Effect of artificial reefs (southern Portugal) on sediment–water transport of nutrients: Importance of the hydrodynamic regime

The present study investigates the differences between nutrient fluxes and particulate organic matter within an artificial reef system (AR) deployed in August 2002 off Faro (Algarve, Southern Portugal) and in a non-reef area (NRA), and how fluxes and suspended material may be affected by the hydrodynamic regime. Surveys to collect sediment cores, suspended/settled particles and overlying water samples were carried out by divers, from March (2006) to October (2007) in AR and NRA. Sediment cores and settled particles were collected to determine grain size, organic and inorganic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus content. Overlying water and pore water samples were analysed for ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, silicate, dissolved organic nitrogen, dissolved organic phosphorus and chlorophyll a. Results from the period studied showed that: (1) the benthic export of dissolved N, P and Si was 2–3 times higher at AR; (2) the particulate organic carbon (POC), nitrogen (PON) and phosphorus (POP) in suspended/settled particles were about 1.5 times higher at AR; (3) at both AR and NRA, the benthic export of dissolved N, P and Si, during a calm weather period, was 2–4 times higher than during or immediately after a storm event; and (4) at both sites, particulate organic compounds (POC, PON and POP) increased about 20 times during a storm event. These findings suggest that both the nutrients transport from sediment to water column and the quantity/quality of suspended/settled particles were highly dependent on the existence of reef structures and on the hydrodynamic regime.     

Sediment organic matter composition and dynamics in San Francisco Bay, California, USA: Seasonal variation and interactions between water column chlorophyll and the benthos

Sediment and water column data from four sites in North, Central and South San Francisco Bays were collected monthly from November 1999 through November 2001 to investigate the seasonal variation of benthic organic matter and chlorophyll in channel sediments, the composition and quality of sediment organic matter (SOM), and the relationship between seasonal patterns in benthic organic matter and patterns in water column chlorophyll. Water column chlorophyll peaked in the spring of 2000 and 2001, characteristic of other studies of San Francisco Bay phytoplankton dynamics, however an unusual chlorophyll peak occurred in fall 2000. Cross-correlation analysis revealed that water column chlorophyll at these four channel sites lead sediment parameters by an average of 2 to 3 months. Sediment organic matter levels in the San Francisco Bay channel showed seasonal cycles that followed patterns of water column production: peaks in water column chlorophyll were followed by later peaks in sediment chlorophyll and organic matter. Cyclical, seasonal variations also occurred in sediment organic matter parameters with sediment total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) being highest in spring and lowest in winter, and sediment amino acids being highest in spring and summer and lowest in winter. Sediment chlorophyll, total organic carbon, and nitrogen were generally positively correlated with each other. Sediment organic matter levels were lowest in North Bay, intermediate in Central Bay, and highest in South Bay. C:N ratio and the ratio of enzyme hydrolyzable amino acids to TOC (EHAA:TOC) data suggest that SOM quality is more labile in Central and northern South Bay, and more refractory in North Bay and southern South Bay.     

Seasonal variations of dissolved organic matter and nutrients in sediment pore water in the inner part of Tokyo Bay

At four stations in Tokyo Bay, pore water profiles of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), nitrogen (DON), phosphorus (DOP), and inorganic nutrients were determined at 3-month intervals over 6 years. Concentrations of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and nutrients were significantly higher in pore waters than in the overlying waters. Pore water DOC, DON, and DOP concentrations in the upper most sediment layer (0–1 cm) ranged from 246 to 888 μM, from 14.6 to 75.9 μM, and from 0.02 to 9.83 μM, respectively. Concentrations of DOM and nutrients in pore waters occasionally showed clear seasonal trends and were highest in the summer and lowest in the winter. The seasonal trends in the pore water DOM concentrations were coupled with trends in the overlying water temperature and dissolved oxygen concentration. Benthic effluxes of DON and DOP were low compared with those of inorganic nutrients, accounting for only 1.0 and 1.5 % of the total benthic effluxes of nitrogen and phosphorus, respectively; thus benthic DOM fluxes were quantitatively insignificant to the inorganic nutrient fluxes in Tokyo Bay. The DOM fluxes represented about 7, 3, and 10 % of the riverine discharge of DOC, DON, and DOP to Tokyo Bay, respectively.     

长江口内外表层沉积物中营养元素的分布特征研究

通过对长江口内外9个表层沉积物中不同形态碳、氮、磷含量的测定,得到了长江口内外表层沉积物中营养元素的分布特征,探讨了影响其分布的主要因素。长江口内外表层沉积物中的营养元素在河流段的分布波动较大,在口门附近海域分布较平缓。在三种营养元素中,IC、ON和IP分别为C、N、P的优势形态。在影响表层沉积物中营养元素分布的因素中,沉积物的粒度和上覆水体的盐度在其中起着重要的作用,同时还受到近岸排污和海洋生物生产的影响。     

Modelling nitrogen and phosphorus cycles and dissolved oxygen in the Zhujiang Estuary Ⅰ. Model development

wrmcrloxHuman activities related to the population growth and developrnent of industry and rnwhci-pality have led to the incrouing hadings of various POllutants into estudries during the past fewdecades. These increasing edlutant lOadings have caused declined estuallne hedth which can bemereured by a vdriety of indices. In order to obtain solutions to environrnent problerns, re-sources manageTnnt apencies are supporting a holistic approach to envirorirnental management.An effcient strategy t…     

珠江河口氮和磷循环及溶解氧的数值模拟 Ⅰ.模式建立

为了研究珠江河口营养物质循环和溶解氧,建立了一个生态型水质模式.在该水质模式中营养物质以溶解无机态、碎屑有机物质、底栖物质、浮游植物和浮游动物等5种形态出现,而每种形态均分氮和磷两种形式.水质模式采用三维形式,并与斜压水动力和泥沙模式联立运行.     

