Correlative changes in metabolism and DNA damage in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) exposed to benzo[a]pyrene

Juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) were injected intraperitoneally with either corn oil or 5 mg/kg benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) dissolved in corn oil and sampled I and 3 days after injection. After 1 day, no elevation of 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity was observed, however bile metabolites (BaP-7,8 dihydrodiol representing 70% of the total metabolites) and a single hepatic DNA adduct spot (0.47 adducts/10(8) nucleotides) identified by 32P-postlabelling were formed. No BaP metabolites or DNA adducts were observed in either control or carrier control fish. Fish sampled after 3 days reported 5-fold higher (P < 0.05) levels of EROD activity, a shift in the bile metabolite profile towards BaP phenol formation (1OH and 30H BaP comprising up to 60% of total metabolites detected) and the formation of two adduct spots (0.86 and 0.71 adducts/10(8) nucleotides). These results show that BaP can be metabolised and form hydrophobic DNA adducts in turbot without EROD elevation. Following EROD elevation, a shift in the profile of both BaP metabolites and BaP metabolite-DNA interactions occurs indicative of other oxidative processes.     

Platinum mineralisation potential of the Longwood Igneous Complex,New Zealand

Summary The Longwood Igneous Complex is situated at the southern tip of the South Island of New Zealand. The Complex is 32 km long and up to 12 km wide and is part of a more extensive north-trending belt of late Paleozoic volcanic, volcaniclastic and intrusive rocks.The complex is comprised of an extensive series of layered gabbros (Pahia Layered Series) together with diorites, trondjhemite and granitoids.Exploration by Sigma Resources has located significant platinum-in-drainage anomalies which are derived from a 10 km x 1 km area of largely plagioclase-rich, olivinebearing cumulate rocks within the Pahia Layered series. Grains of platinum and palladium sulphide, arsenide and alloy minerals have been identified in placer deposits derived from this area. A total of 1,500 ounces of platinum was reported to have been recovered as a by-product of historic placer gold mining of these deposits. Platinumgroup element mineralisation in float rocks (up to 3.0 ppm Pt and 3.3 ppm Pd) and significant platinum-in-soil anomalies (peak value 0.47 ppm Pt) have been found within this area.The mineralised troctolite and olivine-gabbro float and adjacent exposures are broadly similar to the anorthosite-troctolite-olivine gabbro zones within the Banded Series of the Stillwater Complex. The mineralised rocks are leucocratic plagioclaseolivine adcumulates with minor clinopyroxene oikocrysts, primary amphibole and sparse (<0.5%) sulphide. Sulphide minerals are pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, pyrite and secondary copper sulphides. The similarity of this mineralisation style and its host rocks to the JM Reef of the Stillwater Complex and AP and PV mineralisation of the Penikat Intrusion highlights the excellent potential for discovery of a large stratiform platinumgroup element deposit in the Pahia Layered Series.

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Das Platin Mineralisations Potential des Longwood Komplexes, Neuseeland

