Due to the increasing anthropogenic CO2 emissions, Ocean Acidification (OA) is progressing rapidly around the world. Despite the major role that microorganisms play on the marine biogeochemical cycling and ecosystem functioning, the response of bacterial communities upon OA scenarios is still not well understood. Here, we have conducted a detailed characterization of the composition and relative abundance of bacterial communities in the water column of an open-ocean station in the Eastern Tropical South Pacific (ETSP) off northern Chile and their interactions with environmental factors. In addition, through a short-term microcosm experiment, we have assessed the effect of low pH/high pCO2 conditions over the abundance and genetic diversity of bacterial communities. Our results evidence a clear partitioning of community composition that could be attributed mostly to dissolved oxygen. However, our experimental approach demonstrated that low pH/high pCO2 conditions might modify the structure of the bacterial community, evidencing that small changes in pH may impact significantly the abundance and diversity of key microorganisms. This study constitutes a first step aiming to provide insight about the influence of changing carbonate chemistry conditions on natural bacterial communities and to shed light on the potential impact of OA in biogeochemical cycles on the ETSP region.
Continue reading ‘The influence of pCO2-driven ocean acidification on open ocean bacterial communities during a short-term microcosm experiment in the Eastern Tropical South Pacific (ETSP) off Northern Chile’Posts Tagged 'laboratory'
The influence of pCO2-driven ocean acidification on open ocean bacterial communities during a short-term microcosm experiment in the Eastern Tropical South Pacific (ETSP) off Northern Chile
Published 4 December 2020 Science ClosedTags: abundance, biological response, BRcommunity, chemistry, community composition, field, laboratory, molecular biology, otherprocess, prokaryotes, protists, South Pacific
The increased expression of an engrailed gene to sustain shell formation in response to ocean acidification
Published 3 December 2020 Science ClosedTags: adaptation, biological response, laboratory, molecular biology, mollusks, North Pacific, otherprocess, physiology, reproduction
Engrailed is a transcription factor required in numerous species for important developmental steps such as neurogenesis, segment formation, preblastoderm organization, and compartment formation. Recent study has proved that engrailed is also a key gene related to shell formation in marine bivalves. In the present study, the expression pattern of an engrailed gene (Cgengrailed-1) in Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas under CO2-driven acidification was investigated to understand its possible role in the regulation of shell formation and adaptation to ocean acidification (OA). The open reading frame (ORF) of Cgengrailed-1 was obtained, which was of 690 bp encoding a polypeptide of 229 amino acids with a HOX domain. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the deduced amino acid sequence of Cgengrailed-1 shared high homology with other engraileds from Drosophila melanogaster, Mizuhopecten yessoensi, and Crassostrea virginica. The mRNA transcripts of Cgengrailed-1 were constitutively expressed in various tissues with the highest expression levels detected in labial palp and mantle, which were 86.83-fold (p < 0.05) and 75.87-fold (p < 0.05) higher than that in hepatopancreas. The mRNA expression of Cgengrailed-1 in mantle decreased dramatically after moderate (pH 7.8) and severe (pH 7.4) acidification treatment (0.75- and 0.15-fold of that in control group, p < 0.05). The results of immunofluorescence assay demonstrated that the expression level of Cgengrailed-1 in the middle fold of mantle increased significantly upon moderate and severe acidification treatment. Moreover, after the oyster larvae received acidification treatment at trochophore stage, the mRNA expression levels of Cgengrailed-1 increased significantly in D-shape larvae stages, which was 3.11- (pH 7.8) and 4.39-fold (pH 7.4) of that in control group (p < 0.05). The whole-mount immunofluorescence assay showed that Cgengrailed-1 was mainly expressed on the margin of shell gland, and the periostracum in trochophore, early D-shape larvae and D-shape larvae in both control and acidification treatment groups, and the intensity of positive signals in early D-shape larvae and D-shape larvae increased dramatically under acidification treatment. These results collectively suggested that the expression of Cgengrailed-1 could be triggered by CO2-driven acidification treatment, which might contribute to induce the initial shell formation in oyster larvae and the formation of periostracum in adult oyster to adapt to the acidifying marine environment.
