Effects of nitrogen and iron enrichments on phytoplankton communities in the Northwestern Indian Ocean

Nutrient-enrichment bottle experiments in the northwestern Indian Ocean surface waters were conducted to investigate phytoplankton growth following enrichments with either NH₄⁺, NO₃⁻, Fe or Fe + NO₃⁻. Stimulation of phytoplankton growth could be achieved by the addition of either NH₄⁺ or NO₃⁻ under the ambient Fe concentrations, but the most significant increases in Chl a, POC, and cell densities were observed in the Fe + NO₃⁻-amended culture. Iron addition caused more rapid responses of phytoplankton growth in the Fe + NO₃⁻ treatment than those in the NO₃⁻ and NH₄⁻ treatment. However, the Fe-enrichment treatment revealed minimal growth of phytoplankton because of severe major nutrient deficiency and was similar to the control treatment. Increases in the cell density of diatoms and spherical phytoplankton cells (< 10 μm) were significant in the NH₄⁺-enriched samples, whereas NO₃⁻ enrichment alone had little effect on the diatoms. Simultaneous addition of Fe and NO₃⁻ stimulated maximal growth of phytoplankton, in particular in diatoms, coccolithophorids and Phaeocystis type colonies. However, the dominance of coccolithophorids and Phaeocystis type colonies in the Fe + NO₃⁻ treatment may be interpreted as resulting from Si-limitation. The high N/P ratio for phytoplankton nutrient uptake in the N-amended culture indicates the possibility of some P-limited growth. From these results, we conclude that in the northwestern Indian Ocean, Fe and major nutrients are co-limiting phytoplankton production during the northeast monsoon. Iron appeared to affect the ability of phytoplankton to respond quickly to transient nutrient inputs.     

桑沟湾养殖海域营养盐和沉积物-水界面扩散通量研究

利用2006年4,7,11月和2007年1月4个航次对桑沟湾养殖海域的观测资料,分析了该海域营养盐分布、结构特征、主要控制过程以及沉积物-水界面扩散通量,结果表明,该海域的营养盐分布具有明显的季节变化,海水中NO3-,NO2-,PO43-,DOP,TDP和SiO32-浓度皆是秋季最高,而NH4+,DON,TDN浓度则为夏季最高;各种营养盐的最低值除DON外都出现在春季。春季湾内外海水交换不畅,再加上大型藻类海带等生长旺盛期的消耗,使营养盐浓度处于较低水平,在夏秋两季丰水期沿岸河流注入对该海域营养盐的影响较大,冬季无机营养盐浓度分布主要受沿岸流的影响。磷的结构变化较大,其中DOP百分含量在夏季最高,达到81%。从春季到秋季海水中TDN的结构变化从以DON为主转变成以DIN为主。硅和氮的原子比值全年变化不大,硅和氮和氮和磷原子比值春夏两季的高于秋冬季的。分析营养盐化学计量限制标准和浮游植物生长的最低阈值结果表明,磷是春夏两季桑沟湾浮游植物生长的限制性因素;春季硅浓度低于浮游植物生长的最低阀值,也是一个潜在的限制因素。计算结果显示桑沟湾沉积物释放的NH4+,SiO32-和PO43-对初级生产力的贡献较小,与其他浅海环境相比,桑沟湾沉积物-水界面的营养盐通量处于较低或中等水平。     

Simulation of upper-ocean biogeochemistry with a flexible-composition phytoplankton model: C, N and Si cycling in the western Sargasso Sea

