Bodenfaunistische Untersuchungen in Aare und Rhein

The results of the investigations of the river benthos, presented in part I [2], have been further analyzed with regard to statistics, saprobity and diversity. The contagious distribution of the organisms is linked with a great variance, which necessitates a big number of samples and causes problems in interpreting the counts. Different biological and diversity indices have been tested for validity; whereas the saprobic evaluation yielded α-β-mesosaprobic conditions for the river Aare and β-α-mesosaprobic conditions for the river Rhine, the diversity seems not suitable for river classification in our case. Problems concerning biological evaluation of water quality in big rivers are discussed.      

Cosmic dust and micrometeorites in the transitional clay layer at the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary in the gams section (Eastern Alps): Morphology and chemical composition

Results of investigation of the cosmic matter in the transitional clay layer at the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary in the Gams section, Eastern Alps, are presented. A great diversity of iron microspherules and particles of different morphologies, pure nickel spherules, awaruite (Fe₃Ni) particles, and diamond crystals are discovered. Iron microspherules are also met in the overlying Paleocene deposits, but their diversity there is not great. The discovered metallic microspherules and particles are described, their chemical compositions are presented, and their origin is discussed.     

云南高原湖泊软体动物β多样性及其组分分析

周转(一个集合体中的物种在另一个集合体中被其他物种代替)和嵌套(物种贫乏的集合体是物种丰富集合体的严格子集)是形成β多样性的两种途径.本文采用Baselga提出的β多样性加法分解方法,对云南高原湖泊软体动物β多样性及其周转和嵌套组分进行了研究.利用多位点方法计算,结果表明云南高原湖泊软体动物总β多样性为0.8903(S?rensen指数法)和0.9419(Jaccard指数法),周转组分分别占总β多样性的80.93%(S?rensen指数法)和88.92%(Jaccard指数法).总β多样性为瓣鳃类腹足类,金沙江水系南盘江水系澜沧江水系元江水系,浅水型深水型.周转组分占总β多样性的比例为瓣鳃类腹足类,元江水系南盘江水系澜沧江水系金沙江水系,深水型浅水型.采用配对的方法计算结果表明,不同湖泊对软体动物总β多样性及其周转、嵌套成分的值分布形式不同.周转的成分分布比较均匀,嵌套成分呈现一种单峰的分布.周转成分最大值为1,最小值为0,表明湖泊对间β多样性存在着完全的周转和完全的嵌套形式,所以相应地要采取多区域保护和重点保护相结合的策略保护云南高原湖泊软体动物.     

Distribution of species along pollution-induced diversity gradients in benthic communities in Norwegian fjords

The main aim of the present study was to detect species indicative of pollution impact on communities of soft-bottom fauna in Norwegian fjords. The work was based on the assumptions that increased pollutant load and lowered diversity are correlated and that different species respond differently to pollution.

Low diversity was caused by high dominance of a limited number of opportunistic species capable of reaching high densities in adverse environmental conditions, and by the recession of a number of species intolerant of such conditions. Pollutant load was a main cause of these structural changes. Classification of 100 common species according to their distribution along a diversity gradient comprising 150 stations are presented. About 45 species were significantly absent from the low-diversity stations. The presence of one or more of these species will indicate that the pollution impact is low or moderate. Certain groups of species can by collective absence indicate, if within a defined zoogeographical area, that the pollution impact is high.     

Tectonic reorganizations and radiolarian assemblages of the northwest Pacific continental framing of Russia

Abstract Main stages of radiolarian taxonomic evolution in the Pacific rim of Russia are discussed. The diversity and distribution of radiolarian assemblages displayed in the studied sections and their geological and tectonic setting have implications regarding paleoecological and paleo-oceanographic conditions as well as paleotectonic reconstructions. Radiolarian events show the close relationship with the tectonic rearrangements in the Pacific and in North America. The attempt to analyze paleo-oceanological aspects and major factors affecting radiolarian events is presented.     