Continue reading ‘The increased expression of an engrailed gene to sustain shell formation in response to ocean acidification’Sub-lethal predatory shell damage does not affect physiology under high CO2 in the intertidal gastropod Tritia reticulata
Published 2 December 2020 Science ClosedTags: biological response, laboratory, molecular biology, mollusks, morphology, North Atlantic, performance, physiology
Ocean acidification (OA) poses a major threat to marine animals, especially marine shelled invertebrates such as molluscs. Although many organisms are capable of compensating for the effects of OA, this can impose physiological costs and impact performance (e.g. through increased metabolism and decreased growth). Sublethal injuries on shells may provoke changes in energy allocation. Under acidified conditions, organisms would spend less energy on reproduction and somatic growth to repair the damage. Therefore, we analysed the physiological responses of the intertidal gastropod Tritia reticulata during shell regeneration under OA conditions. We simulated a sub-lethal predation event (a notch in the outer lip of the shell) and individuals were exposed to control (pH 8.08) and low pH scenarios (pH 7.88 and 7.65). After two months exposure, all individuals showed shell repair, with a full repair rate observed in 75% of individuals. Contrary to expectations, shell repair following sub-lethal damage and OA had no apparent impact on physiological state in terms of energy reserves (as measured by whole-animal Carbon/Nitrogen) or growth potential (as measured by whole-animal RNA:Protein and RNA:DNA ratios). As an intertidal organism, T reticulata could be resilient to future global environmental change because of compensatory mechanisms that are inherent in intertidal animals, and may represent a robust species with which to study future scenarios of OA in temperate coastal ecosystems. However, unrestricted food availability during experiment could have played a role in the results and therefore food limitation should be considered in future studies regarding shell repair and metabolism under the effects of OA.
Continue reading ‘Sub-lethal predatory shell damage does not affect physiology under high CO2 in the intertidal gastropod Tritia reticulata’Temperature but not ocean acidification affects energy metabolism and enzyme activities in the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis
Published 2 December 2020 Science ClosedTags: biological response, laboratory, mollusks, multiple factors, North Atlantic, physiology, respiration, temperature
In mosaic marine habitats such as intertidal zones ocean acidification (OA) is exacerbated by high variability of pH, temperature, and biological CO2 production. The non-linear interactions among these drivers can be context-specific and their effect on organisms in these habitats remains largely unknown, warranting further investigation. We were particularly interested in Mytilus edulis (the blue mussel) from intertidal zones of Gulf of Maine (GOM), USA for this study. GOM is a hot spot of global climate change (average SST increasing by > 0.2 °/y ) with > 60% decline in mussel population over the past 40 years. Here, we utilize bioenergetic underpinnings to identify limits of stress tolerance in M. edulis from GOM exposed to warming and OA. We have measured whole-organism oxygen consumption rates and metabolic biomarkers in mussels exposed to control and elevated temperatures (10 vs. 15 °) and moderate PCO2 levels (~ 400 vs. 800 μatm). Our study demonstrates that adult M. edulis from GOM are metabolically resilient to the moderate OA scenario but responsive to warming as seen in changes in metabolic rate, energy reserves, metabolite profiles and enzyme activities. Our results are in agreement with recent literature that OA scenarios for the next 100-300 years do not affect this species, possibly as a consequence of maintaining its in vivo acid-base balance.
Continue reading ‘Temperature but not ocean acidification affects energy metabolism and enzyme activities in the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis’Elevated temperature, but not decreased pH, impairs reproduction in a temperate fish
Published 1 December 2020 Science ClosedTags: biological response, fish, laboratory, morphology, multiple factors, North Atlantic, reproduction, temperature
Fish reproductive success is linked to the ability of couples to mate and produce clutches that successfully hatch. Environmental stressors like high temperature and low pH can jeopardize this energetically costly process. In this study, exposure to high temperature and low pH was tested on a marine temperate species, Gobiusculus flavescens, to evaluate effects on reproductive performance. Breeding pairs were assigned to different temperatures (+ 0 °C, + 3 °C relative to in situ temperature) and pH levels (8.0, 7.6), in a cross-factorial design for a 3-month period. Reproduction activity, success, and paternal investment were measured throughout the exposure period. Results show reproduction is impaired by elevated temperature, while low pH had little impact. Breeding pairs under high temperature had 3% to 10% hatching success, up to 30% less eggs and eggs up to 20% smaller. Although paternal investment was not affected by tested parameters, males of breeding pairs exposed to elevated temperature had smaller gonadosomatic indexes, which might indicate a lack of investment in the reproductive process. Overall, results show that elevated temperature, expected more frequently in the near future, as a consequence of global warming, may impair key processes like reproduction in temperate fish, with potential consequences for fitness and population replenishment.
