Deposition, mineralization, and storage of carbon and nitrogen in sediments of the far northern and northern Great Barrier Reef shelf

The flow of carbon and nitrogen in sediments of the far northern and northern sections of the Great Barrier Reef continental shelf was examined. Most of the organic carbon (81–94%) and total nitrogen (74–92%) depositing to the seabed was mineralized, with burial of carbon (6–19%) and nitrogen (8–20%) being proportionally less on this tropical shelf compared with other non-deltaic shelves. Differences in carbon and nitrogen mineralization among stations related best to water depth and proximity to river basins, with rates of mineralization based on net ∑CO₂ production ranging from 17 to 39 ( mean=23) mmol C m⁻² d⁻¹. The overall ratio of O₂:CO₂ flux was 1.3, close to the Redfield ratio, implying that most organic matter mineralized was algal. Sulfate reduction was estimated to account for ≈30% (range: 6–62%), and denitrification for ≈5% (range: 2–13%), of total C mineralization; there was no measurable CH₄ production. Discrepancies between ∑CO₂ production across the sediment–water interface and sediment incubations suggest that as much as 5 mmol m⁻² d⁻¹ (≈25% of ∑CO₂ flux) was involved in carbonate mineral formation. Most microbial activity was in the upper 20 cm of sediment. Rates of net NH₄⁺ production ranged from 1.6 to 2.7 mmol N m⁻² d⁻¹, with highly variable N₂ fixation rates contributing little to total N input. Ammonification and nitrification rates were sufficient to support rapid rates of denitrification (range: 0.1–12.4 mmol N m⁻² d⁻¹). On average, nearly 50% of total N input to the shelf sediment was denitrified. The average rates of sedimentation, mineralization, and burial of C and N were greater in the northern section of the shelf than in the far northern section, presumably due to higher rainfall and river discharge, as plankton production was similar between regions. The relative proportion of plankton primary production remineralized at the seafloor was in the range of 30–50% which is at the high end of the range found on other shelves. The highly reactive nature of these sediments is attributed to the deposition of high-quality organic material as well as to the shallowness of the shelf, warm temperatures year-round, and a variety of physical disturbances (cyclones, trawling) fostering physicochemical conditions favorable for maintaining rapid rates of microbial metabolism. The rapid and highly efficient recycling of nutrients on the inner and middle shelf may help to explain why the coral reefs on the outer shelf have remained unscathed from increased sediment delivery since European settlement.     

Prediction of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) concentrations in deep,seasonally stratified lakes based on rates of DIN input and N removal processes

Mean dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentrations ([DIN]) in deep, seasonally stratified lakes with comparable DIN inputs can differ by up to a factor of 3 depending on hydraulic and morphometric properties and/or different trophic states of the lakes. In such lakes, net N sedimentation rates were estimated with two independent methods (sediment core analysis and input-output mass balances). They were higher in eutrophic lakes (Mean: 5.1; SD: ± 1.6 g m^–2 yr^–1; n = 13) than in oligotrophic lakes (1.6 ± 1.0 g m^–2 yr^–1; n = 3), but independent of [DIN]. Gaseous N loss rates to the atmosphere, as calculated from combined N- and P-mass balances from selected lakes, ranged from 0.9 to 37.4 g m^–2 yr^–1 (n = 10) and were positively correlated with [DIN]. Reduction of NO ₃ ^- to N₂ is assumed to be the main cause for gaseous N losses. A simple one-box mass balance model for [DIN], based on DIN input and rates and kinetics of N removal processes (net sedimentation and gaseous N loss) is proposed, and validated with a data base on [DIN] and DIN input in 19 deep, seasonally stratified lakes of central Europe. The model illustrated that the amount of water loading per unit surface area of a lake (called water discharge height q) is the critical parameter determining mean lake [DIN] relative to mean input [DIN]. Lakes with a q > 50 m yr^–1 have average [DIN] similar to the [DIN] of the inflows regardless of their trophic states, because input and outflow exceed lake-internal N removal processes. A high primary production favors DIN removal in lakes with q < 50 m yr^–1. It is concluded that measures to decrease primary production, e.g. by means of P removal programs, lead to an increase of [DIN] in lakes.     

