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Peer-reviewed Publications |
2009 |
Fertig BM, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC, Jones AB, Pantus F, Longstaff B (2009) Oyster and Macroalgae Bioindicators Detect Elevated delta N-15 in Maryland's Coastal Bays. Estuaries Coasts 32(4):773–786
Abstract: Nitrogen loading from anthropogenic sources, including fertilizer, manure, and sewage effluents, has been linked with declining water quality in coastal lagoons worldwide. Freshwater inputs to mid-Atlantic coastal lagoons of the USA are from terrestrially influenced sources: groundwater and overland flow via streams and agricultural ditches, with occasional precipitation events. Stable nitrogen isotopes ratios (delta N-15) in bioindicator species combined with conventional water quality monitoring were used to assess nitrogen sources and provide insights into their origins. Water quality data revealed that nutrients derived from terrestrial sources increased after precipitation events. Tissues from two bioindicator species, a macroalgae (Gracilaria sp.) and the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) were analyzed for delta N-15 to determine spatial and temporal patterns of nitrogen sources. A broad-scale survey assessment of deployed macroalgae (June 2004) detected regions of elevated delta N-15. Macroalgal delta N-15 (7.33 +/- 1.15aEuro degrees in May 2006 and 6.76 +/- 1.15aEuro degrees in July 2006) responded quickly to sustained June 2006 nutrient pulse, but did not detect spatial patterns at the fine scale. Oyster delta N-15 (8.51 +/- 0.89aEuro degrees) responded slowly over longer time periods and exhibited a slight gradient at the finer spatial scale. Overall, elevated delta N-15 values in macroalgae and oysters were used to infer that human and animal wastes were important nitrogen sources in some areas of Maryland's coastal bays. Different nitrogen integration periods across multiple organisms may be used to indicate nitrogen sources at various spatial and temporal scales, which will help focus nutrient management.
Keywords: Stable nitrogen isotopes;Coastal lagoons;Human and animal wastes;Biological indicators;Water quality;Spatial analysis
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2008 |
Bricker SB, Longstaff BJ, Dennison WC, Jones AB, Boicourt KE, Wicks EC, Woerner J (2008) Effects of nutrient enrichment in the nation's estuaries: A decade of change. Harmful Algae 8(1):21–32
Abstract: An updated assessment of nutrient related impacts in US estuaries was completed in 2007. This assessment evaluates three components for each estuary: the influencing factors (e.g. land use, nutrient loads), the overall eutrophic condition (e.g. chlorophyll a, presence of nuisance/toxic algae and macroalgae, extent of dissolved oxygen problems, loss of submerged aquatic vegetation), and future outlook. Eutrophication is a widespread problem with 65% of assessed systems showing moderate to high level problems. The most impacted region was the mid-Atlantic. The majority of estuaries assessed, with the exception of North Atlantic systems (Cape Cod north to Maine), are highly influenced by human related activities that contribute to land-based nutrient loads. Conditions were predicted to worsen in 65% and to improve in 19% of the assessed estuaries in the future. Analysis of the extent of change from the early 1990s to the early 2000s, for those systems for which sufficient data were available, shows that conditions mostly remained the same (32 of 58 systems) though changes were observed in several smaller systems; 13 systems improved and 13 systems worsened. Chlorophyll a and HAB impacts have increased in the mid-Atlantic region, the only region with data adequate for comparison. These symptoms are more prevalent in systems with longer residence times, such as coastal lagoons. The successful restoration of seagrass in Tampa Bay is encouraging though future management to sustain the recovery will be difficult given expected population increases. This national assessment illustrates the need for coordinated and integrated action that balances management action, efficient monitoring to assess the effectiveness of the management, focused research, and a communication campaign aimed at engaging the broader community.
