-tofu dramatically enhanced the essential amino acid (EAA) content, as well as umami and sweet amino acids. Gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS) analysis revealed that phenol (3.226 μg/g), 1-octen-3-ol (5.031 μg/g), ethyl heptanoate (1.646 μg/g), and indole (3.422 μg/g) were the key flavor components in Mao-tofu. Unlike MM, CC displayed a substantial increase in esters and a considerable decrease in foul odor substances, including sulfur-containing compounds and indole. Lactococcus raffinolactis, Enterobacter sp. 638, and Streptococcus parauberis KCTC 11537 represented the key bacterial species altering the amino acids and flavor of Mao-tofu according to PacBio single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing and correlation analysis. This study presents the technical feasibility of artificially inoculating Mao-tofu to regulate the core bacterial communities and control the quality of fermented soybean products.

A cockle-induced bioturbation model and its impact on sediment erodibility: A meta-analysis

Modelling the dynamics of an estuary and the evolution of its morphology requires a process-based description not only of the physical processes, but also of the influence of benthic fauna on sediment characteristics at ecosystem scale. A meta-analysis was tested as an approach for modelling the effect of bioturbation exerted by the cockle Cerastoderma edule on sediment erodibility. Six different erosion flume datasets were collected to ensure a broad range of experimental conditions including bed shear stress, population characteristics, and sediment composition. First, a model was built to describe the biogenic fluff layer created by C. edule activity in relation to (i) bioturbation activity using the population metabolic rate [mW·m−2] as a proxy for faunal metabolic energy, and (ii) the silt content [%] of the sediment. Second, different erosion models were compared by testing parameterization steps incorporating both erosion of the fluff layer and/or mass erosion of the sediment bed. Structural differences in the flumes and in the preparation of samples in the six different datasets makes it difficult to propose a single model that satisfactorily simulates all the data and encompasses both types of subsequent erosion, that of the fluff layer and that of the underlying consolidated bed. However, a generic model is proposed for the surficial fluff layer erosion covering a moderate range of bed shear stress (<1 Pa). This study shows that including several datasets covering a wide range of environmental conditions is a key to the robustness of this model, and that new insights can be gained by integrating the complexity of sediment features. We expect that this two-part model can be used in broad contexts in terms of cockle populations, estuarine habitats, and climatic conditions and can combined with various hydro-morpho-sedimentary models that include these biological effects.

Promoting microbial community succession and improving the content of esters and aromatic compounds in strong-flavor Daqu via bioaugmentation inoculation

Daqu, an indispensable starter, significantly affects the quality and yield of Chinese baijiu. The microbial community, physicochemical properties, and volatile components of traditional Daqu (TD) and fortified Daqu (FD) were analyzed and compared. The bioturbation effect of inoculation with Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Millerozyma farinosa on strong-flavor Daqu was discussed. The results indicated a significant decrease in Bacillus and an increase in five bacterial genera (e.g., Weissella and Staphylococcus) and four fungal genera (e.g., Saccharomycopsis and Millerozyma) after bioaugmentation inoculation. The volatile compound content, including esters and aromatic compounds, increased dramatically after bioaugmentation inoculation. The correlation analysis showed that the Weissella, Pediococcus, and Staphylococcus in FD were positively associated with esterification activity. Moreover, PICRUSt2 predicted many enzymes involved in aroma production and ethanol fermentation. Bioaugmentation inoculation promoted microbial community succession and regulated microbial metabolic activity to enhance the flavor characteristics of Daqu.

Effect of bioturbation of the mitten crab on distribution of tire wear particles and their combined effect on sediment ecosystem

Tire wear particles (TWPs) are a major source of environmental microplastic pollution which gradually settle and accumulate in sediments after entering the aquatic environment, which can affect the behaviors of benthic organisms. Bioturbation of benthic species could affect the fate, impacts and potential risks of TWPs by altering the properties and structure of sediments. Therefore, in this study, the effect of TWPs on the burrowing activity of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) was investigated. In addition, the effects of crab bioturbation on the distribution of TWPs and their additives were studied. The combined effects of TWPs and crab bioturbation on the microbial communities in the sediments were also explored. The results of this study showed that both TWPs and the leachate significantly inhibited the burrowing activity of crabs. TWPs in the surface layer of sediments were re-distributed by crab bioturbation and enriched mainly in the sediments near the burrow walls. Meanwhile, the heavy metals (i.e., Zn, Ca, Mg, Ba and Al) used as additives during the tire production in the burrow walls significantly increased as the accumulation of TWPs near burrow walls. In this study, TWP exposure decreased the bacterial diversity and abundance, as well as the functional genes related to carbon and nitrogen cycling process, but crab bioturbation increased them in the sediments of burrow walls by constructing a unique habitat. However, after TWPs entering into burrows, they were significantly decreased in the sediments near the burrow walls like the effects of TWPs, suggesting the negative effects of TWPs could play a dominant role in this combined system. Overall, this study is important for evaluating the distribution and effects of TWP pollution in the sediment ecosystem under biological factors such as bioturbation.

