Developmental and spatial variations in the diet signatures of hyperbenthic shrimp Nauticaris marionis at the Prince Edward Islands based on stable isotope ratios and fatty acid profiles
- Richoux, Nicole B, Allan, Elizabeth L, Froneman, P William
- Authors: Richoux, Nicole B , Allan, Elizabeth L , Froneman, P William
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67923 , vital:29169 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csr.2016.02.0131
- Description: Publisher version , The caridean shrimp Nauticaris marionis is an ecologically important species in the benthic community around the sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands (PEI) as it represents a key prey item for a variety of top predators breeding on the islands. We hypothesized that the diet of N. marionis shifts during its development, and that spatial variability in food availability results in differentiation in the diet signatures of specimens collected from various locations of the shelf waters around the PEI. Specimens were collected from nine stations (depth range 70 to 240 m) around the PEI at inter-island shelf (from west to east: upstream, between and downstream) and nearshore regions during austral autumn 2009. Stable isotope and fatty acid data both revealed spatial and developmental variations in the shrimp diet. Nearshore shrimp were more 13C-enriched than those from the inter-island region, suggesting increased kelp detritus entered the food web in the nearshore regions. The shrimp showed increases in δ13C and δ15N signatures (and trophic position) with an increase in body size, resulting in distinctions between size classes that reflected shifts in their trophic niche through development. The fatty acid profiles similarly indicated distinctions in diet with increased shrimp size (in the deep regions), and spatial variability was evident in relation to region and depth. All shrimp contained large proportions of polyunsaturated and essential fatty acids, indicating that the quality of food consumed was similar between regions despite the diet variability. Our results provide new dietary information about a key species operating near the base of the food web at the highly productive PEI, and show that there were no areas of enhanced nutrition available to the shrimp. As such, there was no nutritional advantage to shrimp inhabiting any specific region around the PEI.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Richoux, Nicole B , Allan, Elizabeth L , Froneman, P William
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67923 , vital:29169 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csr.2016.02.0131
- Description: Publisher version , The caridean shrimp Nauticaris marionis is an ecologically important species in the benthic community around the sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands (PEI) as it represents a key prey item for a variety of top predators breeding on the islands. We hypothesized that the diet of N. marionis shifts during its development, and that spatial variability in food availability results in differentiation in the diet signatures of specimens collected from various locations of the shelf waters around the PEI. Specimens were collected from nine stations (depth range 70 to 240 m) around the PEI at inter-island shelf (from west to east: upstream, between and downstream) and nearshore regions during austral autumn 2009. Stable isotope and fatty acid data both revealed spatial and developmental variations in the shrimp diet. Nearshore shrimp were more 13C-enriched than those from the inter-island region, suggesting increased kelp detritus entered the food web in the nearshore regions. The shrimp showed increases in δ13C and δ15N signatures (and trophic position) with an increase in body size, resulting in distinctions between size classes that reflected shifts in their trophic niche through development. The fatty acid profiles similarly indicated distinctions in diet with increased shrimp size (in the deep regions), and spatial variability was evident in relation to region and depth. All shrimp contained large proportions of polyunsaturated and essential fatty acids, indicating that the quality of food consumed was similar between regions despite the diet variability. Our results provide new dietary information about a key species operating near the base of the food web at the highly productive PEI, and show that there were no areas of enhanced nutrition available to the shrimp. As such, there was no nutritional advantage to shrimp inhabiting any specific region around the PEI.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
Distribution of benthic diatom communities in a permanently open temperate estuary in relation to physico-chemical variables
- Dalu, Tatenda, Richoux, Nicole B, Froneman, P William
- Authors: Dalu, Tatenda , Richoux, Nicole B , Froneman, P William
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67943 , vital:29172 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2015.06.004
