scholarly journals Growth at the limits: comparing trace metal limitation of a freshwater cyanobacterium (Dolichospermum lemmermannii) and a freshwater diatom (Fragilaria crotonensis)

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Markus Dengg ◽  
Claudine H. Stirling ◽  
Malcolm R. Reid ◽  
Piet Verburg ◽  
Evelyn Armstrong ◽  
...  

AbstractFreshwater phytoplankton blooms are increasing in prevalence and there are conflicting views on whether trace metals limit growth of key species and thus bloom formation. The Taupō Volcanic Zone (TVZ), New Zealand, was formed by multiple eruptions of a super-volcano which emitted rhyolitic tephra leaving lakes depleted in trace metals. This provides an opportunity to test the potential of trace metal limitation on freshwater phytoplankton growth under nanomolar concentrations. Growth responses of two algal species isolated from Lake Taupō, Dolichospermum lemmermannii (cyanobacteria) and Fragilaria crotonensis (diatom), to six biologically important trace metals (manganese, iron, zinc, cobalt, copper and molybdenum) were examined in culture experiments. These were conducted at three trace metal concentrations: (1) ambient, (2) two-times ambient, and (3) ten-times ambient concentrations in Lake Taupō. Elevated concentrations of iron significantly increased growth rates and maximum cell densities in D. lemmermannii, whereas no significant concentration dependence was observed for other trace metals. Fragilaria crotonensis showed no significant growth response to elevated concentrations of trace metals. These results highlight the importance of iron as a growth limiting nutrient for cyanobacteria and indicate that even small (twofold) increases in Fe concentrations could enhance cyanobacteria growth rates in Lake Taupō, potentially causing cyanobacterial blooms.

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roxana T. Shafiee ◽  
Poppy J. Diver ◽  
Joseph T. Snow ◽  
Qiong Zhang ◽  
Rosalind E. M. Rickaby

AbstractAmmonia oxidation by archaea and bacteria (AOA and AOB), is the first step of nitrification in the oceans. As AOA have an ammonium affinity 200-fold higher than AOB isolates, the chemical niche allowing AOB to persist in the oligotrophic ocean remains unclear. Here we show that marine isolates, Nitrosopumilus maritimus strain SCM1 (AOA) and Nitrosococcus oceani strain C-107 (AOB) have contrasting physiologies in response to the trace metals iron (Fe) and copper (Cu), holding potential implications for their niche separation in the oceans. A greater affinity for unchelated Fe may allow AOB to inhabit shallower, euphotic waters where ammonium supply is high, but competition for Fe is rife. In contrast to AOB, AOA isolates have a greater affinity and toxicity threshold for unchelated Cu providing additional explanation to the greater success of AOA in the marine environment where Cu availability can be highly variable. Using comparative genomics, we predict that the proteomic and metal transport basis giving rise to contrasting physiologies in isolates is widespread across phylogenetically diverse marine AOA and AOB that are not yet available in pure culture. Our results develop the testable hypothesis that ammonia oxidation may be limited by Cu in large tracts of the open ocean and suggest a relatively earlier emergence of AOB than AOA when considered in the context of evolving trace metal availabilities over geologic time.


1991 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 893-903 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inderjit Singh ◽  
Donald S. Mavinic

