Stickstoff- und Kohlenhydratspeicherung in Rhizomen von Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steudel an unterschiedlichen aquatischen Standorten oberbayerischer Seen

Nitrogen and carbohydrate utilization in Phragmites australis rhizomes was investigated under natural conditions at 10 sites in 5 lakes in Upper Bavaria over a period of two years. Nitrate and ammonium of surface and interstitial water was determined. The results indicate that conditions of habitat and environment, such as climate and fluctuation of water level, lead to different adaptations of reed. These parameters had an effect on the storage of nitrogen and carbohydrate. The reed stands exposed to high water level during spring and summer have a high carbohydrate content in the rhizomes. A positive correlation was shown between the aboveground biomass and the content of storaged carbohydrates during the vegetation period. No relationship could be demonstrated between the nitrogen availability of the habitats and the type of storage of carbohydrates and nitrogen. The nitrogen content in the rhizomes can be used as an indicator of the ability of reed stands to produce new secondary shoots after shoot loss. The differently established reed genotypes are not able to compensate short-term environmental changes, such as growing leisure problems and higher shoot loss by the increasing appearance of waterfowl, from their reserve storage.     

Ökologische und molekularbiologische Untersuchungen an Schilf (Phragmites australis [Cav.] Trin. ex Steudel) von norddeutschen Seen — Ein Überblick

The structure, function and dynamics of reed-belts from three ‘Bornhoeved-Lakes’ was investigated by using methods from vegetation science and molecular biology. Between 1992 and 1994 the morphometry and production of Phragmites was measured at twelve locations, differing in sedimentology and hydrochemistry. The development and production of the plants, as well as the nutrient uptake and relocation, were similar throughout the years within each of the twelve plots. Differences in stand-structure and amounts of nutrients occurred between the habitats. Nitrogen content in the plant material varied between 5 and 30 g N m⁻² and phosphorus between 0.3 and 1.2 g PO₄-P m⁻².80 natural reed habitats were measured for Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms (RFLPs) in order to identify the genetic diversity of Phragmites within the lakes. A cluster analysis exhibited groups with high, as well as groups with low genetic similarity. Even if genetically similar, the habitats were not necessarily directly neighboured at the shoreline. A discriminance analysis showed 40% correspondence of the genetic groups with their phenotype and habitat parameters.     

Life-stage differences in the diet of Parabroteas sarsi (Daday) (Copepoda, Calanoida): A field study

The diet of P. sarsi in different life-stages from copepodid I to adult was investigated. Gut contents of copepodid I to II consisted mainly of algae such as diatoms and dinoflagellates. From copepodid III to adult stages the composition of the diet changed towards the inclusion of nauplii, cladocerans and copepods. The importance of the algae on the diet decreased with the inclusion of the prey items. Copepods were the most important components of the diet from C V to adult. Differences in the capture and ingestion of cladocerans and copepods were found. Diet of P. sarsi can be characterized as diverse consisting of diatoms, phagotrophic algae, protozoans, rotifers and nauplii from C I to C III and consisting mainly of carnivorous items from C IV to adult. The ability to eat a variety of food allows the copepods to modify their diet with varying conditions in the food environment. The effect of these diversity in the diet seems to be advantageous, specially in stressed environments imposed by episodes of drying.     

The ecological requirements of Agapetus fuscipes Curtis (Glossosomatidae), a characteristic species in unimpacted streams

Agapetus fuscipes is a caddisfly that only seems to occur in unimpacted streams and therefore can be a suitable indicator species for natural conditions. The species has decreased in the Netherlands because of human activities which caused organic pollution and hydromorphological degradation. Literature was reviewed to study the autecology and life cycle of A. fuscipes in order to reveal the ecological requirements of this species. By taking Agapetus fuscipes as an example, it is shown that the autecology and life cycle of an indicator species can give important clues for its presence in unimpacted and absence in impacted streams. A. fuscipes is very susceptible to organic pollution and to a lesser degree to discharge dynamics (dropping water level and discharge peaks). The species copes with dynamic discharge events by maintaining a high population density and recolonisation of disturbed habitats from refuges. However, the vulnerability of the species strongly depends on the life stage of the animals (e.g., the ability to migrate, the oxygen demand and the habitat requirements differ between instars). Although several adaptations to dynamic conditions, a high frequency of discharge peaks or a long period of drought can cause the population to decline. Once a population has totally disappeared from a stream it will take the species a long time to recolonise the stream because of its low dispersion capacity. To protect this species stream restoration should focus on water quality (avoid organic pollution and agricultural run off) and on stabilising the discharge by taking care of natural infiltration in the catchment area instead of fast removal of rain water by drainage systems.     

