scholarly journals National Scale Spatial Variation in Artificial Light at Night

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 1591 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel T.C. Cox ◽  
Alejandro Sánchez de Miguel ◽  
Simon A. Dzurjak ◽  
Jonathan Bennie ◽  
Kevin J. Gaston
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
National Parks ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Infrared Imaging ◽  
Natural World ◽  
Light Pollution ◽  
Artificial Light ◽  
Light At Night ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Per Capita

The disruption to natural light regimes caused by outdoor artificial nighttime lighting has significant impacts on human health and the natural world. Artificial light at night takes two forms, light emissions and skyglow (caused by the scattering of light by water, dust and gas molecules in the atmosphere). Key to determining where the biological impacts from each form are likely to be experienced is understanding their spatial occurrence, and how this varies with other landscape factors. To examine this, we used data from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) day/night band and the World Atlas of Artificial Night Sky Brightness, to determine covariation in (a) light emissions, and (b) skyglow, with human population density, landcover, protected areas and roads in Britain. We demonstrate that, although artificial light at night increases with human density, the amount of light per person decreases with increasing urbanization (with per capita median direct emissions three times greater in rural than urban populations, and per capita median skyglow eleven times greater). There was significant variation in artificial light at night within different landcover types, emphasizing that light pollution is not a solely urban issue. Further, half of English National Parks have higher levels of skyglow than light emissions, indicating their failure to buffer biodiversity from pressures that artificial lighting poses. The higher per capita emissions in rural than urban areas provide different challenges and opportunities for mitigating the negative human health and environmental impacts of light pollution.

scholarly journals Reducing the light pollution in settlement units areas – comparative case studies

2018 ◽  
Vol 44 ◽  
pp. 00100
Author(s):  
Agata Łopuszyńska
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Social Awareness ◽  
Light Pollution ◽  
Artificial Light ◽  
Formation Processes ◽  
Light At Night ◽  
Technical Aspects ◽  
Specific Scheme ◽  
Comparative Case Studies

Dark-sky areas are a form of night landscape protection and reduction of light pollution (LP), but also a new direction of inhabited and urban areas development. Yet still the lack of social awareness of artificial light at night (ALAN) exposure issues is widespread. While the technical aspects of outdoor lighting modernization used for reduction are recognized and continuously elaborated, there is no specific scheme of the dark sky communities formation processes. In contrast to isolated areas of dark-sky protection, they are a challenge due to the accumulation of various functions and interests or spatial conflicts. The article is an attempt to determine how and why particular programs work or fail to work on the examples of the Polish village of Sopotnia Wielka and the Scottish town of Moffat. It seems that the legal factors are decisive, but other important aspects like social or planning come to the fore.

scholarly journals Artificial light at night does not alter heart rate or locomotor behaviour in Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus): insights into light pollution and physiological disturbance using biologgers

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Clay Steell ◽  
Steven J Cooke ◽  
Erika J Eliason
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Spiny Lobster ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
Panulirus Argus ◽  
Light Pollution ◽  
Artificial Light ◽  
Light At Night ◽  
Western Atlantic ◽  
Average Percentage

Abstract Light pollution is a rapidly growing threat to biodiversity, with many unknown or poorly understood effects on species and ecosystems spanning terrestrial and aquatic environments. Relative to other taxa, the effects of artificial light at night on aquatic invertebrates are poorly understood, despite the abundance and integral significance of invertebrates to marine and freshwater ecosystems. We affixed heart rate and acceleration biologgers to adult Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus), an ecologically, culturally and economically significant species in the western Atlantic ocean, to test the effect of artificial light at night on this species’ physiology and behaviour relative to appropriate controls. The experiment was conducted in a simulated reef mesocosm in The Bahamas with incandescent lighting used to illuminate it at 1 lux, approximating light levels offshore of urban areas. In the conditions tested here, artificial light at night was found to have no effect on heart rate or locomotor activity in P. argus. We observed a dissociation between activity and heart rate at both short-term and long-term temporal scales. Lobsters were more active at night and nocturnal activity was higher in trials closer to new moon; however, heart rate did not vary with diel or lunar cycle. There was less than 8% difference between daytime and night time average heart rate despite the average percentage of time spent active almost tripling in nights versus days, to 19.5% from 7.2%, respectively. Our findings suggest P. argus may have some resilience to low levels of light pollution, which warrants further research on aspects of this species’ life history, performance and fitness in the face of this potential anthropogenic disturbance.

