Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sarah E. Donaher, Robert P. Dunn, Annelise K. Gonzales, Bryanna D. Wattier, Brian A. Powell, Nicole E. Martinez
Summary: The bioavailability of aqueous radium and other dissolved metals to marine bivalves remains unclear, and this study aimed to examine the tissue-specific disposition of aqueous 226Ra in a coastal mussel.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Donna Marie Bilkovic, Robert E. Isdell, Amanda G. Guthrie, Molly M. Mitchell, Randolph M. Chambers
Summary: The study found that the abundance of ribbed mussels in natural and nature-based living shoreline designs is low, potentially due to sediment organic matter content and plant density. It is recommended to facilitate self-sustaining populations of ribbed mussels in these restored habitats by modifying design and implementation practices.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Joshua Moody, Danielle Kreeger
Summary: Ribbed mussels contribute to nutrient cycling and vertical accretion in salt marshes through their filter-feeding activity, but their distribution and habitats impact the landscape-level distribution of their filtration activity. This study assessed the spatial variability of ribbed mussel filtration in New Jersey and Rhode Island salt marshes, finding differences in filtration rates and contributions across different habitats.
ESTUARIES AND COASTS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ahmed T. Abbas, Anais Cardenas, Darius LaFond, Brandon Guasaquillo, Leila Belgaid, Priscilla Lee, Mary Alldred, Chester B. Zarnoch
Summary: The mutualism between Smooth Cordgrass and Ribbed Mussels can increase ecosystem services by removing excess nitrogen through denitrification. However, mussel beds can persist in areas where cordgrass has been lost due to sea-level rise and eutrophication. The function of these remnant mussel beds, in the absence of cordgrass, remains unclear. This study found that remnant mussel beds had larger mussels and similar rates of denitrification compared to mudflats, suggesting that the presence of mussels may not enhance nitrogen removal in eroded marsh sediments.
WETLANDS ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wanchang Li, Jian Wen, Yueyi Song, Huiyan Yuan, Bin Sun, Ren Wang, Sheng Xu
Summary: SaRCC1 negatively regulates salt stress responses in Arabidopsis by affecting stress-related gene expression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Ryann E. L. Rossi, Charles A. Schutte, Jordan Logarbo, Caleb Bourgeois, Brian J. Roberts
Summary: The study reveals a mutualistic relationship between Gulf ribbed mussels (G. granosissima) and smooth cordgrass (S. alterniflora), in which the mussels enhance the growth and productivity of cordgrass, leading to improved salt marsh stability and function.
MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yang Zhao, Yingying He, Xixi Wang, Changfeng Qu, Jinlai Miao
Summary: This study cloned key genes related to proline metabolism in Spartina alterniflora and investigated their expression profiles. The up-regulated expression of SaP5CS2 played a leading role under salt stress. Additionally, transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing SaP5CS2 showed higher tolerance to salt stress.
JOURNAL OF PLANT INTERACTIONS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Robyn A. A. Zerebecki, A. Randall Hughes
Summary: Plant genotypic diversity has positive effects on population and community-level processes in various environmental conditions, indicating its ecological importance for maintaining function across landscapes. A 2-year field experiment manipulating genotypic diversity in Spartina alterniflora across a natural stress gradient showed that diversity increased stem production, but the effect was reduced in extreme environmental conditions. The observed benefits were likely due to complementarity among individuals and resulted in increased density and variation of Spartina traits, affecting the associated marsh community.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Alexia M. Dievart, Christopher D. McQuaid, Gerardo I. Zardi, Katy R. Nicastro, Pierre W. Froneman
Summary: Mussel beds provide thermal buffering and can be colonized by photoautotrophic euendoliths, which indirectly benefit associated molluscs by increasing shell albedo. This study investigated the effect of euendolithic infestation on body temperatures of four mollusc species in artificial mussel beds. Results showed that non-infested beds had higher shell temperatures for two species under high solar irradiance and low wind speeds. Morphological differences between species could explain this contrast. The findings suggest that euendolithic infestation improves humidity and temperature in mussel beds, benefiting associated molluscs particularly under heat stress.
Article
Ecology
Althea F. P. Moore, Catherine A. Gehring, A. Randall Hughes
Summary: In the symbiosis between the salt marsh plant Spartina alterniflora and DSE fungi, nutrient addition increased plant stem density and height but this effect was negated with elevated salinity. Nutrient addition decreased colonization by DSE hyphae and increased DSE microsclerotia.
MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shang Gao, Shoukun Chen, Maogeng Yang, Jinran Wu, Shihua Chen, Huihui Li
Summary: By combining machine learning and phylogenetic profiling, this study identified salt stress-related genes in a halophytic grass using evolutionary information from 365 plant species. The co-evolved genes were found to be enriched in ion transport, detoxification, and metabolic pathways. The findings demonstrate the feasibility and potential of phylogenetic profiling as a valuable tool for plant functional genomics.
