Irene Martins

Nutrient cycling and plant dynamics in estuaries: A brief review

Eutrophication of European estuaries due to massive nutrient loading from urban areas and diffuse runoff from extensively cultivated land areas is analysed. Consequences for the ecology of estuaries, namely changes in plant species composition, which also affects heterotrophic organisms, are approached based on examples showing that the result is often a fundamental structural change of the ecosystem, from a grazing and/or nutrient controlled stable systems to unstable detritus/mineralisation systems, where the turnover of oxygen and nutrients is much more dynamic and oscillations between aerobic and anaerobic states frequently occur. Several relevant aspects are examined, namely the influence of rooted macrophytes on nutrient dynamics, by comparing bare bottom sediments with eelgrass covered sediments, primary production and the development of organic detritus, and hydrodynamics and its relations to the spatial distribution of macrophytes in estuarine systems.

Population Dynamics, Life History, and Production of Cyathura Carinata (Krøyer) (Isopoda: Anthuridae) in the Mondego Estuary, Portugal

ABSTRACT Previous studies of the benthic community in the Mondego estuary revealed that Cyathura carinata has spatially and temporally stable populations, has significant biomass throughout the year, and is one of the most abundant species in the estuary. The present work was carried out to study its population dynamics and life cycle in relation to physicochemical factors, and to estimate its productivity within intertidal mud flats. Cyathura carinata was sampled every two weeks from November 1990 to December 1991. It exhibited a contagious spatial distribution within the eulittoral zone, and its abundance changed seasonally, decreasing gradually from midfall to late spring, and increasing again from early summer to the following fall. Abundance appeared to be inversely related to emersion periods, and positively correlated with salinity and nitrate concentrations, while higher temperature and sediment organic enrichment appeared to have a negative effect on the abundance of organisms. Nevertheless, the correlations between abundance and environmental factors could not be considered as defining cause-andeffect, since environmental factors were also intercorrelated. Protogynous hermaphroditism was hypothesized, with males being present from March to September. Sexual activity began in early spring and recruitment took place through the summer. Two cohorts were produced, one in June and a second in August. Fecundity was significantly correlated with female size. In addition, higher salinities and pH favored higher fecundity. Although seasonal variations in growth rates were observed, growth was continuous through the life of the animal. Growth rates practically ceased during the winter, increased gradually from late winter to a maximum between early summer and midfall, and decreased again until the following winter. Life span was roughly estimated at 18-22 months. Sexual differentiation was estimated to occur within a period of 49-54 days from birth, for females, and 146-208 days for males. Sexual maturation in females was estimated to occur in 240-357 days (8-12 months). Cyathura carinata is a semiannual species in the Mondego estuary, with iteroparous females and an univoltine life cycle. Growth production (P) and elimination production (E) were estimated as, respectively, 5.6-9.9 and 11.8-22.3 g·m―2· year―1 ash-free dry weight. P/B and E/B ratios were estimated, respectively, as 1.65-2.03 and 3.74-4.37. Despite several differences with regard to the reproductive period, all populations of C. carinata studied along the European coasts show univoltine life cycles. Due to stable populations and life cycle characteristics, this species appears ideal for comparative ecophysiological and ecotoxicological studies in European estuaries.

Hypocholesterolaemic pharmaceutical simvastatin disrupts reproduction and population growth of the amphipod Gammarus locusta at the ng/L range

Simvastatin (SIM), a hypocholesterolaemic drug, is among the most widely used pharmaceuticals worldwide and is therefore of emerging environmental concern. Despite the ubiquitous nature of SIM in the aquatic ecosystems, significant uncertainties exist about sublethal effects of the drug in aquatic organisms. Therefore, here we aimed at investigating a multi-level biological response in the model amphipod Gammarus locusta, following chronic exposures to low levels of SIM (64 ng/L to 8 μg/L). The work integrated a battery of key endpoints at individual-level (survival, growth and reproduction) with histopathological biomarkers in hepatopancreas and gonads. Additionally, an individual-based population modelling was used to project the ecological costs associated with long-term exposure to SIM at the population level. SIM severely impacted growth, reproduction and gonad maturation of G. locusta, concomitantly to changes at the histological level. Among all analysed endpoints, reproduction was particularly sensitive to SIM with significant impact at 320 ng/L. These findings have important implications for environmental risk assessment and disclose new concerns about the effects of SIM in aquatic ecosystems.