青藏高原湖泊沉积物与水体细菌群落共发生网络和群落构建过程差异解析

研究高原湖泊沉积物和水体细菌群落结构的差异对于水生态治理与保护具有重要的科学意义。本文选取青藏高原中东部共19个湖泊为研究对象,采集沉积物和水体样本,使用高通量测序技术和统计分析,解析湖泊沉积物和水体细菌群落结构、空间分布特征、共发生网络模式、群落构建过程的差异及其原因。研究结果表明沉积物细菌群落alpha多样性指数(Chao1指数、Shannon多样性指数、Faith’s系统发育指数和Pielou均匀度指数)均显著高于水体细菌群落。沉积物和水体细菌的优势门均为Proteobacteria(相对丰度为45.33%和41.77%),而水体细菌群落结构具有较强的空间异质性。主坐标分析和相似性分析结果表明沉积物和水体中细菌群落结构差异极显著,海拔和纬度分别是青藏高原湖泊沉积物和水体细菌群落结构变化最显著的驱动因子。沉积物和水体细菌群落均具有明显的距离衰减模式,而沉积物细菌比水体细菌群落在空间上的周转率小。采样湖泊沉积物细菌群落共发生网络复杂度和稳定性高于水体细菌。沉积物和水体细菌群落的平均归一化随机率值分别为0.24和0.72,表明确定性过程在沉积物细菌群落构建的过程中起到了重要的作用,而水...     

Changes in zooplankton communities along a mercury contamination gradient in a coastal lagoon (Ria de Aveiro,Portugal)

The main objective of this paper was to evaluate the impact of mercury on the zooplankton communities’ structure and functioning and their bioaccumulation patterns along a contamination gradient in a temperate coastal lagoon. Our results demonstrated that total abundance was not negatively affected by Hg contamination, since the most contaminated areas presented the highest values, being the copepod Acartia tonsa the dominant species, which means that it is a very well adapted and tolerant species to mercury. Nevertheless, negative effects were observed in terms of species diversity, since the most contaminated areas presented the lowest values of species richness, evenness and heterogeneity. Moreover, the spatial mercury gradient was reflected on the bioaccumulation patterns of the zooplankton communities. This reinforces the idea that zooplankton can be considered as an important vehicle of mercury transfer through the food pelagic web since it constitutes a primordial food resource for several commercial fish species.     

Concept of planktonic species diversity in small water bodies – a case study of lake Rangasagar (Udaipur: Rajasthan)

The quantitative and qualitative relationships within phyto- and zooplanktonic communities were examined for a period of one year in a small eutrophic lake in Udaipur, through the application of diversity indices. The results revealed that a higher plankton diversity needs not necessarily lead to a greater community diversity or evenness of species diversity. The phytoplankton species diversity was related to nutrients and ambient environmental factors. Within zooplankton groups, the diversity index was found influenced by the evenness and richness of the species. On the other hand, the strong correlation between individual species density and community diversity in the cladocera was influenced by food availability. The total zooplankton diversity was also strongly correlated (P < 0.01) with the number of species and equality. There was no spatial variation in species composition because of smaller spread of the water body. It is felt that the diversity indices could get influenced by the dominance or scarcity of one or more species or communities giving a deceptive picture of planktonic panorama.     

Spatial variability and long-term change in pollen diversity in Nam Co catchment (central Tibetan Plateau): Implications for alpine vegetation restoration from a paleoecological perspective

Pollen diversity offers abundant clues into the floristic diversity and history of vegetation change. Few palynological studies investigated modern pollen diversity or the past floristic diversity on the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Based on modern pollen assemblages from 37 topsoils and 63 surface lake sediments in the Nam Co catchment on the central TP, this study quantitatively explored spatial distribution of modern pollen diversity using Shannon-Wiener index (H) and palynological richness (E(T _n ), n=600). Pollen diversity indices showed spatial variability among vegetation types, reflecting the differences in terrestrial floristic diversity in the lake catchment. Their values were high in the southeastern region of the lake catchment which is covered by alpine steppe, while values were low for alpine meadow and marsh meadow. The pollen diversity in lacustrine pollen assemblage could be an effective proxy to document past floristic diversity. The past floristic diversity in the lake catchment, recovered from a fossil pollen record of NMLC-1, showed a long-term change of ascending overlaid by several rapid diversity changes during the last 8400 years due to the downward shift of altitudinal vegetation belt driven by a general climatic cooling. The results imply that under the environmental challenge of climate warming and vegetation degradation, alpine vegetation restoration in the Nam Co catchment and the central TP should pay attention to altitudinal vegetation belt and zonal vegetation of alpine steppe, and use the long-term change of floristic diversity as a historical analogue.     