Article
Ecology
Ralph J. M. Temmink, Gregory S. Fivash, Laura L. Govers, Janne Nauta, Beatriz Marin-Diaz, Peter M. J. M. Cruijsen, Karin Didderen, Emma Penning, Han Olff, Jannes H. T. Heusinkveld, Leon P. M. Lamers, Wouter Lengkeek, Marjolijn J. A. Christianen, Valerie C. Reijers, Tjeerd J. Bouma, Tjisse van der Heide
Summary: Coastal ecosystems worldwide are degrading rapidly, prompting a new life cycle informed restoration approach to be tested on a large scale using blue mussel reefs as a model. Results showed that temporary use of biodegradable structures successfully enhanced mussel biomass formation, but technical challenges were encountered at larger scales, emphasizing the need for testing under extreme conditions before upscaling.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Ralph J. M. Temmink, Marloes van den Akker, Casper H. A. van Leeuwen, Yvonne Thole, Han Olff, Valerie C. Reijers, Stefan T. J. Weideveld, Bjorn J. M. Robroek, Leon P. M. Lamers, Elisabeth S. Bakker
Summary: Wetlands provide crucial services for human societies, and wetland restoration is essential for enhancing ecosystem integrity. Forward-looking restoration projects can improve natural values, but also face challenges in management, such as determining the direction of new ecosystem development and dealing with potential pressures.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
S. F. Harpenslager, K. Thiemer, C. Levertz, B. Misteli, K. M. Sebola, S. C. Schneider, S. Hilt, J. Koehler
Summary: Mass development of macrophytes in freshwater ecosystems is a global problem that requires substantial resources for removal. This study examines the short-term effects of removing different types of macrophytes on CH4 and CO2 fluxes in three lakes. The findings suggest that removing submerged macrophytes reduces CO2 fixation and CH4 emissions, while removing free-floating macrophytes increases CH4 fluxes and stimulates phytoplankton blooms. The lack of a universal response indicates that macrophyte life forms and environmental parameters play important roles in the effects of removal.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jelmer van Doorn, Esther C. H. E. T. Lucassen, Sarah Faye Harpenslager, Lennart Santbergen, Jan G. M. Roelofs, Alfons J. P. Smolders
Summary: This study investigated the impact of sudden disappearance of isoetids on biogeochemical carbon and nutrient cycling in organic rich sediments through a greenhouse experiment. The findings revealed that the removal of isoetids led to a decrease in sediment redox potential, resulting in anaerobic breakdown of organic matter and increased concentrations of ammonium, iron, inorganic carbon and methane in porewater.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kirstine Thiemer, Bart Immerzeel, Susanne Schneider, Keneilwe Sebola, Julie Coetzee, Mathieu Baldo, Gabrielle Thiebaut, Sabine Hilt, Jan Koehler, Sarah Faye Harpenslager, Jan E. Vermaat
Summary: Mass developments of macrophytes are often seen as a nuisance and interfere with human activities. Understanding the drivers of this perception is crucial for effective management strategies. A comprehensive survey across multiple sites in different countries was conducted to quantify the perception of nuisance and integrate it with the consequences of plant removal using Bayesian networks.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Janne Nauta, Marjolijn J. A. Christianen, Ralph J. M. Temmink, Gregory S. S. Fivash, Beatriz Marin-Diaz, Valerie C. Reijers, Karin Didderen, Emma Penning, Annieke C. W. Borst, Jannes H. T. Heusinkveld, Maarten Zwarts, Peter M. J. M. Cruijsen, Nadia Hijner, Wouter Lengkeek, Leon P. M. Lamers, Tjisse van Der Heide, Tjeerd J. J. Bouma, Daphne van Der Wal, Han Olff, Laura L. L. Govers
Summary: Reef-forming species are degrading rapidly worldwide, and restoration efforts using artificial reefs are becoming popular. This study assesses the effectiveness of biodegradable artificial reefs as habitat for reef-forming species through food web network analysis.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Benjamin Misteli, Alexandrine Pannard, Eirin Aasland, Sarah Faye Harpenslager, Samuel Motitsoe, Kirstine Thiemer, Stephanie Llopis, Julie Coetzee, Sabine Hilt, Jan Koehler, Susanne C. Schneider, Christophe Piscart, Gabrielle Thiebaut
Summary: Mass development of macrophytes negatively affects aquatic systems, and mechanical removal of macrophytes has implications for biodiversity, particularly zooplankton and macroinvertebrate assemblages.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Janneke M. M. van Der Loop, Hein H. van Kleef, Laura S. van Veenhuisen, Leon L. Lamers, Rob S. E. W. Leuven