- Description: Publisher version , The spatial and temporal patterns in benthic diatom community structure in temperate permanently open estuaries are poorly understood. In this study, we used a combination of multivariate and diversity indices to elucidate environmental factors associated with diatom community structure in the Kowie Estuary, South Africa. Benthic diatom samples were collected from three sites corresponding to the upper, middle and lower reaches of the estuary on four occasions over the period early spring 2012 to winter 2013. Among the 89 benthic diatoms observed, Entomoneis paludosa (W Smith) Reimer, Nitzschia reversa W Smith, Nitzschia closterium (Ehrenberg) W Smith, Pleurosigma elongatum W Smith, P. salinarum (Grunow) Grunow, Staurosira elliptica (Schumann) DM Williams & Round, Surirella brebissonii Krammer & Lange-Bertalot, and Surirella ovalis Brébisson were the numerically dominant species. Principal component analysis demonstrated that the diatom community structure was determined by a variety of factors including nutrient (ammonia, nitrate) concentrations, hydrology (e.g., water depth and flow) and pH. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed the absence of any distinct spatial patterns, although distinct benthic diatom communities were recorded during the different sampling periods. The species richness was highest in the middle reach, decreasing from early spring to summer in all reaches. The results of the study provide important insights into the various factors that structure benthic diatom community composition within a permanently open temperate southern African estuary.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Dalu, Tatenda , Richoux, Nicole B , Froneman, P William
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67943 , vital:29172 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2015.06.004
- Description: Publisher version , The spatial and temporal patterns in benthic diatom community structure in temperate permanently open estuaries are poorly understood. In this study, we used a combination of multivariate and diversity indices to elucidate environmental factors associated with diatom community structure in the Kowie Estuary, South Africa. Benthic diatom samples were collected from three sites corresponding to the upper, middle and lower reaches of the estuary on four occasions over the period early spring 2012 to winter 2013. Among the 89 benthic diatoms observed, Entomoneis paludosa (W Smith) Reimer, Nitzschia reversa W Smith, Nitzschia closterium (Ehrenberg) W Smith, Pleurosigma elongatum W Smith, P. salinarum (Grunow) Grunow, Staurosira elliptica (Schumann) DM Williams & Round, Surirella brebissonii Krammer & Lange-Bertalot, and Surirella ovalis Brébisson were the numerically dominant species. Principal component analysis demonstrated that the diatom community structure was determined by a variety of factors including nutrient (ammonia, nitrate) concentrations, hydrology (e.g., water depth and flow) and pH. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed the absence of any distinct spatial patterns, although distinct benthic diatom communities were recorded during the different sampling periods. The species richness was highest in the middle reach, decreasing from early spring to summer in all reaches. The results of the study provide important insights into the various factors that structure benthic diatom community composition within a permanently open temperate southern African estuary.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
Effects of substrate on essential fatty acids produced by phytobenthos in an austral temperate river system
- Dalu, Tatenda, Galloway, Aaron W E, Richoux, Nicole B, Froneman, P William
- Authors: Dalu, Tatenda , Galloway, Aaron W E , Richoux, Nicole B , Froneman, P William
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68002 , vital:29179 , https://doi.org/10.1086/688698
- Description: Publisher version , Aquatic and riparian habitats increasingly are affected by anthropogenic stressors, but the effects of these stressors on the nutritional quality of primary producers are often unknown. We compared essential fatty acids (EFAs) in the phytobenthos (benthic algae) growing on different substrate types (bricks, clay tiles, rocks, macrophytes, and sediments) at 2 river sites subject to differing anthropogenic stressors (using nutrient concentration as a proxy) in a temperate southern hemisphere location. We hypothesized that the fatty acid (FA) content of phytobenthos changes in response to shifts in local nutrient availability but not substrate type. EFA content (18∶2ω6, 18∶3ω3, 20∶4ω6, 20∶5ω3, and 22∶6ω3) in the phytobenthos differed overall among substrates, sites, and seasons and was generally greater in summer than in autumn and winter. EFA content was significantly greater on artificial than natural substrates and was greater at the nutrient-enriched downstream site than at the upstream site. The response of EFA content at the downstream site suggests that land use affected the synthesis of EFAs by phytobenthos and, hence, food quality for aquatic consumers. These findings indicate a potential link between physical factors, such as substrate availability and land management, and the quality of basal food resources available to primary consumers in aquatic food webs.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Dalu, Tatenda , Galloway, Aaron W E , Richoux, Nicole B , Froneman, P William
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68002 , vital:29179 , https://doi.org/10.1086/688698