Keywords: Algae; Dissolved oxygen; Eutrophication; Nitrogen; HABs; Nutrients; Submerged aquatic vegetation
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2005 |
Costanzo SD, Udy J, Longstaff BJ, Jones AB (2005) Using nitrogen stable isotope ratios (δ15N) of macroalgae to determine the effectiveness of sewage upgrades: changes in the extent of sewage plumes over four years in Moreton Bay, Australia. Marine Pollution Bulletin 51(1-4):212–217
Abstract: Nitrogen loading to aquatic ecosystems from sewage is recognised worldwide as a growing problem. The use of nitrogen stable isotopes as a means of discerning sewage nitrogen in the environment has been used annually by the Ecosystem Health Monitoring Program in Moreton Bay (Australia) since 1997 when the technique was first developed. This (“sewage plume mapping”) technique, which measures the δ15N isotopic signature of the red macroalga Catenella nipae after incubation in situ, has demonstrated a large reduction in the magnitude and spatial extent of sewage nitrogen within Moreton Bay over the past 5 years. This observed reduction coincides with considerable upgrades to the nitrogen removal efficacy at several sewage treatment plants within the region. This paper describes the observed changes and evaluates whether they can be attributed to the treatment upgrades. (c) 2004 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Keywords: nitrogen; sewage; monitor; stable isotopes; macroalgae; Moreton Bay;; Australia; physiological-responses; atmosphere; abundance; pollution; effluent;; mangrove; standard; impacts; growth; shrimp
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2004 |
Heil CA, Chaston K, Jones AB, Bird P, Longstaff BJ, Costanzo SD, Dennison WC (2004) Benthic microalgae in coral reef sediments of the southern Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Coral Reefs 23(3):336–343
Abstract: The abundance and productivity of benthic microalgae in coral reef sediments are poorly known compared with other, more conspicuous (e.g. coral zooxanthellae, macroalgae) primary producers of coral reef habitats. A survey of the distribution, biomass, and productivity of benthic microalgae on a platform reef flat and in a cross-shelf transect in the southern Great Barrier Reef indicated that benthic microalgae are ubiquitous, abundant (up to 995.0 mg chlorophyll (chl) a m(-2)), and productive (up to 110 mg O-2 m(-2) h(-1)) components of the reef ecosystem. Concentrations of benthic microalgae, expressed as chlorophyll a per surface area, were approximately 100-fold greater than the integrated water column concentrations of microalgae throughout the region. Benthic microalgal biomass was greater on the shallow water platform reef than in the deeper waters of the cross-shelf transect. In both areas the benthic microalgal communities had a similar composition, dominated by pennate diatoms, dinoflagellates, and cyanobacteria. Benthic microalgal populations were potentially nutrient-limited, based on responses to nitrogen and phosphorus enrichments in short-term (7-day) microcosm experiments. Benthic microalgal productivity, measured by O-2 evolution, indicated productive communities responsive to light and nutrient availability. The benthic microalgal concentrations observed (92-995 mg chl a m(-2)) were high relative to other reports, particularly compared with temperate regions. This abundance of productive plants in both reef and shelf sediments in the southern Great Barrier Reef suggests that benthic microalgae are key components of coral reef ecosystems.
Keywords: benthic microalgae; microphytobenthos; tropical; carbonate; chlorophyll; water marine habitats; ecological role; secret garden; nutrient flux;; microphytobenthos; lagoon; productivity; nitrogen; estuary; atoll
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2003 |
Burford MA, Costanzo SD, Dennison WC, Jackson CJ, Jones AB, McKinnon AD, Preston NP, Trott LA (2003) A synthesis of dominant ecological processes in intensive shrimp ponds and adjacent coastal environments in NE Australia. Marine Pollution Bulletin 46(11):1456–1469
Abstract: One of the key environmental concerns about shrimp farming is the discharge of waters with high levels of nutrients and suspended solids into adjacent waterways. In this paper we synthesize the results of our multidisciplinary research linking ecological processes in intensive shrimp ponds with their downstream impacts in tidal, mangrove-lined creeks. The incorporation of process measurements and bioindicators, in addition to water quality measurements, improved our understanding of the effect of shrimp farm discharges on the ecological health of the receiving water bodies. Changes in water quality parameters were an oversimplification of the ecological effects of water discharges, and use of key measures including primary production rates, phytoplankton responses to nutrients, community shifts in zooplankton and delta(15)N ratios in marine plants have the potential to provide more integrated and robust measures. Ultimately, reduction in nutrient discharges is most likely to ensure the future sustainability of the industry. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: aquaculture; impacts; sustainability; bioindicators; nutrients;; ecosystem processes; water-quality; mangrove creeks; farm effluent; fresh-water;; phytoplankton biomass; north queensland; prey selection; tidal creek;; nitrogen; sediments
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2002 |
Jones AB, Preston NP, Dennison WC (2002) The efficiency and condition of oysters and macroalgae used as biological filters of shrimp pond effluent. Aquaculture Research 33(1):1–19
Abstract: Current shrimp pond management practices generally result in elevated concentrations of nutrients, suspended solids, bacteria and phytoplankton compared with the influent water. Concerns about adverse environmental impacts caused by discharging pond effluent directly into adjacent waterways have prompted the search for cost-effective methods of effluent treatment. One potential method of effluent treatment is the use of ponds or raceways stocked with plants or animals that act as natural biofilters by removing waste nutrients. In addition to improving effluent water quality prior to discharge, the use of natural biofilters provides a method for capturing otherwise wasted nutrients. This study examined the potential of the native oyster, Saccostrea commercialis (Iredale and Roughley) and macroalgae, Gracilaria edulis (Gmelin) Silva to improve effluent water quality from a commercial Penaeus japonicus (Bate) shrimp farm, A system of raceways was constructed to permit recirculation of the effluent through the oysters to maximize the filtration of bacteria, phytoplankton and total suspended solids. A series of experiments was conducted to test the ability of oysters and macroalgae to improve effluent water quality in a flow-through system compared with a recirculating system. In the flow-through system, oysters reduced the concentration of bacteria to 35% of the initial concentration, chlorophyll a to 39%, total particulates (2.28-35.2 mum) to 29%, total nitrogen to 66% and total phosphorus to 56%. Under the recirculating flow regime, the ability of the oysters to improve water quality was significantly enhanced. After four circuits, total bacterial numbers were reduced to 12%, chlorophyll a to 4%, and total suspended solids to 16%. Efforts to increase biofiltration by adding additional layers of oyster trays and macroalgae-filled mesh bags resulted in fouling of the lower layers causing the death of oysters and senescence of macroalgae. Supplementary laboratory experiments were designed to examine the effects of high effluent concentrations of suspended particulates on the growth and condition of oysters and macroalgae. The results demonstrated that high concentrations of particulates inhibited growth and reduced the condition of oysters and macroalgae. Allowing the effluent to settle before biofiltration improved growth and reduced signs of stress in the oysters and macroalgae. A settling time of 6 h reduced particulates to a level that prevented fouling of the oysters and macroalgae.