Modelling the effects of green macroalgae blooms on the population dynamics of Cyathura carinata (Crustacea: Isopoda) in an eutrophied estuary

Copyright (c) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. A population dynamics model was developed to simulate the effects of benthic macroalgae blooms (mostly Enteromorpha spp.) on the productivity of Cyathura carinata (Crustacea: Isopoda), a possible keystone species in the benthic communities of the Mondego estuary. The model describes C. carinata population dynamics, as well as the relationships between Enteromorpha biomass, Enteromorpha decaying rates, organic matter content in the sediments and detritus consumption by C. carinata, a detritic feeder. Model results support the idea that seasonal blooms of Enteromorpha determine a significant increase of organic matter content in the sediments, due to macroalgae decay, which initially contributes to enhance C. carinata consumption and growth rates, determining a significant increase in the biomass. Nevertheless, later, following the algae bloom, C. carinata biomass decreases, and reaches its lowest value, close to 0, when the algae crash. This effect is probably related with strong anoxic conditions, especially during night, due to high algal decomposition rates. In accordance with the model, migration of new individuals from adjacent areas must occur in order to recolonise the area affected by the algae bloom. Therefore, it seems reasonable to conclude that macroalgae blooms that are limited in space may favour C. carinata populations, but extensive blooms affecting the whole area of distribution of this species will determine its disappearance.

Modelling the effects of salinity variation on Echinogammarus marinus Leach (Amphipoda, Gammaridae) density and biomass in the Mondego Estuary (Western Portugal)

Echinogammarus marinus (Amphipoda, Gammaridae) is the most abundant amphipod species in the intertidal rocky habitats of the Mondego estuary and it seems to constitute an important prey for upper trophic levels. The aim of the present model was to assess the impacts of salinity variations on the abundance and biomass of E. marinus. For model purposes, the size structure of the population was divided in four different groups: juveniles, young females, adult females and males, which constitute the model state variables expressed as density (number of individuals m−2). The variation of the density of each group over time depends on growth, mortality and reproduction/recruitment. Simultaneously, the model also calculates the biomass of each group, by taking into consideration the density and the average weight of each group through time. The model accounts for a dependency of population density on biomass, since the number of newly hatched juveniles depends on female cephalic length and, consequently, on female size. Population growth is estimated according to a Von Bertalanffy model, which takes into account anabolism and catabolism effects. Moreover, E. marinus growth is considered as temperature-dependent, while recruitment is considered as temperature- and salinity-dependent. Model results suggest that E. marinus density is seriously affected by low salinity (<5) and that the negatives effects increase with increasing time of exposition to low salinity. According to the model, if low salinity persists during extensive periods (autumn/winter/spring) E. marinus population will extinguishes after 3 years, under such conditions. According to simulations, if low salinity occurs for shorter periods (winter/early spring) E. marinus biomass and density remains stable for, at least, 11 years. This type of models may be important in assessing the impacts on local coastal areas caused by global effects, such as the rising of global temperature, which is expected to rise sea level and change precipitation and other local climate conditions.

Intersexuality incidence, sex ratio fluctuations and intersex reproductive output as factors affecting the temporal variation of intersexed populations of the marine amphipod Echinogammarus marinus

The occurrence of intersexuality in populations of the marine amphipod Echinogammarus marinus has been related to several causes, including anthropogenic contamination, microsporidian parasites and environmental sex determination (ESD). At the individual-level, the costs of intersexuality in E. marinus are reflected in reduced reproductive output of intersexes compared to normal specimens. The impacts of intersexuality and other reproductive disorders in nature will only be fully understood when individual-level effects are upscale to the population-level, which can be achieved through ecological models. The aim of the present work is to simulate the density variation of real populations of E. marinus with different intersexuality incidence, proportions of phenotypes and intersex female reproductive rates. To achieve that, we have incorporated empirical data obtained at the individual-level from three intersexed populations of E. marinus into a population dynamic model. The original model was calibrated and validated for a long-term stable population without intersexuality and sex ratio approximately 1. In the present version, the model includes an extra population group, intersex females, but the total sum of flow rates from juveniles to adults was kept the same as in the original model to respect the previous validation. In these circumstances, results indicate that the male-biased population is very sensitive to intersexuality, even at low incidence levels, and exhibits significant density decrease if conditions do not change. On the contrary, the two populations with a preponderance of female-biased sex ratios, low or moderate intersexuality incidence (up to an average value of 9% of the population) and with intersex reproductive rates corresponding to 80% the value of normal specimens, exhibit long-term persistence. The model is highly sensitive to adult female parameters (e.g. mortality), indicating that small variations on its values can significantly change population responses. Overall the present results suggest that, in spite the costs of intersexuality in E. marinus, the temporal variation of intersexed populations depend on intersex incidence level, sex ratio fluctuations and reproductive output of intersexes. Simulations also suggest that other processes (e.g. mortality rates of normal females) may play important roles in the maintenance of populations with intersexuality. In the future, it will be crucial to improve and validate this type of models with long-term observations and monitoring of intersexed populations.

