Articles tagged with Aquatic Ecosystems
A study published in PNAS reveals that kelp forests and sandy beaches are connected through synchrony, which affects the beach food web's dynamics. The research found patterns of synchrony between kelp abundance, wave action, and beach width, highlighting the importance of kelp subsidies for shorebirds.
Research from the University of California San Diego finds that wildfires transform lakes and aquatic ecosystems, storing more carbon and emitting less CO2. The study suggests a shift in the role of aquatic systems in the global carbon cycle, with potential consequences for aquatic health and fisheries.
Professor Shuqing Xu's research aims to investigate the connections between species interactions and evolutionary responses to climate change. He will create aquatic pond systems with hundreds of species to study how organisms respond to temperature increases, with potential findings on coevolution and ecosystem functions.
A Hungarian study reveals that pond networks rely on spatial position for species diversity, with central connections hosting higher microorganism and plankton diversity. This research highlights the importance of connectivity in maintaining biodiversity in fragmented ecosystems like bomb crater ponds.
Two papers advance understanding of PFOS effects on aquatic life, particularly fish, by testing multiple concentrations and confirming its presence in water. The results indicate that earlier findings were non-repeatable and likely due to biological variation rather than PFOS toxicity.
Researchers have created a new analytical method to identify and measure small microplastics in the environment. The technique combines flow cytometry with pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry to characterize and count these tiny particles, providing a more complete picture of their abundance and type.
Researchers found tropical forest ecosystems rely more on aquatic insects than temperate forests, making them vulnerable to disruptions in land-water connections. This increased reliance poses a threat to tropical environments, which are already under pressure from human activity and climate change.
Researchers developed a framework for climate-resilient fisheries, analyzing 18 diverse fisheries across ecological, social and governance dimensions. The framework identifies five archetypes of resilient fisheries with unique pathways to achieve sustainability and benefits to society.
A study by the University of the Basque Country found that even highly diluted wastewater from treatment plants can exert significant effects on stream communities, reducing invertebrate diversity and altering trophic networks. The researchers emphasize the need for more stringent treatments to conserve freshwater food webs.
A new study published in Nature warns that coastal wetlands and coral reef islands are unlikely to survive at current rates of sea-level rise exceeding 7 millimeters per year. The study suggests that global warming must be limited to less than 2 degrees Celsius for these ecosystems to have a chance.
A comprehensive study reveals a stagnation in European freshwater biodiversity recovery, highlighting the need for intensified mitigation strategies. The analysis of 1,816 time series of freshwater invertebrate communities between 1968 and 2020 shows promising increases until the 2010s, but a significant slowdown since then.
A study published in PLOS ONE has discovered parasite eggs in a 200-million-year-old coprolite from Thailand, providing insight into the life of an ancient aquatic predator. The discovery is significant, as it is one of only a few known examples of nematode eggs preserved within the coprolites of Mesozoic animals.
Research from Oregon State University's Marine Mammal Institute reveals that gray whales feeding off the Pacific Northwest coast are shorter than their counterparts in the Arctic. The females average 3 feet and males average 1.5 feet shorter, with slightly smaller skulls and flukes.
Researchers found that tolerant animals can replace sensitive species, maintaining ecosystem stability despite harmful practices. The study suggests protection for swamps and ponds on the edge of croplands to promote biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.
Researchers analyzed over 650 dam removal projects and found median costs vary by height, with the Northwest accounting for the highest cost. The tool will help decision-makers manage large numbers of aging dams approaching obsolescence.
A new biodiversity study shows that even seemingly healthy ecosystems with increasing species numbers may already be on the path to decline and loss of species. The study's findings suggest that species richness is not a reliable metric for monitoring ecosystems, as it can mask negative trends in species extinction.
Researchers discovered Vibrio pathogens can stick to microplastics, adapting to plastic, and have aggressive behavior, forming biofilms and causing infections. The study highlights the risks of Sargassum-plastic marine debris interactions, with potential for opportunistic pathogens and disease transmission.
A 24-year study of freshwater fish exposed to warm water pollution found changes in growth rates, death rates, and size. Despite expectations, the study revealed that warmer waters led to larger fish, contradicting general predictions of global warming's effects on natural ecosystems.
Researchers warn that climate change will lead to the loss of habitats for invertebrates in the European Alps, with many species forced to seek refuge in colder areas. The study predicts that by the end of the century, most species will have experienced consistent losses of habitat.
Study in Florida Bay reveals that turtlegrass can successfully recruit into open bare sediment following die-off events due to biomass partitioning and efficient oxidation. However, recovery of seagrass meadows takes time, with full recovery taking at least a decade.
