ORCID Profile
0000-0002-5809-3372
Current Organisation
Macquarie University
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Marine and Estuarine Ecology (incl. Marine Ichthyology) | Environmental Monitoring | Ecology | Environmental Science and Management | Environmental Impact Assessment | Environmental Management
Expanding Knowledge in the Environmental Sciences | Ecosystem Assessment and Management of Fresh, Ground and Surface Water Environments | Coastal and Estuarine Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity | Coastal and Estuarine Water Management |
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-02-2013
DOI: 10.1111/MEC.12190
Abstract: Floodplain ecosystems are characterized by alternating wet and dry phases and periodic inundation defines their ecological character. Climate change, river regulation and the construction of levees have substantially altered natural flooding and drying regimes worldwide with uncertain effects on key biotic groups. In southern Australia, we hypothesized that soil eukaryotic communities in climate change affected areas of a semi-arid floodplain would transition towards comprising mainly dry-soil specialist species with increasing drought severity. Here, we used 18S rRNA licon pyrosequencing to measure the eukaryote community composition in soils that had been depleted of water to varying degrees to confirm that reproducible transitional changes occur in eukaryotic bio ersity on this floodplain. Interflood community structures (3 years post-flood) were dominated by persistent rather than either aquatic or dry-specialist organisms. Only 2% of taxa were unique to dry locations by 8 years post-flood, and 10% were restricted to wet locations (inundated a year to 2 weeks post-flood). Almost half (48%) of the total soil biota were detected in both these environments. The discovery of a large suite of organisms able to survive nearly a decade of drought, and up to a year submerged supports the concept of inherent resilience of Australian semi-arid floodplain soil communities under increasing pressure from climatic induced changes in water availability.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-2019
DOI: 10.1111/MEC.15060
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.1071/MF09046
Abstract: Port Curtis is a rapidly growing industrialised and urbanised harbour in Central Queensland, Australia. The spatial variability of trace metals in waters and suspended particulates was determined along axial transects within the harbour and in oceanic waters adjacent to Port Curtis. Dissolved metal concentrations were significantly elevated in Port Curtis compared with the concentrations measured in the adjacent coastal waters. Dissolved copper and zinc concentrations ranged from to 800 and to 580 ng L–1, respectively, and maxima were observed in inner harbour waters adjacent to the southern entrance to the Narrows and in close proximity to anthropogenic sources. Dissolved nickel concentrations were measured in the range of 110 to 900 ng L–1, and exhibited a maximum concentration in the central to northern Narrows, in an area that was not adjacent to anthropogenic sources. Dissolved manganese concentration maxima were measured in close proximity to the dissolved nickel maxima. It appears likely that the elevated dissolved metal concentrations in Port Curtis and the Narrows were not caused by a single point source, and are the result of several factors, including industrial activity around the foreshore, fluxes from sediment-porewater, low flushing durations, lower water pH and possibly episodic inputs from adjacent rivers.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.1071/MF21293
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-10-2018
DOI: 10.1002/IEAM.4091
Abstract: Predictive modeling can inform natural resource management by representing stressor-response pathways in a logical way and quantifying the effects on selected endpoints. This study demonstrates a risk assessment model using the Bayesian network relative risk model (BN-RRM) approach to predict water quality and, for the first time, eukaryote environmental DNA (eDNA) data as a measure of benthic community structure. Environmental DNA s ling is a technique for bio ersity measurements that involves extracting DNA from environmental s les, licon sequencing a targeted gene, in this case the 18s rDNA gene (which targets eukaryotes), and matching the sequences to organisms. Using a network of probability distributions, the BN-RRM model predicts risk to water quality objectives and the relative richness of benthic taxa groups in the Noosa, Pine, and Logan estuaries in Southeast Queensland (SEQ), Australia. The model predicts Dissloved Oxygen more accurately than the chlorophyll a water quality endpoint and photosynthesizing benthos more accurately than heterotrophs. Results of BN-RRM modeling given current inputs indicate that the water quality and benthic assemblages of the Noosa are relatively homogenous across all sub risk regions, and that the Noosa has a 73%-92% probability of achieving water quality objectives, indicating a low relative risk. Conversely, the Middle Logan, Middle Pine, and Lower Pine regions are much less likely to meet objectives (15%-55% probability), indicating a relatively higher risk to water quality in those regions. The benthic community richness patterns associated with risk in the Noosa are high Diatom relative richness and low Green Algae relative richness. The only benthic pattern consistently associated with the relatively higher risk to water quality is high richness of fungi species. The BN-RRM model provides a basis for future predictions and adaptive management at the direction of resource managers. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019 :93-111. © 2018 SETAC.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-2017
Abstract: Located in the Northern Territory of Australia, Ranger uranium mine is directly adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park, with rehabilitation targets needed to ensure the site can be incorporated into the park following the mine's closure in 2026. This study aimed to understand the impact of uranium concentration on microbial communities, in order to identify and describe potential breakpoints in microbial ecosystem services. This is the first study to report in situ deployment of uranium-spiked sediments along a concentration gradient (0-4000 mg U kg
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-06-2017
DOI: 10.1111/ALL.13212
Abstract: Asthma is an allergic airway disease (AAD) caused by aberrant immune responses to allergens. Protein phosphatase-2A (PP2A) is an abundant serine/threonine phosphatase with anti-inflammatory activity. The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) controls many cellular processes, including the initiation of inflammatory responses by protein degradation. We assessed whether enhancing PP2A activity with fingolimod (FTY720) or 2-amino-4-(4-(heptyloxy) phenyl)-2-methylbutan-1-ol (AAL Acute AAD was induced in C57BL/6 mice by intraperitoneal sensitization with ovalbumin (OVA) in combination with intranasal (i.n) exposure to OVA. Chronic AAD was induced in mice with prolonged i.n exposure to crude house dust mite (HDM) extract. Mice were treated with vehicle, FTY720, AAL AAL These findings highlight the potential of combination therapies that enhance PP2A and inhibit proteasome activity as novel therapeutic strategies for asthma.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 26-02-2021
DOI: 10.3389/FCOSC.2021.626311
Abstract: Translocation programmes implying the movement of animals from one place to another aim to sustain endangered populations in the wild. However, their success varies greatly, with predation being a major contributing factor. This is particularly prevalent in released captive-raised in iduals which have a reduced or lost awareness of predators. Alarm calls are an immediate response made toward a predator, mostly studied in highly predated, social vertebrates. These warning vocalizations are a vital part of a prey species' anti-predator behavior, enhancing the in iduals' and surrounding listeners' survival. To date, most translocation programmes have not considered this behavior for release success. Here we review the literature summarizing alarm communication systems of wild and captive vertebrates, aiming to establish recommendations and actions which could encourage alarm communication behavior in captive vertebrate species. Observations of wild animals show that alarm-call understanding is gained through the experience of predation pressure from a young age, amongst conspecific and heterospecific social groups, which captive in iduals can lack. This information, combined with consideration of a programme's accessible resources and captive in idual's developmental history, is pivotal to efficiently guide appropriate actions. Focusing on preserving behaviors in captivity, we provide a list of recommendations and actions to guide the reinforcement of alarm communication throughout the translocation process. Ensuring predator awareness and the maintenance of alarm communication in translocated in iduals may greatly improve the likelihood of release success.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.1071/WF20081
Abstract: The devastating bushfires of the 2019–20 summer are arguably the most costly natural disaster in Australian recorded history. What is little known is that these fires severely affected the temperate highland peat sw s on sandstone (THPSS), a form of upland wetland that occurs in the water supply catchments of Sydney in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area and National Park. During the fires, 59% of THPSS was burnt and 72% of those by a high severity burn. Upland sw s at Newnes were the most affected, with 96% of sw s burnt and 84% of these experiencing a very high burn severity. We present an analysis of the spatial extent and severity of the bushfire on the THPSS and discuss some of the likely consequences on their geomorphological, hydrological and ecological structure, function and recovery potential.
