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

这项研究将考察太平洋西北部浅海环境中群落结构的变化，这一变化直到现在才被认识到。初步证据表明，硫化氢中毒可能通过抑制海草的生长和萌发以及对海洋无脊椎动物的直接中毒而威胁到该地区的群落结构。这种硫化氢的来源是过去几个世纪在浅水沉积物中沉积的还原有机质。在太平洋西北部，古老的主要是针叶林，森林被移走，取而代之的是空旷的土地和第二和第三种阔叶树、针叶树和灌木的混合生长。这种砍伐森林以及阔叶树种和灌木树叶的持续沉积给沿海水域带来了大量的碎片。相当数量的这种物质仍留在沉积物中。这种情况会减少氧气，但会增加硫化氢，而硫化氢水平升高会毒害海洋动植物。这项研究将测试沉积物和水柱环境中不同浓度的硫化氢对太平洋西北部原产的各种动植物的影响。这项研究对整个北半球的海洋和沿海环境的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.