scholarly journals Metal Distribution and Sediment Quality Variation across Sediment Depths of a Subtropical Ramsar Declared Wetland

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 2779
Author(s):  
Tatenda Dalu ◽  
Rolindela Tshivhase ◽  
Ross N. Cuthbert ◽  
Florence M. Murungweni ◽  
Ryan J. Wasserman
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Sediment Quality ◽  
General Management ◽  
Baseline Information ◽  
High Enrichment ◽  
Effect Level ◽  
Sediment Metals ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Pearson Correlations ◽  
Quality Variation

The study of wetlands is particularly important as these systems act as natural water purifiers and thus can act as sinks for contaminated particles. Wetland sediments are important as they provide an indication of potential contamination across temporal and spatial scales. The current study aimed to investigate the distributions of selected metals and nutrients in different sites in relation to sediment depth, and identify relationships among sediment metals. Significant differences in nutrient (i.e., N, P) and metal (i.e., K, Mg, Na, Fe, Cu, B) concentrations were found across study sites, whereas nutrients (i.e., N, P) and metals (i.e., Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn) were significantly different with sediment depths. When compared against Canadian sediment standards, most of the assessed metals were within the “no effect” level across the different sites and depths. The K, Ca, and Mg concentration showed extreme contamination across all sites and depths. The enrichment factor values for K, Ca, and Mg showed extremely high enrichment levels for all sites and sediment depths. The Na, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, and B concentration showed mostly background enrichment levels. All sediments across the different sites and sediment depths indicated deterioration of sediment quality. Pearson correlations suggest that most metals might have originated in a similar source as that of Mn and B, owing to a lack of significant differences. These results provide baseline information for the general management of the Nylsvley Wetland in relation to sediment metal pollution. The specific sources of metal contaminants also require further elucidation to further inform management efforts.

Rapid Assessment Of Taal Volcano Protected Landscape (TVPL) Terrestrial Biodiversity

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Species ◽  
Rapid Assessment ◽  
Ecological Status ◽  
Taal Volcano ◽  
Ecological Barriers ◽  
Floral Diversity ◽  
Forested Areas ◽  
Baseline Information ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Terrestrial Biodiversity

With the exponential rise of human activities in the past decades, majority of studies conducted in Taal Volcano Protected Landscape (TVPL) are geared towards the conservation and preservation of Lake Taal’s remaining biodiversity. However, the current structure and assemblage of its terrestrial biotic communities remain relatively unstudied. In this study, we conducted biodiversity censuses in the four sites in TVPL to provide baseline information regarding the community structure of the selected study sites. Comparison of the plant diversity in Taal Volcano Crater Island and Romandan Falls within the forested areas of Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas reveal that both sites support remarkably different vegetation, with the former supporting a smaller floral diversity. The fairly small number of animal samples present difficulty in providing conclusive findings to the wildlife structure of the two study sites. However, the presence of 11 animal species exhibit valuable results in determining the ecological status of TVPL. It is deduced that several ecological barriers exist between the sites, which is attributed to their unique terrestrial biota.

A Preliminary Assessment on the Herpetofaunal Diversity of the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape (TVPL), Batangas Philippines

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Endemic Species ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Ecological Community ◽  
Preliminary Assessment ◽  
Taal Volcano ◽  
Reptile Species ◽  
Frog Species ◽  
Increasing Trend ◽  
Baseline Information ◽  
Study Sites

The Taal Volcano Protected Landscape (TVPL) encompasses a prehistoric volcano caldera that caters to many documented endemic species. Although regarded as a unique area with the potential to house a diverse ecological community, biodiversity research in TVPL is still found wanting. The present paper aims to provide baseline information and increase research interests on the herpetofaunal diversity of TVPL, in light of its many undocumented terrestrial faunal species. Twelve study sites within the municipalities of Tanauan, Mataasnakahoy, and Balete were visited during survey trips from May to November 2015. A combination of transect and opportunistic sampling techniques were utilized, with morphometric data and sexual maturity recorded for each specimen collected. This preliminary survey provided 24 newly documented species of amphibians and reptiles occurring within TVPL. A total 10 frog species (from families Bufonidae, Ceratobatrachidae, Microhylidae, Dicroglossidae, Ranidae, and Rhacophoridae) and 14 reptile species (from families Agamidae, Gekkonidae, Scincidae, Varanidae, Acrochordidae, Colubridae, Elapidae, and Tryonychidae) were documented. Of the reptiles recorded, 3 are endemic species and widespread throughout the Philippines: Gekko mindorensis, Hydrosaurus pustulatus, and Draco spilopterus. Also recorded were the Philippine endemic frogs Kaloula picta and Limnonectes woodworthi along with the Luzon endemics Platymantis mimulus and Varanus marmoratus. The species-effort curve of amphibians showed a distinct plateau whereas the species-effort curve of reptiles has shown an increasing trend suggesting that additional sampling efforts should be done in the area to further increase knowledge of the TVPL herpetofaunal diversity.

