Article
Ecology
Caleb J. J. Robbins, David W. P. Manning, Halvor M. M. Halvorson, Beth C. C. Norman, Rebecca A. A. Eckert, Ada Pastor, Allyn K. K. Dodd, Jeremy Jabiol, Elliot Bastias, Alice Gossiaux, Andrew S. S. Mehring
Summary: Decomposing organic matter is a vital resource for aquatic ecosystems, providing fuel for their biogeochemical function and secondary production. However, the dynamics of detrital nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in aquatic ecosystems have been less explored compared to terrestrial ecosystems, despite their fundamental connection with microbial processes and ecosystem function. This study synthesized published time series data from stream ecosystems to analyze the nutrient dynamics of decomposing litter. The results showed that detritus contributed as a net source of N to the environment, regardless of the initial N content. On the other hand, the sink/source dynamics of P were more influenced by the initial P content, shifting from P sinks to net P mineralization after a certain level of mass loss. However, variations in N and P predictions indicated the importance of nonmicrobial factors such as invertebrate fragmentation. Overall, this analysis helps to bridge the gap between organic matter decomposition in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and provides insights for future research on detrital nutrient dynamics.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
James J. Elser, Shawn P. Devlin, Jinlei Yu, Adam Baumann, Matthew J. Church, John E. Dore, Robert O. Hall, Melody Hollar, Tyler Johnson, Trista Vick-Majors, Cassidy White
Summary: This study examines the nutrient dynamics in Flathead Lake over a period of 38 years. Despite low nutrient levels, the lake maintained high nitrogen to phosphorus ratios. This stoichiometric imbalance led to phosphorus limitation in phytoplankton growth and affected the nutrient cycling in the entire ecosystem.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yindong Tong, Xuejun Wang, James J. Elser
Summary: Eutrophication is a widespread water quality issue worldwide. Efforts to control eutrophication have often focused on reducing external nutrient inputs, while neglecting the importance of nutrient stoichiometry and changes in plankton composition.
FRONTIERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Cayelan C. Carey, Paul C. Hanson, R. Quinn Thomas, Alexandra B. Gerling, Alexandria G. Hounshell, Abigail S. L. Lewis, Mary E. Lofton, Ryan P. McClure, Heather L. Wander, Whitney M. Woelmer, B. R. Niederlehner, Madeline E. Schreiber
Summary: Oxygen availability is decreasing in many lakes and reservoirs worldwide, which has major implications for water quality, food webs, and ecosystem functioning. The effects of anoxia on carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus concentrations, stoichiometry, and retention in freshwaters need further investigation.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Miao Wang, Chu Zhang, Sisi Chen, Yu Zhang, Yingxin Li, Xiaoping Xin, Xiaoli Wang, Ruirui Yan
Summary: The impacts of grazing on carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus stoichiometry and storage in grassland ecosystems are essential. This study found that grazing intensity significantly affected the carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus contents of different plant functional groups. Moderate grazing improved nutrient utilization efficiency and promoted sustainable grassland development.
Article
Ecology
Mae Rennick, Bartholomew P. DiFiore, Joseph Curtis, Daniel C. Reed, Adrian C. Stier
Summary: Herbivores can reach high abundances in ecosystems, and excessive grazing can cause regime shifts. This study combines experiments and long-term monitoring data to confirm the hypothesis that herbivores drive regime shifts when herbivory exceeds primary production.