Publisher: American Society for Clinical Investigation
Date: 22-08-2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-01-2017
DOI: 10.1038/SREP40702
Abstract: When compared to surface ecosystems, groundwater s ling has unique constraints, including limited access to ecosystems through wells. In order to monitor groundwater, a detailed understanding of groundwater biota and what biological s ling of wells truly reflects, is paramount. This study aims to address this uncertainty, comparing the composition of biota in groundwater wells prior to and after purging, with s les collected prior to purging reflecting a potentially artificial environment and s les collected after purging representing the surrounding aquifer. This study uses DNA community profiling (metabarcoding) of 16S rDNA and 18S rDNA, combined with traditional stygofauna s ling methods, to characterise groundwater biota from four catchments within eastern Australia. Aquifer waters were dominated by Archaea and bacteria (e.g. Nitrosopumilales ) that are often associated with nitrification processes, and contained a greater proportion of bacteria (e.g. Anaerolineales ) associated with fermenting processes compared to well waters. In contrast, unpurged wells contained greater proportions of pathogenic bacteria and bacteria often associated with denitrification processes. In terms of eukaryotes, the abundances of copepods, syncarids and oligochaetes and total abundances of stygofauna were greater in wells than aquifers. These findings highlight the need to consider s ling requirements when completing groundwater ecology surveys.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-09-2014
DOI: 10.1002/ETC.2728
Abstract: Historical contamination has left a legacy of high copper concentrations in the sediments of freshwater ecosystems worldwide. Previous mesocosm studies have focused on dissolved-copper exposures in the overlying waters, which, because of altered exposure pathways, may not accurately predict the effects of copper exposure on invertebrate communities at historically contaminated sites. The present study assessed the effects of copper on the establishment of invertebrate communities within a large outdoor pond mesocosm facility containing environmentally relevant copper-spiked sediments. High particulate copper concentrations (>400 mg/kg dry wt) caused a pronounced effect on the benthic community richness, abundance, and structure in the mesocosms, but particulate copper concentrations below 100 mg/kg dry weight had no effect. Furthermore, there were no effects of copper on the invertebrate communities within the water column, even in the highest copper treatment. The response of the benthic community to copper was influenced by interspecific interactions, the stage of ecological succession, and interspecies variation in sensitivity to copper. The present study demonstrates the importance of using environmentally realistic exposure scenarios that provide both particulate and dissolved exposure pathways. It also emphasizes that risk assessments for aquatic ecosystems should consider the influence of interspecific interactions and interspecies variation in driving the biotic response to contamination.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2022
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-02-2015
DOI: 10.1002/ETC.2847
Abstract: As a consequence of coal-fired power station operations, elevated selenium concentrations have been reported in the sediments and biota of Lake Macquarie (New South Wales, Australia). In the present study, an ecosystem-scale model has been applied to determine how selenium in a seagrass food web is processed from sediments and water through diet to predators, using stable isotopes (δ(13) C and δ(15) N) to establish the trophic position of organisms. Trophic position, habitat, and feeding zone were examined as possible factors influencing selenium bioaccumulation. Selenium concentrations ranged from 0.2 μg/g dry weight in macroalgae species to 12.9 μg/g in the carnivorous fish Gerres subfasciatus. A mean magnification factor of 1.39 per trophic level showed that selenium is biomagnifying in the seagrass food web. Habitat and feeding zone influenced selenium concentrations in invertebrates, whereas feeding zone was the only significant factor influencing selenium concentrations in fish. The sediment-water partitioning coefficient (Kd ) of 4180 showed that partitioning of selenium entering the lake to particulate organic material (POM) is occurring, and consequently availability to food webs from POM is high. Trophic transfer factors (invertebrate = 1.9 fish = 1.2) were similar to those reported for other water bodies, showing that input source is not the main determinant of the magnitude of selenium bioaccumulation in a food web, but rather the initial partitioning of selenium into bioavailable POM. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015 :608-617. © 2014 SETAC.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2016
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 26-08-2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2014.06.058
Abstract: Lake Illawarra has a long history of sediment contamination, particularly by metals, as a result of past and current industrial operations and land uses within the catchment. In this study, we examined the history of metal contamination in sediments using metal analysis and (210)Pb and (137)Cs dating. The distributions of copper, zinc, arsenic, selenium, cadmium and lead concentrations within sediment cores were in agreement with historical events in the lake, and indicated that metal contamination had been occurring since the start of industrial activities in Port Kembla in the late 1800 s. Most metal contamination, however, has occurred since the 1960s. Sedimentation rates were found to be 0.2 cm year(-1) in Griffins Bay and 0.3 cm year(-1) in the centre of the lake. Inputs from creeks bringing metals from Port Kembla in the northeast of the lake and a copper slag emplacement from a former copper refinery on the Windang Peninsula were the main sources of metal inputs to Lake Illawarra. The metals of highest concern were zinc and copper, which exceeded the Australian and New Zealand sediment quality guideline values at some sites. Results showed that while historical contamination persists, current management practices have resulted in reduced metal concentrations in surface sediments in the depositional zones in the centre of the lake.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1071/MF18067
Abstract: Forecasted climate-change models predict that much of northern Australia’s coastal habitats will be in retreat because of saltwater intrusion (SWI) from sea-level rise. A region of primary concern is the nutrient-rich and bio erse floodplains of world heritage-listed Kakadu National Park (KNP). To understand the implications of SWI, we need fundamental baseline information for floodplain biota from the South Alligator River, KNP, northern Australia, and informative data on how increased and prolonged exposure to salt is likely to shape the eukaryotic community. To assist in addressing these key knowledge gaps, we used licon sequencing to examine the composition of eukaryotic soil communities from the South Alligator River floodplain, an ecologically important area at the ‘coalface’ of sea-level rise. S les were obtained from three river zones and three floodplain morphologies, capturing a wide range of habitats and episodic exposures to both saltwater and freshwater. We found that both the floodplain morphology and positioning along the river significantly influenced eukaryotic composition. However, the influence of these variables varied greatly among the floodplain morphologies, with correlative evidence suggesting that both salinity and pH played a dominant role in shaping communities within lower parts of the floodplain, with this being particularly evident in those regions subjected to major tidal influence (estuarine funnel and sinuous, and cuspate).
