Critical multi-stranded approach for determining the ecological values of diatoms in unique aquatic ecosystems of anthropogenic origin

Aquatic Ecosystems ◽

Ecological Indicator ◽

Indicator Values ◽

Chemical Parameters ◽

Characteristic Species ◽

Physical And Chemical ◽

Background. The ecological state of surface waters is typically assessed by a multi-aspect approach based on a determination of its chemical and physical parameters, by hydromorphology and the use of indicator organisms such as benthic diatoms. By assigning ecological indicator values, it is possible to create diatom indices which serve as the basic tool in assessing the ecological status of surface waters. These ecological indicator values are set according to classification systems, such as the Van Dam et al. 1994 system, which classifies species of diatoms according to seven different ecological factors. However, recent studies on the autecology of diatoms have shown the need to verify and establish new ecological indicator values. To this end, aquatic ecosystems are good environments to observe the range of tolerance of benthic diatoms to environmental conditions due to their unique physical and chemical parameters. The aim of the present study was to propose the establishment of new, or altered, ecological indicator values, according to Van Dam et al. classification, of species of diatoms characteristic of three post-mining aquatic ecosystems. Methods. In total, 36 species were identified that were characteristic of three waterbodies: a salt aquatic complex (water outflow, a drainage ditch and a pond), a mined iron ore reservoir and a mined lignite reservoir. Their ecological indicator values were calculated using OMNIDIA software, and the environmental conditions prevailing in the studied ecosystems were determined. Of the 36 characteristic species, 16 lacking at least one assigned ecological indicator value were analysed further. The analysis identified three groups of selected characteristic species which showed a correlation, or lack of such, to the tested physical and chemical parameters. Results. Based on this multistage study of the autecology of characteristic diatoms, comprising an analysis of environmental conditions, literature analysis and reference ecological indicator values of other species, it is proposed that 32 ecological indicator values be established or adjusted for 16 species, and that Planothidium frequentissimum be excluded from water quality assessments.

Critical multi-stranded approach for determining the ecological values of diatoms in unique aquatic ecosystems of anthropogenic origin

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.8117 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

pp. e8117

Author(s):

Rafał M. Olszyński ◽

Ewelina Szczepocka ◽

Joanna Żelazna-Wieczorek

Keyword(s):

Surface Waters ◽

Aquatic Ecosystems ◽

Ecological Indicator ◽

Indicator Values ◽

Chemical Parameters ◽

Characteristic Species ◽

Physical And Chemical ◽

Background The ecological state of surface waters is typically assessed by a multi-aspect approach based on a determination of its chemical and physical parameters, by hydromorphology and the use of indicator organisms such as benthic diatoms. By assigning ecological indicator values, it is possible to create diatom indices which serve as the basic tool in assessing the ecological status of surface waters. These ecological indicator values are set according to classification systems, such as the Van Dam, Mertens & Sinkeldam (1994) system, which classifies species of diatoms according to seven different ecological factors. However, recent studies on the autecology of diatoms have shown the need to verify and establish new ecological indicator values. To this end, aquatic ecosystems are good environments to observe the range of tolerance of benthic diatoms to environmental conditions due to their unique physical and chemical parameters. The aim of the present study was to propose the establishment of new, or altered, ecological indicator values, according to the Van Dam, Mertens & Sinkeldam (1994) classification, of species of diatoms characteristic of three post-mining aquatic ecosystems. Methods In total, 36 species were identified that were characteristic of three waterbodies: a salt aquatic complex (water outflow, a drainage ditch and a pond), mined iron ore reservoirs and a mined lignite reservoir. Their ecological indicator values were specified using OMNIDIA software, and the environmental conditions prevailing in the studied ecosystems were determined. Of the 36 characteristic species, 16 lacking at least one assigned ecological indicator value were analyzed further. The analysis identified three groups of selected characteristic species which showed a correlation, or lack of such, to the tested physical and chemical parameters. Results Based on this multistage study of the autecology of characteristic diatoms, comprising an analysis of environmental conditions, literature analysis and reference ecological indicator values of other species, it is proposed that 32 ecological indicator values be established or adjusted for 16 species, and that Planothidium frequentissimum be excluded from water quality assessments.

Critical multi-stranded approach for determining the ecological values of diatoms in unique aquatic ecosystems of anthropogenic origin

10.7287/peerj.preprints.27739v2 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Rafał M. Olszyński ◽

Ewelina Szczepocka ◽

Joanna Żelazna-Wieczorek

Keyword(s):

