Rapid loss of genetically based resistance to metals after the cleanup of a Superfund site

Abstract

Over the period 1953–1979, a battery factory on the Hudson River in New York released ≈53 tons of cadmium (Cd) and nickel hydride wastes into Foundry Cove. The most common aquatic benthic species, the oligochaete Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri , rapidly evolved resistance to Cd. The capacity for detoxification and internal storage of Cd resulted in a strong potential for trophic transfer of Cd through the aquatic food web. As a result of United States Superfund legislation, a major remediation effort in 1994–1995 removed the majority of the Cd, thereby removing the selective force for resistance. The cleanup of this cove resulted in the maintenance of resistant forms but then there ensued a rapid loss of resistance in ≈9–18 generations, showing the potential for ecological restoration to rapidly reduce the potential for trophic transfer of Cd through the ecosystem. This study demonstrates a genetic approach to the study of ecological restoration and connects a genetic indicator of restoration to transfer of toxic metals through ecosystems.

When evolution is the solution to pollution: Key principles, and lessons from rapid repeated adaptation of killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) populations

“…An important question is whether pollution sensitivity will be restored in populations following cleanup of the contamination, as has been observed in some cases (Levinton et al., 2003). If evolved tolerance in killifish closely tracks the degree of habitat pollution, as suggested by empirical models (Nacci et al., 2010), then one might predict that the pace of population reversion to a sensitive phenotype could be used to track the success of habitat cleanup activities.…”

Possible human impacts on adaptive radiation: beak size bimodality in Darwin's finches

“…Human activities are known to influence the evolution of natural populations (Hendry & Kinnison 1999;Hendry et al 2000;Bradshaw & Holzapfel 2001;Koskinen et al 2002;Coltman et al 2003;Levinton et al 2003;Stockwell et al 2003;Olsen et al 2004), but it remains uncertain as to how such activities might impact evolutionary diversification itself. One obvious impact is that humans can cause some species to go extinct.…”

Differences in trace metal bioaccumulation kinetics among populations of the polychaete Nereis diversicolor from metal-contaminated estuaries

“…Boisson et al 1998), reduced efficiency of assimilation from the diet, a higher rate constant of metal loss (e.g. Postma et al 1996), an enhanced rate of detoxification (Levinton et al 2003), or any combination of these. Selective pressure to reduce the potential of toxic action would result in genetically based changes in such physiological traits, corresponding to the selection of a metaltolerant population (Luoma 1977, Klerks & Weis 1987, Levinton et al 2003, Luoma & Rainbow 2008.…”

“…Postma et al 1996), an enhanced rate of detoxification (Levinton et al 2003), or any combination of these. Selective pressure to reduce the potential of toxic action would result in genetically based changes in such physiological traits, corresponding to the selection of a metaltolerant population (Luoma 1977, Klerks & Weis 1987, Levinton et al 2003, Luoma & Rainbow 2008. Indeed the presence of a metal-tolerant population of an organism in a particular habitat provides evidence that the metal contamination of that habitat is of ecotoxicological significance, at least in one or more of the compartments representing a bioavailable source of metal to the species concerned (Luoma 1977).…”