Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Nicolas Reinaldo Finkler, Bjorn Gucker, Davi Gasparini Fernandes Cunha
Summary: This study examined the impact of wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) discharges on nutrient concentrations in receiving rivers in Sao Paulo state, Brazil. The results showed that WWTP discharges significantly increased nutrient concentrations and loads, with limited net nutrient uptake along the river reaches. These findings suggest that WWTPs with limited nutrient removal have considerable effects on water chemistry and nutrient cycling, potentially impairing downstream ecosystems.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jinglong Wang, Qinyi Chen, Shun Huang, Zhicong Wang, Dunhai Li
Summary: Phosphorus is a key nutrient in eutrophic lakes, and its concentrations in the water and sediments decrease with aggravated eutrophication. There is a significant negative correlation between phosphorus concentrations and eutrophication parameters. Cyanobacterial organic matter (COM) can alter sediment phosphorus release characteristics and stabilize phosphorus concentrations. Simulation experiments confirmed that COM can reduce sediment phosphorus content and promote its release, giving cyanobacteria a competitive advantage.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marco Campos, Joaquin Rilling, Jacquelinne J. Acuna, Tamara Valenzuela, Giovanni Larama, Fernando Pena-Cortes, Andrew Ogram, Deb P. Jaisi, Milko A. Jorquera
Summary: This study investigated the physicochemical properties, phosphorus content, and bacterial activity in sediments of rivers in southern Chile. Higher phosphomonoesterase activity and gene values were observed in sediments collected in summer at sites with greater anthropogenic influence, while higher bacterial richness and diversity were found in sediments collected in winter.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Wenfan Wu, Fangguo Zhai, Zizhou Liu, Cong Liu, Yanzhen Gu, Peiliang Li
Summary: Understanding the variation in nutrient status in rivers is crucial for the management of coastal ecosystems. This study investigated the spatial and seasonal variability of nutrients in rivers entering adjacent seas in China. The results showed that nutrient fluxes were higher in southern rivers, especially during summer. Total nitrogen/total phosphorus concentration in rivers were generally higher in northern regions, while ammonium concentration showed minimal variations. Coal-fired heating in winter and the demand for phosphorus fertilizer in croplands contributed to the elevated nutrient concentrations in northern rivers. Rainfall exacerbated the loss of phosphorus from croplands, leading to increased total phosphorus and turbidity levels in rivers during summer.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Xiaoyang Shan, Zhiqiang Zhu, Jiyong Ma, Dinghui Fu, Yanwei Song, Qipei Li, Zanhui Huang, Lixin Pei, Hongwei Zhao
Summary: Water quality modeling is essential for managing nutrient flows and pollution in rivers and seas. This paper reviews the development of seven water quality models, discusses their strengths, weaknesses, and future directions. It also addresses practical problems and summarizes the characteristics of these models in China, including temporal and geographical scales, pollution sources, and the main problems they can solve. Understanding these characteristics can help stakeholders globally select appropriate models for resolving nutrient pollution challenges. Recommendations for model enhancement are also provided.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Geography, Physical
Cansu Demirel-Floyd, Gerilyn S. Soreghan, Megan E. Elwood Madden
Summary: Laboratory experiments showed that cold-tolerant cyanobacteria can significantly enhance silicate weathering rates in glaciofluvial drift sediments, highlighting the significant influence of microbial life on weathering. In both Antarctic and Icelandic sediments, the presence of neo-formed clay and Fe-(oxy)hydroxide minerals in association with biofilms suggests that microbes enhance weathering in systems where nutrients are not easily liberated via abiotic pathways. Additionally, higher bicarbonate concentrations in biotic reactors indicate that, as warming occurs, psychrotolerant biota will enhance bicarbonate flux to the oceans, thus providing a negative feedback to increasing atmospheric CO2.
