PeerJ Preprints: Environmental Impactshttps://peerj.com/preprints/index.atom?journal=peerj&subject=1433Environmental Impacts articles published in PeerJ PreprintsPhysical habitat modeling methodology and applicationshttps://peerj.com/preprints/280052019-10-032019-10-03Ravi Nalamothu
The water management districts in Florida are required by s. 373.042, F.S. to establish minimum flow and levels (MFLs) for a priority list of water bodies that is updated each year. These MFLs are established for water bodies to prevent “significant harm” to the water resources or ecology because of withdrawals for beneficial use, and can be an effective water resource management tool. Protection of the resource from significant harm is a benefit to the variety of existing users of the resource as well as the ecological systems supported by the water bodies. This article presents an overview of a modeling technique and an associated tool developed to protect the instream habitat from significant harm.
The water management districts in Florida are required by s. 373.042, F.S. to establish minimum flow and levels (MFLs) for a priority list of water bodies that is updated each year. These MFLs are established for water bodies to prevent “significant harm” to the water resources or ecology because of withdrawals for beneficial use, and can be an effective water resource management tool. Protection of the resource from significant harm is a benefit to the variety of existing users of the resource as well as the ecological systems supported by the water bodies. This article presents an overview of a modeling technique and an associated tool developed to protect the instream habitat from significant harm.Pollutant release registers are key tools to help curb air pollutionhttps://peerj.com/preprints/279832019-09-252019-09-25Tony R Walker
Recent articles highlighting potential weakening of air pollution regulations in the United States should be a cause for concern for public health worldwide. Environmental regulations to curb air pollution, particularly fine-particle pollution, should be based on sound scientific evidence, not politics. Unfortunately, members of the public seldom read scientific articles published in reputable journals, but they do listen to politicians. However, members of the public can learn more about atmospheric pollutant releases, including fine-particulate matter from industrial facilities under ‘right-to-know’ legislation and public disclosure principles, using Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers (PRTRs). PRTRs are a key policy tools designed to curb air pollution and are used widely in many countries and help support enforcement of environmental pollution control regulations. The US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) launched the first PRTR, the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) in 1987 and Canada followed suit with the National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) in 1993. Whilst PRTRs have been criticised for data accuracy and under reporting, they are still effective tools to curb air pollution through increased public understanding and engagement in decision-making.
Recent articles highlighting potential weakening of air pollution regulations in the United States should be a cause for concern for public health worldwide. Environmental regulations to curb air pollution, particularly fine-particle pollution, should be based on sound scientific evidence, not politics. Unfortunately, members of the public seldom read scientific articles published in reputable journals, but they do listen to politicians. However, members of the public can learn more about atmospheric pollutant releases, including fine-particulate matter from industrial facilities under ‘right-to-know’ legislation and public disclosure principles, using Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers (PRTRs). PRTRs are a key policy tools designed to curb air pollution and are used widely in many countries and help support enforcement of environmental pollution control regulations. The US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) launched the first PRTR, the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) in 1987 and Canada followed suit with the National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) in 1993. Whilst PRTRs have been criticised for data accuracy and under reporting, they are still effective tools to curb air pollution through increased public understanding and engagement in decision-making.All change for climate changehttps://peerj.com/preprints/279822019-09-242019-09-24Tony R Walker
Governments, corporations and individuals all need to take immediate action to help change the global economy toward a circular economy. A circular economy which uses fewer resources and based on renewable clean technologies to help limit global warming to 1.5 °C. The 2018 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report warned that limiting global warming to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels would require current greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions to be cut in half by 2030. Yet actions by governments, corporations and individuals are lagging behind. Many countries are failing their obligations made under the 2015 Paris climate agreement. Even the International Maritime Organization, a United Nations agency set a 50% reduction target of GHG emissions for global shipping by 2050, but this falls short of the IPCC target by 20 years. The United Nations climate summit in New York this week (September 2019) needs to send a strong wake up call to the entire world for us all to change. Change makers like Greta Thunberg has already done that. Individual actions to change consumer behaviour can play a major role to help reduce GHG emissions. Even reducing use of single-use plastics (a petroleum derivative) and incineration can help reduce GHG emissions. GHG emissions from plastics could reach 15% of the global carbon budget by 2050 if not curbed. In Europe, plastic production and incineration emits an estimated ~400 million tonnes of CO2 per year. Therefore, reducing single-use plastic use could curb GHG emissions.
