Benthic response to shellfish farming in Thau lagoon: Pore water signature

Vertical distributions of dissolved species across the sediment–water interface (SWI), including major cations (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium), minor cations (lithium, strontium, barium), redox sensitive species (dissolved manganese, iron, sulfate, sulfide, ammonium) and other chemical parameters (pH, alkalinity, soluble reactive phosphorous, dissolved silica) were studied in a Mediterranean lagoon used for intensive shellfish farming. In order to quantify the impact of this activity on diagenetic processes and the influence of seasonal changes, two stations contrasted with respect to organic carbon fluxes were sampled in Thau lagoon from March 2001 to August 2002 during four field campaigns in winter, spring, summer and fall. Well-defined layers enriched with redox sensitive species were observed following the conventional sequence of early diagenetic reactions. However, differences were observed between both stations in depths and thickness layers. Concentration gradients extended down to more than 92 cm depth at the central position of the lagoon (station C4 – 8 m depth) and down to 40 cm depth inside shellfish farming zones (station C5 – 9 m depth). Station C4 showed an unusual diagenetic signature: sharp dissolved oxygen, iron, nitrate and manganese gradients existed at the SWI but gradients of dissolved sulfide and alkalinity as well as other parameters (dissolved silica, Ba, etc.) were recorded only from 25 to 30 cm depth downward. Seasonal changes were observed in pore water composition as deep as 30–50 cm in station C4 (only 15 cm in station C5). The center of the lagoon is not directly subjected to biodeposits deriving from shellfish activity. Isotopic and bioturbation data allowed to rule out a reworking of the sediment deeper than a few centimeters. In addition to organic content of the sediment, physical parameters were likely to induce the 10–20 cm gap between dissolved iron and sulfide profile as well as the higher vertical extent of diagenetic sequence observed at station C4. Conversely to station C5, station C4 underwent stronger currents and wave effect probably generating advective transport of water through the sediment, but no permeability data were available to confirm this hypothesis. During summer, climatic conditions generated vertical stratification of the water column and transient suboxic conditions at the bottom. Such conditions drove the upward shift of redox fronts, compacting the diagenetic sequence. These effects were reinforced at station C5 by shellfish and its farm structures (mainly attenuation of current and increased heat absorption).     

Sedimentary record of redox-sensitive elements (U, Mn, Mo) in a transitory anoxic basin (the Thau lagoon, France)

In order to further document the relation between redox conditions and the sedimentary record of Mn, U and Mo in a transitory anoxic water basin, their distribution has been studied along two profiles in the Thau lagoon (France). Sediments and pore-water have been sampled at two contrasting sites located, respectively, in the shellfish-farming area and in the centre of the lagoon. In the shellfish-farming area, the particulate organic carbon (POC) data indicate a more rapid organic matter mineralisation compared to the centre of the lagoon. This results in a sharper redox gradient characterized by the appearance of H₂S in pore-water a few millimetres below the sediment–water interface. In the centre of the lagoon, H₂S appears at a depth of 35 cm.In both cores, sedimentary Mn is relatively depleted through out the whole sedimentary column and varies with the proportion of clay minerals. After an initial release into solution at the sediment–water interface in relation to Mn-oxide reductive dissolution, authigenic U is immobilized when sulphides appear. Despite the occurrence of anoxic conditions at the sediment–water interface at the site influenced by shellfish farming, the burial of U is reduced by bioturbation, which raises reducing sediments to the surface. In the centre of the lagoon, Mo profiles reflect continuous diffusion into pore water and immobilization at 15 cm probably in anoxic microenvironments. At shellfish farms, dissolved Mo undergoes removal with sulphides but contrary to U, sedimentary Mo does not appear to be strongly affected by bioturbation. The profile indicates an increase in the frequency of anoxia crises during the second half of the 20th century.     