scholarly journals The Effects of Anthropogenic Sound and Artificial Light Exposure on Microbiomes: Ecological and Public Health Implications

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jake M Robinson ◽  
Ross Cameron ◽  
Brenda Parker
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Critical Appraisal ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Light Exposure ◽  
Microbial Interactions ◽  
Light Pollution ◽  
Artificial Light ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Health Implications

Globally, anthropogenic sound and artificial light pollution have increased to alarming levels. Evidence suggests that these can disrupt critical processes that impact ecosystems and human health. However, limited focus has been given to the potential effects of sound and artificial light pollution on microbiomes. Microbial communities are the foundations of our ecosystems. They are essential for human health and provide myriad ecosystem services. Therefore, disruption to microbiomes by anthropogenic sound and artificial light could have important ecological and human health implications. In this mini-review, we provide a critical appraisal of available scientific literature on the effects of anthropogenic sound and light exposure on microorganisms and discuss the potential ecological and human health implications. Our mini-review shows that a limited number of studies have been carried out to investigate the effects of anthropogenic sound and light pollution on microbiomes. However, based on these studies, it is evident that anthropogenic sound and light pollution have the potential to significantly influence ecosystems and human health via microbial interactions. Many of the studies suffered from modest sample sizes, suboptimal experiments designs, and some of the bioinformatics approaches used are now outdated. These factors should be improved in future studies. This is an emerging and severely underexplored area of research that could have important implications for global ecosystems and public health. Finally, we also propose the photo-sonic restoration hypothesis: does restoring natural levels of light and sound help to restore microbiomes and ecosystem stability?

scholarly journals A Systematic Review of Research Investigating the Combined Ecological Impact of Anthropogenic Noise and Artificial Light at Night

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wouter Halfwerk ◽  
Paul Jerem
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Ecological Impact ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
Anthropogenic Noise ◽  
Light Pollution ◽  
Artificial Light ◽  
Light At Night ◽  
The Impact

Levels of anthropogenic noise and artificial light at night (ALAN) are rapidly rising on a global scale. Both sensory pollutants are well known to affect animal behavior and physiology, which can lead to substantial ecological impacts. Most studies on noise or light pollution to date have focused on single stressor impacts, studying both pollutants in isolation despite their high spatial and temporal co-occurrence. However, few studies have addressed their combined impact, known as multisensory pollution, with the specific aim to assess whether the interaction between noise and light pollution leads to predictable, additive effects, or less predictable, synergistic or antagonistic effects. We carried out a systematic review of research investigating multisensory pollution and found 28 studies that simultaneously assessed the impact of anthropogenic noise and ALAN on animal function (e.g., behavior, morphology or life-history), physiology (e.g., stress, oxidative, or immune status), or population demography (e.g., abundance or species richness). Only fifteen of these studies specifically tested for possible interactive effects when both sensory pollutants were combined. Four out of eight experimental studies revealed a significant interaction effect, in contrast to only three out seven observational studies. We discuss the benefits and limitations of experimental vs. observational studies addressing multisensory pollution and call for more specific testing of the diverse ways in which noise and light pollution can interact to affect wildlife.

scholarly journals Moving in the Dark—Evidence for an Influence of Artificial Light at Night on the Movement Behaviour of European Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus)

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1306
Author(s):  
Anne Berger ◽  
Briseida Lozano ◽  
Leon M. F. Barthel ◽  
Nadine Schubert
Keyword(s):  
Light Intensity ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Artificial Light ◽  
Movement Behaviour ◽  
Light At Night ◽  
Very High Frequency ◽  
Erinaceus Europaeus ◽  
The Mean