Governments, corporations and individuals all need to take immediate action to help change the global economy toward a circular economy. A circular economy which uses fewer resources and based on renewable clean technologies to help limit global warming to 1.5 °C. The 2018 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report warned that limiting global warming to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels would require current greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions to be cut in half by 2030. Yet actions by governments, corporations and individuals are lagging behind. Many countries are failing their obligations made under the 2015 Paris climate agreement. Even the International Maritime Organization, a United Nations agency set a 50% reduction target of GHG emissions for global shipping by 2050, but this falls short of the IPCC target by 20 years. The United Nations climate summit in New York this week (September 2019) needs to send a strong wake up call to the entire world for us all to change. Change makers like Greta Thunberg has already done that. Individual actions to change consumer behaviour can play a major role to help reduce GHG emissions. Even reducing use of single-use plastics (a petroleum derivative) and incineration can help reduce GHG emissions. GHG emissions from plastics could reach 15% of the global carbon budget by 2050 if not curbed. In Europe, plastic production and incineration emits an estimated ~400 million tonnes of CO2 per year. Therefore, reducing single-use plastic use could curb GHG emissions.Organic facies variability and paleoenvironmental interpretation of the Early Toarcian of the Pyrenean Basin: the Bizanet and the Pont de Suert sectionshttps://peerj.com/preprints/279772019-09-242019-09-24Carolina FonsecaJoão Graciano Mendonça FilhoCarine LézinLuís Vítor DuartePhilippe Fauré
The Early Toarcian is characterized by major worldwide environmental changes recorded in an organic-rich black shale sedimentation and carbon cycle disturbances, the so-called Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event (T-OAE) (e.g. Jenkyns, 2010). This organic-rich sedimentation is particularly recorded in shallow marine epicontinental basins that developed as part of the Toarcian European epicontinental shelf, paleogeographical framework in which the Pyrenean Basin is incorporated (e.g. Fonseca et al., 2018; McArthur et al., 2008). With these premises, the main objective of this study is to assess the organic facies variability and to define the depositional paleoenvironments of two sections from the Pyrenean Basin (Bizanet and Pont de Suert) during the T-OAE, using palynofacies and geochemical (Total Organic Carbon - TOC and insoluble residue - IR) data. The Pyrenean tectonics that occurred between the latest Cretaceous and the Oligocene, deformed, detached and fragmented the substrate resulting in diverse tectonic units (Faure, 2002). The late Pliensbachian-early Toarcian of the Pont de Suert section, located in the South Pyrenean zone, is characterized by the limestone dominated Barre a Pecten Formation (Fm.), and the carbonate and/or argillaceous-carbonate alternation of its three members (alternations of marl and argillaceous limestone of the Calcaires argileux à Spirifèrines Member (Mb.), the argillaceous limestones and marls of the Calcaires argileux et marnes à Soaresirhynchia Mb., and the marl and argillaceous limestone dominated Calcaires argileux à Telothyris Mb.; Faure, 2002). The Bizanet section is located in the eastern Corbières, and is characterized by a 3m thick succession of late Pliensbachian-early Toarcian sediments comprising, at the base, the limestone dominated Barre a Pecten Fm., followed by a sedimentary gap dated to the Tenuicostatum Chronozone, topped by the marly dominated succession of the Bizanet Fm. (black ferruginous marls intercalated with limestones and topped by dolomitic limestones of the Schistes carton Mb., and the black marls of the Argilites noires litées Mb.; Faure, 2002). The geochemical results evidenced that the Bizanet section presents higher TOC contents than the Pont de Suert section, with values reaching 2.03 wt.%. In the Bizanet section IR ranges between 12 wt.% and 82 wt.% and in the Pont de Suert section varies from 13wt.% to 67 wt.%, displaying a similar average value for the two sections (45 wt.%). The palynofacies assemblage is dominated in both sections by the same components, belonging to the Phylum Cnidaria, Class Hydrozoa and Order Hydroida, and are represented by fragments of colonial and non-colonial sessile polypoid forms and free-swimming medusoid forms, with different degrees of amorphization.
