牙鲆鱼耗氧率、氮排泄率与体重及温度的关系

对个体重２．５～３４．５ｇ的牙鲆幼鱼在不同水温（１２、１７、２２、２７℃）下的耗氧率和氮排泄率进行了测试和分析。结果表明，牙鲆幼鱼的耗氧率和氮排泄率均随体重的增加而增加，其差异均达到极显著水平（Ｐ＜０．０１）；牙鲆幼鱼的耗氧率随水温上升而增加，但仅２７℃组与其他３个温度梯度组分别比较，出现差异极其显著（Ｐ＜０．０１），后３个温度梯度组之间的差异则不显著（Ｐ＞０．０５）；牙鲆幼鱼的氮排泄率也随温度的提高而增加，其差异亦达到极显著水平（Ｐ＜０．０１）。作者认为，在牙鲆养殖生产过程中，养殖水体溶解氧应维持在３ｍｇ／Ｌ以上，养殖水温以不超过２７℃为宜。     

海洋中二甲基硫的生物生产与消费过程

DMS是海洋中最主要的挥发性有机硫化物,对全球气候变化和环境酸化产生重要影响。DMS的生物生产与消耗主要发生在海洋真光层。生物的生产与消耗被认为是海洋中DMS的主要来源和去除途径。海洋中DMS的生物生产和消耗是密切相关的,两者的速率基本保持平衡。目前,有关DMS生物生产与消费速率的测定方法有放射性同位素示踪和加抑制剂2种,后者颇受青睐,不过有关抑制机理还需进一步的研究。     

NPZ Models of Plankton Dynamics: Their Construction, Coupling to Physics, and Application

Nutrient-phytoplankton-zooplankton (NPZ) models have been in use in oceanography for at least three decades, and are still a common research tool. Given the discoveries of the last two decades, particularly concerning the role of bacteria in the plankton, there are questions as to whether NPZ models can still be supported as a useful tool in planktonic research. Here I review the construction of NPZ models, and some of the physical platforms they have been coupled to. I then discuss the applications of NPZ-physical models, and conclude that they still constitute an important and viable research tool, provided that the questions being explored are clearly stated. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Protracted Environmental Issues on a Proposed Titanium Minerals Development in Kenya's South Coast

This study takes cognizance of the fact that the TIOMIN (TIOMIN Resources Inc. of Canada) project has resulted in controversy over its handling of environmental issues and especially the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The authors address many of the protracted issues that have slowed the development of the mining project in Kwale. The main emphasis is on the impacts of the mining and mineral separation processes on the environment, including the governing legislation, the role of consultation and public participation, and socioeconomic issues. In their public documents TIOMIN has specified neither the type of minerals it wants to extract from the area nor their chemical composition. It is well known, however that the titanium minerals and zircon targeted have impurities of iron, thorium and uranium. In the absence of an Environmental Management Plan, the effects of stockpiling radioactive wastes and other impurities that could possibly lead to environmental degradation in both the terrestrial and marine environments have not been publically addressed. The measures proposed to mitigate ecological damage as a result of the establishment of a minerals processing plant in the area seem inadequate. Pollution resulting from accidental spillage or breakage could have significant impact on marine life and residents living near the mining site. Other issues that have not been addressed satisfactorily pertain to the use of surface and underground water. The area already faces a huge water deficit and the calculations presented on aquifer recharge and stream flow rates do not indicate the large quantities of water that would be required in the mineral processing plant. The project, if approved in its present state, risks violation of international conventions. Furthermore, it could cause a conflict between Kenya and Tanzania in the event of an oil spill at the proposed ship loading facility at Shimoni. The proposed mining area includes the district's most fertile land, is home to many fisherfolk and is a major tourist destination. An analysis of the effects of this project on other available opportunities must be thoroughly understood to ascertain the economic and environmental benefits and costs of the mining venture. The proposed compensation rate of $1,000 per acre, for resettlement for example, appears to be grossly inadequate. Compensation should take into account family size and structure family assets and the cost of relocation.