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2021
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-01-2014
DOI: 10.1002/ETC.2450
Abstract: Ecotoxicological information for most contaminants is limited to a small number of taxa, and these are generally restricted to comparatively hardy organisms that are readily extractable from test media and easily identifiable. Advances in DNA sequencing can now provide a comprehensive view of benthic invertebrate ersity. The authors applied 454 pyrosequencing to examine the responses of benthic communities in microcosms exposed to sediments with elevated concentrations of triclosan, the endpoint being eukaryl communities that have successfully vertically migrated through the manipulated sediments. The biological communities associated with the 3 treatments (control triclosan, low triclosan [14 mg/kg], and high triclosan [180 mg/kg]) clustered into 3 groups: control/low (n = 6 controls and 4 low), moderate (n = 2 low), and high (n = 5 high). One s le was discarded as an outlier. The most pronounced change as a response to triclosan was the loss of number of metazoan operational taxonomic units (OTUs), indicative of the control/low and moderate groups, with this being most evident in the range of taxa associated with the classes Chromadorea and Bivalvia and the phylum Kinorhyncha. The authors also describe a range of other taxa that aided discrimination between the groups compare findings with traditionally obtained meio- and macrofaunal communities obtained from the same experiment and illustrate some of the advantages and limitations associated with both the molecular and traditional approaches. The described approach illustrates the capacity for licon sequencing to provide ecologically relevant information that can be used to strengthen an understanding of how sedimentary communities respond to a range of environmental stressors.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2020
DOI: 10.1016/J.TREE.2019.10.001
Abstract: Across animal societies, in iduals invest time and energy in social interactions. The social landscape that emerges from these interactions can then generate barriers that limit the ability of in iduals to disperse to, and reproduce in, groups or populations. Therefore, social barriers can contribute to the difference between the physical capacity for movement through the habitat and subsequent gene flow. We call this contributing effect 'social resistance'. We propose that social resistance can act as an agent of selection on key life-history strategies and promote the evolution of social strategies that facilitate effective dispersal. By linking landscape genetics and social behaviour, the social resistance hypothesis generates predictions integrating dispersal, connectivity, and life-history evolution.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-09-2014
DOI: 10.1007/S10646-014-1355-Y
Abstract: Copper is acutely toxic to, and directly affects, primary producers and decomposers, which are key players in essential processes such as the nutrient cycle in freshwater ecosystems. Even though the indirect effects of metals (for ex le effects due to changes in species interactions) may be more common than direct effects, little is known about the indirect effects of copper on primary producers and decomposers. The effects of copper on phytoplankton, macrophytes, periphyton and organic matter decomposition in an outdoor lentic mesocosm facility were assessed, and links between the responses examined. Copper directly decreased macrophyte growth, subsurface organic matter decomposition, and the potential for high phytoplankton Chlorophyll a concentrations. However, periphyton cover and organic matter decomposition on the surface of the sediment were stimulated by the presence of copper. These latter responses were attributed to indirect effects, due to a reduction in grazing pressure from snails, particularly Physa acuta, in the higher copper-contaminated mesocosms. This permitted the growth of periphyton and other heterotrophs, ultimately increasing decomposition at the sediment surface. The present study demonstrates the pronounced influence indirect effects may have on ecological function, findings that may not be observed in traditional laboratory studies (which utilize single species or simplistic communities).
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 31-08-2022
Abstract: Advances in high-throughput sequencing (HTS) are revolutionizing monitoring in marine environments by enabling rapid, accurate and holistic detection of species within complex biological s les. Research institutions worldwide increasingly employ HTS methods for bio ersity assessments. However, variance in laboratory procedures, analytical workflows and bioinformatic pipelines impede the transferability and comparability of results across research groups. An international experiment was conducted to assess the consistency of metabarcoding results derived from identical s les and primer sets using varying laboratory procedures. Homogenized biofouling s les collected from four coastal locations (Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA) were distributed to 12 independent laboratories. Participants were asked to follow one of two HTS library preparation workflows. While DNA extraction, primers and bioinformatic analyses were purposefully standardized to allow comparison, many other technical variables were allowed to vary among laboratories ( lification protocols, type of instrument used, etc.). Despite substantial variation observed in raw results, the primary signal in the data was consistent, with the s les grouping strongly by geographical origin for all data sets. Simple post hoc data clean-up by removing low-quality s les gave the best improvement in s le classification for nuclear 18S rRNA gene data, with an overall 92.81% correct group attribution. For mitochondrial COI gene data, the best classification result (95.58%) was achieved after correction for contamination errors. The identified critical methodological factors that introduced the greatest variability (preservation buffer, s le defrosting, template concentration, DNA polymerase, PCR enhancer) should be of great assistance in standardizing future bio ersity studies using metabarcoding.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2015
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1071/MF15190
Abstract: In order to assess how emerging science and new tools can be applied to study multiple stressors on a large (ecosystem) scale and to facilitate greater integration of approaches among different scientific disciplines, a workshop was held on 10–12 September 2014 at the Sydney Institute of Marine Sciences, Sydney, Australia. This workshop aimed to explore the potential offered by new approaches to characterise stressor regimes, to explore stressor-response relationships among biota, to design better early-warning systems and to develop smart tools to support sustainable management of human activities, through more efficient regulation. In this paper we highlight the key issues regarding biological coverage, the complexity of multiply stressed environments, and our inability to predict the biological effects under such scenarios. To address these challenges, we provide an extension of the current Environmental Risk Assessment framework. Underpinning this extension is the harnessing of environmental-genomic data, which has the capacity to provide a broader view of ersity, and to express the ramifications of multiple stressors across multiple levels of biological organisation. We continue to consider how these and other emerging data sources may be combined and analysed using new statistical approaches for disentangling the effects of multiple stressors.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2019.01.104
Abstract: Anthropogenic activities, such as mining and agriculture, have resulted in many freshwater systems having elevated concentrations of copper. Despite the prevalence of this contamination, and the vital ecological function of prokaryotes, just three studies have investigated prokaryote community responses to copper concentration in freshwater sediments. To address this, the current study investigated these communities in outdoor mesocosms spiked with varying copper concentrations. We profiled the prokaryotic communities at the taxonomic level, using next-generation high-throughput sequencing techniques, as well as their function, using baiting with leaf analogues, and Biolog Ecoplates for community-level physiological profiling. Sediments containing just 46 mg kg
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1071/MFV69N7_ED
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2014.08.109
