Periphyton assemblages as indicators of recovery in acidified Canadian Shield lakes

1997 ◽  
Vol 54 (7) ◽  
pp. 1557-1568 ◽  
Author(s):  
R D Vinebrooke ◽  
M D Graham
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Inorganic Carbon ◽  
Dissolved Inorganic Carbon ◽  
Taxonomic Composition ◽  
Canadian Shield ◽  
Indicator Species Analysis ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Filamentous Green Algae ◽  
Species Analysis ◽  
Shield Lakes

Periphyton is very responsive to abiotic changes within recovering acidified shield lakes. We conducted a survey of acidified shield lakes to assess epilithic periphyton assemblages as indicators of natural recovery. Canonical correspondence and regression analyses both showed that dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) was the best predictor of taxonomic composition, biomass accrual, and species richness in lakes of low alkalinity. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was also a significant predictor of taxonomic composition, and biomass accrual (desmids, filamentous green algae, and total). Constrained indicator species analysis identified Actinotaenium cucurbita, Cylindrocystis brebissonii, Eunotia bactriana, Fragilaria acidobiontica, Homoeothrix juliana, Tetmemorus laevis, and Zygogonium ericetorum as indicators of high-acidity (pH <5.0), clearwater lakes with low (<0.3 mg/L) DIC concentrations. Achnanthes minutissima, Cymbella microcephala, and Gomphonema acuminatum were indicative of low-acidity (pH >5.6) lakes with higher DIC concentrations (>0.6 mg/L) and positive buffering capacities. Our findings suggest that periphyton in recovering acidified shield lakes are stimulated by increasing DIC and DOC concentrations. Increases in DIC availability might enhance recolonization by diatoms in clearwater lakes, while increases in DOC concentrations may favour desmids and filamentous zygnematacean taxa, especially in naturally acidic brown-water lakes.

A Syringe Gas-Stripping Procedure for Gas-Chromatographic Determination of Dissolved Inorganic and Organic Carbon in Fresh Water and Carbonates in Sediments

1973 ◽  
Vol 30 (10) ◽  
pp. 1441-1445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael P. Stainton
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Gas Phase ◽  
Atmospheric Pressure ◽  
Inorganic Carbon ◽  
Dissolved Inorganic Carbon ◽  
Chromatographic Determination ◽  
Canadian Shield ◽  
Gas Stripping ◽  
Inorganic And Organic

A simple, rapid method for determining dissolved inorganic carbon in water is described. A 20-cm3 sample of water is drawn into a 50-cm3 polypropylene syringe and acidified by injection of 1 cm3 of dilute sulphuric acid. Twenty-nine cubic centimeters of helium at atmospheric pressure is injected into the syringe followed by 10 sec of manual agitation to partition CO2 between gas and liquid phase. The gas phase containing 60% of CO2 from the sample is then analyzed by gas chromatography. This method has been used to determine dissolved inorganic and organic carbon in Canadian Shield waters and to determine total carbonates in sediments.

Growth characteristics of bloom-forming filamentous green algae in the littoral zone of an experimentally acidified lake

1995 ◽  
Vol 52 (10) ◽  
pp. 2251-2263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A. Turner ◽  
Leif J. Sigurdson ◽  
David L. Findlay ◽  
E. Todd Howell ◽  
Gordon G. C. Robinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Temperature ◽  
Green Algae ◽  
Inorganic Carbon ◽  
Dissolved Inorganic Carbon ◽  
Benthic Algae ◽  
Growth Characteristics ◽  
Experimental Lakes Area ◽  
Filamentous Green Algae ◽  
High Photosynthetic Capacity ◽  
Major Factors

Filamentous green algae, predominantly Mougeotia and Zygogonium, bloom frequently in the littoral zones of acidified lakes. Growth characteristics of Zygogonium-dominated filamentous green algae were studied for 4 yr in an experimentally acidified (pH 4.5) lake at the Experimental Lakes Area of northwestern Ontario. They were present in low abundance as periphyton (algal associations attached to surfaces) during spring, and as blooms of metaphyton (benthic algae unconstrained by surfaces) beginning in midsummer and reaching a maximum in early fall. Metaphytic filamentous green algae displayed high photosynthetic capacity in summer despite the oligotrophic nature of the acidified lake. The major factors controlling photosynthetic rates of Zygogonium were similar to those controlling Mougeotia, and included algal crowding, irradiance, dissolved inorganic carbon, and water temperature. Rates of photosynthesis were negatively dependent upon algal crowding, so that highest rates were associated with minimum algal crowding. Light requirements for photosynthesis were higher than those of the epilithon, which were dominant prior to acidification. The dependence of photosynthesis on ambient concentrations of dissolved inorganic carbon was partly regulated by water temperature. Anthropogenically caused releases from growth limitations (e.g., increased availability of limiting nutrients, increased water temperature, and extension of the growing season) may cause proliferation of filamentous green algae in the future.

