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Biomonitoring is an essential tool for assessing ecological conditions and informing management strategies. The application of DNA metabarcoding and high throughput sequencing has improved data quantity and resolution for biomonitoring of taxa such as macroinvertebrates, yet, there remains the need to optimise these methods for other taxonomic groups. Diatoms have a longstanding history in freshwater biomonitoring as bioindicators of water quality status. However, multi-substrate periphyton collection, a common diatom sampling practice, is time-consuming and thus costly in terms of labour. This study examined whether the benthic kick-net technique used for macroinvertebrate biomonitoring could be applied to bulk-sample diatoms for metabarcoding. To test this approach, we collected samples using both conventional multi-substrate microhabitat periphyton collections and bulk-tissue kick-net methodologies in parallel from replicated sites with different habitat status (good/fair). We found there was no significant difference in community assemblages between conventional periphyton collection and kick-net methodologies or site status, but there was significant difference between diatom communities depending on site ( P = 0.042). These results show the diatom taxonomic coverage achieved through DNA metabarcoding of kick-net is suitable for ecological biomonitoring applications. The shift to a more robust sampling approach and capturing diatoms as well as macroinvertebrates in a single sampling event has the potential to significantly improve efficiency of biomonitoring programmes that currently only use the kick-net technique to sample macroinvertebrates.

The application of road deicing salts in northern regions worldwide is changing the chemical environment of freshwater ecosystems. Chloride levels in many lakes, streams, and wetlands exceed the chronic and acute thresholds established by the United States and Canada for the protection of freshwater biota. Few studies have identified the impacts of deicing salts in stream and wetland communities and none have examined impacts in lake communities. We tested how relevant concentrations of road salt (15,100,250,500, and 1000 mg Cl−/L) interacted with experimental communities containing two or three trophic levels (i.e., no fish vs. predatory fish). We hypothesized that road salt and fish would have a negative synergistic effect on zooplankton, which would then induce a trophic cascade. We tested this hypothesis in outdoor mesocosms containing filamentous algae, periphyton, phytoplankton, zooplankton, several macroinvertebrate species, and fish. We found that the presence of fish and high salt had a negative synergistic effect on the zooplankton community, which in turn caused an increase in phytoplankton. Contributing to the magnitude of this trophic cascade was a direct positive effect of high salinity on phytoplankton abundance. Cascading effects were limited with respect to impacts on the benthic food web. Periphyton and snail grazers were unaffected by the salt-induced trophic cascade, but the biomass of filamentous algae decreased as a result of competition with phytoplankton for light or nutrients. We also found direct negative effects of high salinity on the biomass of filamentous algae and amphipods (Hyalella azteca) and the mortality of banded mystery snails (Viviparus georgianus) and fingernail clams (Sphaerium simile). Clam mortality was dependent on the presence of fish, suggesting a non-consumptive interactive effect with salt. Our results indicate that globally increasing concentrations of road salt can alter community structure via both direct and indirect effects.

Schistosomiasis is a snail-borne parasitic disease that ranks among the most important water-based diseases of humans in developing countries. Increased prevalence and spread of human schistosomiasis to non-endemic areas has been consistently linked with water resource management related to agricultural expansion. However, the role of agrochemical pollution in human schistosome transmission remains unexplored, despite strong evidence of agrochemicals increasing snail-borne diseases of wildlife and a projected 2- to 5-fold increase in global agrochemical use by 2050. Using a field mesocosm experiment, we show that environmentally relevant concentrations of fertilizer, a herbicide, and an insecticide, individually and as mixtures, increase densities of schistosome-infected snails by increasing the algae snails eat and decreasing densities of snail predators. Epidemiological models indicate that these agrochemical effects can increase transmission of schistosomes. Identifying agricultural practices or agrochemicals that minimize disease risk will be critical to meeting growing food demands while improving human wellbeing. Agrochemicals can affect the life cycle of human parasites in unexpected ways. Here, Halstead et al. show in mesocosm experiments that agrochemicals increase the density of snails hosting schistosome parasites, and modeling analysis suggests this could lead to increased risk of human schistosomiasis.

When herbivore abundance is controlled by predators there may be an indirect positive effect on primary producers due to reduced grazing pressure, but the potential of predation refuges to modify such trophic cascades has rarely been studied. By experimentally manipulating substrate particle size and fish predation regime, we assessed the outcome of invertebrate grazer–biofilm interactions in streams. Locations at the center of larger substrate particles were predicted to pose a higher predation risk, and therefore be subjected to a lower grazing pressure. In our 52-day experiment in a New Zealand stream, small-sized substrates (terracotta tiles) remained virtually free of periphyton across their entire upper surface, whereas a thick periphyton mat was formed across large tiles with only edges remaining free. In channels containing fish (either native Galaxias vulgaris or exotic Salmo trutta), grazing on tiles was lower than in the absence of fish. A preference for grazing near to the edge of tiles was clearest in fish channels but was also evident even in the absence of fish, probably reflecting fish presence and/or fish kairomones in the stream from where the colonizing invertebrates had been derived. Total grazer density was similar across treatments with or without fish, suggesting that our results can be explained mostly by changes in the behavior of grazers. We suggest that refuge availability, interacting with grazer predator-avoidance behavior, may produce a context-dependent patchwork of trophic cascades in streams and other ecosystems.