Low boundary layer response and temperature dependence of nitrogen and phosphorus releases from oxic sediments of an oligotrophic lake

The effects of temperature, diffusive boundary-layer thickness, and sediment composition on fluxes of inorganic N and P were estimated for sediment cores with oxidized surfaces from nearshore waters (2?C10?m) of a montane oligotrophic lake. Fluxes of N and P were not affected by diffusive boundary-layer thickness but were strongly affected by temperature. Below 16?°C, sediments sequestered small amounts of P and released small amounts of N. Above 16?°C, the seasonal maximum water temperature, sediments were substantial sources of N (NH₄ ⁺?CN?=?2?C24?mg?m^?2 d^?1; NO₃ ^??+?NO₂ ^??CN?=?2?C5?mg?m^?2 d^?1) and P (0.1?C0.4?mg?m^?2 d^?1), indicating potential responsiveness of sediment?Cwater nutrient exchange, and of corresponding phytoplankton growth, to synoptic warming.     

P-immobilisation and phosphatase activities in lake sediment following treatment with nitrate and iron

The influence of a further developed inlake restoration method on the P-immobilisation and microbial activities, especially under anoxic conditions was investigated. The impact of nitrate and iron dosing with a newly developed nitrate storage compound (Depox^®Fe) was tested in enclosures in the eutrophic dimictic Lake Dagowsee, Germany. Additions of 50 g m⁻² of NO₃⁻–N and 66 g m⁻² of Fe³⁺ ensured availability of nitrate at the sediment surface during a 2-months period.As a result the phosphate release from the anoxic sediments was completely suppressed even 1 year after the application. The hypolimnetic deoxygenation was unaffected by the Depox^®Fe addition. However, sulfur reduction and methanogenesis were inhibited and the phosphatase activity increased.     

Phytoplankton life cycle transformations lead to species-specific effects on sediment processes in the Baltic Sea

In order to study the sediment response to different addition of organic matter, we added cultures of the dinoflagellates Scrippsiella hangoei and Woloszynskia halophila and the diatom Pauliella taeniata to aquaria containing natural sediment. The biomass added was 1550–3260 mg C m⁻², and in the control, no biomass was added (n=3). Oxygen profiles at the sediment–water interface and inorganic nutrients in the near bottom water were determined once a week. In the additions of P. taeniata and W. halophila the sediment quickly became anoxic, and subsequently there was a flux of >1 mmol PO₄³⁻ m⁻² d⁻¹ out of the sediment in these treatments. The majority of the released P came from P stored in the sediment and not from the organic phosphorus added. The result was very different for the S. hangoei addition. This species underwent a life cycle change to form temporary cysts. During this process there was a net uptake of nutrients. After the formation of cysts the concentration of inorganic nutrient was similar to that of the control. Cysts generally survive for long periods in the sediment (months to years) before germinating, but can also be permanently buried in the sediment. The novel idea presented here is that the phytoplankton composition may directly affect sediment processes such as oxygen consumption and phosphorus release, through species-specific life cycle changes and yields of resting stages produced prior to sedimentation. This can be an important aspect of nutrient cycling in eutrophic waters, like the Baltic Sea, where there is large year-to-year difference in the amount of resting stages settling at the sea floor, mainly due to differences in abundance of diatoms and dinoflagellates during the spring bloom. If yields of resting stages change, e.g. due to changes in the phytoplankton community, it may lead to alterations in the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients.     

Benthic fluxes of dissolved inorganic carbon in the Tinto–Odiel system (SW of Spain)

The benthic fluxes (diffusive and with chambers) of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), dissolved oxygen (DO) and total alkalinity (TA) have been calculated in summertime in the estuary system formed by the mouths of the Tinto and Odiel rivers (SW of Spain). An increase of DIC in interstitial water with depth was found for all stations showing values of up to 28 mM at a depth of 5 cm. The diffusive fluxes of DIC and TA obtained ranging between 1.8–7.8 and 1.5–7.3 mmol m⁻² d⁻¹, respectively. These intervals are in agreement with those found for other coastal systems. Considering the plots of DIC vs. alkalinity (ΔDIC/ΔTA) in the first 30 cm of interstitial water, it was deduced that sulphate reduction and the oxidation of sulphides seem to have special relevance in the sediments of the stations studied. The benthic fluxes of inorganic carbon and DO measured by benthic chambers were variable, presenting elevated values (309–433 mmol DIC m⁻² d⁻¹ and 50–120 mmol DO m⁻² d⁻¹). The most elevated fluxes of DIC were seen at the stations with high anthropogenic influence (close to populated areas and industrial discharges). A great proportion of these fluxes are due to CaCO₃ dissolution processes, which constitute an estimated 49% of total DIC flux. DIC and DO benthic flux quotients were far in excess of unity, indicating the significance processes of anaerobic degradation of organic material at the stations studied.     

