EcoTroph: Modelling marine ecosystem functioning and impact of fishing

EcoTroph (ET) is a model articulated around the idea that the functioning of aquatic ecosystems may be viewed as a biomass flow moving from lower to higher trophic levels, due to predation and ontogenetic processes. Thus, we show that the ecosystem biomass present at a given trophic level may be estimated from two simple equations, one describing biomass flow, the other their kinetics (which quantifies the velocity of biomass transfers towards top predators). The flow kinetic of prey partly depends on the abundance of their predators, and a top-down equation expressing this is included in the model. Based on these relationships, we simulated the impact on a virtual ecosystem of various exploitation patterns. Specifically, we show that the EcoTroph approach is able to mimic the effects of increased fishing effort on ecosystem biomass expected from theory. Particularly, the model exhibits complex patterns observed in field data, notably cascading effects and ‘fishing down the food web’. EcoTroph also provides diagnostic tools for examining the relationships between catch and fishing effort at the ecosystem scale and the effects of strong top-down controls and fast-flow kinetics on ecosystems resilience. Finally, a dynamic version of the model is derived from the steady-state version, thus allowing simulations of time series of ecosystem biomass and catches. Using this dynamic model, we explore the propagation of environmental variability in the food web, and illustrated how exploitation can induce a decrease of ecosystem stability. The potential for applying EcoTroph to specific ecosystems, based on field data, and similarities between EcoTroph and Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) are finally discussed.     

Aquatic metabolism and ecosystem health assessment using dissolved O2 stable isotope diel curves.

Dissolved O2 concentration and delta18O-O2 diel curves can be combined to assess aquatic photosynthesis, respiration, and metabolic balance, and to disentangle some of the confounding factors associated with interpretation of traditional O2 concentration curves. A dynamic model is used to illustrate how six key environmental and biological parameters interact to affect diel O2 saturation and delta18O-O2 curves, thereby providing a fundamental framework for the use of delta18O-O2 in ecosystem productivity studies. delta18O-O2 provides information unavailable from concentration alone because delta18O-O2 and saturation curves are not symmetrical and can be used to constrain gas exchange and isotopic fractionation by eliminating many common assumptions. Changes in key parameters affect diel O2 saturation and delta18O-O2 curves as follows: (1) an increase in primary production and respiration rates increases the diel range of O2 saturation and delta18O-O2 and decreases the mean delta18O-O2 value; (2) a decrease in the primary production to respiration ratio (P:R) decreases the level of O2 saturation and increases the delta18O-O2 values; (3) an increase in the gas exchange rate decreases the diel range of O2 saturation and delta18O-O2 values and moves the mean O2 saturation and delta18O-O2 values toward atmospheric equilibrium; (4) a decrease in strength of the respiratory isotopic fractionation (alphaR closer to 1) has no effect on O2 saturation and decreases the delta18O-O2 values; (5) an increase in the delta18O of water has no effect on O2 saturation and increases the minimum (daytime) delta18O-O2 value; and (6) an increase in temperature reduces O2 solubility and thus increases the diel range of O2 saturation and delta18O-O2 values. Understanding the interplay between these key parameters makes it easier to decipher the controls on O2 and delta18O-O2, compare aquatic ecosystems, and make quantitative estimates of ecosystem metabolism. The photosynthesis to respiration to gas exchange ratio (P:R:G) is better than the P:R ratio at describing and assessing the vulnerability of aquatic ecosystems under various environmental stressors by providing better constrained estimates of ecosystem metabolism and gas exchange.     

A note on the sufficiency of low resolution ecosystem models

Analysis of a system of non-linear differential equations illustrates the effects of interactions between biotic and abiotic components of a complex aquatic ecosystem model. A stochastic analysis shows that the variance of the abiotic variables is related in a simple manner to the autocorrelation function of the biotic variables. The results suggest that for oligotrophic and eutrophic conditions, relatively simple ecosystem models may be sufficient for studies of an aquatic environment. Under mesotrophic conditions, the high state variable resolution of a complex model may be necessary.     