scholarly journals Speciation Variation and Comprehensive Risk Assessment of Metal(loid)s in Surface Sediments of Intertidal Zones

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 2125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Baocui Liang ◽  
Xiao Qian ◽  
Shitao Peng ◽  
Xinhui Liu ◽  
Lili Bai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Surface Sediments ◽  
Yellow River ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Sediment Quality ◽  
Residual Fraction ◽  
Intertidal Zones ◽  
Probable Effect Level ◽  
Effect Level

Speciation variation and comprehensive risk assessment of metal(loid)s (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) were investigated in surface sediments from the intertidal zones of the Yellow River Delta, China. Results showed that only the concentrations of As, Cd and Pb were significantly different between April and September (p < 0.01). In April, the residual fraction (F4) was predominant for As, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn. However, the exchangeable and carbonate-associated fraction (F1) was dominant for Cd averaging 49.14% indicating a high environmental risk. In September, the F4 fraction was predominant and the F1 fraction was very low for most metal(loid)s except Cd and Mn. The geo-accumulation index (Igeo), the F1 fraction and potential ecological risk index (PERI) of most metal(loid)s were relatively low in surface sediments for both seasons. But Pb, As and Ni were between the threshold effect level (TEL)and the probable effect level (PEL) for 66.67%, 83.33% and 91.67% in April and As and Ni were between TEL and PEL for 41.67% and 91.67%, which indicated that the concentration of them was likely to occasionally exhibit adverse effects on the ecosystem. Although the Igeo, the F1 fraction or PERI of Cd in both seasons was higher at some sites, the results of sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) indicated that the biological effects of Cd were rarely observed in the studied area.

Patterns of abundance and size of Dictyoceratid sponges among neighbouring islands in central Torres Strait, Australia

2007 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan R. Duckworth ◽  
Carsten W. Wolff
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Size Frequency Distribution ◽  
Abundance Patterns ◽  
Size Frequency ◽  
Dysidea Herbacea ◽  
Torres Strait ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Species Specific

Distribution and size frequency patterns of sessile organisms such as sponges may vary among and within neighbouring reefs. In the present study, we examined small-scale variation of dictyoceratid sponges (class Demospongiae), commonly found on coral reefs, by surveying six neighbouring islands in central Torres Strait. Each island had four study sites, at least 1 km apart, with each site consisting of three shallow (4 to 6 m) and three deep (10 to 15 m) 20 m2 transects. For each transect, we recorded the number of each species and measured the size of the more common dictyoceratid sponges. Seven species of dictyoceratid were recorded in central Torres Strait, with only three species, Coscinoderma sp., Dysidea herbacea and Hyrtios erecta, common to all six islands. Abundance patterns generally varied greatly among islands or sites within islands, perhaps resulting from a combination of physical, biological and stochastic factors. More dictyoceratids were found in deeper water; however, abundance across depth for some species varied among islands or sites. Size-frequency distribution patterns also varied greatly among islands and dictyoceratid species, indicating that factors that may promote growth for one species may not necessarily promote growth for a related species. This study shows that patterns of abundance and size of dictyoceratids can vary greatly over small spatial scales, and that patterns are species-specific.

scholarly journals Effect Thresholds of Metals in Stream Sediments Based on In Situ Oligochaete Communities

Environments ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Régis Vivien ◽  
Carmen Casado-Martínez ◽  
Michel Lafont ◽  
Benoit J.D. Ferrari
Keyword(s):  
Sediment Quality ◽  
Threshold Effect ◽  
Stream Sediments ◽  
Chemical Pollution ◽  
Probable Effect Level ◽  
Threshold Effect Level ◽  
Probable Effect ◽  
Effect Level

Aquatic oligochaetes, comprising a large number of species showing various degrees of resistance to chemical pollution, are recognized as valuable bioindicators of sediments’ quality. In the Geneva area (Switzerland), oligochaete tools were previously tested for assessing the biological quality of stream sediments, and effect thresholds of combined metals (quotients) in sediments were defined. The aims of the present study were to update this previous work with new data acquired in different cantons of Switzerland and to establish effect thresholds on oligochaete communities for individual metals and for combined metals. The oligochaete metrics “Oligochaete index of sediment bioindication (IOBS)”, “oligochaete density” and “percentage of tubificids without hair setae” proved pertinent for assessing the effects of metals and organic matter in sediments. We established a threshold effect level (TELoligo) and probable effect level (PELoligo) for eight metals in sediments (Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Hg and As) as well as a probable effect level for these metals combined (mPELoligo-Q). These thresholds could be used directly to screen for alteration of in situ communities restricted to sediments and/or for establishing sediment quality standards based on a combination of different biological and ecotoxicological tools.