Relations milieu-ressources: impact de la conchyliculture sur un environnement lagunaire méditerranéen (Thau)

Shellfish farming leaves its mark on the environment in which it has developed, and the men who depend upon it. These changes have altogether balanced the lagoon cycle and have caused disastrous episodic events. Increased water clarity caused by the uptake of particulate material by shellfish farming allows seagrass to grow in deeper areas of the lagoon (down to five metres). Shellfish farming nutrient transformations increase ecosystem productivity, even if the filtration pressure keeps phytoplankton biomass at a low level. Storage of phosphorus and nitrogen in animal tissue limits eutrophication in this ecosystem. Transfer of oysters from growout facilities increases animal and vegetal specific diversity. The presence of large amounts of shellfish allows for the development of a masive benthos, while organic enrichment from biodeposition changes the specific composition of soft-bottom benthos. In the deeper areas, (less than six metres), where summer thermoclines limit oxygen transfer from surface water, the organically enriched substrate induces oxygen depletion and ammonium and nitrogen sulfide accumulation in the water column. This ecosystem dysfunction kills benthic populations, and sometimes reaches pelagic populations and affects the shellfish farming economy.     

Benthic O2 distribution and dynamics in a Mediterranean lagoon (Thau,France): An in situ microelectrode study

Benthic oxygen profiles were acquired using microsensors over two seasonal cycles (December 2001, April and August 2002, January and May 2003) at two stations differently affected by shellfish farming activity in the Thau lagoon (French Mediterranean coast). This study was part of the Microbent-PNEC Program on the study of biogeochemical processes at the sediment–water interface in an eutrophicated environment. We explored seasonal and spatial heterogeneity as well as the biogeochemical drivers of oxygen uptake, such as in situ temperature, bottom water oxygenation and organic matter deposition. O₂ consumption rates were determined by using a transport-reaction model. Maximum rates were reached in August and May and minimum rates in December, April or January. The effect of oyster farming on oxygen fluxes was clearly identified with higher diffusive oxygen uptake in the station inside the oyster parks (C5; 36.8 ± 18.5–87.7 ± 40.8 mmol m⁻² d⁻¹), compared with the station lying outside the oyster parks (C4; 8.6 ± 2.1–30.7 ± 8.3 mmol m⁻² d⁻¹). At C5, the large spatial heterogeneity was statistically concealing temporal variation, whereas a clear statistical difference between cold and warm periods appeared at C4. In these lagoon sediments, the seasonal dynamics of diffusive oxygen demand and consumption rates were mainly driven by seasonal temperature variation at both stations, as well as by seasonal organic matter delivery to the sediment at the station located outside the oyster parks. In the station located below the oyster parks, seasonal variation of organic matter deposition was dampened by oyster filtering activity. Seasonal temperature variation thus appeared as the major driver of oxygen dynamics in this station. Measurements of total O₂ uptake rates indicated a significant fraction of microbial recycling and diffusive transport in oxygen uptake at the station located close to the oyster parks. In the open water site, fauna-mediated O₂ transport prevailed in April 2002 (cold conditions), whereas the microbial recycling seemed to dominate in May 2003 (warm conditions).     

Effect of copper on the scope for growth of clams (Tapes philippinarum) from a farming area in the Northern Adriatic Sea

Copper is currently the most common biocide in antifouling paints. Levels of this metal were measured in the water, particulate matter and sediments from a shellfish farming area in the Sacca di Goro (Northern Adriatic Sea) over one year. With respect to the 1980s, copper environmental level increased twofold. The release of copper from shellfish farmers' boats was also estimated to be > 250 kg Cu y(-1). Clams Tapes philippinarum were collected in the same area and seasonally exposed to a sublethal (10 microg Cu l(-1)) concentration of copper. Physiological traits were significantly affected by copper exposure (scope for growth declined as a result of reduced clearance rate, increased oxygen consumption and a generally lower absorption efficiency). The results of this study are cause for concern for shellfish farming activities at least in Northern Adriatic, where shellfish farming is a monoculture of T. philippinarum. A strict interpretation of the precautionary principle might suggest that more rigorous regulatory action to control copper inputs in the field would be justified.     