- Description: Publisher version , Aquatic and riparian habitats increasingly are affected by anthropogenic stressors, but the effects of these stressors on the nutritional quality of primary producers are often unknown. We compared essential fatty acids (EFAs) in the phytobenthos (benthic algae) growing on different substrate types (bricks, clay tiles, rocks, macrophytes, and sediments) at 2 river sites subject to differing anthropogenic stressors (using nutrient concentration as a proxy) in a temperate southern hemisphere location. We hypothesized that the fatty acid (FA) content of phytobenthos changes in response to shifts in local nutrient availability but not substrate type. EFA content (18∶2ω6, 18∶3ω3, 20∶4ω6, 20∶5ω3, and 22∶6ω3) in the phytobenthos differed overall among substrates, sites, and seasons and was generally greater in summer than in autumn and winter. EFA content was significantly greater on artificial than natural substrates and was greater at the nutrient-enriched downstream site than at the upstream site. The response of EFA content at the downstream site suggests that land use affected the synthesis of EFAs by phytobenthos and, hence, food quality for aquatic consumers. These findings indicate a potential link between physical factors, such as substrate availability and land management, and the quality of basal food resources available to primary consumers in aquatic food webs.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
Nature and source of suspended particulate matter and detritus along an austral temperate river–estuary continuum, assessed using stable isotope analysis
- Dalu, Tatenda, Richoux, Nicole B, Froneman, P William
- Authors: Dalu, Tatenda , Richoux, Nicole B , Froneman, P William
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68012 , vital:29181 , https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-015-2480-1
- Description: Publisher version , Ecologists are interested in the factors that control, and the variability in, the contributions of different sources to mixed organic materials travelling through lotic systems. We hypothesized that the source matter fuelling mixed organic pools in a river–estuary continuum varies over space and time. Samples of the mixed organic pools were collected along a small temperate river (Kowie River) in southern Africa during early and late spring, summer and winter. The C:N ratios of suspended particulate matter (SPM) collected during summer and winter indicated that the lower reaches of the system had similar organic matter contributions. Stable isotope analysis in R revealed that aquatic macrophytes were significant contributors to SPM in the upper reaches. Bulk detritus had large allochthonous matter components in the lower reaches, and contributions of aquatic macrophytes and benthic algae were high (>50%) in the upper to middle reaches. The evaluation of organic matter contributions to SPM and detritus along the river–estuary continuum provided a baseline assessment of the nature and sources of potential food for consumers inhabiting different locations during different seasons. Incorporating SPM and detritus spatio-temporal variations in food web studies will improve our understanding of carbon flow in aquatic systems.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Dalu, Tatenda , Richoux, Nicole B , Froneman, P William
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68012 , vital:29181 , https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-015-2480-1
- Description: Publisher version , Ecologists are interested in the factors that control, and the variability in, the contributions of different sources to mixed organic materials travelling through lotic systems. We hypothesized that the source matter fuelling mixed organic pools in a river–estuary continuum varies over space and time. Samples of the mixed organic pools were collected along a small temperate river (Kowie River) in southern Africa during early and late spring, summer and winter. The C:N ratios of suspended particulate matter (SPM) collected during summer and winter indicated that the lower reaches of the system had similar organic matter contributions. Stable isotope analysis in R revealed that aquatic macrophytes were significant contributors to SPM in the upper reaches. Bulk detritus had large allochthonous matter components in the lower reaches, and contributions of aquatic macrophytes and benthic algae were high (>50%) in the upper to middle reaches. The evaluation of organic matter contributions to SPM and detritus along the river–estuary continuum provided a baseline assessment of the nature and sources of potential food for consumers inhabiting different locations during different seasons. Incorporating SPM and detritus spatio-temporal variations in food web studies will improve our understanding of carbon flow in aquatic systems.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
A re-examination of the type material of Entomoneis paludosa (W Smith) Reimer and its morphology and distribution in African waters
- Richoux, Nicole B, Taylor, J C, Dalu, Tatenda, Froneman, P William
- Authors: Richoux, Nicole B , Taylor, J C , Dalu, Tatenda , Froneman, P William
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/69179 , vital:29440 , https://doi.org/10.5507/fot.2015.002
- Description: The current study aims to enhance the understanding of the distribution and morphology of the diatom Entomoneis paludosa W Smith 1853 in African waters. The type material of Entomoneis paludosa (W Smith) Reimer was examined using light and scanning electron microscopy and the morphological characters were compared with new specimens sampled from a temperate river in South Africa. The wider distribution of this taxon on the African continent is discussed, and its relationship to water quality variables.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Richoux, Nicole B , Taylor, J C , Dalu, Tatenda , Froneman, P William
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/69179 , vital:29440 , https://doi.org/10.5507/fot.2015.002