过氧化钙在处理厌氧底泥中的应用初探

为改善河道厌氧底质及内源氮、磷等营养盐释放问题,考察对沉水植被恢复的影响,研发可同步解决沉积物供氧和削减内源氮、磷释放的氧缓释材料.实验通过向沉积物-水界面处散点注射不同剂量的过氧化钙(Ca O2),研究界面处溶解氧的动态变化特征及表层沉积物与底层水体之间溶解态氮、磷的交换过程.结果表明:添加Ca O2显著提高了界面处底层上覆水溶解氧浓度,随着Ca O2浓度的增加溶解氧浓度增加,不同处理组之间具有显著差异;Ca O2对沉积物中PO3-4-P释放具有明显的抑制作用,且随Ca O2浓度的增加抑制效果愈加明显,上覆水中可溶性活性磷浓度最大可削减98%.实验开始时,磷释放速率可降至-241.916±22.501 mg/(m2·d),降幅最高可达到144%;Ca O2对沉积物NH+4-N释放的抑制效果不佳,上覆水中NH+4-N浓度随着时间的变化波动性较大,且有逐渐增大的趋势.另外,添加Ca O2会显著提高底层上覆水p H值,不同处理组之间差异显著,但当Ca O2投加量小于0.529 kg/m2时,不会对苦草种子的萌发生长有显著影响,p H值波动在可接受范围内(7.62~10.87).因此,结合污染沉积物的状况,适当地投加Ca O2有望同步解决底质厌氧、内源磷释放及后期沉水植被定植底质生境改善的问题,可推荐为一种黑臭污染底泥治理技术在实际的河道生态工程中应用,其适宜浓度为0.176 kg/m2左右.     

Organic biomarkers for tracing carbon cycling in the Gulf of Papua (Papua New Guinea)

Sediment traps were deployed in the Gulf of Papua in June–July 1997, to determine fluxes of organic matter and inorganic elements from the photic zone to deeper waters at the base of the continental slope and in the northern Coral Sea. Three stations, ranging from 900 to 1500 m depth, had “shallow” traps at 300 m below the water surface and “deep” traps set 100 m above the bottom. Infiltrex II water samplers collected particulate and dissolved organic matter from the Fly, Purari and Kikori rivers, and near-surface water from the shelf of the Gulf of Papua. Samples were analysed for molecular organic biomarkers to estimate the sources of organic carbon and its cycling processes.Dry weight fluxes from the shallow traps ranged from 115 to 181 mg m⁻² day⁻¹ and particulate organic carbon (POC) fluxes ranged from 1.2 to 1.9 mM OC m⁻² d⁻¹ with molar organic carbon to particulate nitrogen ratios (C/N) ranging from 6.0 to 6.5. Fluxes in deep traps were likely influenced by both early diagenesis and entrapment of resuspended shelf sediments. Dry weight fluxes in deep traps ranged from 106 to 574 mg m⁻² day⁻¹ and POC fluxes ranged from 0.6 to 1.5 mM OC m⁻² d⁻¹, with C/N ratios ranging from 8.5 to 10.8. ¹³C/¹²C ratios were −20.2‰ to −21.7‰ in all trap samples, indicating that most of the settling POC was “marine-derived”. Shallow traps had δ¹⁵N values of 6.3‰ to 7.2‰ while the values in deep traps were 4.9–5.0‰, indicating the N-rich near-surface OC was less degraded than that in the deep traps. The biogenic lipids consisted of hydrocarbon, sterol and fatty acid biomarkers indicative of marine zooplankton, phytoplankton and bacteria. Sterol markers for diatoms and dinoflagellates were abundant in the water samples. Highly branched isoprenoid alkenes, usually attributable to diatoms, were also detected in both water and shallow traps. Traces of C₂₆–C₃₄ n-alcohols indicative of land–plant biomarkers, were found in river water samples and in the shallow sediment traps. A large unresolved complex mixture (UCM) of hydrocarbons, and a uniform distribution of n-alkanes, indicative of petroleum hydrocarbons, were also detected in the traps. Hopane and sterane biomarkers detected in the trap oil were characteristic of a marine carbonate source, and the aromatic hydrocarbon composition distinguished at least two different oil signatures.We concluded that mass and POC fluxes were similar to those reported for other continental shelves and marginal oceans in tropical and subtropical regions. There was a dramatic decrease in POC as particles sank, due to zooplankton repackaging and photochemical and bacterial decomposition. Carbon isotopic and biomarker patterns showed most of the POC in the sediment traps was marine-sourced with only traces of terrestrial input. There was a significant flux of petroleum, which may signal the existence of natural petroleum seeps in this region.     