Environmental effects of mariculture in China: An overall study of nitrogen and phosphorus loads

Eutrophication in coastal area has become more and more serious and mariculture potential is a main cause.Although there are some quantitative research on nutrient loads in national and global perspective, the calculation method problems make the results controversial. In this paper, the farming activities are divided into fed culture types（include cage culture and pond culture） and extractive culture types（e.g. seaweed, filter-feeding shellfish culture）. Based on the annual yield of China in 20...     

厦门沿岸海域贝类适养面积和可养量的估算

分析了厦门沿岸海域贝类养殖的发展与现状及其目前面临的主要问题。通过统计分析估计了贝类的适养面积,应用能流分析法和营养动态模式估算了贝类的可养量。估算结果贝类的适养面积约５５００ｈｍ＾２,可养殖量为１００２２５ｔ。     

Sources and distributions of terrigenous organic matter in a mangrove fringed small tropical estuary in South China

The sources and distributions of terrigenous organic matter (OM) were investigated in a small tropical estuary in the Hainan Island, South China. Plants, suspended particulate matter (SPM), and surface sediments samples in the estuary and coast were collected. Bulk properties [organic carbon (OC%), total nitrogen (TN%), stable carbon isotope (δ13C) and grain size] and lignin phenol concentrations were measured. OC% of mangrove plants was (43.4 ± 2.1)%, which is similar to the values reported for mangrove plants in other regions. OC% of sediment samples ranged from 0.07% to 1.42%, and they were related to the sediment texture. Lignin phenols in the sediment ranged from 5.16 mg/100 mg OC in the uppermost station to 0.51mg/100mg OC in the coast. The molar ratio of organic carbon to total nitrogen (C/N) (～7) and δ 13 C (～-31.1×10-3 ) of riverine SPM revealed that the major OM sources of riverine SPM were aquatic OM (phytoplankton and/or bacteria). Moreover, the lower lignin concentration (Λ8) and higher (Ad/Al)v of lignin phenols suggest that terrestrial OM in riverine SPM were mainly from soil. Furthermore, C/N ratio, δ13C and lignin phenols reveal that mangrove plants were the predominant OM sources of mangrove surface sediment. Based on the δ13C and lignin phenols, it can be concluded that the major OM sources in estuarine and coastal surface sediments were marine phytoplankton, riverine SPM and mangrove surface sediment. In addition, the higher (Ad/Al)v of lignin phenols in those coastal sediments indicate that seagrass might be a potential OM source in coastal sediments, however, the lower (Ad/Al)v in the estuarine sediments in turn suggests that seagrass could not be transported to the mangrove fringed region. A three-end-member model which is based on lignin concentrations and δ13C was applied to evaluate the contribution of mangroves to the organic matter preserved in the surface sediments. Around the mangrove fringed region, mangrove could contribute more than 50% to the sedimentary OM, and this value is much higher than riverine OM. Nevertheless, mangrove OM could not be efficiently transported to the coastal region. Our study suggests that mangrove forest is an important OM source in this small estuary.     

Chemistry of modern sediments in a hypersaline lagoon,north of Jeddah,Red Sea

Previous studies of modern peritidal sedimentary environments of the Red Sea, such as hypersaline lagoons and sea-marginal flats, have concentrated on its northern part, particularly in the Gulf of Aqaba. However, little is known about lagoon sediments in other localities along the Red Sea coastal stretches. This paper deals with the chemical characteristics of the sediments of a hypersaline (Ras Hatiba) lagoon, north of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The chemistry of hypersaline lagoon sediments is considerably changed following the modifications to the water chemistry by evaporation and precipitation.Ras Hatiba lagoon is a hypersaline elongated water body connected to the Red Sea by a narrow and shallow opening. The total area of the lagoon is c. 30 km².Coarse bioclastic sands are dominant in the lagoon and mostly surround lithified calcareous grounds. However, fine silt and clay sediments are present in separate patches. The sediments are rich in carbonates (average 78·5%) and organic carbon (average 7·3%), although they are negatively correlated. Calcium (average 25·1%) and magnesium (average 10·8‰) show a similar distribution pattern in the lagoon sediments. Strontium (average 5·2‰) is positively correlated with calcium. Sodium and potassium are relatively highly concentrated in the sediments (average 118 ppm and 173 ppm, respectively). Magnesium and strontium are of prime importance in the process of mineralization and diagenesis.The sabkha formation surrounding the lagoon is of low carbonate and organic carbon content, compared with the lagoon sediments, whilst it is characterized by high magnesium, sodium and potassium concentrations.Ras Hatiba lagoon sediments and sabkha resemble those of the northern Red Sea in the Gulfs of Aqaba and Suez and the Arabian Gulf in their major sedimentological and chemical characteristics.     