We report the first application of a biogeochemical model in which the major elemental composition of the phytoplankton is flexible, and responds to changing light and nutrient conditions. The model includes two phytoplankton groups: diatoms and non-siliceous picoplankton. Both fix C in accordance with photosynthesis-irradiance relationships used in other models and take up NO₃⁻ and NH₄⁺ (and Si(OH)₄ for diatoms) following Michaelis-Menten kinetics. The model allows for light dependence of photosynthesis and NO₃⁻ uptake, and for the observed near-total light independence of NH₄⁺ uptake and Si(OH)₄ uptake. It tracks the resulting C/N ratios of both phytoplankton groups and Si/N ratio of diatoms, and permits uptake of C, N and Si to proceed independently of one another when those ratios are close to those of nutrient-replete phytoplankton. When the C/N or Si/N ratio of either phytoplankton group indicates that its growth is limited by N, Si or light, uptake of non-limiting elements is controlled by the content of the limiting element in accordance with the cell-quota formulation of Droop (J. Mar. Biol. Ass. U.K 54 (1974) 825).We applied this model to the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study (BATS) site in the western Sargasso Sea. The model was tuned to produce vertical profiles and time courses of [NO₃⁻], [NH₄⁺] and [Si(OH)₄] that are consistent with the data, by adjusting the kinetic parameters for N and Si uptake and the rate of nitrification. The model then reproduces the observed time courses of chlorophyll-a, particulate organic carbon and nitrogen, biogenic silica, primary productivity, biogenic silica production and POC export with no further tuning. Simulated C/N and Si/N ratios of the phytoplankton indicate that N is the main growth-limiting nutrient throughout the thermally stratified period and that [Si(OH)₄], although always limiting to the rate of Si uptake by diatoms, seldom limits their growth rate. The model requires significant nitrification in the upper 200 m to yield realistic time courses and vertical profiles of [NH₄⁺] and [NO₃⁻], suggesting that NO₃⁻ is not supplied to the upper water column entirely by physical processes. A nitrification-corrected f-ratio (f_NC), calculated for the upper 200 m as: (NO₃⁻ uptake—nitrification)/(NO₃⁻ uptake+NH₄⁺ uptake) has annual values ranging from only 0.05–0.09, implying that 90–95% of the N taken up annually by phytoplankton is supplied by biological regeneration (including nitrification) in the upper 200 m. Reported discrepancies between estimates of organic C export based on seasonal chemical changes and POC export measured at the BATS site can be almost completely resolved if there is significant regeneration of NO₃⁻ via organic-matter decomposition in the upper 200 m.     

Seasonal and interannual variability in phytoplankton and nutrient dynamics along Line P in the NE subarctic Pacific

We analysed mixed-layer seasonal and interannual variability in phytoplankton biomass and macronutrient (NO₃ and Si(OH)₄) concentrations from three decades of observations, and nitrogen uptake rates from the 1990s along Line P in the NE subarctic Pacific. Chlorophyll a concentrations near 0.35 mg m⁻³ were observed year-round along Line P except at the nearshore station (P4) where chlorophyll a concentrations in spring were on average 2.4 times the winter values. In contrast, the temporal variability in carbon-to-chlorophyll ratios at the two main end members of Line P (P4 and OSP) was high. Large seasonal and interannual variability in NO₃ and Si(OH)₄ concentration were observed along Line P. Highest upper mixed-layer (top 15 m) nutrient concentrations occurred on the continental shelf in late summer and early fall due to seasonal coastal upwelling. Beyond the shelf, maximum nutrient concentrations increased gradually offshore, and were highest in late winter and early spring due to mixing by winter storms. Interannual variations in upper mixed-layer nutrient concentrations beyond the shelf (>128°W) were correlated with E-W winds and the PDO since 1988 but were not correlated with either climate index between 1973 and 1981. Despite differences in nutrient concentration, nutrient utilization (ΔNO₃ and ΔSi(OH)₄) during the growing season were about 7.5 μM at all offshore stations. Variations in ΔNO₃ were correlated with those of ΔSi(OH)₄. The annual cycle of absolute NO₃ uptake (ρNO₃) and NH₄ uptake (ρNH₄) rates by phytoplankton in the upper mixed-layer showed a weak increasing trend from winter to spring/summer for the period 1992-1997. Rates were more variable at the nearshore station (P4). Rates of ρNO₃ were low along the entire line despite abundant NO₃ and low iron (Fe), at the offshore portion of Line P and sufficient Fe at the nearshore station (P4). As a result, new production contributed on average to only 32 ± 15% of the total nitrogen (N) uptake along Line P. NO₃ utilization in the NE subarctic Pacific is probably controlled by a combination of environmental variables, including Fe, light and ambient NH₄ levels. Elevated ambient NH₄ concentrations seem to decrease the rates of new production (and f-ratios) in surface waters of the oceanic subarctic NE Pacific. Contrary to expectation, phytoplankton biomass, nutrient utilization (ΔNO₃ and ΔSi(OH)₄), and nitrogen uptake (ρNO₃ + ρNH₄) varied relatively little along Line P, despite significant differences in the factors controlling phytoplankton composition assemblages and production. Future studies would benefit from including other variables, especially light limitation, to improve our understanding of the seasonal and interannual variability in phytoplankton biomass and nutrients in this region.     