Samples were taken from 72 high-rise apartment suites (6 suites in 12 individual high-rise towers) and 60 single-family houses located within the Greater Vancouver Regional District. The influence of the following factors on trace metal concentrations in 1-L first-flush drinking water samples and “running” hot water samples was investigated: building height, location, plumbing age, type of plumbing, and type of building. Results of this survey show that with the exception of building height, all factors had a correlation with one or more of the trace metals investigated. The trace metals examined were lead, copper, iron, and zinc. Lead was influenced primarily by building type, copper by plumbing age and type of plumbing, and iron by location. Elevated lead levels were associated with high-rise samples. New copper plumbing systems resulted in high copper levels. Highest iron levels in the drinking water were measured in the East Vancouver location. Zinc did not show a distinct correlation with any of the factors investigated. Brass faucets were the primary source of zinc in tap water. They also contributed substantially to the lead detected in the 1-L first-flush sample. Metal concentrations measured in the high-rise and house samples were compared with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and the proposed “no-action” level for lead. In high-rise samples, the 0.01 mg/L “no-action” level proposed for lead was exceeded in 43% of the samples, and 62% of the samples exceeded the current 1.0 mg/L MCL standard for copper. In single-family house samples, these values were 47% and 73%, respectively. The average lead concentrations were 0.020 mg/L for all high-rise samples and 0.013 mg/L for house samples. Regulatory levels stated above would still be exceeded in 6% of the cases for lead and 9% of the cases for copper, even after prolonged flushing of the tap in a high-rise building. In all cases associated with single-family houses, flushing the cold water tap for 5 minutes was successful in achieving compliance levels. Key words: aggressive water, compliance, corrosive, drinking water, first-flush, GVRD, high-rise, single-family house, trace metals, USEPA.


2008 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 1184-1196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xia Zhang ◽  
Ping Xie ◽  
Xiaoping Huang

The aim of this review is to identify problems, find general patterns, and extract recommendations for successful management using nontraditional biomanipulation to improve water quality. There are many obstacles that prevent traditional biomanipulation from achieving expectations: expending largely to remove planktivorous fish, reduction of external and internal phosphorus, and macrophyte re-establishment. Grazing pressure from large zooplankton is decoupled in hypereutrophic waters where cyanobacterial blooms flourish. The original idea of biomanipulation (increased zooplankton grazing rate as a tool for controlling nuisance algae) is not the only means of controlling nuisance algae via biotic manipulations. Stocking phytoplanktivorous fish may be considered to be a nontraditional method; however, it can be an effective management tool to control nuisance algal blooms in tropical lakes that are highly productive and unmanageable to reduce nutrient concentrations to low levels.Although small enclosures increase spatial overlap between predators and prey, leading to overestimates of the impact of predation, microcosm and whole-lake experiments have revealed similar community responses to major factors that regulate lake communities, such as nutrients and planktivorous fish. Both enclosure experiments and large-scale observations revealed that the initial phytoplankton community composition greatly impacted the success of biomanipulation. Long-term observations in Lake Donghu and Lake Qiandaohu have documented that silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and bighead carp (H. nobilis) (two filter-feeding planktivorous species commonly used in management) can suppress Microcystis blooms efficiently. The introduction of silver and bighead carp could be an effective management technique in eutrophic systems that lack macrozooplankton. We confirmed that nontraditional biomanipulation is only appropriate if the primary aim is to reduce nuisance blooms of large algal species, which cannot be controlled effectively by large herbivorous zooplankton. Alternatively, this type of biomanipulation did not work efficiently in less eutrophic systems where nanophytoplankton dominated.


2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 4251-4263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew D. Venter ◽  
Pieter G. van Zyl ◽  
Johan P. Beukes ◽  
Micky Josipovic ◽  
Johan Hendriks ◽  
...  