Organic matter characterisation and turnover in the sediment and seawater of a tourist harbour

A survey of a Ligurian tourist harbour was carried out during winter 2006 and summer 2007 in order to study the organic matter (OM) turnover through extracellular enzymatic activity. Seawater and sediments were sampled at six stations, three inside the port boundaries, one outside the port and two in an area influenced by the outflow of a minor river (Boate). The seawater showed OM turnover times similar to other oligo-mesotrophic coastal areas, and low concentrations of chlorophyll-a and inorganic nutrients. The sediments, instead, revealed high OM loads and a predominance of proteolysis. A significant reduction of the OM loads was observed in the outside station, indicating that the OM accumulation was due to the structures and activities of the harbour and to the Boate influence. The OM biotic recycling via enzymatic activity was enhanced especially during summer. Although the carbohydrates were probably highly refractory, their turnover was notably faster, due to glycolytic enzymatic activity that was enhanced more than the proteolytic in both the sediment and in the seawater. This suggested that the removal and recycling of OM were potentially efficient, and prevented the shift to eutrophication of the Rapallo harbour area.     

Use of SPOT 5 and IKONOS imagery for mapping biocenoses in a Tunisian Coastal Lagoon (Mediterranean Sea)

Mapping marine biocenoses is an efficient method for providing useful data for the management and conservation of Mediterranean lagoons. Fused images from two satellites, SPOT 5 and IKONOS, were tested as management tools for identifying specific ecosystems in the El Bibane lagoon, situated in southern Tunisia near the Libyan border. The objectives of this study were to provide a precise map of the entire El Bibane lagoon using fused images from SPOT 5 and to compare fused images from SPOT 5 and IKONOS over a test-area. After applying a supervised classification, pixels are automatically classified in four classes: low seagrass cover, high seagrass cover, superficial mobile sediments and deep mobile sediments. The maps of the lagoon revealed and confirmed an extremely wide distribution of seagrass meadows within the lagoon (essentially Cymodocea nodosa; 19 546 ha) and a large area of mobile sediments more or less parallel to the shore (3 697 ha). A direct comparison of overall accuracy between SPOT 5 over the entire area, SPOT 5 over the test-area and IKONOS over the test-area revealed that these tools provided accurate mapping of the lagoon environment (83.25%, 85.91% and 73.41% accuracy, respectively). The SPOT 5 images provided greater overall accuracy than the IKONOS image, but did not take into account the heterogeneous spatial structure of the seagrasses and sediments present in the lagoon environment. Although IKONOS imagery provided lower overall accuracy than SPOT 5, it proved a very useful tool for the mapping of heterogeneous structures as it enabled the patchiness of formations to be better taken into account. The use of SPOT 5 and IKONOS fused images appears to be very promising for completing the mapping of lagoons in other regions and countries of the Mediterranean Sea.     