Continue reading ‘Elevated temperature, but not decreased pH, impairs reproduction in a temperate fish’Contrasting effects of constant and fluctuating pCO2 conditions on the exercise physiology of coral reef fishes
Published 1 December 2020 Science ClosedTags: biological response, fish, laboratory, performance, physiology, respiration
Highlights
- Coral reefs exhibit natural CO2 fluctuations expected to increase with climate change
- We measured swimming performance, O2 uptake rates, aerobic scope, and blood variables
- Three of the four species benefitted under elevated fluctuating CO2 conditions
- The nocturnal cardinalfish studied may be more sensitive to elevated fluctuating CO2
- Studies should use ecologically-relevant CO2 when predicting climate change impacts
Abstract
Ocean acidification (OA) is predicted to affect the physiology of some fishes. To date, most studies have investigated this issue using stable pCO2 levels based on open ocean projections. Yet, most shallow, nearshore systems experience temporal and spatial pCO2 fluctuations. For example, pCO2 on coral reefs is highest at night and lowest during the day, but as OA progresses, both the average pCO2 and magnitude of fluctuations are expected to increase. We exposed four coral reef fishes – Lutjanus fulviflamma, Caesio cuning, Abudefduf whitleyi, and Cheilodipterus quinquelineatus – to ambient, stable elevated, or fluctuating elevated pCO2 conditions for 9-11 days. Then, we measured swimming performance, oxygen uptake rates, and haematological parameters during the day and at night. When compared to ambient pCO2 conditions, L. fulviflamma, C. cuning, and A. whitleyi exposed to fluctuating elevated pCO2 increased swimming performance, maximum oxygen uptake rates, and aerobic scope, regardless of time of day; whereas, the only nocturnal species studied, C. quinquelineatus, decreased maximum oxygen uptake rates and aerobic scope. Our findings suggest that exposure to fluctuating or stable elevated pCO2 can physiologically benefit some coral reef fishes; however, other species, such as the cardinalfish examined here, may be more sensitive to future OA conditions.
Continue reading ‘Contrasting effects of constant and fluctuating pCO2 conditions on the exercise physiology of coral reef fishes’Antioxidant responses of the mussel Mytilus coruscus co-exposed to ocean acidification, hypoxia and warming
Published 1 December 2020 Science ClosedTags: biological response, laboratory, mollusks, multiple factors, oxygen, physiology, temperature
Highlights
- Low pH, low DO and high temperature have adverse effects on the antioxidant parameters.
- Exposure time of stressors has significant effects on the antioxidant parameters.
- Combined stressors exert more severe effects on the antioxidant indicators than single ones.
Abstract
In the present study, the combined effects of pH, dissolved oxygen (DO) and temperature levels on the antioxidant responses of the mussel Mytilus coruscus were evaluated. Mussels were exposed to two pH (8.1, 7.7-acidification), two DO (6 mg L−1, 2 mg L−1-hypoxia) and two temperature levels (20 °C, 30 °C-warming) for 30 days. SOD, CAT, MDA, GPx, GSH, GST, TAOC, AKP, ACP, GPT, AST levels were measured in the gills of mussels. All tested biochemical parameters were altered by these three environmental stressors. Values for all the test parameters except GSH first increased and then decreased at various experimental treatments during days 15 and 30 as a result of acidification, hypoxia and warming. GSH content always increased with decreased pH, decreased DO and increased temperature. PCA showed a positive correlation among all the measured biochemical indexes. IBR results showed that M. coruscus were adversely affected by reduced pH, low DO and elevated temperature.
Continue reading ‘Antioxidant responses of the mussel Mytilus coruscus co-exposed to ocean acidification, hypoxia and warming’Environmental pharmaceuticals and climate change: the case study of carbamazepine in M. galloprovincialis under ocean acidification scenario
Published 26 November 2020 Science ClosedTags: biological response, laboratory, molecular biology, mollusks, multiple factors, physiology, toxicants
Highlights
- Combined effects of carbamazepine and reduced pH were investigated in M. galloprovincialis.
- Hypercapnia had a limited influence on carbamazepine accumulation.
- Interactive effects were observed at both transcriptional and cellular level.
- Immune system, cellular homeostasis and oxidative processes were mostly affected.
- Weighted elaboration of results revealed higher hazard by multiple stressors.
Abstract
Contaminants of emerging concern and ocean changes are key environmental stressors for marine species with possibly synergistic, but still unexplored, deleterious effects. In the present study the influence of a simulated ocean acidification scenario (pH = 7.6) was investigated on metabolism and sub-lethal effects of carbamazepine, CBZ (1 µg/L), chosen as one of the most widely diffused pharmaceuticals in marine organisms. A multidisciplinary approach was applied on mussels, M. galloprovincialis, integrating measurement of drug bioaccumulation with changes in the whole transcriptome, responsiveness of various biochemical and cellular biomarkers including immunological parameters, lipid and oxidative metabolism, onset of genotoxic effects. Chemical analyses revealed a limited influence of hypercapnia on accumulation and excretion of CBZ, while a complex network of biological responses was observed in gene expression profile and functional changes at cellular level. The modulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) pathway suggested similarities with the Mechanism of Action known for vertebrates: immune responses, cellular homeostasis and oxidative system represented the processes targeted by combined stressors. The overall elaboration of results through a quantitative Weight of Evidence model, revealed clearly increased cellular hazard due to interactions of CBZ with acidification compared to single stressors.