Keywords: biofiltration; macroalgae; oysters; particulates; fouling; condition;; efficiency; shrimp effluent; marine fishpond effluents; ulva-lactuca biofilters; water-quality;; fluorescence measurements; photosynthetic oxygen; crassostrea-gigas;; filtration-rate; nitrogen-source; ammonium uptake; pacific oyster
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2001 |
Jones AB, Dennison WC, Preston NP (2001) Integrated treatment of shrimp effluent by sedimentation, oyster filtration and macroalgal absorption: a laboratory scale study. Aquaculture 193(1-2):155–178
Abstract: Effluent water from shrimp ponds typically contains elevated concentrations of dissolved nutrients and suspended particulates compared to influent water. Attempts to improve effluent water quality using filter feeding bivalves and macroalgae to reduce nutrients have previously been hampered by the high concentration of clay particles typically found in untreated pond effluent. These particles inhibit feeding in bivalves and reduce photosynthesis in macroalgae by increasing effluent turbidity. In a small-scale laboratory study, the effectiveness of a three-stage effluent treatment system was investigated. In the first stage, reduction in particle concentration occurred through natural sedimentation. In the second stage, filtration by the Sydney rock oyster, Saccostrea commercialis (Iredale and Roughley), further reduced the concentration of suspended particulates, including inorganic particles, phytoplankton, bacteria, and their associated nutrients. In the final stage, the macroalga, Gracilaria edulis (Gmelin) Silva, absorbed dissolved nutrients. Pond effluent was collected from a commercial shrimp farm, taken to an indoor culture facility and was left to settle for 24 h. Subsamples of water were then transferred into laboratory tanks stocked with oysters and maintained for 24 h, and then transferred to tanks containing macroalgae for another 24 h. Total suspended solid (TSS), chlorophyll a, total nitrogen (N), total phosphorus (P), NH4+, NO3-, and PO43-, and bacterial numbers were compared before and after each treatment at: 0 h (initial); 24 h (after sedimentation); 48 h (after oyster filtration); 72 h (after macroalgal absorption). The combined effect of the sequential treatments resulted in significant reductions in the concentrations of all parameters measured. High rates of nutrient regeneration were observed in the control tanks, which did not contain oysters or macroalgae. Conversely, significant reductions in nutrients and suspended particulates after sedimentation and biological treatment were observed. Overall, improvements in water quality (final percentage of the initial concentration) were as follows: TSS (12%); total N (28%); total P (14%); NH4+ (76%); NO3- (30%); PO43-(35%); bacteria (30%); and chlorophyll a (0.7%). Despite the probability of considerable differences in sedimentation, filtration and nutrient uptake rates when scaled to farm size, these results demonstrate that integrated treatment has the potential to significantly improve water quality of shrimp farm effluent. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: biofiltration; macroalgae; oysters; polyculture; sedimentation; shrimp; effluent; clam mercenaria-mercenaria; gracilaria-tikvahiae;; crassostrea-virginica; cladophora-vagabunda; nitrogen-source; ammonium; uptake; mytilus-edulis; nitrate uptake; carbon; biodeposition
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Jones AB, O'Donohue MJ, Udy J, Dennison WC (2001) Assessing ecological impacts of shrimp and sewage effluent: Biological indicators with standard water quality analyses. Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science 52(1):91–109
Abstract: Despite evidence linking shrimp farming to several cases of environmental degradation, there remains a lack of ecologically meaningful information about the impacts of effluent on receiving waters. The aim of this study was to determine the biological impact of shrimp farm effluent, and to compare and distinguish its impacts from treated sewage effluent. Analyses included standard water quality/sediment parameters, as well as biological indicators including tissue nitrogen (N) content, stable isotope ratio of nitrogen (delta N-15) and amino acid composition of inhabitant seagrasses, mangroves and macroalgae. The study area consisted of two tidal creeks, one receiving effluent from a sewage treatment plant and the other from an intensive shrimp farm. The creeks discharged into the western side of Moreton Bay, a sub-tropical coastal embayment on the east coast of Australia. Characterization of water quality revealed significant differences between the creeks, and with unimpacted eastern Moreton Bay. The sewage creek had higher concentrations of dissolved nutrients (predominantly NO3-/NO2- and PO43-, compared to NH4+ in the shrimp creek). In contrast, the shrimp creek was more turbid and had higher phytoplankton productivity. Beyond 750 m from the creek mouths, water quality parameters were indistinguishable from eastern Moreton Bay values. Biological indicators detected significant impacts up to 4 km beyond the creek mouths (reference site). Elevated plant delta N-15 values ranged from 10.4-19.6 parts per thousand at the site of sewage discharge to 2.9-4.5 parts per thousand at the reference site. The free amino acid concentration and composition of seagrass and macroalgae was used to distinguish between the uptake of sewage and shrimp derived N. Proline (seagrass) and serine (macroalgae) were high in sewage impacted plants and glutamine (seagrass) and alanine (macroalgae) were high in plants impacted by shrimp effluent. The delta N-15 isotopic signatures and free amino acid composition of inhabitant flora indicated that sewage N extended further from the creek mouths than shrimp N. The combination of physical/chemical and biological indicators used in this study was effective in distinguishing the composition and subsequent impacts of aquaculture and sewage effluent on the receiving waters. (C) 2001 Academic Press.