Abstract: Saltwater intrusion (SWI) can result in the loss of dominant vegetation from freshwater habitats. In northern Australia, sea level is predicted to rise 17-50 cm by 2030-2070. This will exacerbate the impact of SWI, threatening Ramsar-listed habitats. Soil bacteria in these habitats play a significant role in biogeochemical cycling, regulating availability of essential nutrients such as nitrogen to vegetation. However, there is limited understanding as to how SWI will impact these soil bacteria. Floodplain soil s les were collected from the South Alligator River floodplain in Northern Australia from sites with contrasting histories of SWI. A SWI event was simulated over 7 days with treatments of saltwater and freshwater. Bacterial community composition before and after treatment were measured using next generation sequencing of bacterial DNA. Sites with no history of SWI showed no significant changes in community taxonomic composition following treatments, suggesting the community at these sites have broad functional capacity which may be due to their historic conditioning over many years. Sites with a history of SWI showed a significant response to both treatments. Following saltwater treatment, there was an increase in sulfate-reducing bacteria, which are known to have an impact on carbon and nitrogen cycling. We suggest that the impact of SWI causes a shift in the soil bacteria which alters the community to one which is more specialised, with implications for the cycling of essential elements and nutrients.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-07-2022
Abstract: Groundwater comprises the largest freshwater ecosystem on the planet. It has a distinct regime of extreme, yet stable environmental conditions that have favoured the development of similar morphological and functional traits in the resident invertebrate fauna (stygofauna). The analysis of community traits is increasingly used as an alternative to taxonomy‐based assessments of bio ersity, especially for monitoring ecosystem status and linking the functions of organisms to ecological processes, yet it has been rarely applied to stygofauna and groundwater ecosystems. In this paper, we review the variation in functional traits among the invertebrate fauna of this important ecosystem. We focus on the stygofauna and processes of alluvium and fractured rock aquifers that are typified by small voids and fissures that constrain the habitats and environmental conditions. As a first step, we compare trait variability between groundwater and surface water invertebrate communities and then examine the significance of the ranges of these traits to the vulnerability of the ecosystem to change. Fifteen potentially useful functional traits are recognised. Eight of these have narrower ranges (i.e. exhibit fewer states, or attributes, of a particular trait) in groundwater than they do in surface water. Two traits have wider ranges. Our synthesis suggests that the relative stability of groundwater environments has led to low trait variability. The low biomass and low reproductive rate of stygofauna suggest that recovery potential following disturbance is likely to be low. For the purposes of both improved understanding and effective management, further work is needed to document additional functional traits and their states in groundwater fauna, enabling a better understanding of the relationship between response and effect traits in these ecosystems. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 18-03-2023
Abstract: Coastal areas provide important ecological services to populations accessing, for ex le, tourism services, fisheries, minerals and petroleum. Coastal zones worldwide are exposed to multiple stressors that threaten the sustainability of receiving environments. Assessing the health of these valuable ecosystems remains a top priority for environmental managers to ensure the key stressor sources are identified and their impacts minimized. The objective of this review was to provide an overview of current coastal environmental monitoring frameworks in the Asia-Pacific region. This large geographical area includes many countries with a range of climate types, population densities and land uses. Traditionally, environmental monitoring frameworks have been based on chemical criteria set against guideline threshold levels. However, regulatory organizations are increasingly promoting the incorporation of biological effects-based data in their decision-making processes. Using a range of ex les drawn from across the region, we provide a synthesis of the major approaches currently being applied to examine coastal health in China, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. In addition, we discuss some of the challenges and investigate potential solutions for improving traditional lines of evidence, including the coordination of regional monitoring programs, the implementation of ecosystem-based management and the inclusion of indigenous knowledge and participatory processes in decision-making.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-04-2020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-02-2011
DOI: 10.1007/S10646-011-0612-6
Abstract: A recolonisation experiment was performed using sediments from three locations (Nords Wharf, Cockle Bay and Warners Bay) along a metal contamination gradient (Lake Macquarie, Australia). The study aimed to determine whether the source of the sediments would influence the recolonisation of benthic assemblages, providing additional information regarding the ecological risks associated with the more contaminated sediments. Sediments were translocated to two locations within the lake and retrieved after 22 weeks along with benthic s les from the surrounding sediments (ambient). Total abundance was greater in the reference treatment (Nords Wharf), with this difference being driven by polychaetes, especially capitellids. In general, univariate metrics were similar among the recolonised treatments, although evenness and ersity patterns were complex due to significant location-treatment interactions. PERMANOVA analysis demonstrated that the Nords Wharf treatments were significantly different from the more contaminated treatments (Cockle Bay and Warner's Bay) and the ambient assemblages, with no differences being detected among Cockle Bay and Warners Bay assemblages. Collectively, the findings showed that the source of the sediments influenced the composition of the recolonised assemblages, with the described approach being a powerful tool for examining the effects of location-specific sediments under environmentally relevant conditions.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-06-2017
DOI: 10.1111/IMR.12543
Abstract: Severe, steroid-resistant asthma is clinically and economically important since affected in iduals do not respond to mainstay corticosteroid treatments for asthma. Patients with this disease experience more frequent exacerbations of asthma, are more likely to be hospitalized, and have a poorer quality of life. Effective therapies are urgently required, however, their development has been h ered by a lack of understanding of the pathological processes that underpin disease. A major obstacle to understanding the processes that drive severe, steroid-resistant asthma is that the several endotypes of the disease have been described that are characterized by different inflammatory and immunological phenotypes. This heterogeneity makes pinpointing processes that drive disease difficult in humans. Clinical studies strongly associate specific respiratory infections with severe, steroid-resistant asthma. In this review, we discuss key findings from our studies where we describe the development of representative experimental models to improve our understanding of the links between infection and severe, steroid-resistant forms of this disease. We also discuss their use in elucidating the mechanisms, and their potential for developing effective therapeutic strategies, for severe, steroid-resistant asthma. Finally, we highlight how the immune mechanisms and therapeutic targets we have identified may be applicable to obesity-or pollution-associated asthma.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.1071/MF09263