Long-term trends in zooplankton of Dorset, Ontario, lakes: the probable interactive effects of changes in pH, total phosphorus, dissolved organic carbon, and predators

2008 ◽  
Vol 65 (5) ◽  
pp. 862-877 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norman D Yan ◽  
Keith M Somers ◽  
Robert E Girard ◽  
Andrew M Paterson ◽  
W. (Bill) Keller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Dissolved Organic Carbon ◽  
Total Phosphorus ◽  
Canadian Shield ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Crustacean Zooplankton ◽  
Multiple Stressor ◽  
Zooplankton Communities ◽  
Shield Lakes

Time trends in abundance, body size, species richness, and species composition indicate that crustacean zooplankton communities of southern Canadian Shield lakes changed between 1980 and 2003. Total abundance did not decline despite reductions in total phosphorus, but all other metrics changed. Species richness declined in Harp Lake (Ontario, Canada) following its Bythotrephes invasion, but richness increased in three other lakes. Average cladoceran body length increased from 0.6 to 1.0 mm in seven of the lakes, as larger-bodied taxa replaced smaller ones. Correlations with water quality and fish metrics suggest that cladoceran size increases were attributable to many factors: a decline in food availability following declining phosphorus levels increasing the competitive advantage of larger herbivores, a decline in acidity favouring the larger, acid-sensitive daphniids, and reduced risk of planktivory linked to a rise in dissolved organic carbon levels and changes in predation regimes. Zooplankton communities on the Canadian Shield are changing, and these changes are best viewed in a multiple-stressor context. Key anthropogenic stressors have also changed and may do so again if Ca concentrations continue to decline.

scholarly journals Diatom and microarthropod communities of three airfields in Estonia – their differences and similarities and possible linkages to airfield properties

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Piret Vacht ◽  
Annely Kuu ◽  
Liisa Puusepp ◽  
Tiiu Koff ◽  
Sander Kutti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Indicator Species ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Indicator Species Analysis ◽  
Soil Ecosystem ◽  
Snow Melting ◽  
Pollutant Concentrations ◽  
Species Analysis ◽  
Contamination Levels ◽  
High Diversity

Abstract Even though airfields, which are often anthropologically modified natural areas, are continuously influenced by human activities, their soils are still dynamic ecosystems containing various habitats for microscopic groups of organisms which are often ignored. In this exploratory study, the microarthropod fauna, Collembola (Hexapoda) and oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida), and diatom (Bacillariophyta) flora were identified in three Estonian airfields, both runway sides and snow-melting sites were investigated. The communities of these airfields shared approximately 10-60% of the species belonging to each studied bioindicator group. The shared species were generally characteristic of a broad habitat spectrum. Communities were also characterized based on their species richness and diversity and in relation to location and the purpose of different airfield areas (e.g. snow-melting sites vs. runway sides). Also, species indicative of a specific airfield or purpose of the area within the airfield were identified using Indicator Species Analysis. Some possible linkages between airfield properties and communities, e.g. airfield that had highest pollutant concentrations had also maintained high diversity and species richness, were noted. Despite the contamination levels the airfield soils had still maintained a functioning soil ecosystem.

Different components of plant diversity suggest the protection of a large area for the conservation of a riparian ecosystem

Biologia ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 70 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Lastrucci ◽  
Lorenzo Lazzaro ◽  
Tommaso Guidi ◽  
Vincenzo Gonnelli ◽  
Paolo Giordani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Species Composition ◽  
Plant Diversity ◽  
Indicator Species ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Conservation Strategy ◽  
Indicator Species Analysis ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Β Diversity ◽  
Species Analysis

