bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of sediment organic matter and fluoranthene-spiked sediments on some bacterial parameters in laboratory freshwater/formulated sediment microcosms
Authors: Verrhiest G. , Clément B. , Merlin G. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Aquatic microcosm tests are widely used to assess the toxic effects of chemical contaminants on higher pelagic and benthic organisms, but rarely take into account bacteria and other microorganisms. In this study, the bacterial compartment of freshwater/formulated sediment laboratory microcosms was monitored in 4-week tests. In a first experiment, the influence of various organic matter compositions (cellulose + TetraMin®, cellulose + spirulin + meat extract, peat moss + TetraMin®) on bacterial communities was studied. In a second experiment, the effect of fluoranthene on bacterial communities was estimated. The following bacterial parameters were measured: total bacteria counts (epifluorescence microscopy) and enzymatic activities (INT-reductase and β-glucosidase). Compared to natural sediments, the artificial sediment was a satisfactory support for bacterial development. The organic composition of the formulated sediments had no apparent influence on bacterial populations. This result could be due to the high variability of parameters, such as the using 2-p-iodophenyl-3-p-nitrophenyl-5-phenyltetrazolium chloride-reductase activity, and to the C/N ratio similarity between the tested organic matters. The fluoranthene-contaminated sediment had no apparent effect on bacterial populations. The absence of toxicity could be due in part to the uncontaminated surficial sand layer of the sediment which might have protected pelagic organisms by limiting the rate of suspended contaminated particles and creating an uncontaminated refuge for benthic organisms.
Sediment mutagenicity testing: development of substance specific bacterial strains for the detection of mutagenic aromatic nitrogen compounds and oxidative mutagens
Authors: Vahl H.H. , Karbe L. , Prieto-Alamo M.J. , Pueyo C. , Westendorf J. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
The arabinose resistance forward mutation assay was chosen for the development of bacterial strains in order to get specific mutagenic responses. Special strains of Salmonella typhimurium were constructed which show an elevated expression of nitroreductase and O-acetyltransferase. They were shown to be highly sensitive to mutagenic nitro-compounds (e.g. 1-nitropyrene and 1,8-dinitropyrene) and, after metabolic activation by rat liver S9-mix, also to mutagenic amino-compounds (2-aminoanthracene). Furthermore, strains of Escherichia coli with reduced expression of antioxidative enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase) were constructed. However, they were only moderately sensitive to oxidative mutagens such as quinones, nitrogen compounds, and the herbicide paraquat, because, in contrast to the Salmonella strains used, they build up a complete gram-negative cell wall. For this reason, the Escherichia strains were further genetically altered in order to make their cell wall penetrable to lipophilic compounds. This alteration increased the sensitivity to more lipophilic compounds. The strains were more sensitive to 1-nitropyrene by a factor of more than 10 and to 1,8-dinitropyrene by a factor of more than 100.
In order to validate the arabinose resistance test with the newly constructed strains, sediments of the whole German part of the Elbe River were examined. Overall mutagenicity (standard strains) as well as enhanced effects with the special strains were observed in sediment samples of the river. Mutagenic hot spots reflect direct industrial influences as well as hydrologic situations, which has led to concentration of the organic content of suspended matter, loaded with industrial or rural contamination. Generally, high mutagenic effects were observed where chemical analyses showed a high degree of contamination.
An integrated approach to assess the benthic quality after sediment capping in Venice lagoon
Authors: Bona F. , Cecconi G. , Maffiotti A. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
The present study was conducted in the Lago dei Teneri area of the Venice Lagoon in Italy. This area has long received massive pollutant input from the industrial area of Porto Marghera. It is adjacent to the Canale dei Petroli, an important industrial waterway. Because of its location, this area represents an ideal site for applying a new remedial solution: the capping of contaminated sediment with clean sand to support the benthic recolonization of the sediment. Capping was selected for this anoxic and most contaminated portion of the area as the most cost-effective way to provide a clean benthic habitat, to isolate the contamination and prevent contaminate release. An extensive sediment monitoring program was in place before, during and after the capping operations. Monitoring activities included hydrodynamics, measurement of cap thickness, in situ sediment profile imaging, benthos colonization, analysis of contaminants, and toxicity tests with Microtox and amphipods. To evaluate the efficiency of the capping, the results were analyzed with an integrated approach, which includes the Habitat Evaluation System. This approach allowed the quantification of the environmental benefits with respect to remediation of the Venice lagoon.
SEDS: setting environmental decisions for sediment, a decision making tool for sediment management
Authors: Krantzberg G. , Reynoldson T. , Jaagumagi R. , Bedard D. , Painter S. , Boyd D. , Pawson T. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
The need for guidance on the management of contaminated sediment has been articulated by the International Joint Commission, scientists and resource managers in many jurisdictions. There is a growing convergence on what constitutes a valid comprehensive sediment assessment but active debate on how to synthesize multiple pieces of information on sediment chemistry, biological information from field monitoring and laboratory sediment bioassessment.