象山港大黄鱼Pseudosciaena crocea网箱养殖区沉积物-水界面营养盐通量研究

2013年5月、8月和11月调查了象山港大黄鱼网箱养殖区及附近沉积物中总有机氮(TON)、总有机碳(TOC)和总磷(TP)含量,并采用实验室模拟法研究了底泥耗氧率(SOCs)和沉积物-水界面营养盐(NH⁺₄、NO^-₂+NO^-₃和PO^3-₄)通量。结果表明:养殖区(YZ)沉积物中的TON和TP含量显著高于距离养殖区50 m(F1)和100 m(F2)的区域(P<0.05)。底泥释放NH⁺₄到上覆水中,但是从上覆水中吸收NO^-₂+NO^-₃和PO^3-₄。沉积物-水界面营养盐通量表现出明显的季节性变化,在8月,NH⁺₄及PO^3-₄的释放量达到最大值。上覆水中NH⁺₄、NO^-₂+NO^-₃和PO^3-₄的质量浓度随着沉积物-水界面营养盐通量的变化而变化。研究表明,象山港大黄鱼养殖活动对养殖区底泥造成了一定污染,且通过影响沉积物-水界面营养盐通量影响上覆水中营养盐分布,最终给整个养殖系统造成生态负担。     

海南新村潟湖潮汐、潮流特征及其对营养盐的影响

基于海南新村潟湖2020年12月水文和水质多要素实测数据,研究了该海域的潮汐、潮流变化特征,并探讨了潮位变化对潟湖营养盐的影响。结果表明,新村潟湖的潮汐为不规则全日潮,潟湖口门处的潮流为往复流,涨潮历时15 h,落潮历时10 h。大、小潮期间3个观测站点溶解性无机氮(DIN)浓度变化范围为0.91~20.87 μmol/L,磷酸盐(PO3-4)浓度变化范围为0.11~5.92 μmol/L,硅酸盐(SiO2-3)浓度变化范围为2.36~134.75 μmol/L。大、小潮期间,潟湖内3个观测站点DIN、PO3-4、SiO2-3浓度随着涨、落潮过程发生变化。潟湖口门处流速对观测站点潮位变化有着重要的影响,潮通量基本决定了潮位的变化。潟湖口门处和渔排密集区域的营养盐浓度与潮位呈现显著的负相关关系,潮流流速对口门处和渔排密集区域的营养盐变化有着重要影响。该研究结果将为新村潟湖的污染治理及生态修复提供科学依据。     

筼筜湖绿潮期间颗粒有机物及沉积有机物的来源研究

以原子碳氮比C_at/N_at、TOC/Chl a、δ13C和δ15N等为指标,分析了筼筜湖绿潮爆发期间悬浮颗粒有机物(POM)和沉积有机物(SOM)的来源。结果显示,筼筜湖的POM主要以外源输入为主。在靠近海水入口的引水渠,POM主要来自厦门西海域的陆源有机碎屑;位于筼筜湖上游的干渠,生活污水及餐饮业废水的有机质是其POM的主要贡献者;内、外湖POM的C_at/N_at(6.94~7.08)与浮游植物接近,但它们并不以浮游植物为主,而主要来自引水渠和干渠有机质的输入。以内湖为例,它们对内湖POM的联合贡献高达54%~97%。筼筜湖SOM的潜在来源多样,但不同湖区差异显著:在大型海藻覆盖区,主要以大型海藻和POM为主,而在无海藻覆盖的区域,则主要来自POM的自然沉降或与底栖微藻的联合贡献。结果表明,在来源复杂的潟湖系统,有机物的化学组成并不能很好的指示有机物的来源和成因,它在有机质的示踪方面并不如稳定同位素来得有效可靠。不过,基于多种指标的分析结果可能更准确。     

Sources and distribution of organic matter in a river-dominated estuary (Winyah Bay, SC, USA)