AbstractRiparian ecosystems host an high level of biodiversity but anthropic activities have deeply altered their naturalness and functionality. The present study was carried out in a protected area along a recently regulated tract of the upper River Tiber (Tuscany, central Italy). The study’s aim is to explore different components of plant diversity (species richness, species composition, β-diversity) in the riparian habitats to determine the most relevant conservation issues. Twelve transects were allocated along the riparian zone and a stratified random sampling was performed on the habitat detected along the transects with 184 plots of 1 x 1 m. Species richness was analysed by the use of set of species-richness estimators. The different patterns of plant diversity were analysed by NMDS, Indicator Species Analysis and SDR with symplex analysis. Five habitat types were detected in the study area. Three well-represented habitats (riparian woodlands, shrublands and dry bars) showed a higher number of species; flooded banks and marshlands were much less common and were also less species rich. Species composition and indicator species analysis showed however that marshlands were the richest in taxa having high conservation value and in indicator species. The habitats differed greatly in species composition; β-diversity analysis showed a low number of shared species between the habitats. High values of species replacement and low similarity values were recorded between the plots within the habitats. The study shows some differences between quantitative and qualitative patterns of biodiversity in the study area. The results suggest that to maintain habitat species diversity, the best conservation strategy for the study area is to protect as large an area as possible

Early Responses of Periphyton to Experimental Lake Acidification

1987 ◽  
Vol 44 (S1) ◽  
pp. s135-s149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A. Turner ◽  
Michael B. Jackson ◽  
David L. Findlay ◽  
Roger W. Graham ◽  
Edwin R. DeBruyn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Acid ◽  
Littoral Zone ◽  
Inorganic Carbon ◽  
Dissolved Inorganic Carbon ◽  
Dark Respiration ◽  
Net Photosynthesis ◽  
Taxonomic Composition ◽  
Filamentous Algae ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
Selection Of

We studied the periphyton in two small lakes acidified experimentally with either sulfuric or nitric acid. For comparison, we monitored periphyton in one previously acidified (sulfuric) lake and in two neutral lakes. Net photosynthesis declined in epilithic periphyton in the middle littoral zone (1–2 m) of both recently acidified basins in response to reduced concentrations of dissolved inorganic carbon. Dark respiration and taxonomic composition remained largely unchanged in this zone. Attached filamentous algae proliferated early [Formula: see text] in the upper littoral zone (< 1 m) of the sulfuric acid basin confirming earlier observations made in the previously acidified lake. These Zygnematales-dominated filamentous algae (largely Mougeotia sp.) developed conspicuously on submerged rock and log surfaces. In contrast, growth on macrophytes was variable in both the neutral and nitric acid systems. We hypothesize that during the early stages of acidification proliferation of filamentous Chlorophyceae is due to selection of algae tolerant of increased H+and better adapted to obtain inorganic carbon at low concentrations, in combination with reduced grazing.

Linking fish and crustacean taxonomic composition with seasonal contrasts in the soft-bottom intertidal zone

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Gondal ◽  
S. Iqbal ◽  
U. Atique ◽  
N. U. Saher ◽  
N. A. Qureshi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Water Temperature ◽  
Fish Species ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Taxonomic Composition ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Fish Species Composition ◽  
One Year ◽  
Sw Monsoon

Abstract The primary objective of this study was to investigate the seasonal fish and crustacean variations concerning taxonomic composition, species richness, and diversity in sandy beach habitat. For this purpose, we investigated the Sonmiani Hor lagoon area during four distinct seasons, i.e., northeast (NE) monsoon, pre-monsoon, south-west (SW) monsoon, and post-monsoon for one year. During each haul, the net was pulled about 100m along the beach in 0.5m depth. The results showed a strong linear correlation between the diversity index and equitability in fishes (r = 0.978). The diversity index was strong negatively correlated with the abundance and biomass (r = -0.978, -0.972, respectively). The physical attributes like sea surface water temperature and salinity showed a strong negative effect on species assemblages (r = -0.981 and -0.943, respectively). The mean air and water temperature illustrated approximately 3°C difference during NE and pre-monsoon seasons. However, salinity, pH, and electrical conductivity did not show any significant seasonal variabilities. Under the ecological indices, the fish species displayed higher diversity (H’ = 3.19) during SW monsoon, whereas the lowest diversity was observed during pre-monsoon (H’ = 1.58). The equitability and species richness, however, remained more noticeable during SW monsoon (J’ = 0.81). The total number of individuals of fish and crustaceans reached 4799 with 3813 fish individuals and 986 individuals of crustaceans. A total of 27 families of fish while five crustacean families comprising of 30 genera and 38 fish species while ten genera and 17 species of crustaceans were recorded. Liza subviridis displayed the highest abundance among the sampled fish species. In conclusion, fish species constituted a significant part of the coastal fauna in the study area. The seasonal variations displayed distinct variations in fish species composition and diversity.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document