太湖流域水源地多氯联苯分布特征与污染水平

为系统了解太湖流域主要水源地多氯联苯(PCBs)的污染现状,于2012年3月和6月分别采集水相、悬浮颗粒物和沉积物样品,并利用气相色谱-质谱联用仪(GC-MS)对PCBs的浓度进行了分析。结果表明,3月水相、悬浮颗粒物和沉积物中均未检测出PCBs类物质。6月水相中PCBs质量浓度在ND~1.04 ng·L~(-1)之间,平均值为0.57 ng·L~(-1),悬浮颗粒物和沉积物中PCBs质量浓度分别在0.96~2.72 ng·g-1和0.47~1.29 ng·g-1之间。Aroclor 1016和Aroclor 1260在3种介质中均有检出,且Aroclor1016浓度均为最高。与国内外研究相比较,太湖流域主要水源地PCBs污染水平较低。水相中PCBs浓度水平低于我国地表水环境质量标准;悬浮颗粒物和沉积物中PCBs浓度水平均低于加拿大保护水生环境沉积物化学品风险评价标准的LEL值,说明各样点PCBs对底栖动物无毒性影响。     

五氯酚钠对鲫鱼的急性毒性：悬浮颗粒物的影响

悬浮颗粒物在水生态系统中普遍存在,为了研究悬浮颗粒物对氯酚类化合物生物毒性的影响,以高岭土为模拟悬浮颗粒物,考察了不同浓度的悬浮颗粒物(0、25、50、100、250和500mg·L~(-1))存在条件下五氯酚钠(NaPCP)对鲫鱼(Carassius auratus)的毒性效应。等温吸附实验结果显示,悬浮颗粒物对水体中五氯酚钠的吸附作用不明显(P>0.05)。96h急性毒性实验结果显示,五氯酚钠对鲫鱼的96h-LC_(50)随颗粒物浓度([SS])的增加而减小,两者间的关系为LC_(50)=146.7exp(-[SS]/186.8)+121.7,r~2=0.99。等效线图法评价结果表明,悬浮颗粒物可增强五氯酚钠对鲫鱼的急性毒性,两者呈毒性增加作用。     

2,4,6-三氯酚在模型水生生态系统中的归宿

测定了模型水生生态系统水、底泥中2.4,6-三氯酚(TCP)浓度随时间的变化值,以及TCP从水中挥发、光解、底泥吸附、解吸、微生物降解的速率常数.假设水中TCP的迁移和转化遵循—级速率过程,水中物质平衡能通过数学等式来描述,显示出室系统教学模型能粗略预测模型水生生态系统中TCP浓度随时间的变化.最后,应用该模型预测了排放到天津室外兼性塘中TCP的迁移、归宿,发现15d后出口水中TCP浓度已降低到入口水中浓度的10%     

Application of a coupled ecosystem-chemical equilibrium model, DayCent-Chem, to stream and soil chemistry in a Rocky Mountain watershed

Atmospheric deposition of sulfur and nitrogen species have the potential to acidify terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, but nitrate and ammonium are also critical nutrients for plant and microbial productivity. Both the ecological response and the hydrochemical response to atmospheric deposition are of interest to regulatory and land management agencies. We developed a non-spatial biogeochemical model to simulate soil and surface water chemistry by linking the daily version of the CENTURY ecosystem model (DayCent) with a low temperature aqueous geochemical model, PHREEQC. The coupled model, DayCent-Chem, simulates the daily dynamics of plant production, soil organic matter, cation exchange, mineral weathering, elution, stream discharge, and solute concentrations in soil water and stream flow. By aerially weighting the contributions of separate bedrock/talus and tundra simulations, the model was able to replicate the measured seasonal and annual stream chemistry for most solutes for Andrews Creek in Loch Vale watershed, Rocky Mountain National Park. Simulated soil chemistry, net primary production, live biomass, and soil organic matter for forest and tundra matched well with measurements. This model is appropriate for accurately describing ecosystem and surface water chemical response to atmospheric deposition and climate change.     

Chemodynamische Verteilung lipophiler organischer Schadstoffe in Gewässern

Using a simple chemodynamical model, the distribution of lipophilic organic contaminants between the solid (suspended particulate matter, sediment) and the aquatic phase in waters has been studied. For numerous organic contaminants found in the river Elbe, the partitioning between the solid and aquous phases has been calculated.     

