Populations Of Aquatic Organisms Research Articles

How SATURN is studying the impact of ship noise on the behaviour, health, energetics, and populations of aquatic organisms

The EU-funded SATURN project contributes to improve our understanding of the effects of ship noise on aquatic animals through several studies. Assessing the effects of underwater noise on aquatic animals is complex due to the diversity of taxa involved, each with their own sound sensitivity in terms of spectral and temporal aspects, as well as behavioural and physiological sensitivity to acoustic disturbances. To conduct exposure experiments on fish and invertebrates that are sensitive to the particle motion component of sound, we have developed innovative laboratory setups. Invertebrates are studied in an AQUAVIB exposure chamber, while migratory fish species are studied in a MIGRADOME swimming tunnel. The project also focuses on three marine mammal species: porpoises, pilot whales, and harbour seals. These species provide broad biological coverage of acoustic specialisations and relevant European habitats. Field data were collected using tags deployed on wild animals and dose-response relationships of marine mammal behaviour and energetics were established as a function of real-world exposure to ship noise. The effects on porpoise population are assessed using the updated DEPONS model. The results of SATURN will be transferred to stakeholders to inform management actions for the mitigation of the effects of acoustic pollution in marine habitats.

A multi-evidence approach in an Amazonian river based on land use, water quality, histopathological effects and habitat selection behavior in fish

The Amazon rivers constitute the largest river basin in the world, with a high level of biodiversity. The Tocantins River is one of the most important rivers in this region, which has been impacted by different land uses. The objective of this study was to carry out a multi-evidence analysis focusing on the water quality of the Tocantins River, close to the municipality of Marabá-PA. We analyzed forest cover and water quality and, using the model organism Danio rerio, performed toxicity tests for histopathological effects, as well as the habitat selection approach by exposing fish to different river water samples in a multi-compartment device. The results showed that the studied area has already lost almost 30% of its forests in recent decades. Regarding water quality, the upstream (C1) and downstream (C5) points are the least impacted. On the other hand, the other points (C2–C4), closer to the city, greater input of pollutants was detected. Fish exposed to water samples from the most impacted sites showed several oedemas and hyperplastic cells in the gills. Regarding habitat selection behavior, there was a marked avoidance by samples with the highest contamination load. The results of this study lead to the understanding of the potential negative effects of human activities on local Amazonian biodiversity, since the potential toxicity of the environment, in conjunction with changes in the habitat selection process, could lead to a decline in populations of aquatic organisms, altering the environmental balance.

Аналіз лінійно-вагових показників річкових раків (Astacus) у водоймах Дніпропетровської області

This research focuses on studying the narrow-clawed crayfish in the Dnipropetrovsk region. The narrow-clawed crayfish, Astacus leptodactylus, is a crucial component of industrial fisheries and plays a significant role in the development of aquatic ecosystems. Within the territory of the Dnipropetrovsk region, crayfish inhabit various freshwater bodies, including rivers, lakes, floodplains, and ponds. It is known that water bodies in the Dnipro region undergo substantial anthropogenic impact, leading to alterations in the life cycles and reproductive features of hydrobionts. Investigated areas of reservoirs were characterized by diverse levels and factors of pollution, such as contamination of water with chemical and radioactive substances, oil products, wastewater, and the use of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers. These anthropogenic interventions may result in a decrease in populations of aquatic organisms, posing a serious threat to water ecosystems. The sensitivity to environmental changes makes crayfish a valuable bioindicator species. Fertility indicators and morphometric characteristics can be considered as bioindicators. The analysis of linear-weight parameters revealed that crayfish extracted from the Zaporizhzhia Reservoir had a body length 15–18% greater than those from the Kamianske and Samara Bay. Additionally, they exhibited larger cephalothorax dimensions by 18–20%, and their mass was almost 50% higher compared to individuals from other water bodies. Samara Bay demonstrated significantly lower fertility indicators compared to the Zaporizhzhia Reservoir, with crayfish fertility being reliably 63% lower. The established differences in morphometric indicators between crayfish from the Zaporizhzhia Reservoir, Samara Bay and Kamianske Reservoir may indicate heterogeneity in the living conditions within the water bodies of Dnipropetrovsk and might be induced by anthropogenic pressures.