Surface Waters ◽

Aquatic Ecosystems ◽

Ecological Indicator ◽

Indicator Values ◽

Chemical Parameters ◽

Characteristic Species ◽

Physical And Chemical ◽

Background. The ecological state of surface waters is typically assessed by a multi-aspect approach based on a determination of its chemical and physical parameters, by hydromorphology and the use of indicator organisms such as benthic diatoms. By assigning ecological indicator values, it is possible to create diatom indices which serve as the basic tool in assessing the ecological status of surface waters. These ecological indicator values are set according to classification systems, such as the Van Dam et al. 1994 system, which classifies species of diatoms according to seven different ecological factors. However, recent studies on the autecology of diatoms have shown the need to verify and establish new ecological indicator values. To this end, aquatic ecosystems are good environments to observe the range of tolerance of benthic diatoms to environmental conditions due to their unique physical and chemical parameters. The aim of the present study was to propose the establishment of new, or altered, ecological indicator values, according to Van Dam et al. classification, of species of diatoms characteristic of three post-mining aquatic ecosystems. Methods. In total, 36 species were identified that were characteristic of three waterbodies: a salt aquatic complex (water outflow, a drainage ditch and a pond), a mined iron ore reservoir and a mined lignite reservoir. Their ecological indicator values were calculated using OMNIDIA software, and the environmental conditions prevailing in the studied ecosystems were determined. Of the 36 characteristic species, 16 lacking at least one assigned ecological indicator value were analysed further. The analysis identified three groups of selected characteristic species which showed a correlation, or lack of such, to the tested physical and chemical parameters. Results. Based on this multistage study of the autecology of characteristic diatoms, comprising an analysis of environmental conditions, literature analysis and reference ecological indicator values of other species, it is proposed that 32 ecological indicator values be established or adjusted for 16 species, and that Planothidium frequentissimum be excluded from water quality assessments.

Critical multi-stranded approach to determining the tolerance and ecological values of diatoms in unique aquatic ecosystems of anthropogenic origin

10.7287/peerj.preprints.27739v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Rafał M. Olszyński ◽

Ewelina Szczepocka ◽

Joanna Żelazna-Wieczorek

Keyword(s):

Surface Waters ◽

Aquatic Ecosystems ◽

Ecological Indicator ◽

Indicator Values ◽

Chemical Parameters ◽

Characteristic Species ◽

Water Ecosystems ◽

Physical And Chemical ◽

Background. The ecological state of surface waters is typically assessed by a multi-aspect approach based on a determination of its chemical and physical parameters by hydromorphology and the use of indicator organisms such as benthic diatoms. By assigning ecological indicator values (EIV), it is possible to create diatom indexes which serve as the basic tool in assessing the ecological status of surface waters. These ecological indicator values are set according to classification systems, such as the Van Dam et al. system, which classifies species of diatoms according to seven different ecological factors. However, recent studies on the autecology of diatoms have shown the need to verify and establish new ecological indicator values. To this end, water ecosystems are good environments to observe the range of tolerance of benthic diatoms to environmental conditions due to their unique physical and chemical parameters. The aim of the present study was to propose the establishment of new, or changed, ecological indicator values, according to Van Dam et al., of species of diatoms characteristic of three post-mining aquatic ecosystems Methods. In total, 36 species were identified that were characteristic of three water ecosystems: a salt water complex, a mined iron ore reservoir and a mined lignite reservoir. Their ecological indicator values were calculated using OMNIDIA software, and the environmental conditions prevailing in the studied ecosystems were determined. Of the 36 characteristic species, 16 lacking at least one assigned ecological indicator value were analysed further. The analysis identified three groups of selected characteristic species which showed a correlation, or lack of such, to the tested physical and chemical parameters. Results. Based on this multistage study of the autecology of characteristic diatoms, comprising an analysis of environmental conditions, literature analysis and reference indicator values of other species, it is proposed that 32 ecological indicator values be established or adjusted for 16 species, and that Planothidium frequentissimum be excluded from water quality assessments.

PIGMENTOS CLOROFILICOS E HIDROGRAFIA EN LA REGION NOROCCIDENTAL DE VENEZUELA CON ENFASIS EN EL GOLFO DE VENEZUELA

Bulletin of Marine and Coastal Research ◽

10.25268/bimc.invemar.1987.17.0.450 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 17 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

César Rodríguez ◽

Ramón Várela

Keyword(s):

Surface Waters ◽

Water Dynamics ◽

Western Coast ◽

Chemical Parameters ◽

Trade Winds ◽

Surface Samples ◽

Normal Behavior ◽

Physical And Chemical ◽

Chlorophyll Concentrations

Four oceanographic expeditions were carried out from 1982 to 1984. These surveys evaluated chlorophyll - a and pheopigments concentrations in surface waters of the "Golfo de Venezuela" and adjacent regions. Also, physical and chemical parameters were measured in order to locate the upwelling zones and the area where mixing with "Lago de Maracaibo" water is occurring. A total 424 surface samples taken every 20 miles (36 km aprox.) were analysed by Lorenzen,s (1967) method, obtaining values of chlorophyU-a and pheopigments ranging from less than 0.1 mg/m3 up to 5.2 mg/mi . During the first three surveys, a normal behavior of the Trade winds was observed; they blew from east to west, although they showed occasional variability. The winds induced strong upwellings on the western coast of the "Peninsula de Paraguaná" and in the "Golfete de Coro", both areas showing high chlorophyll concentrations. Mixing of "Golfo de Venezuela" with "Lagode Maracaibo" waters, which had low concentration values, was observed in the "Bahía de Calabozo", South of the "Península de la Guajira". Otherwise, the wind changed considerably during October and November of 1984; its speed decreased and its direction changed 180° bringing about an alteration of water dynamics in the upwelling zone as well as in the mixing area. During this period chlorophyll values were low.