Sewage impacts coral reef at multiple levels of ecological organization

Pasinee Reopanichkul; Thomas Schlacher; R W (Bill) Carter; S Worachananant

doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2009.04.024

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Sewage impacts coral reef at multiple levels of ecological organization

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Sewage impacts coral reef at multiple levels of ecological organization

Pasinee Reopanichkul, Thomas Schlacher, R W (Bill) Carter and S Worachananant

Marine Pollution Bulletin, Vol.58(9), pp.1356-1362

2009

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2009.04.024

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Abstract

coral reefs

sewage pollution

nutrients

algae

reef fish

Against a backdrop of rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification which pose global threats to coral reefs, excess nutrients and turbidity continue to be significant stressors at regional and local scales. Because interventions usually require local data on pollution impacts, we measured ecological responses to sewage discharges in Surin Marine Park, Thailand. Wastewater disposal significantly increased inorganic nutrients and turbidity levels, and this degradation in water quality resulted in substantial ecological shifts in the form of (i) increased macroalgal density and species richness, (ii) lower cover of hard corals, and (iii) significant declines in fish abundance. Thus, the effects of nutrient pollution and turbidity can cascade across several levels of ecological organization to change key properties of the benthos and fish on coral reefs. Maintenance or restoration of ecological reef health requires improved wastewater management and run-off control for reefs to deliver their valuable ecosystems services.

Details

Title: Sewage impacts coral reef at multiple levels of ecological organization
Authors: Pasinee Reopanichkul (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Thomas Schlacher (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and Education
R W (Bill) Carter (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and Education
S Worachananant (Author) - Kasetsart University, Thailand
Publication details: Marine Pollution Bulletin, Vol.58(9), pp.1356-1362
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd.
Date published: 2009
DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2009.04.024
ISSN: 0025-326X
Organisation Unit: School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; Faculty of Arts, Business and Law; School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; School of Law and Society; Sustainability Research Cluster
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449882002621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Environmental Sciences; Marine & Freshwater Biology

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