Abstract. Atmospheric trace metals can cause a variety of health-related and environmental problems. Only a few studies on atmospheric trace metal concentrations have been conducted in South Africa. Therefore the aim of this study was to determine trace metal concentrations in aerosols collected at a regional background site, i.e. Welgegund, South Africa. PM1, PM1–2. 5 and PM2. 5–10 samples were collected for 13 months, and 31 atmospheric trace metal species were detected. Atmospheric iron (Fe) had the highest concentrations in all three size fractions, while calcium (Ca) was the second-most-abundant species. Chromium (Cr) and sodium (Na) concentrations were the third- and fourth-most-abundant species, respectively. The concentrations of the trace metal species in all three size ranges were similar, with the exception of Fe, which had higher concentrations in the PM1 size fraction. With the exception of titanium (Ti), aluminium (Al) and manganese (Mg), 70 % or more of the trace metal species detected were in the smaller size fractions, which indicated the influence of industrial activities. However, the large influence of wind-blown dust was reflected by 30 % or more of trace metals being present in the PM2. 5–10 size fraction. Comparison of trace metals determined at Welgegund to those in the western Bushveld Igneous Complex indicated that at both locations similar species were observed, with Fe being the most abundant. However, concentrations of these trace metal species were significantly higher in the western Bushveld Igneous Complex. Fe concentrations at the Vaal Triangle were similar to levels thereof at Welgegund, while concentrations of species associated with pyrometallurgical smelting were lower. Annual average Ni was 4 times higher, and annual average As was marginally higher than their respective European standard values, which could be attributed to regional influence of pyrometallurgical industries in the western Bushveld Igneous Complex. All three size fractions indicated elevated trace metal concentrations coinciding with the end of the dry season, which could partially be attributed to decreased wet removal and increases in wind generation of particulates. Principal component factor analysis (PCFA) revealed four meaningful factors in the PM1 size fraction, i.e. crustal, pyrometallurgical-related and Au slimes dams. No meaningful factors were determined for the PM1–2. 5 and PM2. 5–10 size fractions, which was attributed to the large influence of wind-blown dust on atmospheric trace metals determined at Welgegund. Pollution roses confirmed the influence of wind-blown dust on trace metal concentrations measured at Welgegund, while the impact of industrial activities was also substantiated.


2008 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 411-433 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Suffrian ◽  
P. Simonelli ◽  
J. C. Nejstgaard ◽  
S. Putzeys ◽  
Y. Carotenuto ◽  
...  

Abstract. Microzooplankton grazing and algae growth responses to increasing pCO2 levels (350, 700 and 1050 μatm) were investigated in nitrate and phosphate fertilized mesocosms during the PeECE III experiment 2005. Grazing and growth rates were estimated by the dilution technique combined with taxon specific HPLC pigment analysis. Phytoplankton and microzooplankton composition were determined by light microscopy. Despite a range up to 3 times the present CO2 levels, there were no clear differences in any measured parameter between the different CO2 treatments. Thus, during the first 9 days of the experiment the algae community standing stock (SS), measured as chlorophyll a (Chl a), showed the highest instantaneous grow rates (0.02–0.99 d-1) and increased from ca 2–3 to 6–12 μg l−1, in all mesocosms. Afterwards the phytoplankton SS decreased in all mesocosms until the end of the experiment. The microzooplankton SS, that was mainly dinoflagellates and ciliates varied between 23 and 130 μg C l−1, peaking on day 13–15, apparently responding to the phytoplankton development. Instantaneous Chl a growth rates were generally higher than the grazing rates, indicating only a limited overall effect of microzooplankton grazing on the most dominant phytoplankton. Diatoms and prymnesiophytes were significantly grazed (14–43% of the SS d-1) only in the pre-bloom phase when they were in low numbers and in the post-bloom phase when they were already limited by low nutrients and/or virus lysis. The cyanobacteria populations appeared more effected by microzooplankton grazing, generally removing 20–65% of the SS d−1.


2013 ◽  
Vol 67 (11) ◽  
pp. 2503-2510 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guolian Li ◽  
Guijian Liu ◽  
Chuncai Zhou ◽  
Yu Kang ◽  
Wanqing Yuan ◽  
...  

The trace metal pollution of sediments in Chaohu Lake, one of the most highly eutrophic lakes in East China, was investigated. Surface sediment (0–5 cm) samples were collected from 35 different positions and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry to determine trace metal contents. Results showed that the mean content of trace metals was as follows: Cr, 85.09 mg kg−1; Cu, 34.49 mg kg−1; Ni, 26.46 mg kg−1; Pb, 34.17 mg kg−1 and Zn, 107.46 mg kg−1. The trace metal concentrations from different sampling sites displayed spatial diversity; the heavily polluted sampling sites were close to where estuaries flow in to the lake. A four-step sequential extraction was used to examine the partitioning of the trace metals. Results demonstrated that the percentage of the species bound to the oxidizable phase for all trace metals ranged from 15.6 to 37.7%, while for Cu, Cr and Ni, the main forms were residual (41.3, 62.3 and 69.8%, respectively). Trace metals in the oxidizable fraction may mainly exist in the form of sulfides. The ecological potential risks of trace metals decreased as follows: Pb > Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni.


