Behavior and budget of dissolved uranium in the lower reaches of the Yellow (Huanghe) River: Impact of Water–Sediment Regulation Scheme

The Water–Sediment Regulation Scheme (WSRS) is an important water conservancy project in the Yellow River basin, which is usually operated annually from June to July to control water and sediment release from the Xiaolangdi Reservoir in the middle reaches. As a greatly concentrated period of delivering terrigenous materials from the Yellow River to the sea, the WSRS can serve as a natural laboratory to examine the geochemical behavior of elements during their transport along the river. Uranium isotopes (²³⁴U and ²³⁸U) were measured in Yellow River waters at stations Xiaolangdi (located in the middle reaches of the Yellow River) and Lijin (the last hydrologic station near the Yellow River estuary) during the WSRS 2012. Compared with station Xiaolangdi, dissolved uranium concentration at station Lijin was markedly higher, showing a significant impact from the WSRS. Budget calculation for dissolved uranium during the WSRS indicated that two major sources of new added dissolved uranium in the section of the Yellow River between Xiaolangdi and Lijin: suspended particles (46%) and porewater of bottom sediment (45%). The flux of dissolved uranium from the Yellow River to the sea was estimated to be 2.40 × 10⁷ g during the WSRS 2012.     

Variability of tetraether lipids in Yellow River-dominated continental margin during the past eight decades: Implications for organic matter sources and river channel shifts

Glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs) and bulk organic geochemical parameters were examined for a short core from the Bohai Sea, a Yellow River-dominated continental margin. A three end member mixing model using branched/isoprenoid tetraethers (BIT) index, δ¹³C and C/N shows that the average fractions of soil, marine and plant organic matter (OM) during the period of 1933–2011 are 67.7% (38–92%), 26.1% (0–58%) and 6.2% (0–23%), respectively. Abrupt changes of sedimentary OM compositions around 1953, 1976 and 1996 are synchronous with the Yellow River mouth relocations. The BIT index values (0.33–0.80) present a stronger correlation with crenarchaeol abundance (R² = 0.88) than branched GDGTs abundance (R² = 0.27), suggesting that variations of marine Thaumarchaeota abundance rather than soil OM inputs is the first order factor controlling the BIT index values, although this proxy has been widely used for soil OM. The comparison between the BIT index, nutrient status and historical Yellow River sediment load indicates that the high sensitivity of the BIT index to the Yellow River channel shifts cannot be explained by a nutrient stimulation mechanism, but instead is likely caused by the restriction of Thaumarchaeota growth in highly turbid water due to the enormous sediment inputs from Yellow River. Our study demonstrates that local conditions should be considered when applying the BIT index as an environmental proxy.     

Concentration of metals in surface water and sediment of Luilu and Musonoie Rivers,Kolwezi-Katanga,Democratic Republic of Congo

The pollution and deterioration of most important vital rivers in the Katanga region, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are mainly due to the discharge of untreated industrial effluents as well as to the mining and artisanal mineral exploitation activities. In this study, the concentrations of metals (Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Mo, Ag, Sn, and Pb) and major elements (Na, Mg, and K) in mining effluents, water and sediment samples of two main rivers of the district of Kolwezi (Katanga, DRC) were subjected to analysis by Inductive Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The results showed that, in general, the metal concentrations in the sampling sites from the mining effluent and river waters exceed largely the World Health Organization and the Aquatic Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Life recommendation limits. The highest metal concentrations in water and sediment samples were detected surrounding the mining effluents discharge. In the surface sediments of Luilu River, the values of 47,468 and 13,199 mg kg⁻¹ were observed for Cu and Co, respectively. For the sediment samples from Musonoie River, the maximum values of 370.8 and 240.6 mg kg⁻¹ for Cu and Co, respectively were observed. The results of this study suggest that the mining effluents being discharged into the rivers and the accumulation of pollutants in sediments might represent a source of toxicity for aquatic living organisms and could pose significant human health risks. The measures to establish a monitoring program and the application of wastewater treatment techniques to the mining effluents prior to discharge are recommended to reduce the load of contaminants into the receiving systems.     