Diatoms grow faster using ammonium in rapidly flushed eutrophic Dokai Bay,Japan

The importance of the nitrogen source for phytoplankton growth in a highly eutrophic embayment, Dokai Bay, was investigated. The DIN concentration often exceeded 100 μM of which 40–70% was NH₄ ⁺. During two incubation experiments, the natural assemblage of mainly diatoms took up NH₄ ⁺ instead of NO₃ ⁻. The growth of two Skeletonema species isolated in Dokai Bay were significantly faster on NH₄ ⁺ (1.86 and 1.27 div. d⁻¹ respectively) than on NO₃ ⁻ (1.55 and 1.04 div. d⁻¹ respectively). Our results indicated that these diatoms could grow faster by using NH₄ ⁺ compared to NO₃ ⁻ in this eutrophic bay.     

Phytoplankton growth and microzooplankton grazing in the subarctic Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea during summer 1999

Phytoplankton growth and microzooplankton grazing rates were measured by the dilution technique in the subarctic North Pacific Ocean along a west–east transect during summer 1999. Average phytoplankton growth rates without added nutrients (μ₀) were 0.33, 0.41, 0.20 and 0.49 d⁻¹ for the four regions sampled: the Western Gyre, the Bering Sea, the Gulf of Alaska gyre and stations along the Aleutian Trench. Average grazing mortality rates (m) were 0.34, 0.27, 0.20 and 0.49 d⁻¹. Limitation of phytoplankton growth by macronutrients, such as NO₃ and SiO₂, was identified only at a few stations, with overall μ₀/μ_n (μ_n is nutrient-enhanced growth rate) averaging 0.9. Phytoplankton growth and microzooplankton grazing were approximately balanced, as indicated by high m/μ₀ ratio, except in the Bering Sea, where the m/μ₀ ratio was 0.65, indicating the relative importance of the diatom-macrozooplankton grazing food chain and possible higher export flux to the deep layer. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that the growth rates of picoplankton (Synechococcus and picoeukaryotes) were usually much lower than the total phytoplankton community growth rates estimated from chlorophyll a, except for stations in the Gulf of Alaska Gyre, where the growth rates for different populations were about the same. Lower than community-average growth rate for picoplankton indicates larger phytoplankters, presumably diatoms, were growing at a much faster rate. Suppressed phytoplankton growth in the Gulf of Alaska was probably a result of iron limitation.     

Nutrient Concentrations are High in the Turbid Waters of the Colorado River Delta

We studied the seasonal change of the spatial distribution of nitrite (NO^-₂), nitrate (NO^-₃), reactive phosphate (PO^3-₄), and silicate (SiO₂) in the Colorado River Delta. We also generated 24-h time series at one location to study their short-period variability. The delta is a negative estuary. During summer, salinity may be as high as 40. Amplitude of spring tides is as large as 9 m, and this causes great water turbidity by sediment resuspension. Nutrient concentrations were high throughout the whole year, with lower values towards the oceanic region. Maximum nutrient values in the river delta were 15, 53, 11·5 and 92 μM, for NO^-₂, NO^-₃, PO^3-₄, and SiO₂, respectively. Most values were under 2, 40, 5, and 60 μM, for NO^-₂, NO^-₃, PO^3-₄, and SiO₂, respectively. Our nutrient data show no clear seasonal pattern. Possibly, high NO^-₃ values in the delta are due to groundwater input, mostly at the internal extreme, and high NO^-₂, PO^3-₄, and SiO₂ values are due to resuspension of sediments and mixing of porewaters with the water column, caused mainly during spring tides. In the case of NO^-₂, oxidation of NH⁺₄ in the water column would be part of the mechanism. This would explain the high negative correlation between NO^-₃ and sea-level, and the relatively low correlation between the other nutrients and sea-level, for the time series generated at a single location.     

Pollution studies on Tolo Harbour,Hong Kong

Eight stations were chosen for this 14 month survey of Tolo Harbour in Hong Kong, four of them in the harbour proper and four in the estuaries of the major streams entering the harbour. Various chemical and physical factors were measured twice each month. Water samples were collected for nutrient, phytoplankton, chlorophyll and bacteriological analysis.The annual discharge of nutrients from the four streams into Tolo Harbour has been estimated, based on the nutrient analyses and computation of annual discharge (QA) values for these streams. The seasonal and spatial variations in nutrient content are discussed in relation to the increasing organic pollution of Tolo Harbour. Calculations of various ratios between SiO₃, PO₄, NO₃ and total inorganic N reveal that excessive amounts of phosphate are entering the harbour and subsequently accumulating in the bottom waters and sediments, leading to changes in the trophic condition of this water body and the development of anoxic conditions in the bottom layer.Significant correlation has been demonstrated between standing crop and various environmental parameters in both estuarine and marine waters and similarly between chlorophyll a concentration and various environmental parameters. However, no significant correlation values were obtained between either standing crop or chlorophyll a concentrations, SiO₃Si (the latter presumably due to the predominance of diatoms in the phytoplankton). Neither standing crop nor chlorophyll determinations reveal any evidence of alternating periods of high productivity and decomposition which could explain the deteriorating bottom water conditions. This again is taken as evidence that the high organic inputs are responsible for such deterioration.Increasing TC, FC and FS densities have been noted in Tolo Harbour as a direct result of the increasing organic pollution and ratios between FC and FS densities indicate that in 55% of the samples pollution was derived from human sewage. The bacterial levels well exceeded various international standards for bathing waters and shellfish collection for at least a part of the survey period and at a number of stations for the entire survey period. Pathogenic organisms were also present. This underlines the potential health risks in these waters.Finally, the future prospects for this harbour are discussed in relation to activities such as reclamation and the development of new towns and their impact on water quality.     