Abstract: A primary objective of contaminated sediment risk assessments is to identify if contaminant enrichment is eliciting an ecological response. Using complementary environmental and biotic datasets, we examined five scenarios with respect to: dataset complexity metal extraction normalisation of organics the inclusion/exclusion of acid-volatile sulfide data, and iron and manganese concentrations. Spatial distributions of abiotic variables were examined by principal components analysis, with canonical correspondence analysis used to examine the total and partitioning of biological variation. Metals were the dominant contaminant and explained the largest proportion of variation in the macrobenthic data. Extraction procedure and carbon normalisation of organics had little influence on the overall analysis. Porewater metal data was essential for interpretation, with excess of acid-volatile sulfide over simultaneously extractable metals being a poor surrogate. In the canonical correspondence analyses, the inclusion of Fe/Mn accentuated the covariation between the ecological and contaminant variables. Multimodel comparisons aided interpretation by emphasising specific relationships among environmental variables and their interactions with the biotic data. Furthermore, for future examinations of the described system, the findings can be used to reduce the collection of redundant environmental variables or variables that are poorly correlated with changes in macrobenthic assemblages.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-05-2020
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-020-64858-9
Abstract: Loss of bio ersity from lower to upper trophic levels reduces overall productivity and stability of coastal ecosystems in our oceans, but rarely are these changes documented across both time and space. The characterisation of environmental DNA (eDNA) from sediment and seawater using metabarcoding offers a powerful molecular lens to observe marine biota and provides a series of ‘snapshots’ across a broad spectrum of eukaryotic organisms. Using these next-generation tools and downstream analytical innovations including machine learning sequence assignment algorithms and co-occurrence network analyses, we examined how anthropogenic pressures may have impacted marine bio ersity on subtropical coral reefs in Okinawa, Japan. Based on 18 S ribosomal RNA, but not ITS2 sequence data due to inconsistent lification for this marker, as well as proxies for anthropogenic disturbance, we show that eukaryotic richness at the family level significantly increases with medium and high levels of disturbance. This change in richness coincides with compositional changes, a decrease in connectedness among taxa, an increase in fragmentation of taxon co-occurrence networks, and a shift in indicator taxa. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the ability of eDNA to act as a barometer of disturbance and provide an exemplar of how biotic networks and coral reefs may be impacted by anthropogenic activities.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1071/MF17043
Abstract: The internationally important river–floodplains of the Kakadu Region in northern Australia are at risk from invasive species and future sea-level rise–saltwater inundation (SLR–SWI), requiring assessments of multiple cumulative risks over different time frames. An integrated risk-assessment framework was developed to assess threats from feral animals and aquatic weeds at three SLR-scenario time frames (present-day, 2070 and 2100) to natural (magpie goose habitats), cultural (indigenous hunting–fishing sites) and economic (tourism revenue less invasive species control costs) values. Probability density functions (pdfs) were fitted to spatial data to characterise values and threats, and combined with Monte Carlo simulation and sensitivity analyses to account for uncertainties. All risks were integrated in a Bayesian belief network to undertake ‘what if’ management-scenario analyses, and incorporated known ecological interactions and uncertainties. Coastal landscapes and socio-ecological systems in the region will be very different by 2100 as a result of SLR freshwater ecosystems will transform to marine-dominated ecosystems and cannot be managed back to analogue conditions. In this context, future invasive-species risks will decrease, reflecting substantial loss of freshwater habitats previously at risk and a reduction in the extent of invasive species, highlighting the importance of freshwater refugia for the survival of iconic species.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2019
DOI: 10.1038/S41385-019-0163-3
Abstract: Extra-intestinal manifestations (EIM) are common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). One such EIM is sub-clinical pulmonary inflammation, which occurs in up to 50% of IBD patients. In animal models of colitis, pulmonary inflammation is driven by neutrophilic infiltrations, primarily in response to the systemic bacteraemia and increased bacterial load in the lungs. Platelet activating factor receptor (PAFR) plays a critical role in regulating pulmonary responses to infection in conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. We investigated the role of PAFR in pulmonary EIMs of IBD, using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and anti-CD40 murine models of colitis. Both models induced neutrophilic inflammation, with increased TNF and IL-1β levels, bacterial load and PAFR protein expression in mouse lungs. Antagonism of PAFR decreased lung neutrophilia, TNF, and IL-1β in an NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent manner. Lipopolysaccharide from phosphorylcholine (ChoP)-positive bacteria induced NLRP3 and caspase-1 proteins in human alveolar epithelial cells, however antagonism of PAFR prevented NLRP3 activation by ChoP. Amoxicillin reduced bacterial populations in the lungs and reduced NLRP3 inflammasome protein levels, but did not reduce PAFR. These data suggest a role for PAFR in microbial pattern recognition and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling in the lung.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2021
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1071/MF16033
Abstract: Bacterial communities in floodplain and wetland soils cycle elements essential for flora and fauna. The coastal habitats of northern Australia are threatened with increasing saltwater intrusion (SWI) events that will destroy freshwater habitats. The effect of the impending SWI on bacterial communities is unknown. Here, we examined the bacterial communities of a tropical river floodplain located in World Heritage Kakadu National Park. Using 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing, we measured the baseline bacterial communities from three morphologically distinct regions of the floodplain (lower, upper and backwater sw ), within three zones of the South Alligator River (upstream, cuspate and estuarine funnel or sinuous). Significant differences in the bacterial community were observed at each category of floodplain morphology and river zone. The greatest differences were due to pH and salinity. Large changes in bacterial compositions are predicted to occur with increases in salinity and pH. Saltwater intrusion is predicted to increase substantially in the next decades with sea-level rise, and is likely to cause large and significant changes to the bacterial community with unknown consequences for biogeochemical cycling. Kakadu National Park may benefit from incorporating bacteria into routine studies, because we have shown here that they are sensitive indicators of change, even across small ranges of abiotic variables.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-02-2002
DOI: 10.1002/AOC.283
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.1071/MF20269
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2015.03.047
Abstract: DNA-derived measurements of biological composition have the potential to produce data covering all of life, and provide a tantalizing proposition for researchers and managers. We used metabarcoding to compare benthic eukaryote composition from five estuaries of varying condition. In contrast to traditional studies, we found biotic richness was greatest in the most disturbed estuary, with this being due to the large volume of extraneous material (i.e. run-off from aquaculture, agriculture and other catchment activities) being deposited in the system. In addition, we found strong correlations between composition and a number of environmental variables, including nutrients, pH and turbidity. A wide range of taxa responded to these environmental gradients, providing new insights into their sensitivities to natural and anthropogenic stressors. Metabarcoding has the capacity to bolster current monitoring techniques, enabling the decisions regarding ecological condition to be based on a more holistic view of bio ersity.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.1071/MF22045
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2021
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-07-2012
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1071/MF18333
