Kim Gustavson
Aarhus University
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Featured researches published by Kim Gustavson.
Aquatic Toxicology | 1995
Kim Gustavson; Sten-Åke Wängberg
Abstract A major need in ecotoxicology is the development of sensitive and robust ecotoxicological methods to detect the effects of toxic substances in complex aquatic ecosystems. In this study, we investigated how copper and atrazine affect the tolerance of microalgal communities and the succession of species. The effects of atrazine and copper on microalgal communities in large freshwater enclosures were investigated for a 20-day period. The communitys tolerance of copper and atrazine was determined by short-term photosynthesis tests. Species composition was evaluated using a similarity index and multivariant analysis. In enclosures exposed to copper, tolerance gradually increased during the experiment. In the enclosures exposed to the highest copper concentration (0.24 μM), an increased tolerance of copper was found in phytoplankton communities even after 2 days, and in the enclosure exposed to the lowest copper concentration (0.016 μM), increased tolerance was found after 12 days. In accordance with the PICT (pollution-induced community tolerance) concept, the added copper was sufficient to affect the phytoplankton community, as was confirmed by changes in species composition. Communities exposed to increased copper concentrations also showed increased tolerance for zinc, indicating common tolerance mechanisms for copper and zinc. The effects of atrazine in the enclosures were small and did not induce changes in community tolerance for atrazine or diuron, although the same concentration was high enough to reduce photosynthesis activity by 20% in the short-term test and cause minor changes in species composition. Tolerance levels in phytoplankton and periphyton communities were compared. Neither copper nor atrazine induced changes in the tolerance of the periphyton communities. The short-term EC50 values for atrazine were very similar in periphyton and phytoplankton communities, but for copper, EC50 values for periphyton were about ten times higher than for phytoplankton.
Marine Pollution Bulletin | 1999
Kim Gustavson; Per Jonsson
Sediments and blue mussels were collected along a transect through the Baltic Sea to the Atlantic Ocean and analysed for a number of specific halogenated organic compounds and sum parameters. Multivariance analysis indicated geographical separation of the sediment data due to high concentrations of EOCl and EPOCl in the Bay of Bothnia and Bothnian Sea, high concentrations of sPCB in the Baltic proper and low concentrations of most of the compounds in the Skagerrak. The separation in mussels was due to high concentrations of sHCH and sDDT in the Danish sounds and the Kattegat, and high concentrations of EOX, EOCl and EOBr in the Baltic Sea. In contrast to the sediments, where no correlation was found between EOCl and EOX, these parameters are well correlated in the mussels. EOCl correlates to EPOCl both in sediments and blue mussels. The share of EPOCl is remarkably similar (ca. 11% of EOCl) in sediments and mussels.
Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology | 1999
Kristine Garde; Kim Gustavson
Abstract The impact of UV-B radiation on alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) was examined in water samples from a phosphorus-depleted Norwegian fjord, Hylsfjord, in July 1995. APA was regularly measured for 4–7.5 h in water samples from the fjord (Exp. 1) and from a nutrient-manipulated enclosure (Exp. 2) incubated under three different light regimes; ambient radiation (AMB), ambient radiation with enhanced artificial UV-B (+UV), 1.10 W m −2 UV-B, and ambient radiation screened for UV-B (−UV). Water samples exposed to UV-B (+UV; AMB) had significantly lower APA than water samples screened for UV-B (−UV), both in raw water samples as well as in water samples prefiltered through 1 and 0.2 μm filters. The decline could be explained by photodegradation of dissolved and cell-bound APA, with dissolved APA being more affected than APA associated with organisms. The results suggest that UV-B radiation inhibits APA in phosphorus-depleted aquatic environments and has the potential to strengthen the phosphorus limitation of microbial ecosystems.