Close coupling between ammonium uptake by phytoplankton and excretion by Antarctic krill, Euphausia superba

In this study we examined the hypothesis that, under conditions of replete macronutrients and iron in the Southern Ocean, phytoplankton abundance and specific N uptake rates are influenced strongly by the processes of grazing and NH₄ regeneration. NH₄ and NO₃ uptake rates by marine phytoplankton were measured to the northeast and northwest of the island of South Georgia during January-February 1998. Mean specific uptake rate for NO₃ (vNO₃) was 0.0026 h⁻¹ (range 0.0013-0.0065 h⁻¹) and for NH₄ (vNH₄) was 0.0097 h⁻¹ (0.0014-0.0376 h⁻¹). vNH₄ was related positively with NH₄ availability, which ranged from 0.1 to 1.5 mmol m⁻³ within the upper mixed layer. Ambient NH₄ concentrations and vNH₄ were both positively related to local krill biomass values, computed from mean values along acoustic transect segments within 2 km of the uptake measurement stations. These biomass values ranged from ∼1 g krill fresh mass m⁻² in the northwest to >4 kg krill wet mass m⁻² in the northeast. In contrast to the variability found with NH₄ concentrations and uptake rates, vNO₃ was more uniform across the sampling sites. Under these conditions, increasing NH₄ concentration appeared to represent an additional N resource. However, high vNH₄ tended to be found for stations with lower phytoplankton standing stocks, across a total range of 0.24-20 mg chlorophyll a m⁻³. These patterns suggest a coupling between phytoplankton biomass, vNH₄ and krill in this region of variable but high krill biomass. Locally high concentrations of krill in parts of the study area appeared to have two opposing effects. On the one hand they could graze down phytoplankton stocks, but on the other hand, their NH₄ excretion supported enhanced uptake rates by the remaining, ungrazed cells.     

Interactive effects of iron,irradiance and CO2 on Ross Sea phytoplankton

We conducted a factorial shipboard continuous culture experiment to examine the interactive effects of altered iron, irradiance and CO₂ on the summer phytoplankton community of the Ross Sea, Antarctica. After 18 days of continuous incubation, iron enrichment increased phytoplankton biomass, nutrient drawdown, diatom and Phaeocystis abundance, and some photosynthetic parameters. High irradiance significantly increased the number of Phaeocystis antarctica colonies, as well as P. antarctica abundance relative to diatoms. Iron and light had significant interactive effects on diatom and P. antarctica pigment concentrations, P. antarctica colony abundance, and Si:N, Si:C, and N:P ratios. The major influence of high CO₂ was on diatom community structure, by favoring the large centric diatom Chaetoceros lineola over the small pennate species Cylindrotheca closterium. The ratio of centric to pennate diatoms was significantly responsive to changes in all three variables individually, and to all of their possible two- and three-way combinations. These results suggest that shifts in light, iron, and CO₂ and their mutual interactions all play a role in controlling present day Ross Sea plankton community structure, and need to be considered when predicting the possible future responses of biology and biogeochemistry in this region.     

Basin-scale distribution of NH<Subscript>4</Subscript><Superscript>+</Superscript> and NO<Subscript>2</Subscript><Superscript>−</Superscript> in the Pacific Ocean

We used more than 25,000 nutrient samples to elucidate for the first time basin-scale distributions and seasonal changes of surface ammonium (NH₄ ⁺) and nitrite (NO₂ ^?) concentrations in the Pacific Ocean. The highest NH₄ ⁺, NO₂ ^?, and nitrate (NO₃ ^?) concentrations were observed north of 40°N, in the coastal upwelling region off the coast of Mexico, and in the Tasman Sea. NH₄ ⁺ concentrations were elevated during May–October in the western subarctic North Pacific, May–December in the eastern subarctic North Pacific, and June–September in the subtropical South Pacific. NO₂ ^? concentrations were highest in winter in both hemispheres. The seasonal cycle of NH₄ ⁺ was synchronous with NO₂ ^?, NO₃ ^?, and satellite chlorophyll a concentrations in the western subtropical South Pacific, whereas it was synchronous with chlorophyll-a but out of phase with NO₂ ^? and NO₃ ^? in the subarctic regions.     

