Elemental mercury accumulation in Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms-Laubach.

The aquatic macrophyte Eichhornia crassipes has great potential for the control of Hg pollution in the environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the capability of E. crassipes to accumulate elemental mercury (Hg0). The plants were exposed for 30 days to 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg of Hg0 in a 1-L Hoagland medium with the Hg0 settled at the bottom of the flask. The roots of the plants did not touch the mercury during the treatment. After exposure, the total Hg (T-Hg) concentrations in the roots, leaves, and stems were measured using a direct mercury (Hg) analyzer. The highest concentrations were found at 80 mg Hg0 treatment in the roots, leaves, and stems, in that order. The translocation factor indicated a poor capability of Hg to translocate from the roots to the shoots. The relative growth and the root-length inhibition measurements showed that the differences between Hg0 treatments were not significant. In addition, the treatments negatively affected the chlorophyll concentration. The carotenoid content was found to be significantly different at 20 and 40 mg of Hg0 in 1 L. Regarding the carbonyl index in root proteins, significant differences compared to control were found at the highest Hg treatment. Based on these results, it was shown that E. crassipes is able to take up elemental Hg from Hoagland medium. However, the Hg0 treatments did not show a strong stress-response activation mechanism in the evaluated plant tissues.

Effects of dams on As and Hg concentrations in three southeastern Brazil fluvial systems: Ocean inputs, sources and seasonal dynamics among environmental compartments.

Damming rivers for hydropower generation interferes in the flow of water bodies and, consequently, in trace element biogeochemistry and transport. This study focused on the effects of dams on the seasonal dynamics of arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) in three fluvial systems (Itabapoana River, Flechas Channel and Paraíba do Sul River) and on the input of these elements to the ocean. The elements were evaluated in suspended particulate matter (SPM), surface sediments, and the roots of the aquatic macrophyte Eichhornia crassipes. Our results showed that the proximity of the dams in the Flechas Channel and Rio Itabapoana in relation to their mouth (distances of 4 km and 58 km, respectively) changed As and Hg seasonal dynamics in the environmental compartments analyzed, with the Flechas Channel being the most impacted area. In contrast, the lower part of the Paraíba do Sul River that has more distant dams to its mouth (distance of 184 km) did not show such marked changes, suggesting that most of the inputs are coming from the long river reach. The isotopic and elemental composition of organic matter indicated the soils of native forests as the main source of trace elements to the water bodies. Flow rate was the main driver controlling As and Hg ocean inputs, with higher inputs observed in the Paraíba do Sul River (9.69 and 0.59 t∙year-1, respectively) compared to the other assessed fluvial systems. Also, this study demonstrated that, if a dam is closer to the mouth of a river, less contaminants will be input.

Is arsenite more toxic than arsenate in plants?

In order to evaluate the differential absorption and toxicity of arsenate (AsV) and arsenite (AsIII), Lemna valdiviana plants were grown in a nutrient solution and subjected to 0.0 (control); 0.5; 1.0; 1.5; 2.0; 3.0; 4.0; 5.0 and 7.5 mg L-1 of AsIII or AsV for three days. Exposure to both chemical forms resulted in As bioaccumulation, although AsIII-grown plants showed higher As content in tissues. In AsV-grown plants, the relative growth rate (RGR) decreased to 50%, at a concentration of 4.0 mg L-1, while for treatments with AsIII, the same decrease was observed at 1.0 mg L-1. The tolerance index decreased with increasing concentrations, with lower values for AsIII. Plants treated with AsIII showed increased superoxide anion levels, whilst higher levels of hydrogen peroxide were present in AsV-treated plants. Moreover, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were higher for plants subjected to AsIII when compared to AsV at lower concentrations. Concentrations of 1 mg L-1 of AsIII and 4 mg L-1 of AsV showed equivalent MDA levels. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were increased at low concentrations and were inhibited at higher concentrations of AsIII and AsV, whereas peroxidase activity was positively modulated by increased AsIII or AsV concentrations. In conclusion, L. valdiviana plants took up and accumulated arsenic as AsIII or AsV, demonstrating the potential for phytoremediation of this metalloid. Furthermore, AsIII-exposed plants showed enhanced toxicity when compared to AsV, at the same applied concentration, although toxicity was more related to internal As concentrations, regardless of the chemical form applied.

Assessment of a coastal lagoon metal distribution through natural and anthropogenic processes (SE, Brazil).

The present study intends to assess the metal pollution of a eutrophic coastal lagoon, analyzing the long-term and actual metal content in surface sediments, suspended particles, aquatic macrophyte and fish species, and the loads emitted from natural processes and anthropogenic sources, including the relative emission of domestic untreated sewage. Distribution indicated contamination of suspended particles with Cd and the predominance of Pb in the bioavailable form in surface sediments which may explain Cd and Pb contamination in fish. Domestic untreated sewage was an important source of Cu and due to the lagoon's management, this source may be increasing the metal content in the lagoon's surface sediments. Soil loss, atmospheric deposition and solid waste disposal also contributed to metal inputs to the lagoon. Extensive contamination has been prevented by the lagoon's management such as sandbar opening. Metal retention within the watershed soils reduce the effective metal transference and lagoon pollution.