Hydrobiologia | 1999
Kim Gustavson; Søren Petersen; B. Pedersen; Frank Stuer-Lauridsen; Stig A. Schack Pedersen; Sten-Åke Wängberg
The toxic effect of copper to coastal phytoplankton communities was studied in 6 m3 enclosures during 15 days using the PICT (Pollution-Induced Community Tolerance) methodology. PICT, primary production, algal biomass, species composition and diversity in phytoplankton communities were measured in control enclosures and enclosures with 1, 3, 6 and 15 μg Cu l-1 added. Increased copper tolerances were induced in the enclosures with added copper and, related to the pooled mean value of the controls, the mean values for copper tolerance were significantly higher in enclosures with 1, 6 and 15 μg Cu l-1. In enclosures with 6 and 15 μg Cu l-1, photosynthetic activity was significantly depressed. Fundamental changes in taxonomic diversity and species composition occurred in enclosures with 15 μg Cu l-1. Algal biomass was not affected by the addition of copper. The distribution and concentration of copper in the enclosures showed that copper exposure was almost constant over time in the enclosures and was proportional to the amount of copper added to them. Our studies indicate that the PICT methodology is sensitive enough to detect even minor effects of copper on phytoplankton communities. The PICT measurements indicate effects from concentrations as low as 1 μg Cu l-1 in highly eutrophic coastal areas, where the bioavailability of copper is assumed to be low. Copper concentration in the fjord and control enclosures was high, about 0.5 μg Cu l-1, only a factor two below the effect concentration measured by PICT. These results are significant in view of the increased release of copper to the coastal marine environment as results of the substitution of copper-based ship paints for tri-n-butyltin (TBT) antifouling paints.
Aquatic Toxicology | 1998
Søren Dahl Petersen; Kim Gustavson
The effects of tri-butyl-tin (TBT) on autotrophic pico-, nano and microplankton were assessed by a marine enclosure experiment. In accordance with the pollution-induced community tolerance (PICT) concept, an increased tolerance was found for microplankton in enclosures amended with 0.01, 0.6 and 10 nM TBT. In contrast, nanoplankton showed increased tolerance only in an enclosure amended with 10 nM TBT. Neither the entire phytoplankton community nor picoplankton showed increased tolerance. These observations are discussed in terms of the ecology of pico-, nano- and microplankton. In all enclosures amended with TBT, primary production by nanoplankton declined, and primary production by picoplankton increased: changes that are interpreted as indirect effects of TBT. A comparison of TBT levels found in polluted coastal areas and in off-shore areas indicates that phytoplankton communities might be affected by TBT. Size fractionated measurements of TBT tolerance in phytoplankton communities were proven to increase the sensitivity of the PICT concept.
Marine Pollution Bulletin | 2014
Jens Søndergaard; Lis Bach; Kim Gustavson
Measuring loads of bioavailable metals is important for environmental assessment near mines and other industrial sources. In this study, a setup of monitoring buoys was tested to assess loads of bioavailable metals near a former Pb-Zn mine in West Greenland using transplanted seaweed, mussels and sea snails. In addition, passive DGT samplers were installed. After a 9-day deployment period, concentrations of especially Pb, Zn and Fe in the species were all markedly elevated at the monitoring sites closest to the mine. Lead concentrations in all three species and the DGT-Pb results showed a significant linear correlation. Zinc and Fe concentrations were less correlated indicating that the mechanisms for Zn and Fe accumulation in the three species are more complex. The results show that there is still a significant load of metals from the mine and that such buoys can be an adequate method to assess present loads of bioavailable metals.
Aquatic Toxicology | 2003
Dorthe K Larsen; Inge Wagner; Kim Gustavson; Valery E. Forbes; Torben Lund
Sea-Nine211 has been introduced as a new biocide in antifouling paints with an immediate degradation when it is released from ship hulls. The active component of Sea-Nine211 is 4,5-dichloro-2-n-octyl-isothiazoline-3-one (DCOI). In the present study, the toxicity of DCOI and the occurrence of Pollution Induced Community Tolerance (PICT) were tested in microcosms containing eutrophic coastal water with its natural composition of phytoplankton. The experiment was performed in closed systems with a single addition of the nominal concentrations 0, 3.2, 10, 32 and 100 nM DCOI, for a period of 16 days. Pollution induced community tolerance (PICT) was observed in the phytoplankton communities exposed to the nominal concentrations 32 and 100 nM DCOI. Chemical analysis of DCOI in the coastal water utilised in the toxicity and PICT experiment was performed by GC-MS using a solid- phase extraction method. Half-life was calculated to be 2.5 days for the nominal concentrations 32 and 100 nM DCOI. The results of the present study show that nominal concentrations of 32 and 100 nM DCOI significantly increased the community tolerance already after 2 days of exposure and that the tolerance was maintained for a period of 16 days even when DCOI was degraded during this period. The causes for the persistent tolerance are discussed in relation to the degradation of DCOI and structural changes in the phytoplankton communities.