沉积物再悬浮-重金属释放机制研究进展

水-沉积物界面重金属迁移和转化行为已成为水环境质量研究的热点。因自然、生物、人为活动等驱动的沉积物再悬浮使得沉积物颗粒吸附和结合的重金属可能通过吸附-解吸平衡和氧化还原反应而释放进入上覆水体。随着外在污染源输入逐步得到控制,沉积物再悬浮释放重金属将成为水体重要的内在污染源而对水环境质量和水生生物产生影响。本文综述了最近几年的相关研究文献,对沉积物再悬浮的动力来源及发生机制、再悬浮-重金属释放机制及主要影响因素进行了阐述,探讨了该领域未来可能的研究方向。相关研究发现,当干扰切应力大于沉积物的临界切应力值时,沉积物再悬浮发生,且再悬浮颗粒量随干扰切应力的增强而增大;再悬浮使还原态沉积物暴露于有氧环境,有机质和硫化物的氧化是沉积物结合态重金属释放的主要机理,而沉积物颗粒电性吸附的重金属则通过解吸进入水体;切应力大小、再悬浮水体理化性质、沉积物理化性质以及微生物活性等因素调控着沉积物吸附态或结合态重金属的释放。本文指出再悬浮沉积物释放重金属的去向（再分配机理）以及再悬浮-重金属释放的动力学过程、沉积物悬浮-重金属释放复合预测模型的建立、沉积物悬浮-释放重金属的生物可利用性及生物毒害评价将是本领域需要进一步研究的重点。     

Foodweb modeling for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the Twelvemile Creek Arm of Lake Hartwell,South Carolina,USA

PCBs from the Sangamo-Weston Superfund Site near Clemson, South Carolina, USA, were released into the Twelvemile Creek Arm of Lake Hartwell until the early 1990s. Monitoring data have shown that while PCB concentration in sediments declined since 1995, PCB concentrations in fish have remained elevated, e.g., largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) concentrations have ranged from 5 to 10 ppm. The EPA aquatic ecosystem model AQUATOX was applied to this system to better characterize foodweb dynamics that lead to biomagnification of PCBs. The model was calibrated with observed fish biomass data. Simulated PCB loading over a 12-year period provided a reasonable fit to observed PCB data in fish. The model demonstrated that contaminated labile detritus loaded to the system was incorporated into the foodweb rather than deposited, thereby maintaining the PCB concentrations in fish while concentrations in the sediment declined. A dominant PCB pathway was from detritus to daphnia to shad to largemouth bass. Fish PCB concentrations showed moderate sensitivity to toxicant parameters; model runs incorporating uncertainty in these parameters predicted recovery (<2 ppm PCB) for all species in the range of years from 2008 to 2013. The high sensitivity of the model to parameters related to growth strongly affected PCB concentrations in fish and should be considered in future AQUATOX applications.     

Modelling the components of the vertical attenuation of ultraviolet radiation in a wetland lake ecosystem

The extinction of solar UV (290–400 nm) radiation in aquatic ecosystems is a complex phenomena. In this paper, we examine and model the attenuation of UV radiation in a shallow lake ecosystem. In particular we focus our analysis on the specific role of the fractions of dissolved and particulate matter in the water column in the attenuation of radiation. This analysis is aimed by representing the spatial distribution of each fraction making it possible to evidence the spatial variation in habitat quality. In situ and laboratory measurement are used to elaborate a UV attenuation model. The attenuation model distinguishes between the contribution of particulate and dissolved matter in the attenuation of the solar UV flux. In the studied wetland lake (Laguna Iberá, sub-tropical latitude, Argentina) the importance of dissolved matter is dominated in the UVB solar spectrum (290–320 nm) but the effects of the particulate fraction are not negligible, in particular in UVA (320–400 nm). The spatial representation of model results demonstrate the non homogeneous nature between attenuation of the two fractions. Local and global environmental change can have important impacts on dissolved and particulate matter concentrations, which cam have ecological consequences in relation to the high flux of incoming UV radiation. The model developed to examine the relative attenuation of the dissolved and particulate fractions and is a useful instrument to identify the role that these fractions have on the optical characteristics of aquatic ecosystems.     

Toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic modelling in an individual based context—Consequences of parameter variability

Toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic (TKTD) models simulate the time-course of toxicant concentration in the organism and toxicity at the level of the organism. A link between TKTD models that simulate survival and individual based models for populations (IBMs) is proposed which allows TKTD parameters to vary between individuals. The TKTD-IBM predicts different survival in response to toxicants when TKTD parameters vary amongst individuals compared to the survival predicted with fixed TKTD parameters. The model with fixed parameters represents the concept of stochastic death whereas the model with variable parameters behaves, at least partly, according to the individual tolerance distribution concept. The whole set of TKTD parameters of an individual can be interpreted as constituting “individual tolerance”.     

