Actual litter decomposition rates in salt marshes measured using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy

Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) has been widely applied as a holistic tool to investigate decomposition processes in terrestrial ecosystems. The objectives of this research were to determine the potential of NIRS to predict (1) the halophytic litter chemistry (i.e., carbon and nitrogen content) during decomposition, and (2) the stage of decomposition of halophytic litter. Decomposition experiments were conducted in the laboratory with microcosms placed under a wide range of physical characteristics and in the field with litterbags located along the elevation gradient (i.e., low to upper marsh). Microcosm experiments were used to calibrate the predictive equations. These calibration equations were then applied to the field data to test their capacity to predict %C, %N, and litter mass loss (LML). NIRS can be successfully applied to predict chemical composition of halophyte litter during decomposition processes. We hypothesized that the use of litterbags in the field might lead to a 20–40% overestimation of the decay rate as fine organic debris are lost through the meshes of the litterbags. NIRS can be used as a fast and nondestructive method to more accurately predict decay rates, and thus microbial consumption in aquatic environments.     

Microbial activity profiles in Tagus estuary salt marsh sediments

This study provides some results about microbial activity in salt marsh sediments. Microbial activity was determined by profiling extracellular enzyme activities in three Tagus estuary marshes and in two sediments horizons: surface layer (0–2 cm) and depth (8–10 cm). Five enzymatic activities were examined (β-glucosidase, cellulase, alkaline phosphatase, potential nitrification and nitrate reductase). All extracellular enzymatic activities were highest in the surface layer and decreased with depth. β-glucosidase and alkaline phosphatase prevailed both in surface sediments (1150 and 1200 ηmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹, respectively) and in deeper sediments (150 and 200 ηmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹, respectively). Microbial activities differed significantly between salt marshes. The marsh location in the estuary seemed to contribute to these differences: marshes located in the proximity of urbanised and industrial areas had higher microbial activities.     

Estuarine gradients and the growth and development of Agapanthia villosoviridescens, (Coleoptera), a stem-borer of the salt marsh halophyte Aster tripolium

Summary Phytophagous insects of estuarine salt marshes which live inside their host plants are not directly exposed to estuarine gradients. Host plant quality, however, may change along the estuary as a result of the direct effects of these gradients; as a consequence growth and development of endophagous insects may be influenced. The results of a study of the life cycle of Agapanthia villosoviridescens (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae), a stem-borer of the halophyte Aster tripolium, on three salt marshes along the Westerschelde estuary (the Netherlands) are in line with this hypothesis. It was shown that in upstream direction (1) mean larval weights were consistently higher during the entire period of larval development; (2) the percentage of late instars on a given sampling date generally was higher; (3) the percentage of larvae which underwent successful metamorphosis increased. Furthermore, (4) dry weight of the imagos was highest on the least saline marsh. The effects of estuarine gradients on the Aster host plants was indicated by differences in growth and chloride content between the populations of the three marshes. The non-overlapping geographic distribution of Agapanthia villosoviridescens and its host plant Aster tripolium on the Westerschelde salt marshes may be related to the effects of estuarine gradients on the suitability of the host plant.     

Decomposition in salt marsh ecosystems of the S.W. Netherlands: the effects of biotic and abiotic factors

Decomposition rates, determined with the litterbag technique in salt marshes of the S.W. Netherlands during the past decade are compared; the biotic and abiotic factors influencing these rates are identified and discussed.Tissue composition is the main variable affecting decay rates of halophytes, particularly variations in lignin content between plant parts and between species.Experiments in which the loss of the tensile strength of cotton strips was used as an index of cellulolytic decay, show that there is a conspicuous variation in decay rates on different sites in a salt marsh. Nonetheless, the locally varying environmental conditions within salt marshes of the S.W. Netherlands have less impact on the variation in decomposition rates of halophyte litter than the chemical make-up of the plant material.Larger fauna elements (> 300 m) may increase decomposition rates, but this effect is only limited and depends on location and litter type. The role of small fauna elements such as nematodes, which occur abundantly in association with halophyte litter, remains largely unknown.     

