Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
M. E. Seuffert, P. R. Martin
Summary: This study updates the distribution of Pomacea canaliculata in Argentina and analyzes its expansion using niche models, suggesting recent colonization beyond original connected basins due to natural barriers. The research reveals an extensive invasion in its native range that may have different impacts on diversity and ecosystem functioning compared to elsewhere.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chee Kong Yap, Bin Huan Pang, Wan Hee Cheng, Krishnan Kumar, Ram Avtar, Hideo Okamura, Yoshifumi Horie, Moslem Sharifinia, Mehrzad Keshavarzifard, Meng Chuan Ong, Abolfazl Naji, Mohamad Saupi Ismail, Wen Siang Tan
Summary: The study focused on the toxicity test of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) using juvenile and adult apple snail Pomacea insularum as test organisms. The results showed that Cu was the most toxic metal to the snails, and the juveniles were more sensitive than the adults. The study demonstrated that P. insularum can be recommended as a good biomonitor for these metals in freshwater ecosystems.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Rujing Yang, Runyao Cao, Xiang Gong, Jianmeng Feng
Summary: Studying niche and range shifts of invasive aquatic species is crucial for understanding invasion risk and conservation of invaded ecosystems. The golden apple snail P. canaliculata exhibits larger niche and broader range in the invaded regions, indicating its ability to adapt to diverse climate conditions. This high-risk invasive species can aggressively proliferate due to its rapid reproduction and fast growth, as well as its ability to adapt to different climates.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mi-Jung Bae, Eui-Jin Kim, Young-Seuk Park
Summary: The freshwater snail Pomacea canaliculata, originally from South America, has become an invasive agricultural pest in many countries including Asia and North America. Behavior and activity levels of this snail vary with changes in water temperature, with different behaviors observed at different temperatures. Understanding the thermal biology of Pomacea canaliculata is crucial for effective management of this invasive species.
Article
Ecology
Lucia Saveanu, Enzo Manara, Pablo Rafael Martin
Summary: Sediment ingestion is an important trophic behavior for the apple snail Pomacea canaliculata, especially when other food resources are scarce. It allows the snail to survive, grow, and maintain activity levels. This behavior also reduces organic matter content in sediments and enhances the snail's role as an ecosystem engineer in aquatic environments.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zihao Zhou, Hongying Wu, Dinghong Li, Wenlong Zeng, Jinlong Huang, Zhengjun Wu
Summary: This study compared the gut microbiota of invasive golden apple snails with native Chinese mud snails and found significant differences between the two. The invasive snails had more unique or high abundance microbial taxa and differed from the native snails in several functional aspects. These results provide new insights into the invasion mechanism of the invasive snails.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Karen A. Ballada, Zenaida G. Baoanan
Summary: This study aimed to fractionate the bioactive compounds in T. diversifolia crude leaf extract and test their molluscicidal properties. The results showed that the alkaloid and saponin fractions exhibited effective molluscicidal activity and caused significant damage to the tissues of the snails.
ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Xiongjun Liu, Yu Zhou, Shan Ouyang, Xiaoping Wu
Summary: Invasive species, such as Pomacea canaliculata, pose a significant threat to biodiversity. This study identified a correlation between genetic diversity of P. canaliculata and environmental variables like dissolved oxygen concentration and pH. These findings can help in preventing and managing the spread of invasive species effectively.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jing Guo, Shaobin Zhang, Jian Zeng, Yingtong Chen, Yongxin Guo, Jinling Liu, Ailan He
Summary: Aqueous extracts from discarded tobacco leaves were found to have molluscicidal activity against Pomacea canaliculata, with 90% of the snails dying within 4 days in a 1 g/L concentration. The survival of the snails was affected by their size, the concentration of tobacco extract, and the length of exposure time. Male snails were more susceptible to the extract, and it also affected their feeding, mating, and growth. The antioxidant capacity of the snails was increased in adult males.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Mara Anahi Maldonado, Enzo Manara, Pablo Rafael Martin
Summary: The study investigates the diet of the apple snail Pomacea canaliculata in different watercourses by analyzing the content of its digestive system. Results show that P. canaliculata primarily feeds on aquatic macrophytes and detritus, but also incorporates animal resources in its diet. The ingestion of macroinvertebrates by P. canaliculata is opportunistic and influenced by microhabitats and behavior. The consumption of macroinvertebrates, especially certain species of snails, could have a significant negative effect on their populations.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Alejandro Mendivil, Rina Ramirez, Jaime Morin, Jorge L. Ramirez, Raquel Siccha-Ramirez, Ricardo Britzke, Fatima Rivera, Andre Ampuero, Nilda Oliveros, Carlos Congrains
Summary: In this study, the mitochondrial genomes of two native Pomacea species from the Peruvian Amazon were assembled and annotated, providing valuable insights into the systematics and genomics of the genus Pomacea.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Wahizatul Afzan Azmi, Shing Ching Khoo, Lee Chuen Ng, Nursalwa Baharuddin, Azlina Abd Aziz, Nyuk Ling Ma
Summary: Golden apple snails (GAS) are major pests that invade many countries and cause significant damage to agriculture. Chemical synthetic molluscicides have been the main approach to control GAS, but they have negative impacts on humans, non-targeted organisms, and the environment. Sustainable strategies are needed to mitigate GAS infestation.
