Search results for "Aquatic Ecosystem"
showing 10 items of 124 documents
Non‐trophic key players in aquatic ecosystems: a mesocosm experiment
2020
Use and misuse in the application of the phytoplankton functional classification: a critical review with updates
2008
Since its publication, the article ‘Towards a functional classification of the freshwater phytoplankton’ (Reynolds et al., J Plankton Res 24: 417–428, 2002), has attracted the attention of dozens of phytoplankton ecologists worldwide. These numerous applications of the functional classification to describe phytoplankton patterns in various aquatic ecosystems allowed the recognition of some uncertain features of this concept originating from various reasons. In this article, we attempt to facilitate the application of the functional classification, by providing a detailed description of the typical misplacements and by modifying some of the original habitat templates and species allocations.…
Ecotoxicity of sediments in rivers: Invertebrate community, toxicity bioassays and the toxic unit approach as complementary assessment tools
2015
The determination of the real toxicity of sediments in aquatic ecosystems is challenging and necessary for an appropriate risk assessment. Different approaches have been developed and applied over the last several decades. Currently, the joint implementation of chemical, ecological and toxicological tools is recommended for an appropriate and successful toxicity risk assessment. We chose the combination of the toxic unit approach with acute pore water tests (Vibrio fischeri, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and Daphnia magna) and whole-sediment exposure tests (V. fischeri, Chironomus riparius), together with invertebrate community composition (multivariate analyses) to detect short and long-…
The potential of the Phytotoxkit microbiotest for hazard evaluation of sediments in eutrophic freshwater ecosystems
2009
The applicability of the Phytotoxkit microbiotest for toxicity assessment of sediments in eutrophic freshwater ecosystems was evaluated. Sediments were collected from Turawa dam reservoir (southwestern Poland) which, for years, has been subjected to a marked nutrient enrichment and heavy metal contamination. The test plant species were exposed to whole sediments, solid phases of sediments, and pore waters. Phytotoxicity was estimated on the basis of seed germination and root elongation measurements, combined into an overall germination index (GI). For pore waters, the majority of GI values were not statistically different from the controls, which was consistent with chemical data. For solid…
Toxicity Testing of Silver Nanoparticles in Artificial and Natural Sediments Using the Benthic Organism Lumbriculus variegatus
2016
The increased use of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) in industrial and consumer products worldwide has resulted in their release to aquatic environments. Previous studies have mainly focused on the effects of AgNP on pelagic species, whereas few studies have assessed the risks to benthic invertebrates despite the fact that the sediments act as a large potential sink for NPs. In this study, the toxicity of sediment-associated AgNP was evaluated using the standard sediment toxicity test for chemicals provided by the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development. The freshwater benthic oligochaete worm Lumbriculus variegatus was exposed to sediment-associated AgNP in artificial and natural …
Geological development of a gypsum lake formed at the beginning of the 20th century in central Sicily, Italy: Integration of historical data with mod…
2006
A limnological investigation was carried out on the small, endorheic lake, called Lake Sfondato, located in central Sicily (Italy). All the aquatic environments in the central part of the island are rich in salt, with conductivity values above 5 mS cm−1, and are characterized by high alkalinity values and hard waters. In addition, due to intensive agriculture, many of these ecosystems have experienced a strong anthropogenic eutrophication over the last decades. In order to better understand the functioning of these peculiar environments, the morphology, hydrology, and geochemistry, as well as several selected physical and biological characteristics of Lake Sfondato, were studied in the year…
Advanced analytical techniques based on high-resolution mass spectrometry for the detection of micropollutants and their toxicity in aquatic environm…
2020
Abstract An abundance of micropollutants (MPs) in treated wastewater (WW) and occasionally even in drinking water represents a global threat from the environmental and public health risk standpoint. Along with the development of innovative WW treatment technologies, advanced analytical techniques, such as chromatography hyphenated to high-resolution mass spectrometry, are required for ensuring the detectability of target and nontarget MPs. Further studies on the chronic toxicity of MPs are needed to improve the regulation of hazardous substances in WWs. This article provides an up-to-date overview of the latest methodological developments related to the screening and quantification of MPs, …
Acute lethal toxicity of some pesticides toBrachionus calyciflorus andBrachionus plicatilis
1991
Due to their widespread distribution and toxic nattwe pesticides may have a serious impact on the aquatic environment and exert adverse effects on the associated organisms. Acute bioassay tests have been used to determine the actual impact of various pesticides on aquatic life. Static acute toxicity tests provide rapid and reproductible concentration-response curves for estimating toxic effects of chemicals on aquatic organisms. These tests provide a data base for determining relative toxicity to a variety of species.
Fifty years after the "Homage to Santa Rosalia": Old and new paradigms on biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems
2010
Pesticide contamination in water and sediment of the aquatic systems of the Natural Park of the Albufera of Valencia (Spain) during the rice cultivat…
2021
The Natural Park of the Albufera (Valencia, Spain) is a Mediterranean wetland where rice cultivation dominates the agricultural activity. The purpose of this study was to offer broader information about the current state of the wetland assessing the contamination by pesticides in four aquatic habitats during the rice cultivation period in 2016. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometer (UHPLC-MS/MS) was used to determine the pesticides in water and sediment samples from the rice fields, Lake Albufera and irrigation and outlet channels. 21 pesticides were detected in our samples (seven already forbidden by European legislation). Higher values than 10000 ng L of accumulated pesticid…