Vegetation analysis of the Mediterranean region of Nile Delta

Thirty-four vegetation clusters identified in the present study, after the application of TWINSPAN and DCA multivariate techniques, were assigned into 8 vegetation types, each of definite vegetation and habitat characters. The suggested vegetation types are well segregated along the DCA axis one which reflects soil moisture, salinity (as indicated by EC values), fertility (as indicated by the organic matter and nitrogen contents) and species diversity gradients. In general, soil moisture and soil fertility increase and species diversity decreases with the following sequence of vegetation types:Echinops spinosissimus-Ononis serrata on inland sand dunes,Pancratium maritimum on coastal sand dunes,Halocnemum strobilaceum-Salsola kali in saline sand deposits,Atriplex halimus-Chenopodium murale along the terraces and slopes of drains,Arthrocnemum glaucum-Tamarix nilotica in salt marshes,Chenopodium murale along the slopes of drains,Phragmites australis along the littoral zones of drains, andLemna gibba-Potamogeton crispus in the water zone. This sequence reflects also a gradient of human interference, starting with the vegetation of the less disturbed habitats (sand dunes and saline sand deposits) and ending with the fully man-made habitats (drain zones).     

The burrowing crab Neohelice granulata affects the root strategies of the cordgrass Spartina densiflora in SW Atlantic salt marshes

Salt marshes are among the most productive systems of the world, with plant primary production limited by soil oxygen deficiency and nutrient availability. Nevertheless, root adaptations to anoxia and nutrient acquisition are different and often incompatible. The SW Atlantic salt marshes are characterized by high densities of the deep (up to 1 m) burrowing crab Neohelice granulata (Dana, 1851) that may change soil physical and chemical characteristics by burrow construction. In this work, we experimentally evaluated the hypothesis that crab burrowing can enhance soil oxygenation, causing changes in Spartina densiflora Brongniart below ground tissues from structures adapted to anoxia to systems adapted for nutrient acquisition. This response, in turn, would enhance plant productivity. Results from field observations show that oxygen availability is higher in zones with high burrow densities. As burrow densities increased, the plant root distribution changed from shallow (associated to low oxygen availability) to deeper and vertically homogeneous, with a positive correlation between burrow density and plant aboveground biomass. Experimental exclusion of crabs shows that they induce changes of root strategies from anoxia toleration to nutrient efficient acquisition, with increasing plant productivity. The invasive success that this plant shows in other parts of the world is likely to be due to their ability to tolerate harsh environmental conditions. Our results suggest that the morphological plasticity of S. densiflora is also important in their native zone given the characteristics of their specific habitat.     

Avian genetic ecotoxicology： DNA of the canary in a coalmine

Genotoxic chemicals, through damage and alteration of the genetic material of wild organisms, pose significant threats to the persistence of wild animal populations. Their damaging effects can ultimately impair the health of the ecosystem and its provision of services to human society. Bird species are good candidates for the role of sentinels of the effects of genotoxins, thanks to （i） the diversity of their ecological niches, （ii） their ubiquity across environments, （iii） their conspicuousness, abundance and approachability, together with （iv） their well-known life histories and the availability of historical data series. Avian diversity increases the likelihood that adequate model species be available for monitoring genotoxicants and assessing their impact. This paper reviews the methods utilized by genetic ecotoxicological studies of wild birds, highlighting their benefits and shortcomings. It also summarizes the genetic ecotoxicological studies so far conducted. In spite of a paucity of studies, several classes of genotoxicants have already been investigated across a variety of species and environments, thus supporting the versatility of birds as monitors of genotoxic contamination. Future technical advancements and applications are suggested, with par- ticular reference to the analysis of mutational events, gene expression and methylation patterns. Finally, I argue that the development of avian genetic ecotoxicology will contribute to the understanding of natural variation in the underlying machinery for coping with DNA damage and oxidative stress, both of which are increasingly recognized as proximate factors in the evolution of life history adaptations [Current Zoology 60 （2）： 285-298, 2014].     

中国盐沼湿地蓝碳碳汇研究进展

滨海蓝碳主要指被红树林、盐沼湿地、海草床等蓝碳生态系统所固定的碳,这部分碳对于减缓气候变暖意义重大。其中盐沼湿地作为我国面积最大、分布广泛的滨海湿地,受到人类活动的扰动较多,其碳汇估算的数据缺乏系统性与完整性。通过收集我国的盐沼湿地相关研究与数据,本文对我国盐沼湿地的分布现状及其碳储量、碳埋藏、碳来源、温室气体通量进行了总结,其中我国盐沼湿地的分布面积为(1.27~3.43)×10⁵hm²,总碳储量为(7.5±0.6) Tg,碳埋藏速率为7~955 g C/(m²·a),非CO₂温室气体通量分别为23.6~986 μg CH₄/(m²·h)和1.58~110 μg N₂O/(m²·h)。本文系统梳理了有关我国盐沼湿地碳汇功能的研究,指出我国盐沼湿地碳循环研究仍需加深对机制机理的解析和关键调控因子的探究,以期让盐沼湿地蓝碳为我国的碳达峰与碳中和战略做出更大贡献。     