Distribution, abundance and life history of Mysis relicta (Lovén) in the Feldberg Lake District, Germany

Distribution, abundance and life history characteristics of Mysis relicta were studied in the Feldberg Lake District (Lake Breiter Luzin, Lake Schmaler Luzin, Lake Zansen) located in northeastern Germany. Between July 2001 and November 2002 mysids were collected by vertical net hauls. In order to determine the impact of the current trophic conditions on the distribution of mysids in these lakes, oxygen concentration, total phosphorus, chlorophyll a and water transparency were also measured. All investigated lakes are mesotrophic at present. Lake Breiter Luzin exhibited great seasonal and spatial variations in mysid abundance. Density of adults and juveniles had a mean of 44.9 ± 57.1 and 68.7 ± 99.6 m⁻², respectively. Highest abundance of adults was 110.4 ± 76.5 m⁻² in summer, lowest abundances of 2.0 ± 4.0 m⁻² occurred in spring. For juveniles, highest density of 218.4 ± 174.6 m⁻² was detected in summer and lowest of 0.8 ± 1.8 m⁻² in winter. No mysids were caught in any of the daytime hauls, but they were widely distributed throughout the water column at night. Size frequency distribution of mysids suggested that reproduction occurred year-round, the most consistent influx of juveniles occurred in early summer and a smaller second cohort in autumn. Highest mysid abundance was 189.2 ± 318.6 adults and 127.0 ± 66.3 juveniles m⁻² in Lake Schmaler Luzin, and 59.6 ± 5.6 adults and 79.4 ± 11.2 juveniles m⁻² in Lake Zansen. There were great spatial differences in abundance in both lakes.     

On the ecology of Azolla filiculoides Lam. in Damietta district, Egypt

Azolla filiculoides Lam. is a tiny aquatic fern growing as free floating mats covering the stagnant water of the irrigation and drainage canals of Damietta district, Egypt. Ecological characteristics and distribution of the fern were investigated and results were discussed.Vegetation analysis of Azolla indicate that the most common associated species with Azolla are: Phragmites australis [presence (P) = 93.3%], Echinochloa stagnina (P = 70%), Eichhornia crassipes (P = 57%), Pluchea dioscoridis (P = 56.7%), Persicaria salicifolia (P = 26.7%), Phylla nodiflora (P = 13.3%) and Ludwigia stolonifera (P = 10%). Submerged species, e.g. Ceratophyllum spp. and Potamogeton spp. are completely absent in the stands dominated with solid mats of Azolla. This could be explained by that these mats prevent light penetration and oxygen which are required to submerged plants which in turn are decayed.The pH of the water where Azolla was recorded ranged from 7.1 to 9.0 (mean = 7.8), total dissolved salts ranged from 280 to 2600 mg/l (mean = 880 mg/l). The total phosphorus showed the range from 0.01 to 0.82 mg/l (mean = 0.22 mg/l). The ammonia-N is relatively high, varying from 2 to 18 mg/l (mean = 7.0 mg/l), however, the nitrate-N varied from 2.1 to 54.1 mg/l with a mean value of 20.5 mg/l.The fresh biomass of Azolla ranged from 114 to 4280 g/m² in irrigation canals and from 506 to 2760 g/m² in drainage canals. The dry biomass varied from 16 to 23 g/m² in irrigation canals. The range from 26 to 320 g/m² was obtained for drainage canals.     