Impacts of macroalgal spores on the dynamics of adult macroalgae in a eutrophic estuary: High versus low hydrodynamic seasons and long-term simulations for global warming scenarios

A model describing macroalgal early life stages and adult dynamics was used to quantify the effects of non-adult forms on the productivity of adult macroalgae in a eutrophic estuary. Predictions indicate that during years with mild winters and low rainfall, spring blooms will occur at the expense of the growth and reproduction of overwintering adults and without the contribution of the spore bank. In these circumstances, there is a positive correlation between the intensity of the blooms and the biomass of overwintering adults until a maximum threshold value. On the contrary, in years with high rainfall and low or inexistent biomass of overwintering adults, the onset of adults growth depends on the biomass of viable dormant spores, the growing season occurs later and adult productivity is very limited. Long-term predictions for climate change scenarios suggest that, in general, global warming will have adverse affects on Ulva intestinalis productivity, with the adults being more affected than the early life stages.

Feeding niche preference of the mudsnail Peringia ulvae

The feeding behaviour of Peringia ulvae was studied with the aim of assessing its preferential feeding niche (habit) as well as its potential role in controlling or preventing the occurrence of macroalgal blooms. Both these aspects were studied in the Mondego estuary because of the clear long-lasting eutrophication process that favours the growth of two opportunistic macroalgae, Gracilaria spp. and Ulva spp., over the local beds of the macrophyte Zostera nolteii, which is another potential food source. All three species, both with and without periphyton, were used as a single food source in feeding experiments to assess different feeding parameters of the gastropod. Sediment with microphytobenthos was used together with the latter three species in feeding niche preference experiments. None of the food types provided were resistant to grazing. Higher levels of grazing occurred on Ulva spp. (apical parts) and Z. nolteii, both with periphyton. The presence of periphyton did not change grazing rates. When a choice between each food type was offered, the sediment was clearly the feeding niche preferred by the snails. As P. ulvae spent more time on the sediment (preferred feeding niche), the hypothesis that it has a role in preventing macroalgal blooms was not supported.

Structure, growth and production of a remarkably abundant population of the common goby, Pomatoschistus microps (Actinopterygii: Gobiidae)

The common goby, Pomatoschistus microps, is a relevant species from estuarine food webs, playing important roles as predator of polychaetes and crustaceans and as prey for larger fishes and crustaceans. The Minho estuary (NW Portugal) is a relatively well-preserved and productive system. To assess the population structure and production of P. microps in this estuary, monthly samples were undertaken in three different areas along an estuarine gradient in the lower estuary. The density of P. microps varied considerably among seasons and sampling stations, with higher densities occurring in summer and autumn. The lowest densities were found closer to the sea. In general, the density of females was higher than the density of males in all sampling stations, while juveniles were more abundant within a salt marsh area. Compared with other European estuaries, our data showed a remarkable higher density and production values of P. microps. This may be related to the high freshwater input and the low salinities found in this estuary. In addition, we hypothesize that the lower density of the sympatric species P. minutus and the high availability of bivalve shells observed in the Minho estuary may have also contributed to the present results, once P. minutus and P. microps often display a diet overlap and the bivalve shells are crucial for the common goby reproduction.

Ecological modelling and toxicity data coupled to assess population recovery of marine amphipod Gammarus locusta: Application to disturbance by chronic exposure to aniline

A population agent-based model of marine amphipod Gammarus locusta was designed and implemented as a basis for ecological risk assessment of chemical pollutants impairing life-history traits at the individual level. We further used the model to assess the toxic effects of aniline (a priority hazardous and noxious substance, HNS) on amphipod populations using empirically-built dose-response functions derived from a chronic bioassay that we previously performed with this species. We observed a significant toxicant-induced mortality and adverse effects in reproductive performance (reduction of newborn production) in G. locusta at the individual level. Coupling the population model with the toxicological data from the chronic bioassay allowed the projection of the ecological costs associated with exposure to aniline that might occur in wild populations. Model simulations with different scenarios indicated that even low level prolonged exposure to the HNS aniline can have significant long-term impacts on G. locusta population abundance, until the impacted population returns to undisturbed levels. This approach may be a useful complement in ecotoxicological studies of chemical pollution to transfer individual-collected data to ecological-relevant levels.