- Description: The current study aims to enhance the understanding of the distribution and morphology of the diatom Entomoneis paludosa W Smith 1853 in African waters. The type material of Entomoneis paludosa (W Smith) Reimer was examined using light and scanning electron microscopy and the morphological characters were compared with new specimens sampled from a temperate river in South Africa. The wider distribution of this taxon on the African continent is discussed, and its relationship to water quality variables.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Assessment of the spatial and temporal variations in periphyton communities along a small temperate river system: A multimetric and stable isotope analysis approach
- Dalu, Tatenda, Bere, Taurai, Richoux, Nicole B, Froneman, P William
- Authors: Dalu, Tatenda , Bere, Taurai , Richoux, Nicole B , Froneman, P William
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/124249 , vital:35580 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2015.05.028
- Description: Periphyton community structure and stable isotope values have been identified as potential indicators of anthropogenic nitrogen pollution, an increasingly important challenge in aquatic systems. The aim of the study was to assess the spatio-temporal changes in periphyton characteristics to identify potential anthropogenic nitrogen pollution sources such as agricultural and sewage discharge within the Kowie River catchment, South Africa. Periphyton was collected once a season from five sites between September 2012 and May 2013. Diversity indices, multimetric and stable isotope analyses were employed for describing the spatial and temporal dynamics of periphyton community assemblages. Water depth, salinity, resistivity, oxygen reduction potential, nitrates, water velocity and conductivity were the major factors affecting periphyton community structure. Eighty-seven periphyton taxa belonging to 43 genera were recorded throughout the study sites and periods. Periphyton species richness, abundance and stable isotope signatures differed significantly among sites but not among seasons. The lower sections of the Kowie River were polluted by anthropogenic sources as indicated by the high periphytic isotopic nitrogen values (7.9–15.2‰) compared to the pristine upstream sites (4–8‰). We recommend that researchers use a combination of community structure and stable isotope measurements to monitor the periphyton in lotic systems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Dalu, Tatenda , Bere, Taurai , Richoux, Nicole B , Froneman, P William
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/124249 , vital:35580 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2015.05.028
- Description: Periphyton community structure and stable isotope values have been identified as potential indicators of anthropogenic nitrogen pollution, an increasingly important challenge in aquatic systems. The aim of the study was to assess the spatio-temporal changes in periphyton characteristics to identify potential anthropogenic nitrogen pollution sources such as agricultural and sewage discharge within the Kowie River catchment, South Africa. Periphyton was collected once a season from five sites between September 2012 and May 2013. Diversity indices, multimetric and stable isotope analyses were employed for describing the spatial and temporal dynamics of periphyton community assemblages. Water depth, salinity, resistivity, oxygen reduction potential, nitrates, water velocity and conductivity were the major factors affecting periphyton community structure. Eighty-seven periphyton taxa belonging to 43 genera were recorded throughout the study sites and periods. Periphyton species richness, abundance and stable isotope signatures differed significantly among sites but not among seasons. The lower sections of the Kowie River were polluted by anthropogenic sources as indicated by the high periphytic isotopic nitrogen values (7.9–15.2‰) compared to the pristine upstream sites (4–8‰). We recommend that researchers use a combination of community structure and stable isotope measurements to monitor the periphyton in lotic systems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Connectivity through allochthony: Reciprocal links between adjacent aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in South Africa
- Richoux, Nicole B, Moyo, Sydney, Chari, Lenin D, Bergamino, Leandro, Carassou, Laure, Dalu, Tatenda, Hean, Jeffrey W, Sikutshwa, Likho, Gininda, Simphiwe, Magoro, Mandla L, Perhar, Gurbir, Ni, Felicity, Villet, Martin H, Whitfield, Alan K, Parker, Daniel M, Froneman, P William, Arhonditsis, George, Craig, Adrian J F K
- Authors: Richoux, Nicole B , Moyo, Sydney , Chari, Lenin D , Bergamino, Leandro , Carassou, Laure , Dalu, Tatenda , Hean, Jeffrey W , Sikutshwa, Likho , Gininda, Simphiwe , Magoro, Mandla L , Perhar, Gurbir , Ni, Felicity , Villet, Martin H , Whitfield, Alan K , Parker, Daniel M , Froneman, P William , Arhonditsis, George , Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , report
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/438363 , vital:73454 , ISBN 978-1-4312-0679-7 , https://wrcwebsite.azurewebsites.net/wp-content/uploads/mdocs/2186-1-15.pdf
