SGER: Impact of hydrogen sulfide toxicity on near shore community structure in the Pacific Northwest region

这项研究将探讨在太平洋西北部的浅海环境中的群落结构的转变，这是现在才被认识到。初步证据表明，硫化氢（H2S）中毒可能会威胁到该地区的群落结构，通过抑制海草的生长和发芽，以及海洋无脊椎动物的直接中毒。H2S的来源是过去几个世纪沉积在浅水沉积物中的还原有机物。在太平洋西北部，古老的、主要是针叶林的森林被移走，取而代之的是被清除的土地和阔叶树、针叶树和灌木的第二和第三种生长混合物。这种森林砍伐以及阔叶树种和灌木树叶的持续沉积将大量碎片带入沿海沃茨水域。大量的这种物质仍然存在于沉积物中。这种情况会减少氧气，但会增加H2S，H2S含量升高会毒害海洋植物和动物。该研究将测试沉积物和水柱环境中不同浓度的H2S对太平洋西北部各种植物和动物的影响。 这项研究对整个北方半球的海洋和沿海环境管理具有更广泛的影响。

This research will examine a shift in community structure in shallow marine environments in the Pacific Northwest that is only now being recognized. Preliminary evidence suggests that Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) poisoning may be threatening community structure in this region, through suppression of seagrass growth and germination as well as direct poisoning of marine invertebrates. The source of this H2S is from reduced organic matter deposited in shallow water sediments over the past several centuries. In the Pacific Northwest ancient, primarily coniferous, forests were removed and replaced by cleared land and a second and third growth blend of broadleaf trees, conifers and shrubs. This deforestation and the continued deposition of leaves from broadleaf tree species and shrubs introduced enormous quantities of debris into coastal waters. A significant amount of this material remains in the sediments. This condition reduces oxygen but increases H2S, which at elevated levels can poison marine plants and animals. The research will test the effects of varying concentrations of H2S in sediment and water column environments on various plants and animals that are native to the Pacific Northwest. This research has broader impacts for management of marine and coastal environments throughout the Northern Hemisphere.