Displacement Phenomenon of Slow and Fast Growing Species in Microorganisms Association

In the process of the biological treatment of sewage, the multicomponent system of the substrate is converted by an association of microorganisms. The composition of species of microorganisms in the system depends on the substrate available and on the conversion of substrate. For this, a mathematical model is presented, which describes the change of the composition of species according to the rate of growth of the individual species on the basis of load (substrate available/biomass). The diversity of the biological system increases with decreasing load. The model is tested by practical examples.     

A biodiversity evaluation framework for restoration of aquatic macrophyte communities in shallow lakes driven by hydrological process management

Macrophyte community diversity and composition respond to ecosystem conservation and local environmental factors. In this study, we developed a multidimensional diversity framework for macrophyte communities, including the taxonomic and functional alpha and beta diversity. We used the framework to explore the relationships among water level regimes and these diversity parameters in a case study of China's Baiyangdian Lake. Analysis of indicators of hydrologic alteration divided the water level from 1959 to 2019 into four regimes (dry, <6.42 m; low, 6.42–7.23 m; medium, 7.23–8.19 m; high, >8.19 m). Alpha and beta diversity were significantly higher in the medium regime than in the low and high regimes. Redundancy analysis indicated that the maximum water depth significantly affected taxonomic alpha diversity, and total nitrogen (TN) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentration significantly affected functional alpha diversity, respectively. Mantel tests showed that TN, Secchi depth (SD), and water depth in the high water level regime significantly increased the total beta diversity and turnover components. TN was the main factor that increased total taxonomic beta diversity. Water level regime mainly influenced interspecific relationships by changing the TN and COD concentration. The water level should be maintained between the medium and high water level regimes to promote restoration of the macrophyte community and improve ecosystem stability. The biodiversity evaluation framework would provide a deeper insight into the hydrological process management for restoration of aquatic macrophyte communities in shallow lakes.     

Ballast water sampling as a critical component of biological invasions risk management

The human mediated transfer of harmful organisms via shipping, specifically via ballast water transport, leading to the loss of biodiversity, alteration of ecosystems, negative impacts on human health and in some regions economic loss, has raised considerable attention especially in the last decade. Ballast water sampling is very important for biological invasions risk management. The complexity of ballast water sampling is a result of both the variety of organism diversity and behaviour, as well as ship design including availability of ballast water sampling points. Furthermore, ballast water sampling methodology is influenced by the objectives of the sampling study. In the course of research conducted in Slovenia, new sampling equipment for ships' ballast water was developed and tested. In this paper new ballast water sampling methods and equipment together with practical shipboard testing results are presented.     

The use of phytoplankton patterns of diversity for algal bloom management

Many biotic and abiotic processes contribute to variability in phytoplankton diversity in aquatic ecosystems. Depending on their intensity and on their frequency, these may drive non-equilibrium dynamics and enhance the species diversity. Different studies propose that biodiversity buffers ecosystem functioning against environmental fluctuations leading to more predictable aggregate community or ecosystem properties. Salto Grande reservoir is polymictic and eutrophic with recurrent summer cyanobacterial blooms. The aim of this study was to determine the key variable(s) related with phytoplankton diversity in order to predict the possible occurrence of an algal bloom at the ecosystem. A preliminary analysis of the data matrix suggested non-linear relationships between diversity and the selected variables: phytoplankton abundance and the vertical attenuation coefficient (Kd). The best function fitting of the scatter plot of phytoplankton diversity versus phytoplankton abundance was a rational function. The inflection point of phytoplankton diversity estimated by the second derivate of this function was 2.7 bit cell⁻¹ which corresponded to an abundance of 3000 cells ml⁻¹. The relationship of phytoplankton diversity and vertical attenuation coefficient values also show a humped distribution pattern (Gauss function). The inflection point of this function corresponded to a diversity value of 1.9 bit cell⁻¹ and 2.5 m⁻¹ for Kd. These inflection points were, respectively, related with the resource competition among the present species and the light limitation conditions. The showed patterns of diversity and the estimated threshold values could be integrated to construct a predictive model for the reservoir based on phytoplankton diversity and the probable ambient conditions of the reservoir.     