Review of alternatives to antibiotic use in aquaculture

AbstractWith the rapid growth of the aquaculture production since the 1980s, there has been a concomitant increase in disease outbreaks. The injudicious and/or incorrect use of antimicrobial agents against diseases of farmed aquatic species poses a considerable threat to the development and growth of a successful and sustainable aquaculture industry. An increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an important consequence, resulting to the difficulty in treating common bacterial diseases in populations of aquatic organisms, combined with the presence of antibiotic residues in food fish and their products, leading to import refusals and negative impacts on international trade. To reduce the frequency of AMR, good aquaculture and effective biosecurity practices should include the prudent and responsible use of antibiotics and also consider the use of alternatives to antibiotics, in addition to disease prevention management. This article reviews the literature discussing the scope of the problem pertaining to antibiotic use, the emergence of AMR in aquaculture and to consider and discuss viable alternatives (e.g., vaccination, bacteriophages, quorum quenching, probiotics and prebiotics, chicken egg yolk antibody and medicinal plant derivative). We also discuss lessons learnt, from specific case studies such as the vaccination of farmed salmon in Norway and the use of ‘specific pathogen‐free’ seed—as primary and essential part of a biosecurity strategy.

Isolation of marine hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria from petroleum contaminated sites in Dumai

The Dumai Sea is vulnerable to pollution, especially oil spills. Oil pollution in Dumai seawater causes a decline in the population of aquatic organisms. Isolation and screening of marine hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria is one effort to find potential local agents. This research aims to isolate marine hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria from the Petroleum Contaminated Site in Dumai. This research uses a survey method, and it was in four stages such as, isolation, screening, morphological and physiological characteristics, bacterial identification, and data analysis. Water samples were taken using purposive sampling at seven different locations. The samples were analyzed in situ, including water characteristics, pH, temperature, salinity, and brightness. Furthermore, the water samples were further analyzed at the Marine Microbiology Laboratory, University of Riau. Isolation and screening results showed that ten isolates of marine hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria can grow in SSMS liquid media with a petroleum content of 5%. The ten isolates in sequence are DS21a, DS22b, DS42c, DS52d, DS61e, DS62f, DS63g, DS71h, DS72i and DS73j. The characterization and identification results obtained four different genera from petroleum-contaminated sites in Dumai, sequentially Micrococcus, Rhodococcus, Marinobacter, and Bacillus.

Logistic Model of Population Toxicodynamics

The effect of pollutant in water on a population of aquatic organisms as a function of exposure time is studied. Natural assumptions are formulated regarding the character of this process, primarily, the linear relationship between the rate of decrease in the population, on the one hand, and the population size and the number of organisms killed by intoxication, on the other hand. The formulated assumptions are used to construct a model of population toxicodynamics, which describes the kinetics of suppression of the population by a logistic function. The results of model calculations are shown to agree with the available experimental data, thus justifying the formulated assumptions regarding the character of the intoxication process. An extension of the model is proposed through the incorporation of the dependence of the result of intoxication on pollutant concentration by the well-known Haber’s formula. The developed model was used to propose an equation of regulated toxicodynamics for organization of water use without violation of the regime of natural functioning of ecosystems. The obtained specification of the notions of the mechanisms of intoxication process is necessary for the substantiation of hygienic standards on the concentration of chemicals in water, forecasts of biodiversity, and the choice of measures for supporting weak components of trophic chains in aquatic ecosystems.

Концептуальная основа для разработки стратегий устойчивого использования водных биологических ресурсов на примере промысла минтая в дальневосточных водах России

The article proposed to discuss a concept of new strategy for the sustainable use of populations of aquatic organisms using as an example a fishery for Walleye Pollock in the Far Eastern seas of the Russian Federation. It is shown that the current regulations governing the impact of fishing contained in the Fishing Regulations do not quite consider changes related to the dynamics of pollock populations parameters. As a result, there is an uncontrolled and often negative impact of fishing, which leads to changes in the phenotypic and size-age structure of W. Pollock populations being fished, which ultimately affects the profitability of fishing. It is proposed to develop a separate strategy for each W. Pollock stock unit, which annually regulates the level of fishing impact, depending on the state of the stocks and market conditions. The proposed strategy concept makes it possible to regulate not only the allowable volume of catch, but also the size structure of catches, by changing the fishing parameters every year. It will keep the harvested stocks stable and will help to obtain the maximum possible fishing profitability.