Distribution of the aphid Hyalopterus pruni Geoffr. within and between habitats of Common Reed Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steudel as a result of migration and population growth

The aphid Hyalopterus pruni migrates to its secondary host Common Reed in late spring and early summer. Reed fields are known to be more heavily infested at the edges compared to the centre, as the migrants are attracted to the colour of the reed. There is also evidence that reeds growing at wet sites are more heavily infested than at dry sites. This paper shows that both proceses interact in determining the distribution of aphids in different habitats.The observations were carried out in the vast reed field of the Zuidelijk Flevoland polder (The Netherlands) during a number of years after its reclamation in 1968. In the period of migration flying aphids were caught with sticky traps situated in and around the reed field. The distribution of aphids on the reed was determined at different times during the season along transects through the centre of the polder. The existence early in the season (June) of a higher infestation at the edges than in the centre of the field was confirmed. The density of winged aphids in this early period was higher in wet than in dry habitats, which may have been a result of a preference of the settling migrants for reed standing in water. Later in the season (August) the dry habitat still had a relatively low infestation in the centre, but at the wet sites the infestation was high everywhere. This could be attributed to the much quicker population growth that was found in the wet habitat and subsequent short range movement of newly born winged aphids.     

Phytoplankton community in the tropical lake of Lagoa Santa (Brazil): Conditions favoring a persistent bloom of Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii

This study presents data on seasonal changes of the phytoplanktonic community of a small tropical lake, Lagoa Santa, in the Brazilian cerrado. Temporal variation in the community structure was small and we observed a permanent dominance of the cyanobacteria Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii. This dominance could be associated to the stability of several environmental conditions. Especially water temperature, always within the optimal growth range for C. raciborskii, and the constant mixed water column may have been important factors driving to the long term dominance of this species in the lake. Remarkable seasonal variation in rainfall, as well as the occasional and non-seasonal variation in nutrient concentrations, were important to explain changes in environmental and biological variables, but were not related to the dominance of C. raciborskii. Pearson's correlation and PCA could just in part explain the stable dominance of this cyanobacterium. Meteorological and chemical factors seem to have no clear control on the variability of the phytoplankton dynamics in Lagoa Santa. The weak relationship between C. raciborskii abundance and environmental variables points to additional intrinsic factors associated to this species that may be important in structuring the phytoplankton assemblage.     

Lake victoria: The water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes [Mart.] Solms), its socio-economic effects, control measures and resurgence in the Winam gulf

The aquatic weed Eichhornia crassipes [Mart.]Solms was introduced in Lake Victoria from Rwanda via the Kagera River by the activities of man. After originally infesting Lake Victoria (Uganda), it eventually spread into the Winam gulf, where its proliferation was spectacular, resulting in an enormous public outcry. The aim of this study was to find out how a beach/bay covered by a weed carpet affected the life of a lakeshore community, if there were any seasonal changes in carpet sizes and to establish if the water hyacinth is a friend or an enemy. Surveys were conducted in selected beaches between June 1995 and November 1999. When surveys were complete, it became clear that this weed is nomadic, except in lagoons and beaches that had little external interference. The open waters remained generally clear due to constant wave action. Interviews conducted on selected beaches/bays indicated that weed carpets impacted both positively and negatively, i.e. they disrupted fishing activities, transport, irrigation, water treatment, enhanced breeding grounds for vectors of human diseases, impacted on biodiversity and had become a source of raw materials for making furniture, paper and artefacts. After successful biological control by the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), resurgence and succession were observed. The impact of water hyacinth on the life of the lakeshore communities in the Winam gulf is serious and needs to be quantified. Further research is necessary to establish whether this weed is an enemy or a friend of the lakeshore communities.     

The development of Nemurella pictetii Klapálek (Plecoptera: Nemouridae) in two springstreams in central Europe