Abstract: Contemporary oceanic conditions and local dispersal of propagules influence the genetic ersity and connectivity among seagrass populations. The degree of connectivity between populations of Zostera muelleri in south-eastern Australia is unknown. In this study we examined genetic connectivity among 25 sites containing Z. muelleri using nine polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci. We hypothesised minimal sharing of genetic material between distant populations and a degree of connectivity between local populations. Genotypic ersity was high, with 64% of populations having unique multilocus genotypes (MLGs), indicating the importance of sexual reproduction. Two sites shared MLGs, which may be due to the dispersal and recruitment of vegetative propagules. Genetic differentiation was observed between most sites. With the exception of two outlying sites, two genetic population clusters were identified across the studied populations. Regionally, the populations have high clonal ersity, are strongly differentiated and generally exist in isolation from one another. However, non-significant within-estuary differentiation was observed for three estuaries, indicating a degree of connectivity. The results of this research improve our understanding of the connectivity of Z. muelleri populations in the region, an important process for managing this ecosystem engineer.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-10-2017
DOI: 10.1002/ETC.3954
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2014.04.055
Abstract: This study assessed historical changes in metal concentrations in sediments of southern Lake Macquarie resulting from the activities of coal-fired power stations, using a multi-proxy approach which combines (210)Pb, (137)Cs and metal concentrations in sediment cores. Metal concentrations in the lake were on average, Zn: 67 mg/kg, Cu: 15 mg/kg, As: 8 mg/kg, Se: 2mg/kg, Cd: 1.5 mg/kg, Pb: 8 mg/kg with a maximum of Zn: 280 mg/kg, Cu: 80 mg/kg, As: 21 mg/kg, Se: 5 mg/kg, Cd: 4 mg/kg, Pb: 48 mg/kg. The ratios of measured concentrations in sediment cores to their sediment guidelines were Cd 1.8, As 1.0, Cu 0.5, Pb 0.2 and Zn 0.2, with the highest concern being for cadmium. Of special interest was assessment of the effects of changes in ash handling procedures by the Vales Point power station on the metal concentrations in the sediments. Comparing sediment layers before and after ash handling procedures were implemented, zinc concentrations have decreased 10%, arsenic 37%, selenium 20%, cadmium 38% and lead 14%. An analysis of contaminant depth profiles showed that, after implementation of new ash handling procedures in 1995, selenium and cadmium, the main contaminants in Australian black coal had decreased significantly in this estuary.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2022
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-05-2023
DOI: 10.1111/JFB.15406
Abstract: Elasmobranchs are threatened and eDNA metabarcoding is a powerful tool that can help efforts to better understand and conserve them. Nevertheless, the inter‐calibration between optimal methodological practices and its implementation in resource‐limited situations is still an issue. Based on promising results from recent studies, the authors applied a cost‐effective protocol with parameters that could be easily replicated by any conservationist. Nonetheless, the results with fewer elasmobranchs detected than expected reveal that endorsed primers and s ling strategies still require further optimization, especially for applications in resource‐limited conservation programmes.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.AQUATOX.2015.04.008
Abstract: Intermittent, fluctuating and pulsed contaminant discharges result in organisms receiving highly variable contaminant exposures. Current water quality guidelines are predominantly derived using data from continuous exposure toxicity tests, and most frequently applied by regulators with the assumption that concentrations from a single s ling event will provide a meaningful approach to assessing potential effects. This study investigated the effect of single and multiple (daily) dissolved copper pulses on the marine diatom, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, including measurements of copper uptake and elimination to investigate the toxic mechanism. Copper pulses of between 0.5 and 24h and continuous exposures with equivalent 72-h time-averaged concentrations (TACs) resulted in similar biomass inhibition of P. tricornutum, with continuous exposures often being marginally more toxic. Rates of cell ision generally recovered to control levels within 24h of the copper pulse removal. Upon resuspension in clean seawater, the extracellular copper per cell decreased rapidly, whereas the intracellular copper per cell decreased slowly. Negligible loss of copper from the total algal biomass indicated that P. tricornutum did not have an effective mechanism for eliminating copper from cells, rather the intracellular copper decreased as a result of dilution by cellular ision as the algal growth rate recovered. The measurement of copper uptake after 72-h exposure and kinetics of elimination thereafter suggest that continuous exposures are marginally more toxic to P. tricornutum than pulsed copper exposures with equivalent TACs because slow internalization and saturation of algal membrane transport sites results in less copper uptake into pulse-exposed cells than continuously-exposed cells coupled with dilution of internalized copper via cellular ision in the post-exposure period. In the case of P. tricornutum, the results indicate that water quality guidelines for copper based on continuous exposure will be conservative when applied to short-term discharges.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-12-2012
DOI: 10.1002/ETC.2067
Abstract: Triclosan (5-chloro-2-[2,4-dichlorophenoxy]phenol) is a relatively new, commonly used antimicrobial compound found in many personal care products. Triclosan is toxic to marine organisms at the micrograms per liter level, can photodegrade to a dioxin, can accumulate in humans, and has been found to be stable in marine sediments for over 30 years. To determine the effects of triclosan on marine benthic communities, intact sediment cores were brought into the laboratory and held under flowing seawater conditions. A 2-cm layer of triclosan-spiked sediment was applied to the surface, and after a two-week exposure the meio- and macrofaunal communities were assessed for differences in composition relative to nonspiked cores. A high triclosan treatment (180 mg/kg dry wt) affected both the meio- and the macrobenthic communities. There were no discernible differences with a low-triclosan treatment (14 mg/kg dry wt). This exposure method is effective for testing the benthic community response to sediment contaminants, but improvements should be made with regard to the amount and method of applying the overlying sediment to prevent smothering of fragile benthic organisms.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2019.02.455
Abstract: A workshop was held in Wageningen, The Netherlands, in September 2017 to collate data and literature on three aquatic ecosystem types (agricultural drainage ditches, urban floodplains, and urban estuaries), and develop a general framework for the assessment of multiple stressors on the structure and functioning of these systems. An assessment framework considering multiple stressors is crucial for our understanding of ecosystem responses within a multiply stressed environment, and to inform appropriate environmental management strategies. The framework consists of two components: (i) problem identification and (ii) impact assessment. Both assessments together proceed through the following steps: 1) ecosystem selection 2) identification of stressors and quantification of their intensity 3) identification of receptors or sensitive groups for each stressor 4) identification of stressor-response relationships and their potential interactions 5) construction of an ecological model that includes relevant functional groups and endpoints 6) prediction of impacts of multiple stressors, 7) confirmation of these predictions with experimental and monitoring data, and 8) potential adjustment of the ecological model. Steps 7 and 8 allow the assessment to be adaptive and can be repeated until a satisfactory match between model predictions and experimental and monitoring data has been obtained. This paper is the preface of the MAEGA (Making Aquatic Ecosystems Great Again) special section that includes three associated papers which are also published in this volume, which present applications of the framework for each of the three aquatic systems.