Keywords: aquaculture; shrimp effluent; sewage effluent; biological indicators;; stable isotopes; delta N-15; amino acid composition; Moreton Bay; Australia; gracilaria-pacifica rhodophyta; amino-acid levels; zostera-marina l;; physiological-responses; nutrient availability; cyanidium-caldarium;; estuarine gradient; edulis rhodophyta; light-intensity; nitrogen uptake
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1999 |
Jones AB, Preston NP (1999) Sydney rock oyster, Saccostrea commercialis (Iredale & Roughley), filtration of shrimp farm effluent: the effects on water quality. Aquac. Res. 30(1):51–57
Abstract: Shrimp pond effluent water can contain higher concentrations of dissolved nutrients and suspended particulates than the influent water. Consequently, there are concerns about adverse environmental impacts on coastal waters caused by eutrophication and increased turbidity. One potential method of improving effluent water quality prior to discharge or recirculation is to use bivalves to filter the effluent. In this study, we examined the effects of the Sydney rock oyster, Saccostrea commercialis (Iredale & Roughley), on the water quality of shrimp pond effluent. Effluent from a shrimp farm stocked with Penaeus japonicus (Bate) was pumped directly into 34-L tanks stocked with different densities of oysters. Combinations of live and dead oysters were used to test the effects of three different densities of live oysters (24, 16 and 8 live oysters per tank). The concentrations of total suspended solids, the proportion of organic and inorganic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorous, chlorophyll a and the total number of bacteria in the pond effluent water were determined before and after filtration by oysters. The oysters significantly reduced the concentration of all the parameters examined, with the highest oyster density having the greatest effect. Shrimp pond effluent contained a higher proportion of inorganic matter (72%) than organic matter (28%). The organic component appeared to be mainly detritus, with chlorophyll a comprising only a minor proportion. Filtration by the high density of oysters reduced the effluent total suspended solids to 49% of the initial level, the bacterial numbers to 58%, total nitrogen to 80% and total phosphorous to 67%. The combined effects of settlement and oyster filtration reduced the concentration of chlorophyll a to 8% of the initial effluent value.
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1996 |
Jones AB, Dennison WC, Stewart GR (1996) Macroalgal responses to nitrogen source and availability: Amino acid metabolic profiling as a bioindicator using Gracilaria edulis (Rhodophyta). Journal of Phycology 32(5):757–766
Abstract: The use of macroalgae as biological indicators of dissolved nutrient source and availability ill the water column was investigated. Total tissue nitrogen (N) content, pigments, and amino acids of the red alga Gracilaria edulis (Gmelin) Silva were compared to N source and availability in laboratory and field incubations to identify responses that would serve as bioindicators of N. Field-collected algae were preincubated (6-8 wk) in low-nutrient seawater to deplete their luxury reserves of N. Incubations were then conducted for periods of 3 d in laboratory aquaria (N-spiked seawater) and in the field using macroalgal incubation chambers. After incubation in different N sources (NH4+, NO3-, and urea) in laboratory aquaria, photosynthetic pigments (phycoerythrin and chlorophyll a) and total tissue N increased, in response to increasing [NH4+] but not to [NO3-] or [urea]. Incubation in two ranges of [NH4+], one from 0 to 80 μM and the other from 0 to 800 μM, in laboratory aquaria increased the total amino acid pool. Citrulline concentrations were the most responsive to [NH4+] (r(2) = 0.84). NH4+ source treatments produced increases in citrulline, phenylalanine, serine, and free NH4+ and decreases in alanine; NO3- treatments produced increases in glutamic acid, citrulline, and alanine; and urea treatments produced increases in free NH4+ and decreases in phenylalanine and serine. The observed variations in amino acid content facilitated the development of an index for each N source based on relative concentrations of various amino acids (i.e. metabolic profiling). Gracilaria edulis was incubated along a field N gradient in the Brisbane River (three sites) and Moreton Bay (four sites), Queensland, Australia. Both phycoerythrin and tissue N appeared to respond equally to NH4+ and NO3- availability in the field. N source indices, based on amino acid concentration, were effective predictors of both [NH4+] and [NO3-] over a wide range of concentrations along the field gradient. Macroalgal physiological responses, particularly amino acid content, to changes in source and availability of N appear to be useful as sensitive bioindicators of N.
