Role of Bacteria in the Carbon and Nitrogen Flow between Water-Column and Sediment in a Shallow Marine Bay (Bay of Piran, Northern Adriatic Sea)

Abstract. The interdependences between phytoplankton standing crop, bacterial biomass and the dissolved organic matter (DOM) pool in the water column were investigated and related to sediment parameters in a shallow marine bay (Bay of Piran, Northern Adriatic Sea) over an annual cycle. Bacterioplankton density varied between 1–10 × 10⁵ cells ml^-1, with lowest density observed in March corresponding to the low Chi a concentrations during this period. Generation times as determined by dialysis incubations ranged between 4h (June) and 82 h (March). Mean bacterial secondary production rates during summer were about 40 mg C m^-1 d^-1 and 5mg C m^-3.d^-1 during winter. With a short time lag, DOM concentrations followed the fluctuation in Chi a.
Sediment oxygen demand measurements revealed a mean mineralization rate of about 260 mg C m^-2 d^-1 during summer and 100–200 mg C m^-2 d^-1 in winter. Sediment bacterial density varied between 10⁸ - 10⁹ cells g (sediment dry wt)^-1 in the top 5 cm sediment layer or, in terms of biomass, 4.3 g C m^-l during summer and 0.6 g C m^-2 during winter. Highest concentrations of DOM in pore waters were measured in September, coinciding with high rates of sediment oxygen demand.     

The Importance of Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa as Contributors of Free Amino Acids in Water and Sediment of Seagrass Beds

Abstract. Dissolved free amino acids (DFAA) were measured in sediment porewater and overlying sea water in seagrass beds of Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa at a water depth of 8–10 m in Corsica, France. In the sea water, DFAA concentrations from 0.5 to 1.9μM were found. Lowest concentrations occurred in the afternoon in surface water samples, while higher concentrations were measured in morning surface samples and in all bottom samples. The most abundant amino acids were serine, glycine, and alanine. In the sediment, the upper 4cm contained the highest concentrations of DFAA (177nmol cm^-3 or 367 μM), while lower concentrations (<50nmol cm^-3 or 104 μM) prevailed deeper in the sediment. Glycine, glutamic acid, alanine, and β-alanine were the major components of the DFAA. The photosynthetic activity of the seagrasses influenced sediment porewater pools of DFAA. When a Posidonia bed was covered with a black polyethylene shield, the interstitial amino acids were reduced at a rate of 16nmol cm^-2 h^-1 (0-10cm depth). Conversely, extended daylight (floodlight) increased the DFAA pool in sediment depths below 4 cm. Free amino acids were released to the overlying sea water from both seagrass sediment and individual shoots, the rates being highest in the dark. The present investigation indicates that a substantial portion of the N-cycling of the seagrass sediment includes free amino acids.     

The Energetic and Nutritional Contribution of Glucose and Glycine Taken up from Natural Sea Water by Adult Marine Mussels

Abstract. The removal of glycine and glucose by freshly collected adult Mytilus edulis was determined using radiolabeled substances added to ambient concentrations of dissolved organic materials in freshly collected natural sea water. Uptake rates were calculated for substrate concentrations of 0.5 μM glycine and 1.0 μM glucose and were compared with the animals' energy and nitrogen demands as measured by oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion rates. Respiration and ammonia excretion rates as well as cither glycine or glucose removal were all determined for the same animals. The mean respiration rate was 670μl O₂ g^-1h^-1, the mean ammonia excretion rate 1.95 μg-at NH₄-g^-1 h^-1. The calculated uptake rates were 0.48 μmol -g^-1-h^-1 for free amino acids and 0.44 μmol-g^-1 h^-1 for free simple sugars. Such uptake rates could have contributed roughly 13% of the mussels' energy requirements or 10% of the mussels' nitrogen requirements assuming the following conditions: 0.5 μM concentration of free amino acids, 1.0μM concentration of simple sugars, uptake of total amino acids at a rate based on a weighted removal rate of glycine, alanine, serine, and glutamic acid, and uptake of simple sugars at a rate equal to that of glucose removal. It is apparent that simple organic substances dissolved in sea water may be of some benefit to mussels, especially when the substances occur in concentrations typical of coastal sea water.     