象山港海洋牧场示范区浮游植物的群落特征及其与环境因子的关系

根据2014年4月至2015年1月于象山港海洋牧场示范区和对照区四季的浮游植物及同步的环境调查数据,对浮游植物的群落特征进行研究,并应用冗余分析(RDA)研究了该海域环境因子对浮游植物群落结构的影响。共鉴定出浮游植物95种,隶属于7门59属,主要由硅藻(64种)、绿藻(10种)和甲藻(9种)组成。优势种主要有琼氏圆筛藻(Coscinodiscus jonesianus)、太阳漂流藻(Planktoniella sol)和星脐圆筛藻(C.asteromphalus),且存在明显的季节演替现象。双因素分析结果表明:季节间,浮游植物丰度、多样性指数(Shannon-Wiener多样性、Pielou均匀度和Margalef丰富度)和环境因子(水温、盐度、p H、DO、NO_3-N、NO_2-N、NH_4-N、PO_4-P和Si O_3-Si)均存在极显著差异(P0.01),秋、春季全区丰度(121.59和79.39×10~4个/m~3)显著高于冬、夏季(13.05和7.05×10~4个/m~3),多样性指数均表现为冬夏秋春季;区域间,丰度、多样性指数和环境因子均无显著性差异(P0.05),示范区浮游植物丰度和多样性指数的四季均值都高于对照区。相似性聚类分析、多维尺度分析(n MDS)结果表明,浮游植物群落组成季节性差异显著,区域差异不显著。表明示范区的建设对浮游植物的生长有一定的积极作用,但效果不显著。RDA分析结果表明,盐度、温度、营养盐(NO_3-N、PO_4-P和Si O_3-Si)和DO是影响浮游植物群落结构的主要因子,各种浮游植物对环境因子的响应机制有所不同。     

白令海夏季浮游植物的群落结构与时空变化

通过1999年和2010年夏季同期7月在白令海(169°E~166°W,50°N~67°N)获取的94份浮游植物样品分析,获得了近十年的始末两个时间节点的浮游植物群落结构与时空变化,探讨了浮游植物群落动态及其与环境因素的关联。研究结果显示,共鉴定浮游植物(>10μm)5门58属153种,分为3个生态类群。硅藻是浮游植物的主体,种类多丰度高,占总种类数目的66.7%,占总丰度的95.2%。鉴于样品属性和空间范围的不同,物种组成有细微差别,丰度有较大差异且空间分布明显不同,高丰度区受控于上层营养盐供给和表层环流系统。优势种从北方温带大洋性硅藻演变为广温广盐性与冷水性硅藻,1999年以西氏新细齿状藻为第一优势种,柔弱伪菱形藻次之;2010年以丹麦细柱藻为第一优势种,冷水性的诺登海链藻次之并在陆架和陆坡占优。浮游植物群落结构较为稳定,由深水群落和浅水群落组成。深水群落分布于太平洋西北部和白令海盆,种类组成以温带大洋性的西氏新细齿状藻、长海毛藻、大西洋角毛藻和广布性的菱形海线藻、扁面角毛藻、笔尖根管藻为主,丰度低,种间丰度分配均匀,优势种多元化,物种多样性高;浅水群落分布于白令海陆坡和陆架,主要由冷水性的诺登海链藻、叉尖角毛藻、聚生角毛藻和广布性的丹麦细柱藻、旋链角毛藻组成,丰度高,种间丰度分配不均匀,优势种突出,物种多样性低。白令海夏季浮游植物种类组成及丰度变化直接受控于表层环流、营养盐、春季冰缘线等环境因素。     