Article
Ecology
Martin Bitomsky, Lucie Kobrlova, Michal Hrones, Martin Duchoslav
Summary: The drivers of bioelement concentrations in plant communities, such as soil nutrients, plant biodiversity, and functional groups, play a crucial role in ecosystem functioning. The study suggests that functional group composition and phylogenetic regularity are the best predictors for plant community bioelement composition and stoichiometry, indicating a mechanistic connection between functional groups, phylogenetic diversity, and ecosystem functions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nadia Frontier, Martina Mulas, Andrew Foggo, Dan A. Smale
Summary: This study found that the degradation rate of detrital material is influenced by light availability and temperature. Overall, degradation rates were faster under lower light conditions and at higher temperatures, although responses varied between plants and fragments.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaoqian Lu, Weiwei Yu, Bin Chen, Zhiyuan Ma, Guangcheng Chen, Feiyang Ge, Shenqun An, Wenxuan Han
Summary: Anthropogenic activities alter the biogeochemical cycling and stoichiometry of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) in coastal marine ecosystems, leading to significant deviations from the Redfield ratio in phytoplankton and surface seawater, and overall phosphorus limitation in Xiamen Bay. The imbalanced seawater elemental stoichiometry affects species composition and abundance, and in turn the elemental stoichiometry of phytoplankton community. It is suggested that these deviations in elemental stoichiometry could impair the nutrient supply capacity for higher trophic-level organisms and damage the health of the coastal ecosystem.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Arnaud Auber, Conor Waldock, Anthony Maire, Eric Goberville, Camille Albouy, Adam C. Algar, Matthew McLean, Anik Brind'Amour, Alison L. Green, Mark Tupper, Laurent Vigliola, Kristin Kaschner, Kathleen Kesner-Reyes, Maria Beger, Jerry Tjiputra, Aurele Toussaint, Cyrille Violle, Nicolas Mouquet, Wilfried Thuiller, David Mouillot
Summary: This study presents a functional vulnerability framework that incorporates uncertainty and reference conditions, allowing for the quantification of vulnerability to a wide range of threats. Through case studies on marine fishes and mammals, the study demonstrates the relevance and operationality of the framework, as well as the geographic and temporal patterns of functional vulnerability.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Javaria Muneer, Abeer AlObaid, Rizwan Ullah, Khalil Ur Rehman, Kehinde O. Erinle
Summary: This study determined the physiochemical parameters and heavy metal concentrations in Mangla Dam Lake in District Mirpur Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The results were compared with international guidelines.
JOURNAL OF KING SAUD UNIVERSITY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Janine M. Barr, Daphne Munroe, Julie M. Rose, Lisa Calvo, Kurt M. Cheng, Skylar Bayer, Danielle Kreeger
Summary: This study conducted field experiments to estimate seasonal oyster filtration physiology at oyster farms in three different bays in the Mid-Atlantic region and found that oyster physiological activity varied among farms and was influenced by environmental variables. The study provides a robust dataset and adds to the evidence supporting bivalve aquaculture as a nutrient reduction strategy.
ESTUARIES AND COASTS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Rajat Singh, Monika Rawat, Rajiv Pandey
Summary: Leaf functional traits play a crucial role in the survival and growth of plants. This study focuses on the variation in leaf traits of three dominant evergreen tree species in the Garhwal Himalaya region. The results show that leaf traits are influenced by seasonality and elevation, and they are related to the resource utilization strategies of the tree species.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Yini Cao, Ran Tong, Qian Tan, Siqi Mo, Chuanxin Ma, Guangcai Chen
Summary: Flooding has significant effects on the C:N:P stoichiometry of terrestrial ecosystems, increasing overall C and N contents and altering their ratios. Different ecosystem types or components exhibit varying responses to flooding. Duration times and climate parameters also impact the C and N contents.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Priscilla da Silva Pereira, Natalia Freitas de Souza, Darcilio Fernandes Baptista, Marcelo Ribeiro-Alves, Helena Lucia Carneiro Santos, Daniel Forsin Buss
Summary: This study used benthic macroinvertebrates Functional Feeding Group (FFG) as indicators to assess the effects of stream variables on FFG abundance and richness, and evaluate FFG ratios as a tool to assess ecological conditions. Results showed significant differences in FFG richness among sites with different impairment conditions, and FFGs responded differently to abiotic variables. The FFG ratio analysis was found to be a fast and cost-effective tool for monitoring aquatic ecosystems in the Atlantic Forest biome, but further calibration is needed for this region.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jennifer L. Williamson, Andrew Tye, Dan J. Lapworth, Don Monteith, Richard Sanders, Daniel J. Mayor, Chris Barry, Mike Bowes, Michael Bowes, Annette Burden, Nathan Callaghan, Gareth Farr, Stacey Felgate, Alice Fitch, Stuart Gibb, Pete Gilbert, Geoff Hargreaves, Patrick Keenan, Vassilis Kitidis, Monika Juergens, Adrian Martin, Ian Mounteney, Philip D. Nightingale, M. Gloria Pereira, Justyna Olszewska, Amy Pickard, Andrew P. Rees, Bryan Spears, Mark Stinchcombe, Debbie White, Peter Williams, Fred Worrall, Chris Evans
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive assessment of riverine dissolved organic carbon (DOC) export in Great Britain, revealing that smaller river systems draining peat-rich areas are underestimated in global syntheses. The study also highlights the significant influence of upland conifer plantation forestry on the spatial distribution of DOC exports. These findings have implications for future assessments of CO2 sequestration potential and climate change mitigation strategies.