From April 1997 to June 1998 Nemurella pictetii populations were regularly sampled in two springstreams at 220 and 850 m a.s.l., respectively, in Hesse (Germany), at approximately 51°N. Random samples of larvae were taken at three week intervals during the vegetation period, and once a month during winter. Sex, instar, body length, head capsule width and wing pad length of all larvae were recorded. Temperatures were recorded every hour, temporal patterns of temperature agreed closely between sites. Mean winter lows were 3.9 °C at both sites, the mean summer high was 11.9 °C at the lower site, as opposed to 9.6 °C at the mountain site.At both sites, adult emergence started in May. At the mountain site, recruitment started in late July and continued into autumn. There was cohort splitting in the young generation. Some individuals grew rapidly until October–November, but last instar larvae first appeared in March the next year. 1600 degree-days above 0 °C were accumulated during complete development. At the lower site, recruitment began in early July, and cohort splitting also occurred. Fast growing summer recruits emerged as adults in late August, having accumulated only 700 degree-days (above 0 °C). Their offspring hatched in November-December and emerged the next spring, having accumulated also only 700 degree-days. However, only part of the population was bivoltine. Many of the summer recruits grew more slowly and accumulated close to 1900 degree days until they emerged the next spring, together with the offspring of their own fast-growing siblings. Dependence of growth rate on temperature could not be estimated and appears to vary with daylength. For example, 3–6 °C support growth and development provided daylength exceeds 10 hrs of light, or is rising.At both sites and in all cohorts individuals emerging earliest were larger than later emerging ones. The size decline is significantly correlated with number of days after the winter solstice. For the first time it is shown that the decline does not occur shortly before adult emergence but actually takes place several instars before the last. Size differences are then carried on, and amplified, during subsequent molts, until adulthood. The literature presently relates seasonal size declines of insects to high or rising temperatures experienced by larvae approaching adulthood. Our data show that, at least in Nemurella, this explanation fails. On average, females were distinctly larger than males. Differences in mean last instar size were noticed also between sites and years. They remain presently unexplained. The mean sex ratio in both populations was close to 1:1.     

重金属镉对拟柱孢藻(Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii)PSII及能量分配特征的影响效应

为了研究重金属镉对藻类光合系统毒性效应及能量分配特征,以拟柱孢藻(Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii)为研究对象,分析了不同镉浓度下拟柱孢藻的生长、单位叶绿素a含量、光合系统Ⅱ(PSⅡ)叶绿素荧光及其能量分配模型.结果表明:不同浓度镉培养拟柱孢藻96 h后,0.2 mg/L Cd~(2+)对拟柱孢藻单位细胞叶绿素a含量及PSⅡ活性无显著影响,而0.5mg/L Cd~(2+)培养时拟柱孢藻的单位细胞叶绿素a含量为对照组的62.97%.当Cd~(2+)浓度高于5 mg/L时,拟柱孢藻的PSⅡ活性受到抑制并导致表征量子产额分配的φEo和ψo分别下降了15.35%和13.52%.此外,当Cd~(2+)浓度高于5 mg/L时,藻体PSⅡ能量分配表现为TRO/CSm和ETO/CSm显著减小,DIO/CSm差异不显著,类囊体能量分配表现为ABS/RC、TRO/RC和DIO/RC显著增大,明显区别于0.2、0.5和1 mg/L Cd~(2+)处理组.这些结果表明PSⅡ反应中心是镉对拟柱孢藻光合作用影响的重要作用位点,且Cd~(2+)高于5 mg/L时显著影响了拟柱孢藻PSⅡ反应中心并且抑制了PSⅡ电子传递链供体侧的电子传递,而拟柱孢藻则可能通过改变PSⅡ的能量分配来保护和缓解镉对其光合结构的损伤.     

A case study of in situ oil contamination in a mangrove swamp (Rio De Janeiro, Brazil)

Mangroves are sensitive ecosystems of prominent ecological value that lamentably have lost much of their areas across the world. The vulnerability of mangroves grown in proximity to cities requires the development of new technologies for the remediation of acute oil spills and chronic contaminations. Studies on oil remediation are usually performed with in vitro microcosms whereas in situ experiments are rare. The aim of this work was to evaluate oil degradation on mangrove ecosystems using in situ microcosms seeded with an indigenous hydrocarbonoclastic bacterial consortium (HBC). Although the potential degradation of oil through HBC has been reported, their seeding directly on the sediment did not stimulate oil degradation during the experimental period. This is probably due to the availability of carbon sources that are easier to degrade than petroleum hydrocarbons. Our results emphasize the fragility of mangrove ecosystems during accidental oil spills and also the need for more efficient technologies for their remediation.     