Dissolved and particulate zinc and nickel in the Yangtze River (China): Distribution,sources and fluxes

Dissolved and particulate Zn and Ni concentrations were determined at 76 locations along the Yangtze River basin from the headwaters to the estuary during flood and dry seasons. Spatial and temporal variations of Zn and Ni were investigated and six major source zones were identified. The Three Gorges Dam (TGD) blocked most of the suspended loads and extremely low concentration of Zn and Ni were observed downstream of the dam. Dissolved (ranging from 0.062 to 8.0 μg L⁻¹) and particulate (ranging from 12 to 110 mg kg⁻¹) Ni showed similar levels of concentrations during flood and dry seasons, whereas dissolved (ranging from 0.43 to 49 μg L⁻¹) and particulate (ranging from 54 to 1100 mg kg⁻¹) Zn were slightly and much lower in the flood season than dry season, respectively. This was attributed to the increased water discharge during the flood season causing a dilution effect and sediment resuspension. In the flood season, average concentrations of Zn and Ni were higher in the main channel than in tributaries, due to soil erosion and mining activities providing the dominant inputs. The situation was opposite in the dry season, attributed to the contribution of municipal sewage, industrial activities, and waste disposal. During the flood season, dissolved Zn and Ni concentrations were negatively correlated with pH. Water and suspended particulate matter (SPM) from the upper reaches, middle reaches, and lower reaches of the Yangtze River were characterized by their Zn and Ni concentrations. The Panzhihua, Nanling and Tongling mining areas were considered as the most important source zones of particulate Zn and Ni. The Chongqing region, Wuhan region and the Yangtze River Delta provided most of the dissolved Zn and Ni inputs into the river. Annual net flux of Zn (10–72 × 10⁵ kg a⁻¹) and Ni (5.0–19 × 10⁵ kg a⁻¹) in each source zone were estimated according to their respective influent and effluent fluxes. Contributions of the source zones to Zn and Ni transport decreased from the upper reaches to the lower reaches.     

Discharge diversion in the Patía River delta,the Colombian Pacific: Geomorphic and ecological consequences for mangrove ecosystems

In the Patía River delta, the best-developed delta on the western margin of South America, a major water diversion started in 1972. The diversion of the Patía flow to the Sanquianga River, the latter a small stream draining internal lakes from the Pacific lowlands, shifted the active delta plain from the south to the north and changed the northern estuarine system into an active delta plain. The Sanquianga Mangrove National Park, a mangrove reserve measuring 800 km², lies in this former estuary, where major hydrologic and sedimentation changes are occurring. Overall, major environmental consequences of this discharge diversion in terms of geomorphic changes along distributary channels and ecological impacts on mangrove ecosystems are evidenced by: (1) distributary channel accretion by operating processes such as sedimentation, overbank flow, increasing width of levees, sedimentation in crevasses, interdistributary channel fill, and colonization of pioneer mangrove; (2) freshening conditions in the Sanquianga distributary channel, a hydrologic change that has shifted the upper estuarine region (salinity <1%) downstream; (3) downstream advance of freshwater vegetation, which is invading channel banks in the lower and mixing estuarine zones; (4) die-off of approximately 5200 ha of mangrove near the delta apex at Bocas de Satinga, where the highest sediment accumulation rates occur; and (5) recurrent periods of mangrove defoliation due to a worm plague. Further analyses indicate strong mangrove erosion along transgressive barrier islands on the former delta plain. Here tectonic-induced subsidence, relative sea-level rise, and sediment starving conditions due to the channel diversion, are the main causes of the observed retreating conditions of mangrove communities. Our data also indicate that the Patía River has the highest sediment load (27 × 10⁶ t yr⁻¹) and basin-wide sediment yield (1500 t km⁻² yr⁻¹) on the west coast of South America. Erosion rates from the Patía catchment have been more pronounced during the decades of 1970–1980 and 1990–2000, as a result of land degradation and deforestation. The high sediment and freshwater inputs into the mangrove ecosystem create additional stress (both at ongoing background levels and, occasionally, at dramatic levels), which may periodically push local environmental parameters beyond the thresholds for mangrove survival. The future environmental state of the Sanquianga Mangrove National Reserve deserves more scientific and governmental attention.     