PERMAFROST AND PERIGLACIAL PROCESSES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hanxiao Zhang, Shouliang Huo, Zhe Xiao, Zhuoshi He, Jun Yang, Kevin M. Yeager, Xiaochuang Li, Fengchang Wu
Summary: This study found that nutrient enrichment and climate warming drive shifts in cyanobacterial communities in low-latitude plateau lakes, with the tipping point being aquatic total phosphorus. The dynamics of cyanobacterial communities were influenced by aquatic TP levels and air temperature, with a shift in dominance depending on the state of the lake.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Limnology
Michele A. Burford, Anusuya Willis, Man Xiao, Matthew J. Prentice, David P. Hamilton
Summary: Anthropogenic eutrophication is a well-established cause of cyanobacterial blooms in freshwater. Early studies focused on phosphorus (P) as the key limiting nutrient, but recent studies suggest that the importance of nitrogen (N) may have been overstated. Cyanobacteria can adapt to low and variable nutrient conditions through various strategies.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tetsuro Kikuchi, Toshihiko Anzai, Takao Ouchi, Ken Okamoto, Yoshifumi Terajima
Summary: Excessive loadings of nitrogen and phosphorus, combined with imbalances in silicon, have a detrimental effect on water quality and ecosystems in receiving waters. This study conducted periodic water quality monitoring in rivers and streams on Ishigaki Island, Japan, to identify the factors influencing the concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), total phosphorus (TP), and dissolved silicon (DSi), with a focus on catchment characteristics. Using a machine learning algorithm called Random Forest (RF), predictive models were developed to estimate nutrient concentrations based on catchment properties. The results showed that agricultural land use significantly influenced DIN and TP concentrations, while broadleaf forests were the most important factor for DSi. Additionally, the study estimated the contributions of DIN from sugarcane fields and livestock barns to riverine DIN, which accounted for up to 60% of the total in the studied river basins. The findings also indicated that DIN from sugarcane fields is more likely to leach into groundwater and rivers in catchments dominated by calcareous geology. These results and methodology have implications for water quality assessment and management in both inland and coastal waters.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Mark R. Williams, Chad J. Penn, Scott J. McAfee
Summary: This study investigated the factors influencing nutrient loss from agricultural catchments by measuring water, nutrient, and tracer fluxes. The results showed that groundwater dynamics and nutrient management practices greatly influenced the nutrient load and concentration. The findings provide valuable insights for implementing conservation practices and improving process representation in models.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Juan Chen, Peifang Wang, Chao Wang, Xun Wang, Han Gao, Ge Cui, Sheng Liu, Qiusheng Yuan
Summary: The impact of dam construction on alkaline phosphatase activity and the bacterial phoD gene in river sediments was investigated. The results showed that dam construction significantly increased sediment alkaline phosphatase activity and caused changes in the abundance and community composition of phoD-harboring bacteria. Structural equation modeling analysis revealed the importance of relative abundance of keystone species in the variation of alkaline phosphatase activity.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Limnology
Hai Xu, Mark J. McCarthy, Hans W. Paerl, Justin D. Brookes, Guangwei Zhu, Nathan S. Hall, Boqiang Qin, Yunlin Zhang, Mengyuan Zhu, Justyna J. Hampel, Silvia E. Newell, Wayne S. Gardner
Summary: Despite extensive abatement efforts focused on external phosphorus loading, harmful cyanobacterial blooms persist in Lake Taihu. Internal nutrient cycling plays a key role in sustaining these blooms, with nitrogen leaving the lake faster than phosphorus, creating persistent nitrogen limitation.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Flavia Tromboni, Walter K. Dodds, Davi G. F. Cunha, Jose A. F. Monteiro, Helene Avocat, Marcellus Caldas, Bjorn Gucker
Summary: Delineating reference riverine nutrient concentrations is crucial for understanding biogeochemical transport, describing ecological conditions, and controlling eutrophication. This study used data from 434 Brazilian watersheds to estimate pre-anthropogenic nutrient levels. The novel watershed-based approach allowed for spatial analysis and removal of anthropogenic influences, revealing distinct patterns throughout Brazil and the Amazon basin.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Martina Ciardi, Cintia Gomez-Serrano, Maria del Mar Morales-Amaral, Gabriel Acien, Tomas Lafarga, Jose Maria Fernandez-Sevilla
Summary: The study demonstrates that pig slurry can be used as an effective nutrient source for biomass production of Scenedesmus almeriensis, with a biomass productivity rate comparable to standard growth medium. Different dilutions of pig slurry did not significantly affect microalgal growth, while ozonation was effective in reducing the chemical oxygen demand concentration of the media.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Yuemin Hu, Yihui Zhang, Zhaoliang Peng, Weiping Hu
Summary: This study investigated the effects of lake currents and waves on sediment deposition and nutrient release in deep lake bottom traps. The results showed that strong hydrodynamic forces promoted sediment deposition and enhanced the trap's ability to capture sediments with high nutrient contents. Waves played a leading role in winter and spring, while lake currents were the main factor in summer. A mathematical model was established to analyze the relationship between hydrodynamics and sediment deposition.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tara G. McAllister, Sereana Naepi, Elizabeth Wilson, Daniel Hikuroa, Leilani A. Walker
Summary: This article explores the under-representation of Maori and Pasifika scientists in New Zealand's publicly-funded scientific workforce. The study shows that despite institutions' espousals of valuing diversity and Maori research, there has been little change in the number of Maori and Pasifika scientists employed between 2008 and 2018. The research highlights the urgent need for institutions to improve data collection and dissemination, and to actively recruit, retain, and promote Maori and Pasifika scientists.