(This abstract has been truncated, please see the complete PDF version)
The Early Toarcian is characterized by major worldwide environmental changes recorded in an organic-rich black shale sedimentation and carbon cycle disturbances, the so-called Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event (T-OAE) (e.g. Jenkyns, 2010). This organic-rich sedimentation is particularly recorded in shallow marine epicontinental basins that developed as part of the Toarcian European epicontinental shelf, paleogeographical framework in which the Pyrenean Basin is incorporated (e.g. Fonseca et al., 2018; McArthur et al., 2008). With these premises, the main objective of this study is to assess the organic facies variability and to define the depositional paleoenvironments of two sections from the Pyrenean Basin (Bizanet and Pont de Suert) during the T-OAE, using palynofacies and geochemical (Total Organic Carbon - TOC and insoluble residue - IR) data. The Pyrenean tectonics that occurred between the latest Cretaceous and the Oligocene, deformed, detached and fragmented the substrate resulting in diverse tectonic units (Faure, 2002). The late Pliensbachian-early Toarcian of the Pont de Suert section, located in the South Pyrenean zone, is characterized by the limestone dominated Barre a Pecten Formation (Fm.), and the carbonate and/or argillaceous-carbonate alternation of its three members (alternations of marl and argillaceous limestone of the Calcaires argileux à Spirifèrines Member (Mb.), the argillaceous limestones and marls of the Calcaires argileux et marnes à Soaresirhynchia Mb., and the marl and argillaceous limestone dominated Calcaires argileux à Telothyris Mb.; Faure, 2002). The Bizanet section is located in the eastern Corbières, and is characterized by a 3m thick succession of late Pliensbachian-early Toarcian sediments comprising, at the base, the limestone dominated Barre a Pecten Fm., followed by a sedimentary gap dated to the Tenuicostatum Chronozone, topped by the marly dominated succession of the Bizanet Fm. (black ferruginous marls intercalated with limestones and topped by dolomitic limestones of the Schistes carton Mb., and the black marls of the Argilites noires litées Mb.; Faure, 2002). The geochemical results evidenced that the Bizanet section presents higher TOC contents than the Pont de Suert section, with values reaching 2.03 wt.%. In the Bizanet section IR ranges between 12 wt.% and 82 wt.% and in the Pont de Suert section varies from 13wt.% to 67 wt.%, displaying a similar average value for the two sections (45 wt.%). The palynofacies assemblage is dominated in both sections by the same components, belonging to the Phylum Cnidaria, Class Hydrozoa and Order Hydroida, and are represented by fragments of colonial and non-colonial sessile polypoid forms and free-swimming medusoid forms, with different degrees of amorphization.(This abstract has been truncated, please see the complete PDF version)The organic record of Oceanic Anoxic Events: Toarcian vs Cenomanian-Turonianhttps://peerj.com/preprints/279782019-09-242019-09-24Carolina FonsecaJoão Graciano Mendonça FilhoCarine LézinLuís Vítor Duarte
The Mesozoic is marked by periods of profound climatic and paleoceanographic changes of the planet, representing major environmental perturbations and global carbon cycle disturbances, the so-called oceanic anoxic events (OAEs). These events are usually characterized by the deposition of sediments rich in organic matter (OM) which further validates the importance of the characterization of these organic records (e.g. Jenkyns, 2010). Furthermore, the high variability in the expression of these global events could be related to regional factors, which can be assessed through the study of the organic fraction of these records. With these premises is made a discussion about the organic variability, especially focused on petrographic observations, of two major OAE’s that differ in origin, extension and geochemical signature, the Toarcian (T-OAE) and the Cenomanian-Turonian (OAE2) events. For the T-OAE is analyzed a N-S transect of the Toarcian epicontinental seaway to enable the establishment of relationships of confinement, salinity and OM concentration. For the OAE2 the focus is on sections recording the Atlantic and