Evaluation of the dissolved contaminant load transported by the Tinto and Odiel rivers (South West Spain)

The Tinto and Odiel rivers are heavily affected by acid mine drainage (AMD). However, the exact quantities of contaminants transported into the Huelva estuary and the Gulf of Cadiz are unknown. The existing previous investigations are, in general, based on studies with few data or incorrect methodology, and are therefore unreliable. This study aims to present a reliable estimation of the dissolved contaminant load transported by both rivers for the periods 1995/96 to 2002/03. The methodology used is based principally on the correlation between contaminant concentration and flow rate. The results show that both rivers transport enormous quantities of dissolved contaminants: 7900 t a⁻¹ of Fe, 5800 t a⁻¹ Al, 3500 t a⁻¹ Zn, 1700 t a⁻¹ Cu, 1600 t yr⁻¹ Mn and minor quantities of other metals. These values represent 60% of the global gross flux of dissolved Zn transported by rivers in to the ocean, and 17% of the global gross flux of dissolved Cu.     

Isotopic characteristics of river sediments on the Tibetan Plateau

We systematically collected 40 modern clastic sediment samples from rivers in different tectonic units of the Tibetan Plateau and measured their Sr–Nd isotopic compositions. The isotopic characteristics provide insight into the controversial paleo-tectonic affinity of terranes of the Tibetan Plateau and the provenance of Songpan–Ganzi flysch complex. The Qilian Terrane and Himalaya Terrane have more negative ε_Nd(0) values (from ? 14.3 to ? 11.8 and from ? 20.64 to ? 13.26, respectively) and high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values (from 0.719674 to 0.738818 and from 0.721020 to 0.824959, respectively), reflecting old and mature continental crust origin of these two terranes. The southern Lhasa Terrane is more radiogenic in ε_Nd(0) values (from ? 8.82 to ? 3.8) and low in ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values (from 0.711504 to 0.719489), implying the combined impact of the Neo-Tethys mantle and Himalaya old continental crust. Sr–Nd isotopic compositions of the Qilian Terrane are similar to those in the Yangtze Craton, indicating that the Qilian Terrane was probably separated from the Yangtze Craton. Sr–Nd isotopic characteristics of the Songpan–Ganzi Terrane are similar to the Yangtze Craton and are remarkably different to those in the North China Craton, eastern Kunlun–Qaidam and the central Qiangtang metamorphic belt, implying that the widely distributed flysch complex of the Songpan–Ganzi Terrane was sourced from the Yangtze Craton.     

A luminescence dating study of the sediment stratigraphy of the Lajia Ruins in the upper Yellow River valley,China

Pedo-sedimentological fieldwork were carried out in the Lajia Ruins within the Guanting Basin along the upper Yellow River valley. In the eolian loess-soil sections on the second river terrace in the Lajia Ruins, we find that the land of the Qijia Culture (4.20–3.95 ka BP) are fractured by several sets of earthquake fissures. A conglomerated red clay covers the ground of the Qijia Culture and also fills in the earthquake fissures. The clay was deposited by enormous mudflows in association with catastrophic earthquakes and rainstorms. The aim of this study is to provide a luminescence chronology of the sediment stratigraphy of the Lajia Ruins. Eight samples were taken from an eolian loess-soil section (Xialajia section) in the ruins for optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating. The OSL ages are in stratigraphic order and range from (31.94 ± 1.99) ka to (0.76 ± 0.02) ka. Combined OSL and ¹⁴C ages with additional stratigraphic correlations, a chronological framework is established. We conclude that: (1) the second terrace of the upper part of Yellow River formed 35.00 ka ago, which was followed by the accumulation of the eolian loess-soil section; and (2) the eolian loess-soil section is composed of the Malan Loess of the late last glacial (MIS-2) and Holocene loess-soil sequences.     