A new study reveals that different species of bacteria colonize specific areas on diatoms, reflecting their metabolic properties. The findings provide insight into the complex interactions between algae and bacteria in marine environments.
A UH-led research team has developed a cost-effective method for removing harmful chemicals and heavy metals from coastal waters by utilizing native aquatic plants. The system, which includes floating aquatic plants and synthetic mats, can help restore ecological balance and keep communities healthy.
A model predicting oxygen levels in freshwater streams, developed by WVU researcher Omar Abdul-Aziz, helps determine stream pollution and health. The tool allows citizen scientists to take action on stream pollution, with potential applications for implementing the Clean Water Act.
Researchers found that bacteria's cooperative behavior helps in the short term but fails to protect them from predators. However, individual defense through filament formation proves successful and stabilizes bacterial population densities.
Scientists from Okayama University used environmental DNA (eDNA) to survey the distribution and population density of the endangered bitterling fish in Japan. They found that eDNA concentrations vary according to the downstream channel distance, providing a reference for conservation surveys.
A single test can now identify all three genotypes of the Infectious Spleen and Kidney Necrosis Virus (ISKNV), a deadly virus that primarily affects fish. The development of this test has significant implications for fisheries and aquaculture, as ISKNV poses a substantial threat to these industries.
A new species of aquatic insect, Potamophylax humoinsapiens, has been discovered in the Sharr Mountains of Kosovo. The species was named to raise awareness about human activities that have degraded habitats and led to extinction. Researchers hope this naming convention will make insects 'talk' to humanity's collective consciousness.
A recent study by University of Washington researchers found that climate 'presses' and 'pulses' have equal importance on Magellanic penguin population survival. The team analyzed nearly four decades of data at Punta Tombo, Argentina, revealing a decline in breeding pairs from 400,000 to 150,000 between the 1980s and 2019.
A team of researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has discovered that certain microorganisms, such as Halteria, can eat high numbers of chloroviruses, which are known to infect green algae. This finding suggests that virovory, a virus-only diet, can support physiological growth and even population growth in an organism.
A WVU engineer has developed a technology that can treat urine on site rather than at a centralized wastewater treatment facility, allowing for the recovery of nitrogen as a valuable fertilizer. The approach enables quick treatment and promotes the reduction of nutrient discharge into lakes and rivers.
Research from Aarhus University found that melting glaciers release around 10,000 microorganisms per millilitre of meltwater, leading to estimated annual releases of over 100,000 tonnes of carbon-dense microorganisms to surrounding ecosystems.
The River Thames ecosystem has suffered a drastic decline in mussel numbers since the 1960s, with native species dwindling to nearly nothing. The invasive zebra mussel and Asian clam have also taken hold, further threatening biodiversity.
A new review highlights the lack of understanding about non-game native transplant (NGNT) fish in the US, which can have significant impacts on ecosystems. Researchers urge anglers and aquarium hobbyists to take steps to prevent NGNT invasions, such as not releasing bait fish into different watersheds.
New research reveals a relationship between virus concentration and organic carbon in wastewater treatment plant effluents. The study found that viruses can affect the concentration of organic carbon, leading to potential negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems nearby.
A study has mapped streamflow alterations across the continental US, using measurements from over 7,000 stream gauges. The dataset provides valuable data for determining societal impacts on ecosystems and setting environmental flow standards.
The University of Guam is conducting a four-person research team's study on the genetics of corals from the Northern Mariana Islands to understand coral population connections, diversity, and adaptations. The study aims to identify potential reserves for declining reefs and assess the impact of warming waters.
Researchers analyzed 843 beach surveys to find that certain beaches and areas accumulate litter in predictable patterns. The study found that beaches with more organic flotsam tend to have more litter, and that litter on the outer coast shows a strong seasonal pattern.
A new study analyzing 72 lakes in four large Neotropical wetlands of Brazil reveals that human impacts on biodiversity compromise wetland multifunctionality. Strong associations between aquatic organism diversity and wetland functioning were found, highlighting the crucial role of species richness in driving ecosystem health.
Researchers investigate how foraging adaptations affect Arctic charr resilience to climate change. The team aims to develop a framework linking genetic and malleable components of feeding trait diversity to population demography, habitat, and eco-evolutionary potential.
A global survey of biodiversity experts finds that more species are threatened with extinction than previously thought, with estimates suggesting 30% of species have been lost since 1500. The study identifies climate change, pollution, and land-use changes as key drivers of biodiversity loss.