- Description: An important aspect of the dynamics of nutrients and pollutants in natural systems is captured in the concept of allochthony, founded on the observation that nutrients and energy in a variety of forms are transferred between adjacent habitats, com-munities and ecosystems that are not routinely considered as connected. Different forms of nutrients and energy move across the conceptual boundaries of habitats via organisms’ activities or physical processes such as wind or water currents, and these transfers can represent important food subsidies. Such cross-partition ecolog-ical subsidies can augment the nutritional condition, biomass and biodiversity of communities, particularly where local production (or autochthony) alone may be inadequate to support local food webs. Furthermore, organic subsidies can influ-ence population dynamics, community interactions and ecosystem processes, and can represent dominant flux inputs in ecosystem budgets. Our intention was to ex-plore organic nutrient fluxes in relation to a primarily lotic (i.e. flowing) aquatic sys-tem at the scale of a hydrological catchment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Richoux, Nicole B , Moyo, Sydney , Chari, Lenin D , Bergamino, Leandro , Carassou, Laure , Dalu, Tatenda , Hean, Jeffrey W , Sikutshwa, Likho , Gininda, Simphiwe , Magoro, Mandla L , Perhar, Gurbir , Ni, Felicity , Villet, Martin H , Whitfield, Alan K , Parker, Daniel M , Froneman, P William , Arhonditsis, George , Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , report
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/438363 , vital:73454 , ISBN 978-1-4312-0679-7 , https://wrcwebsite.azurewebsites.net/wp-content/uploads/mdocs/2186-1-15.pdf
- Description: An important aspect of the dynamics of nutrients and pollutants in natural systems is captured in the concept of allochthony, founded on the observation that nutrients and energy in a variety of forms are transferred between adjacent habitats, com-munities and ecosystems that are not routinely considered as connected. Different forms of nutrients and energy move across the conceptual boundaries of habitats via organisms’ activities or physical processes such as wind or water currents, and these transfers can represent important food subsidies. Such cross-partition ecolog-ical subsidies can augment the nutritional condition, biomass and biodiversity of communities, particularly where local production (or autochthony) alone may be inadequate to support local food webs. Furthermore, organic subsidies can influ-ence population dynamics, community interactions and ecosystem processes, and can represent dominant flux inputs in ecosystem budgets. Our intention was to ex-plore organic nutrient fluxes in relation to a primarily lotic (i.e. flowing) aquatic sys-tem at the scale of a hydrological catchment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Colonisation and community structure of benthic diatoms on artificial substrates following a major flood event: a case of the Kowie River (Eastern Cape, South Africa)
- Dalu, Tatenda, Froneman, P William, Chari, Lenin D, Richoux, Nicole B
- Authors: Dalu, Tatenda , Froneman, P William , Chari, Lenin D , Richoux, Nicole B
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143357 , vital:38239 , http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/wsa.v40i3.10
- Description: A major flooding event that occurred during October–November 2012 caused major changes in the Kowie River hydromorphology and aquatic communities. The aim of our study was to identify the environmental variables that structure riverine benthic diatom communities at upstream and downstream locations 25 km apart on the Kowie River, South Africa. This was undertaken using tiles as artificial substrates so that we could study how the communities developed after the flood disturbance. The diatom community structure was assessed over a 28-day period following a flood event in October 2012. The Mann Whitney test indicated that there was a statistically significant difference (p 0.05) in total dissolved solids, salinity, pH and oxygen reduction potential between the two sites. In total, 58 diatom species belonging to 30 genera were identified over the 28-day study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Dalu, Tatenda , Froneman, P William , Chari, Lenin D , Richoux, Nicole B
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143357 , vital:38239 , http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/wsa.v40i3.10
- Description: A major flooding event that occurred during October–November 2012 caused major changes in the Kowie River hydromorphology and aquatic communities. The aim of our study was to identify the environmental variables that structure riverine benthic diatom communities at upstream and downstream locations 25 km apart on the Kowie River, South Africa. This was undertaken using tiles as artificial substrates so that we could study how the communities developed after the flood disturbance. The diatom community structure was assessed over a 28-day period following a flood event in October 2012. The Mann Whitney test indicated that there was a statistically significant difference (p 0.05) in total dissolved solids, salinity, pH and oxygen reduction potential between the two sites. In total, 58 diatom species belonging to 30 genera were identified over the 28-day study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Fatty acid profiles reveal temporal and spatial differentiation in diets within and among syntopic rocky shore suspension-feeders:
- Richoux, Nicole B, Vermeulen, Ilke, Froneman, P William
- Authors: Richoux, Nicole B , Vermeulen, Ilke , Froneman, P William
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143346 , vital:38238 , doi: 10.3354/meps10581
- Description: Regional and temporal variations in the diets of rocky shore suspension-feeders (the volcano barnacle Tetraclita serrata, the brown mussel Perna perna and the reef-building polychaete Gunnarea gaimardi) were assessed using fatty acid profiling. Specimens were collected up-current and down-current of a river mouth in 2 coastal regions ~50 km apart along southeastern South Africa during March and July of 2009. One of the rivers represents a marine-dominated system, and the other a freshwater-dominated system. Our aims were to assess any dietary differences among the 3 suspension-feeders, spatial changes in diet within each species (at regional and local scales—50 and 15 km, respectively), and temporal changes in diet within each species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Richoux, Nicole B , Vermeulen, Ilke , Froneman, P William