Simulated climate change scenarios impact the reproduction and early life stages of a soft coral
Published 25 November 2020 Science ClosedTags: biological response, corals, laboratory, mortality, multiple factors, photosynthesis, protists, Red Sea, reproduction, temperature
Highlights
- A change in the timing of onset of the soft coral breeding event occurred under elevated temperature and reduced pH seawater conditions.
- A disruption of the synchronicity of the breeding event occurred under elevated temperature and reduced pH seawater conditions.
- End-of-the-century seawater conditions are expected to affect the reproduction of the soft coral Rhytisma fulvum.
- Planula survival and polyp metamorphosis rates were significantly reduced under both end-of-the-century seawater conditions compared to propagules reared under ambient conditions.
- The photosynthetic capacity of the parent soft coral colonies was reduced under the end-of-the-century seawater conditions in comparison to those under the ambient conditions.
Abstract
Coral reefs are threatened worldwide by global climate change, manifested in anthropogenic ocean warming and acidification. Despite the importance of coral sexual reproduction for the continuity of coral reefs, our understanding of the extent of the impact of climate change on coral sexual reproduction, particularly on coral reproductive phenology and early life stages, is limited. Here, we experimentally examined the effects of predicted end-of-the-century seawater conditions on the sexual reproduction and photosynthetic capacity of a Red-Sea zooxanthellate octocoral, Rhytisma fulvum. Sexually mature colonies were exposed to ambient temperature and pH conditions and to Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) conditions (4.5 and 8.5), five weeks prior to their expected surface-brooding event. The reproductive phenology of the colonies under the simulated seawater conditions was compared to that on the natural reef. In addition, subsequent planulae development and their metamorphosis into primary polyps under the same RCP conditions as their parent colonies were monitored in a running seawater system. The results reveal that both RCP conditions led to a change in the timing of onset of the surface-brooding event and its synchronicity. In contrast, the surface-brooding event under ambient conditions co-occurred with that of the in-situ reef colonies and maintained its synchrony. Similarly, planula survival and polyp metamorphosis rate were significantly reduced under both RCP conditions compared to propagules reared under ambient conditions. In addition, the photosynthetic capacity of the parent colonies under both RCPs showed a reduction relative to that under the ambient conditions in the experiment, suggesting a reduction in carbon fixation during the late stages of gametogenesis. While our findings indicate that octocoral reproductive phenology is affected by environmental changes, further work is required in order to elucidate the long-term implications for the R. fulvum population in the northern Red Sea.
Continue reading ‘Simulated climate change scenarios impact the reproduction and early life stages of a soft coral’DNA damage and oxidative stress responses of mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis to paralytic shellfish toxins under warming and acidification conditions – elucidation on the organ-specificity
Published 23 November 2020 Science ClosedTags: biological response, laboratory, molecular biology, mollusks, multiple factors, North Atlantic, physiology, phytoplankton, temperature, toxicants
Commonly affected by changes in climate and environmental conditions, coastal areas are very dynamic environments where shellfish play an important ecological role. In this study, the oxidative stress and genotoxic responses of mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) exposed to paralytic shellfish toxin (PST) – producing dinoflagellates Gymnodinium catenatum were evaluated under i) current conditions (CC: 19 °C; pH 8.0), ii) warming (W: 24 °C; pH 8.0), iii) acidification (A:19 °C; pH 7.6) and iv) combined effect of warming and acidification (WA: 24 °C; pH 7.6). Mussels were fed with G. catenatum for 5 days, and to a non-toxic diet during the following 10 days. A battery of oxidative stress biomarkers and comet assay was performed at the peak of toxin accumulation and at the end of the post-exposure phase. Under CC, gills and hepatopancreas displayed different responses/vulnerabilities and mechanisms to cope with PST. While gills presented a tendency for lipid peroxidation (LPO) and genetic damage (expressed by the Genetic Damage Indicator – GDI), hepatopancreas seems to better cope with the toxins, as no LPO was observed. However, the mechanisms involved in hepatopancreas protection were not enough to maintain DNA integrity. The absence of LPO, and the antioxidant system low responsiveness, suggests DNA damage was not oxidative. When exposed to toxic algae under W, toxin-modulated antioxidant responses were observed in both gills and hepatopancreas. Simultaneous exposure to the stressors highlighted gills susceptibility with a synergistic interaction increasing DNA damage. Exposure to toxic algae under A led to genotoxicity potentiation in both organs. The combined effect of WA did not cause relevant interactions in gills antioxidant responses, but stressors interactions impacted LPO and GDI. Antioxidant responses and LPO pointed out to be modulated by the environmental conditions in hepatopancreas, while GDI results support the dominance of toxin-triggered process. Overall, these results reveal that simultaneous exposure to warming, acidification and PSTs impairs mussel DNA integrity, compromising the genetic information due to the synergetic effects. Finally, this study highlights the increasing ecological risk of harmful algal blooms to Mytilus galloprovinciallis populations.