Imidacloprid modifies the mitotic kinetics and causes both aneugenic and clastogenic effects in the macrophyte Bidens laevis L.

Imidacloprid (IMI) is a neonicotinoid insecticide widely used in agricultural activities all around the world. This compound is transported from croplands to surrounding freshwater ecosystems, producing adverse effects on non-target organisms. Because of the relevance of aquatic macrophytes in the above-mentioned environments and the lack of studies of potential effects of IMI on them, this work aimed to assess the mitotic process and potential genotoxicity in the aquatic macrophyte Bidens laevis L. Although the analysis of the Mitotic Index (MI) showed that IMI was not cytotoxic, the Cell Proliferation Kinetics (CPK) frequencies evidenced modifications in the kinetics of the mitotic process. Indeed, the anaphases ratio decreased at 10 and 100 µg/L IMI, while at 1000 µg/L an increase of prophases ratio and a decrease of metaphases ratio were observed. Regarding genotoxicity, IMI produced an increase of the abnormal metaphases frequency from 10 µg/L to 1000 µg/L as well as an increase in clastogenic anaphases-telophases frequency at 100 and 1000 µg/L. In addition, aneugenic anaphases-telophases and C-mitosis frequencies also increased at 1000 µg/L, confirming the effects on the mitotic spindle. Considering the genotoxic effects on B. laevis through two different mechanisms (aneugenic and clastogenic) and the wide spread use of IMI in agriculture, these mechanisms of toxicity on macrophytes should be considered among other recognized effects of this insecticide on aquatic biota.

Enhanced rhizoremediation of crude oil-contaminated mangrove swamp soil using two wetland plants (Phragmites australis and Eichhornia crassipes).

Comparative studies of enhanced rhizoremediation with biostimulation and bioaugmentation techniques in remediation of oil-contaminated mangrove environment were investigated. Contaminated soils at 7190 mg/kg of oil were subjected to the following treatments: soil (S), soil + oil (SO), soil + oil + fertilizer (NPK) (SOF), soil + oil + fertilizer + microorganisms (SOFM), soil + oil + fertilizer + microorganisms + solarization (SOFMS) (triplicates): two sets planted with P. australis, E. crassipes, and one unplanted. These were studied comparatively for 120 days for culturable (aerobic, mesophilic) heterotrophic and hydrocarbon-utilizing microbial populations, and soil residual TPH. Results showed culturable heterotrophic and hydrocarbon-utilizing microbial populations and TPH loss in planted soils were consistently higher than those in unplanted receiving corresponding treatments (P Ë‚ 0.05). There were 44.4, 71.8, 74.7, and 67.5, and 50.5, 71.8, 82.3, and 71.8% reduction in residual TPH in soil planted with P. australis and E. crassipes respectively for treatments PSO, PSOF, PSOFM, and PSOFMS as against 20.0, 62.6, 67.5, and 67.5% losses in SO, SOF, SOFM, and SOFMS. Treatments PSOFM and SFOM recorded the highest TPH loss with daily residual TPH loss in the order as follows: E. crassipes (49.20 mg/kg/day) ˃ P. australis (44.64 mg/kg/day) ˃ unplanted soil (40.32 mg/kg/day). Enhanced rhizoremediation was more effective than biostimulation and bioaugmentation techniques.

Nutrient and organic matter removal from low strength sewage treated with constructed wetlands.

The role of Eichhornia crassipes for removing pollutants from low strength sewage was evaluated in three pilot-scale constructed wetlands (CW): CW 1, planted with E. crassipes in a filter media; CW 2, unplanted, composed by filter media; and CW 3, composed by E. crassipes floating on the sewage. The operation was divided into three stages by varying the nominal hydraulic retention time into: (I) 24 h; (II) 48 h; (III) 72 h. Temporal sampling profiles were carried out with collection of the influent and effluent samples to determine temperature, pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), TKN and TP. Contents of TP and TN were analyzed in the plant tissue of the macrophyte. The best removal efficiency rates for phosphorus (38%) and TKN (47%) were obtained in CW 3 for 72 h. The highest COD removal was observed in the CW 2 (80%) for 48 h. The macrophyte E. crassipes contributed to the absorption process with uptake rate percentages of 8.3% (CW 1) and 9.0% (CW 3) for TN and 0.78% (CW 1) and 1.56% (CW 3) for TP on the dry matter of the plant. The chosen species planted in the systems contributed to the achievement of higher nutrient removal.