Some stochastic differential equation models of an aquatic ecosystem

A set of stochastic differential equations has been used to model an aquatic ecosystem. The randomness in the system has been introduced through initial conditions of the state variables, parameters, and input variables (light and temperature). These models were analysed using Monte Carlo simulation procedures and the results were similar to those observed in the experimental and field data. They were different, however, from the results of a deterministic simulation. This approach allows us to incorporate the maximum degree of information in the model and to study the behavior of the system without arbitrarily manipulating the values of the parameters. Some possible refinements and generalizations of this approach are also discussed.     

A model of fish growth

A fish model based upon mass balances is set up. Several of the parameters have been determined by experiments. The remaining parameters are based upon literature values and it was not necessray to find any parameter by calibration. The model was validated with a completely acceptable result.The model includes equations giving the fish growth, the production of ammonia and organic matter, the oxygen consumption, and the influence to the temperature.The model can be used for management of fish farms and as a submodel for a total aquatic system.     

Using the expert model PERPEST to translate measured and predicted pesticide exposure data into ecological risks

An important topic in the registration of pesticides and the interpretation of monitoring data is the estimation of the consequences of a certain concentration of a pesticide for the ecology of aquatic ecosystems. Solving these problems requires predictions of the expected response of the ecosystem to chemical stress. Up until now, a dominant approach to come up with such a prediction is the use of simulation models or safety factors. The disadvantage of the use of safety factors is a crude method that does not provide any insight into the concentration–response relationships at the ecosystem level. On the other hand, simulation models also have serious drawbacks like that they are often very complex, lack transparency, their implementation is expensive and there may be a compilation of errors, due to uncertainties in parameters and processes. In this paper, we present the expert model prediction of the ecological risks of pesticides (PERPEST) that overcomes these problems. It predicts the effects of a given concentration of a pesticide based on the outcome of already performed experiments using experimental ecosystems. This has the great advantage that the outcome is more realistic. The paper especially discusses how this model can be used to translate measured and predicted concentrations of pesticides into ecological risks, by taking data on measured and predicted concentrations of atrazine as an example. It is argued that this model can be of great use to evaluate the outcome of chemical monitoring programmes (e.g. performed in the light of the Water Framework Directive) and can even be used to evaluate the effects of mixtures.     

A Method for Assessing Hydrologic Alteration within Ecosystems

Hydrologic regimes play a major role in determining the biotic composition, structure, and function of aquatic, wetland, and riparian ecosystems. But human land and water uses are substantially altering hydrologic regimes around the world. Improved quantitative evaluations of human-induced hydrologic changes are needed to advance research on the biotic implications of hydrologic alteration and to support ecosystem management and restoration plans. We propose a method for assessing the degree of hydrologic alteration attributable to human influence within an ecosystem. This method, referred to as the "Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration," is based upon an analysis of hydrologic data available either from existing measurement points within an ecosystem (such as at stream gauges or wells) or model-generated data. We use 32 parameters, organized into five groups, to statistically characterize hydrologic variation within each year. These 32 parameters provide information on ecologically significant features of surface and ground water regimes influencing aquatic, wetland, and riparian ecosystems. We then assess the hydrologic perturbations associated with activities such as dam operations, flow diversion, groundwater pumping, or intensive land-use conversion by comparing measures of central tendency and dispersion for each parameter between user-defined "pre-impact" and "post-impact" time frames, generating 64 Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration. This method is intended for use with other ecosystem metrics in inventories of ecosystem integrity, in planning ecosystem management activities, and in setting and measuring progress toward conservation or restoration goals.     

汾河太原段有色可溶性有机物吸收特性及来源分析

加强城市河流水体有色可溶性有机物吸收特性及来源方面的研究,对认识和理解人类活动影响下河流有机污染物的行为特征具有重要意义。以汾河太原段为研究对象,探讨了CDOM吸收系数与总悬浮物(TSM)、有机悬浮物(OSM)、无机悬浮物(ISM)、叶绿素(Chla)、总氮(TN)和总磷(TP)等水质指标之间的关系,同时对CDOM的特征指标M值和指数函数曲线斜率S值进行研究。结果表明,(1)不同采样点CDOM吸收系数差异明显,a(440)的变化范围为0.40-1.20m^-1,且越到短波处差异越显著。(2)CDOM吸收与水体营养盐状况相关,CDOM吸收系数与水体TP和TN存在显著正相关;CDOM吸收与水体颗粒物浓度相关,CDOM吸收系数与TSM、ISM和OSM呈显著正相关;但CDOM吸收与Chla不存在显著相关性。(3)汾河太原段夏季水体CDOM主要来源于陆源性有机污染物质的输入,浮游植物新陈代谢及腐烂降解对CDOM的贡献很小。(4)a(440)与M值呈显著负相关,M值与S值呈显著正相关,表明汾河太原段水体腐殖酸的相对含量高于富里酸,相对分子质量较大。(5)增加背景项的指数函数拟合模型精度优于常规指数函数模型,且拟合得到的S值较大,这对分析CDOM的组成和来源具有重要影响。该文对城市河流水体CDOM固有光学特性、组成和来源方面的研究可以提供重要参考,同时也可为城市水体CDOM的遥感估算提供理论依据和数据支撑。     