Recognizing the current state of knowledge, we provide a recommended approach to bioassessment sediment management strategies. The intent is to facilitate the formulation of data interpretation tools needed for a decision making process that is flexible to enable site-specific determination regarding the need to take action beyond the control of sources of contamination.
While the concepts contained herein have been employed implicitly in Canada and Ontario, the details on data collection, evaluation, and reaching a management decision are explicitly laid out in this paper. It is expected that field application of this approach could lead to modifications of this framework.
An unusual 4-methyl sterol present in abyssal sediments from the north-east Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Santos V.L.C.S. , Billett D.S.M. , Wolff G.A. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Four undisturbed sediment cores were collected from the Porcupine Abyssal Plain, an area in the north-east Atlantic ocean (48°N,16°W) characterised by seasonal surface phytoplankton blooms which lead to the pulsed input of organic matter to the benthos of which holothurians are considered to be the dominant biomass. In order to investigate the geochemistry of sedimentary organic matter in the deep ocean, these sediments were analysed for sterols by gas chromatography and mass spectrophotometry. Ten sterols were detected in the surficial sediments (Z-cholesta-5,22-dien-3β-ol, E-cholesta-5,22-dien-3β-ol, cholest-5-en-3β-ol, 5α(H)-cholestan-3β-ol, 24-methylcholesta-5,22-dien-3β-ol, 4α-methyl-5α(H)-cholestan-3β-ol, 24-ethylcholesta-5,22-dien-3β-ol, 24-ethylcholest-5-en-3β-ol, 5α(H)-24-ethyl-cholestan-3β-ol, 4α,23,24-trimethyl-5α-cholest-22-en-3β-ol) which decreased rapidly in concentration with increasing sediment depth. The prominent sterol of almost all surficial samples was 4α-methyl-5α-(H)-cholestan-3β-ol, the predominant sterol in two out of four samples. The exact reason for the abundance of this unusual compound in marine sediments is still not clear. However, two possible explanations for its high concentration are: (i) a contribution from one or several species of dinoflagellate (or possibly other algae) that were present in the phytoplankton bloom, which occurred in surface waters some two months prior to sampling; and (ii) a contribution to the sediment by benthic invertebrates (from faecal material), specifically holothurians. The total sterol concentration rapidly decreased with depth in the sediments and in the deeper sections of all of the cores, only cholest-5-en-3β-ol and 24-ethyl-cholest-5-en-3β-ol were detected.
Modification of an index of biotic integrity for assessing vernal ponds and small palustrine wetlands using fish, crayfish, and amphibian assemblages along southern Lake Michigan
Authors: Simon T.P. , Jankowski R. , Morris C. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
We developed an index of biotic integrity (IBI) based on crayfish, fish, and amphibian assemblages to assess vernal ponds and palustrine wetland habitats of less than 5 ha along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. We found that the modified IBI based on three crayfish, twelve fish, and seven amphibian species collected during our surveys provided a more complete assessment than one based on any single taxonomic group. The new scoring criteria included the number of amphibian and fish species, number of benthic species, percent of individuals as pioneer species, percent of individuals as exotic species and percent of individuals with complex reproductive modes for metrics developed for larger palustrine wetlands. Low-end scoring procedures were not required; however, species composition metrics that did not possess the specified attribute received a ‘0’ score rather than a ‘1’. Correlation coefficients suggest that the reference conditions developed during this study of IBI metrics are able to differentiate high-quality biological assemblages from disturbance gradients that lowered biological integrity in small palustrine wetlands and vernal ponds. We found that the distribution of the index scores for Miller Woods was skewed to the low end of biological integrity with increased distance from Lake Michigan and proximity to edges.
Testing the toxicity of sediments contaminated with diesel fuel using glochidia and juvenile mussels (Bivalvia, Unionidae)
Authors: Keller A.E. , Ruessler D.S. , Chaffee C.M. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Sediment toxicity was evaluated for one site upstream and three sites downstream of a diesel fuel spill that occurred in Fish Creek (OH and IN) in September 1993 using glochidia and juvenile unionid mussels. This fourth order tributary of the St. Joseph River has the only known remaining population of white cat’s paw pearly mussel, Epioblasma obliquata perobliqua, and populations of several other federal and state endangered mussels. The impact of the oil spill was of great concern because of the potential long term threat it poses to the survival of these mussels. Sediment samples collected two years after the spill contained low heavy metal concentrations, and detectable, but not quantifiable levels of organic components of diesel fuel. These levels coincided with their lack of toxicity to juvenile Villosa villosa and Lampsilis siliquoidea mussels after 9-day exposures. Fish Creek sediments may be toxic to L. siliquoidea glochidia.