Selection of reference genes for reverse transcription-qPCR analysis in the biomonitor macrophyte Bidens laevis L.

The RT-qPCR has been the method used to analyze gene expression in plants but its benefits have not been completely exploited in the field of plants ecotoxicology when used as molecular biomarkers. The correct use of RT-qPCR demands to establish a certain number of reference genes (RG) which are expected to be invariable in their expression although it does not always happen. The main goals of this work were to: (1) analyze the stability of six potential RG, (2) establish the optimum number of RG, (3) select the most suitable RG to be applied in Bidens laevis under different test conditions and tissues and (4) confirm its convenience by normalizing the expression of one gene of interest under three different challenges. When all data were pooled together, the geNorm algorithm pointed out beta-actin and beta-tubulin (TUB) as the optimal RG pair while NormFinder algorithm selected nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase (NADHD) and histone 3 (H3) as possessing the most invariable levels of expression. On the other hand, when data were grouped by tissues, ANOVA test selected H3 and TUB, while data grouped by conditions indicated that H3 and NADHD were the most stable RG under this analysis. Therefore, for a general-purpose set of RG, the overall analysis showed that a set of three RG would be optimum, and H3, TUB and NADHD were the selected ones. On the other hand, as RG can vary depending on the tissues or conditions, results achieved with ANOVA would be more reliable. Thus, appropriate normalization process would clearly need more than one RG.

Effect of the exogenous anthocyanin extract on key metabolic pathways and antioxidant status of Brazilian elodea (Egeria densa (Planch.) Casp.) exposed to cadmium and manganese.

Present study deals with the effect of 24 h pre-incubation with exogenous anthocyanins (ANTH), extracted from red cabbage leaves, on key metabolic processes (photosynthesis and respiration) and pro-/antioxidant balance in the aquatic macrophyte Egeria densa (Planch.) Casp., Hydrocharitaceae family, treated with Cd and Mn (in sulfate form) at a concentration of 100 µmol. After five days of metal treatments, Cd was accumulated and the damage caused to metabolic processes was stronger than Mn. In Cd-treated leaves, the protein level, chlorophyll concentration and maximal photochemical efficiency of PS II decreased twofold, and net-photosynthesis was significantly inhibited, whereas lipid peroxidation and H2O2 production increased. In turn, protective responses developed, including an increase in the total soluble thiols, alternative respiratory pathway capacity and the activity of superoxide dismutase and peroxidases. Pre-incubation in the ANTH-enriched extract caused an increase in foliar ANTH content, enhanced Cd and reduced Mn uptake into the tissue. A decrease in the level of oxidative reactions, an increase in the protein and chlorophyll concentration compared to the control values and a partial improvement of the photosynthetic parameters confirmed the ability of ANTH to reduce Cd-induced damage effects and to mitigate ROS-driven stress reactions. Stimulation of catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activity, an alternative respiration capacity and non-enzymatic antioxidant (carotenoids, ascorbate and proline) synthesis by ANTH were also revealed. These data suggest that ANTH-enriched extract from red cabbage leaves has a protective action against metal toxicity in Egeria plants.

Eichhornia azurea decomposition and the bacterial dynamic: an experimental research

Abstract Organic decomposition is a complex interaction between chemical, physical and biological processes, where the variety of aquatic vascular plants is essential for the trophic dynamics of freshwater ecosystems. The goal of this study was to determine the aquatic macrophyte Eichhornia azurea (Sw.) Kunth decomposition rate, the time relation with the limnological parameters, and whether this relationship is a result of decomposition processes. To that end, we collected water and leaves of E. azurea in Surf Leopoldo, PR. The experiment consisted of two treatments: 25 containers with 450 mL of water and 0.8 g of biomass dry weight were used with or without the addition of macrophytes. Samples were collected in triplicate at times 0, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 72 h, 120 h, 168 h and 240 h. When the container was removed, the plant material was dried in an oven. After 48 h, the material was measured to obtain the final dry weight. Analyses of pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, total phosphorus N-ammonia (NH4), soluble reactive phosphorus (PO4) and dissolved organic carbon were performed, and the decomposition rate was calculated. The results showed significant temporal variation of limnological parameters in the study. Additionally, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, dissolved organic carbon and total phosphorus were correlated with the dry weight of the biomass, suggesting that E. azurea decomposition significantly interferes with the dynamics of these variables.