Zusammenfassung Der Longwood Igneous Complex liegt au der Südküste der der Südinsel Neuseelands. Er ist 32 km lang und 12 km breit und ist Teil eines Nord-Süd verlaufenden Gesteinsgürtels paläozoischer vulkanischer, vulkano-klastischer und intrusiver Gesteine. Der Komplex beinhaltet geschichtete Gabbros (Pahia Layered Series) gemeinsam mit Dioriten, Trondjhemiten und Granitoiden.Bedeutende Platinanomalien in Bachsedimenten, die aus einem ca. 10 x 1 km großen Gebiet mit Plagioklas-reichen, Olivin-führenden Kumulat-Gesteinen stammen, wurden von Sigma Resources lokalisiert. Platin- und Palladiumsulfide, -arsenide und -Legierungen wurden in Seifenlager-stätten, in diesem Gebiet nachgewiesen. Insgesamt wurden 1500 Unzen Platin während der historischen Bergbautätigkeit auf Gold in diesen Lagerstätten als Nebenprodukt gewonnen. PGE-Mineralisation (bis 3.0 ppm Pt und 3.3 ppm Pd) in Geschieben und bedeutende Pt-Bodenanomalien (max. 0.47 ppm Pt) wurden in diesem Gebiet entdeckt.Die mineralisierten Troktolit- und Olivin-Gabbro-Gerölle und benachbarte Aufschlüsse zeigen weitgehende Ähnlichkeit mit der Anorthosit-Troktolit-Olivin-GabbroAbfolge der Banded Series des Stillwater Komplexes.Die mineralisierten leukokraten Gesteine führen Plagioklas und Olivin als Kumulusphasen sowie untergeordnet Klinopyroxene, primäre Amphibole und geringe Mengen (< 0.5 %) an Sulfiden. Als Sulfide kommen Magnetkies, Kupferkies, Pyrit und sekundäre Kupfersulfide vor. Die Ähnlichkeit dieser Mineralisation und ihrer Nebengesteine mit dem JM Reef des Stillwater Komplexes und der AP und PV Mineralisation in der Penikat Intrusion läßt die Pahia Layered Series als geeignetes Gebiet für die Entdeckung großer stratiformer PGE-Lagerstätten erscheinen.

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With 5 Figures     

Effects of kelp Ecklonia maxima inclusion in formulated feed on the growth,feed utilisation and gut microbiota of South African abalone Haliotis midae

The effect of kelp Ecklonia maxima inclusion in formulated feeds on abalone growth and gut bacterial communities has not been previously investigated in South Africa. An eight-month on-farm growth trial was conducted with sub-adult Haliotis midae (～43 mm shell length) fed graded levels of kelp in formulated feeds. Kelp inclusion (0.44–3.54% of pellet dry mass) promoted faster growth (65.7–74.5% total mass gain), with better feed and protein conversions (apparent feed conversion ratio [FCR] 1.4–1.8, apparent protein efficiency ratio [PER] 2.3–2.7), as compared with the non-supplemented feed (52.3% total mass gain, FCR 2.1, PER 1.9; p < 0.001). Abalone-gut bacterial DNA was sequenced using 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing and the sequences were clustered into operational taxonomic units (OTUs) at a 97% similarity level. A supplementary 16S rRNA gene denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis was employed. The dominant OTUs differed in terms of their relative abundances, with an autochthonous Mycoplasma strain being significantly more abundant (p = 0.03) in the gut of abalone fed a kelp-supplemented feed. The DGGE band patterns displayed higher within-group variability for abalone fed the control diet, suggesting that dietary kelp inclusion promotes gut-bacteria homeostasis. This may contribute to better feed utilisation and growth in abalone fed kelp-supplemented feeds.     

Age verification,growth and life history of rubyfish Plagiogeneion rubiginosum

Age verification of rubyfish (Plagiogeneion rubiginosum) was sought using the bomb radiocarbon chronometer procedure. Stable isotopes were investigated for life history characteristics. Radiocarbon (¹⁴C) and stable isotope (δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C) levels were measured in micro-samples from five otoliths that had been aged using a zone count method. All the core ¹⁴C measurements were ‘pre-bomb’ indicating ages of at least 45 years, and the ¹⁴C measurements across the otolith sections suggested that the zone-count ageing method described herein is not biased. Maximum estimated age was 100 years. There was no significant between-sex difference in the von Bertalanffy growth curves. The δ¹⁸O values indicated that rubyfish are near-surface as juveniles, and move deeper with age. Adults appear to reside in 600–1000 m; this is deeper than most trawl-capture data suggest, but not implausible, and has stock assessment implications. The δ¹³C values reflect fish metabolic rates, trophic feeding levels and oceanographic conditions. The stable isotopes record the environmental life history of each fish, and have value in distinguishing stocks and/or indicating vertical and latitudinal migratory patterns.     