2019 ◽  
Vol 266 ◽  
pp. 04003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norpadzlihatun Manap ◽  
Kavitha Sandirasegaran ◽  
Noor Shahifah Syahrom ◽  
Amnorzahira Amir

The primary objective of this study is to determine trace metal contamination in environmental samples obtained from Pahang River and Kelantan River, Malaysia which may help to identify the risk of sustainable dredging in these areas. This research also proceeds to compare the trace metal concentration with the National Water Quality Standards of Malaysia, Interim Canadian Sediment Quality Guidelines and Malaysian Food Act 1983 to determine its limits and risks. Samples of water, sediment, snails and fishes were collected and analyzed for As, Cu, Cd, Cr, Fe, Pb, Ni, Mn, and Hg by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. It was found that the concentration of trace metals namely As, Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, and Hg in river water, sediment, snail and fish samples in Pahang River were lower than the maximum allowable limits, except for Fe and Mn. In Kelantan River, the concentration of trace metals indicating that it is contaminated with Fe, Mn, Pb, Cr, Cu, Hg, and As as all trace metals exceeded the maximum allowable limits. Negative impacts may arise, and the river may contaminate more in future if there is no proper management to tackle this issue during execution of dredging activities.


Author(s):  
Qiong Gong ◽  
Peizhen Chen ◽  
Rongguang Shi ◽  
Yi Gao ◽  
Shun-An Zheng ◽  
...  

The application of organic fertilizer could be accompanied by potential hazards to soil and humans caused by trace metals. A wide survey of organic fertilizers was carried out in northern China. A total of 117 organic fertilizer samples were collected to analyze the concentrations of seven trace metals. Simulation models were used to estimate the trace metal accumulation risk in soil and non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to the human body. The concentrations of trace metals varied widely (Cr: 2.74–151.15; Ni: 2.94–49.35; Cu: 0.76–378.32; Zn: 0.50–1748.01; As: 1.54–23.96; Cd: 2.74–151.15; and Pb: 1.60–151.09 mg·kg−1). Chinese organic fertilizer standard limits were exceeded by0.85% for Cr, 5.98% for As, 1.71% for Cd, and 4.27% for Pb. Monte Carlo simulations showed that repeated application of organic fertilizer likely significantly increased the concentrations of Zn, Cd, and As in soil compared with the soil background levels according to the Soil Environmental Quality Standards of China. As and Cr pose high risks to human health, especially as carcinogenic risk factors with a skin exposure pathway. Reducing the content of Cr, Cu, Zn, As, and Cd in organic fertilizer would be of great significance for minimizing the damage caused by trace metals.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zang-Ho Shon ◽  
Ju-Hee Jeong ◽  
Yoo-Keun Kim

The effect of large-scale firework events on urban background trace metal concentrations was investigated using 24 hr data collected over 3 days at three sites in Busan Metropolitan City, Republic of Korea, during the falls (Oct.) of 2011–2013. The firework events increased local background concentrations of trace metals as follows: K (1.72 times), Sr (2.64 times), As (2.86 times), Pb (2.91 times), and Al (5.44 times). The levels of some metals did not always drop to background level one day after the firework event. The contribution of fireworks to trace metal concentration levels (and emissions) for 2011 event was negligible compared to 2012 and 2013 events due to different meteorological conditions (precipitation). In addition, the impact of firework events on the ambient concentration levels of trace metals was likely to be different depending on their chemical speciation. The impact of firework events in Busan on urban air quality (trace metal) was less intense compared to other similar festivals worldwide. The largest emission of trace metals and elements from firework burning was represented by K (128–164 kg), followed by Pb, Cd, Cu, Mg, Ba, As, Al, Ga, Co, and Na.


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