Eichhornia azurea decomposition and the bacterial dynamic: an experimental research

Organic decomposition is a complex interaction between chemical, physical and biological processes, where the variety of aquatic vascular plants is essential for the trophic dynamics of freshwater ecosystems. The goal of this study was to determine the aquatic macrophyte Eichhornia azurea (Sw.) Kunth decomposition rate, the time relation with the limnological parameters, and whether this relationship is a result of decomposition processes. To that end, we collected water and leaves of E. azurea in Surf Leopoldo, PR. The experiment consisted of two treatments: 25 containers with 450 mL of water and 0.8 g of biomass dry weight were used with or without the addition of macrophytes. Samples were collected in triplicate at times 0, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 72 h, 120 h, 168 h and 240 h. When the container was removed, the plant material was dried in an oven. After 48 h, the material was measured to obtain the final dry weight. Analyses of pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, total phosphorus N-ammonia (NH4), soluble reactive phosphorus (PO4) and dissolved organic carbon were performed, and the decomposition rate was calculated. The results showed significant temporal variation of limnological parameters in the study. Additionally, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, dissolved organic carbon and total phosphorus were correlated with the dry weight of the biomass, suggesting that E. azurea decomposition significantly interferes with the dynamics of these variables.(AU)

Fruit and seed biometry and germination of Victoria amazonica (Poepp.) J.C. Sowerby (Nymphaeaceae) from the Pantanal floodplain / Biometria do fruto e da semente e germinação de Victoria amazonica (Poepp.) J.C. Sowerby (Nymphaeaceae) do Pantanal

Numerous plant species are easily established in the wide flood plains of the Pantanal wetlands due to the environmental heterogeneity. The aquatic macrophytes excel in permanently flooded areas, particularly Nymphaeaceae species. Victoria amazonica, popularly known as the vitória-régia, is hallmarked for its beauty. However, the biology and conditions necessary for the seed germination of this flowering plant remain unknown. In the present study, the fruit and seed morphology and biometry were described and the seed germination was evaluated under different abiotic conditions. To this end, mature fruits of V. amazonica were collected from the bays near Paraguay River in the south Pantanal floodplain. The fruits and seeds were described and measured using digital caliper. Intact and mechanically scarified seeds were germinated under different temperature, light and substratum conditions, and the initial development was described. The fruits measured 67.5 x 119.7 mm in size and contained 100-700 seeds. The average seed measured 10.6 mm in length and 9.8 mm in width. The highest germination occurred at 25oC, independent of the light condition. The seeds were considered neutral photoblastic. The seedlings showed heterophylly, and the main root was degenerated, forming adventitious roots. Morphological differences were observed in seedlings developed under different light conditions.

O Pantanal, ampla planície inundável, facilita o estabelecimento de inúmeras espécies vegetais por sua heterogeneidade ambiental. As macrófitas aquáticas se destacam em áreas permanentemente alagadas, com destaque para a família Nymphaeaceae. A espécie Victoria amazonica, conhecida popularmente como vitória-régia, é marcada por sua beleza. Entretanto, sua biologia e as condições necessárias à germinação de suas sementes permanecem desconhecidas. Nesse estudo foram descritas a biometria e a morfologia do fruto e da semente, e avaliada a germinação em diferentes condições abióticas. Para isso, frutos de V. amazonica foram coletados em baias próximas ao rio Paraguai no Pantanal sul. Os frutos e as sementes foram descritos e mensurados usando paquímetro digital. Sementes íntegras e escarificadas mecanicamente foram submetidas a testes de germinação em diferentes condições de temperatura, luz e substrato, e o desenvolvimento inicial das plântulas foi descrito. Os frutos mediram 67,5 x 119,7 mm, e portavam 100-700 sementes. As sementes mediram 10,6 mm de comprimento e 9,8 mm de largura em média. A maior porcentagem de germinação ocorreu a 25oC independente da condição de luz. As sementes foram consideradas fotoblásticas neutras, e as plântulas possuem heterofilia, degeneração da raiz principal e formação de raízes adventícias. Foram observadas diferenças morfológicas nas plântulas desenvolvidas na presença e na ausência de luz.

Eichhornia azurea decomposition and the bacterial dynamic: an experimental research.

Organic decomposition is a complex interaction between chemical, physical and biological processes, where the variety of aquatic vascular plants is essential for the trophic dynamics of freshwater ecosystems. The goal of this study was to determine the aquatic macrophyte Eichhornia azurea (Sw.) Kunth decomposition rate, the time relation with the limnological parameters, and whether this relationship is a result of decomposition processes. To that end, we collected water and leaves of E. azurea in Surf Leopoldo, PR. The experiment consisted of two treatments: 25 containers with 450mL of water and 0.8g of biomass dry weight were used with or without the addition of macrophytes. Samples were collected in triplicate at times 0, 3h, 6h, 12h, 24h, 72h, 120h, 168h and 240h. When the container was removed, the plant material was dried in an oven. After 48h, the material was measured to obtain the final dry weight. Analyses of pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, total phosphorus N-ammonia (NH4), soluble reactive phosphorus (PO4) and dissolved organic carbon were performed, and the decomposition rate was calculated. The results showed significant temporal variation of limnological parameters in the study. Additionally, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, dissolved organic carbon and total phosphorus were correlated with the dry weight of the biomass, suggesting that E. azurea decomposition significantly interferes with the dynamics of these variables.