Ecotoxicology | 2000
Søren Petersen; Kim Gustavson
In a three-week pelagic estuarine enclosure experiment, no effect concentrations (NEC) for tri-butyl-tin (TBT) were found in phytoplankton in the lower pico molar (pM) range as indicated by increased TBT tolerance, changes in taxonomic composition, decreased primary production and in the chlorophyll a (chl. a) concentration. Decreased primary production and chl.a concentrations were found only three days after addition of TBT. On the other hand, taxonomic changes and increased tolerance were found throughout the experiment, indicating a recovery of the ecosystem caused by adaptation of the phytoplankton in terms of structural changes. Induction of TBT tolerance is assumed to be evident of a direct toxic effect of TBT on the phytoplankton and the observed effects are thus not just attributable to indirect effect caused by direct effects on e.g. zooplankton. TBT concentrations in the lower pM range in coastal waters, such as open bays and estuaries, have been reported, indicating that natural phytoplankton could be affected by TBT in such areas.
Water Air and Soil Pollution | 2015
Janne Fritt-Rasmussen; Susse Wegeberg; Kim Gustavson
In situ burning is a method by which oil is burned at a spill site under controlled conditions, and this method is subject to increased interest due to its applicability in the Arctic. This paper reviews the literature regarding the characterization and environmental effects of burn residues in Arctic waters. The results of a systematic literature search indicate that only a very limited number of studies have arctic pertinence. From the review, it is also indicated that the properties and composition of the residues depend on the efficiency of the burning and the oil type. Furthermore, the studies within the frame of the literature search reach consensus that in situ burning may increase the concentrations of large poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs; high ring number) while reducing small PAHs (low ring number). There are very few toxicity studies of burn residues on aquatic and arctic organisms, and to enhance the knowledge base, more organisms as well as oil types must be studied. Furthermore, there is a lack of studies investigating the potential effect of sinking burn residues on benthic organism and the smothering effects of the more viscous burn residues on birds and other organisms related to the sea surface. More knowledge regarding environmental fate and effect of residues is crucial to complete a robust net environmental benefit analysis prior to an oil spill response operation in arctic waters.
Environmental Research | 2014
Christian Sonne; Lis Bach; Jens Søndergaard; Frank F. Rigét; Rune Dietz; Anders Mosbech; Pall S. Leifsson; Kim Gustavson
The former Black Angel lead-zinc mine in Maarmorilik, West Greenland, is a historic example of how mining activity may result in a significant impact on the surrounding fjord system in terms of elevated concentrations of especially lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in seawater, sediments and surrounding biota. In order to shed light on the present contamination and possible effects in the fjord we initiated a range of studies including a pilot study on gill and liver morphology of common sculpins (Myoxocephalus scorpius) around Maarmorilik. Sculpins were caught and sampled at five different stations known to represent a gradient of Pb concentrations. Fish livers from all specimens were analyzed for relevant elements in the area: Fe, Zn, As, Cu, Se, Cd, Pb, Ag, Hg, Co and Ni. Lead, As and Hg showed significant differences among the five stations. For 20% of the sculpins, Hg concentrations were in the range of lowest observed effect dose (LOED) of 0.1-0.5 μg/g ww for toxic threshold on reproduction and subclinical endpoints. Likewise LOEDs for tissue lesions, LOEDs for biochemistry, growth, survival and reproduction were exceeded for Cd (0.42-1.8 μg/g ww) and for As (11.6 μg/g ww) in 28% and 85% of the sculpins, respectively. Similar to this, the no observed effect dose (NOED) for biochemistry was exceeded for Pb (0.32 μg/g ww) and for growth, mortality and reproduction for Zn (60-68 μg/g ww) in 33% and 24% of the sculpins, respectively. For all sculpins, females were significantly larger than males and for five of the elements (Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Se) females had higher concentrations. The chronic lesions observed in liver (mononuclear cell infiltrates, necrosis, vacuolar hepatocytes, portal fibrosis, bile duct hyperplasia, active melanomacrophage centers) and gills (fusion and edema of secondary lamellae, laminar telangiectasis, mononuclear cell infiltrates, blebs) were similar to those in the literature studies for both wild and laboratory exposed sculpins and other fish species carrying similar or higher Hg concentrations. Ignoring sex and size, specimens with hepatic cell infiltrates had the highest concentrations of most elements, a relation that was also found for gill telangiectasis and Hg (all p < 0.05). When controlling for sex and size, the prevalence of vacuolar hepatocytes and endoparasites was significantly highest at the three most contaminated stations and similar differences were found for liver necrosis. We suggest that beside exposure to mining-related elements, other environmental factors, such as parasites, might be co-factors in the development of the observed liver and gill lesions. Therefore, sculpin liver and gill pathology are likely to be suitable health indicators when biomonitoring gradients of mining and other element related activity effects; while a larger study is required to fully evaluate the relationships.