2010-2011年胶州湾叶绿素a与环境因子的时空变化特征

2010年4、6、8、10月和2011年1、3月在胶州湾开展了6个航次的综合调查,研究了表层海水温度、盐度、营养盐和叶绿素a浓度的时空变化特征。调查期间,总无机氮(DIN)、磷酸盐(PO4)和硅酸盐(SiO3)多呈现东北部湾边缘高,而湾内和湾口低的空间分布特征。季节变化表明,DIN和PO4主要受养殖排放、河流径流输入和浮游植物生长消耗的影响,呈现初夏和秋季高,夏末和冬季低的特点;而SiO3主要受河流径流输入和浮游植物消耗的影响,呈现夏、秋高,而冬、春低的特点。营养盐浓度和结构分析表明,胶州湾存在PO4和SiO3的绝对和相对限制;SiO3限制尤其严重,是控制胶州湾浮游植物生长的主要环境因子。SiO3和PO4的限制主要表现在冬季,几乎遍布整个海湾;夏季降水可有效缓解海域的SiO3限制。叶绿素a浓度呈现春、夏季高,秋、冬季低的季节分布,温度、营养盐浓度与结构和季节性贝类养殖活动是控制胶州湾叶绿素a浓度时空分布的关键因素。     

Nitrogen dynamics during the Arabian Sea Northeast Monsoon

This investigation focused on the weaker and less well understood of the two Arabian Sea monsoonal wind phases, the NE Monsoon, which persists for 3–4 months in the October to February period. Historically, this period has been characterized as a time of very low nutrient availability and low biological production. As part of the US JGOFS Arabian Sea Process Study, 17 stations were sampled on a cruise in January 1995 (late NE Monsoon) and, 15 stations were sampled on a cruise in November 1995 (early NE Monsoon). Only the southern most stations (10° and 12°N) and one shallow coastal station were as nutrient-depleted as had been expected from the few relevant prior studies in this region. Experiments were conducted to ascertain the relative importance of different nitrogenous nutrients and the sufficiency of local regeneration processes in supplying nitrogenous nutrients utilized in primary production. Except for the southern oligotrophic stations, the euphotic zone concentrations of NO₃⁻ were typically 5–10-fold greater than those of NO₂⁻ and NH₄⁺. There was considerable variation (20–40-fold) in nutrient concentration both within and between the two sections on each cruise. All nitrogenous nutrients were more abundant (2–4-fold) later in the NE Monsoon. Strong vertical gradients in euphotic zone NH₄⁺ concentration, with higher concentrations at depth, were common. This was in contrast to the nearly uniform euphotic zone concentrations for both NO₃⁻ and NO₂⁻. Half-saturation constants for uptake were higher for NO₃⁻ (1.7 μmol kg⁻¹ (s.d.=0.88, n=8)) than for NH₄⁺ (0.47 μmol kg⁻¹ (s.d.=0.33, n=5)). Evidence for the suppressing effect of NH₄⁺ on NO₃⁻ uptake was widespread, although not as severe as has been noted for some other regions. Both the degree of sensitivity of NO₃⁻ uptake to NH₄⁺ concentration and the half-saturation constant for NO₃⁻ uptake were correlated with ambient NO₃⁻ concentration. The combined effect of high affinity for low concentrations of NH₄⁺ and the effect of NH₄⁺ concentration on NO₃⁻ uptake resulted in similarly low f-ratios, 0.15 (s.d.=0.07, n=15) and 0.13 (s.d.=0.08, n=17), for early and late observations in the NE Monsoon, respectively. Stations with high f-ratios had the lowest euphotic zone NH₄⁺ concentrations, and these stations were either very near shore or far from shore in the most oligotrophic waters. At several stations, particularly early in the NE Monsoon, the utilization rates for NO₂⁻ were equal to or greater than 50% the utilization rates for NO₃⁻. When converted with a Redfield C : N value of 6.7, the total N uptake rates measured in this study were commensurate with measurements of C productivity. While nutrient concentrations at some stations approached levels low enough to limit phytoplankton growth, light was shown to be very important in regulating N uptake at all stations in this study. Diel periodicity was observed for uptake of all nitrogenous nutrients at all stations. The amplitude of this periodicity was positively correlated with nutrient concentration. The strongest of these relationships occurred with NO₃⁻. Ammonium concentration strongly influenced the vertical profiles for NO₃⁻ uptake as well as for NH₄⁺ uptake. Both NO₂⁻ and NH₄⁺ were regenerated within the euphotic zone at rates comparable to rates of uptake of these nutrients, and thus maintenance of mixed layer concentrations did not require diffusive or advective fluxes from other sources. Observed turnover times for NH₄⁺ were typically less than one day. Rapid turnover and the strong light regulation of NH₄⁺ uptake allowed the development and maintenance of vertical structure in NH₄⁺ concentration within the euphotic zone. In spite of the strong positive effect of light on NO₂⁻ uptake and its strong negative effect on NO₂⁻ production, the combined effects of much longer turnover times for this nutrient and mixed layer dynamics resulted in nearly uniform NO₂⁻ concentrations within the euphotic zone. Responses of the NE Monsoon planktonic community to light and nutrients, in conjunction with mixed layer dynamics, allowed for efficient recycling of N within the mixed layer. As the NE Monsoon evolved and the mixed layer deepened convectively, NO₂⁻ and NO₃⁻ concentrations increased correspondingly with the entrainment of deeper water. Planktonic N productivity increased 2-fold, but without a significant change the new vs. recycled N proportionality. Consequently, NO₃⁻ turnover time increased from about 1 month to greater than 3 months. This reflected the overriding importance of recycling processes in supplying nitrogenous nutrients for primary production throughout the duration of the NE Monsoon. As a result, NO₃⁻ supplied to the euphotic zone during the NE Monsoon is, for the most part, conserved for utilization during the subsequent intermonsoon period.     