Fruit and seed biometry and germination of Victoria amazonica (Poepp.) J.C. Sowerby (Nymphaeaceae) from the Pantanal floodplain / Biometria do fruto e da semente e germinação de Victoria amazonica (Poepp.) J.C. Sowerby (Nymphaeaceae) do Pantanal

Numerous plant species are easily established in the wide flood plains of the Pantanal wetlands due to the environmental heterogeneity. The aquatic macrophytes excel in permanently flooded areas, particularly Nymphaeaceae species. Victoria amazonica, popularly known as the vitória-régia, is hallmarked for its beauty. However, the biology and conditions necessary for the seed germination of this flowering plant remain unknown. In the present study, the fruit and seed morphology and biometry were described and the seed germination was evaluated under different abiotic conditions. To this end, mature fruits of V. amazonica were collected from the bays near Paraguay River in the south Pantanal floodplain. The fruits and seeds were described and measured using digital caliper. Intact and mechanically scarified seeds were germinated under different temperature, light and substratum conditions, and the initial development was described. The fruits measured 67.5 x 119.7 mm in size and contained 100-700 seeds. The average seed measured 10.6 mm in length and 9.8 mm in width. The highest germination occurred at 25o C, independent of the light condition. The seeds were considered neutral photoblastic. The seedlings showed heterophylly, and the main root was degenerated, forming adventitious roots. Morphological differences were observed in seedlings developed under different light conditions.(AU)

O Pantanal, ampla planície inundável, facilita o estabelecimento de inúmeras espécies vegetais por sua heterogeneidade ambiental. As macrófitas aquáticas se destacam em áreas permanentemente alagadas, com destaque para a família Nymphaeaceae. A espécie Victoria amazonica, conhecida popularmente como vitória-régia, é marcada por sua beleza. Entretanto, sua biologia e as condições necessárias à germinação de suas sementes permanecem desconhecidas. Nesse estudo foram descritas a biometria e a morfologia do fruto e da semente, e avaliada a germinação em diferentes condições abióticas. Para isso, frutos de V. amazonica foram coletados em baias próximas ao rio Paraguai no Pantanal sul. Os frutos e as sementes foram descritos e mensurados usando paquímetro digital. Sementes íntegras e escarificadas mecanicamente foram submetidas a testes de germinação em diferentes condições de temperatura, luz e substrato, e o desenvolvimento inicial das plântulas foi descrito. Os frutos mediram 67,5 x 119,7 mm, e portavam 100-700 sementes. As sementes mediram 10,6 mm de comprimento e 9,8 mm de largura em média. A maior porcentagem de germinação ocorreu a 25o C independente da condição de luz. As sementes foram consideradas fotoblásticas neutras, e as plântulas possuem heterofilia, degeneração da raiz principal e formação de raízes adventícias. Foram observadas diferenças morfológicas nas plântulas desenvolvidas na presença e na ausência de luz.(AU)

Interaction between resource identity and bacterial community composition regulates bacterial respiration in aquatic ecosystems / A interação entre a identidade do recurso e a composição da comunidade bacteriana regula a respiração bacteriana em ecossistemas aquáticos

Abstract Resource identity and composition structure bacterial community, which in turn determines the magnitude of bacterial processes and ecological services. However, the complex interaction between resource identity and bacterial community composition (BCC) has been poorly understood so far. Using aquatic microcosms, we tested whether and how resource identity interacts with BCC in regulating bacterial respiration and bacterial functional diversity. Different aquatic macrophyte leachates were used as different carbon resources while BCC was manipulated through successional changes of bacterial populations in batch cultures. We observed that the same BCC treatment respired differently on each carbon resource; these resources also supported different amounts of bacterial functional diversity. There was no clear linear pattern of bacterial respiration in relation to time succession of bacterial communities in all leachates, i.e. differences on bacterial respiration between different BCC were rather idiosyncratic. Resource identity regulated the magnitude of respiration of each BCC, e.g. Ultricularia foliosa leachate sustained the greatest bacterial functional diversity and lowest rates of bacterial respiration in all BCC. We conclude that both resource identity and the BCC interact affecting the pattern and the magnitude of bacterial respiration in aquatic ecosystems.