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Laura Biessy, Kirsty F. Smith, Susanna A. Wood, Annabel Tidy, Roel van Ginkel, Joel R. D. Bowater, Ian Hawes
Summary: A method was developed to feed TTX-containing microcapsules to Paphies australis for studying its accumulation and depuration in shellfish. The experiment showed that P. australis could accumulate TTX rapidly, exceeding the recommended concentration by the European Food Safety Authority. This novel method will allow for further exploration of TTX effects and transfer through food webs.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ian Hawes, Clive Howard-Williams, Neil Gilbert, Kurt Joy
Summary: The McMurdo Dry Valleys are the largest ice-free area in Antarctica and are of significant scientific and conservation value as an extreme polar desert. This study classified over 6000 lakes and ponds in the area to assist in management and address issues faced by researchers and environmental managers. The classification approach used in this study has potential for wider use in other polar landscapes.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Jessica E. Lumian, Anne D. Jungblut, Megan L. Dillion, Ian Hawes, Peter T. Doran, Tyler J. Mackey, Gregory J. Dick, Christen L. Grettenberger, Dawn Y. Sumner
Summary: By investigating cyanobacteria's ability to sustain oxygenic photosynthesis in sulfidic environments, the study found that Phormidium pseudopriestleyi utilizes specific genomic content to tolerate sulfide, indicating potential mechanisms including gene expression regulation or direct sulfide oxidation.
Article
Microbiology
Mailys Picard, Susanna A. Wood, Xavier Pochon, Marcus J. Vandergoes, Lizette Reyes, Jamie D. Howarth, Ian Hawes, Jonathan Puddick
Summary: Understanding the historical onset of cyanobacterial blooms in freshwater bodies can help identify their potential drivers. Lake sediments are valuable archives for exploring these records. In this study, we compared the results obtained from a droplet digital PCR assay and high-performance liquid chromatography to analyze cyanobacterial DNA and pigments in sediment cores. Our findings suggest that the biphasic approach of combining these two methods can provide complementary information for studying changes in the cyanobacterial community.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tara G. McAllister, Giulio Dalla Riva
Summary: This article examines the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's commitment to diversity in contrast to the demographic data from the 2021 Endeavour Fund. Potential solutions are provided to address the significant lack of diversity in applicants and recipients of funding from the Endeavour Fund.
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND
(2023)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Max Soar, Lucy Stewart, Sylvia Nissen, Sereana Naepi, Tara McAllister
Summary: This paper responds to calls for increasing the value of postgraduate scholarships in Aotearoa New Zealand. It provides context for understanding the scholarship landscape and addresses the current inequities in scholarship values. The paper argues for raising scholarship values, extending tenure, and reinstating the postgraduate student allowance.
NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL STUDIES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tara McAllister, Sereana Naepi, Leilani Walker, Ashlea Gillon, Patricia Clark, Emma Lambert, Alana B. McCambridge, Channell Thoms, Jordan Housiaux, Hanareia Ehau-Taumaunu, Charlotte Joy Waikauri Connell, Rawiri Keenan, Kristie-Lee Thomas, Amy Maslen-Miller, Morgan Tupaea, Kate Mauriohooho, Christopher Puli'uvea, Hannah Rapata, Sally Akevai Nicholas, Rere-No-A-Rangi Pope, Sangata A. F. Kaufononga, Kiri Reihana, Kane Fleury, Nathan Camp, Georgia Mae Rangikahiwa Carson, Jasmine Lulani Kaulamatoa, Zaramasina L. Clark, Mel Collings, Georgia M. Bell, Kimiora Henare, Kylie Reiri, Punahamoa Walker, Kirita-Rose Escott, Jaye Moors, Bobbie-Jo Wilson, Olivia Simoa Laita, Kimberley H. Maxwell, Stephanie Fong, Riki Parata, Morgan Meertens, Connor Aston, Yvonne Taura, Nicole Haerewa, Helena Lawrence, Theresa Alipia
Summary: This article explores the experiences of Maori and Pacific postgraduate students in STEM and uncovers how universities fail to cater to their needs. The research highlights issues such as underrepresentation, white dominance, and institutional habits that exclude and devalue these students in STEM.
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND
(2022)
Article
Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology
Elaine R. Hitchcock, Laura C. Ochs, Michelle T. Swartz, Megan C. Leece, Jonathan L. Preston, Tara McAllister
Summary: This tutorial summarizes current practices of using visual-acoustic bio-feedback (VAB) treatment to improve speech outcomes for individuals with speech sound difficulties. The evidence related to the characteristics of VAB and the populations that may benefit from this treatment is reviewed. Successful use of VAB requires comprehension of the acoustic representation, appropriate selection of acoustic targets and templates, as well as proper articulatory strategies, practice schedules, and feedback models.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nam-Thang Ha, Tien-Dat Pham, Huu-Ty Pham, Dang-An Tran, Ian Hawes
Summary: In this study, a fusion of SAR Sentinel-1 (S-1), multi-spectral Sentinel-2 (S-2), and advanced machine learning models was used to improve the estimation of TOC stock in Zostera muelleri meadows in New Zealand. The best prediction of seagrass TOC was achieved by fusing S1 and S2 images, using the CatBoost ML model and the grey wolf optimization algorithm. The results provide new ideas for low-cost, scalable, and reliable estimates of seagrass TOC globally.
GEOCARTO INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ian Hawes, Clive Howard-Williams, Neil Gilbert, Kevin A. A. Hughes, Peter Convey, Antonio Quesada
Summary: The protection of biodiversity and ecosystem values in Antarctica is outlined in the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, which establishes Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (ASPAs) for areas with exceptional values. However, there is concern that existing ASPAs do not prioritize areas effectively for long-term conservation. This paper argues for the inclusion of inland waters in the ASPA framework to address their underrepresentation and proposes a structured approach for their selection, taking into account the limited knowledge of inland aquatic diversity and the need to consider catchment-scale processes.
Article
Ecology
Tara McAllister, Daniel Hikuroa, Cate Macinnis-Ng
Summary: This article emphasizes that incorporating Indigenous Knowledge can effectively address environmental threats and pressures. It is essential to engage with Indigenous Peoples in a respectful, reciprocal, and meaningful way. The paper highlights the benefits of using Maori knowledge and cultural perspectives in conjunction with science to address sustainability more holistically. It also stresses the importance of long-term partnerships based on mutual trust and respect with Maori communities.
NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Louis Johansen Skovsholt, Tenna Riis, Fleur Matheson, Ian Hawes
Summary: By simulating slow flowing lowland stream conditions, the study investigated the responses of aquatic plants to increased nitrate and light. The experiment showed that the growth rate of the alien species, Potamogeton crispus, was higher under high nutrient conditions, and it exhibited increased branching degree and lateral spread under high light conditions, indicating its strong competitive advantage.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Claudineia Lizieri, Carlos Ernesto G. R. Schaefer, Ian Hawes
Summary: This study investigated the benthic cyanobacterial assemblages in ponds along inland coastal gradients in the McMurdo Sound region during the Antarctic summer season. A total of 29 morphospecies were described, with each geographic location containing unique floristic elements.
ANAIS DA ACADEMIA BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIAS
(2022)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Sereana Naepi, Elizabeth Wilson, Samantha Lagos, Sam Manuela, Tara G. McAllister, Joanna Kidman, Reremoana Theodore, Jesse Kokaua
Summary: This paper analyzes the enrollment of Maori and Pasifika communities in New Zealand universities, suggesting targeted investment is needed in the Society and Culture and Natural and Physical Sciences fields, and emphasizing the importance of transparent and reliable data.
HIGHER EDUCATION RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
(2021)