Temporal and spatial changes in coastline movement of the Yangtze delta during 1974–2010

The evolution of the Yangtze delta, where the largest economic zone (e.g. Shanghai) in China is located, directly affects the regional economic development and ecoenvironment. The mean high tide lines as the coastline delineated from multi-temporal remote sensing data of Landsat during 1974–2010 at intervals of about 8 years were used to examine the shoreline progradation and recession of the Yangtze delta in the past four decades. Our results show that significant parts of the shoreline in the Yangtze delta in the past four decades and particularly after the operation of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR), the world’s largest hydropower project ever built, experienced continual progradation despite a substantial decrease in the Yangtze sediment input. During 1974–2010, the area of the Yangtze subaerial delta increased by 667 km² with a net progradation rate of 18.5 km²/yr, and the maximum progradation occurred at the eastern parts of Chongming Island and Nanhui bank, where the coastline advanced seaward about 8 and 6 km, respectively, with mean net progradation rates of 0.22 and 0.17 km/yr, respectively. An important (probably dominant) reason for the Yangtze shoreline progradation despite markedly decreased riverine sediment supply is coastal engineering, such as sea reclamation works, filling project, and wharf constructions.     

Chemical weathering rates in the Alaknanda–Bhagirathi river basins in Himalayas,India

The Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers flow through the Higher and Lesser Himalayas and confluence at Devprayag, which represents the origin of the Ganga (or Ganges) river. In the present study, a vast number of temporal and spatial samples of the river waters were collected and analyzed for major cations and anions. In addition, more recent and time series water flow data have been obtained and based on these inputs, a more refined dissolved flux rates have been estimated. The Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers show significant variations in chemical compositions during different seasons. Carbonate rock weathering is responsible for more than 70% of the chemical compositions in the river waters. The chemical weathering rates show seasonal variations and are much higher during non-monsoon season. The dissolved flux of Alaknanda river is much higher (1.80 × 10⁶ tons yr^?1) as compared to the Bhagirathi river (0.34 × 10⁶ tons yr^?1). The chemical weathering rates in the basin vary between 85 and 155 tons km^?2 yr^?1, which is significantly higher compared to the global average of ～24 tons km^?2 yr^?1.     

Emission of phosphine in intertidal marshes of the Yangtze Estuary

Emission of phosphine, a gaseous form of P, is presently considered a potential pathway of the P biogeochemical cycle in aquatic sediments. This study investigated the emission fluxes of phosphine and its potential production mechanisms in the intertidal marshes of the Yangtze Estuary. It is shown that the relatively high emission fluxes of phosphine were measured in warm seasons, with the values of 3.85–24.9 ng m^?2 h^?1 and 4.21–36.5 ng m^?2 h^?1 in August and September, respectively. In contrast, lower fluxes of phosphine appeared in May (1.23–6.32 ng m^?2 h^?1) and January (0.21–0.91 ng m^?2 h^?1). Also, the fluxes of phosphine were generally higher in the freshwater marsh, compared with the brackish marsh. The spatio-temporal pattern of phosphine emissions was observed to be mainly associated with sediment structure, temperature and salinity. Meanwhile, the significant correlations of phosphine emissions with sedimentary P and alkaline phosphatase activities reflect that phosphine probably derives from the microbial transformations of PO₄ and organic P. In addition, it is estimated that approximately 1.08 × 10⁶ g of phosphine is released annually from sediments into the pelagic water of the Yangtze Estuary. Therefore, it is concluded that phosphine emissions may be an important internal source of P, making a significant contribution to the occurrence of algal blooms especially during warm seasons.     

Geomorphic,hydroclimatic and hydrothermal controls on the formation of lithium brine deposits in the Qaidam Basin,northern Tibetan Plateau,China