Studies in selected fragilarioid diatoms of potential indicator value from Florida (USA) with notes on the genus Opephora Petit (Bacillariophyceae)

Four araphid diatom taxa were collected from Florida streams and studied with both light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Three taxa, formerly in the genus Fragilaria Lyngbye, are here placed in the genus Pseudostaurosira Williams et Round. On the basis of ultrastructure observed by SEM, the remaining taxon is placed in a new genus, Sarcophagodes. At least two of the species referred to Pseudostaurosira may have been confused with species of the genus Opephora Petit, which may have led to misinterpretation of the ecological characteristics of the latter genus.All the taxa treated here belong to the Family Fragilariaceae Greville as delimited in current classification schemes. Two new combinations Pseudostaurosiropsis geocollegarum (=Fragilaria geocollegarum Witkowski et Lange-Bertalot), Pseudostaurosira neoelliptica (=Fragilaria neoelliptica Witkowski) and the new species Pseudostaurosira clavatum are presented herein. Additionally, a new genus, Sarcophagodes, is erected to accommodate the new species S. delicatula. LM and SEM details, as well as criteria delimiting these taxa are discussed. More collections and further analyses are needed to assess the distribution of both Opephora and Sarcophagodes.     

Cloning and expression of alpha class glutathione S-transferase gene from the small hermaphroditic fish Rivulus marmoratus (Cyprinodontiformes, Rivulidae)

In order to assess its potential as a biomarker of aquatic pollution, an alpha class glutathione S-transferase gene (GSTα gene) was cloned from the small hermaphroditic fish Rivulus marmoratus. The R. marmoratus GSTα gene spanned 1.3 kb, consisting of 6 exons encoding 221 amino acid residues. It showed high similarity to zebrafish GST. We named this R. marmoratus GSTα gene as rm-GSTα. The cDNA of the rm-GSTα gene was also investigated for its phylogeny, tissue-specific and chemical-induced expression. Rm-GSTα was subcloned into a 6 × His-tagged pCR^®T7 TOPO TA expression vector to produce the recombinant 6 × His-tagged rm-GST protein. This will be used in future to raise an rm-GSTα antibody for use in the study of phase II metabolism involved in detoxification. We also exposed R. marmoratus to 300 μg/l of 4-nonylphenol in water, and found approximately 4-fold induction of R. marmoratus GSTα mRNA in the treated animals. In this paper, we discuss the characteristics of the R. marmoratus GSTα gene as well as its potential use in relation to environmental pollution.     

Biometric analysis of lacustrine and riverine populations of Palemonetes antennarius (H. Milne-Edwards, 1837) (Crustacea, Decapoda, Palaemonidae) from north-western Greece

Comparative study of morphometric measurements was undertaken on populations of Palaemonetes antennarius from two freshwater habitat zones (lacustrine pelagic and lacustrine littoral) and from the fluvial littoral habitat zone of three estuaries of north-western Greece. Multivariate statistical analyses (principal component analysis and discriminant function analysis) revealed clear morphometric differences between sexes and sampling sites. The observed differences are expressed mainly thought the measurements related to the body heights (carapace height and second pleon height), as a result of sexual dimorphism, High values for the female body heights seem to be correlated to specific fecundity profile and reproductive strategy. On the other hand, morphometrical variables related mainly to body lengths, such as rostral, telson and pleon lengths, were observed to be correlated to the study sites. Characters related to the summing capacity (telson length, telson width and pleon lengths) were generally found to have higher values in the specimens from habitats with high reophilic profile.     