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Jinling Liu, Zhihua Chen, Yunhui Li, Danying Chen, Yulin He, Benliang Zhao, Yuexin Liao, Jing Guo
Summary: Invasive apple snails (Pomacea canaliculata) in Chinese mangrove forests feed on decaying leaf litter, especially from Acanthus ilicifolius and Sonneratia apetala. The growth and feeding indicators of these invasive snails were studied in Guangzhou, China. Understanding the potential detritivorous diet of P. canaliculata in invaded mangroves can help assess their dispersal risk and support mangrove management.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mario Garcia-Risco, Sara Calatayud, Michael Niederwanger, Ricard Albalat, Oscar Palacios, Merce Capdevila, Reinhard Dallinger
Summary: Metallothioneins (MTs) are proteins responsible for metal homeostasis and detoxification. The apple snail Pomacea bridgesii has two structurally divergent MTs, PbrMT1 and PbrMT2, which show unspecific metal-binding character and great ability to cope with different metal ions. PbrMT1 has a more pronounced Zn-thionein character, while PbrMT2 has a stronger Cu-thionein character. The study supports the loss of metal-binding specificity in the evolution of Ampullariid family MTs and suggests an evolutionary link with the adaptation to metal-poor freshwater habitats.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Florencia Arrighetti, Sonia M. Landro, Sabrina M. L. Lavarias
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxic effects of the pesticide cypermethrin on the digestive gland of the apple snail. The study found that cypermethrin exposure caused tissue damage in the digestive gland, including disorganisation of the connective tissue and various pathological conditions. Some histological and histochemical parameters were found to be sensitive indicators of cypermethrin exposure in the snail species.
AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Rachel S. Smith, Julie A. Blaze, James E. Byers
Summary: Resident species can either facilitate or inhibit invading species, depending on the context of species interactions and abiotic conditions. In the case of Spartina alterniflora and Avicennia germinans in northeast Florida salt marshes, wrack from the native marsh cordgrass influenced the establishment and survival of the black mangrove. The study showed that while the wrack initially facilitated the establishment of A. germinans, it later inhibited seedling survival due to smothering and attracting herbivores. Interactions between resident and invading species can vary in strength and direction with ontogeny, highlighting the importance of studying these interactions across different life stages and environmental gradients.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Amy H. Yarnall, James E. Byers, Lauren A. Yeager, F. Joel Fodrie
Summary: Examining community responses to habitat configuration across scales helps in understanding the functioning of ecosystems. This study conducted a meta-analysis on seagrass ecosystems to investigate the effects of edge and fragmentation on shoot density, faunal densities, and predation rates. The results showed that both edge and fragmentation effects reduced seagrass shoot densities, while fauna exhibited higher densities in patch edges. Fish densities trended higher in patch edges and fragmented landscapes. Invertebrate densities increased in patch edges but trended lower in fragmented landscapes. Predation rates were negatively affected by both edge and fragmentation. Overall, edge effects were more consistent than fragmentation effects. The study highlights the importance of considering edge and fragmentation effects in ecosystem models.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rachel S. Smith, Jeffrey Beauvais, James E. Byers
Summary: The study in Florida shows that mangrove establishment can be affected by the number of seedlings and nutrient factors in mangrove-dominated fringe habitats and marsh-dominated interior habitats. During spring tides, mangroves may influence the retention of mangrove nutrients, while in fringe habitats, most propagules are lost regardless of structural treatment.
ESTUARIES AND COASTS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Fisheries
Wesley L. Gerrin, Brigette Haram, Cecil A. Jennings, Garon Brandon, Susan B. Wilde
FISHERIES MANAGEMENT AND ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Sara M. Rodriguez, James E. Byers, Fernando Cerda-Aliaga, Nelson Valdivia
Summary: This study investigated the influences of environmental factors and host biological attributes on the infection probability and abundance of parasites. The results showed that the body size of the mole crab was the primary factor affecting the infection, and increasing mole crab density led to a decrease in the abundance of acanthocephalan parasites. Co-infection was also observed among different larval parasite species. The study suggested that parasite infection in this system is more strongly related to host exposure duration rather than spatially variable environmental factors, even across large spatial scales.
MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES
(2022)
Article
Development Studies
Mariko L. Frame, William G. McDowell, Ellen T. Fitzpatrick
Summary: This paper examines the contradictions between economic growth and environmental protection in achieving the SDGs through a case study on Malaysia, indicating substantial conflicts between the two objectives.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENT & DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alyssa T. Kullberg, Gail L. Carlson, Serena M. Haver, William G. McDowell
Summary: This study aimed to determine PPCP contamination in the Belgrade Lakes in Maine, USA. Six PPCPs were detected in the four lakes, but most concentrations were only slightly above the limits of detection. The number of PPCP detections at public high use sites was higher than at private sites. The results suggest that the Belgrade Lakes are not highly contaminated by PPCPs, but long-term exposure may still have ecological and human health effects.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AND SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Fan Li, Christine Angelini, James E. Byers, Christopher Craft, Steven C. Pennings
Summary: This study shows that tidal freshwater marsh plant and animal communities are vulnerable to long-term salinity changes but resilient to short saline pulses. While saline pulses did not impair most ecosystem functions, the decline of a single species in the pulse treatment was associated with reduced marsh accretion and no elevation gain, which are crucial for wetland survival in an era of rising seas.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Ecology
James E. Byers
Summary: Ecosystem engineers play a crucial role in restoration by influencing ecosystems through their impact on abiotic properties. This article discusses the importance of selecting and incorporating ecosystem engineers based on utility, ease of establishment, and recognition of their engineering functions. Understanding these aspects helps make purposeful and efficient choices in restoration.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
James E. Byers, Julie A. Blaze, Alannah C. Dodd, Hannah L. Hall, Paul E. Gribben
Summary: Non-indigenous species (NIS) and hypoxia can disturb and restructure aquatic communities. Most studies show that NIS are tolerant of hypoxia and perform better than native species under hypoxia. However, NIS are more often considered passengers associated with hypoxia, rather than drivers of it.
BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Jeffrey Beauvais, Nathan P. Nibbelink, James E. Byers
Summary: This study examines the distribution of water access infrastructure (WAI) in South Carolina, USA with respect to race and income. It finds that lower income areas are more likely to have public WAI, while the abundance of private docks is correlated with higher percentages of White residents. The racially unequal distribution of docks is likely a result of historic Black land loss.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Burton C. Suedel, Jon Calabria, Matthew V. Bilskie, James E. Byers, Kelsey Broich, S. Kyle McKay, Amanda S. Tritinger, C. Brock Woodson, Emily Dolatowski
Summary: Global environmental factors pose increasing threats to coastal communities. Hardened shorelines, while protecting against flooding and erosion, lead to environmental degradation and biodiversity loss. The Engineering With Nature initiative aims to develop sustainable solutions that work with nature to enhance biodiversity and balance economic, environmental, and social benefits.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Lenka Stenclova, Susan B. Wilde, Markus Schwark, Jeffrey L. Cullen, Seth A. McWhorter, Timo H. J. Niedermeyer, W. Matthew Henderson, Jan Mares
Summary: Cyanobacteria are bacteria that produce bioactive metabolites, including the recently discovered neurotoxin Aetokthonotoxin (AETX) produced by the cyanobacterium Aetokthonos hydrillicola on invasive water thyme. Researchers developed a PCR protocol to detect AETX-producers in plant-cyanobacterium consortia samples, confirming the presence of Aetokthonos through genetic analysis and microscopy. The production of AETX was confirmed using LC-MS.
Article
Ecology
Emlyn J. J. Resetarits, William T. T. Ellis, James E. E. Byers
Summary: Parasites can have both lethal and nonlethal effects on their hosts, influencing resource consumption. However, little research has investigated the joint impacts of these effects. In this study, we used equations from the indirect effects literature to quantify the combined influence of altered feeding rate and increased mortality due to parasitic infection. Our experimental results showed that infected snails had higher mortality rates and consumed more resources, resulting in positive nonlethal effects and negative lethal effects on resource consumption. These effects varied with temperature and experimental duration, emphasizing the context-dependent nature of parasite-host interactions.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Megan M. Tomamichel, Tina L. Walters, Richard J. Hall, James E. Byers, Marc E. Frischer
Summary: Emerging infectious diseases in marine systems pose a threat to food security and ecosystem functioning. Reliable supply of disease-free animals is needed for experiments on transmission and mortality from these emerging pathogens. However, imperfect detection of subclinical and early stage infections necessitates effective treatments to remove infection from animals with unknown infection status.
JOURNAL OF SHELLFISH RESEARCH
(2023)