Effects of ant bioturbation and foraging activities on soil mechanical properties and stability

Effects of ant bioturbation and foraging activities on soil mechanical properties and stability

Effects of benthic bioturbation on anammox in nitrogen removal at the sediment-water interface in eutrophic surface waters.

Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) significantly contributes to nitrogen loss in freshwater ecosystems. The sediment-water interface (SWI), known as a "hot spot" for anammox, also harbors numerous macroinvertebrates. However, the impact of their bioturbation on anammox has generally been overlooked. This study compared the effects of three representative macroinvertebrates (i.e., Propsilocerus akamusi, Branchiura sowerbyi and Radix swinhoei) with different bioturbation modes on anammox and the N-removal processes at the SWI by using a microcosmic system. The results demonstrated that all three benthic macroinvertebrates promoted anammox in addition to denitrification processes. The highest N-removal was achieved in the presence of P. akamusi considered as a gallery-diffuser, where the relative abundance of Planctomycetes (to which the anammox bacteria belong) increased by 70%. P. akamusi increased the abundance of anammox hzsB gene by 2.58-fold and promoted potential anammox rate by 12.79nmol N g-1 h-1, which in turn facilitated total N-removal mass increased by 2.42-fold. In the presence of B. sowerbyi and R. swinhoei, the potential anammox rates increased by 4.81 and 5.57nmol N g-1 h-1, respectively. These results underscore the substantial impact of macroinvertebrates on anammox and N-removal processes, highlighting their crucial role in N pollution control, and sustaining the overall health and stability of eutrophic water bodies.

SYSTEMATIC ANALYSES OF RADIOCARBON AGES OF COEXISTING PLANKTONIC FORAMINIFERA

ABSTRACTWe compare radiocarbon (14C) ages of coexisting planktonic foraminifera species from sediment cores VM12-107 and KNR166-2-26JPC from the Equatorial Atlantic Ocean for three time periods (Holocene, Heinrich Stadial 1, last glacial maximum). We find a maximum inter-species difference of 120014C yr. On average, the14C ages deviate by ∼300 yr betweenGlobigerinoides ruberand other species. In most cases, this exceeds the analytical uncertainty range of the measurements and thus renders the choice of species for generating age models as important as sample weight. While modern stratified water-column profiles imply an increase in14C ages with water depth, we observe an expected parallel increase of14C ages and δ18O only at VM12-107. The mismatch between14C ages and δ18O at KNR166-2-26JPC likely results from the effects of bioturbation and the hydrographic setting. The largest difference in14C ages between mixed-layer versus thermocline-calcifying planktonic foraminifera are observed during Heinrich Stadial 1 despite a decrease in upper-ocean stratification at that time. This difference is likely the result of inconsistent increases in14C reservoir ages during times of reduced overturning circulation masking the potential of14C ages of coexisting planktonic foraminifera to reflect the density stratification of the water column.

The Effect of Bioturbation on the Petrophysical Characteristics of the Lower Cretaceous Rocks of Oil and Gas Reservoirs in the Northern Caspian Sea Region

The Effect of Bioturbation on the Petrophysical Characteristics of the Lower Cretaceous Rocks of Oil and Gas Reservoirs in the Northern Caspian Sea Region

Discriminating the effects of bioturbation and herbivory by the intertidal burrowing crab Neohelice granulata on microphytobenthic assemblages of SW Atlantic mudflats