Continue reading ‘DNA damage and oxidative stress responses of mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis to paralytic shellfish toxins under warming and acidification conditions – elucidation on the organ-specificity’Resilience of the temperate coral Oculina arbuscula to ocean acidification extends to the physiological level
Published 20 November 2020 Science ClosedTags: abundance, adaptation, biological response, calcification, corals, laboratory, North Atlantic, otherprocess, photosynthesis, physiology, protists
Both juvenile and adult life stages of the temperate scleractinian coral Oculina arbuscula are resilient to the effects of moderate ocean acidification (OA) in contrast to many tropical corals in which growth and calcification rates are suppressed. Here, potential mechanisms of resilience to OA related to photosynthetic physiology and inorganic carbon processing were studied in adult O. arbuscula colonies. After exposing colonies to ambient and elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) treatments for 7 weeks, photosynthetic performance was characterized using photosynthesis versus irradiance experiments, chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics, and algal pigment content. Inorganic carbon-processing capabilities were assessed by measurement of internal and external carbonic anhydrase activity of the coral host, internal carbonic anhydrase activity of symbiotic algae, and the reliance of photosynthesis on external carbonic anhydrase. Photosynthetic physiology was unaffected by OA ruling out the possibility that resilience was mediated by increased photosynthetic energy supply. Carbonic anhydrase activities were maintained at elevated CO2 suggesting no major rearrangements of the inorganic carbon-processing machinery, but this could be a sign of resilience since tropical corals often down-regulate carbonic anhydrases at high CO2. The general lack of effect of ocean acidification on these physiological traits suggests other characteristics, such as maintenance of calcifying fluid pH and ability to acquire energy from heterotrophy, may be more important for the resilience of O. arbuscula to OA.
Continue reading ‘Resilience of the temperate coral Oculina arbuscula to ocean acidification extends to the physiological level’Estuarine conditions more than pH modulate the physiological flexibility of mussel Perumytilus purpuratus populations
Published 20 November 2020 Science ClosedTags: adaptation, biogeochemistry, biological response, calcification, chemistry, field, laboratory, mollusks, morphology, mortality, physiology, respiration, South Pacific
Highlights
- Living under estuarine conditions causes physiological stress.
- Estuarine conditions more than pH modulated the mussel performance and phenotypic plasticity.
- Environmental variability of the habitat determines the phenotypic plasticity.
- Environmental conditions of native habitats define the sensibility to climate change stressors.
Abstract
Coasts and their marine biota are exposed to major environmental heterogeneity as a consequence of natural drivers and anthropogenic stressors. Here, individuals of the mussel Perumytilus purpuratus from two different geographical populations exposed to contrasting environmental conditions (i.e. estuarine versus open coastal conditions) were used in a reciprocal transplant and a laboratory experiment in order to differential levels of local adaptation to their native sites, and sensibility to ocean acidification. After characterizing environmentally the two study sites, a set of life-history traits, as well as an estimated of the level of phenotypic plasticity were determined for both mussel populations. From the reciprocal transplant experiment, we observed that mussels originally coming from the estuarine habitat exhibited a distinctive performance pattern usually associated to physiological stress (i.e. higher metabolic rates, lower calcification and growth rates) leading also to important physiological trade-offs, and higher levels of phenotypic plasticity. Alternatively, mussels originating from the open coastal site showed lower physiological phenotypic plasticity suggesting a high grade of local adaptation. Contrary to expected, both populations responded very similar to lower pH conditions (i.e. increased metabolic rates with no important effects on growth and calcification, and lower physiological phenotypic plasticity). The study results indicated that overall estuarine conditions more than isolated pH would be modulating the performance and the level of phenotypic plasticity of the different P. purpuratus geographical populations studied. Our study also emphasizes the necessity of characterizing phenotypic plasticity under multiple-driver environments in order to cast more accurate predictions about the susceptibility of marine biota to future climate stressors such as the ocean acidification.
Continue reading ‘Estuarine conditions more than pH modulate the physiological flexibility of mussel Perumytilus purpuratus populations’Impact of temperature increase and acidification on growth and the reproductive potential of the clam Ruditapes philippinarum using DEB
Published 20 November 2020 Science ClosedTags: biological response, growth, individualmodeling, laboratory, modeling, mollusks, morphology, multiple factors, North Atlantic, physiology, reproduction, temperature
Highlights
- A simulation model based on DEB theory was parameterized for the Manila clam.