Vulnerability of the biota in riverine and seasonally flooded habitats to damming of Amazonian rivers

AbstractThe extent and intensity of impacts of multiple new dams in the Amazon basin on specific biological groups are potentially large, but still uncertain and need to be better understood.It is known that river disruption and regulation by dams may affect sediment supplies, river channel migration, floodplain dynamics, and, as a major adverse consequence, are likely to decrease or even suppress ecological connectivity among populations of aquatic organisms and organisms dependent upon seasonally flooded environments.This article complements our previous results by assessing the relationships between dams, our Dam Environmental Vulnerability Index (DEVI), and the biotic environments threatened by the effects of dams. Because of the cartographic representation of DEVI, it is a useful tool to compare the potential hydrophysical impacts of proposed dams in the Amazon basin with the spatial distribution of biological diversity. As the impact of Amazonian dams on the biota of both rivers and periodically flooded riparian environments is severe, DEVIs from different Amazonian tributary basins are contrasted with patterns of diversity and distribution of fish, flooded forest trees and bird species.There is a consistent relationship between higher DEVI values and the patterns of higher species richness and endemism in all three biological groups. An assessment of vulnerability at the scale of tributary basins, the assessment of biodiversity patterns related to DEVI, and the analysis of teleconnections at basin scale, demonstrate that recent construction of dams is affecting the biota of the Amazon basin.The evidence presented here predicts that, if currently planned dams are built without considering the balance between energy production and environmental conservation, their cumulative effects will increase drastically and represent a major threat to Amazonian biodiversity.

Wastewater recycling in Antarctica: Performance assessment of an advanced water treatment plant in removing trace organic chemicals

The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) operates Australia's Davis Station in the Antarctic. In 2005, Davis Station's wastewater treatment plant failed and since then untreated, macerated effluent has been discharged to the ocean. The objectives of this study were to determine whether an advanced water treatment plant (AWTP) commissioned by the AAD and featuring a multi-barrier process involving ozonation, ceramic microfiltration, biologically activated carbon filtration, reverse osmosis, ultraviolet disinfection and chlorination was capable of producing potable water and a non-toxic brine concentrate that can be discharged with minimal environmental impact. The AWTP was tested using water from a municipal wastewater treatment plant in Tasmania, Australia. We used spot water and passive sampling combined with two multi-residue chromatographic-mass spectrometric methods and a range of recombinant receptor-reporter gene bioassays to screen trace organic chemicals (TrOCs), toxicity and receptor activity in the Feed water, in the environmental discharge (reject water), and product water from the AWTP for six months during 2014–15, and then again for three months in 2016. Across the two surveys we unambiguously detected 109 different TrOCs in the feed water, 39 chemicals in the reject water, and 34 chemicals in the product water. Sample toxicity and receptor activity in the feed water samples was almost totally removed in both testing periods, confirming that the vast majority of the receptor active TrOCs were removed by the treatment process. All the NDMA entering the AWTP in the feed and/or produced in the plant (typically < 50 ng/L), was retained into the reject water with no NDMA observed in the product water. In conclusion, the AWTP was working to design, and releases of TrOCs at the concentrations observed in this study would be unlikely cause adverse effects on populations of aquatic organisms in the receiving environment or users of the potable product water.

Genetic basis for variation in salinity tolerance between stickleback ecotypes.

Adaptation to different salinities can drive and maintain divergence between populations of aquatic organisms. Anadromous and stream ecotypes of threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) are an excellent model to explore the genetic mechanisms underlying osmoregulation divergence. Using a parapatric pair of anadromous and stream stickleback ecotypes, we employed an integrated genomic approach to identify candidate genes important for adaptation to different salinity environments. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping of plasma sodium concentrations under a seawater challenge experiment identified a significant QTL on chromosome 16. To identify candidate genes within this QTL, we first conducted RNA-seq and microarray analysis on gill tissue to find ecotypic differences in gene expression that were associated with plasma Na+ levels. This resulted in the identification of ten candidate genes. Quantitative PCR analysis on gill tissue of additional Japanese stickleback populations revealed that the majority of the candidate genes showed parallel divergence in expression levels. Second, we conducted whole-genome sequencing and found five genes that are predicted to have functionally important amino acid substitutions. Finally, we conducted genome scan analysis and found that eight of these candidate genes were located in genomic islands of high differentiation, suggesting that they may be under divergent selection. The candidate genes included those involved in ATP synthesis and hormonal signalling, whose expression or amino acid changes may underlie the variation in salinity tolerance. Further functional molecular analysis of these genes will reveal the causative genetic and genomic changes underlying divergent adaptation.

Long-term (30 days) toxicity of NiO nanoparticles for adult zebrafish Danio rerio.