Qaidam Basin is a hyperarid inland basin with an area of 121 × 10³ km² located on the northern Tibetan Plateau. Today, one fourth of the basin is covered by playas and hypersaline lakes. Nearly 80% of brine lithium found in China is contained in four salt lakes: Bieletan (BLT), DongTaijinaier (DT), XiTaijinaier (XT) and Yiliping (YLP). In the past decade, great attention was paid to improving the technology for the extraction of lithium from the brine deposits, but studies on origin and mode of formation of the brine deposits remained limited. Our recent investigations found that: (1) ~ 748.8 t of lithium was transported annually into the lower catchment of the four salt lakes via the Hongshui–Nalinggele River (H–N River), the largest river draining into the Qaidam Basin, (2) Li⁺-rich brines are formed only in salt lakes associated with inflowing rivers with Li⁺ concentrations greater than 0.4 mg/L, and (3) the water Li⁺ concentration is positively correlated with both the inflowing river and the associated subsurface brine, including saline lakes with low lithium concentrations. These findings clearly indicate that long-term input of Li⁺ from the H–N River controls the formation of lithium brine deposits. Here we determine that the source of the lithium is from hydrothermal fields where two active faults converge in the upper reach of the Hongshui River. The hydrothermal fields are associated with a magmatic heat source, as suggested by the high Li⁺ and As^3 + content water from geysers. Based on the assumption of a constant rate of lithium influx, we estimate that the total reserves of lithium were likely formed since the postglacial period. Our data indicate that lithium reserves in each of the four salt lakes depend on the influx of Li⁺-bearing water from the H–N River. The data also suggest that during the progradation of the alluvial Fan I, the H–N River drained mostly into the BLT salt lake until the Taijinaier River shifted watercourse to the north and began to feed the salt lakes of the DT, XT and YLP, alongside with the Fan II progradation. The inference is consistent with stratigraphic evidence from the sediment cores of the four salt lakes. One of the major findings of our work is the importance of the contrasting hydroclimatic conditions between the high mountains containing ice caps and the terminal salt lakes. The greater than 4000 m of relief in the watershed enables a massive amount of ions, such as K⁺, to be weathered and transported together with detrital material from the huge, relatively wet alpine regions to the hyperarid terminal basins, where intense evaporation rapidly enriches the lake water, resulting in evaporite deposition and associated K⁺- and Li⁺-rich brine deposits.     

Mercury in the Lot–Garonne River system (France): Sources,fluxes and anthropogenic component

Dissolved and particulate Hg fluxes in the Lot–Garonne–Gironde fluvial-estuarine system were obtained from observation of daily discharge and suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentrations. In addition to the measurements of the total dissolved (<0.45 μm) and particulate Hg (>0.45 μm), called HgT_D and HgT_P respectively, the dissolved inorganic Hg species (HgR_D) were determined monthly. Geochemical background values for HgT_P in sediments and SPM were similar to crustal values and to typical concentrations in SPM of non-contaminated river systems, respectively. The Riou Mort watershed already known as the origin of important historical polymetallic (e.g., Cd, Zn) pollution was identified as an important Hg point source. In the downstream Lot River, Hg concentrations were clearly higher than those in other moderately contaminated systems. The mean relative contribution of HgR_D to HgT_D in the Lot River and in the Garonne River was close to 25% and 50%, respectively, and showed no correlation with water discharge or SPM concentration. Depending on the origin and nature of SPM, HgT_P concentrations were correlated or not with particulate organic C (POC). Maximum HgT_P concentrations were measured in samples containing low POC concentrations and were attributed to sediment resuspension. In contrast, high POC concentrations (6–17%) during algal blooms were associated with low/moderate HgT_P concentrations (<0.5 mg kg⁻¹) at different sites, suggesting that Hg concentrations in fluvial phytoplankton may be limited by bioavailability of dissolved Hg and/or physiologically controlled Hg accumulation. Mercury was mostly (up to 98%) transported in the particulate phase with estimated annual Hg fluxes at the outlet of the Lot River system ranging from 35 to 530 kg a⁻¹ for the past decade. The minimum anthropogenic component (58–84% of total Hg fluxes) could not be explained by present Riou Mort point source contributions, suggesting important Hg release from contaminated sediment as a major source and from downstream point sources (e.g., coal-fired power plants and/or metal processing industries). HgT_P concentrations and fluxes were strongly related to hydrologic variations and were clearly increased by riverbed dredging during lock construction. Therefore, the estimated Hg stocks in the Lot River sediment (5–13 tons) represent an important potential Hg source for the downstream fluvial-estuarine system.     