Environmental quality of the Jordanian coastal waters of the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea
Authors: Badran M.I. , Foster P. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Records of long term (14 months) fine temporal resolution (weekly) monitoring of the ambient water temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration and percent saturation, the inorganic nutrients ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate and silicate and chlorophyll a concentrations were generated to assess sea water quality within the Jordanian coast of the Gulf of Aqaba. Surface water (1 m) samples were collected from four coastal stations, contrasting in their natural benthic habitats and adjacent human activities. Offshore surface water was also concurrently sampled at two locations. The offshore stations were reference sites. Modifications in the coastal water quality were assessed as the difference between the magnitude of a specific parameter recorded at a coastal station and the concurrently recorded value of the parameter at the reference offshore station, relative to the annual mean value at the reference offshore station.
A sandy beach–sea grass bed habitat was found to have significantly positive modifications in chlorophyll a concentration, mainly during the spring–early summer period. A semi-enclosed harbour within the Port of Aqaba was found to be acutely modified with respect to all measured parameters. A coral reef exhibited positive modifications of nitrogen and dissolved oxgen concentrations and percent oxygen saturation during summer. An industrial site had consistently positive modifications in phosphate concentration, but not in nitrogen or chlorophyll a concentrations. In addition to these site specific modifications, ammonia and silicate concentrations were positively modified at all the coastal stations. Natural and anthropomorphic factors that shape the coastal water characteristics and result in the specific modifications are discussed.
Stress protein accumulation as an indicator of impact by the petroleum industry in Todos os Santos Bay, Brazil
Authors: Nascimento I.A. , Leite M.B.N. , Sansone G. , Pereira S.A. , Smith D.H. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
The relative concentrations of stress proteins in juvenile mangrove oysters (Crassostrea rhizophorae), from six study sites in Todos os Santos Bay, Bahia, Brazil, were used to evaluate the possibility of chronic environmental impact induced by 40 years of exposure to the local petroleum industry. Replicated tissue samples from oysters at four sites associated with the extraction, transport and refinement of petroleum, and from two control sites, were used for stress protein (60 kDa) determination. The relative levels of stress proteins were statistically compared by standard methods. Friedman nonparametric analysis of variance, followed by multiple comparisons among samples, revealed significant differences in stress protein levels. Oysters from sites associated with the extraction and transport of petroleum had the highest relative concentrations of stress proteins, while the control areas revealed minimum concentrations. Samples from the refinery site, where oyster populations were severely reduced, did not differ from the control sites. Comparisons with parallel studies on the toxicity of aquatic substrates at the same sites revealed that stress protein analyses were useful in evaluating chronic environmental impact, within the tolerance limits of C. rhizophorae, but that the stress response diminished significantly when conditions approached the lethal limits for this species. The stress protein response appears to serve as a valid biomonitoring method under chronic, sublethal exposures, before biological responses become evident at the organismic or population levels, but may not serve well when the stressor intensity is at or near the lethal tolerance level.
Infusing ecology into politics
Authors: Vallentyne J.R. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
This is a personal account of three occasions in which the author played crucial roles in transferring ecological concepts into political operations in the Great Lakes Basin of North America. These were: phosphorus and the control of eutrophication; introduction of the ecosystem approach to management of water quality into the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement of 1978; and the need to reduce the harm to human and ecosystem health by controlling industrial production and uses of chlorine. In each case, several years were required to draw attention to the issue, a ‘third party’ independent of governments was involved, timing was important, a person was needed to make necessary connections at various levels of government, and controversy was stimulated by public interest. An important role is that used by the International Joint Commission: persons involved in resolving major issues are obligated to act in their personal and professional capacities, and not as representatives of the organizations that employ them.
Determining the lotic ecosystem nutrient and trophic status of three streams in eastern Oklahoma over two seasons
Authors: Matlock M.D. , Storm D.E. , Smolen M.D. , Matlock M.E. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Nutrient limitations in three streams in the Upper Illinois River Basin in eastern Oklahoma (Peacheater, Tyner and Battle Creek) were measured using the Matlock periphytometer in April and September, 1995. The Matlock periphytometer was also used to measure baseline primary productivity and maximum primary productivity of the three streams over two seasons. The measured maximum primary productivity was interpreted to represent the rate of periphytic growth when the nutrients are not limiting. We calculated a lotic ecosystem trophic status index using the ratio of baseline and nutrient enriched growth to MPP. This index is by definition a functional index and may provide a classification tool for lotic ecosystem trophic status. We observed fluctuations in nutrient limitations in the streams over time and detected co-limitations of nitrogen and phosphorus in two of the three streams.