Correction
Environmental Sciences
Jennifer L. Williamson, Andrew Tye, Dan J. Lapworth, Don Monteith, Richard Sanders, Daniel J. Mayor, Chris Barry, Mike Bowes, Michael Bowes, Annette Burden, Nathan Callaghan, Gareth Farr, Stacey Felgate, Alice Fitch, Stuart Gibb, Pete Gilbert, Geoff Hargreaves, Patrick Keenan, Vassilis Kitidis, Monika Juergens, Adrian Martin, Ian Mounteney, Philip D. Nightingale, M. Gloria Pereira, Justyna Olszewska, Amy Pickard, Andrew P. Rees, Bryan Spears, Mark Stinchcombe, Debbie White, Peter Williams, Fred Worrall, Chris Evans
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
M. Kelly-Quinn, J. N. Biggs, S. Brooks, P. Fortuno, S. Hegarty, J. Jones, F. Regan
Summary: This paper proposes a framework for utilizing citizen science in the collection of data from small water bodies. It addresses data gaps and considers the elements to be addressed, and reviews appropriate tools and methods based on experience from freshwater citizen science projects.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Edward J. Cox, Angela M. Gurnell, Michael J. Bowes, Michael Bruen, Sinead C. Hogan, John J. O'Sullivan, Mary Kelly-Quinn
Summary: This study presents a spatially hierarchical, hydrogeomorphological stream classification based on data collected in Ireland. The classification method is simple and suitable for operational use. The researchers believe that it can be applied beyond Ireland and England to other areas with similar climate-landscape conditions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
B. G. Fox, R. M. S. Thorn, T. K. Dutta, M. J. Bowes, D. S. Read, D. M. Reynolds
Summary: The quality and health of many vital freshwater systems are poor. In order to address this issue, it is important to improve water quality monitoring and use more appropriate parameters. Recent research has found that monitoring microbial activity in aquatic systems using Peak T fluorescence (tryptophan-like fluorescence, TLF) is effective. This study successfully applied the in situ real-time fluorimeter VLux TPro in surface waters within a densely populated urban area and identified biological contamination events and potential elevated microbial activity.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Michal E. Skora, John Iwan Jones, Alan F. Youngson, Sean Robertson, Alan Wells, Rasmus B. Lauridsen, Gordon H. Copp
Summary: In spring 2022, pink salmon smolts were found in the UK, specifically in the Rivers Thurso and Oykel in Scotland. This marks the first observation of O. gorbuscha smolts in Europe outside of Scandinavia and the Kola Peninsula, suggesting the potential for the establishment of a pink salmon population in Great Britain.
JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Andrew M. Tye, Jennifer L. Williamson, Helen P. Jarvie, Nancy B. Dise, Dan J. Lapworth, Don Monteith, Richard Sanders, Daniel J. Mayor, Michael J. Bowes, Michael Bowes, Annette Burden, Nathan Callaghan, Gareth Farr, Stacey L. Felgate, Stuart Gibb, Pete J. Gilbert, Geoff Hargreaves, Patrick Keenan, Vassilis Kitidis, Monika D. Jurgens, Adrian Martin, Ian Mounteney, Philip D. Nightingale, M. Gloria Pereira, Justyna Olszewska, Amy Pickard, Andrew P. Rees, Bryan Spears, Mark Stinchcombe, Debbie White, Peter Williams, Fred Worrall, Chris D. Evans
Summary: This study investigated the DIC and free CO2 concentrations in waters of 41 catchments in Great Britain. The study found that dissolved inorganic carbon dominates in coastal waters, while free CO2 concentrations are strongly linked to catchment macronutrient status. The findings provide a basis for developing management strategies to reduce free CO2 concentrations in rivers and mitigate its evasion to the atmosphere.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2022)
Biographical-Item
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lawrence Dritsas, Joyce Tait, Geoff Simm, Geoffrey Banda, Mike Bowes, Jim M. Dunwell, Karen Holt, Theo Papaioannou
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
J. Iwan Jones, Charlotte E. M. Lloyd, John F. F. Murphy, Amanda Arnold, Chas P. P. Duerdoth, Adrianna Hawczak, James L. L. Pretty, Penny J. J. Johnes, Jim E. E. Freer, Moragh W. W. Stirling, Carla Richmond, Adrian L. L. Collins
Summary: Monitoring programmes worldwide use biota to assess water body health. Numerical stressor-specific biotic indices based on biota response have been developed, but it is unclear how variation in pressures within sites influences different biotic groups. Understanding this would help in setting achievable targets and implementing effective mitigation strategies.
FRESHWATER BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Kevin K. Chau, T. Goodall, M. Bowes, K. Easterbrook, H. Brett, J. Hughes, D. W. Crook, D. S. Read, A. S. Walker, N. Stoesser
Summary: Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance is growing in importance, but the impact of wastewater sampling methods on results is unclear. This study compared single-timepoint grab samples and 24-hour composites of wastewater influent from a large UK-based treatment plant. The results showed significant differences in taxonomic and resistome profiles, suggesting that 24-hour composite sampling is recommended for wastewater monitoring.
MICROBIAL GENOMICS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Anubhav Gupta, H. David Figueroa, Eoin 'Gorman, Iwan Jones, Guy Woodward, Owen L. Petchey
Summary: A major challenge in food web ecology is the time and effort required to describe the structure of a food web using individual predator guts. The allometric diet breadth model (ADBM) can predict interactions based on easily measured characteristics, but still requires diet data from predator guts. This study explores the minimum number of predator guts needed to accurately predict food web structures using the ADBM.
Article
Ecology
Liam N. Nash, Pavel Kratina, Fatima C. Recalde, John Iwan Jones, Thiago Izzo, Gustavo Q. Romero
Summary: The influence of aquatic resource-inputs on terrestrial communities, particularly in the tropics, is not well understood. Stable isotope analysis revealed that riparian predators in tropical forests consume more aquatic prey and exhibit greater trophic diversity compared to those in temperate regions. This suggests that tropical riparian communities rely more heavily on and are more affected by aquatic resources, making them more vulnerable to disruptions in aquatic-terrestrial linkages.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ana Martinez Rodriguez, Danielle J. Marchant, Pascaline Francelle, Pavel Kratina, J. Iwan Jones
Summary: There is a lack of evidence on the effects of bioplastics on natural ecosystems, with limited research conducted on individual taxa under laboratory conditions. This study compared the effects of oil-based microplastics and biobased biodegradable microplastics on freshwater macroinvertebrate communities. The results showed that the impact of microplastic pollution on macroinvertebrate communities is weak at large-scale settings under seminatural conditions and may be influenced by the nutrient status of freshwater ecosystems. More research is needed to understand the impact of both conventional plastics and bioplastics on natural environments, as well as their interaction with other pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Michal E. Skora, Guoni Guobergsson, Gordon H. Copp, J. Iwan Jones
Summary: In mid-May 2022, pink salmon smolts were found in Icelandic rivers, providing the first evidence of successful spawning and freshwater phase completion in those rivers. This discovery is significant as it marks the westernmost record of O. gorbuscha smolts in Europe, surpassing Russia, Norway, and the UK. The presence of these smolts originating from Iceland may potentially contribute to the recruitment and establishment of a self-sustaining population of this species in the North Atlantic.
JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Eleni-Anna Loundras, Christopher L. Netherton, John Flannery, Michael J. Bowes, Linda Dixon, Carrie Batten
Summary: This study investigates the stability and infectivity of ASFV in river water at different temperatures, finding that ASFV can stay stable and infectious at low temperatures but loses its stability as temperatures increase. The results highlight the importance of understanding ASFV survivability in groundwater for disease control and prevention.