- The pH forecast in 2100 will limit the growth of Manila clam.
- The temperature forecast in 2100 enhances the reproductive potential of Manila clam.
Abstract
We built a simulation model based on Dynamic Energy Budget theory (DEB) to assess the growth and reproductive potential of the Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum under different temperature and pH conditions, based on environmental values forecasted for the end of the 21st c. under climate change scenarios. The parameters of the DEB model were calibrated with the results of seasonal growth experiments under two levels of temperature (ambient and plus 2–3 °C) and three levels of pH (8.1 used as control and 7.7 and 7.3 representing acidification). The results showed that R. philippinarum is expected to have moderate growth in length or individual body mass (ultimate length and body weight would be larger than current values by 2–3%) when taking into account only the effect of temperature increase. However, acidification is likely to have a deleterious effect on growth, with a decrease of 2–5% length or body weight under the pH value of 7.7 forecasted for the end of the 21st c, or 10–15% under a more extreme scenario (pH = 7.3). However, the aggregated reproductive potential, integrated along a lifetime of 10 years, is likely to increase by 30% with temperature increase. Decreasing pH would impact negatively on reproductive potential, but in all simulations under warmer conditions, reproductive potential values were higher than current, suggesting that temperature increase would compensate losses due to acidification. The results are discussed in relation to their possible impact on aquaculture and fisheries of this important commercial bivalve.
Continue reading ‘Impact of temperature increase and acidification on growth and the reproductive potential of the clam Ruditapes philippinarum using DEB’The effect of ocean acidification on the enzyme activity of Apostichopus japonicus
Published 19 November 2020 Science ClosedTags: biological response, echinoderms, laboratory, morphology, mortality, North Pacific, physiology, reproduction
Highlights
- The long-time impact of ocean acidification on enzyme activity of sea cucumbers were studied.
- The significant difference of enzyme assemblage existed among three experimental groups by the multivariate statistical results.
- The acidic environment has a great effect on immune process by influencing the elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Abstract
The influence of ocean acidification (OA) is particularly significant on calcifying organisms. The sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus is an important cultured calcifying organism in the northern China seas. Little was known about the effects of OA on this economically important species. In this study, individuals from embryo to juveniles stage of A. japonicus, cultured in different levels of acidified seawater, were measured their enzymes activities, including five metabolic enzymes and three immune enzymes. The activity of acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was significantly lower in the severely acid group (pH 7.1), while the content of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was significantly higher. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were significantly lower in the severely acid group. The multivariate statistical results showed that the significant difference of enzyme assemblage existed among three experimental groups. This study indicated that OA could reduce the biomineralization capacity, influence the anaerobic metabolism and severely affect the immune process of A. japonicas. More researches are needed in the future to reveal the mechanisms of enzyme regulation and expression of A. japonicas underlying mixture environmental stress.
Continue reading ‘The effect of ocean acidification on the enzyme activity of Apostichopus japonicus’Efeitos neurotóxicos do crack-cocaÃna combinado a cenários de acidificação oceânica no mexilhão marinho Perna perna (in Portuguese)
Published 18 November 2020 Science ClosedTags: biological response, laboratory, mollusks, mortality, multiple factors, North Atlantic, physiology, toxicants
The oceans are undergoing physical and biogeochemical changes in response to the increasing atmospheric CO2 load and increased ocean uptake, such as surface warming, reduced oxygen and a reduction in calcium carbonate and pH saturation levels. Changes in the pH and chemical composition of seawater can modify the speciation of contaminants, interfering with their bioavailability and toxicity. The present study aimed to evaluate the sublethal effect of the illicit drug crack-cocaine at different concentrations (0.5; 5; 50 µg / L) combined with ocean acidification by CO2 at pH values of 8.1; 7.5; 7.0; 6.5 and 6.0. For this purpose, an analysis of the biomarker of neurotoxic effect acetylcholinesterase (AChe) was performed on mussels Perna perna. The inhibition of AChe after exposure to crack at pH 7.5, 7.0 and 6.5 was preliminarily observed, demonstrating a combined effect of crack-cocaine and pH reduction, which can be observed in future scenarios of acidification in coastal zones contaminated by illicit drugs.