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143346 , vital:38238 , doi: 10.3354/meps10581
- Description: Regional and temporal variations in the diets of rocky shore suspension-feeders (the volcano barnacle Tetraclita serrata, the brown mussel Perna perna and the reef-building polychaete Gunnarea gaimardi) were assessed using fatty acid profiling. Specimens were collected up-current and down-current of a river mouth in 2 coastal regions ~50 km apart along southeastern South Africa during March and July of 2009. One of the rivers represents a marine-dominated system, and the other a freshwater-dominated system. Our aims were to assess any dietary differences among the 3 suspension-feeders, spatial changes in diet within each species (at regional and local scales—50 and 15 km, respectively), and temporal changes in diet within each species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Phytoplankton community diversity along a river-estuary continuum
- Dalu, Tatenda, Froneman, P William, Richoux, Nicole B
- Authors: Dalu, Tatenda , Froneman, P William , Richoux, Nicole B
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/457284 , vital:75622 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC156752"
- Description: In this paper we examine the aspects of phytoplankton communities along a riverine-estuarine continuum in the Kowie system, Eastern Cape (South Africa). This study aims to relate the phytoplankton population community structure to physicochemical parameters and estimate the different chlorophyll-a concentrations for the Kowie system. Eight sampling sites along a 70 km reach of the Kowie system were sampled over a one-year period. One hundred and seventy-eight species belonging to 78 genera were recorded within the riverine-estuarine continuum. Diatoms were predominant, accounting for 81.9% of the total abundance. The estuary had 98 species (55 genera) recorded whereas the river had 141 species (67 genera). Using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), species richness was found to differ significantly amongst seasons. The chl-a concentration along the estuarine-riverine continuum increased from spring to a high in summer (river mean = 7.9 mg m -3 and estuary mean = 3.3 mg m -3 ) before decreasing to a low in winter. Kruskal Wallis ANOVA showed significant differences among chl-a concentration with seasons and sites. Redundancy analysis identified five factors salinity, water depth, aerial cover, nitrates and ammonia that were significant (p is less than 0.05) in affecting phytoplankton variation. The relatively small study indicates the need for further monitoring to gain a better understanding of Kowie system phytoplankton.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Dalu, Tatenda , Froneman, P William , Richoux, Nicole B
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/457284 , vital:75622 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC156752"
- Description: In this paper we examine the aspects of phytoplankton communities along a riverine-estuarine continuum in the Kowie system, Eastern Cape (South Africa). This study aims to relate the phytoplankton population community structure to physicochemical parameters and estimate the different chlorophyll-a concentrations for the Kowie system. Eight sampling sites along a 70 km reach of the Kowie system were sampled over a one-year period. One hundred and seventy-eight species belonging to 78 genera were recorded within the riverine-estuarine continuum. Diatoms were predominant, accounting for 81.9% of the total abundance. The estuary had 98 species (55 genera) recorded whereas the river had 141 species (67 genera). Using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), species richness was found to differ significantly amongst seasons. The chl-a concentration along the estuarine-riverine continuum increased from spring to a high in summer (river mean = 7.9 mg m -3 and estuary mean = 3.3 mg m -3 ) before decreasing to a low in winter. Kruskal Wallis ANOVA showed significant differences among chl-a concentration with seasons and sites. Redundancy analysis identified five factors salinity, water depth, aerial cover, nitrates and ammonia that were significant (p is less than 0.05) in affecting phytoplankton variation. The relatively small study indicates the need for further monitoring to gain a better understanding of Kowie system phytoplankton.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Stable isotope ratios indicate differential omnivory among syntopic rocky shore suspension-feeders
- Richoux, Nicole B, Vermeulen, Ilke, Froneman, P William
- Authors: Richoux, Nicole B , Vermeulen, Ilke , Froneman, P William
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68261 , vital:29224 , https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-013-2358-6