休伦湖Saginaw湾沉积物反硝化率的测定及其时空特征

用N2生成法测定了北美休伦湖Saginaw湾1995年夏季7、8月份沉积物反硝化率,Saginaw湾内湾的沉积物反硝化率为16．0－39．6μmolN2／（m2·h）,外湾沉积反硝化率为22．7　－26．1μmolN2／（m2·h）,比较了不同湖泊沉积物反硝化率数值大小,指出休伦湖Saginaw湾水体现阶段的营养状况为贫－中营养水平．内外湾沉积物反硝化率数值波动大小与Saginaw河及休伦湖的影响有关;N2：TIN通量比值有不随采样时间的变化而变更等特性．在反硝化率测定过程中,反硝化率与O2消耗率之间有明显的正相关关系;沉积物上覆水中NH+4与NO-3之间通量值在变化趋势上有明显的负相关关系。     

喀斯特水库水化学特征及对无机碳沉积通量的指示

为探究筑坝后不同水库物理、化学、生物过程对水化学和碳循环的影响,本研究对贵州三岔河流域的平寨水库、普定水库以及猫跳河流域的红枫湖水库进行研究,于2018年3月2019年1月分别在入库河流和库区采集了分层水样和沉降颗粒物,并探究水中主要离子及颗粒物通量的时空变化特征及其控制因素.结果表明,水体主要离子的主要来源受碳酸盐溶解影响,并且离子浓度受光合作用控制.红枫湖水库水体水化学类型为Ca-Mg-HCO₃-SO₄型,普定水库、平寨水库水化学类型均为Ca-HCO₃-SO₄.夏季藻类光合作用诱导碳酸盐沉淀导致水体表层Ca²⁺、HCO₃^-及溶解态Si浓度降低,其降低幅度分别为20.87%~44.25%、33.12%~51.18%、48.55%~96.34%.此外,藻类光合作用也影响C、N、Si等生源要素间的化学计量关系.Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺比值在水体垂向剖面上主要受碳酸钙沉淀的控制,而在不同水库之间则主要受流域岩性的控制.根据沉积物捕获器通量计算的平寨水库、普定水库、红枫湖水库夏季颗粒无机碳沉积通量分别为0.74、1.36、0.27 t/（km²·d）,而根据水体Ca²⁺浓度降低计算的通量分别为0.31~0.64、0.35~0.99、0.09~0.29 t/（km²·d）,根据水体HCO₃^-浓度降低计算的通量分别为0.30~0.65、0.29~1.26、0.12~0.33 t/（km²·d）.其红枫湖水库无机碳沉降通量的实测值与计算值接近,而平寨、普定水库实际沉降通量高于计算值,这可能是有外源输入导致.因此,利用水化学分层数据能对喀斯特水库中的无机碳沉降通量进行合理估算,并且能够得到较好的估算结果,从而指示碳循环的过程.     