The sources and distribution of organic matter (OM) in surface waters and sediments from Winyah Bay (South Carolina, USA) were investigated using a variety of analytical techniques, including elemental, stable isotope and organic biomarker analyses. Several locations along the estuary salinity gradient were sampled during four different periods of contrasting river discharge and tidal range. The dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations of surface waters ranged from 7 mg l⁻¹ in the lower bay stations closest to the ocean to 20 mg l⁻¹ in the river and upper bay samples. There was a general linear relationship between DOC concentrations and salinity in three of the four sampling periods. In contrast, particulate organic carbon (POC) concentrations were significantly lower (0.1–3 mg l⁻¹) and showed no relationship with salinity. The high molecular weight dissolved OM (HMW DOM) isolated from selected water samples collected along the bay displayed atomic carbon:nitrogen ratios ([C/N]a) and stable carbon isotopic compositions of organic carbon (δ¹³C_OC) that ranged from 10 to 30 and from −28 to −25‰, respectively. Combined, such compositions indicate that in most HMW DOM samples, the majority of the OM originates from terrigenous sources, with smaller contributions from riverine and estuarine phytoplankton. In contrast, the [C/N]a ratios of particulate OM (POM) samples varied significantly among the collection periods, ranging from low values of 5 to high values of >20. Overall, the trends in [C/N]a ratios indicated that algal sources of POM were most important during the early and late summer, whereas terrigenous sources dominated in the winter and early spring.In Winyah Bay bottom sediments, the concentrations of the mineral-associated OM were positively correlated with sediment surface area. The [C/N]a ratios and δ¹³C_OC compositions of the bulk sedimentary OM ranged from 5 to 45 and from −28 to −23‰, respectively. These compositions were consistent with predominant contributions of terrigenous sources and lesser (but significant) inputs of freshwater, estuarine and marine phytoplankton. The highest terrigenous contents were found in sediments from the river and upper bay sites, with smaller contributions to the lower parts of the estuary. The yields of lignin-derived CuO oxidation products from Winyah Bay sediments indicated that the terrigenous OM in these samples was composed of variable mixtures of relatively fresh vascular plant detritus and moderately altered soil OM. Based on the lignin phenol compositions, most of this material appeared to be derived from angiosperm and gymnosperm vascular plant sources similar to those found in the upland coastal forests in this region. A few samples displayed lignin compositions that suggested a more significant contribution from marsh C₃ grasses. However, there was no evidence of inputs of Spartina alterniflora (a C₄ grass) remains from the salt marshes that surround the lower sections of Winyah Bay.     

Nutrient budgets and trophic state in a hypersaline coastal lagoon: Lagoa de Araruama, Brazil

Lagoa de Araruama in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a hypersaline lagoon with salinity varying spatially from 45 to 56. We collected water samples during monthly cruises throughout the lagoon, and along the streams feeding the system, from April 1991 to March 1992. Nutrients and other water quality parameters exhibited great spatial and temporal variations. Mass balance calculations indicate large amounts of anthropogenic nutrient inputs. The data indicate that the lagoon currently is oligotrophic but is in a state of transition to become a mesotrophic system. Molar dissolved inorganic nitrogen:dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIN/DIP) varied between 2.2:1 and 659:1 with a volume-weighted average of 22:1. The high DIN/DIP ratio contrasts with that found in nearby lagoons, suggesting that phytoplankton primary production is limited by phosphorus in Lagoa de Araruama. The major loss of DIP is apparently driven by biological assimilation and diagenic reactions in the sediments. Calculations indicate that the lagoon is slightly net autotrophic at +0.9 mol C m⁻² yr⁻¹. This suggests that the biomass of the primary producers is restricted by phosphorus availability. Phosphorus retention in the sediment and the hypersaline state of the lagoon prevent changes in autotrophic communities and the formation of eutrophic conditions.     

Bacterial response to seasonal changes in labile organic matter composition on the continental shelf and bathyal sediments of the Cretan Sea