Resumo A identidade e a composição do recurso estruturam a comunidade bacteriana, que, por sua vez, determina a magnitude dos processos bacterianos e seus serviços ecológicos. Porém, a complexa interação entre a identidade do recursos e a composição da comunidade bacteriana (CCB) tem sido pouco avaliada até o momento. Utilizando microcosmos aquáticos, nós testamos quando e como a identidade do recurso interage com a CCB na regulação da respiração bacteriana e da diversidade funcional bacteriana. Diferentes lixiviados de macrófitas aquáticas foram utilizados como diferentes fontes de carbono, enquanto que a CCB foi manipulada através de mudanças sucessionais das populações bacterianas em culturas de recrescimento. Nós observamos que tratamentos com a mesma CCB respiraram diferentemente em cada fonte de carbono; diferentes fontes também suportaram diferentes valores de diversidade funcional bacteriana. Não houve padrão linear claro de mudança na respiração bacteriana em relação ao tempo de sucessão das comunidades bacterianas nos lixiviados, i.e. diferenças na respiração bacteriana entre diferentes CCB foram idiossincráticas. A identidade do recurso regulou a magnitude da respiração, em cada CCB, e.g. o lixiviado de Ultricularia foliosa sustentou os maiores valores de diversidade funcional bacteriana e as menores taxas de respiração bacteriana em todas as CCB. Nós concluímos que a identidade do recurso e a CCB interagem afetando o padrão e a magnitude da respiração bacteriana em ecossistemas aquáticos.

Interaction between resource identity and bacterial community composition regulates bacterial respiration in aquatic ecosystems / A interação entre a identidade do recurso e a composição da comunidade bacteriana regula a respiração bacteriana em ecossistemas aquáticos

Resource identity and composition structure bacterial community, which in turn determines the magnitude of bacterial processes and ecological services. However, the complex interaction between resource identity and bacterial community composition (BCC) has been poorly understood so far. Using aquatic microcosms, we tested whether and how resource identity interacts with BCC in regulating bacterial respiration and bacterial functional diversity. Different aquatic macrophyte leachates were used as different carbon resources while BCC was manipulated through successional changes of bacterial populations in batch cultures. We observed that the same BCC treatment respired differently on each carbon resource; these resources also supported different amounts of bacterial functional diversity. There was no clear linear pattern of bacterial respiration in relation to time succession of bacterial communities in all leachates, i.e. differences on bacterial respiration between different BCC were rather idiosyncratic. Resource identity regulated the magnitude of respiration of each BCC, e.g. Ultricularia foliosa leachate sustained the greatest bacterial functional diversity and lowest rates of bacterial respiration in all BCC. We conclude that both resource identity and the BCC interact affecting the pattern and the magnitude of bacterial respiration in aquatic ecosystems.(AU)

A identidade e a composição do recurso estruturam a comunidade bacteriana, que, por sua vez, determina a magnitude dos processos bacterianos e seus serviços ecológicos. Porém, a complexa interação entre a identidade do recursos e a composição da comunidade bacteriana (CCB) tem sido pouco avaliada até o momento. Utilizando microcosmos aquáticos, nós testamos quando e como a identidade do recurso interage com a CCB na regulação da respiração bacteriana e da diversidade funcional bacteriana. Diferentes lixiviados de macrófitas aquáticas foram utilizados como diferentes fontes de carbono, enquanto que a CCB foi manipulada através de mudanças sucessionais das populações bacterianas em culturas de recrescimento. Nós observamos que tratamentos com a mesma CCB respiraram diferentemente em cada fonte de carbono; diferentes fontes também suportaram diferentes valores de diversidade funcional bacteriana. Não houve padrão linear claro de mudança na respiração bacteriana em relação ao tempo de sucessão das comunidades bacterianas nos lixiviados, i.e. diferenças na respiração bacteriana entre diferentes CCB foram idiossincráticas. A identidade do recurso regulou a magnitude da respiração, em cada CCB, e.g. o lixiviado de Ultricularia foliosa sustentou os maiores valores de diversidade funcional bacteriana e as menores taxas de respiração bacteriana em todas as CCB. Nós concluímos que a identidade do recurso e a CCB interagem afetando o padrão e a magnitude da respiração bacteriana em ecossistemas aquáticos.(AU)

Interaction between resource identity and bacterial community composition regulates bacterial respiration in aquatic ecosystems

Abstract Resource identity and composition structure bacterial community, which in turn determines the magnitude of bacterial processes and ecological services. However, the complex interaction between resource identity and bacterial community composition (BCC) has been poorly understood so far. Using aquatic microcosms, we tested whether and how resource identity interacts with BCC in regulating bacterial respiration and bacterial functional diversity. Different aquatic macrophyte leachates were used as different carbon resources while BCC was manipulated through successional changes of bacterial populations in batch cultures. We observed that the same BCC treatment respired differently on each carbon resource; these resources also supported different amounts of bacterial functional diversity. There was no clear linear pattern of bacterial respiration in relation to time succession of bacterial communities in all leachates, i.e. differences on bacterial respiration between different BCC were rather idiosyncratic. Resource identity regulated the magnitude of respiration of each BCC, e.g. Ultricularia foliosa leachate sustained the greatest bacterial functional diversity and lowest rates of bacterial respiration in all BCC. We conclude that both resource identity and the BCC interact affecting the pattern and the magnitude of bacterial respiration in aquatic ecosystems.