In shallow soft-bottom intertidal systems, microphytobenthic assemblages (MPB) and macrofauna interact and play important roles in ecosystem functioning. Macrofauna can affect MPB through bioturbation or/and herbivory. Most bioturbators also exert herbivory pressure on MPB, hence the results of the interaction between benthic macrofauna and MPB is not easy to predict. In this study we performed a small scale field experiment in order to discriminate the effect of bioturbation and herbivory by the intertidal burrowing crab Neohelice granulata on MPB structure, and primary production in SW Atlantic mudflats. The implemented treatments allowed us to separate the effects of bioturbation from those of herbivory on MPB. Results showed that N. granulata, through bioturbation + herbivory did not affect MPB structure (i.e., biomass, abundance and composition); and crab bioturbation without herbivory also did not modify MPB structure. Nevertheless, crab bioturbation without herbivory almost doubled MPB primary production, compared to the values registered in the treatment without bioturbation and herbivory and the treatment with bioturbation + herbivory. Sediment properties were equally affected by bioturbation in the four treatments. Thus, our results shows that the only significant effect on MPB structure is due to crab bioturbation.

The effects of Cyclina sinensis bioturbation on alkaline phosphatase (APA) and total microbial hydrolytic activities (MBA) in marine clam-shrimp integrated ponds.

This study investigated the influence of Venus clam Cyclina sinensis bioturbation activities on the total benthic microbial and phosphatase activities and selected sediment properties: total phosphorous TP, total organic nitrogen-TON and total organic carbon-TOC. Sediments samples from clam-shrimp integrated-pond and non-clam integrated-pond were sampled for the study in which microbial activity (MBA) and alkaline phosphatase activity (APA), sediment organic contents: TP, TON, TOC, TOM and water quality parameter (dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH and moisture content were analyzed. The p-nitrophenyl phosphate disodium (p-NPP) and Fluorescein diacetate-(FDA) were adopted to measure APA and MBA respectively. Results indicated that microbial activity-MBA and alkaline-phosphatase activity-APA in sediments significantly increased in the pond cultured with clam/shrimp compared to non-clam cultured pond. Phosphate concentration increased significantly and varied among months (p<0.05) implying increased nitrogen concentration in the sediments. The concentrations of total organic nitrogen and total organic carbon didn't differ significantly among months and with the treatments (p>0.05), implying increased TON mineralization. Correlation analyses showed that there was positive correlation with the total microbial activity, alkaline-phosphatase activity, phosphorous concentration and organic matter content within the sediments bioturbated by the Venus clam. The results suggest that, the Venus clam sediment reworking mechanisms in sediment influenced the sediment microbial and APA activities and mineralization thereby affecting the pond alkaline phosphatase enzyme related activities.

Bioturbation changing porosity, permeability, and fracturability in chalk? Insights from an Upper Cretaceous chalk reservoir (Buda Formation, Texas, USA)

The continuous rise in hydrocarbon demand, the production decline in conventional oilfields, and the remarkable improvement in extraction methods have allowed the hydrocarbon industry and subsequently, geoscientists, to turn to studies on both unconventional and mature fields with untapped potential. In such reservoirs, the application of advanced drilling, completion, and production techniques must be preceded by the identification of permeable stratigraphic intervals that favour commercial exploitation. Accordingly, bioturbated deposits can play a key role in providing permeable pathways for enhanced production. Herein, we analyse the effects of bioturbation on the porosity and permeability of the Buda Formation, a highly bioturbated, tight (low-porosity matrix) Upper Cretaceous chalk reservoir from the Texas Gulf Coast Basin, which has been commercially exploited because of the occurrence of natural fractures. Our results show that (in addition to the natural fractures) burrows (and borings) substantially increased the porosity and permeability of this formation, thus, potentially contributing to enhanced hydrocarbon (or groundwater) storage and production. These biogenic structures might also have favoured the development of natural fractures and stylolites in the Buda Formation. However, further studies are required to prove this hypothesis.