The antibacterial agent Triclosan (TCS) is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant due to its widespread use. Sensitivity to TCS varies substantially among eu- and pro-karyotic species and its risk for the marine environment remains to be better elucidated. In particular, the effects that TCS causes on marine microbial communities are largely unknown. In this study we therefore used 16S amplicon rDNA sequencing to investigate TCS effects on the bacterial composition in marine periphyton communities that developed under long-term exposure to different TCS concentrations. Exposure to TCS resulted in clear changes in bacterial composition already at concentrations of 1 to 3.16 nM. We conclude that TCS affects the structure of the bacterial part of periphyton communities at concentrations that actually occur in the marine environment. Sensitive taxa, whose abundance decreased significantly with increasing TCS concentrations, include the Rhodobiaceae and Rhodobacteraceae families of Alphaproteobacteria, and unidentified members of the Candidate division Parcubacteria. Tolerant taxa, whose abundance increased significantly with higher TCS concentrations, include the families Erythrobacteraceae (Alphaproteobacteria), Flavobacteriaceae (Bacteroidetes), Bdellovibrionaceae (Deltaproteobacteria), several families of Gammaproteobacteria, and members of the Candidate phylum Gracilibacteria. Our results demonstrate the variability of TCS sensitivity among bacteria, and that TCS can change marine bacterial composition at concentrations that have been detected in the marine environment.

We evaluated the biomass of the algae with luxury P uptake (LPU) and mixotrophy in the periphyton in a shallow reservoir mesotrophic. We analyzed the relationship between the two adaptive strategies and light and P availability in the environment and periphyton TP content. Water and periphyton on artificial and natural substrates were sampled in different macrophyte stands in dry and rainy periods. Algae with LPU and mixotrophy represented a large part of total biomass and density, respectively. P was a significant predictor of changes in biomass of the algae with LPU and mixotrophy on artificial substrate. For natural substrate, light was a significant predictor for algal biomass in the periphyton. We found a negative relationship between the biomass of algae with LPU and mixotrophy and TP concentration and light. Biomass of algae with both strategies tended to decrease with the increase in TP content in the periphyton. Algae with LPU and mixotrophy had growth success in periods of high shading and low P and both were associated with the P-limiting condition. In conclusion, algae with LPU and mixotrophy can contribute to the storage of the P in the periphyton. Changes in the proportion of autotrophic and mixotrophic algae in the periphyton can affect the potential for removal and retention of P of the community in lakes and shallow reservoirs.

Aim Light is an essential component in the process of synthesis of organic compounds by photosynthetic organisms. Assuming that a higher level of luminosity would positively influence the production of biomass, we evaluated the influence of different levels of shading on the biomass of periphytic algae, through an experimental study. Methods Glass slides were used for this as an artificial substrate for the colonization and succession of algae in Garças Lake, on the upper Paraná River floodplain, and later transferred to nine aquaria. These were divided into three treatments: three without cover (AC), three with 50% shading screens (A50) and three with 80% shading screens (A80). Abiotic variables (pH, conductivity, turbidity, temperature and dissolved oxygen) and biomass were measured every five days for 15 days. The biomass was evaluated using the chlorophyll-a method. Concentrations of total phosphorus, phosphate, total nitrogen, nitrate and ammoniacal nitrogen were evaluated every five days. Results There was no significant variation of the biomass over time, however, there is a significant difference between the treatments. The highest biomass was found in the control treatment and the lowest was found in the treatment with 80% shading. The other limnological variables evaluated did not show significant changes over time. Conclusions The abiotic variables did not influence the biomass of the phycoperiphyton community, which was influenced only by luminosity. Thus, we conclude that light is a variable with direct influence on the production of periphytic biomass. At low intensity it is a variable that can limit the production of biomass. In high intensity however, it influences by increasing its production. Resumo: Objetivo A luz é um componente essencial no processo de síntese dos compostos orgânicos por organismos fotossintetizantes. Acreditando que um maior nível de luminosidade influencia de maneira positiva na produção de biomassa, buscamos avaliar a influência de diferentes níveis de sombreamento sobre a biomassa de algas perifíticas, através de estudo experimental em mesocosmo. Métodos Lâminas de vidro foram utilizadas como substratos artificiais para a colonização e sucessão das algas no Lago das Garças, planície de inundação do alto Rio Paraná, durante quinze dias, e posteriormente transferidos para nove aquários. Estes foram divididos em três tratamentos: três sem cobertura (AC), três com telas de sombreamento de 50% (A50) e três com telas de 80% de sombreamento (A80). Variáveis abióticas (pH, condutividade, turbidez, temperatura e oxigênio dissolvido) e biomassa foram mensuradas a cada três dias, durante 15 dias. A biomassa foi avaliada através do método de clorofila-a. A cada cinco dias foram avaliadas as concentrações de fósforo total, fosfato, nitrogênio total, nitrato e nitrogênio amoniacal. Resultados Não foi observada uma variação significativa da biomassa ao longo do tempo, entretanto, há uma diferença significativa entre os tratamentos. A maior biomassa média foi encontrada no tratamento controle e a menor foi encontrada no tratamento com 80% de sombreamento. As demais variáveis limnológicas avaliadas não apresentaram mudanças significativas ao longo do tempo. Conclusões As variáveis abióticas não influenciaram a biomassa da comunidade ficoperifítica, a qual foi influenciada apenas pela luminosidade. Assim, concluímos que a luz é uma variável com influência direta na produção de biomassa perifítica. Em baixa intensidade, é uma variável que pode limitar a produção de biomassa. Em alta intensidade, no entanto, influencia aumentando sua produção.

