Evolution des hydrocarbures et des populations bactériennes et microphytiques dans les sédiments des marais maritimes de l'ile grande pollués par l'Amoco cadiz: 2—Evolution des peuplements microphytiques

In this work we attempt to estimate the short- and long-term effects of the Amoco Cadiz oil spill on benthic microalgal populations (cyanophytes and diatoms) which, under natural conditions, live on upper layers of ‘schorres’ soils or of ‘slikke’ muds in the Ile Grande salt marsh system (Côtes du Nord, France). These populations were completely destroyed in 1978 in the oil-affected sites. Ubiquitous species settled fairly rapidly on intertidal polluted muds (tidal flat). The chlorophyll a content values reached 100 μg g⁻¹ dry sediment, i.e. 1000 mg m⁻² in 1980. Conversely, the salt marsh soils are still much less densely repopulated 3 years after the Amoco Cadiz grounding—especially when they are infrequently flooded (3 to 40 μg Chl.a g⁻¹, i.e. 40 to 270 mg m⁻²). Some of these soils remain ten times less populated than reference stations.     

Distribution des terres rares dans les fractions de sediments et nodules de Fe et Mn associes en l'ocean Indien

The REE distribution in size fractions of sediments and associated ferromanganese nodules from the Indian Ocean was studied. Bulk-sample patterns of sediments result from the combination of coarsest fractions depleted in Ce and fine fractions enriched in Ce. Ce depletion of the coarsest fractions is related to biogenic silica; on the contrary, REE distribution patterns of fine fractions are closely similar to those of associated ferromanganese nodules. The Ce excess in fine fractions is probably of continental origin, but it could also be derived from submarine weathering of volcanic glass or related to Ce oxydation in the marine environment. In fine fractions Ce is probably in its tetravalent state, hence it can easily be scavenged by fine clays and oxyhydroxydes. Trivalent REE can be incorporated in nodules, partly by occlusion of fine clays or oxyhydroxydes and partly by surface to surface transfer as was proposed by Ehrlich (1968). Comparison between REE patterns of fine-sized fractions, nodules and seawater also supported adsorption as a possible mechanism governing the incorporation of REE of sediments and nodules from seawater. Light REE are probably incorporated as oxyhydroxyde complexes, whereas heavy REE are markedly fractionated with increasing atomic number. This fractionation reflects the complexed form of the heavy REE in seawater.     

Incidence de la cinetique de decroissance de la temperature apres le choc thermique sur les modifications d'activite des esterases et les possibilites de survie de Scolelepis (malacoceros) fuliginosa (annelide polychete)

Scolelepis fuliginosa reared in the laboratory at 13°C were put through 10-min thermal shocks at 16°C and 18°C and were then submitted to either a slow or a rapid temperature reduction. After the thermal shock, a posterior fragment of each specimen was cut off at intervals, until six days. Samples were submitted to electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel, esterase activity being determined with α-naphthyl acetate.Enzymograms show that thermal shocks act on esterases in decreasing the activity of the main fractions. Immediate effects result in a very precocious enzymic response; more long-term effects depend on the maximum temperature, the animal's sex and the kinetics of the post-shock thermal reduction.Females are more sensitive than males. For a given Δt, esterase changes are greater and more long-lasting. After a 16°C Δt, a rapid decrease in temperature prevents the loss of activity of the middle and fast fractions in males and delays, by about 10 h, the alteration of female esterases. After 18°C ΔT, loss of activity of the middle and fast fractions occurs in less than 1 h, independently of the thermal kinetics, but survival is only possible—solely for males—with a rapid decrease in temperature which also delays females' deaths by between 24 and 48 h.In conclusion, a rapid decrease in temperature gives organisms a better resistance to thermal shock, as determined by esterase activity and controls the lethality of a high Δt.     

Evolution des hydrocarbures dans des sédiments côtiers méditerranéens prélevés à proximité d'un emissaire d'une raffinerie de pétrole

Coastal Mediterranean sediments highly polluted by refinery effluents have been studied for their hydrocarbon content and bacterial activity. The study has taken into account both the distance from the refinery and depth of sampling. Very high hydrocarbon concentrations have been found (1–250 g/kg dry sediment). Micro-organisms in the sediments have a high bacterial activity and a good correlation exists between hydrocarbon concentrations and bacteria able to use these substrates as a carbon and energy source.     

Teneurs en benzo 3,4 pyrène chez Mytilus edulis L. de l'estuaire et du golfe du Saint-Laurent

Blue mussels (Mytilus edulis L.) taken from 27 stations along the estuary and gulf of St. Lawrence were analyzed for their content in 3,4-benzopyrene. Most of the concentrations are below the detection limit for the analytical method, i.e. 0·15 μg kg^?1 (dry weight) and probably reflect the natural baseline level. However, mussels from two stations located at the mouth of Saguenay Fjord exhibit very high contents: 24 and 28·5μg kg^?1 (dry weight). A mussel transplantation experiment has shown that the entire Fjord is contaminated by anthropogenic 3,4-benzopyrene.     

Variations des teneurs en Cd,Pb et Cu dans les eaux de l'estuaire maritime du St-Laurent Durant l'ete 1972

Concentrations of cadmium, lead and copper have been determined in the lower estuary of the St. Lawrence River during the summer of 1972 (from May to August). Seven sample stations distributed in the estuary have been studied. Analysis measurements have been made using atomic absorption spectrophotometry and are related to the soluble metals. The concentrations of cadmium are low and no important variations occur. Mean analysis of cadmium abundance gives a value of 1.05 μg/l. Similar variations are observed for copper and lead contents with a Cu/Pb ratio which is nearly equal to unity. Average concentrations for all the stations are 3.11 μg/l for copper and 3.48 μg/l for lead. Higher values are measured for copper and lead during the month of May and these are related to the fresh-water inflow arising from the thawing period. The lowest concentrations are observed during the months of June and July and are in correspondence with the spring period of intense primary production. The biologic-dynamic conditions affecting the concentrations of cadmium seem to be different from those affecting copper or lead contents (without considering pollution phenomena). The highest average values for copper and lead have been found on the south shore of the estuary. The values obtained in this work compared favourably with other results gathered in the neighbouring area.     

Alteration de la fonction de reproduction chez Idotea balthica basteri (Crustacea,Isopoda) soumis a l'effet chronique d'un détergent non ionique

Reproduction is greatly affected when the crustacean isopod Idotea balthica basteri is exposed to detergents, maturation being considerably delayed. Adults suffer a significant decrease in fecundity, either through females failing to produce eggs or miscarrying, and so producing fewer juveniles. This decrease of fecundity is accompanied by hormonal changes. Many juveniles from animals exposed to detergents are malformed.