Nitrogen Attenuation in Septic System Plumes

The persistence of inorganic nitrogen is assessed in a set of 21 septic system plumes located in Ontario, Canada, that were studied over a 31-year period from 1988 to 2019. In the plume zones underlying the drainfields, site mean NO₃⁻ values averaged 34 ± 27 mg N/L and exceeded the nitrate drinking water limit (DWL) of 10 mg N/L at 16 of 21 sites. In plume zones extending up to 30 m downgradient from the drainfields, site mean NO₃⁻ values averaged 24 ± 20 mg N/L and exceeded the DWL at 9 of 13 sites. Site mean total inorganic nitrogen (TIN; NH₄⁺ + NO₃⁻ − N) removal averaged 34 ± 26% in the drainfield zones and 36 ± 44% in the downgradient plume zones, indicating that much of the removal occurred within the drainfields. Removal was much higher at nine sites where drainfield TIN included >10% NH₄⁺ (62 ± 25% removal). TIN removal was not correlated with wastewater loading rate, system age, or sediment carbonate mineral content, but was correlated with water table depth, where shallower water table sites had generally less complete wastewater oxidation. At many of these sites, both NO₃⁻ and NH₄⁺ were present together in the plumes and were lost concomitantly, suggesting that the anammox reaction was making an important contribution to the observed TIN loss. When groundwater nitrate contamination is a concern, considering on-site treatment system designs that lead to a lesser degree of wastewater oxidation, could be a useful approach for enhancing N removal.     

湖滨带芦苇恢复过程中沉积物氮赋存形态及含量变化:以巢湖为例

水生植被对于维持水生态系统结构和功能稳定性具有举足轻重的作用,而重建水生植物被认为是污染湖泊生态修复的重要手段.氮素是水生态系统重要的限制性元素之一,根着挺水植物生长发育无疑将深刻地影响着沉积物氮的迁移转化过程,但水生植物不同生长阶段对沉积物氮的需求和植物代谢强度均不同,目前对挺水植物完整生长过程中沉积物氮组分及含量变化认识仍十分不足.本研究通过为期120d的沉积物柱芯培养和水槽模拟试验,探究巢湖芦苇恢复完整生长过程中沉积物总氮(TN)、无机氮(TIN)与可转化态氮(TF-N)的变化及其关键调控因子.结果表明,芦苇完整生长过程将持续激发沉积物氮活性,沉积物TIN与TF-N含量逐渐增加,而沉积物TN和非可转化态氮(NTF-N)含量显著降低.模拟试验期间,指数型增长的芦苇生物量提高了沉积物铵态氮(NH_4~+-N)和硝态氮(NO_3~--N)含量,但亚硝态氮(NO_2~--N)含量却逐渐降低;与第0天相比,第120天沉积物离子交换态氮(IEF-N)、碳酸盐结合态氮(CF-N)、铁锰氧化态氮(IMOF-N)和有机态及硫化物结合态氮(OSF-N)含量分别增加了 1.10、3.40、3.60和1.40倍,这主要受芦苇吸收利用、根系代谢强化根际沉积物氧化还原电势和改变pH微环境共同驱动.在第120天,沉积物NH_4~+-N和NO_3~--N含量急剧升高,分别是第90天的9.43和2.22倍,表明芦苇衰亡凋落过程将向沉积物释放大量的TIN,故需要综合采取湖泊物理—生态工程手段来有效管控芦苇枯落物,从而提升水生植被修复效果并构建长效稳态机制.     

Coupling of early diagenetic processes and sedimentary dynamics in tropical shelf environments: the Gulf of Papua deltaic complex