Keywords: amino acids; bioindicator; Gracilaria edulis; macroalgae; metabolic; profiling; nutrients; pigments; Rhodophyta; tissue nitrogen; water; quality; 2 red algae; biochemical-composition; chondrus-crispus; outdoor; cultures; nitrate uptake; growth; tikvahiae; light; phaeophyta; ammonium
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Conference Proceedings |
1999 |
Dennison WC, O' Neil JM, Jones AB, Costanzo SD, Hewson I, Prange JA (1999) Effect of Hydric Soil Disturbance on Ecological Health of Coastal Waters. Proceedings of the Australian Acid Sulfate Soils Conference
Abstract: Soil disturbance in coastal regions could be linked to a variety of deleterious environmental impacts. The existing data are preliminary, but there is sufficient evidence to raise the issue to a higher priority for both research and management.
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1998 |
Jones AB, Dennison WC (1998) Photosynthetic capacity in coral reef systems: Investigations into ecological applications for the underwater PAM fluorometer. In: Greenwood JG, Hall NJ (eds) Proceedings of the Australian Coral Reef Society 75th Anniversary Conference, Heron Island, October 1997. School of Marine Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, p 67–79
Abstract: A submersible pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorometer was used to determine the effects of desiccation, ultraviolet radiation, changes in solar radiation and nutrient availability on the photosynthetic apparatus of a variety of marine plants (zooxanthellae, benthic microalgae and macroalgae) at Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. The PAM measures photosynthesis as irradiance-dependent photosystem II electron transport. There were a number of interspecific and intraspecific variations in electron transport rate (ETR) based on physiological and morphological differences, and the plant's response to changes in environmental conditions. The highest ETR was found in the zooxanthellae of the clam Tridacna maxima, and the lowest in the calcified green macroalga Halimeda opuntia. Factors such as water velocity, ultraviolet radiation, solar radiation (total irradiance and spectral changes), desiccation, nutrient availability and algal pigment content were hypothesised as influencing intraspecific changes in ETR. A series of experimental manipulations were conducted to test these hypotheses. Reef flat algae was shaded to 50% of incident solar radiation and 0% of ultraviolet radiation. Samples of macroalgae were collected from the reef flat and 15 m depth and allowed to desiccate to determine if different populations of the same species could adapt physiologically to different environmental conditions. Reef flat samples were collected and incubated in seawater enriched in nitrogen and phosphorus to test for nutrient limitation. Significant differences in the ETR of the plants tested highlighted the impacts of various environmental parameters on photosynthetic capacity. Samples from regions with higher water velocities on the reef flat had significantly higher ETRs. Screening of ultraviolet radiation increased the maximum ETR of certain species, while prolonged periods of shading reduced the maximum ETR of some species more quickly than others. Desiccation responses were the same between deep collected and reef flat populations, although increased light and temperature did reduce the maximum ETR of the deep collected samples. Fertilisation responses varied between species. The results indicate that PAM fluorometry can be used as a tool for in situ non destructive assessment of the effects of various ecological parameters on photosynthetic activity in marine plants.