Tethyan affinities to discuss the origin of the anoxia. The T-OAE organic record is characterized by the already established trend in TOC (van de Schootbrugge et al., 2005), with higher values being present in the more northern basins of the European epicontinental seaway (e.g. Dotternhausen) and diminishing towards the south, with lower values registered in the more external basins (e.g. Lusitanian Basin). This is coupled by a decrease in the degree of amorphization of the OM, and a variation in the origin of the amorphous OM, that culminates in its disappearance in the more external Lusitanian Basin (Fonseca et al., 2018; Rodrigues et al., 2016). The OAE2 organic record is marked by high variability, especially connected to differences in oceanic circulation dynamics that differ in the Tethyan and Atlantic domains (e.g. Trabucho-Alexandre et al., 2010). The TOC content of this event reaches higher values than the ones associated with the T-OAE (>30 wt.%), with the organic associations being dominated in the majority of the sections by amorphous OM. Nevertheless, the origin of this component differs and is very much controlled by local conditions. Differences in productivity, connected to the occurrence of intense upwelling in the Atlantic domain, are also observed. The organic facies variability and the differences in paleoenvironmental depositional contexts observed in the studied sections are associated with the regional character of both the T-OAE and the OAE2. These are mainly attributed to differences in paleogeography, paleogeomorphology and oceanic circulation patterns. Furthermore, there are clear differences in the organic content of both events, showing that is not only their origin, extension and geochemical characteristics that differ but also their organic signature.
The Mesozoic is marked by periods of profound climatic and paleoceanographic changes of the planet, representing major environmental perturbations and global carbon cycle disturbances, the so-called oceanic anoxic events (OAEs). These events are usually characterized by the deposition of sediments rich in organic matter (OM) which further validates the importance of the characterization of these organic records (e.g. Jenkyns, 2010). Furthermore, the high variability in the expression of these global events could be related to regional factors, which can be assessed through the study of the organic fraction of these records. With these premises is made a discussion about the organic variability, especially focused on petrographic observations, of two major OAE’s that differ in origin, extension and geochemical signature, the Toarcian (T-OAE) and the Cenomanian-Turonian (OAE2) events. For the T-OAE is analyzed a N-S transect of the Toarcian epicontinental seaway to enable the establishment of relationships of confinement, salinity and OM concentration. For the OAE2 the focus is on sections recording the Atlantic and Tethyan affinities to discuss the origin of the anoxia. The T-OAE organic record is characterized by the already established trend in TOC (van de Schootbrugge et al., 2005), with higher values being present in the more northern basins of the European epicontinental seaway (e.g. Dotternhausen) and diminishing towards the south, with lower values registered in the more external basins (e.g. Lusitanian Basin). This is coupled by a decrease in the degree of amorphization of the OM, and a variation in the origin of the amorphous OM, that culminates in its disappearance in the more external Lusitanian Basin (Fonseca et al., 2018; Rodrigues et al., 2016). The OAE2 organic record is marked by high variability, especially connected to differences in oceanic circulation dynamics that differ in the Tethyan and Atlantic domains (e.g. Trabucho-Alexandre et al., 2010). The TOC content of this event reaches higher values than the ones associated with the T-OAE (>30 wt.