Examination of effects of acid and metals on benthic algae in streams using chemical diffusing substrata

DeNicola, Dean M.; Stapleton, Michael G.; Onufrak, Aaron J.

doi:10.1016/j.ecolind.2017.12.071

Cited by 4 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 44 publications

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“…Dispersal of organisms can play a significant role in determining large-scale patch dynamics (Brown et al 2011), and a model by Stevenson (1997) indicated this may be true for stream periphyton. However, empirical studies suggest that microalgal taxa have high dispersal ability (Finlay et al 2002), and often, there are many taxa in the species pool tolerant to a range of environmental conditions (McCormick and Cairns 1991, Vinebrooke 1996, DeNicola et al 2018). For such organisms, local environmental filtering appears to be the major determinant of their spatiotemporal distribution in streams (Padial et al 2014).…”

Section: Applications and Limitations Of The Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…2002), and often, there are many taxa in the species pool tolerant to a range of environmental conditions (McCormick and Cairns 1991, Vinebrooke 1996, DeNicola et al. 2018). For such organisms, local environmental filtering appears to be the major determinant of their spatiotemporal distribution in streams (Padial et al.…”

Section: Applications and Limitations Of The Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A stochastic model of epilithic algal succession and patch dynamics in streams

2021

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Explaining spatiotemporal variability in metacommunities is challenging because conducting empirical studies that link mechanisms across scales is difficult. We developed a stochastic model of epilithic algal succession in streams to better understand the underlying interactions that drive patch dynamics at three levels of spatial hierarchy: patch, channel habitat, and reach. The state of an algal patch is specified by one of nine community types, which are defined by growth form. Ninety-two empirical data sets of epilithic succession were used to estimate Markov transition probabilities among patch types as functions of inputs for light, nutrients, and current. Two additional probability matrices determine the effects of herbivory and disturbance based on user inputs. Testing model predictions of patch composition against independent empirical data indicated good correspondence based on resemblance metrics. Early in succession, most patches were occupied by prostrate and erect diatoms. These persisted under low light and nutrient conditions. Motile and stalked diatom patches characterized later stages when resources were moderate. Succession proceeded to mostly filamentous green algal patches under high resource levels. Sensitivity simulations indicated light most affected succession. Herbivory and disturbance increased the probability of prostrate diatom patches. We then used the model to examine how changes in abiotic and biotic parameters affect patch dynamics at different scales. Changes in nutrients or light affected patch diversity differently at the habitat vs. reach scale. Interactions with local resource levels within a channel habitat determined its alpha diversity. The proportion of channel habitat types within a reach, and their collective response to changes, determined beta diversity. Patch diversity within channel habitats generated by herbivory followed the predation hypothesis only when nutrients were low. At the reach scale, herbivory always increased patch similarity among channel habitats, lowering beta diversity. Diversity within channel habitats followed the intermediate disturbance hypothesis for a variety of habitats. Effects of disturbance on beta diversity at the reach scale depended on channel habitat heterogeneity. The stability of patches at the reach scale was highest when disturbance created high patch diversity, supporting the insurance hypothesis. The ideas generated can improve stream bioassessment methods and provide insight into mechanisms underlying patch dynamics in other ecosystems.

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Section: Applications and Limitations Of The Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Applications and Limitations Of The Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%

A stochastic model of epilithic algal succession and patch dynamics in streams

2021

Self Cite

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“…These species were common in the samples and readily distinguished at 400 9 magnification by their boat-shape and capitate (N. rostellata) or rounded (N. eidrigiana) ends. Like most Navicula, these species have two plate-like chloroplasts, appressed to girdle and visible as lines along the two sides of the frustule from valve view (Cox 1996). Healthy individuals have small lipid bodies, with 4 in N. rostellata and 2 in N. eidrigiana.…”

Section: Chlorophyll a Concentration And Diatom Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cigarette butt effects on diatom health in a stream ecosystem

2021

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Cigarette butts are a prevalent form of litter containing numerous toxic chemicals. Because cigarette butts are frequently deposited on the ground and carried into water bodies, greater understanding of the toxic effects of cigarette butts in aquatic ecosystems is needed. We examined the toxicity of cigarette butts to algal growth and diatom health-especially pertinent because of the strong ecological role of these organisms. We modified the agar-based nutrientdiffusing substrate method by using cigarette butt leachate (at 10, 5, 2.5, and 1.25 butts/l concentrations), a whole cigarette butt, and a plain agar control. After incubating for 10 days in a small stream, the biofilms from the diffusing substrates were assessed for algal biomass and diatom health (chloroplast intactness and size of lipid bodies in two abundant species of Navicula). There were no significant differences among the cigarette butt treatments for algal biomass or diatom health; hence, evidence of toxic effects was not found. Other studies have demonstrated cigarette butt leachate toxicity to fish and aquatic invertebrates, but these studies were done in closed systems. In contrast, in open stream ecosystems, effluent may be quickly diluted and carried away by water flow, and the complex chemical environment of streams likely includes leachate from a variety of riparian leaves that fell into the stream (i.e., algae are naturally exposed to low concentrations of a wide variety of secondary chemicals). Our results do not preclude the finding of toxicity of cigarette butt effluent to algae, including diatoms, in standard toxicity tests.

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“…The metabolome changes may prove useful for the development of bioindicators tests. Biofilm assemblages from a high-alkalinity, eutrophic stream and a low-alkalinity, oligotrophic stream exposed to Mn, Fe, Al, acid, Mn + acid, Fe + acid, and Al + via chemical diffusing substrata showed varied responses based on stream trophic status (DeNicola, Stapleton, & Onufrak, 2018). Most importantly, chemical diffusing substrata may be useful for teasing out context-dependent or taxon-specific responses to toxins.…”

Section: Annual Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Substratum‐associated microbiota

Furey

Liess

Lee

2019

Water Environment Research

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This survey of 2018 literature on substratum-associated microbiota presents brief highlights on research findings from primarily freshwaters, but includes those from a variety of aquatic ecosystems. Coverage of topics associated with benthic algae and cyanobacteria, though not comprehensive, includes new methods, taxa new to science, nutrient dynamics, trophic interactions, herbicides and other pollutants, metal contaminants, nuisance, bloom-forming and harmful algae, bioassessment, and bioremediation. Coverage of bacteria, also not comprehensive, focused on methylation of mercury, metal contamination, toxins, and other environmental pollutants, including oil, as well as the use of benthic bacteria as bioindicators, in bioassessment tools and in biomonitoring. Additionally, we cover trends in recent and emerging topics on substratum-associated microbiota of relevance to the Water Environment Federation.

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Examination of effects of acid and metals on benthic algae in streams using chemical diffusing substrata

Cited by 4 publications

References 44 publications

A stochastic model of epilithic algal succession and patch dynamics in streams

A stochastic model of epilithic algal succession and patch dynamics in streams

Cigarette butt effects on diatom health in a stream ecosystem

Substratum‐associated microbiota

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