Continue reading ‘Efeitos neurotóxicos do crack-cocaÃna combinado a cenários de acidificação oceânica no mexilhão marinho Perna perna (in Portuguese)’The power struggle: assessing interacting global change stressors via experimental studies on sharks
Published 18 November 2020 Science ClosedTags: biological response, chordata, fish, laboratory, multiple factors, performance, physiology, South Pacific, temperature
Ocean warming and acidification act concurrently on marine ectotherms with the potential for detrimental, synergistic effects; yet, effects of these stressors remain understudied in large predatory fishes, including sharks. We tested for behavioural and physiological responses of blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) neonates to climate change relevant changes in temperature (28 and 31 °C) and carbon dioxide partial pressures (pCO2; 650 and 1050 µatm) using a fully factorial design. Behavioural assays (lateralisation, activity level) were conducted upon 7–13 days of acclimation, and physiological assays (hypoxia tolerance, oxygen uptake rates, acid–base and haematological status) were conducted upon 14–17 days of acclimation. Haematocrit was higher in sharks acclimated to 31 °C than to 28 °C. Significant treatment effects were also detected for blood lactate and minimum oxygen uptake rate; although, these observations were not supported by adequate statistical power. Inter-individual variability was considerable for all measured traits, except for haematocrit. Moving forward, studies on similarly ‘hard-to-study’ species may account for large inter-individual variability by increasing replication, testing larger, yet ecologically relevant, differences in temperature and pCO2, and reducing measurement error. Robust experimental studies on elasmobranchs are critical to meaningfully assess the threat of global change stressors in these data-deficient species.
Continue reading ‘The power struggle: assessing interacting global change stressors via experimental studies on sharks’Decoupling salinity and carbonate chemistry: low calcium ion concentration rather than salinity limits calcification in Baltic Sea mussels
Published 17 November 2020 Science ClosedTags: Baltic, calcification, chemistry, field, laboratory, mollusks, morphology, multiple factors, salinity
The Baltic Sea has a salinity gradient decreasing from fully marine (> 25) in the West to below 7 in the Central Baltic Proper. Reef forming mytilid mussels exhibit decreasing growth when salinity < 11, however the mechanisms underlying reduced calcification rates in dilute seawater are not fully understood. In fact, both [HCO3−] and [Ca2+] also decrease with salinity, challenging calcifying organisms through CaCO3 undersaturation (Ω ≤ 1) and unfavourable ratios of calcification substrate (Ca2+ and HCO3−) to inhibitor (H+). In this study we assessed the impact of isolated individual factors (salinity, [Ca2+], [HCO3−] and pH) on calcification and growth of mytilid mussel populations along the Baltic salinity gradient. Laboratory experiments rearing juvenile Baltic Mytilus at a range of salinities (6, 11 and 16), HCO3− concentrations (300–2100 µmol kg−1) and Ca2+ concentrations (0.5–4 mmol kg−1) were coupled with field monitoring in three Baltic mussel reefs. Results reveal that as individual factors, low [HCO3−], pH and salinity cannot explain low calcification rates in the Baltic Sea. Calcification rates are impeded when Ωaragonite ≤ 1 or the substrate inhibitor ratio ≤ 0.7, primarily due to [Ca2+] limitation which corresponds to a salinity of ca. 11. Increased food availability may be able to mask these negative impacts, but not when seawater conditions are permanently adverse, as observed in two Baltic reefs at salinities < 11. Future climatic models predict rapid desalination of the southwest and Central Baltic and potentially a reduction in [Ca2+] which may lead to a westward distribution shift of marine calcifiers. It is therefore vital to understand the mechanisms by which the ionic composition of seawater impacts bivalve calcification for better predicting the future of benthic Baltic ecosystems.
Continue reading ‘Decoupling salinity and carbonate chemistry: low calcium ion concentration rather than salinity limits calcification in Baltic Sea mussels’Eat, breathe, repeat: physiological responses of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis to Diclofenac and ocean acidification
Published 17 November 2020 Science ClosedTags: biological response, laboratory, Mediterranean, mollusks, multiple factors, physiology, respiration, toxicants
Combined effects of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac and lowered seawater pH were assessed on the physiological responses of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Bivalves were exposed for 1 week to natural pH (8.1) and two reduced pH values (pH −0.4 units and pH −0.7 units), as predicted under a climate change scenario. After the first week, exposure continued for additional 2 weeks, both in the absence and in the presence of environmentally relevant concentrations of diclofenac (0.05 and 0.5 µg/L). Clearance rate, respiration rate, and excretion rate were measured after 7 days of exposure to pH only and after 14 (T1) and 21 (T2) days of exposure to the various pH*diclofenac combinations. At all sampling times, pH significantly affected all the biological parameters considered, whereas diclofenac generally exhibited a significant influence only at T2. Overall, results demonstrated that the physiological performance of M. galloprovincialis was strongly influenced by the experimental conditions tested, in particular by the interaction between the two stressors after 21 days of exposure. Further studies are needed to assess the combined effects of climate changes and emerging contaminants on bivalve physiology during different life stages, especially reproduction.