%), with the organic associations being dominated in the majority of the sections by amorphous OM. Nevertheless, the origin of this component differs and is very much controlled by local conditions. Differences in productivity, connected to the occurrence of intense upwelling in the Atlantic domain, are also observed. The organic facies variability and the differences in paleoenvironmental depositional contexts observed in the studied sections are associated with the regional character of both the T-OAE and the OAE2. These are mainly attributed to differences in paleogeography, paleogeomorphology and oceanic circulation patterns. Furthermore, there are clear differences in the organic content of both events, showing that is not only their origin, extension and geochemical characteristics that differ but also their organic signature.Variation of kerogen assemblages and δ13CKerogen in Lower Toarcian successions of the southern Tethyan marginhttps://peerj.com/preprints/279452019-09-112019-09-11Bruno RodriguesRicardo SilvaJoão Graciano Mendonça FilhoLuís Vítor DuarteMatías ReolidDriss Sadki
The early Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event (T-OAE) is associated with an “excess” of C12 in the atmospheric and ocean carbon reservoirs and widespread occurrence of organic-rich facies around the globe. The T-OAE is recorded as a pronounced negative carbon isotopic excursion (CIE) in carbonates, fossil wood, and kerogens at the base of the Serpentinum (=Falciferum=Levisoni) Chronozone, positioned within a broad δ13C positive trend initiated at the base of the Lower Toarcian. Contrasts in deposition and preservation of OM between the northern and southern Tethyan margins are observed during the T-OAE. Several sections of the northern Tethyan margin are enriched in OM, whereas in the southern Tethyan margin, organic-rich facies are spatially and temporally restricted and have lower TOC. This dichotomy reflects differentiated depositional and environmental conditions between the two margins, controlled by the interplay of local, regional, and global constraints (distinct palaeogeographical location, OM type and source, palaeoceanography, climate, tectonics, etc.). This study investigates the variation of kerogen assemblages and δ13CKerogen in the Upper Pliensbachian–Lower Toarcian interval along the southern Tethyan margin, i.e. Lusitanian Basin (Portugal), Betic Cordillera (Spain), and Middle Atlas (Morocco). The objective is to contribute to the understanding of the paleoenvironmental variables and dynamics that influenced deposition and preservation of OM during the Late Pliensbachian–Early Toarcian in the Tethyan region. Preliminary analysis revealed that Upper Pliensbachian–Lower Toarcian kerogen assemblages from the Betic Cordillera, Lusitanian, and Middle Atlas basins are dominated by terrestrial particles (phytoclasts and sporomorphs) and have relatively more positive δ13C values when compared with correlative North-European sections. In the Lusitanian Basin and Betic Cordillera, the T-OAE negative CIE is observed in the δ13CKerogen record and is accompanied by an increase in terrestrial palynomorphs, non-opaque phytoclasts (NOP), and cuticle fragments. These increases are in line with the posited intensification of continental weathering, acceleration of the hydrological cycle, and increased export of terrestrial OM into marine environments during the T-OAE.
The early Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event (T-OAE) is associated with an “excess” of C12 in the atmospheric and ocean carbon reservoirs and widespread occurrence of organic-rich facies around the globe. The T-OAE is recorded as a pronounced negative carbon isotopic excursion (CIE) in carbonates, fossil wood, and kerogens at the base of the Serpentinum (=Falciferum=Levisoni) Chronozone, positioned within a broad δ13C positive trend initiated at the base of the Lower Toarcian. Contrasts in deposition and preservation of OM between the northern and southern Tethyan margins are observed during the T-OAE. Several sections of the northern Tethyan margin are enriched in OM, whereas in the southern Tethyan margin, organic-rich facies are spatially and temporally restricted and have lower TOC. This dichotomy reflects differentiated depositional and environmental conditions between the two margins, controlled by the interplay of local, regional, and global constraints (distinct palaeogeographical location, OM type and source, palaeoceanography, climate, tectonics, etc.). This study investigates the variation of kerogen assemblages and δ13CKerogen in the Upper Pliensbachian–Lower Toarcian interval along the southern Tethyan