With urban areas growing worldwide comes an increase in artificial light at night (ALAN), causing a significant impact on wildlife behaviour and its ecological relationships. The effects of ALAN on nocturnal and protected European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) are unknown but their identification is important for sustainable species conservation and management. In a pilot study, we investigated the influence of ALAN on the natural movement behaviour of 22 hedgehogs (nine females, 13 males) in urban environments. Over the course of four years, we equipped hedgehogs at three different study locations in Berlin with biologgers to record their behaviour for several weeks. We used Global Positioning System (GPS) tags to monitor their spatial behaviour, very high-frequency (VHF) loggers to locate their nests during daytime, and accelerometers to distinguish between active and passive behaviours. We compared the mean light intensity of the locations recorded when the hedgehogs were active with the mean light intensity of simulated locations randomly distributed in the individual’s home range. We were able to show that the ALAN intensity of the hedgehogs’ habitations was significantly lower compared to the simulated values, regardless of the animal’s sex. This ALAN-related avoidance in the movement behaviour can be used for applied hedgehog conservation.

Light at Night: A New Kind of Environment Pollution

2013 ◽  
Vol 807-809 ◽  
pp. 636-640
Author(s):  
Liang Tang
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Ecological Systems ◽  
Light Pollution ◽  
Environment Pollution ◽  
Light At Night ◽  
Energy Consumptions ◽  
Negative Impacts

Light pollution is increasing recognized as having adverse effects on human and environment. This paper analyzes the sources and causes of the formation of light pollution, and explores the negative impacts of light pollution on ecological systems, human health and energy consumptions. At last, we propose some suggestions for the prevention of light pollution.

scholarly journals Artificial light at night alters life history in a nocturnal orb-web spider

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikolas J Willmott ◽  
Jessica Henneken ◽  
Caitlin J Selleck ◽  
Therésa M Jones
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Artificial Light ◽  
Light At Night ◽  
Night Time ◽  
Juvenile Mortality ◽  
Web Spider ◽  
Orb Web ◽  
Juvenile Development

The prevalence of artificial light at night (ALAN) is increasing rapidly around the world. The potential physiological costs of this night lighting are often evident in life history shifts. We investigated the effects of chronic night-time exposure to ecologically relevant levels of LED lighting on the life history traits of the nocturnal Australian garden orb-web spider (Eriophora biapicata). We reared spiders under a 12-hour day and either a 12-hour natural darkness (~0 lux) or a 12-hour dim light (~20 lux) night and assessed juvenile development, growth and mortality, and adult reproductive success and survival. We found that exposure to ALAN accelerated juvenile development, resulting in spiders progressing through fewer moults, and maturing earlier and at a smaller size. There was a significant increase in daily juvenile mortality for spiders reared under 20 lux, but the earlier maturation resulted in a comparable number of 0 lux and 20 lux spiders reaching maturity. Exposure to ALAN also considerably reduced the number of eggs produced by females, largely associated with ALAN-induced reductions in body size. Despite previous observations of increased fitness for some orb-weavers in urban areas and near night lighting, it appears that exposure to artificial night lighting may lead to considerable developmental costs. Future research will need to consider the detrimental effects of ALAN combined with foraging benefits when studying nocturnal insectivores that forage around artificial lights.

scholarly journals Artificial light at night alters life history in a nocturnal orb-web spider

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikolas J Willmott ◽  
Jessica Henneken ◽  
Caitlin J Selleck ◽  
Therésa M Jones
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Artificial Light ◽  
Light At Night ◽  
Night Time ◽  
Juvenile Mortality ◽  
Web Spider ◽  
Orb Web ◽  
Juvenile Development

The prevalence of artificial light at night (ALAN) is increasing rapidly around the world. The potential physiological costs of this night lighting are often evident in life history shifts. We investigated the effects of chronic night-time exposure to ecologically relevant levels of LED lighting on the life history traits of the nocturnal Australian garden orb-web spider (Eriophora biapicata). We reared spiders under a 12-hour day and either a 12-hour natural darkness (~0 lux) or a 12-hour dim light (~20 lux) night and assessed juvenile development, growth and mortality, and adult reproductive success and survival. We found that exposure to ALAN accelerated juvenile development, resulting in spiders progressing through fewer moults, and maturing earlier and at a smaller size. There was a significant increase in daily juvenile mortality for spiders reared under 20 lux, but the earlier maturation resulted in a comparable number of 0 lux and 20 lux spiders reaching maturity. Exposure to ALAN also considerably reduced the number of eggs produced by females, largely associated with ALAN-induced reductions in body size. Despite previous observations of increased fitness for some orb-weavers in urban areas and near night lighting, it appears that exposure to artificial night lighting may lead to considerable developmental costs. Future research will need to consider the detrimental effects of ALAN combined with foraging benefits when studying nocturnal insectivores that forage around artificial lights.