Dynamics of pelagic variables in two contrasting coastal systems in the western Hokkaido coast off Otaru port,Japan

Human impact on adjacent coastal waters, leading to alteration in nutritional environment and hence affecting phytoplankton biomass (Chlorophyll a), will probably be enhanced by the nearby presence of ports. The main goal of this study is to assess the influence of nearby presence of port on phytoplankton biomass build-up and the physical–chemical environmental characteristics in two contrasting coastal systems (Otaru port, S-IN and an exposed coastal area, S-OUT) in the western Hokkaido coast off Otaru port, Japan. Sampling was conducted on “bi-weekly and monthly” basis during the period of September 2006–December 2007 and data comprising 11 pelagic variables were obtained. In most instance, phytoplankton biomass, nutrients' (NH₄, NO₃, PO₄, and Si(OH)₄) concentrations and nutrients' molar ratios were higher at the Otaru port location. Physical parameters (temperature, salinity, hydrogen ion concentration (pH), photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and dissolved oxygen, (DO)) were not significantly different (P > 0.05) between the two locations. With the exception of salinity, pH and DIC, all variables measured showed significant variation (P < 0.05) with season. While the coefficient of variation (CV) of physical parameters and phytoplankton biomass were relatively higher in Otaru port location (S-IN), the exposed coastal location (S-OUT) showed a higher variation in chemical parameters. Other variables showed different patterns between the two locations. We conclude that ports, due to its activities and restricted circulation favour high nutrient loading and phytoplankton biomass build-up in adjacent coastal systems, thus, suggesting the need for continuous field observation data in order to advance our knowledge on possible future human impact on coastal environment and the need to monitor and control port activities.     

珠江口磨刀门咸潮及其对环境要素变化的影响

于2011年1月25 日-1月26日小潮期间对磨刀门进行26 h定点连续观测,研究了咸潮对环境要素变化的影响.结果表明:调查期间溶解氧没有明显的潮周期变化;NO2-、NH4+浓度随着观测时间的延长不断降低,无明显潮周期变化;底层SiO4-,NO3-浓度具有明显的潮周期变化,且与底层盐度呈显著的正相关关系;溶解无机磷(DIP)、重金属(Zn、Cd)的潮周期变化不明显.当河床剪切力大于0.226N/m2时,发生明显的沉积物再悬浮作用,并对营养盐与重金属的变化产生显著的影响.N,P,si比值分析结果表明,磨刀门水域浮游植物生长受到潜在性的P限制,而咸潮上溯的加强将可能使这种营养盐结构发生变化.磨刀门受N、P的污染仍不容乐观,咸潮不利于污染物质的向海排出,在潮流作用下有发生严重的二次污染的风险.     

Benthic fluxes in a tropical Estuary and their role in the ecosystem

In-situ measurements of benthic fluxes of oxygen and nutrients were made in the subtidal region of the Mandovi estuary during premonsoon and monsoon seasons to understand the role of sediment–water exchange processes in the estuarine ecosystem. The Mandovi estuary is a shallow, highly dynamic, macrotidal estuary which experiences marine condition in the premonsoon season and nearly fresh water condition in the monsoon season. The benthic flux of nutrients exhibited strong seasonality, being higher in the premonsoon compared to the monsoon season which explains the higher ecosystem productivity in the dry season in spite of negligible riverine nutrient input. NH₄⁺ was the major form of released N comprising 70–100% of DIN flux. The benthic respiration rate varied from −98.91 to −35.13 mmol m⁻² d⁻¹, NH₄⁺ flux from 5.15 to 0.836 mmol m⁻² d⁻¹, NO₃⁻ + NO₂⁻ from 0.06 to −1.06 mmol m⁻² d⁻¹, DIP from 0.12 to 0.23 mmol m⁻² d⁻¹ and SiO₄⁴⁻ from 5.78 to 0.41 mmol m⁻² d⁻¹ between premonsoon to monsoon period. The estuarine sediment acted as a net source of DIN in the premonsoon season, but changed to a net sink in the monsoon season. Variation in salinity seemed to control NH₄⁺ flux considerably. Macrofaunal activities, especially bioturbation, enhanced the fluxes 2–25 times. The estuarine sediment was observed to be a huge reservoir of NH₄⁺, PO₄³⁻ and SiO₄⁴⁻ and acted as a net sink of combined N because of the high rate of benthic denitrification as it could remove 22% of riverine DIN influx thereby protecting the eco system from eutrophication and consequent degradation. The estuarine sediment was responsible for ∼30–50% of the total community respiration in the estuary. The benthic supply of DIN, PO₄³⁻ and SiO₄⁴⁻ can potentially meet 49%, 25% and 55% of algal N, P and Si demand, respectively, in the estuary. Based on these observations we hypothesize that it is mainly benthic NH₄⁺ efflux that sustains high estuarine productivity in the NO₃⁻ depleted dry season.     