Nitrogen Assimilation and Partitioning in the Mediterranean Seagrass Posidonia oceanica

Abstract. The supply of nitrogen (N) often limits the productivity of marine macrophytes. In vitro and in vivo assays of glutamine synthetase (GS) activity were employed to investigate patterns of N assimilation by the Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica (L.) DELILE. Biomass-specific GS activity wa measured in root tissue, in leaves within a shoot, in shoots collected at two sites during two season and over a depth range of 5–33 m. Root tissue was less important than shoot tissue in assimilating inorganic N in P. oceanica , due both to the small roots' biomass (ca. 3% of total plant biomass and greatly lower (10- to 50-fold) GS activities. While the GS activity and N assimilatory potentia (biomass × GS activity; μmol N-h-^-1) were greatest in leaf 2, leaves 1 and 3–5 assimilated N a significant rates. Shoots from a site characterized by elevated N availability in the winter water column and no significant sediment N reservoir exhibited GS activities that were 9-times higher than shoot from a more oligotrophic site. Shoot GS activities in July increased linearly from 5 to 33 m and wer correlated with light availability as defined by H^sat, (daily period during which photosynthetic reaction are light-saturated). This may represent metabolic compensation by P. oceanica to maintain N influx. Factors contributing to the ecological success of P. oceanica include the ability to assimilate N under conditions of severe light limitation (< 35 μmol photons. m^-2. s^-1), and metabolic plasticity to ensur the de novo generation of N-containing organic compounds.     

Chlorophyll in Copepod Faecal Pellets: Changes in Pellet Numbers and Pigment Content during a Declining Baltic Spring Bloom

Abstract. Zooplankton stock as well as faecal pellet numbers were monitored over 2 weeks during May in the central Baltic. Considerable changes in concentrations of chlorophyll and its derivates in copepod faecal pellets as well as in surface sediments were found during this period. The maximum concentration of 1.05 ngchl. a faecal pellet^-1, measured on 12 May, decreased by the end of the month to 0.08 ngchl. a faecal pellet^-1. This decrease was positively correlated with the disappearance of intact diatoms inside faeces. A flux of 1.53mgchl. a -m^-2-day^-1 via faecal pellets was calculated for the deep water layer (60–80 m) in mid May. This decreased to 0.005mgchl. a m^-2 day^-1 by the end of May. Chi. a accounted for up to 10 % of total pigments in samples from the top centimetre of the sediment surface. The means of transportation of faecal pellets as well as their function as a food supply to deeper ecosystems are discussed.     

Turbid bottom water layer and bottom sediment in the Seto Inland Sea

Measurement of the vertical distribution of total suspended matter (TSM) was carried out during summer throughout the Seto Inland Sea. TSM concentration near the bottom is influenced significantly by water movement and turbid bottom water is observed in all areas where median grain size (Md) of the bottom sediment is more than 47gf. The high concentration of TSM near the bottom may be due to resuspension of the surface layer of bottom sediments. Comparison of the organic content of the resuspended matter with that of the bottom sediment shows that the resuspended matter contains more organic matter with a lower C : N ratio than the bottom sediment. The C : N ratio of the resuspended matter is similar to that of TSM in the surface layer of the water column. It is thought that TSM in surface waters sinks and settles on the surface of the bottom sediment. This deposited material is then easily resuspended in the water column by tidal currents before becoming permanently incorporated into the bottom sediment.     

Response of Summer Phytoplankton to Episodic Meteorological Events (Gulf of Trieste, Adriatic Sea)

Abstract. Despite increasing evidence that atmospheric deposition may contribute considerably to new production in coastal seas, the role of this nutrient source in the shallow northern Adriatic ecosystem has remained largely unassessed. This study demonstrates that locally collected rain water significantly stimulates primary production and phytoplankton biomass accumulation in microcosm experiments. The concentration of nutrients in rain water collected during summer storms (11.38–77.19 μmol·1^-1 nitrate. 4.45–36.38 μmol.1·1 ammonium, 0.93–4.75 μmol·1^-1 phosphate) indicated that the precipitation is influenced by anthropogenic emissions from urbanised and industrialised regions of the European continent. Rainfall events delivered relatively large (127 tons nitrogen, 9.5 tons phosphorus in the period 10 June to 10 September, 1993). though episodic, nutrient input into the area. Field measurements showed that storm events were followed by an increase of phytoplankton standing crop and a shift of community structure.     

