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Effects of tourism-derived sewage on coral reefs
- Publication Year :
- 2019
- Publisher :
- Elsevier Inc., 2019.
-
Abstract
- Pulau Redang and Pulau Tioman have experienced huge tourism growth over the last two decades, but minimal sewage treatment may threaten the resilience of their coral reefs. This study uses stable isotope techniques to identify suitable bioindicators of sewage nutrients (δ15N) at these islands by measuring macroalgae (Lobophora spp.), gastropods (Drupella spp.), scleractinian coral (Acropora spp.), and leather coral (Sinularia spp.). At tourist hubs using seepage septic tank systems, enrichment of Acropora δ15N (Redang, +0.7‰) and Sinularia δ15N (Tioman, +0.4‰) compared to pristine background levels indicate enhanced sewage nutrient discharge. Carbon isotopes and survey data suggest that sedimentation did not confound these δ15N trends. Potential damaging effects of sewage discharge on the coral reef communities at both islands are highlighted by strong correlations between Acropora δ15N and regional variation in coral reef community structure, and exclusive occurrence of degraded reefs at regions of high sewage influence.
- Subjects :
- 0106 biological sciences
Geologic Sediments
Geologic Sediments/chemistry
Coral
Sewage
Carbon Isotopes/analysis
010501 environmental sciences
Aquatic Science
Oceanography
01 natural sciences
Nitrogen Isotopes/analysis
Anthozoa/chemistry
Acropora
Animals
Drupella
Sinularia
Sewage/chemistry
Reef
0105 earth and related environmental sciences
geography
Carbon Isotopes
geography.geographical_feature_category
Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis
biology
Nitrogen Isotopes
Environmental Biomarkers
Ecology
business.industry
Coral Reefs
010604 marine biology & hydrobiology
Environmental monitoring
Coral reef
biology.organism_classification
Anthozoa
Pollution
Environmental science
Sewage treatment
business
Water Pollutants, Chemical
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....a3c9be038c39313da8e986b7e67ee680