Great White Sharks have been avoiding a South African coastal region due to the presence of Orcas. Long-term sightings and tagging data show that Great Whites flee areas with high Orca activity, adopting a 'flight' strategy reminiscent of wild dogs in response to increased lion presence.
Researchers discovered that copper availability affects the release of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas. When copper is not available, microbes release more harmful gases instead of nitrogen, which makes up 78% of Earth's atmosphere. By adding metal to natural systems, it may mitigate nitrous oxide release.
Southern right whale mothers choose shallow nursery sites in 30-foot-deep waters to minimize predator detection, allowing them to communicate securely with their calves. This habitat selection behavior is a new form of acoustic crypsis, reducing the risk of being overheard by predators.
A team of scientists led by Dr. Matthew L. Niemiller has rediscovered the Shelta Cave Crayfish, a rare and ancient species thought to be extinct for 30 years. The discovery was made in a cave system in northern Alabama and highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect threatened species.
Researchers evaluated the toxicological effects of BaP on bay scallops, finding increased immune response-related parameters with time at higher concentrations. The study suggests that BaP dampens the immune response of scallops and decreases their capacity to respond to oxidative stress.
Two new species of Amazonian fish have been discovered and described by Smithsonian researcher Murilo Pastana, one with vibrant red-orange fins and another that is technically a miniature fish. The species are at risk of extinction due to deforestation in the region where they inhabit.
Researchers monitored mercury levels in artificial lakes to identify sources and factors affecting concentration. Most mercury originated from soil in catchment areas, with surface runoff contributing in shorter-residence time reservoirs.
A new project led by INRS will assess how living organisms respond to reduced pesticide use, focusing on soil and water health. The study aims to provide a clear understanding of the benefits and limitations of reducing pesticide use in sustainable farming.
A study by researchers at the University of Plymouth reveals that energy-efficient broad spectrum lighting is reducing the efficacy of coastal species' camouflage. This can have significant impacts on visually guided ecological processes, with certain color variations being more vulnerable to detection.
Researchers at UBCO's School of Engineering have developed a new, faster method for analyzing toxic waste materials using fluorescence spectroscopy and convolutional neural networks. This method can detect key toxins such as naphthenic acids in oil sands samples, providing a low-cost alternative to current methods.
A University of Florida study reveals that ponds in urban landscapes emit significantly more carbon than they store, with younger ponds contributing the most to atmospheric emissions. Researchers hope this finding will inform policy makers and others about when, where, and how to install stormwater ponds.
Scientists identified a new plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) that enhances duckweed biomass productivity by 2.7-fold, increasing photosynthesis and wastewater treatment efficiency. The molecular mechanism suggests that organic compounds are transferred from the bacteria to duckweed, triggering an increase in photosynthetic activity.
The DNAqua-Net team developed a practical guide for implementing DNA-based biomonitoring tools, considering four sample types and two primary analysis types. The guide sets out scientific consensus and trade-offs, addressing logistics, time, and budget constraints.
Researchers observed diverse aquatic biota in post-flood communities, with changes in flow dynamics and water chemistry supporting biological adaptation. The study highlights the role of floods in shaping floodplain ecosystems.
Researchers used mathematical models to reconstruct evolutionary history of photosymbiosis in Scleractinia, identifying groups where association is stable and others that may be more flexible. The study found that certain lineages are more likely to retain the reef-building trait in a changing climate.
Research reveals that warm-water habitats in Upper Klamath Lake provide essential energy for cold-water fish during spring and fall, while providing limited food sources in summer. The study highlights the importance of considering multiple habitats for mobile species like redband trout in climate change conservation.
A study in the Atlantic Rainforest detected high mortality rates among tiny frogs known as pumpkin toadlets infected with the chytrid fungus. The infection causes a physiological imbalance leading to death from a heart attack. Climate change and drought may exacerbate the threat to terrestrial amphibians.
Researchers found that most anglers weren't thinking about how invasive species could affect their own lives, highlighting the need for personalized messaging. Tailoring education campaigns to an angler's values and risk perceptions can motivate action, such as decontaminating boats or attending cleanup events.
A new study projects that marine heatwaves will wipe out hundreds of thousands of tonnes of fish available for catch in a country's waters by the century's end. Researchers warn that extreme temperatures will exacerbate impacts on fisheries and human communities, leading to significant job losses.
Researchers found that additives in commercial shopping bags boost the conversion of solid plastics into water-soluble compounds under sunlight. The compounds vary depending on the additives used, with some bags releasing up to 15,000 dissolved compounds.