margin, i.e. Lusitanian Basin (Portugal), Betic Cordillera (Spain), and Middle Atlas (Morocco). The objective is to contribute to the understanding of the paleoenvironmental variables and dynamics that influenced deposition and preservation of OM during the Late Pliensbachian–Early Toarcian in the Tethyan region. Preliminary analysis revealed that Upper Pliensbachian–Lower Toarcian kerogen assemblages from the Betic Cordillera, Lusitanian, and Middle Atlas basins are dominated by terrestrial particles (phytoclasts and sporomorphs) and have relatively more positive δ13C values when compared with correlative North-European sections. In the Lusitanian Basin and Betic Cordillera, the T-OAE negative CIE is observed in the δ13CKerogen record and is accompanied by an increase in terrestrial palynomorphs, non-opaque phytoclasts (NOP), and cuticle fragments. These increases are in line with the posited intensification of continental weathering, acceleration of the hydrological cycle, and increased export of terrestrial OM into marine environments during the T-OAE.The impact of the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event (T-OAE) on the radiation of Early Jurassic dinoflagellate cysts in the Lusitanian Basin, Portugalhttps://peerj.com/preprints/279532019-09-102019-09-10Vânia Fraguito CorreiaJames B. RidingLuís V. DuartePaulo FernandesZélia Pereira
Dinoflagellates, together with diatoms and coccolithophores, form a major element of the marine eukaryotic phytoplankton, and are significant primary producers. Based on the fossil record, dinoflagellates appeared in Middle Triassic and during the Early Jurassic (late Pliensbachian) and underwent an important evolutionary radiation episode, with the occurrence of around 40 new species. The Lower Jurassic is particularly well-developed in the Lusitanian Basin of central western Portugal. This depocentre is filled mainly with marine Jurassic sediments, characterized by marl-limestone alternations. We analysed 214 samples from six Lower Jurassic sections in the Lusitanian Basin. The Pliensbachian–Toarcian succession in the Lusitanian Basin is characterised by relatively low dinoflagellate cyst diversity. Only fifteen taxa were recorded; these are assigned to seven genera. These are Luehndea, Mancodinium, Mendicodinium, Nannoceratopsis, Scriniocassis, Sentusidinium and Valvaeodinium. At the base of upper Pliensbachian (Amaltheus margaritatus ammonite biozone) the first dinoflagellate cyst appearances in the Lusitanian Basin are recorded, corresponding to the late Pliensbachian radiation event of this group. We identified the inceptions of Mancodinium semitabulatum, Luehndea spinosa, which belong to the family Mancodiniaceae, Nannoceratopsis gracilis and Nannoceratopsis senex, representing the family Nannoceratopsiaceae are also present. This family is confined to the Jurassic and the genus Nannoceratopsis is the only representative. These taxa became very common and abundant throughout the remaining late Pliensbachian and early Toarcian (Dactylioceras polymorphum ammonite biozone), before the T-OAE. The T-OAE in the Lusitanian Basin is expressed at the base of Hildaites levisoni ammonite biozone and is characterised by the apparent extinction of Luehndea spinosa and the disappearance of all dinoflagellate cyst taxa. During the remaining Toarcian only four new genera and families were identified and the abundance of this group is consistently very low. Apparently, the palaeoenvironmental changes associated with the T-OAE were more extensive in the Lusitanian Basin, compared with coeval basins in northern Europe. Hence, the T-OAE in this basin strongly affected the dinoflagellate cyst evolution patterns. Nevertheless, the late Toarcian of the Lusitanian Basin included an important evolutionary episode, namely the emergence of the first Gonyaulacaceae, due to the appearance of Sentusidinium. The family Gonyaulacaceae continued their diversification and became the most abundant family of cyst-forming dinoflagellates in the fossil record. In conclusion, the late Pliensbachian radiation of dinoflagellate cysts is well documented in the Lusitanian Basin and the T-OAE drastically affected the morphological experimentation period of this group during the remaining Early Jurassic.