Nickel oxide in the form of nanoparticles (NiO NPs) is extensively used in different industrial branches. In a test on adult zebrafish, the acute toxicity of NiO NPs was shown to be low, however longlasting contact with this compound can lead to its accumulation in the tissues and to increased toxicity. In this work we determined the 30-day toxicity of NiO NPs using a static test for zebrafish Danio rerio. We found the 30-day LC50 value to be 45.0 mg/L, LC100 (minimum concentration causing 100% mortality) was 100.0 mg/L, and LC0 (maximum concentration causing no mortality) was 6.25 mg/L for adult individuals of zebrafish. Considering a broad use of Ni in the industry, NiO NPs chronic toxicity may have a negative impact on the population of aquatic organisms and on food web dynamics in aquatic systems.

Paleoenvironmental Studies in Southwestern Yukon

The St. Elias Mountain region has occupied an important place in the study of the Quaternary because it presents a relatively accessible non-polar icefield and an array of environments from tundra to boreal forest. Paleoenvironmental studies in southwestern Yukon have documented the broad-scale climatic changes of the past 20 000 years, although few studies exist with well-dated sequences at high temporal resolution. Picea glauca arrived across the entire region around 10 000 years ago; however, the details regarding its migration pathways are not well known. Available records indicate few major changes in the composition of the boreal forest vegetation since that time. A slightly more intense fire regime in the early to mid Holocene has been suggested, but this conclusion is based on only a few studies. Variations in the tree line during the Holocene have been examined, but these studies also lack details. There is no evidence for more extensive grasslands in the area during the Holocene. Paleolimnological studies indicate that changes in populations of aquatic organisms have occurred in response to either Holocene climates or watershed variability.

Cadmium and Lead Levels Along the Estuarine Ecosystem of Tigre River-San Andres Lagoon, Tamaulipas, Mexico

Cadmium and lead levels were evaluated in water and sediment along the estuarine ecosystem of Tigre River-San Andres Lagoon (Gulf of Mexico) during September to December 2009. Significant highest metal concentration in water (0.45 mg L(-1) Cd and 3.94 mg L(-1) Pb) and sediment (2.83 mg kg(-1) Cd and 6.61 mg kg(-1) Pb) were found at the mouth of the Tigre River, where the fishing town of El Moron is located. Cadmium levels in sediment were above limits associated with adverse biological effects on aquatic fauna, so negative impacts on natural populations of aquatic organisms would be expected to occur. This in turn could affect the fishery resources inhabiting this ecosystem.

Bioaccumulation and Toxicity of NiO Nanoparticles in &lt;i&gt;Gracilaria lemaneiformis&lt;/i&gt;

Abstract. Little is known about the potential behavior and ecotoxicity of nanoparticles to aquatic organisms. To carefully address this issue, we conducted a comprehensive toxicity assessment, including NiO nanoparticles accumulation and toxicity tests as well as Lipid peroxidation (LPO), MDA content, mitochondrial depolarization and Reactive oxygen radical (ROS) analysis using Gracilaria lemaneiformis as a model organism. Our results demonstrated that the concentration of NiO Nanoparticles accumulated in Gracilaria lemaneiformis increased with the extended incubation time and a considerable amount of NiO Nanoparticles were still present in the bodies of Gracilaria lemaneiformis. Exposure to NiO nanoparticles led to significant reductions of cell viability between 20 and 60% relative to controls. Elevated lipid peroxidation in Gracilaria lemaneiformis exposed to NiO nanoparticles compared to control and induced increases in MDA levels with incubation time. Significantly enhanced percent of mitochondrial depolarization in nanometer size compared to controls and NiO nanoparticles significantly elevated ROS levels more than three fold at the highest concentration. Taken together, these findings indicate that NiO nanoparticles exposure, especially for long periods of time, may exert negative impact on population of aquatic organisms and on food web dynamics in aquatic systems.