Tropical mobile mud belts represent a major class of biogeochemical and diagenetic systems characterized by extensive and frequent physical reworking of fine-grained, organic-rich deposits underlying oxygenated waters. Large regions of the Gulf of Papua, Papua New Guinea deltaic complex are dominated by such conditions. A reworked mud belt lies within the inner shelf between 10 and 20 m depth on a sedimentary clinoform derived from coalescing deltas. Deposits across the topset are typically suboxic, nonsulfidic over the upper 0.5–1 m, and have low to moderate maximum pore water concentrations of dissolved Fe(II) and Mn(II) (100–200, but up to 800 μM). Sediments are reactive, with surficial ΣCO₂ production 0.1–0.3 mM d⁻¹ and benthic O₂ fluxes 23±15 mmol m⁻² d⁻¹ (upper 20 cm). The highest rates occur within inner topset deposits (10–20 m) and near the high accumulation rollover region of the topset–foreset beds (40–50 m). Lower rates are found inshore along intertidal channels—mangrove fringe and within scoured or exposed consolidated deposits of the middle topset region. Remineralization rate patterns are independent of relative dominance by terrestrial or marine carbon in sediments. Dissolved O₂ usually penetrates 2–5 mm into surface sediments when macrofaunal burrows are absent. More than 75% of the highly reactive sedimentary Fe(III) pool (350–400 μmol g⁻¹) is typically diagenetically reduced in the upper 0.5 m. Pore water can be measureably depleted at depths >0.5 m, but dissolved H₂S generally remains below detection over the upper 1–2 m. As in other deltaic topset regions, concentration gradients often indicate that compared to many marine deposits of similar sediment accumulation rates, relatively refractory C_org is supplied to the SO₄ reducing zone. Sedimentary C/S ratios are 4–6 within the suboxic topset regions but decrease to <3 in offshore foreset beds where sulfidic diagenesis dominates. Only 15–20% of the diagenetically reduced Fe(II) is pyritic and a maximum of 10–25% is carbonate, implying that most Fe(II) is associated with authigenic or lithogenic silicates or oxides. The dominance of suboxic, nonsulfidic diagenetic processes reflect coupling between delivery of oxide-rich terrestrial debris, remobilization and reoxidation of deposits, and repetitive entrainment/remineralization of both labile and refractory organics. Distinct sedimentary indicators of reactive, suboxic mobile mud belts within tropical climatic zones are: abundant total highly reactive Fe (ΣFeR )>300 μmol g⁻¹; most reactive Fe is diagenetically reduced (ΣFe(II)/ΣFeR0.7–0.8); the proportion of diagenetically reduced Fe present as pyrite is low (Py–Fe(II)<0.2); C/S 4–8; and C_org/particle surface area <0.4 (mg C m⁻²). These depositional environments must be most common in tropical climates during high sea stand.     

Seasonal contribution of living phytoplankton carbon to vertical fluxes in a coastal upwelling system (Ría de Vigo, NW Spain)

The aim of this study is to explore the contribution of living phytoplankton carbon to vertical fluxes in a coastal upwelling system as a key piece to understand the coupling between primary production in the photic layer and the transfer mechanisms of the organic material from the photic zone. Between April 2004 and January 2005, five campaigns were carried out in the Ría de Vigo (NW Iberian Peninsula) covering the most representative oceanographic conditions for this region. Measurements of particulate organic carbon (POC), chlorophyll-a (chl a), phaeopigments (phaeo), and identification of phytoplankton species were performed on the water column samples and on the organic material collected in sediment traps.The POC fluxes measured by the sediment traps presented no seasonal variation along the studied period ranging around a mean annual value of 1085±365 mg m⁻² d⁻¹, in the upper range of the previously reported values for other coastal systems. The fact that higher POC fluxes were registered during autumn and winter, when primary production rates were at their minimum levels points to a dominant contribution of organic carbon from resuspended sediments on the trap collected material. On the contrary, fluxes of living phytoplankton carbon (C_phyto) and chl a clearly presented a seasonal trend with maximum values during summer upwelling (546 mg m⁻² d⁻¹ and 22 mg chl a m⁻² d⁻¹, respectively) and minimum values during winter (22 mg m⁻² d⁻¹ and 0.1 mg chl a m⁻² d⁻¹, respectively). The contribution of C_phyto to the vertical flux of POC ranged between 2% and 49% in response to the pelagic phytoplankton community structure. Higher values of C_phyto fluxes were registered under upwelling conditions which favour the dominance of large chain-forming diatoms (Asterionellopsis glacialis and Detonula pumila) that were rapidly transferred to the sediments. By contrast, C_phyto fluxes decreased during the summer stratification associated with a pelagic phytoplankton community dominated by single-cell diatoms and flagellates. Minimal C_phyto fluxes were observed during the winter mixing conditions, when the presence of the benthic specie Paralia sulcata in the water column also points toward strong sediment resuspension.     