Metal and phosphorus in bottom sediment of a small-sized reservoir in a rural mountainous catchment (NE Portugal): accumulation and geochemical mobility

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anabela Reis ◽  
Marta Roboredo
Keyword(s):  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Sediment Quality ◽  
Extraction Procedure ◽  
Sediment Flux ◽  
Residual Fraction ◽  
Sediment Retention ◽  
Probable Effect Level ◽  
Threshold Effect Level ◽  
Geochemical Phases ◽  
Effect Level

&lt;p&gt;Small-sized reservoirs have less capacity for the retention of sediment but are widely distributed in regulated basins. Therefore, small reservoirs collectively impart an important anthropogenic signature to the global sediment-flux, increasing the mean sediment retention when compared with estimates of mean sediment retention of large reservoirs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A geochemical study of sediment-associated metal and phosphorus from a small-sized riverine reservoir, located in a mountainous rural region (Vila Real in NE Portugal), was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the reservoir as traps for these elements. The contents of metals and P were determined, as well as their spatial distribution pattern and their potential availability by using a four-step sequential extraction procedure for metals and the Chang and Jackson fractionation for P.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The metal contents in sediments were in the ranges of (&amp;#181;g/g): Cr (22-122); Cu (31-83); Ni (5-71); Pb (49-160); Zn (207-334). All the geochemical phases studied were important in the retention of the metals; within the most labile fractions, the reducible fraction was the most significant. The studied elements can be classed by potential relative mobility: Zn &gt; Pb &gt; Cu &gt; Cr, Ni. The partition of elements contents through the geochemical phases and the balance between contents associated with the most mobile fractions and with the residual fraction suggest an important contribution from lithology to the total contents of Cr and Ni, and a significant contribution of anthropogenic activities to the contents of Cu, Pb, and Zn in the sediments from the reservoir. The analysis of the results on the geochemical partitioning of metals revealed to be important when the Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs) are considered. Phosphorus showed contents ranging between 1518-2454 &amp;#181;g/g; most samples revealed the predominance of the Fe-P fraction.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In general, the sediments of the reservoir showed maximum values of contents of metals above the Threshold Effect Level (TEL, &amp;#181;g/g: Cr-37.3; Cu-35.7; Ni-18; Pb-35; Zn-123). Chromium, Ni, Pb and Zn showed total contents exceeding the values of Probable Effect Level (PEL, &amp;#181;g/g: Cr-90; Cu-197; Ni-36; Pb-91.3; Zn-315). Chromium and Ni showed higher values than the reference ones, but these can be considered relatively unavailable since they are associated with the residual phase. The potentially available and/or total amounts of metals and P in sediments were relatively high, indicating that the quality of bottom sediments accumulated in this small-sized reservoir should be considered in management policies.&lt;/p&gt;

Context-dependent responses of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) to forestry activities at multiple spatial scales within a river basin

2007 ◽  
Vol 64 (8) ◽  
pp. 1069-1079 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Deschênes ◽  
Marco A Rodríguez ◽  
Pierre Bérubé
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Salmon ◽  
River Basin ◽  
Salmo Salar ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Environmental Features ◽  
Multiple Spatial Scales ◽  
Atlantic Salmon Salmo Salar ◽  
Juvenile Atlantic Salmon ◽  
Logging Effects ◽  
Study Sites

We used classification trees and regression trees to relate the incidence and density of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) to forestry activities measured at four spatial scales (subbasin and 8, 2, and 0.5 km radii upstream of study sites) and environmental features in 120 stream reaches of the Cascapedia River basin, Québec, Canada. At all scales, incidence increased with reach size and accessibility to the reach from the river mainstem. Incidence declined with areal coverage of logging at all scales, but only in larger reaches. The time horizon over which logging effects were detected increased with spatial scale. At all scales, density in salmon-bearing reaches increased with accessibility. Density in more accessible reaches was negatively related to logging over the preceding 9 years at the subbasin and 8 km scales, but no effects of logging on density were detected at the 2 and 0.5 km scales. Overall, apparent effects of logging activities on salmon incidence and density were mostly negative and strong, but were both markedly scale-dependent and conditional on environmental context.

scholarly journals Baseline Study of Trace Element Concentrations in Sediments of the Intertidal Zone of Amazonian Oceanic Beaches

