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Aquatic Ecosystems

All articles tagged with #aquatic ecosystems

environment2 years ago•1 min saved

Massive Invasive Carp Roundup in Mississippi River by Minnesota and Wisconsin Wildlife Officials

Wildlife officials from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources have captured 323 invasive carp, including silver carp, grass carp, and bighead carp, from the Mississippi River near Trempealeau, Wisconsin. This is the largest single capture of invasive carp in Minnesota to date. The carp, which were imported to the U.S. in the 1960s and 1970s, have spread north through the Mississippi River, posing a threat to native species and aquatic ecosystems. Efforts are being made to prevent their entry into the Great Lakes and protect the fishing industry.

via The Associated Press|

#aquatic-ecosystems #environment #invasive-carp

environment2 years ago•3 min saved

"Shoreline Spiders: Silent Carriers of Mercury Contamination"

Shoreline spiders, particularly long-jawed spiders, have been found to play a role in transferring mercury contamination from aquatic environments to land animals. Mercury, originating from industrial pollution, enters water systems and is converted into toxic methylmercury. This methylmercury accumulates in aquatic organisms and is consumed by spiders, which are then eaten by land animals. Researchers have demonstrated that long-jawed spiders can indicate the sources of mercury contamination in the environment, providing a new tool for monitoring and informing management decisions. The study also found variations in mercury sources among different spider species, highlighting the importance of feeding strategies in contaminant transfer.

via SciTechDaily|

#aquatic-ecosystems #environment #environmental-pollution

environment2 years ago•3 min saved

Spiders Transmit Mercury Contamination to Land Animals

Spiders living near water bodies can transfer mercury contamination from aquatic environments to land animals, according to a study by the U.S. Geological Survey. The research found that spiders feeding on insects from mercury-contaminated waters can accumulate the hazardous metal and pass it on to land animals higher up the food chain. The study highlights the need to monitor terrestrial animals that consume aquatic insects emerging from contaminated waters. Mercury contamination is a significant environmental issue that can have harmful effects on both humans and wildlife. Efforts to reduce mercury contamination include stricter regulations on emissions and responsible disposal of mercury-containing products.

via Earth.com|

#aquatic-ecosystems #environment #environmental-pollution

science2 years ago•2 min saved

Uncovering the Genetic Journey of Invasive Fish through Freshwater Connectivity

A study conducted at the IISD-Experimental Lakes Area in Ontario, Canada, has found that freshwater connectivity can transport environmental DNA (eDNA) through the landscape. The research used eDNA metabarcoding to analyze fish and zooplankton communities in connected lakes. The study revealed that eDNA can be transported between freshwater bodies, highlighting its potential as a tool for comprehensive freshwater biodiversity monitoring. The findings emphasize the importance of considering connectivity when designing eDNA surveys and collecting samples from multiple locations to obtain a complete picture of biodiversity. Further research is needed to understand the factors influencing the spatial resolution of eDNA detection.

via Phys.org|

#aquatic-ecosystems #biodiversity-monitoring #environmental-dna-edna