Variations of Hydrochemical Features in the Coastal Waters of Monte Conero: 1982–1990

Abstract. This paper briefly summarises research carried out in 1982–1990 in the coastal area off Monte Conero, SW northern Adriatic Sea. Oceanographic data on temperature, salinity, oxygen saturation, nutrients (nitrates, silicates and orthophosphates), and chlorophylls were collected to characterise this coastal ecosystem in view of the setting up of the "Costa del Monte Conero" protected marine area.
Towards the coast the physical and chemical parameters exhibited a seasonal periodicity.
Temperature showed a clear annual periodicity with a certain interannual variability; this also holds true for oxygen saturation, with peaks in March and minima in September, though without hypoxic events.
Nutrient concentrations peaked at the surface layer at the coastal station from December to March (nitrates: 35–50 μmol 1⁻¹; silicates: 22–70 μmol 1⁻¹; orthophosphates: 0.37–0.54 μmol 1⁻¹) and minima in summer (Jul-Aug) on surface and bottom (0–12μmol 1⁻¹, 0–18.5 μmol 1⁻¹, and 0–0.15 μmol 1⁻¹, respectively). From 1988 to 1990 nutrient peaks were lower and coastal salinity exceed 33, with nitrates below 16 μmol 1⁻¹, silicates below 8 μmol 1⁻¹, and orthophosphates less than 0.2 μmol 1⁻¹.
In the coastal area of Senigallia, 40 km to the north, where the influence of the coastal current that carries the river inflows to the south is stronger, the seasonal cycle was similar, albeit with higher values for nutrients and chlorophylls.     

Microbial Biomass Dynamics Along a Trophic Gradient at the Atlantic Barrier Reef off Belize (Central America)

Abstract. Recent findings indicate that heterotrophic bacteria and not phytoplankton are the most numerous biomass components even in the euphotic zone of oligotrophic, open oceans. In this study it was hypothesized that the microbial biomass components change within a few hundred meters as oligotrophic water flows across the reef and becomes enriched with nutrients. Along a trophic gradient, four stations at the Atlantic Barrier Reef off Belize (Central America) were sampled for microbial biomass components. Phytoplankton biomass (measured as chlorophyll a) ranged from the most oligotrophic station (St. 1) to the most eutrophic station (St. 4) from 6.9–415.5 μg CI"' (assuming a C:chl a ratio of 30): heterotrophic bacterial biomass increased 4-fold (from 10.1–46.4μg C 1^-1), heterotrophic nanoflagellate (HNAN) biomass increased from 4.6-19ug C 1^-1, and cyanobacteria from 0.9-4.5 μg C-1^-1. Production estimates derived from seawater cultures revealed a 5-fold increase in bacterial production from the oligotrophic station (3.7 ug C 1^-1 d^-1) to the eutrophic St. 4 (17.8ug C-1-d1^-1)- Cyanobacterial production rose from 1.1–3.5ug C-1–d^-1 and HNAN production from 0.65-1.13 μg C-1^-1 -d^-1. While cyanobacteria contributed between 13 and 20% to the autotrophic plankton component in the oligotrophic waters, their contribution dropped to about 1 % at the eutrophic stations.     

赤道东北太平洋悬浮体物源示踪元素的研究

2005年7月在赤道东北太平洋的3个测站分层采集了悬浮体水样.利用ICP-MS对悬浮体的元素组成进行了测试,从测试的47种元素中筛选出了钡和铝分别作为悬浮体生源组分和陆源组分的示踪元素.悬浮体中钡含量为0.02~0.19μg/dm3,其中生源钡含量为0.01~0.13μg/dm3,铝含量为0.33~18.54μg/dm3.生源钡和铝元素含量及其比值在水体中的分布特征与悬浮体含量的相对应,分为三段.水体透光层生物作用和近底层底质沉积物再悬浮作用是其在水体表层和近底层显著变化的原因.近底雾状层内生源钡和铝元素含量的比值从水体向底质沉积物中降低,至底质沉积物降到最低,显示出底质沉积物再悬浮对悬浮体组分和含量的影响,可以作为近底雾状层颗粒物质运移的示踪指标.     

Seasonal changes in the distribution and exchange of inorganic nitrogen between sediment and water in the Northern Baltic (Gulf of Bothnia)

The concentration profiles of nitrate plus nitrite, ammonium, and redox potential in sediment and water column were determined in late winter and summer at a sampling site off Norrbyn, northern Sweden, in the Gulf of Bothnia. The sediment had an oxidized surface layer during winter and spring, and nitrification occurred. Nitrate but not ammonium was present in the water column at this time. During summer a layer of planktonic detritus was deposited onto the sediment and led to its deoxygenation and reduction. Ammonium was then the predominant form of inorganic nitrogen in the water column.Laboratory experiments confirmed that nitrification in the surface layer of sediment prevented ammonium export during winter. Enhanced temperature or organic detritus deoxygenated the surface sediment and inhibited nitrification, and export of ammonium from the sediment increased. Although nitrification was important in determining the flow of nitrogen in the sediment it accounted for at most only 5% of the total oxygen uptake by the sediment.     