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jéssica C. E. Vilhena ◽  
Ana Amorim ◽  
Lourenço Ribeiro ◽  
Bernardo Duarte ◽  
Maíra Pombo
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Trace Element ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Sediment Quality ◽  
Contamination Factor ◽  
Probable Effect Level ◽  
Threshold Effect Level ◽  
Sampling Points ◽  
Effect Level

Analyzing the presence and quantifying trace elements is of paramount importance to understand natural environmental processes and monitor the degree of anthropogenic disturbance to mitigate impacts already caused. Here, we aimed to establish a baseline of the trace elements profile and concentrations in sandy sediments of intertidal areas of three Amazonian beaches (Brazil). For each beach, sediments were collected from three different sectors (south, center, and north) and five shoreline distance levels (from the high- to the low-water mark), totalizing 15 samples per beach. The concentration of the different trace elements (Mg, Al, P, S, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Br, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Cd, Sn, I, Hg, and Pb) was determined by Total reflection X-ray Fluorescence spectrometry. Sediment was also characterized for its grain size, organic matter, and pH. To assess possible enrichment due to anthropogenic activities we compared trace element levels with the values for the Earth’s crust and calculated pollution indexes: geoaccumulation index (Igeo), ecological risk index (RI), contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), and sediment quality guideline (SQG), threshold effects level (TEL) and probable effects level (PEL). Individual trace metal concentrations did not vary significantly between beaches, sectors, or sample levels, evidencing a homogeneity of trace elements composition and concentrations across this environment. Igeo indicated 62.2% of the sampling stations uncontaminated, 20.0% from uncontaminated to moderately contaminated, and 4.44% (two sampling stations) strongly contaminated, the same two areas classified as high ecological risk by RI. Most of the sampling points presented low CF. Cadmium and Hg were the only elements that showed moderate to very high values of CF. According to the SQGs, 77.7 and 8.8% of the sampling points presented values above the moderate threshold effect level (SQG-TEL) and probable effect level (SQG-PEL), respectively. All points were classified as non-polluted according to the PLI. Our results show that the three beaches present safe levels of almost of the elements demonstrating the good state of preservation. Most of the indexes classified the sampling points as non-polluted, except for Cd and Hg in a few specific sampling points.

scholarly journals Spatial and Short-Term Temporal Patterns of Octocoral Assemblages in the West Philippine Sea

2022 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jue Alef A. Lalas ◽  
Romina Therese S. Lim ◽  
Joey P. Cabasan ◽  
Christine S. Segumalian ◽  
Rhea Mae A. Luciano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Temporal Variations ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Marine Biodiversity ◽  
Taxonomic Richness ◽  
Short Term ◽  
The West ◽  
Philippine Sea ◽  
Baseline Information ◽  
West Philippine Sea ◽  
Study Sites

Octocorals are relatively understudied than other coral reef organisms despite their ecological and economic values. The Philippines is known to have high marine biodiversity, but information on octocorals is lacking. This study investigated spatial and temporal variations in the assemblage of octocorals in selected reef sites in the West Philippine Sea (WPS)- the Kalayaan Island Group (i.e., Pag-asa, Sabina, Lawak, and Northeast Investigator) and Ulugan in 2017 and 2019. Results showed high octocoral taxonomic richness (at least 10 families) in the study sites. Mean percent octocoral cover in WPS was 5.35% SE ± 0.55, with Sabina having the highest octocoral cover in both years. Significant differences in octocoral cover were observed among sites in both years, but among-station differences were only observed in 2017. Octocoral assemblage also differed among sites in both years (ANOSIM: R &gt; 0.5, p &lt; 0.05), wherein different octocoral taxa dominated in different sites. In particular, variations were driven by high cover of holaxonians, nephtheids, and coelogorgiids in Sabina, and clavulariids, tubiporiids, and xeniids in Northeast Investigator in 2017. In 2019, significant variations were driven by high cover of helioporiids in Pag-asa, while Sabina had higher abundance of holaxonians, nephtheids, alcyoniids, and xeniids. Short-term temporal variation on octocoral cover in monitoring stations in Pag-asa was not observed (Kruskal-Wallis, p &gt; 0.05), although the overall mean octocoral cover increased from 1.23% ± SE 0.47 in 2017 to 2.09% SE ± 0.37 in 2019. Further, there was no significant change in the octocoral assemblage in Pag-asa between years (ANOSIM, R = 0.11, p = 0.07). This study highlights high octocoral taxonomic richness in the WPS relative to other sites in the Indo-Pacific Region and provides baseline information on the octocoral assemblages, which can be useful for future ecological studies and marine biodiversity conservation efforts.

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