Ecological effects of pulsed and chronic contamination in temperate algal beds.
Marine organisms are increasingly threatened by contaminants derived from human activities. Often, it is difficult to understand the ecological implications of these toxicants upon marine organisms as they may cycle through marine ecosystems through various pathways and across a variety of spatial and temporal scales. For example, organisms may encounter short pulses of pollution which contaminate surface waters for hours to days (e.g. storm water runoff), or more persistent but patchy contamination of benthic habitats throughout their entire life-cycle.

 

Understanding the fate and effects of marine contaminants therefore requires knowledge of responses of marine life to a variety of toxicant exposure pathways. To better understand the ecological effects of marine pollution, I examined the responses of epifauna associated with macroalgae to both pulsed and chronic exposures to contaminants. Macroalgal beds support complex communities of herbivores and other organisms, and are commonly exposed to contaminants in coastal areas. However, relatively little research has considered how these habitats, and the communities of organisms they support, respond to pollution pressures.

 

 

Roberts DA, Poore AGB & Johnston EL (in press). 'Biomonitors and the assessment of ecological impacts: distribution of herbivorous epifauna in contaminated macroalgal beds.' Environmental Pollution. [PDF]

 

Roberts DA, Johnston EL & Poore AGB (2008). 'Contamination of marine biogenic habitats and effects upon associated epifauna: a review.' Marine Pollution Bulletin 56:1057-1065. [PDF]

 

Roberts DA, Johnston EL, Müller S & Poore AGB (2008). 'Field and laboratory simulations of storm water pulses: behavioural avoidance by marine epifauna.' Environmental Pollution 152: 153-162. [PDF]

 

Roberts DA, Poore AGB & Johnston EL (2007). 'MBACI sampling of a recurrent disturbance: stormwater effects on algal epifauna.' Marine Environmental Research 64: 514-523. [PDF]

 

Roberts DA, Poore AGB & Johnston EL (2006). 'Ecological consequences of copper contamination in macroalgae: effects of epifauna and associated herbivores.' Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 25: 2470-2479. [PDF]

 

Roberts DA & Poore AGB (2006). 'Habitat configuration affects colonisation of epifauna in a marine algal bed.' Biological Conservation 127: 18-26. [PDF]