Factors influencing submerged macrophyte presence in fresh and brackish eutrophic waters and their impact on carbon emissions

In agricultural landscapes of North-Western Europe, the majority of water bodies do not meet the targets set by the European Water Framework Directive due to a lack of submerged macrophytes and associated biodiversity. These eutrophic waters can also be a substantial source of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) to the atmosphere. Here we present a two-year field experiment on the island of Goeree-Overflakkee (southwest Netherlands), conducted in six drainage ditches varying in salinity, where we monitored four permanent plots per ditch and varied the presence of both fish and macrophytes. We aimed to: 1) investigate factors limiting submerged macrophyte growth, focussing on exclusion of grazing pressure and bioturbation by fish; and 2) quantify the CO2 and CH4 emission under these conditions. Even in highly eutrophic, semi turbid ditches with fluctuating salinity levels and sulphide presence in the root zone, submerged macrophytes established successfully after introduction when the influence of grazing and bioturbation by fish was excluded. In the exclosures, diffusive CH4 and CO2 emissions, but not ebullitive CH4 emissions were significantly reduced. The spontaneous development of submerged macrophytes in the exclosures without macrophyte introduction underlined the effect of grazing and bioturbation by fish and suggest that abiotic conditions did not hamper submerged macrophyte development. Our results provide important insights into the influential factors for submerged macrophyte development and potential for future management practices. Large-scale fish removal may stimulate submerged macrophyte growth and reduce methane emissions, albeit that the macrophyte diversity will likely stay low in our study region due to fluctuating salinity and eutrophic conditions.

Integrated effects of bioturbation, warming and sea-level rise on mobility of sulfide and metalloids in sediment porewater of mangrove wetlands

Global warming and sea-level rise exert profound impacts on coastal mangrove ecosystems, where widespread benthic crabs change sediment properties and regulate material cycles. How crab bioturbation perturbs the mobilities of bioavailable arsenic (As), antimony (Sb) and sulfide in sediment-water systems and their variability in response to temperature and sea-level rise is still unknown. By combining field monitoring and laboratory experiments, we found that As was mobilized under sulfidic conditions while Sb was mobilized under oxic conditions in mangrove sediments. Crab burrowing greatly enhanced oxidizing conditions, resulting in enhanced Sb mobilization and release but As sequestration by iron/manganese oxides. In control experiments with non-bioturbation, the more sulfidic conditions triggered the contrasting situation of As remobilization and release but Sb precipitation and burial. Moreover, the bioturbated sediments were highly heterogeneous for spatial distributions of labile sulfide, As and Sb as presented by 2-D high-resolution imaging and Moran's Index (patchy at the <1 cm scale). Warming stimulated stronger burrowing activities, which led to more oxic conditions and further Sb mobilization and As sequestration, whilst sea-level rise did the opposite via suppressing crab burrowing activity. This work highlights that global climate changes have the potential to significantly alter element cycles in coastal mangrove wetlands by regulating benthic bioturbation and redox chemistry.

Ediacaran-Cambrian bioturbation did not extensively oxygenate sediments in shallow marine ecosystems.

The radiation of bioturbation during the Ediacaran-Cambrian transition has long been hypothesized to have oxygenated sediments, triggering an expansion of the habitable benthic zone and promoting increased infaunal tiering in early Paleozoic benthic communities. However, the effects of bioturbation on sediment oxygen are underexplored with respect to the importance of biomixing and bioirrigation, two bioturbation processes which can have opposite effects on sediment redox chemistry. We categorized trace fossils from the Ediacaran and Terreneuvian as biomixing or bioirrigation fossils and integrated sedimentological proxies for bioturbation intensity with biogeochemical modeling to simulate oxygen penetration depths through the Ediacaran-Cambrian transition. Ultimately, we find that despite dramatic increases in ichnodiversity in the Terreneuvian, biomixing remains the dominant bioturbation behavior, and in contrast to traditional assumptions, Ediacaran-Cambrian bioturbation was unlikely to have resulted in extensive oxygenation of shallow marine sediments globally.

Digging Deeper: Bioturbation increases the preserved sulfur isotope fractionation

Bioturbation enhances mixing between the seafloor and overlying ocean due to changes the redox state of the sediment and influences the biogeochemical cycling of redox-sensitive elements such as sulfur. Before the widespread appearance of burrowing fauna over the Proterozoic-Phanerozoic transition, marine sediments were largely undisturbed and transport of material across the sediment-water interface was diffusion-dominated. Through both a microcosm experiment and numerical model, we show that the effect of bioturbation on marine sediments is to enhance the drawdown of sulfate from the water column into the sediment and thus “open-up” the sedimentary system. The key finding is that bioturbation increases the difference between the isotopic signature of seawater sulfate and pore water sulfide, the latter of which is preserved in sedimentary sulfide minerals. Our study empirically demonstrates a long-held assumption and helps identify the isotopic impact of bioturbation in the geological record and its environmental effects in modern marine systems.