Freshwater lichens and habitat zonation of mountain streams

Freshwater lichens of selected Carpathian streams were investigated to identify their diversity and distribution patterns. Lichens were investigated along six transects, each running across three different habitats (hydrological zones: submerged, splash and riparian), established in upper, middle and lower reaches of the streams and the data were a subject to statistical analyses. The studied mountain streams provided suitable habitats for a number of aquatic and semi-aquatic lichens and species richness in both streams was very similar. Overall, 52 species of lichens were identified from all sampling plots (γ diversity). Species number for a single plot (α diversity) ranged from 1 to 14 species and differences in species composition between the plots (β diversity) were high. Differences were mainly noted for typical terrestrial lichens occurring in riparian zones. The location along the stream reaches did not have a significant effect on species diversity and distribution. The hydrological zone appeared to be the most important predictor explaining the small-scale occurrence and diversity of lichens with species assembled into distinct, low-diversity communities in the transition from submerged to riparian habitats. The distinction among hydrological zones and their lichen biota were corroborated by nMDS analyses. The method of defined plots provides a way of recording baseline data for a particular river, which can be repeated (monitor) in the future.     

Do hydraulic units define macroinvertebrate assemblages in mountain streams of central Argentina?

Methods to assess the physical habitat provide important tools for many aspects of river management. Hydraulic units (defined as a homogeneous patch of flow type and substrate) were described in mountain streams of Central Argentina and the distribution of macrozoobenthos in these habitat units was analyzed. Four streams from the upper Carcarañá River Basin (Córdoba, Argentina) were sampled in two hydrological periods. Hydraulic units (as substrate and flow type), current velocity, depth, macrophytes and macroalgae were assessed. Three benthic samples were taken in each hydraulic unit. A total of 12 hydraulic units were registered, which varied seasonally in their proportional abundance. The highest values of taxonomic richness, total abundance, diversity and evenness were found in the low-water period. The most heterogeneous hydraulic units (characterized by substrate of diverse grain size) presented the highest richness, diversity and evenness, whereas the highest total abundance was observed in hydraulic units with homogeneous substrate, such as bedrock or gravel sand. Canonical correspondence analysis grouped samples and taxa mainly in relation to the hydraulic units, and temporal variation in macroinvertebrate assemblages was observed. We found that the interaction between hydrological and geomorphological conditions affected benthic assemblages and that their organization is important at a mesoscale. Therefore, hydraulic units may be considered important tools in assessing stream integrity in lotic systems of central Argentina.     

爆炸荷载下土石坝动力响应特征的数值模拟

土石坝在爆炸荷载下的力学响应是一个非常复杂的力学问题,相关研究甚少。在LS-DYNA软件框架内,以两河口土石坝为研究对象,把坝体材料简化为混凝土、心墙、反滤层与堆石体等4种,用500 kg TNT在坝顶接触爆炸时的瞬态荷载作为荷载源,针对不同材料建立适合于爆炸高加载率特征的本构模型,用数值方法分析了土石坝在潜在爆炸荷载下的破坏与损伤演化规律。结果表明,在爆炸荷载作用下,由于土石坝材料组成的多样性,应力波传播规律异常复杂,土石坝的力学响应呈现出显著的分区特征。     

Water Quality Estimation in the Kotorosl' River Basin Based on Zoobenthos Composition

Water quality and the levels of pollution in biological communities of the Kotorosl' River and its major tributaries (the Sara, Lakhost', Mogza, and Pakhma rivers) are estimated by using a considerable body of hydrobiological characteristics (the Pantle–Buck saprobity index and its modifications by Rotshain and the indices of species diversity developed by Shannon; Balushkina; Woodiwiss; Parele; Toderash; Goodnight and Whitley; and Carr, Hiltunenn, and Wright) from the data on the seasonal dynamics of macrozoobenthos. An ecological and sanitary classification of water quality that was developed for this type of rivers is presented. Indices based on the characteristics of oligochaetes, as well as on the taxonomic composition of communities and characteristics of the most indicative species, are shown to be the best choice for characterization of organic pollution prevailing in the Kotorosl' River basin.     

