Spatial distribution of sewage pollution on a Hawaiian coral reef

MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN

卷:130

Article

Abaya, Leilani M.^1,2  Wiegner, Tracy N.²  Beets, James P.²  Colbert, Steven L.²  Carlson, Kaile'a M.^2,3  Kramer, K. Lindsey^2,4 

[1] Univ Hawaii Hilo, Trop Conservat Biol & Environm Sci Grad Program, 200 W Kawili St, Hilo, HI 96720 USA

[2] Univ Hawaii Hilo, Marine Sci Dept, 200 W Kawili St, Hilo, HI 96720 USA

[3] Natl Pk Serv, Kaloko Honokohau NHP, 73-4786 Kanalani St,14, Kailua Kona, HI 96743 USA

[4] Hawaii Div Aquat Resources, Pacific Cooperat Studies Unit, 75-308B Kealakehe Pkwy, Kailua Kona, HI 96740 USA

关键词: Coral reefs;    Fecal indicator bacteria;    Macroalgae;    Pollution score;    Sewage;    Stable nitrogen isotopes;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.03.028

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

While sewage pollution is contributing to the global decline of coral reefs, its offshore extent and direct reef impacts from water column mixing and benthic seeps are poorly documented. We addressed this knowledge gap on a Hawaiian coral reef using sewage indicator and benthic cover measurements, macroalgal bioassays, and a pollution scoring tool. Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and nutrient concentrations were spatially variable in surface and benthic waters, with shoreline values being highest. Shoreline macroalgae delta N-15 and %N indicated high nitrogen loads containing sewage, while offshore surface and benthic values suggested lower nitrogen loads from environmental sources. Coral cover was negatively correlated with FIB, macroalgal delta N-15, and nutrient concentrations. Benthic salinity and temperature measurements detected daily tidal groundwater pulses which may explain these associations. While pollution scores revealed that sewage was largely concentrated along the shoreline, results showed some reached the reef and may be contributing to its declining condition.

【 授权许可】

Free