Early Holocene fluvial activity from the sedimentology and palaeohydrology of gravel terrace in the semi arid Mahi River Basin,India

Palaeocompetence analysis and palaeodischarge estimation techniques are applied to a late Pleistocene–early Holocene gravel terrace in the Mahi River Basin, western India. Terrace sedimentology, comprising gravels overlain by sand lithofacies suggests a gradual change in palaeohydrological conditions marking a switch from braided to meandering fluvial styles. The discharge values for the gravel bedforms based on the clast size and the cross bed set thickness are estimated between ∼150–180 m³ s⁻¹ comparable with the present day observed values albeit with a much higher competence. Results indicate that fluvial aggradation occurred under low discharge conditions with intermittent high discharge events depositing longitudinal gravel bars. The incision of these gravel bars and the formation of terraces can be attributed to the higher discharge regime post 9.2 ka. The study further indicates that whereas the aggradation of the gravel terrace during the early Holocene was controlled by the large sediment influx, the incision that followed was in response to the increase in the discharge and competence of the river flow.     

Long-term pCO2 dynamics in rivers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed

Streams and rivers are major exporters of C and other dissolved materials from watersheds to coastal waters. In streams and rivers, substantial amounts of terrigenous organic C is metabolized and degassed as CO₂ to the atmosphere. A long-term evaluation of CO₂ dynamics in streams is essential for understanding factors controlling CO₂ dynamics in streams in response to changes in climate and land-use. Long-term changes in the partial pressure of CO₂ (pCO₂) were computed in the Anacostia River and the lower Potomac River in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Long-term estimates were made using routine monitoring data of pH, total alkalinity, and dissolved nutrients from 1985 to 2006 at 14 stations. Longitudinal variability in pCO₂ dynamics was also investigated along these rivers downstream of the urban Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Both rivers were supersaturated with CO₂ with respect to atmospheric CO₂ levels (392 μatm) and the highly urbanized Anacostia waters (202–9694 μatm) were more supersaturated than the Potomac waters (557–3800 μatm). Long-term variability in pCO₂ values may be due to changes in river metabolism and organic matter and nutrient loadings. Both rivers exchange significant amounts of CO₂ with the atmosphere (i.e., Anacostia at 0.2–72 mmol m⁻² d⁻¹ and Potomac at 0.12–24 mmol m⁻² d⁻¹), implying that waterways receiving organic matter and nutrient subsidies from urbanized landscapes have the potential to increase river metabolism and atmospheric CO₂ fluxes along the freshwater–estuarine continuum.     

Chemical weathering processes in the Yalong River draining the eastern Tibetan Plateau,China

To better understand chemical weathering and controlling processes in the Yalong River of the eastern Tibetan Plateau, this study presents major ion concentrations and stable isotopes of the dissolved loads. The isotopic compositions (δ¹³C-DIC, δ³⁴S and δ¹⁸O-SO₄) of the dissolved loads are very useful to quantify solute sources and define the carbon budget related with chemical weathering in riverine systems. The isotopic composition of sulphate demonstrates that most of the sulphate is derived from sulphide oxidation, particularly in the upper reach of the Yalong River. The correlations between δ¹³C-DIC, water chemistry and isotopes of sulphate, suggest that the carbon dynamics are mainly affected by carbonate weathering by sulphuric acid and equilibration processes. Approximately 13% of the dissolved inorganic carbon in the Yalong River originates from carbonate weathering by strong acid. The CO₂ consumption rates are estimated to be 2.8 × 10⁵ mol/km²/yr and 0.9 × 10⁵ mol/km²/yr via carbonate and silicate weathering in the Yalong River, respectively. In this study, the influence of sulphide oxidation and metamorphic CO₂ on the carbon budget is estimated for the Yalong River draining the eastern Tibetan Plateau.     

Initiation of the Mekong River delta at 8 ka: evidence from the sedimentary succession in the Cambodian lowland