Effect of graded levels of dietary carbohydrate on growth,feed utilisation and intestinal microbial community structure in dusky kob Argyrosomus japonicus fed a pelleted diet

The ability to utilise carbohydrates is limited for many predatory marine fishes. Graded levels of dietary carbohydrate (4.1–24.6%) were formulated using pregelatinised maize starch, to determine optimal levels for dusky kob Argyrosomus japonicus, an emerging mariculture finfish for which pelleted feeds are being developed. Specific growth rate increased with an increase in the carbohydrate level up to 16.72%, after which it declined. Feed utilisation followed a similar trend, with the best feed conversion ratio (1.28) and protein efficiency ratio (1.76) recorded at 16.4% carbohydrate. Lipid vacuolisation of the hepatocytes was evident in all livers examined, with melano-macrophage aggregates in those of fish fed 24.6% carbohydrate suggesting starvation. Gut bacterial community profiles were variable but were not influenced by dietary carbohydrate level and differed mostly between fish fed trout feed prior to the trial and those fed experimental diets containing starch. The dusky kob were able to clear glucose from their blood when fed up to 16.4% carbohydrate, but glucose removal was not achieved at 24.6% carbohydrate. In conclusion, dusky kob has a limited ability to utilise cooked starch as a carbohydrate source, which may be included in pelleted feed at 16.4% without adverse effects. For this species, levels of dietary carbohydrate above this may result in symptoms consistent with physiological breakdown, including reduced growth, reduced feed intake and feed conversion efficiency, prolonged hyperglycaemia, liver pathology and altered microbial communities in the foregut.     

运用LANDSAT ETM+和ASTER数据进行岩性分类

本文评价了运用ASTER和LANDSAT ETM+数据进行岩性制图的性能。分别利用ASTER数据不同波段区图像及其组合,以及ETM+数据进行岩性分类,并探讨了将ASTER和ETM+数据叠加在一起进行了岩性分类; 利用现有地质图对所有分类结果进行了定量评价。结果表明,ASTER数据不同波段的岩性识别能力不同,并且较ETM+数据能更准确地识别岩性。更重要的是,把ASTER与ETM+数据结合在一起进行岩性分类,可获得比用任一数据单独分类更高的分类精度,表明二者的光谱特征具有一定的互补性。     

塔里木盆地库鲁克塔格地区二叠纪末-中三叠世基性岩床的发现及其地质意义

新疆塔里木盆地东北缘库鲁克塔格地区的中寒武统莫合尔山组沉积地层中发现三条形成于二叠纪末到中三叠世的基性岩床。三条岩床沿沉积岩层面顺层侵入,按照从下到上的顺序,分别为辉绿岩床(厚3m)、辉长岩床(厚20m)和粗玄岩床(厚2.5m)。三条岩床的地球化学特征相似,稀土含量高(∑REE=210×10^-6~297×10^-6),轻稀土元素富集((La/Yb)_N =13.54~17.96),Eu负异常不明显(δEu=0.97~1.21),Ce稍具正异常(δCe=1.11~1.25)。大离子亲石元素(Rb、Ba、Th、Sr)富集,Sr具明显正异常; Ta、Nb和Hf具负异常。低氧化度(0.13~0.40)。三条岩床为同源岩浆活动的产物,岩浆源于上地幔或下地壳,但有下陆壳成分混染。三个样品的MgO含量在4%~6%之间,Mg^#值在37.6~55.6之间,固结指数SI值位于18.7~29.3之间,反映原始的岩浆经历了比较明显的分异作用。粗玄岩床K-Ar年龄为255.2±7.3Ma,辉绿岩床K-Ar年龄为242.8±5.7Ma,辉长岩床Ar-Ar年龄为229.7±3.7Ma。本次岩浆侵入事件发生在南天山洋闭合之后,构造背景为造山后碰撞伸展环境。     

Development and Application of a Method to Identify Salt Marsh Vulnerability to Sea Level Rise