Resumo A identidade e a composição do recurso estruturam a comunidade bacteriana, que, por sua vez, determina a magnitude dos processos bacterianos e seus serviços ecológicos. Porém, a complexa interação entre a identidade do recursos e a composição da comunidade bacteriana (CCB) tem sido pouco avaliada até o momento. Utilizando microcosmos aquáticos, nós testamos quando e como a identidade do recurso interage com a CCB na regulação da respiração bacteriana e da diversidade funcional bacteriana. Diferentes lixiviados de macrófitas aquáticas foram utilizados como diferentes fontes de carbono, enquanto que a CCB foi manipulada através de mudanças sucessionais das populações bacterianas em culturas de recrescimento. Nós observamos que tratamentos com a mesma CCB respiraram diferentemente em cada fonte de carbono; diferentes fontes também suportaram diferentes valores de diversidade funcional bacteriana. Não houve padrão linear claro de mudança na respiração bacteriana em relação ao tempo de sucessão das comunidades bacterianas nos lixiviados, i.e. diferenças na respiração bacteriana entre diferentes CCB foram idiossincráticas. A identidade do recurso regulou a magnitude da respiração, em cada CCB, e.g. o lixiviado de Ultricularia foliosa sustentou os maiores valores de diversidade funcional bacteriana e as menores taxas de respiração bacteriana em todas as CCB. Nós concluímos que a identidade do recurso e a CCB interagem afetando o padrão e a magnitude da respiração bacteriana em ecossistemas aquáticos.

Toxicity and genotoxicity of water and sediment from streams on dotted duckweed (Landoltia punctata) / Toxicidade e genotoxicidade da água e sedimentos dos córregos em lentilha d'água (Landoltia punctata)

Most rivers are used as a source to supply entire cities; the quality of water is directly related to the quality of tributaries. Unfortunately men have neglected the importance of streams, which receive domestic and industrial effluents and transport nutrients and pesticides from rural areas. Given the complexity of the mixtures discharged into these water bodies, this study aimed to evaluate the quality of water and sediment of ten tributaries of Pirapó River, in Maringá, Paraná State, Brazil. To this end, the free-floating macrophyte Landoltia punctata (G. Meyer) Les & D.J.Crawford was used as test organism in microcosm, and the toxicity of water and sediment samples was evaluated by the relative growth rate, dry/fresh biomass ratio, and genotoxic effects (comet assay). Samples of water and sediment of each stream were arranged in microcosms with L. punctata. Seven days later, plants were collected for analysis. Nutrient levels were higher than the reference location, indicating eutrophication, but the results indicated a toxic effect for only three streams, and a genotoxic effect for all streams.

Muitos rios são utilizados como fonte de abastecimento de cidades inteiras e a qualidade de suas águas está relacionada diretamente à qualidade de seus afluentes. Infelizmente córregos têm sua importância negligenciada pelo homem sendo alvo de despejos domésticos e industriais e também do carreamento de nutrientes e pesticidas das áreas rurais. Diante da complexidade das misturas que atingem estes corpos d'água, o presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a qualidade da água e do sedimento de dez afluentes do rio Pirapó no município de Maringá, Estado do Paraná. Utilizou-se a macrófita aquática flutuante Landoltia punctata (G. Meyer) Les & D.J.Crawford como organismo teste em microcosmos, sendo que a toxicidade das amostras de água e sedimento foi avaliada pela taxa de crescimento relativo, pelo índice de biomassa seca por fresca, e pelos efeitos genotóxicos (ensaio de cometa). Amostras de água e sedimento de cada córrego foram dispostos em microcosmos com L. punctata. Após 7 dias as plantas foram coletadas para as análises. Os níveis de nutrientes foram maiores que o do local de referência indicando eutrofização; porém, os resultados indicaram efeito tóxico em apenas três dos córregos e genotóxico em todos os córregos.

Toxicity and genotoxicity of water and sediment from streams on dotted duckweed (Landoltia punctata) / Toxicidade e genotoxicidade da água e sedimentos dos córregos em lentilha d'água (Landoltia punctata)

Most rivers are used as a source to supply entire cities; the quality of water is directly related to the quality of tributaries. Unfortunately men have neglected the importance of streams, which receive domestic and industrial effluents and transport nutrients and pesticides from rural areas. Given the complexity of the mixtures discharged into these water bodies, this study aimed to evaluate the quality of water and sediment of ten tributaries of Pirapó River, in Maringá, Paraná State, Brazil. To this end, the free-floating macrophyte Landoltia punctata (G. Meyer) Les & D.J.Crawford was used as test organism in microcosm, and the toxicity of water and sediment samples was evaluated by the relative growth rate, dry/fresh biomass ratio, and genotoxic effects (comet assay). Samples of water and sediment of each stream were arranged in microcosms with L. punctata. Seven days later, plants were collected for analysis. Nutrient levels were higher than the reference location, indicating eutrophication, but the results indicated a toxic effect for only three streams, and a genotoxic effect for all streams.(AU)