A model for energetics and bioaccumulation in marine mammals with applications to the right whale.

We present a dynamic energy budget (DEB) model for marine mammals, coupled with a pharmacokinetic model of a lipophilic persistent toxicant. Inputs to the model are energy availability and lipid-normalized toxicant concentration in the environment. The model predicts individual growth, reproduction, bioaccumulation, and transfer of energy and toxicant from mothers to their young. We estimated all model parameters for the right whale; with these parameters, reduction in energy availability increases the age at first parturition, increases intervals between reproductive events, reduces the organisms' ability to buffer seasonal fluctuations, and increases its susceptibility to temporal shifts in the seasonal peak of energy availability. Reduction in energy intake increases bioaccumulation and the amount of toxicant transferred from mother to each offspring. With high energy availability, the toxicant load of offspring decreases with birth order. Contrary to expectations, this ordering may be reversed with lower energy availability. Although demonstrated with parameters for the right whale, these relationships between energy intake and energetics and pharmacokinetics of organisms are likely to be much more general. Results specific to right whales include energy assimilation estimates for the North Atlantic and southern right whale, influences of history of energy availability on reproduction, and a relationship between ages at first parturition and calving intervals. Our model provides a platform for further analyses of both individual and population responses of marine mammals to pollution, and to changes in energy availability, including those likely to arise through climate change.     

From single fine roots to a black alder forest ecosystem: How system behaviour emerges from single component activities

Based on empirical findings in a natural black alder ecosystem in Northern Germany we developed an individual based model that integrates components of a black alder ecosystem interacting on different levels of organisation. The factors determining seasonal fine root biomass development of forest ecosystems are not yet fully understood.We used an object oriented model approach to investigate this complex matter for black alder trees. Processes like growth, storage, respiration, transport, nutrient mineralisation and uptake as well as interactions among these factors are described on the level of functionally differentiated plant organs (fine roots, coarse roots, stem, branches, leaves) and soil units. The object structure of the model is determined by spatial relations between plant modules as well as between plant modules and their local environment modules.As results of model application we found that (i) on the organ level, spatio-temporal plasticity of (root) growth allocation is related to spatio-temporal variation of resource availability, (ii) on the plant level, balanced root:shoot growth appears in response to variation of available resources light and nutrients, (iii) on the population level, tree stand development (population structure, self-thinning) resulted from coexistence and competition between plant individuals.For the understanding of the root compartment it seems relevant that the model implementation of local scale fine root dynamics is consistent with a self-organised large scale spatial heterogeneity of fine root activity pattern. On the other hand, fine-root dynamics cannot be explained as a result of autonomous dynamics. A reference to above-ground processes is a necessary condition and the overall plant seems to act as an integrator providing boundary conditions for local activity pattern. At the same time fine-root characteristics are of some importance for properties on hierarchically higher levels, e.g. co-existence in a tree population or element cycling in the ecosystem.As a conclusion, modelling of the spatio-temporal dynamics of tree root systems appears as a paradigmatic example of scale and organisation level integrating processes.     

Heavy metals and pesticides in anuran spawn and tadpoles,water, and sediment

High concentrations of metals (cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc) and of lindane were measured in the sediment and in the spawn and tadpoles of Bufo bufo, Rana dalmatina, and Rana ridibunda from two Austrian locations. Residues in spawn suggest maternal transfer. Increase of the metal concentrations from spawn to advanced tadpole stage is explained by the larval microphaguous feeding habits which cause high exposition of the tadpoles to substances concentrating in sediments and suspended particles. Metal and pesticide concentrations in spawn and tadpoles are toxic to various other aquatic organisms and are furthermore considered to be potentially hazardous to the anurans themselves. The results are conform with world‐wide observations of contamination of anuran larvae with heavy metals, and prove the significance of non‐point source chemical exposure due to allochthonous toxicant input by wind load and precipitation.