Continue reading ‘Eat, breathe, repeat: physiological responses of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis to Diclofenac and ocean acidification’Irradiance, photosynthesis and elevated pCO2 effects on net calcification in tropical reef macroalgae
Published 16 November 2020 Science ClosedTags: algae, biological response, calcification, dissolution, laboratory, light, multiple factors, North Atlantic, photosynthesis, respiration
Highlights
- Most species from high-light environments are not able to calcifying under OA at night
- Low-light species may be more susceptible to OA compared to high-light
- Some species exhibit light-triggered calcification independent of photosystem II
- Photosystem II independent calcification not sustained under OA
Abstract
Calcifying tropical macroalgae produce sediment, build three-dimensional habitats, and provide substrate for invertebrate larvae on reefs. Thus, lower calcification rates under declining pH and increasing ocean pCO2, or ocean acidification, is a concern. In the present study, calcification rates were examined experimentally under predicted end-of-the-century seawater pCO2 (1116 μatm) and pH (7.67) compared to ambient controls (pCO2 409 μatm; pH 8.04). Nine reef macroalgae with diverse calcification locations, calcium carbonate structure, photophysiology, and site-specific irradiance were examined under light and dark conditions. Species included five from a high light patch reef on the Florida Keys Reef Tract (FKRT) and four species from low light reef walls on Little Cayman Island (LCI). Experiments on FKRT and LCI species were conducted at 500 and 50 μmol photons m−2 s−1 in situ irradiance, respectively. Calcification rates independent of photosystem-II (PSII) were also investigated for FKRT species. The most consistent negative effect of elevated pCO2 on calcification rates in the tropical macroalgae examined occurred in the dark. Most species (89%) had net calcification rates of zero or net dissolution in the dark at low pH. Species from the FKRT that sustained positive net calcification rates in the light at low pH also maintained ~30% of their net calcification rates without PSII at ambient pH. However, calcification rates in the light independent of PSII were not sustained at low pH. Regardless of these low pH effects, most FKRT species daily net calcification rates, integrating light/dark rates over a 24h period, were not significantly different between low and ambient pH. This was due to a 10-fold lower dark, compared to light, calcification rate, and a strong correspondence between calcification and photosynthetic rates. Interestingly, low-light species sustained calcification rates on par with high-light species without high rates of photosynthesis. Low-light species’ morphology and physiology that promote high calcification rates at ambient pH, may increase their vulnerability to low pH. Our data indicate that the negative effect of elevated pCO2 and low pH on tropical macroalgae at the organismal level is their impact on dark net calcification, probably enhanced dissolution. However, elevated pCO2 and low pH effects on macroalgae daily calcification rates are greatest in species with lower net calcification rates in the light. Thus, macroalgae able to maintain high calcification rates in the light (high and low irradiance) at low pH, and/or sustain strong biotic control with high [H+] in the bulk seawater, are expected to dominate under global change.
Diffusive boundary layers and ocean acidification: implications for sea urchin settlement and growth
Published 13 November 2020 Science ClosedTags: algae, biological response, echinoderms, laboratory, light, morphology, multiple factors, reproduction, South Pacific
Chemical changes in the diffusive boundary layer (DBL) generated by photosynthesising macroalgae are expected to play an important role in modulating the effects of ocean acidification (OA), but little is known about the effects on early life stages of marine invertebrates in modified DBLs. Larvae that settle to macroalgal surfaces and remain within the DBL will experience pH conditions markedly different from the bulk seawater. We investigated the interactive effects of seawater pH and DBL thickness on settlement and early post-settlement growth of the sea urchin Pseudechinus huttoni, testing whether coralline-algal DBLs act as an environmental buffer to OA. DBL thickness and pH levels (estimated from well-established relationships with oxygen concentration) above the crustose coralline algal surfaces varied with light availability (with photosynthesis increasing pH to as high as pH 9.0 and respiration reducing pH to as low as pH 7.4 under light and dark conditions, respectively), independent of bulk seawater pH (7.5, 7.7, and 8.1). Settlement success of P. huttoni increased over time for all treatments, irrespective of estimated pH in the DBL. Juvenile test growth was similar in all DBL manipulations, showing resilience to variable and low seawater pH. Spine development, however, displayed greater variance with spine growth being negatively affected by reduced seawater pH in the DBL only in the dark treatments. Scanning electron microscopy revealed no observable differences in structural integrity or morphology of the sea urchin spines among pH treatments. Our results suggest that early juvenile stages of P. huttoni are well adapted to variable pH regimes in the DBL of macroalgae across a range of bulk seawater pH treatments.
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