Muitos rios são utilizados como fonte de abastecimento de cidades inteiras e a qualidade de suas águas está relacionada diretamente à qualidade de seus afluentes. Infelizmente córregos têm sua importância negligenciada pelo homem sendo alvo de despejos domésticos e industriais e também do carreamento de nutrientes e pesticidas das áreas rurais. Diante da complexidade das misturas que atingem estes corpos d'água, o presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a qualidade da água e do sedimento de dez afluentes do rio Pirapó no município de Maringá, Estado do Paraná. Utilizou-se a macrófita aquática flutuante Landoltia punctata (G. Meyer) Les & D.J.Crawford como organismo teste em microcosmos, sendo que a toxicidade das amostras de água e sedimento foi avaliada pela taxa de crescimento relativo, pelo índice de biomassa seca por fresca, e pelos efeitos genotóxicos (ensaio de cometa). Amostras de água e sedimento de cada córrego foram dispostos em microcosmos com L. punctata. Após 7 dias as plantas foram coletadas para as análises. Os níveis de nutrientes foram maiores que o do local de referência indicando eutrofização; porém, os resultados indicaram efeito tóxico em apenas três dos córregos e genotóxico em todos os córregos.(AU)

Implication of anaerobic and aerobic decomposition of Eichhornia azurea (Sw.) Kunth. on the carbon cycling in a subtropical reservoir / Implicações da decomposição aeróbia e anaeróbia de Eichhornia azurea (Sw.) Kunth. na ciclagem de carbono em um reservatório subtropical

This study aimed at describing kinetic aspects of aerobic and anaerobic mineralization of Eicchornia azurea. The samples of aquatic macrophyte and water were collected in the Monjolinho Reservoir (22° 00′ S and 47° 54′ W). To determine the leachate potential, dried plant fragments were added to reservoir water, with sampling lasting for 4 months, where the particulate and dissolved organic carbon concentrations were measured. The kinetics of mass loss was obtained with 10 mineralization chambers for both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, with the plant fragments and reservoir water. Two additional chambers were used to monitor the volume of gases produced from anaerobic mineralization, with bioassays to determine oxygen uptake. The results were fitted to a first-order kinetic model, from which 27.21% of detritus corresponded to labile/soluble fractions and 72.62% to the refractory fractions. The decay rates for the global mass losses of the labile/soluble components were 2.07 day–1. DOC mineralization was not verified for either condition. Under aerobic condition, the mass loss constant rate (0.0029 day–1) for the refractory fractions was 2.4 the value for the anaerobic one. Under anaerobic condition, the gases formation occurred in three phases. Based on these results, in the Monjolinho Reservoir, the decomposition of E. azurea that undergo within the water column and in upper layers of sediment is a faster process, favoring the mineralization. In contrast, in the lower layers of sediment the diagenetic processes (i.e. humus production and accumulation of organic matter) are favored.

Nesse estudo descreveram-se aspectos cinéticos da decomposição aeróbia e anaeróbia de Eichhornia azurea. As amostras da macrófita aquática e de água foram coletadas no reservatório do Monjolinho (22° 00′ S e 47° 54′ O). Para a determinação do potencial de lixiviação, adicionaram-se fragmentos de planta (previamente secos) em água do reservatório. Nos experimentos de decomposição, as amostragens foram realizadas durante 4 meses e quantificaram-se as frações particuladas e dissolvidas de carbono. Para descrever as cinéticas de perda de massa, para cada condição (aeróbia e anaeróbia) foram preparadas 10 incubações contento fragmentos de plantas e água do reservatório. A cada dia de amostragem as frações particuladas e dissolvidas de carbono orgânico foram quantificadas. Foram também preparadas 2 câmaras para registrar a formação de gases da degradação anaeróbia e o consumo de oxigênio na degradação aeróbia. Os resultados foram ajustados a um modelo cinético de 1ª ordem. Verificou-se que 27,21% dos detritos corresponderam à fração lábil/solúvel e 72,62% à refratária. O coeficiente global de perda de massa das frações lábeis/solúveis foi 2,07 dia–1. Nas duas condições não houve mineralização da matéria orgânica dissolvida. Na condição aeróbia, o coeficiente de perda de massa das frações refratárias (0,0029 dia–1) foi 2,4 vezes maior que o da anaeróbia. Para a condição anaeróbia observou-se que a formação de gases constituiu-se de três fases. Diante destes resultados, no reservatório do Monjolinho, os processos degradativos dos detritos de E. azurea que ocorrem tanto na coluna d'água quanto na superfície do sedimento são mais rápidos, favorecendo assim, a mineralizaçao; por outro lado, no sedimento os processos diagenéticos (i.e. humificação e o acúmulo de matéria orgânica) são favorecidos.