Spectroscopic properties of sedimentary humic acids from a salt marsh (Ria de Aveiro, Portugal): comparison of sediments colonized by Halimione portulacoides (L.) Aellen and non-vegetated sediments

The influence of the colonization of salt marsh sediments with Halimione portulacoides, on the composition of the sedimentary humic acids was evaluated. For this purpose, cores of colonized and non-colonized sediments from a salt marsh in Ria de Aveiro (Portugal) were collected, and the humic acids of different layers were extracted and characterized by Fourier transform infrared, synchronous molecular fluorescence ( = 60 nm) and UV-visible spectroscopies and also by elemental analysis. The infrared spectra suggest the presence of more peptide residues and carbohydrates in the sedimentary humic acids from surface and around the plant roots at the site colonized by H. portulacoides, when compared with the humic acids from the depth-equivalent sediment layers at the non-colonized site. The higher content of protein-type materials is confirmed by the lowest values of C/N ratios and the highest relative intensities of a band at _exc = 280 nm in the fluorescence spectra. The lowest ₂₈₀ values obtained in the UV-visible spectra, and the infrared spectra suggest a lower aromatic content of the humic acids from the colonized site.     

Geographic variation among Iberian communities of the exotic halophyte Cotula coronopifolia

The exotic annual forb Cotula coronopifolia has locally invaded salt marsh communities naturally dominated by Spergularia marina along large parts of the Iberian coastline. While the floristic composition of C. coronopifolia dominated communities on the Atlantic coast of northern Portugal has already been described, this information was missing for the southern part of the country. We carried out a phytosociological study at 21 sites along the south-western and southern coast of mainland Portugal to determine the ecology and syntaxonomical status of these communities, and to compare them to the Atlantic ones. Plant communities co-dominated by C. coronopifolia and S. marina were generally found in the sub-halophilous inner part of salt marshes. They occupied gaps within taller perennial vegetation (Juncus maritimus formations), such as small pools temporarily inundated with brackish waters. Southern communities differed from the northern ones by the high abundance of Triglochin barrelieri and the absence of salt-intolerant species that are present in the Atlantic communities. This difference may result from the drier summer climate in southern regions, leading to intense water evaporation and thus, more saline conditions. We propose to classify the Mediterranean communities in a new association, the Cotulo coronopifoliae–Triglochinetum barrelieri. High abundance of Limonium diffusum further allowed the distinction of a new subassociation limonietosum diffusi for the southernmost part of Portugal. Results show that invasive exotic plants can form new phytosociological associations with a characteristic species composition, but that these community types, despite being dominated by the same invader, still show ecological and geographical differentiation.     

Long-term response of fishes and other fauna to restoration of former salt hay farms: multiple measures of restoration success

This synthesis brings together published and unpublished data in an evaluation of restoration of former salt hay farms to functioning salt marshes. We compared nine years of field measurements between three restored marshes (Dennis, Commercial, and Maurice River Townships) and a reference marsh (Moores Beach) in the mesohaline portion of Delaware Bay. In the process, we compared channel morphology, geomorphology, vegetation, sediment organic matter, fish assemblages, blue crabs, horseshoe crabs, benthic infauna, and diamondback terrapins. For fishes we compared structural (distribution, abundance) and functional (feeding, growth, survival, reproduction, production) aspects to evaluate the restored marshes in an Essential Fish Habitat context. Marsh vegetation and drainage density responded gradually and positively with restored marshes approximating the state of the reference marsh within the nine-year study period. The fauna responded more quickly and dramatically with most measures equal or greater in the restored marshes within the first one or two years after restoration. Differences in response time between the vegetation and the fauna imply that the faunal response was more dependent on access to the shallow intertidal marsh surface and intertidal and subtidal creeks than on characteristics of the vegetated marsh. The fishes in created subtidal creeks in restored marshes responded immediately and maintained fish assemblages similar to the reference marsh over the study period. The intertidal creek fish assemblages tended to become more like the reference marsh in the last years of the comparison. Overall, these results document the success of the restoration and how marshes function for both resident and transient fauna, especially fishes.     

