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Direct and indirect effects of copper-contaminated sediments on the functions of model freshwater ecosystems

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Abstract

Copper is acutely toxic to, and directly affects, primary producers and decomposers, which are key players in essential processes such as the nutrient cycle in freshwater ecosystems. Even though the indirect effects of metals (for example effects due to changes in species interactions) may be more common than direct effects, little is known about the indirect effects of copper on primary producers and decomposers. The effects of copper on phytoplankton, macrophytes, periphyton and organic matter decomposition in an outdoor lentic mesocosm facility were assessed, and links between the responses examined. Copper directly decreased macrophyte growth, subsurface organic matter decomposition, and the potential for high phytoplankton Chlorophyll a concentrations. However, periphyton cover and organic matter decomposition on the surface of the sediment were stimulated by the presence of copper. These latter responses were attributed to indirect effects, due to a reduction in grazing pressure from snails, particularly Physa acuta, in the higher copper-contaminated mesocosms. This permitted the growth of periphyton and other heterotrophs, ultimately increasing decomposition at the sediment surface. The present study demonstrates the pronounced influence indirect effects may have on ecological function, findings that may not be observed in traditional laboratory studies (which utilize single species or simplistic communities).

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Acknowledgments

Construction of the mesocosms was funded by a Macquarie University Infrastructure Grant. Stephanie Gardham was supported by a Macquarie University Research Excellence Scholarship. Thanks to Manuel Nigel and Alexander Michie for their help in running the experiment. We also wish to thank the CSIRO’s Water for a Healthy Country flagship.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environment and Geography, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia

    Stephanie Gardham

  2. Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere Flagship, Sydney, NSW, 2234, Australia

    Stephanie Gardham & Anthony A. Chariton

  3. Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia

    Grant C. Hose

Authors
  1. Stephanie Gardham
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  2. Anthony A. Chariton
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  3. Grant C. Hose
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Correspondence to Stephanie Gardham.

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Gardham, S., Chariton, A.A. & Hose, G.C. Direct and indirect effects of copper-contaminated sediments on the functions of model freshwater ecosystems. Ecotoxicology 24, 61–70 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10646-014-1355-y

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