Life history and temporal distribution of Orchestia sp. cf. cavimana (Amphipoda, Talitridae) on a lake shore in central Italy

The life history of the amphipod Orchestia sp. cf. cavimana (Heller, 1865) was studied throughout the course of a year with monthly samplings and the use of pitfall traps along the shores of Lake Albano in central Italy. The data thus obtained showed two peaks in abundance (the first in June and the second in October) and a minimum capture frequency in February. Egg-bearing females were recorded in spring and late summer, whilst recruitment occurred from spring to autumn, with maximum in June and October. The data collected also indicated the presence of a positive correlation between the abundance of talitrids and both temperature and sediment moisture. Morphological analysis enabled the identification of four different cohorts (with a lifespan of the species of approximately 12–15 months) all four of which remained distinguishable throughout the course of the year. It, moreover, enabled sex determination in individuals of 5 or more millimetres. The subsequent distribution indicated that, when significant, the sex ratio was female biased and that maximum size was greater in males. In particular, maximum sizes were recorded in spring for both males and females and were of 17.5 and 13.0 mm, respectively. Furthermore, the total body length recorded for egg-bearing females was positively correlated with the number of eggs in their brood pouch.     

湖南省大通湖河蚬(Corbicula fluminea)现存量及其时空分布

大通湖是湖南省最大的养殖湖泊.随着河蚬经济价值的提升,大通湖河蚬Corbicula fluminea(Müller,1774)的开发强度逐年增加.为实现河蚬资源的合理开发,本研究在对大通湖河蚬形态特征、现存量及其时空分布调查分析基础上,重点探讨了养殖和软体动物捕捞对其资源的影响.结果显示,壳长大于6 mm河蚬的平均湿重(BW)、壳长(SL)、壳高(SH)和壳宽(SW)分别为1.41±0.03 g、14.82±0.09 mm、13.73±0.09 mm和9.72±0.06 mm,平均相对高度、圆度和凸度分别为0.930±0.001、0.660±0.001和0.710±0.001.河蚬壳长、壳高、壳宽与湿重的关系分别为:lg BW=-3.45+3.00 lg SL、lg BW=-3.23+2.89 lg SH、lg BW=-2.87+2.97 lg SW,表明河蚬为等速生长.2010 2011年,大通湖河蚬平均密度和生物量均较2009年显著增加.2009年,河蚬主要分布于中北部的蜜蜂夹湖区域,2010年开始,几乎遍布整个大通湖,但整体上呈现由东北向西南逐渐递减的趋势,密度和生物量高值均出现在大通湖中部,蜜蜂夹湖、大西湖与尼古湖交界区域.推测养殖过程中物化产品投入的增加是导致大通湖河蚬现存量快速增加的主要原因之一,软体动物捕捞加速了河蚬分布区域的扩展.据此提出了大通湖河蚬合理开发和有效保护的建议.     

扎龙自然保护区宽带鼓藻属(鼓藻目)一新种

2011-2012年间对扎龙国家级自然保护区的藻类标本进行采集及观察鉴定.研究发现,该区域鼓藻类植物生物多样性较高,共观察到90个分类单位.研究过程中发现宽带鼓藻属的一个新种——Pleurotaenium parvulum Li,FanWei.该物种特征为植物体单细胞,细胞小型,长圆柱形;半细胞顶端平截,其缘边横断面可见5个小结节;细胞壁平滑或具点纹;半细胞具两个轴生星状的色素体,每个色素体具1个蛋白核.本文比较了该物种与其相近种类之间的差异.     

Hemolytic activity and fatty acids composition in the ichthyotoxic dinoflagellate Cochlodinium polykrikoides isolated from Bahía de La Paz, Gulf of California

The hemolytic activity of the dinoflagellate Cochlodinium polykrikoides from Bahía de La Paz, Gulf of California was investigated as part of the ichthyotoxic mechanism of this microalga. Two different kinds of erythrocytes, fish and human, were tested for the hemolytic assay. Since fatty acids have been associated with hemolytic activity in C. polykrikoides, the composition of fatty acids of this dinoflagellate was also analyzed. The concentration of C. polykrikoides causing 50% hemolysis (HE₅₀) was 4.88 and 5.27 × 10⁶ cells L⁻¹, for fish and human erythrocytes, respectively. According to the standard curve of saponin, an equivalence between the hemolytic activity of saponin and the dinoflagellate concentration was found with 1 μg saponin mL⁻¹ equivalent to 1 × 10⁶ cells L⁻¹ of C. polykrikoides. The polyunsaturated fatty acids: hexadecaenoic (16:0), docosahexaenoic (22:6 n3) and octadecapentaenoic (18:5 n3) were found in an abundance of 62% of total fatty acids.