Laboratory Culture and Preliminary Characterization of the Nitrogen-Fixing Rhizosolenia-Richelia Symbiosis

Abstract. The oceanic diatom Rhizosolenia clevei and its cyanobactcrial symbiont Richelia intracel-luluris were isolated into laboratory culture and their biology and growth dynamics examined. Nitrogen-fixation by the symbiont could sustain the symbiosis. Growth and nitrogenase activity demonstrated light saturation kinetics, with no photoinhibition up to 315 μE m^-1 s^-1 for growth and 780μE m^-1 s^-1 for nitrogen fixation. The symbiosis is not obligate for Rhizosolenia , which is capable of growth independent of the symbiont if a nitrogen source is available. The symbiont is contained in the pcriplasmic space between the Rhizosolenia plasmalcmma and frustulc, and preliminary evidence suggests excretion of fixed nitrogen into the medium may be occurring.     

Seasonal Blooms of the HAB Dinoflagellate Alexandrium taylori Balech in a New Mediterranean Area (Vulcano, Aeolian Islands)

Abstract. High-biomass blooms of A. taylori Balech have recently been spreading over new Mediterranean areas, with evident adverse effects on the marine ecosystem. In 1999–2000, a new Mediterranean locality was affected by blooms of A. taylori: the West Bay of Vulcano (Aeolian Islands, Tyrrhenian Sea), with maximum cell densities of 1.2 × 10⁷ cells 1⁻¹ in August 1999 and 4.0 × 10⁶ cells 1⁻¹ in August 2000 observed together with yellowish water discoloration. The seawater samples contained high concentrations of nutrients as DIN (Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen), especially NH₃-N with values of 14.4 μM and TOT-P (Total Phosphorus) with values of 3.2 μM due to the anthropic presence and discharge of untreated sewage. The climatic conditions also seem to influence the occurrence and spreading of the A. taylori blooms in the Vulcano Bay. Clonal cultures of A. taylori , established from Italian and Spanish seawater samples, were used for the sequence analyses of the 5.8S rDNA gene and ITS regions in order to study the genetic variability of different geographical populations of Alexandrium species in the Mediterranean area and to further develop the molecular markers for HAB key-species.     

东海不同底质类型海域春季悬浮体通量及影响因素

利用1994年4月在东海陆架不同底质类型海域即泥质和砂质区的水文和泥沙观测资料，分析和计算了两个站的悬浮体含量的分布、余流分布和悬浮体通量，以代表两个局部海域悬浮体含量分布和输送的特征。结果表明，在底质类型、生物活动、水动力环境和悬浮体物源各因素的影响下，两个海域的悬浮体通量和悬浮体含量垂直分布各有其特征，是东海悬浮体输送和垂直分布的两种典型类型。111站周围海域的悬浮体通量较大，上、中层水体（0－40m)中的悬浮体向东南方向输送，下层和底层的悬浮体向东北方向输送，且下层和底层的通量大于中上层；砂质区的悬浮体通量相对较小，且从表层到底层均向东北方向运移。     

A Comparison of Phytoplankton Biomass Estimators and Their Environmental Correlates in the Mali Ston Bay (Southern Adriatic)

Abstract. Phytoplankton biomass estimators – total cell number (CN), total cell volume (CV), chlorophyll a (Chl a ). phytoplankton organic carbon (PC), and their response to environmental variables, with a special emphasis on the vertical variability in the structure of the water column – were examined in the Mali Ston Bay (Southern Adriatic). Correlations among biomass estimators as well as with physical-chemical parameters varied according to hydrodynamic characteristics of the water column. The amount of Chl a per cell ranged from 0.28.06–10^-6μg during stratification to 0.7–2.0.10^-6μg during the mixing period. Most frequent values for PC/Chl a ratios and for Chl a /CV in mixed natural phytoplankton populations were 20–25 and 1–2, respectively.     

The Diatom Nitzschia sicula (Castr.) Hust. and Naupliar Faecal Minipellets in the Adriatic sea

Abstract. Nitzschia sicula (C astr .) H ust ., a planktonic pennate diatom, dominated the microphytoplankton (10⁴-5 times 10⁴ cells. 1^-1) in the central, oligotrophic Southern Adriatic Pit waters (20-50m layer) in May 1990. Nauplii dominated the microzooplankton (3 indiv. 1^-1in the 0-50m layer, 130 μm mean body length) and produced a considerable amount of faecal (mini)pellets (1900. 1^-1 at 50m, mean diameter 47μm), which were compactly filled with N. sicula frustules. The subsurface accumulation of diatoms and nauplii was probably the result of both productive activity under specific hydrographic conditions and the convergence in a relatively strong southern Adriatic cyclonic gyre; the advective transport of populations along the shear zone, at the boundary between water masses of different thermo-haline characteristics may also have played a role. The amount of minipellets was high if compared with the data available from other seas. This was probably due to high production of minipellets, their slow sinking rate, and/or an absence of manipulation of the faecal material by zooplankton.     