Complexity related to behavior of stability in modeled coastal zone ecosystems
Authors: Pérez-España H. , Arreguín-Sánchez F. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBased on four published mass-balanced ecosystem models from coastal zones, we studied the relationships of stability to some characteristics in ecosystems. Three attributes of stability, persistence, magnitude of changes in biomass and resilience, were analyzed using the ecopath and ecosim software. For each published model, five versions were obtained by randomly modifying connectance to change complexity. Simulation experiments were performed over 60 years and then stability attributes quantified. We found complexity was not closely related to stability. A high number of pools made the system less resilient, and a high connectance made them more resilient and more persistent. Our results suggest that ecosystems with generalist feeding species, without a preferred prey, have increased recovery time and more obvious disturbances. No clear effect was found when different trophic levels were disturbed in an ecosystem.
The use of ecological information in the selection of quality objectives for river conservation and restoration in Flanders (Belgium)
Authors: Schneiders A. , Wils C. , Verheyen R. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Due to the intensive use of freshwater resources, the ecological quality of catchments and watercourses in Flanders has been considerably lowered. Watercourses with natural stream characteristics and/or vulnerable species are rare and are quite often isolated headwaters. To restore the natural variety of river types and vulnerable species within Flanders and to restore the network within the catchments, there is an urgent need for river restoration programmes. To work efficiently, priority levels for catchment areas and quality objectives for watercourses should be designated. Our task was to develop a policy map based on objective ecological knowledge, taking into account the legal land designation and nature conservation.
Based on a large field survey, which consisted of gathering ecological information of watercourses throughout Flanders, a typology of rivers with reference framework was devised. Secondly, a priority map at a catchment level for integrated water management planning was developed. Three priority levels were distinguished based on the current ecological quality, the (legal) land designation, and the occurring river types within each catchment area. Thirdly, quality objectives were assigned to the priority zone watercourses. Four classes are selected: class I, in which nature conservation is the principal objective; class II, in which nature conservation should become the principal objective; class III, where nature conservation is an important subsidiary function; and class IV, in which most watercourses have a connecting function allowing migration of vulnerable species. The goals for the four classes were linked to different quality requirements.
The methodology developed for construction of a priority map and for assignment of water quality objectives to priority watercourses is explained in detail. An ecological evaluation of the sub-catchments of the river Nete and the river Dyle is used to discuss the selection of priority zones. Five sub-catchments are described in more detail to illustrate the assignment of quality objectives to priority zone watercourses.
The implementation of a regional biomonitoring program in northeast Brazil
Authors: Watanabe T. , Coler R.A. , Paz R.J. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
A methodology to inventory water quality in northeast Brazil through biomonitoring is described. Essentially the methodology is based on the United States Environmental Protection Agency protocol supplemented by benthic macroinvertebrate diversity data. To date six test species have been selected to represent the overall aquatic biota response to different pollutants: the snail (Pomacea linetata), fish (Molienesia sp.), prawn (Macrobrachium amazonicum), zooplankton (Daphnia similis), macrophytes (Lemna sp.) and periphytic algae (Selenastrum capricornutum). These organisms will be exposed to test waters and evaluated with regard to acute toxicity (survival) and chronic toxicity (photosynthesis, respiration, excretion, growth and reproduction).
An extensive training program has been set-up. Regional governmental laboratories and staff will be equipped with the capacity to conduct bioassays routinely. Training and research activities are housed in the Environmental Management laboratories at the Federal Technical School of Paraíba, as well as at the Federal University of Paraíba, Campus I, Systematic and Ecology Department.
Environmental education for ecosystem health: a methodology for the Piracicaba River basin, southeast Brazil
Authors: Barbosa F.A.R. , Guerra C.B. , Maia-Barbosa P.M. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
An evaluation of major impacts from human activities at the Piracicaba river basin, Minas Gerais State, (southeast Brazil) was used to develop an environmental education programme involving representatives of nine municipalities. The provisioning of local communities with an access to environmental knowledge through a continuous process of information exchange was the basic objective of the programme. The methods adopted were based on a participative planning which defined a set of integrated activities, aimed at the communities, in general (e.g. production of an educative film and public enquiries), and at opinion formers and decision-makers, in particular (e.g. short and longer-courses). The adoption of the programme by the local communities, the area covered, the shortage of adequate literature and specially trained people at the University are pointed out as the basic difficulties for the development of the programme. The proposed methodology and the experience gained during the 18 months has demonstrated the importance of developing activities under short and average time span perspectives, conducted in a planned and participative way. The results also suggest the need for environmental education as a basis in recovering and maintaining ecosystem health.