scholarly journals The duration of artificial light defines sexual signalling in the common glow-worm

2021 ◽  
Vol 75 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Elgert ◽  
Topi K. Lehtonen ◽  
Arja Kaitala ◽  
Ulrika Candolin
Keyword(s):  
Negative Impact ◽  
Light Exposure ◽  
Sensory Ecology ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Light Pollution ◽  
Artificial Light ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Light At Night ◽  
Night Time ◽  
Sexual Signalling

Abstract Artificial light at night is increasing globally, interfering with both sensory ecology and temporal rhythms of organisms, from zooplankton to mammals. This interference can change the behaviour of the affected organisms, and hence compromise the viability of their populations. Limiting the use of artificial light may mitigate these negative effects. Accordingly, we investigated whether the duration of artificial light affects sexual signalling in female glow-worms, Lampyris noctiluca, which are flightless and attract flying males to mate by emitting glow that is interfered by light pollution. The study included three treatments: no artificial light (control), 15 min of artificial light, and 45 min of artificial light. The results show that females were more likely to cease glowing when the exposure to light was longer. Furthermore, small females were more likely to cease their glow, and responded faster to the light, than larger females. These findings suggest that glow-worms can react rapidly to anthropogenic changes in nocturnal light levels, and that prolonged periods of artificial light trigger females to stop sexual signalling. Thus, limiting the duration of artificial light can mitigate the adverse effects of light pollution on sexual signalling, highlighting the importance of such mitigation measures. Significance statement Interest in the effects of artificial light at night on animal behaviour has increased in recent years. With evidence for its negative impact accumulating, potential remedies, such as limiting the duration of light exposure, have emerged. To date, however, knowledge on the effectiveness of these methods has remained very limited. We show that female European common glow-worms, which are wingless beetles that glow to attract flying males to mate, responded to prolonged artificial light exposure by discontinuing their glow. Such non-glowing females are not expected to find a mate, making it difficult for them to reproduce. Hence, our study indicates that the duration of artificial light should be limited to protect this night-active beetle and its opportunities for effective sexual signalling. Because many other nocturnal species also need darkness, this study provides valuable information for the development and use of less disruptive night-time lights.

scholarly journals Working with Inadequate Tools: Legislative Shortcomings in Protection against Ecological Effects of Artificial Light at Night

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 2551 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sibylle Schroer ◽  
Benedikt John Huggins ◽  
Clementine Azam ◽  
Franz Hölker
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Environmental Law ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Light Pollution ◽  
Artificial Light ◽  
Legal Analysis ◽  
Light At Night ◽  
Environmental Laws ◽  
Legal Obligations ◽  
Special Protection

The fundamental change in nocturnal landscapes due to the increasing use of artificial light at night (ALAN) is recognized as being detrimental to the environment and raises important regulatory questions as to whether and how it should be regulated based on the manifold risks to the environment. Here, we present the results of an analysis of the current legal obligations on ALAN in context with a systematic review of adverse effects. The legal analysis includes the relevant aspects of European and German environmental law, specifically nature conservation and immission control. The review represents the results of 303 studies indicating significant disturbances of organisms and landscapes. We discuss the conditions for prohibitions by environmental laws and whether protection gaps persist and, hence, whether specific legislation for light pollution is necessary. While protection is predominantly provided for species with special protection status that reveal avoidance behavior of artificially lit landscapes and associated habitat loss, adverse effects on species and landscapes without special protection status are often unaddressed by existing regulations. Legislative shortcomings are caused by difficulties in proving adverse effect on the population level, detecting lighting malpractice, and applying the law to ALAN-related situations. Measures to reduce ALAN-induced environmental impacts are highlighted. We discuss whether an obligation to implement such measures is favorable for environmental protection and how regulations can be implemented.

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