Benthic Fluxes of Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen in a Coastal Lagoon of the Northern Adriatic Sea: an Interpretation of Spatial Variability Based on Sediment Features and Infauna Activity

Abstract. Dark respiration rates, dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) fluxes and nitrification rates were measured at two sites in the microtidal Sacca di Goro lagoon in September 2000. DIN fluxes correlated with the biomass of the dominant macrofauna species (the amphipod Corophium spp. at station Giralda and the polychaete Neanthes spp. at station Faro). Respiration (> 6 mmol O₂ m⁻²h⁻¹) and ammonium fluxes (> 80μmol N m⁻²h⁻¹) were higher at station Giralda despite the lower organic matter content (4.5 %) and lower macrofauna biomass (4 g AFDW m⁻²). At both sites ammonium fluxes were significantly correlated with the biomass of the benthic infauna, but Corophium stimulated ammonium NH₄⁺ fluxes 3-fold compared to Neanthes. The amphipod also enhanced nitrification rates (> 300 μmol N m⁻²h⁻¹) due to the high density of its burrows, the higher NH₄⁺ regeneration rates and the enhanced oxygen supply to the bacteria.     

Contribution of the Bacterial and Microphytobenthic Microflora in the Energetic Demand of the Meiobenthos in an Intertidal Muddy Sediment (Kerguelen Archipelago)

Abstract. An intertidal mud sediment in the Kerguelen Archipelago was sampled weekly from January 1982 to March 1983. Measurements were taken for organic matter (carbon and nitrogen) and biological (bacteria, microphytobenthos, and mciofauna) parameters. The sediment is rich in organic matter, with a mean organic carbon content of 130gC- m-². Benthic living components yield low mean biomasscs in relation to the total organic pool. Besides some marine inputs, the main allochthonous source was identified as terrestrial inputs. Benthic activities seemed strongly governed by food availability and not by temperature. Obvious seasonal changes in bacterial abundances (direct counts), primary production, and mciofauna distributions were observed. Photosynthctic production reached high values (up to 2275 mg C-m^-2-d^-1), reflecting the presence of a dense microphytobenthos. Preliminary energy budgets for two seasons (spring and winter) have been constructed. In both periods, the measured primary production can support the high mciofauna production.     

北白令海透明胞外聚合颗粒物的含量与来源

透明胞外聚合颗粒物(TEP)是海水中大量存在的黏性颗粒物质,它对于海洋颗粒物的聚集、有机碳的埋藏、食物网物质的传递、痕量金属的清除与迁出等均起着重要作用。本研究开展了夏季北白令海陆架、陆坡和海盆区透明胞外聚合颗粒物含量和分布的研究。结果表明,北白令海TEP含量介于34~628 mg/m3(Xeq)之间,其中陆架、陆坡和海盆区TEP的平均含量分别为240, 145和83 mg/m3(Xeq),整体呈现由陆架向外海降低的趋势。在陆坡和海盆区,TEP含量随着深度的增加而降低,但在陆架近底层水中,观察到TEP高含量的特征,与近底层水高的TSM, POC相对应。TEP与荧光强度、TSM、POC等的关系分析显示,研究海域TEP存在两个来源,其一为海洋上层水体的浮游生物,其主要贡献于陆架上层、陆坡和海盆水体;其二为陆架沉积物的底栖生物,其通过沉积物再悬浮贡献于陆架近底层水。     

Nutrient Enrichments of Waters of "Golfo de San Jose" (Argentina, 42 oS), Growth and Species Selection of Phytoplankton

Abstract. Coastal Patagonian sea waters had been differentially nutrient-enriched to determine (i) the magnitude of the algal biomass supported and (ii) which species were able to best compete for the available nutrients. Nitrogen was found to be the nutrient limiting growth of the natural phytoplankton population. The addition of NO₃ at 25 μg at 1^-1 led to a 10 to 30 μg 1^-1 increase in chlorophyll a in all but those treatments containing trace metal additions. The best yield coefficients were obtained when a chelator (EDTA) was added with NO₃. A pool of nine diatom species were common in the N0₃ supplemented waters and the addition of vitamins along with NO₃ allowed two of the nine species to dominate.