Summary: The invasive Australian swamp stonecrop (Crassula helmsii) poses a threat to shallow soft water lakes and pools in Europe, especially under nutrient enrichment and anthropogenic disturbances. Eradication of this clonal plant is difficult once established, thus an ecosystem resilience approach (ERA) that promotes native vegetation is explored. The introduction of native species reduces the abundance of C. helmsii and can effectively decrease the invasibility of ecosystems. Incorporating ERA in nature and water management provides sustainable solutions for invasive alien species prevention and control, with benefits in terms of biodiversity and cost-effectiveness.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2023)
Correction
Engineering, Environmental
Ralph J. M. Temmink, Bjorn J. M. Robroek, Gijs van Dijk, Adam H. W. Koks, Sannimari A. Kaeaermelahti, Alexandra Barthelmes, Martin J. Wassen, Rafael Ziegler, Magdalena N. Steele, Wim Giesen, Hans Joosten, Christian Fritz, Leon P. M. Lamers, Alfons J. P. Smolders
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ralph J. M. Temmink, Bjorn J. M. Robroek, Gijs van Dijk, Adam H. W. Koks, Sannimari A. Kaeaermelahti, Alexandra Barthelmes, Martin J. Wassen, Rafael Ziegler, Magdalena N. Steele, Wim Giesen, Hans Joosten, Christian Fritz, Leon P. M. Lamers, Alfons J. P. Smolders
Summary: Although peatland drainage leads to carbon emissions, land subsidence, fires, and biodiversity loss, global drainage-based agriculture and forestry on peatland are still expanding. Rewetting and restoration of drained and degraded peatlands are urgently needed, but limitations in socio-economic conditions and hydrology hinder large-scale efforts, calling for a reevaluation of landscape use.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Rens J. T. Cronau, Yvet Telgenkamp, Jimmy de Fouw, Marieke M. M. van Katwijk, Tjeerd J. J. Bouma, Jannes H. T. Heusinkveld, Dieuwke Hoeijmakers, Tjisse van Der Heide, Leon P. M. Lamers
Summary: Coastal ecosystems are influenced by both bottom-up and top-down trophic and non-trophic interactions. Human disruption of these interactions, such as eutrophication or overfishing, leads to loss of foundation species in these ecosystems. Our study demonstrates how a newly discovered non-trophic interaction between the seagrass Zostera marina and the ragworm Platynereis dumerilii hampers seagrass restoration in saltwater Lake Grevelingen.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hui Jin, Dedmer B. Van de Waal, Casper H. A. van Leeuwen, Leon P. M. Lamers, Steven A. J. Declerck, Ana Luisa Amorim, Elisabeth S. Bakker
Summary: Land-water transition areas play a significant role in the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. Anthropogenic pressures pose severe threats on these areas, leading to the degradation of ecological integrity in lakes worldwide. Restoring land-water transition areas can enhance habitat complexity, stimulate primary productivity, and ultimately restore higher trophic levels in degraded aquatic ecosystems.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Marieke M. van Katwijk, Rens J. T. Cronau, Leon P. M. Lamers, Pauline Kamermans, Brigitta I. van Tussenbroek, Dick J. de Jong
Summary: Between the 1980s and 1990s, 4600 hectares of seagrass were permanently lost from Lake Grevelingen in the Netherlands. It is now planned to restore the seagrass. The disappearance of the seagrass is hypothesized to be due to the selection of low-salinity genotypes during the period of lower salinity, which were unable to adapt to the returning marine conditions.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lisanne Hendriks, Alfons J. P. Smolders, Thom van den Brink, Leon P. M. Lamers, Annelies J. Veraart
Summary: While there is abundant research on aquatic plants used in treatment wetlands, little is known about the use of plants in hydroponic ecological wastewater treatment and their impact on GHG emissions. This study focuses on the effectiveness of floating and submerged plants in removing nutrients and preventing GHG emissions from wastewater effluent. The results show that floating plants have higher nutrient removal efficiency and GHG uptake compared to submerged plants, making them a promising solution for climate-smart wastewater treatment.
WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Bernhard Aichner, David Dubbert, Christine Kiel, Katrin Kohnert, Igor Ogashawara, Andreas Jechow, Sarah-Faye Harpenslager, Franz Hoelker, Jens Christian Nejstgaard, Hans-Peter Grossart, Gabriel Singer, Sabine Wollrab, Stella Angela Berger
Summary: Water stable isotopes (δO-18 and δH-2) in lakes and riverine systems in northeastern Germany were analyzed throughout 2020. The dataset includes samples collected at lake shores, buoys, selected spots in lakes, and the outflow of Muggelsee. The analysis provides information on the vegetation period, seasonal isotope amplitude, and spatial isotope variability in different branches of the riverine systems.
EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE DATA
(2022)