- Description: Publisher version , We utilised stable isotope ratios to assess differences in diet among three indigenous and syntopic rocky shore suspension-feeders (mussels Perna perna, barnacles Tetraclita serrata, and polychaetes Gunnarea gaimardi). We also determined the spatial and temporal variability in the suspension-feeder diets by collecting specimens on two occasions from two regions adjacent to hydrologically distinct river mouths (i.e. one with larger annual freshwater throughput than the other). The results showed that the isotopic niches (used as proxies for trophic niches) of the three species did not overlap and that the barnacles occupied a trophic position (3.4) well above those of the mussels (2) and polychaetes (2.6). We ascribed the interspecific differences primarily to the disparate feeding mechanisms used by the species. Large-scale regional (~50 km) differences in suspension-feeder diets were apparent, but not small-scale (up to a few km north and south of each estuary mouth). The regional differences in diet resulted from the increased availability of estuarine-origin suspended particulate matter (SPM) and zooplankton in the region adjacent to the river with relatively larger freshwater output, although overall incorporation of zooplankton versus mixed SPM into consumer diets was relatively consistent between regions and through time. Temporal shifts in suspension-feeder diets were apparent from stable carbon isotope ratios in the consumers. Our results showcase the measurable effects of regional-scale processes that can alter the food sources for dominant primary consumers in the rocky intertidal, thus potentially affecting entire food webs through bottom-up processes. The clear evidence for trophic niche partitioning offers valuable insights into how potentially strong competitors can coexist.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Richoux, Nicole B , Vermeulen, Ilke , Froneman, P William
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68261 , vital:29224 , https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-013-2358-6
- Description: Publisher version , We utilised stable isotope ratios to assess differences in diet among three indigenous and syntopic rocky shore suspension-feeders (mussels Perna perna, barnacles Tetraclita serrata, and polychaetes Gunnarea gaimardi). We also determined the spatial and temporal variability in the suspension-feeder diets by collecting specimens on two occasions from two regions adjacent to hydrologically distinct river mouths (i.e. one with larger annual freshwater throughput than the other). The results showed that the isotopic niches (used as proxies for trophic niches) of the three species did not overlap and that the barnacles occupied a trophic position (3.4) well above those of the mussels (2) and polychaetes (2.6). We ascribed the interspecific differences primarily to the disparate feeding mechanisms used by the species. Large-scale regional (~50 km) differences in suspension-feeder diets were apparent, but not small-scale (up to a few km north and south of each estuary mouth). The regional differences in diet resulted from the increased availability of estuarine-origin suspended particulate matter (SPM) and zooplankton in the region adjacent to the river with relatively larger freshwater output, although overall incorporation of zooplankton versus mixed SPM into consumer diets was relatively consistent between regions and through time. Temporal shifts in suspension-feeder diets were apparent from stable carbon isotope ratios in the consumers. Our results showcase the measurable effects of regional-scale processes that can alter the food sources for dominant primary consumers in the rocky intertidal, thus potentially affecting entire food webs through bottom-up processes. The clear evidence for trophic niche partitioning offers valuable insights into how potentially strong competitors can coexist.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
Using multivariate analysis and stable isotopes to assess the effects of substrate type on phytobenthos communities
- Dalu, Tatenda, Richoux, Nicole B, Froneman, P William
- Authors: Dalu, Tatenda , Richoux, Nicole B , Froneman, P William
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68123 , vital:29201 , https://doi.org/10.5268/IW-4.4.719
- Description: Publisher version , For more than a century, artificial substrates have been employed in phytobenthos studies. In the present study, we compared the phytobenthos community structure in a field experiment over 3 seasons (summer, autumn, and winter) on 3 types of artificial substrates (brick, brown clay tiles, and grey clay tiles) and 3 natural substrates (macrophytes, rocks, and sediment) in a small, temperate system. A combination of multivariate analyses (cluster, multi-response permutation procedure, indicator species [IndVal], and canonical correspondence analysis [CCA]) and stable isotope analysis was used. We identified 96 total phytobenthos taxa. Artificial substrates resulted in different substrate communities, as shown by stable isotope analysis, cluster analysis, and a multi-response permutation procedure, with only those communities growing on grey tiles being similar to natural substrate communities. Overall, artificial substrates exhibited slightly higher species richness compared to natural substrates over the 3 seasons, although there were no significant differences (p> 0.05). Phytobenthos grown on brown tiles, rocks, and bricks showed seasonal variability of the carbon isotope δ13C values using one-way ANOVA (p< 0.05). Phytobenthos community structure did not show great seasonal variation; however, CCA identified water flow, conductivity, ammonium, phosphate, and water depth as important in structuring phytobenthos communities on different substrates. IndVal analysis showed that common phytobenthos taxa were not restricted to a single substrate, but preference was generally high for natural substrate, especially rocks, compared to artificial substrates. Substrate microhabitat type seems to influence the communities within the study areas.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Dalu, Tatenda , Richoux, Nicole B , Froneman, P William