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2014
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-05-2022
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2019.02.131
Abstract: Natural systems are threatened by a variety of anthropogenic stressors and so understanding the interactive threats posed by multiple stressors is essential. In this study we focused on urban stressors that are ubiquitous to urban estuarine systems worldwide: elevated nutrients, toxic chemical contaminants, built infrastructure and non-indigenous species (NIS). We investigated structural (abundance, ersity and species richness) and functional endpoints (productivity, primary production (chlorophyll-a) and metabolism) commonly used to determine responses to these selected stressors. Through a systematic review of global literature, we found 579 studies of our selected stressors 93% measured responses to a single stressor, with few assessing the effects of multiple stressors (7%). Structural endpoints were commonly used to measure the effects of stressors (49% of the total 579 studies). Whereas, functional endpoints were rarely assessed alone (10%) but rather in combination with structural endpoints (41%). Elevated nutrients followed by NIS were the most studied single stressors (43% and 16% of the 541 single stressor studies), while elevated nutrients and toxic contaminants were overwhelmingly the most common stressor combination (79% of the 38 multiple stressor studies) with NIS and built infrastructure representing major gaps in multi-stressor research. In the meta-analysis, structural endpoints tended to decrease, while functional endpoints increased and/or decreased in response to different types of organisms or groups. We predicted an antagonistic effect of elevated nutrients and toxic contaminants based on the opposing enriching versus toxic effects of this stressor combination. Of note, bio ersity was the only endpoint that revealed such an antagonistic response. Our results highlight the continuing paucity of multiple stressor studies and provide evidence for opposing patterns in the responses to single and interacting stressors depending on the measured endpoint. The latter is of significant consequence to understanding relevant impacts of stressors in coastal monitoring and management.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 17-06-2020
Abstract: Bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms in the environment (i.e., environmental microbiomes) provide vital ecosystem services and affect human health. Despite their importance, public awareness of environmental microbiomes has lagged behind that of human microbiomes. A key problem has been a scarcity of research demonstrating the microbial connections across environmental biomes (e.g., marine, soil) and between environmental and human microbiomes. We show in the present article, through analyses of almost 10,000 microbiome papers and three global data sets, that there are significant taxonomic similarities in microbial communities across biomes, but very little cross-biome research exists. This disconnect may be hindering advances in microbiome knowledge and translation. In this article, we highlight current and potential applications of environmental microbiome research and the benefits of an interdisciplinary, cross-biome approach. Microbiome scientists need to engage with each other, government, industry, and the public to ensure that research and applications proceed ethically, maximizing the potential benefits to society.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-02-2023
DOI: 10.1002/EDN3.395
Abstract: Environmental DNA (eDNA)‐based methods are increasingly used by government agencies to detect pests and threatened species, and for broader bio ersity monitoring. Given rapid technological advances and a growing number of commercial service providers, there is a need to standardize methods for quality assurance and to maintain confidence in eDNA‐based results. Here, we introduce two documents to provide best‐practice guidelines for Australian and New Zealand eDNA researchers and end‐users (available from ublications ): the Environmental DNA protocol development guide for biomonitoring provides minimum standard considerations for eDNA and environmental RNA projects across the complete workflow, from ethical considerations and experimental design to interpreting and communicating results. The Environmental DNA test validation guidelines outline key steps to be used in assay development and validation for species‐specific testing and metabarcoding. Both guidelines were developed as an initiative of the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and led by the Southern eDNA Society in a collaborative process including multiple consultation rounds with eDNA experts, end‐users, and stakeholders to adapt the guidelines to Australian and New Zealand needs. The aim of these guidelines is not to be prescriptive, but to set minimum standards to support a consistent and best‐practice approach to eDNA testing. We anticipate that the guidelines will be reviewed and regularly updated as required. Our aspiration is that these best‐practice guidelines will ensure environmental managers are provided with robust scientific evidence to support decision‐making.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-2019
DOI: 10.1111/MEC.15235
Abstract: As readers of Molecular Ecology are aware, over the past decade environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques has changed the field of ecology. This is especially the case in biological composition studies where the size or degradation of the s le limits the usefulness of morphological based approaches, e.g., microbial communities and gut‐diet analysis. While there are numerous excellent books on molecular ecology, most lack sufficient detail to both inform and guide researchers through each step of an eDNA study, from conception to analysis. The authors of Environmental DNA (Taberlet, Bonin, Zinger, & Coissac, 2018) aim to address this gap by focusing specifically on eDNA research and its applications, providing a vehicle which not only clearly articulates the basics to those unfamiliar with the field, but also provides an incredible amount of detail with regards to designing and performing metabarcoding studies. As articulated by the authors, Environmental DNA is essentially a practical handbook which aims to provide the reader with the appropriate level of background information, theory and guidance to perform high quality eDNA research. The book is squarely aimed at graduate, post‐graduate students and researchers from the biological sciences, and requires no prior knowledge in molecular ecology per se. However, I have also found the book equally useful for nonmolecular scientists, enabling them to understand the requirements for implementing robust eDNA metabarcoding monitoring programs.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-06-2020
DOI: 10.1111/MEC.15472
Abstract: A decade after environmental scientists integrated high‐throughput sequencing technologies in their toolbox, the genomics‐based monitoring of anthropogenic impacts on the bio ersity and functioning of ecosystems is yet to be implemented by regulatory frameworks. Despite the broadly acknowledged potential of environmental genomics to this end, technical limitations and conceptual issues still stand in the way of its broad application by end‐users. In addition, the multiplicity of potential implementation strategies may contribute to a perception that the routine application of this methodology is premature or “in development”, hence restraining regulators from binding these tools into legal frameworks. Here, we review recent implementations of environmental genomics‐based methods, applied to the biomonitoring of ecosystems. By taking a general overview, without narrowing our perspective to particular habitats or groups of organisms, this paper aims to compare, review and discuss the strengths and limitations of four general implementation strategies of environmental genomics for monitoring: (a) Taxonomy‐based analyses focused on identification of known bioindicators or described taxa (b) De novo bioindicator analyses (c) Structural community metrics including inferred ecological networks and (d) Functional community metrics (metagenomics or metatranscriptomics). We emphasise the utility of the three latter strategies to integrate meiofauna and microorganisms that are not traditionally utilised in biomonitoring because of difficult taxonomic identification. Finally, we propose a roadmap for the implementation of environmental genomics into routine monitoring programmes that leverage recent analytical advancements, while pointing out current limitations and future research needs.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-02-2014
DOI: 10.1007/S11356-014-2631-3