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Ph.D. Theses |
1999 |
Jones AB (1999) Environmental Management of Aquaculture Effluent: Development of Biological Indicators and Biological Filters. Ph.D. thesis. The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 238 pp
Abstract: Rapid global expansion of the aquaculture industry has prompted the need for development of techniques for effective environmental management. In intensively farmed regions, aquaculture effluent has resulted in environmental degradation of receiving waters. The issues to be addressed include analysis of effluent water quality, determination of the ecological impact of effluent on the ecosystem, and development of remediation strategies to reduce these impacts. Physical and chemical water quality analyses can identify elevated concentrations of suspended solids, chlorophyll a, water column nutrients and other components of aquaculture effluent, however, additional biological sampling is required to provide meaningful information about the ecological impacts of effluent discharge on receiving waters. Analyses of the amino acid composition, tissue nitrogen content and stable isotope ratio of nitrogen (δ15N) in seagrasses, mangroves and macroalgae were developed as biological indicators to determine the influence of shrimp farm effluent on a coastal ecosystem. Different responses in these biological parameters revealed that the impacts of aquaculture effluent on receiving waters were qualitatively different to the impacts of sewage effluent. The impacts were also spatially more extensive than identified by water quality analyses, which revealed no elevation in the concentration of water column nutrients, chlorophyll a concentration or total suspended solids further than 400 m from the mouths of the creeks receiving the sewage and aquaculture effluent. The maximum δ15N of the mangroves, seagrass and macroalgae associated with the treated sewage discharge was 19.6‰ , which was significantly higher than the influence of the shrimp effluent (7.6‰ ). A δ15N value of 4.5‰ , which is elevated relative to unimpacted sites, indicated that the impacts extended up to 4 km from the mouths of the creeks. Differences in the concentrations of the amino acids proline, serine, glutamine and alanine in the seagrass and macroalgae were suggested to reflect the source (aquaculture or sewage) of the nutrients taken up by the plants. To reduce the environmental impacts, effluent treatment techniques using biological filters were investigated. Filtration by oysters (Saccostrea commercialis) significantly reduced the concentrations of chlorophyll a (phytoplankton), bacteria, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and total suspended solids to 5%, 32%, 67%, 63% and 11% of the initial concentrations, respectively. However, oyster excretion increased the concentrations of the dissolved nutrients, ammonium (from 18 to 51 μM), nitrate / nitrite (from 1.0 to 13 μM), and phosphate (from 0.5 to 3.3 μM), however macroalgal (Gracilaria edulis) absorption significantly reduced these concentrations to 2.3%, 2.2% and 4.8%, respectively. The ratio of ammonium to nitrate / nitrite in the effluent was also significantly reduced, which has positive implications for recycling of wastewater back into shrimp production ponds, and reducing impacts on receiving waters. The efficiency and condition of the oysters and macroalgae was reduced by fouling from the high concentration of suspended particulates in the effluent. Several novel techniques such as dissolved free amino acid composition, pigment concentrations, PAM fluorescence, tissue nitrogen and d15N were used to assess the condition of the macroalgae. It was observed that an intermediate reduction in the concentration of suspended particulates resulted in the best growth and condition of the biofilters. The concentration of particulates in this treatment (11 nephelometric turbidity units) provided sufficient particulates for oysters to filter, and a source for regeneration of nutrients for macroalgal uptake, as well as reducing the effects of photoinhibition which can occur in Gracilaria spp. at relatively low light intensities. The problems associated with fouling were successfully mitigated by incorporating natural sedimentation prior to oyster filtration, and subsequent macroalgal absorption. This combined system of treatment proved effective at optimising the performance of the biological filters to improve the water quality of the effluent. Using this combination of polyculture, it was estimated that up to 18 kg N ha-1 d-1 and 15 kg P ha-1 d-1 could be removed from commercial shrimp ponds. The water quality of aquaculture effluent and its impact on the receiving waters will vary due with differing environmental conditions, as well as the type of aquaculture being conducted. Regardless, this thesis has demonstrated that filtration / absorption by various marine organisms can be effective tools for monitoring and reducing the environmental impacts of aquaculture effluent.
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1994 |
Jones AB (1994) Influence of Nitrogen Source and Availability on Amino Acids, Pigments and Tissue Nitrogen of Gracilaria edulis (Rhodophyta). Honours thesis. University of Queensland, Brisbane, 54 pp
Abstract: Increasing eutrophication of coastal marine environments has led to the development of nutrient sampling programs to monitor water quality. Various shortcomings of chemical analyses have identified the need to develop biological indicators (bioindicators) that can be used to detect available nutrient concentrations. Macroalgal tissue nutrient content, pigments, and amino acids appear to be responsive to water column nutrient availability. The responses of the red alga, Gracilaria edulis (Gmelin) Silva, were related to nitrogen (N) source and availability in laboratory and field incubations to identify characteristics that would serve as bioindicators of N. The amino acid, pigment, and tissue N composition of G. edulis was analysed after incubation in different N sources (NH4+, NO3-, and urea) and a range of [NH4+] in laboratory aquaria. These results were compared to field responses after incubation of G. edulis along a N gradient in the Brisbane River (3 sites) and Moreton Bay (5 sites), Queensland, Australia. Photosynthetic pigments (phycoerythrin and chlorophyll a) increased in laboratory experiments, in response to increasing [NH4+], but not [NO3-] or [urea]. Phycoerythrin was observed to be the more responsive of the two. Total tissue N increased linearly with increasing [NH4+] in the laboratory but did not respond to [NO3-] or [urea]. In the field both phycoerythrin and tissue N appeared to respond equally to NH4+ and NO3- availability. The amino acid composition provided the best representation of the concentration and source of available N. Citrulline was the most responsive of all amino acids to changes in concentrations of available N, with citrulline concentrations increasing linearly (r2 = 0.84) with [NH4+] in laboratory experiments. NH4+ treatments produced increases in citrulline, phenylalanine, serine and free NH4+, and decreases in alanine; NO3- treatments produced increases in glutamic acid, citrulline and alanine; urea treatments produced increases in free NH4+ and decreases in phenylalanine and serine. The observed variations in amino acid content facilitated the development of an index for each N source based on relative concentrations of various amino acids. The N source index was used to predict the dominant source of N being assimilated by the macroalgae (i.e., metabolic profiling). Results demonstrated strong correlations between the N source index value and water column nitrogen concentrations (r2 = 0.99 for NO3- and r2 = 0.79 for NH4+) in Brisbane River field trials. In Moreton Bay where dissolved inorganic nitrogen values were low (<2 mM), N source indices proved valuable in identifying predominant N sources. Physiological responses to N by this macroalga could be related to N source and availability in both laboratory and field situations, thus providing a sensitive bioindicator of N. In particular, the analysis of macroalgal amino acid content to infer the source and availability of N in a variety of field situations, appears to be a very sensitive biological indicator.