Modern deltas are understood to have initiated around 7.5–9 ka in response to the deceleration of sea-level rise. This episode of delta initiation is closely related to the last deglacial meltwater events and eustatic sea-level rises. The initial stage of the Mekong River delta, one of the world's largest deltas, is well recorded in Cambodian lowland sediments. This paper integrates analyses of sedimentary facies, diatom assemblages, and radiocarbon dates for three drill cores from the lowland to demonstrate Holocene sedimentary evolution in relation to sea-level changes. The cores are characterized by a tripartite succession: (1) aggrading flood plain to natural levee and tidal–fluvial channel during the postglacial sea-level rise (10–8.4 ka); (2) aggrading to prograding tidal flats and mangrove forests around and after the maximum flooding of the sea (8.4–6.3 ka); and (3) a prograding fluvial system on the delta plain (6.3 ka to the present). The maximum flooding of the sea occurred at 8.0 ± 0.1 ka, 2000 years before the mid-Holocene sea-level highstand, and tidal flats penetrated up to 20–50 km southeast of Phnom Penh after a period of abrupt ～5 m sea-level rise at 8.5–8.4 ka. The delta progradation then initiated as a result of the sea-level stillstand at around 8–7.5 ka. Another rapid sea-level rise at 7.5–7 ka allowed thick mangrove peat to be widely deposited in the Cambodian lowland, and the peat accumulation endured until 6.3 ka. Since 6.3 ka, a fluvial system has characterized the delta plain, and the fluvial sediment discharge has contributed to rapid delta progradation. The uppermost part of the sedimentary succession, composed of flood plain to natural-levee sediments, reveals a sudden increase in sediment accumulation over the past 600–1000 years. This increase might reflect an increase in the sediment yield due to human activities in the upper to middle reaches of the Mekong, as with other Asian rivers.     

Scenario of particulate trace metal and metalloid transport during a major flood event inferred from transient geochemical signals

High-resolution sampling (every 3 h) of SPM was performed during a major flood event in a heterogeneous, medium scale watershed of the Garonne-Gironde fluvial-estuarine system (the Lot River; A = 10,700 km²; Q = 151 m³/s). Particulate metal and metalloid (Cd, Zn, Pb, Co, Cr, Ni, Mo, V, U, As, Sb, Th) concentrations were compared with monthly data of the same site (Temple site) obtained during 1999–2002. During the flood event, suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentrations closely followed river discharge with a maximum value (1530 mg/L) coinciding with the discharge peak (2970 m³/s). Trace metal/metalloid concentrations showed significant temporal variations and very contrasted responses. Particulate concentrations were similar to baseline values at the beginning of the flood and mostly increased during the event, showing anticlockwise and complex shape hystereses. Comparison of SPM yield (440,000 t) and particulate metal/metalloid fluxes during the flood with annual fluxes (1999–2002) highlights the great importance of major flood events in fluvial transport. Adequate sampling frequency during floods is necessary for reliable annual flux estimates and provides geochemical signals that may greatly improve our understanding of fluvial transport processes. The scenario of SPM and metal and metalloid transport during the flood are reconstructed by combining variations of Zn, Cd and Sb concentrations, concentration ratios (e.g. Zn/Cd, As/Th, Cd/Th) and hysteresis loops. Changes in SPM and metal/metalloid transport during distinct key stages of the flood were attributed to successive dominance of different water masses transporting material from different sources (e.g. industrial point source, bed sediment from reservoirs, plain erosion). Flood management (dam flushing) clearly enhanced the remobilization of up to 30-a old polluted sediment from reservoir lakes. Sediment remobilization accounted for ∼185,000 t of SPM (i.e. 42% of the total SPM fluxes during the flood) and strongly contributed to particulate metal/metalloid transport for Cd (90%), Zn (83%) and Pb (61%). Therefore, flood management needs to be taken into consideration in future models for erosion and pollutant transport.     

Detection of coenzyme F430 in deep sea sediments: A key molecule for biological methanogenesis

We report the presence of coenzyme factor 430 (F430), a prosthetic group of methyl coenzyme M reductase for archaeal methanogenesis, in the deep sub-seafloor biosphere. At 106.7 m depth in sediment collected off Shimokita Peninsula, northwestern Pacific, its concentration was estimated to be at least 40 fmol g sediment⁻¹ (i.e. 36 pg g⁻¹ wet sediment). This is about three orders of magnitude lower than typical concentrations of archaeal intact polar lipids in similar sub-seafloor sediments. On the basis of the concentration of F430 in methanogens and conversion to biomass composed of typical sub-seafloor microbial cells, we estimated that ca. 2 × 10⁶ cells g⁻¹ could be methanogens in the deeply buried marine sediment.