Abstract: Understanding the effects of sediment contaminants is pivotal to reducing their impact in aquatic environments. Outdoor mesocosms enable us to decipher the effects of these contaminants in environmentally realistic scenarios, providing a valuable link between laboratory and field experiments. However, because of their scale, mesocosm experiments are often complex to set up and manage. The creation of environmentally realistic conditions, particularly when using artificially contaminated sediment, is one issue. Here, we describe changes in geochemistry over 1.5 years of a sediment spiked with four different concentrations of copper, within a large freshwater mesocosm facility. The spiking procedure included proportional amendments with garden lime to counteract the decreases in pH caused by the copper additions. The majority of copper within the spiked mesocosm sediments partitioned to the particulate phase with low microgram per liter concentrations measured in the pore waters and overlying waters. The minimum partition coefficient following equilibration between pore waters and sediments was 1.5 × 10(4) L/kg, which is well within the range observed for field-contaminated sediments (1 × 10(4) to 1 × 10(6) L/kg). Recommendations are made for the in situ spiking of sediments with metals in large outdoor mesocosms. These include selecting an appropriate sediment type, adjusting the pH, allowing sufficient equilibration time, and regular mixing and monitoring of metal partitioning throughout the experimental period.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-08-2013
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-04-2010
DOI: 10.1890/090115
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1071/MF15330
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-11-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S00248-017-1102-Z
Abstract: Elevated uranium dose (4 g kg
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2019.04.030
Abstract: The potential impacts of mining activities on tropical coastal ecosystems are poorly understood. In particular, limited information is available on the effects of metals on scleractinian corals which are foundation species that form vital structural habitats supporting other biota. This study investigated the effects of dissolved nickel and copper on the coral Acropora muricata and its associated microbiota. Corals collected from the Great Barrier Reef were exposed to dissolved nickel (45, 90, 470, 900 and 9050 μg Ni/L) or copper (4, 11, 32 and 65 μg Cu/L) in flow through chambers at the National Sea Simulator, Townsville, Qld, Australia. After a 96-h exposure DNA metabarcoding (16S rDNA and 18S rDNA) was undertaken on all s les to detect changes in the structure of the coral microbiome. The controls remained healthy throughout the study period. After 36 h, bleaching was only observed in corals exposed to 32 and 65 μg Cu/L and very high nickel concentrations (9050 μg Ni/L). At 96 h, significant discolouration of corals was only observed in 470 and 900 μg Ni/L treatments, the highest concentrations tested. While high concentrations of nickel caused bleaching, no changes in the composition of their microbiome communities were observed. In contrast, exposure to copper not only resulted in bleaching, but altered the composition of both the eukaryote and bacterial communities of the coral's microbiomes. Our findings showed that these effects were only evident at relatively high concentrations of nickel and copper, reflecting concentrations observed only in extremely polluted environments. Elevated metal concentrations have the capacity to alter the microbiomes which are inherently linked to coral health.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2016
DOI: 10.1038/MI.2015.111
Abstract: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a life-threatening inflammatory respiratory disorder, often induced by cigarette smoke (CS) exposure. The development of effective therapies is impaired by a lack of understanding of the underlining mechanisms. Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a cytokine with inflammatory and apoptotic properties. We interrogated a mouse model of CS-induced experimental COPD and human tissues to identify a novel role for TRAIL in COPD pathogenesis. CS exposure of wild-type mice increased TRAIL and its receptor messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and protein levels, as well as the number of TRAIL(+)CD11b(+) monocytes in the lung. TRAIL and its receptor mRNA were also increased in human COPD. CS-exposed TRAIL-deficient mice had decreased pulmonary inflammation, pro-inflammatory mediators, emphysema-like alveolar enlargement, and improved lung function. TRAIL-deficient mice also developed spontaneous small airway changes with increased epithelial cell thickness and collagen deposition, independent of CS exposure. Importantly, therapeutic neutralization of TRAIL, after the establishment of early-stage experimental COPD, reduced pulmonary inflammation, emphysema-like alveolar enlargement, and small airway changes. These data provide further evidence for TRAIL being a pivotal inflammatory factor in respiratory diseases, and the first preclinical evidence to suggest that therapeutic agents that target TRAIL may be effective in COPD therapy.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.MARPOLBUL.2018.04.046
Abstract: Metal concentrations are reported for a seagrass ecosystem receiving industrial inputs. δ
Publisher: European Respiratory Society (ERS)
Date: 17-03-2020
DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01340-2019
Abstract: Accumulating evidence highlights links between iron regulation and respiratory disease. Here, we assessed the relationship between iron levels and regulatory responses in clinical and experimental asthma. We show that cell-free iron levels are reduced in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) supernatant of severe or mild–moderate asthma patients and correlate with lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV 1 ). Conversely, iron-loaded cell numbers were increased in BAL in these patients and with lower FEV 1 /forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio. The airway tissue expression of the iron sequestration molecules alent metal transporter 1 ( DMT1 ) and transferrin receptor 1 ( TFR1 ) are increased in asthma, with TFR1 expression correlating with reduced lung function and increased Type-2 (T2) inflammatory responses in the airways. Furthermore, pulmonary iron levels are increased in a house dust mite (HDM)-induced model of experimental asthma in association with augmented Tfr1 expression in airway tissue, similar to human disease. We show that macrophages are the predominant source of increased Tfr1 and Tfr1 + macrophages have increased Il13 expression. We also show that increased iron levels induce increased pro-inflammatory cytokine and/or extracellular matrix (ECM) responses in human airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells and fibroblasts ex vivo and induce key features of asthma in vivo , including airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) and fibrosis, and T2 inflammatory responses. Together these complementary clinical and experimental data highlight the importance of altered pulmonary iron levels and regulation in asthma, and the need for a greater focus on the role and potential therapeutic targeting of iron in the pathogenesis and severity of disease.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-07-2021
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-021-94636-0
Abstract: Diversity indices are commonly used to measure changes in marine benthic communities. However, the reliability (and therefore suitability) of these indices for detecting environmental change is often unclear because of small s le size and the inappropriate choice of communities for analysis. This study explored uncertainties in taxonomic density and two indices of community structure in our target region, Japan, and in two local areas within this region, and explored potential solutions. Our analysis of the Japanese regional dataset showed a decrease in family density and a dominance of a few species as sediment conditions become degraded. Local case studies showed that species density is affected by sediment degradation at sites where multiple communities coexist. However, two indices of community structure could become insensitive because of masking by community variability, and small s le size sometimes caused misleading or inaccurate estimates of these indices. We conclude that species density is a sensitive indicator of change in marine benthic communities, and emphasise that indices of community structure should only be used when the community structure of the target community is distinguishable from other coexisting communities and there is sufficient s le size.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-12-2009
DOI: 10.1002/IEAM.22
Start Date: 05-2021
End Date: 05-2024
Amount: $366,244.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 06-2015
End Date: 06-2022
Amount: $315,911.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
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