Influence of light intensity on diatom physiology and nutrient dynamics in the Oyashio region

The spring diatom bloom characterizes the plankton and nutrient dynamics in the Oyashio region, the westernmost part of the subarctic Pacific. Previous studies have shown that NO₃ was not depleted during the spring bloom, and an increase in the consumption ratio of Si(OH)₄ to NO₃ (ΔSi(OH)₄:ΔNO₃) was observed as the spring bloom progressed. The increase in ΔSi(OH)₄:ΔNO₃ has been suggested to be caused by growth stresses of diatoms, e.g. light limitation by self-shading. In the present study, incubation experiments of sea-surface water from the Oyashio region under saturated irradiance showed that NO₃ was depleted first and ΔSi(OH)₄:ΔNO₃ was more or less constant until the NO₃ depletion occurred. The increase in ΔSi(OH)₄:ΔNO₃ was observed after the NO₃ depletion had occurred in contrast with the field observation. This result of the increase in ΔSi(OH)₄:ΔNO₃ under saturated irradiance after NO₃ depletion suggests that the in situ increase in ΔSi(OH)₄:ΔNO₃ before the NO₃ depletion might be caused by light limitation for diatoms. Responses to a reduction in irradiance were examined using diatom species isolated from the Oyashio region. Variable responses to a reduced irradiance were observed for cell specific C, N, Si and chlorophyll a (Chl) contents. However, the examined diatom species showed similar tendencies for increases in Si:C and Si:N and decreases in C:Chl ratios with the reduction in irradiance. We conclude that light limitation changes the uptake ratio of nutrients and the elemental composition of diatoms and that light limitation is one of the factors influencing the physiology of diatoms and nutrient dynamics in the Oyashio region during the spring bloom.     

Nutrients (organic C, P, N, Si) in the eutrophic River Loire (France) and its estuary

The Loire estuary has been surveyed from 1982 to 1985 by 13 isochronous longitudinal profiles realized at low tide. Nutrient (SiO₂, NO₃⁻, NH₄⁺, PO³⁻₄, particulate organic carbon or POC) patterns are very variable depending on the season, the estuarine section [river, upper-inner estuary, upstream of the fresh-water-saline-water interphase FSI, the lower-inner estuary characterized by the high turbidity zone (HTZ), the outer estuary] and the river discharge. Biological processes are dominant. In the eutrophied River Loire (summer pigment > 100 μg l⁻¹), the high algal productivity (algal POC > 3 mg l⁻¹) results in severe depletion of SiO₂, PO₄³⁻, NO₃⁻. The enormous biomass (55 000 ton algal POC/year) is degraded in the HTZ where bacterial activity is intense. As a result, there is generally a regeneration of dissolved SiO₂ and PO₄³⁻, a marked NH₄⁺ maximum, while NO₃⁻ is conservative or depleted when the HTZ is nearly anoxic. Other processes can be considered including pollution from fertilizer plans (PO₄³⁻, NH₄⁺) and from a hydrothermal power plant (NH₄⁺). In the less turbid outer estuary, nutrients are generally conservative. Major variations of concentrations are observed in the lowest chlorinity section (Cl⁻ < 1 g kg⁻) and also upstream the FSI, defined here as a 100% increase in Cl⁻. Nutrient inputs to the ocean are not significantly modified for SiO₂ and NO₂⁻, but are increased by 70% and 180% for PO₄³⁻ and NH₄⁺ and depleted by 60% for POC. Odd hydrological events, especially some floods, may perturbate or even mask the usual seasonal pattern observed in profiles.