Keywords: amino acids; bioindicator; Gracilaria edulis; macroalgae; nutrients; pigments; Rhodophyta; tissue nitrogen; water quality; metabolic profiling
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Jones AB (1994) Macroalgal Nutrient Relationships (Literature Review). Honours thesis. University of Queensland, Brisbane, 55 pp
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Books |
2006 |
Thomas JE, Saxby TA, Jones AB, Carruthers TJB, Abal EG, Dennison WC (2006) Communicating Science Effectively: A Practical Handbook for Integrating Visual Elements. IWA Publishing, London, 136 pp
Abstract: This is a practical handbook on how to communicate science effectively. The first part is an introduction to the principles of science communication-what effective science communication is, why it is important, and how effective science communication can change societal paradigms and make one a better scientist. General principles relating to all science communication products include providing synthesis, visualization, and context, assembling self-contained visual elements such as photos, maps, conceptual diagrams and data, formatting content to define and simplify terms, and eliminating jargon and acronyms. Formatting of these visual elements is also discussed. This introduction is followed by chapters outlining techniques and principles for communicating in different media-desktop publishing (including posters and newsletters), presentations and websites. Techniques in these chapters include image, color, and font formats, resolution and design tips for different media. Finally, a case study is presented to illustrate how effective science communication has become an integral part of a successful environmental science, monitoring, planning, and implementation program. The book is accompanied by extensive internet resources, including interactive software tutorials for the different software programs commonly used in communication, discussion forums for science communication issues, and links to other websites of interest. This book will be a valuable resource for scientists working in research, management agencies, government and education. Although environmental scientists are the primary audience, the principles and techniques discussed are applicable to scientists from all disciplines.
Keywords: science communication; handbook; visual, diagrams; images; research
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Book Contributions |
2010 |
Thomas JE, Hawkey JM, Jones AB, Wicks EC, Woerner JL (2010) Chapter 3: Communication products: creating a process for generating science communication products. In: Longstaff BJ, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC, Lookingbill TR, Hawkey JM, Thomas JE, Wicks EC, Woerner JL (eds) Integrating and Applying Science: A practical handbook for effective coastal ecosystem assessment. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, p 33–44
Abstract: This chapter discusses how to create the physical communication products needed to broadcast the messages within a communication strategy (see Chapter 4). To determine the kind of product needed, several different elements should be considered, including the background of the audience, the size of the audience, and the amount of time available to produce the product. The products discussed are conceptual diagrams, newsletters, presentations, websites, posters, and books.
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2009 |
Wazniak CE, Hall MR, Bailey EM, Boward DM, Boynton WR, Bratton JF, Carruthers TJB, Chalmers RJ, Cole LW, Cornwell JC, Fertig BM, Glibert PM, Jones AB, Jordan TE, McCoy J, McGinty M, Shedlock RJ, Sherwell J, Sturgis RB, Thomas JE, Trice TM, Wells DV (2009) Water Quality Reponses to Nutrients. In: Dennison WC, Thomas JE, Cain CJ, Carruthers TJB, Hall MR, Jesien RV, Wazniak CE, Wilson DE (eds) Shifting Sands: Environmental and cultural change in Maryland's Coastal Bays. IAN Press, Camridge, MD, p 249–292
Abstract: The title of this book-Shifting Sands-refers to both the dynamic nature of the barrier islands forming the coastal lagoons of Maryland's Atlantic Ocean coastline and also the changing cultural landscape as more and more people discover these once-forgotten bays. The subtitle of the book-Environmental and cultural change in Maryland's Coastal Bays-reflects the way the book integrates natural and human influences. Shifting Sands is a richly illustrated, multi-authored introduction to Assawoman Bay, Isle of Wight Bay, St. Martin River, Sinepuxent Bay, Newport Bay, and Chincoteague Bay. This book leads the reader on a voyage of discovery, providing a user-friendly guide to the history, setting, context, and ecology of these waterways nestled behind Assateague, Fenwick, and Chincoteague Islands. Photographs, conceptual diagrams, maps, and graphs are used to showcase the key features of and major threats to these magnificent bays, watersheds, and islands, with recommendations for how to preserver them for future generations.