Bacterial abundance, biomass and cell size were studied in the oligotrophic sediments of the Cretan Sea (Eastern Mediterranean), in order to investigate their response to the seasonal varying organic matter (OM) inputs. Sediment samples were collected on a seasonal basis along a transect of seven stations (ranging from 40 to 1570 m depth) using a multiple-corer. Bacterial parameters were related to changes in chloroplastic pigment equivalents (CPE), the biochemical composition (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates) of the sedimentary organic matter and the OM flux measured at a fixed station over the deep basin (1570 m depth). The sediments of the Cretan Sea represent a nutrient depleted ecosystem characterised by a poor quality organic matter. All sedimentary organic compounds were found to vary seasonally, and changes were more evident on the continental shelf than in deeper sediments. Bacterial abundance and biomass in the sediments of the Cretan Sea (ranging from 1.02 to 4.59 × 10⁸ cells g⁻¹ equivalent to 8.7 and 38.7 μgC g⁻¹) were quite high and their distribution appeared to be closely related to the input of fresh organic material. Bacterial abundance and biomass were sensitive to changes in nutrient availability, which also controls the average cell size and the frequency of dividing cells. Bacterial abundance increased up to 3-fold between August '94 and February '95 in response to the increased amount of sedimentary proteins and CPE, indicating that benthic bacteria were constrained more by changes in quality rather than the quantity of the sedimentary organic material. Bacterial responses to the food inputs were clearly detectable down to 10 cm depth. The distribution of labile organic compounds in the sediments appeared to influence the vertical patterns of bacterial abundance and biomass. Cell size decreased significantly with water depth. Bacterial abundance and biomass were characterised by clear seasonal changes in response to seasonal OM pulses. The strong coupling between protein flux and bacterial biomass together with the strong bacterial dominance over the total biomass suggest that the major part of the carbon flow was channelled through the bacteria and the benthic microbial loop.     

桑沟湾及附近海域表层沉积物碳氮同位素分析及有机质来源

Naturally existing stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes are important in the study of sedimentary organic matter sources. To identify the sources of sedimentary organic matter in Sanggou Bay and its adjacent areas, which is characterized by high-density shellfish and seaweed aquaculture, the grain size, organic carbon(OC), total nitrogen(TN), carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition(δ13C and δ15N) of organic matter in the surface sediment were determined. The results showed that, in August, sedimentary OC and TN ranged from 0.17% to 0.76% and 0.04% to 0.14%, respectively. In November, OC and TN ranged from 0.23% to 0.87% and 0.05% to 0.14%, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between OC and TN(R=0.98, P0.0001), indicating that OC and TN were homologous. In August, the δ13C and δ15N of organic matter varied from-23.06‰ to-21.59‰ and 5.10‰ to 6.31‰, respectively. In November, δ13C and δ15N ranged from-22.87‰ to-21.34‰ and 5.13‰ to 7.31‰, respectively. This study found that the major sources of sedimentary organic matter were marine shellfish biodeposition, seaweed farming, and soil organic matter. Using a three-end-member mixed model, we estimated that the dominant source of sedimentary organic matter was shellfish biodeposition, with an average contribution rate of 65.53% in August and 43.00% in November. Thus, shellfish farming had a significant influence on the coastal carbon cycle.     

Distribution and bioturbation effects of the tropical alpheid shrimp Alpheus macellarius in sediments impacted by milkfish farming

The impact of milkfish fish pens on the distribution of the alpheid shrimp Alpheus macellarius was studied in the Bolinao area, Philippines. In addition, the impact of the alpheid shrimp on sediment biogeochemistry, including organic matter mineralization, nutrient and sulfur cycling was compared in sediments affected and unaffected by fish farming. The fish farming activity had negative impact on the distribution of shrimps by reducing the abundance up to 60% in the vicinity of the net pens, and to almost absence inside the net pens. At a farm site abandoned seven month prior to sampling the abundance of shrimps was still low and sediment pools of reduced sulfur high, indicating a slow benthic recovery. The shrimp had large physical impact on the sediments, and the mineralization rates were stimulated by the presence of the shrimp in pristine sediments, whereas the fish farm impacted sites showed high mineralization rates both in sediments with and without the presence of the shrimp suggesting that the organic matter enrichment stimulated the mineralization in these low-organic sediments, whereas the shrimp had less impact. Sulfate reduction rates and in particular pools of sulfides increased in the farm impacted sediments, and sulfate reduction was an important process for organic matter mineralization (>67%) in all sediments. Although the shrimp had minor effect on the organic matter mineralization and nutrient fluxes in the farm impacted sediments, they appeared to increase the oxidation of sulfides by increasing the zone of oxidized surface sediment and thereby improving the sediment conditions for recolonization after fish farming has ceased.