Dinoflagellates, together with diatoms and coccolithophores, form a major element of the marine eukaryotic phytoplankton, and are significant primary producers. Based on the fossil record, dinoflagellates appeared in Middle Triassic and during the Early Jurassic (late Pliensbachian) and underwent an important evolutionary radiation episode, with the occurrence of around 40 new species. The Lower Jurassic is particularly well-developed in the Lusitanian Basin of central western Portugal. This depocentre is filled mainly with marine Jurassic sediments, characterized by marl-limestone alternations. We analysed 214 samples from six Lower Jurassic sections in the Lusitanian Basin. The Pliensbachian–Toarcian succession in the Lusitanian Basin is characterised by relatively low dinoflagellate cyst diversity. Only fifteen taxa were recorded; these are assigned to seven genera. These are Luehndea, Mancodinium, Mendicodinium, Nannoceratopsis, Scriniocassis, Sentusidinium and Valvaeodinium. At the base of upper Pliensbachian (Amaltheus margaritatus ammonite biozone) the first dinoflagellate cyst appearances in the Lusitanian Basin are recorded, corresponding to the late Pliensbachian radiation event of this group. We identified the inceptions of Mancodinium semitabulatum, Luehndea spinosa, which belong to the family Mancodiniaceae, Nannoceratopsis gracilis and Nannoceratopsis senex, representing the familyNannoceratopsiaceae are also present. This family is confined to the Jurassic and the genus Nannoceratopsis is the only representative. These taxa became very common and abundant throughout the remaining late Pliensbachian and early Toarcian (Dactylioceras polymorphum ammonite biozone), before the T-OAE. The T-OAE in the Lusitanian Basin is expressed at the base of Hildaites levisoni ammonite biozone and is characterised by the apparent extinction of Luehndea spinosa and the disappearance of all dinoflagellate cyst taxa.During the remaining Toarcian only four new genera and families were identified and the abundance of this group is consistently very low. Apparently, the palaeoenvironmental changes associated with the T-OAE were more extensive in the Lusitanian Basin, compared with coeval basins in northern Europe. Hence, the T-OAE in this basin strongly affected the dinoflagellate cyst evolution patterns. Nevertheless, the late Toarcian of the Lusitanian Basin included an important evolutionary episode, namely the emergence of the first Gonyaulacaceae, due to the appearance of Sentusidinium. The family Gonyaulacaceae continued their diversification and became the most abundant family of cyst-forming dinoflagellates in the fossil record. In conclusion, the late Pliensbachian radiation of dinoflagellate cysts is well documented in the Lusitanian Basin and the T-OAE drastically affected the morphological experimentation period of this group during the remaining Early Jurassic.Gene/environment interaction and autoimmune diseasehttps://peerj.com/preprints/279392019-09-052019-09-05Tamia A HarrisShai Bel
Autoimmune diseases are complex illnesses in which the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy tissues. These diseases, which can be fatal, gravely impact the quality of life of those afflicted by them with no cure currently available. The exact etiology of autoimmune diseases is not completely clear. Biomedical research has revealed that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development and progression of these diseases. Nevertheless, genetic and environmental factors alone cannot explain a large proportion of cases, leading to the possibility that the two factors interact in driving disease onset. Understanding how genetic and environmental factor influence host physiology in a manner that leads to the development of autoimmune diseases can reveal the mechanisms by which these diseases manifest, and bring us closer to finding a cure for them. In this chapter, we will review the current research of genetic/environmental interactions that contribute to development of autoimmune diseases, with an emphasis on interactions between the host and the multitudes of microbes that inhabit it, the microbiota.
Autoimmune diseases are complex illnesses in which the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy tissues. These diseases, which can be fatal, gravely impact the quality of life of those afflicted by them with no cure currently available. The exact etiology of autoimmune diseases is not completely clear. Biomedical research has revealed that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development and progression of these diseases. Nevertheless, genetic and environmental factors alone cannot explain a large proportion of cases, leading to the possibility that the two factors interact in driving disease onset. Understanding how genetic and environmental factor influence host physiology in a manner that leads to the development of autoimmune diseases can reveal the mechanisms by which these diseases manifest, and bring us closer to finding a cure for them. In this chapter, we will review the current research of genetic/environmental interactions that contribute to development of autoimmune diseases, with an emphasis on interactions between the host and the multitudes of microbes that inhabit it, the microbiota.Public priorities on locally-driven sea level rise planning on the East Coast of the United Stateshttps://peerj.com/preprints/279332019-09-022019-09-02Adam T Carpenter
Sea Level Rise poses a substantial concern to communities worldwide. Increased inundation, storm surge, salt water intrusion, and other impacts create challenges which will require considerable planning to address. Recognizing the broad and differing scope of sea level rise issues and the variability of policy options to address them, local planning frameworks are necessary in addition to tools and resources available from state and federal governments. To help assess priorities and preferences on sea level rise planning, a survey of 503 persons affiliated with coastal communities on the East Coast of the United States was conducted in December 2017. This survey studied key aspects locally-driven sea level rise plans, including planning priorities, funding options, methods to resolve conflict, and potential responses. Six key findings address these and other concerns to provide the foundation of a locally driven framework for public officials.