Development and evaluation of a boat-mounted RFID antenna for monitoring freshwater mussels

Development of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology and passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags has substantially increased the ability of researchers and managers to monitor populations of aquatic organisms. However, use of transportable RFID antenna systems (i.e., backpack- mounted) is currently limited to wadeable aquatic environments (,1.4 m water depth). We describe the design, construction, and evaluation of a boat-mounted RFID antenna to detect individually PIT-tagged benthic aquatic organisms (mussels). We evaluated the effects of tag orientation on detection distances in water with a 32-mm half-duplex PIT tag. Detection distances up to 50 cm from the antenna coils were obtained, but detection distance was dependent on tag orientation. We also evaluated detection distance of PIT tags beneath the sediment to simulate detection of burrowing mussels with 23- and 32-mm tags. In sand substrate, the maximum detection distance varied from 3.5 cm and 4.5 cm (vertical tag orientation) to 24.7 cm and 39.4 cm (45u tag orientation) for the 23- and 32-mm PIT tags, respectively. Our results suggest a 1.4-m total detection width for tagged mussels on the substrate surface by the boat-mounted antenna system regardless of tag orientation. However, burrowed mussels may require multiple passes to increase detection that would be influenced by depth, tag orientation, and tag size. Construction of the boat- mounted antenna was relatively low in cost (,500 USD) and had several advantages (less labor and time intensive, increased safety) over traditional mussel sampling techniques (diving, snorkeling) in nonwadeable habitats.

Doses with α-particles of plutonium anthropogenic radioisotopes to the Black Sea hydrobionts

The data on assessment of the irradiation doses of the Chernobyl 239,240 Pu to the Black Sea hydrobionts of different trophic levels are presented. The rates of adsorbed doses of internal irradiation from the alpha-radiation of incorporated 239,240 Pu to the Black Sea hydrobionts varied from 0.01 to 0.354 µGy ⋅ years -1 Comparative analysis of dose levels formed with 239,240 Pu to studied hydrobionts of the Black Sea in this work and doses formed with natural alpha-emitting radionuclide of 210 Po showed that 239,240 Pu irradiation doses are 10 3 –10 4 times lower, than irradiation doses with 210 Po. Hence, doses created with 239,240 Pu to the Black Sea hydrobionts were in n ⋅ 10 6 –10 7 times less than the dose level offered by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), at which there are no negative consequences in populations of aquatic organisms.

Studying of the Equivalence of Radioactive and Chemical Contamination Effects of a Natural Population of Aquatic Organisms: a Methodology

Studying of the Equivalence of Radioactive and Chemical Contamination Effects of a Natural Population of Aquatic Organisms: a Methodology

On the relevance of genotoxicity for fish populations II: genotoxic effects in zebrafish ( Danio rerio) exposed to 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide in a complete life-cycle test

In order to characterize the impact of genotoxic potentials on populations of aquatic organisms in surface waters, zebrafish ( Danio rerio) were exposed to the model genotoxicant 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (NQO) in a complete life-cycle test. Fish exposed to mean NQO concentrations of 0, 0.1, 0.3, 1.1, and 2.9 μg/l were examined by several genotoxicity assays with different endpoints. Assays included the unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) test, the comet assay, the alkaline filter elution, and the micronucleus test. The genotoxicity assays revealed an increasing genotoxicity, ranging from induction of DNA repair (even at the lowest concentration tested) to primary and secondary DNA alterations at higher concentrations of 1.1 and 2.9 μg/l NQO. Whether the lowered reproductivity observed in the life-cycle test is caused by genotoxic pathways of NQO, remains unclear. However, the results indicate a contradiction to an earlier assumption that genotoxicants as found in the environment are likely to not impact natural populations.

Status of research in stock enhancement and sea ranching

The growing human population and increasing food demand have put pressure on coastal environments and fisheries resources. Overfishing and destruction of coastal habitats have resulted in depletion of coastal resources, and have threatened the viability of the fishing industry. Efforts are being made to protect the coastal habitats, to restore the populations of aquatic organisms and to create new fishing opportunities. Fisheries management that has been in place for a fairly long time requires reorientation to meet new challenges (Liao, 1999; Chua, 2001). In recent years, stock enhancement and sea ranching have been recognized for their potential of increasing and sustaining coastal fisheries (Oshima, 1984; Bartley, 1999; Liao, 1999, 2002). Stocking has been attempted at some level in over 25 countries worldwide (Bartley, 1999) with more than 100 species of aquatic organisms (fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other invertebrates) (Liao, 1999; Fushimi, 2001). Varying results have been obtained and problems identified. A well-planned enhancement or ranching project will aspire either to recapturing releases or to promoting inter-breeding between released and wild populations so that an enhanced self-sustaining population is produced (Cross, 1999). Because many marine enhancement and ranching projects worldwide are still in the experimental or pilot stages (Bartley, 1999) sufficient data is not available to answer a growing number of questions that are being raised. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a review of the status of research and developments on stock enhancement and sea ranching of aquatic animals.

Fishes of Oklahoma Springs

Fishes of Oklahoma Springs