A habitat-specific fish-based approach to assess the ecological status of Mediterranean coastal lagoons

A habitat approach was promoted in the framework of ecological status assessment of transitional waters, assuming the importance of habitat heterogeneity to the overall system status. The approach was applied to the use of fish-based multimetric indices by adapting them to seagrass and marsh habitats in the Venice lagoon, Italy, through selection of appropriate metrics and reference conditions. While for marsh habitats, no clear patterns resulted, the index response for seagrass was consistent with the habitat degradation and loss recorded in the lagoon between 2002 and 2005 and with the higher habitat disturbance in southern and central lagoon sub-basins. The assessment of individual habitats is presented as a first step in the process of evaluating the overall condition of a Mediterranean lagoon environment, which should also take account of the diversity of habitats and their availability within the system to properly define an overall index of ecological status.     

Impact of Mussel Culture on Macrobenthic Community Structure in Saldanha Bay, South Africa

The impact of raft mussel-culture in Saldanha Bay, South Africa on macrobenthic community structure (abundance and biomass) was studied. Sampling was conducted in January between 1993 and 1996 to assess: (1) the composition of macrobenthos below rafts relative to outside the farm; (2) effects of raft position and age within the farm; and (3) recovery rate of benthos after raft removal. Analyses included ABC plots, hierarchical clustering and species diversity indices. Disturbed communities were found under 78% of raft sites sampled. The level of disturbance (Warwick Statistics) and the dominant opportunistic species (Bray–Curtis Similarities) changed from year to year, polychaetes and scavenging gastropods being most common. The degree of disturbance appeared related to raft sites positioned in the middle of the farm rather than raft age. Whereas ABC plots and hierarchical cluster analyses best identified the disturbance of benthic communities, diversity indices detected marginal recovery four years after raft removal. Although deposit feeders dominated all sites, suspension feeders increased in number and biomass at reference sites. This study presented a “yes/no” scenario that will be addressed in subsequent research in the modelling of culture ecosystems.     

Diversity history of Ordovician graptolites and its relationship with environmental change

Statistical analysis based on global data indicated that the planktonic graptolites presented a distinguished pattern from that of benthic communities during the great Ordovician biodiversification. The graptolites started to diversify from the beginning of Ordovician and reached an acme in the early Middle Ordovician, but subsequently underwent a steady decline to the end of Ordovician. During the Ordovician, many clades of the graptolites made their originations, flourishing and replacements. However, in different regions and distinct environments across the world, graptolites may presumably display distinct patterns of radiation and evolution, a hypothesis to be tested. Herein a study of the graptolite diversity in the Early to Middle Ordovician in the Upper Yangtze Region (Platform) and Jiangnan Region (Slope), South China, is conducted. The results indicate that graptolites underwent a remarkable increase in both regions, but with distinct magnitude, scope, process and patterns. The diversification of graptolites in the Upper Yangtze Region, though less prominent, is divided into four stages and includes two peaks. In the Jiangnan Region, the graptolite diversification is far more prominent and includes three stages and one peak. Based on the distinct diversity histories and composition of graptolites in the two representative regions, a 'deep-water origin and shallow-water dispersal' model is proposed for the Ordovician graptolite faunas. According to the model, the major graptolite faunas of Ordovician originated in the deep-water region on the continental slope, the source of the graptolite novelties, and subsequently spread into shallow-water region on the shelf. Besides, we also conduct a comparison study of the Ordovician graptolite diversity in South China and other major regions. The results display that the graptolites diversified globally in the Early and Middle Ordovician. At the beginning of Ordovician, graptolites underwent a significant ecological innovation of graptolites: planktonic forms were derived from their benthic ancestors. This derivation resulted in the great guild expansion of graptolites. In late Early Ordovician (Floian), the global expansion of graptolites commenced. From the Floian to the end of Middle Ordovician, the graptolites diversity increased remarkably and displayed three peaks for all the regions. However, the peaks are somewhat distinct in magnitude and timing among regions. The Darriwilian peak is prominent in both South China and Baltic region, but inconspicuous in Australasia. No close relationship between the graptolite diversification and the palaeolatitudes are supported herein. Instead, the graptolite diversification seems to coincide with the global sea-level rises, suggesting a possible intrinsic relationship between them.