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68123 , vital:29201 , https://doi.org/10.5268/IW-4.4.719
- Description: Publisher version , For more than a century, artificial substrates have been employed in phytobenthos studies. In the present study, we compared the phytobenthos community structure in a field experiment over 3 seasons (summer, autumn, and winter) on 3 types of artificial substrates (brick, brown clay tiles, and grey clay tiles) and 3 natural substrates (macrophytes, rocks, and sediment) in a small, temperate system. A combination of multivariate analyses (cluster, multi-response permutation procedure, indicator species [IndVal], and canonical correspondence analysis [CCA]) and stable isotope analysis was used. We identified 96 total phytobenthos taxa. Artificial substrates resulted in different substrate communities, as shown by stable isotope analysis, cluster analysis, and a multi-response permutation procedure, with only those communities growing on grey tiles being similar to natural substrate communities. Overall, artificial substrates exhibited slightly higher species richness compared to natural substrates over the 3 seasons, although there were no significant differences (p> 0.05). Phytobenthos grown on brown tiles, rocks, and bricks showed seasonal variability of the carbon isotope δ13C values using one-way ANOVA (p< 0.05). Phytobenthos community structure did not show great seasonal variation; however, CCA identified water flow, conductivity, ammonium, phosphate, and water depth as important in structuring phytobenthos communities on different substrates. IndVal analysis showed that common phytobenthos taxa were not restricted to a single substrate, but preference was generally high for natural substrate, especially rocks, compared to artificial substrates. Substrate microhabitat type seems to influence the communities within the study areas.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
Physical and biological processes at the Subtropical Convergence in the South-west Indian Ocean
- Froneman, P William, Ansorge, Isabelle J, Richoux, Nicole B, Blake, Justin, Daly, Ryan, Sterley, Jessica A, Mostert, Bruce P, Heyns, Elodie R, Sheppard, Jill N, Kuyper, B, Hart, N, George, C, Howard, J, Mustafa, E, Pey, F, Lutjeharms, Johan R E
- Authors: Froneman, P William , Ansorge, Isabelle J , Richoux, Nicole B , Blake, Justin , Daly, Ryan , Sterley, Jessica A , Mostert, Bruce P , Heyns, Elodie R , Sheppard, Jill N , Kuyper, B , Hart, N , George, C , Howard, J , Mustafa, E , Pey, F , Lutjeharms, Johan R E
- Date: 2007
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6966 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012030
- Description: A detailed hydrographic and biological survey was conducted in the region of the Subtropical Convergence in the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean in April 2007. Hydrographic data revealed that the subsurface expression of the Subtropical Convergence (at 200 m), marked by the 10°C isotherm, appeared to meander considerably between 41°S and 42°15’S. Total surface chlorophyll- a concentration was low and ranged from 0.03 to 0.42 µg l–1 and was always dominated by the pico- (<2 µm) and nano- (2–120 µm) size classes, which contributed between 81% and 93% of the total pigment. The total chlorophyll-a integrated over the top 150m of the water column showed no distinct spatial trends, and ranged from 12.8 to 40.1mg chl-a m–2. There were no significant correlations between the total integrated chlorophyll- a concentration and temperature and salinity (P > 0.05). The zooplankton community was dominated, numerically and by biomass, by mesozooplankton comprising mainly copepods of the genera, Oithona,Paraeuchaeta, Pleuromamma, Calanus and Clausocalanus. An exception was recorded at those stations in the region of the front where the tunicate, Salpa thompsoni, dominated the total zooplankton biomass.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Froneman, P William , Ansorge, Isabelle J , Richoux, Nicole B , Blake, Justin , Daly, Ryan , Sterley, Jessica A , Mostert, Bruce P , Heyns, Elodie R , Sheppard, Jill N , Kuyper, B , Hart, N , George, C , Howard, J , Mustafa, E , Pey, F , Lutjeharms, Johan R E
- Date: 2007
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6966 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012030
- Description: A detailed hydrographic and biological survey was conducted in the region of the Subtropical Convergence in the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean in April 2007. Hydrographic data revealed that the subsurface expression of the Subtropical Convergence (at 200 m), marked by the 10°C isotherm, appeared to meander considerably between 41°S and 42°15’S. Total surface chlorophyll- a concentration was low and ranged from 0.03 to 0.42 µg l–1 and was always dominated by the pico- (<2 µm) and nano- (2–120 µm) size classes, which contributed between 81% and 93% of the total pigment. The total chlorophyll-a integrated over the top 150m of the water column showed no distinct spatial trends, and ranged from 12.8 to 40.1mg chl-a m–2. There were no significant correlations between the total integrated chlorophyll- a concentration and temperature and salinity (P > 0.05). The zooplankton community was dominated, numerically and by biomass, by mesozooplankton comprising mainly copepods of the genera, Oithona,Paraeuchaeta, Pleuromamma, Calanus and Clausocalanus. An exception was recorded at those stations in the region of the front where the tunicate, Salpa thompsoni, dominated the total zooplankton biomass.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
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