The setting of numeric instream objectives (effects-based criteria) and catchment limits for major agricultural Stressors, such as nutrients and fine sediment, is a promising policy instrument to prevent or reduce degradation of stream ecosystem health. We explored the suitability of assemblage thresholds, defined as a point at which a small increase in a Stressor will result in a disproportionally large change in assemblage structure relative to other points across the Stressor gradient, to inform instream nutrient and sediment objectives. Identification and comparison of thresholds for macroinvertebrate, periphyton, and bacterial assemblages aimed at making the setting of objectives more robust and may further provide a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of nutrient and fine sediment effects. Gradient forest, a novel approach to assemblage threshold identification based on regression-tree-based random forest models for individual taxa, allowed inclusion of multiple predictors to strengthen the evidence of cause and effect between Stressors and multispecies responses. The most prominent macroinvertebrate and periphyton assemblage threshold across the nitrogen (N) gradient was located at very low levels and mainly attributed to declines of multiple taxa. This provided strong evidence for stream assemblages being significantly affected when N concentrations exceed reference conditions and for effects cascading through the ecosystem. The most prominent macroinvertebrate assemblage threshold across a gradient of suspended fine sediment was also located at very low levels and attributed to declines of multiple taxa. However, this threshold did not correspond with periphyton assemblage thresholds, suggesting that the sensitivity of macroinvertebrate assemblages is unrelated to sediment effects on periphyton assemblages. Overall, the spectrum of N concentrations and fine sediment levels within which these stream assemblages changed most dramatically were relatively narrow given the wide gradients tested. We conclude that assemblage thresholds can inform the setting of generic instream nutrient and sediment objectives for stream ecosystem health. For example, the most stringent objective for instream N concentration should be set at values similar to reference concentrations for full protection of sensitive taxa or overall stream biodiversity. To avoid severe degradation of stream biodiversity, the least stringent N objective should stay well below the point where significant turnover subsided.

This study evaluated periphyton biomass, nutrient content, and taxonomical composition in three nutrient-poor post-mining lakes in the Czech Republic. Two methods, microscopy and chemotaxonomy, were used to determine the taxonomical composition of autotrophs. Both methods identified diatoms, Chlorophyta, and Cyanobacteria as the dominant groups across the lakes. Considerable congruence of the taxonomical methods was found for diatoms and Chlorophyta, however results for Cyanobacteria showed poor correlation. The differences in periphyton features among the lakes were mostly explained by the lake age and trophy. Moreover, high amounts of overwintering biomass show that periphyton development is not established “de novo” each year but its current stage is a cumulative result of previous years. Beside the lake age and trophy, limnological characteristics such as Si or Mg2+ also affect periphyton taxonomical composition. No correlation of periphytic C:N:P molar ratios with lake water nitrogen and phosphorus, suggests role of additional process to the nutrient uptake, likely internal nutrient recycling in periphyton. These findings are essential in predicting further succession in the examined post-mining lakes and serve as a model for newly formed lakes. As more lakes will be formed within the post-mining recultivation in the short horizon, our study contributes to their successful management.

This research was carried out on the distribution and abundance of periphyton on several types of plastic in the waters of Singkarak Lake in September 2022 at three main inlets, namely the Sumpur, Paninggahan, and Sumani Rivers, as well as one outlet, namely Batang Ombilin. Periphyton was taken from several types of plastic waste submerged in the water of Singkarak Lake with an area of 16 cm2 in 3 repetitions. The surface of the plastic sample was scrubbed using a brush, then placed in a plankton bottle, then preserved using Lugol’s solution, and two drops of 4% formalin were added. Water quality, such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, nitrate, orthophosphate, total dissolve solid, turbidity, and chlorophyll, are also taken to determine environmental conditions. The composition and abundance of periphyton found in samples of several types of plastic consisted of the Bacillariophyta class ranging from 56-59.2%, then the Chlorophyta class had an abundance of between 28.5 - 34.3%, the Cyanophyta class ranged from 7.2 - 10.5% meanwhile, the Chrysophyta class is only found in 4.6% of plastic drinking glasses. The Xanthophyta class is only found in clear white plastic at 4.4%. The results of CCA ordination with MVSP software show that the periphyton abundance is distributed centrally. This indicates that the abundance of periphyton found in several types of plastic waste in the waters of Lake Singkarak is similar and there is no dominance of certain types of periphyton.