Enzyme activity in intertidal sands and salt-marsh soils

Summary Arylsulphatase activity was detected and characterized in intertidal sands and salt-marsh soils. In sands, highest activity was found in the rhizosphere ofHippophae rhamnoides L; although low activity was also found near Ammophila roots and in sands lacking plant-cover. Highest arylsulphatase activities, however, occurred in salt-marsh soils underSalicornia sp. Properties of arylsulphatase were similar in nearly all respects, to those reported for soil and marine sediment arylsulphatase.Linearity between amount of sand or salt-marsh soil and cellulase and rhodanese activities were also demonstrated, but no attempt was made to further characterise these enzymes.     

Fish community responses to ecosystem stressors in coastal estuarine wetlands: a functional basis for wetlands management and restoration

Functional responses of estuarine fish species to environmental perturbations such as wetland impoundment, changes in water quality, and sediment accretion are investigated. The study focuses on the feeding, growth and habitat use by California killifish (Fundulus parvipinnis), topsmelt (Antherinops affinis), and juvenile California halibut (Paralichthys californicus) in impacted coastal wetlands to provide an ecological basis for guidance on the management and restoration of these ecosystems. The ecology of California killifish, Fundulus parvipinnis, is closely tied with the marsh surface, which they access at high tide to feed and grow. Field estimates of food consumption show that killifish can increase their food intake by two-fold to five-fold by adding marsh surface foods to their diet. Bioenergetics modeling predicts that killifish can grow over an order of magnitude faster if they add intertidal marsh surfaces to their subtidal feeding areas. Tidal inlet closures and increased marsh surface elevations due to sediment accretion can restrict killifish access to the marsh surface, affecting its growth and fitness. An open tidal inlet and tidal creek networks that allow killifish to access the marsh at high tide must be incorporated into the restoration design. Topsmelt and California halibut are also adversely affected by tidal inlet closures. Food consumption rates of topsmelt are 50% lower when the tidal inlet is closed, compared to when the estuary is tidally-flushed. Tidal inlet closures inadvertently induce variations in water temperature and salinity and negatively affect growth of juvenile California halibut. Tidal creek networks which consist of channels and creeks of various orders are also important to halibut. Large halibut (>200 mm TL) inhabit deeper, high order channels for thermal refuge, while small halibut (<120 mm TL) are abundant in lower order channels where they can feed on small-sized prey which are typically less abundant in high order channels. Maintaining an open tidal inlet, implementing sediment management programs and designing coastal wetlands with tidal creek networks adjacent to intertidal salt marsh habitat (for fish access) are key elements that need to be considered during the planning and implementation of coastal wetland restoration projects.     

The role of zooplankton in the ecological succession of plankton and benthic algae across a salinity gradient in the Shark Bay solar salt ponds

The relatively low biodiversity and simple hydrodynamics make solar salt ponds ideal sites for ecological studies. We have studied the ecological gradient of the primary ponds at the Shark Bay Resources solar salt ponds, Western Australia, using a coupled hydrodynamic ecological numerical model, DYRESM–CAEDYM. Seven ponds representative of the primary system were simulated with salinity ranging from 45 to 155 ppt. Five groups of organisms were simulated: three phytoplankton, one microbial mat plankton, and one zooplankton as well as dissolved inorganic and particulate organic nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon. By extracting the various carbon fluxes from the model, we determined the role that the introduced zooplankton, Artemia sp., plays in grazing the particulate organic carbon (POC) from the water column in the high salinity ponds. We also examined the nutrient fluxes and stoichiometric ratios of the various organic components for each pond to establish the extent to which observed patterns in nutrient dynamics are mediated by the presence of Artemia sp. Model results indicated that Artemia sp. grazing was responsible for reduced water column POC in the higher salinity ponds. This resulted in an increase in photosynthetic available radiation (PAR) reaching the pond floor and consequent increase in microbial mat biomass, thus demonstrating the dual benefits of Artemia sp. to salt production in improved quality and quantity. In contrast, this study found no direct link between Artemia sp. and observed changes in planktonic algal species composition or nutrient limitation across the salinity gradient of the ponds. Guest Editors: J. John & B. Timms Salt Lake Research: Biodiversity and Conservation—Selected Papers from the 9th Conference of the International Society for Salt Lake Research