北美休伦湖沙金湾中沉积物反硝化率的测定及其特征

It have been measured the denitrification rates (DR) of sediment in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron, by N₂ production method. Triplicate samples of sediment core were collected at two GLERL long-term monitoring sites of the Bay in July and August of 1995. The DR are 48.81 -24.99 and 32.81-40.51 micromol N₂ ^-2h^-1 in the Inner and Outer regions of Saginaw Bay, respectively.The characters of DR in Saginaw Bay were studied also in this paper. The DR were influenced by the interactions between the Saginaw River as a main pollution source and the Lake Huron as a reservoir of high quality water. The impacts of zebra mussels (Dreissena Polymorpha) on denitrification in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron, were discussed, Significant differences in NH₄⁺ exchange fluxes were detected in the inner and outer bays. The molar ratios of N₂:TIN were similar at both sampling sites. Measured DR were positively correlated to O₂ consumption rates in the headspace. Additionally, a negative correlation between NH₄⁺ and NO₃^- concentrations in the overlying water was found.     

Natural recolonization of a productive tropical pond: Day to day variations in the photosynthetic parameters

Chlorophyll pigments (CHL), primary productivity (PP) and particulate nitrogen (N_p) in relation to several environmental factors were monitored during planktonic colonization of an aquaculture pond (Layo, Côte d'Ivoire). How interactions between the organisms are established in an initially azoic environment were investigated. From March, 15 (D1) to March, 31 (D16), the system transformation went through three stages. First, a precolonization by heterotrophic microbial community from D1 to D2 (N_p < 1 m maximum at D2: 243 mg m^–2; CHL around 0). Then, a pioneer microalgal community developped from D3 to D7 (maximum CHL on D6: 19 mg m^–2; PP: 1.0 g C m^–2 d^–1) with a significant contribution of picoplankton (CHL and PP < 3 m: 33 and 23% of the total, respectively). Finally, a second microalgal colonization was noticed from D9 to D12 (maximum CHL: 55 mg m^–2, PP: 2.8 g C m^–2 d^–1), largely dominated by nanoplankton (CHL and PP > 3 m: 95 and 99% of the total, respectively). Overall, photosynthetic activity appeared to be closely linked to algal biomass. The study of autotrophic biomass and activity in different size classes in relation to the other parameters allowed us to precise the origin of the biomass fluctuations. The first bloom appeared to be controlled by selective grazing on small algae. The second algal development ended when N requirement represented at least 69% of N supply (in the N — NH₄ form). This control was enhanced by the appearance of rotifers, leading to a more complex equilibrium.     

Interactions between freshwater input, light, and phytoplankton dynamics on the Louisiana continental shelf

We examined the effects of freshwater flow and light availability on phytoplankton biomass and production along the Louisiana continental shelf in the region characterized by persistent spring–summer stratification and widespread summer hypoxia. Data were collected on 7 cruises from 2005 to 2007, and spatially-averaged estimates of phytoplankton and light variables were calculated for the study area using Voronoi polygon normalization. Shelf-wide phytoplankton production ranged from 0.47 to 1.75 mg C m⁻² d⁻¹ across the 7 cruises. Shelf-wide average light attenuation (k_d) ranged from 0.19–1.01 m⁻¹ and strongly covaried with freshwater discharge from the Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers (R²=0.67). Interestingly, we observed that the euphotic zone (as defined by the 1% light depth) extended well below the pycnocline and to the bottom across much of the shelf. Shelf-wide average chlorophyll a (chl a) concentrations ranged from 1.4 to 5.9 mg m⁻³ and, similar to k_d, covaried with river discharge (R²=0.83). Also, chl a concentrations were significantly higher in plume versus non-plume regions of the shelf. When integrated through the water-column, shelf-wide average chl a ranged from 26.3 to 47.6 mg m⁻², but did not covary with river discharge, nor were plume versus non-plume averages statistically different. The high integrated chl a in the non-plume waters resulted from frequent sub-pycnocline chl a maxima. Phytoplankton production rates were highest in the vicinity of the Mississippi River bird's foot delta, but as with integrated chl a were not statistically different in plume versus non-plume waters across the rest of the shelf. Based on the vertical distribution of light and chl a, a substantial fraction of phytoplankton production occurred below the pycnocline, averaging from 25% to 50% among cruises. These results suggest that freshwater and nutrient inputs regulate shelf-wide k_d and, consequently, the vertical distribution of primary production. The substantial below-pycnocline primary production we observed has not been previously quantified for this region, but has important implications about the formation and persistence of hypoxia on the Louisiana continental shelf.