Wetlands are commonly assessed for ecological condition and biological integrity using a three-tiered framework of landscape-scale assessment, rapid assessment protocols, and intensive biological and physiochemical measurements. However, increased inundation resulting from accelerated sea level rise (SLR) is negatively impacting tidal marsh ecosystem functions for US Northeast coastal wetlands, yet relative vulnerability to this stressor is not incorporated in condition assessments. This article assesses tools available to measure coastal wetland vulnerability to SLR, including measurements made as part of traditional rapid condition assessments (e.g., vegetation communities, soil strength), field and remote sensing-based measurements of elevation, VDatum, and Sea Level Affecting Marshes Model (SLAMM) model outputs. A vulnerability metric that incorporates these tools was calibrated and validated using recent rates of marsh vegetation losses (1972–2011) as a surrogate for future vulnerability. The metric includes complementary measures of elevation capital, including the percentage of high vs. low marsh vegetation, Spartina alterniflora height, elevation measurements, and SLAMM outputs that collectively explained 62% of the variability in recent rates of marsh vegetation loss. Stepwise regression revealed that all three elements (elevation, vegetation measures, and SLAMM outputs) explained significant and largely unique components of vulnerability to SLR, with the greatest level of overlap found between SLAMM outputs and elevation metrics. While soil strength varied predictably with habitat zone, it did not contribute significantly to the vulnerability metric. Despite the importance of determining wetland elevation above key tidal datums of mean sea level and mean high water, we caution that VDatum was found to perform poorly in back-barrier estuaries. This factor makes it difficult to compare elevation capital among marshes that differ in tidal range and poses accuracy problems for broad-scale modeling efforts that require accurate tidal datums. Given the pervasive pattern of coastal wetland drowning occurring in the Northeastern USA and elsewhere, we advocate that compilation of regional data on marsh habitats and vulnerability to SLR is crucial as it permits agencies to target adaptation to sites based on their vulnerability or mixture of habitats, it helps match sites to appropriate interventions, and it provides a broader regional context to site-specific management actions. Without such data, adaptation actions may be implemented where action is not necessary and to the disadvantage of vulnerable sites where opportunities for successful adaptation will be missed.     

The effect of low-level kelp supplementation on digestive enzyme activity levels in cultured abalone Haliotis midae fed formulated feeds

Previous studies have found that macroalgal inclusion in formulated diets for cultured abalone improves feed utilisation, and it was suggested that seaweed-associated bacteria supply enzymes that aid in the animal's digestion. In the present study, we hypothesised that kelp supplementation in formulated feed affects the profile of digestive enzymes in farmed Haliotis midae. Commercially reared sub-adult abalone fed a kelp-supplemented (Ecklonia maxima; 0.88% dry weight) or kelp-free control feed were collected for analysis of the amylase, alginate lyase, laminarinase, fucoidanase and protease activities in the gut. Levels of polysaccharidase and protease activity did not significantly differ between the diet treatments. However, enzyme-activity levels were more variable in abalone fed the kelp-free diet as compared with those fed the kelp-supplemented diet (coefficients of variation: 73%, 48.3–60.2% and 31.9% [control diet] versus 42.7%, 13.6–33.8% and 14.6% [KS diet] for amylase, macroalgal polysaccharidases and acid protease activity, respectively). We suggest that the presence of dietary kelp modulates the abalone's gut bacteria and their nutrient exchange. Proteomic identification of proteins in abalone gut sections showed that exogenous enzymes associated with the gut microbiome aid in bacterial utilisation of digested molecules, whereas abalone endogenous enzymes degrade the macronutrients in formulated feeds.     

Synthetic shorelines in New Zealand? Quantification and characterisation of microplastic pollution on Canterbury's coastlines

Microplastics are persistent environmental contaminants found in marine environments worldwide. Microplastic particles isolated from coastlines in the Canterbury region of New Zealand were quantified and characterised. Sediment samples were collected from 10 locations representing exposed-beach, estuarine and harbour environments in both urban and non-urban settings. Particles were isolated from sediments using an NaCl density-separation procedure and quantified and characterised with a combination of optical/fluorescence imaging and micro-Raman spectroscopy. Microplastics were detected at eight out of 10 locations, at concentrations ranging from 0–45.4 particles kg^?1 of dry sediment. The majority of microplastics were identified as polystyrene (55%), polyethylene (21%) and polypropylene (11%). Microplastic concentrations in exposed-beach environments were significantly greater than in harbour and estuarine environments.