Keywords: coastal bays;health;management;assessment;history;water quality;habitats
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1998 |
Jones AB, Dudley BJ, Dennison WC (1998) Factors limiting phytoplankton biomass in the Brisbane River and Moreton Bay. In: Tibbets IR, Hall NJ, Dennison WC (eds) Moreton Bay and Catchment. School of Marine Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, p 179–186
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Science Communication PublicationsBrowse all publications for Adrian Jones on IAN Press OR view individually: |
2012 |
| Integration and Application Network (2012) Samoa 2012 Environmental Outlook: developing a vision for the next 50 years. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 4pp (Newsletter) | |
| Integration and Application Network (2012) Samoa 2012 Environmental Outlook: developing a vision for the next 50 years (Samoan). IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 4pp (Newsletter) | |
2010 |
| Integration and Application Network (2010) Conceptual Diagrams: Tools for Science Communication. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 4pp (Newsletter) | |
2008 |
| Beckert K, Fertig BM, O'Neil JM, Carruthers TJB, Wazniak C, Sturgis B, Hall M, Jones AB and Dennison WC (2008) Fine scale patterns of water quality in three regions of Marylands Coastal Bays: assessing nitrogen source in relation to land use. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 55pp (Report) | |
| Integration and Application Network (2008) Watershed condition assessment for Rock Creek Park in the National Capital Region. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 54pp (Presentation) | |
2007 |
| Bricker S, Longstaff BJ, Dennison WC, Jones AB, Boicourt K, Wicks EC and Woerner JL (2007) National Estuarine Eutrophication Assessment: A Decade of Change. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 15pp (Presentation) | |
| Bricker S, Longstaff BJ, Dennison WC, Jones AB, Boicourt K, Wicks EC and Woerner JL (2007) Effects of nutrient enrichment in the Nation's estuaries: A decade of change. National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Silver Spring, MD, 328pp (Report) | |
| Integration and Application Network (2007) Effects of nutrient enrichment in the Nation's estuaries: A decade of change. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster) | |
2006 |
| Fertig BM, Carruthers TJB, Wazniak C, Sturgess B, Hall M, Jones AB, and Dennison WC (2006) Water quality in four regions of the Maryland Coastal Bays: assessing nitrogen source in relation to rainfall and brown tide. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 50pp (Report) | |
| Integration and Application Network (2006) Ecosystem health report cards: an approach to integrated assessment. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster) | |
| Thomas JE, Saxby TA, Jones AB, Carruthers TJB, Abal EG and Dennison WC (2006) Communicating Science Effectively: A Practical Handbook for Integrating Visual Elements. IWA Publishing, London (Book) | |
2005 |
| Integration and Application Network (2005) Utilizing spatially intensive data in monitoring Maryland's Coastal Bays. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster) | |
2004 |
| Jones AB, Carruthers TJ, Pantus F, Thomas JE, Saxby TA and Dennison, WC (2004) A water quality assessment of the Maryland Coastal Bays including nitrogen source identification using stable isotopes. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 60pp (Report) | |
| Integration and Application Network (2004) Conceptual diagrams: tools for science communication. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster) | |
| Integration and Application Network (2004) Crassostrea ariakensis: Panacea or Pandora?. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 4pp (Newsletter) | |
| Integration and Application Network (2004) Developing a Chesapeake Bay Report Card. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster) | |
2003 |
| Jones AB, Dennison WC and Pantus F (2003) Assessment of sewage and septic derived nitrogen in the Choptank and Patuxent Rivers. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 93pp (Report) | |
| Integration and Application Network (2003) Developing a Chesapeake Bay Report Card. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 4pp (Newsletter) | |
| Integration and Application Network (2003) Chesapeake Bay report card: Providing effective feedback for resource management. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 47pp (Presentation) | |
| Integration and Application Network (2003) Conceptual Diagrams: Tools for Science Communication. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 4pp (Newsletter) | |
| Integration and Application Network (2003) The art of science communication: using PowerPoint effectively. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 67pp (Presentation) | |
| Integration and Application Network (2003) Assessing Nutrient Sources in Tidal Waters. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 17pp (Presentation) | |
| Integration and Application Network (2003) Assessing Nutrient Sources. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 4pp (Newsletter) | |
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