Sea Level Rise poses a substantial concern to communities worldwide. Increased inundation, storm surge, salt water intrusion, and other impacts create challenges which will require considerable planning to address. Recognizing the broad and differing scope of sea level rise issues and the variability of policy options to address them, local planning frameworks are necessary in addition to tools and resources available from state and federal governments. To help assess priorities and preferences on sea level rise planning, a survey of 503 persons affiliated with coastal communities on the East Coast of the United States was conducted in December 2017. This survey studied key aspects locally-driven sea level rise plans, including planning priorities, funding options, methods to resolve conflict, and potential responses. Six key findings address these and other concerns to provide the foundation of a locally driven framework for public officials.Chronic trace metals effects of mine tailings on estuarine assemblages revealed by environmental DNAhttps://peerj.com/preprints/279242019-08-282019-08-28Angelo F BernardinoFabiano S PaisLouisi S OliveiraFabricio A GabrielTiago O FerreiraHermano M QueirozAna Carolina A Mazzuco
Mine tailing disasters have occurred worldwide and contemporary release of tailings of large proportions raise concerns of the chronic impacts that trace metals associated with tailings may have on the aquatic biodiversity. Environmental metabarcoding (eDNA) offers an yet poorly explored opportunity for biological monitoring of impacted aquatic ecosystems from mine tailings and contaminated sediments. eDNA has been increasingly recognized to be an effective method to detect previously unrecognized small-sized Metazoan taxa, but their ecological responses to environmental pollution has not been assessed by metabarcoding. Here we evaluated chronic effects of trace metal contamination from sediment eDNA of the Rio Doce estuary, 1.7 years after the Samarco mine tailing disaster, which released over 40 million m3of iron tailings in the Rio Doce river basin. We identified 123 new sequence variants (eOTUs) of benthic taxa and an assemblage composition dominated by Nematoda, Crustacea and Platyhelminthes; typical of other estuarine ecosystems. We detected environmental filtering on the meiofaunal assemblages and multivariate analysis revealed strong influence of Fe contamination, supporting chronic impacts from mine tailing deposition in the estuary. This was in contrast to environmental filtering of meiofaunal assemblages of non-polluted estuaries. Here we suggest that the eDNA metabarcoding technique provides an opportunity to fill up biodiversity gaps in coastal marine ecology and may become a valid method for long term monitoring studies in mine tailing disasters and estuarine ecosystems with high trace metals content.
Mine tailing disasters have occurred worldwide and contemporary release of tailings of large proportions raise concerns of the chronic impacts that trace metals associated with tailings may have on the aquatic biodiversity. Environmental metabarcoding (eDNA) offers an yet poorly explored opportunity for biological monitoring of impacted aquatic ecosystems from mine tailings and contaminated sediments. eDNA has been increasingly recognized to be an effective method to detect previously unrecognized small-sized Metazoan taxa, but their ecological responses to environmental pollution has not been assessed by metabarcoding. Here we evaluated chronic effects of trace metal contamination from sediment eDNA of the Rio Doce estuary, 1.7 years after the Samarco mine tailing disaster, which released over 40 million m3of iron tailings in the Rio Doce river basin. We identified 123 new sequence variants (eOTUs) of benthic taxa and an assemblage composition dominated by Nematoda, Crustacea and Platyhelminthes; typical of other estuarine ecosystems. We detected environmental filtering on the meiofaunal assemblages and multivariate analysis revealed strong influence of Fe contamination, supporting chronic impacts from mine tailing deposition in the estuary. This was in contrast to environmental filtering of meiofaunal assemblages of non-polluted estuaries. Here we suggest that the eDNA metabarcoding technique provides an opportunity to fill up biodiversity gaps in coastal marine ecology and may become a valid method for long term monitoring studies in mine tailing disasters and estuarine ecosystems with high trace metals content.