刺参养殖池塘一种塑料人工参礁表面生态学特征初步研究

人工参礁在中国刺参(Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka))养殖业中被广泛应用,本文调查了2008年春、秋季刺参池塘中一种塑料人工礁表面的生物群落结构.采用沉积物捕捉器的方法调查了刺参池塘人工礁表面碳、氮、磷的循环及参礁的生态特征.结果表明,春季礁体底栖动物生物量及生物多样性高于秋季,底栖动物均集中在礁体外表面的缝隙内,4月礁体表面颗粒物,底泥沉积物总有机碳(TOC)平均含量分别为41.9 mg/g 和2.45 mg/g;总氮(TN)平均含量分别为4.1 mg/g 和0.2 mg/g.10月礁体表面颗粒物,底泥沉积物 TOC 含量分别为27.5 mg/g 和3.1 mg/g; TN 平均含量分别3.1 mg/g 和0.3 mg/g.4月 TOC, TN 沉积量分别达到711.2 mg/(m2·d)和70.7 mg/(m2·d);10月 TOC, TN 沉积量分别为804.9 mg/(m2·d)和87.3 mg/(m2·d).4月人工礁表面叶绿素/脱镁叶绿素(Chl a/Pheophytin)>1,表明礁体活体藻类较多.10月人工礁表面 Chl a/Pheophytin<1表明礁体表面降解颗粒物质较多.人工礁为刺参提供遮蔽场所,其表面生物膜为刺参提供优质食物,同时可增加池塘底面积,增强养殖系统稳定性.     

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。     

Short-term environmental impact of clam dredging in coastal waters (south of Portugal): chemical disturbance and subsequent recovery of seabed

The physical and chemical changes in sediment and near bottom water caused by clam dredging were examined during July and September 1999, at two locations Vilamoura (VL) and Armona (AR), south coast of Portugal. Sediment cores and near bottom water were collected simultaneously before dredging (control samples) and within short time intervals (min-h) after dredging. After dredging operations, microphytobenthos coming from the path were accumulated in the re-worked sediment (ridge). Chlorophyll a in superficial sediment increased from 1.2 microg x g(-1) before dredging to 1.7 microg x g(-1) after dredging and these higher values remained for a few hours. However, the expected increase of chlorophyll a in near bottom water due to re-suspension was not observed. After sediment disturbance an instantaneous sorption of phosphorus onto iron oxides occurred in the upper sediment layers (from 2 to 3 micromol x g(-1) before dredging to 4-5 micromol x g(-1) after dredging). A microcosm experiment showed that after sediment disturbance HPO(4)(2-) dissolved in pore water decreased from 40 to 10 microM being simultaneously sorbed onto iron oxides formed in the top layer of sediment. The ammonium, nitrates, organic nitrogen, phosphate and silicate dissolved in pore water decreased immediately after dredging activity and simultaneously an increase in near bottom water was sporadically observed. Generally, the re-establishment of seabed was reached within a short time (min-h), at both stations (VL and AR).     

乳山湾外低氧海域沉积物中有机碳、氮、磷及其形态特征分析

根据2009年8月在乳山湾及其毗邻海域的综合调查,分析了该海域表层沉积物中有机碳、氮、磷含量及其组成形态的变化,初步探讨了影响底质理化参数变化的原因及对乳山湾外近岸底层低氧形成的影响.结果表明,乳山湾外近海为粉砂质岸滩,以细颗粒为主;底质中有机碳含量介于0.49％ ～0.93％,平均值为0.69％;总氮含量介于382～1020 mg/kg,平均值为671 mg/kg;可溶性总氮含量介于23.0 ～ 60.0 mg/kg,平均值为44.0mg/kg,其中可溶性有机氮和氨氮分别占可溶性总氮的58.8％和38.8％;总磷含量介于138～769 mg/kg,平均值为356 mg/kg,有机磷是占有绝对优势的磷形态(62.5％).研究区域沉积物中总氮和湾内相当,有机碳、总磷含量普遍低于乳山湾内,但均明显高于南黄海区域,且呈还原性状态.调查区域内沉积物中相对较高的有机碳、氮、磷可能是在潮流作用下乳山湾与外海的物质交换所致,其耗氧过程是导致底层溶解氧亏损的重要原因,值得进一步关注.     

胶州湾水体和表层沉积物营养环境现状及影响因素

为了解胶州湾水体和表层沉积物营养环境状况及其主要影响因素,于2019年8月在胶州湾30个站位点采集了海水和表层沉积物样品,并于2021年5月在胶州湾沿岸采集了18个站位点的水样,对水体溶解无机态营养盐浓度和组成以及表层沉积物中总有机碳、总氮、总磷及生物硅含量和碳、氮稳定同位素(δ¹³C、δ¹⁵N)进行了分析。结果表明,胶州湾内水体和沿岸水体中溶解无机氮、溶解无机磷和溶解硅酸盐浓度空间分布相近,高值均位于湾东北部,主要受到河流输入和沿岸污水排放的影响,低值主要出现在湾中部和湾口处。结合近30年来的历史数据分析发现,胶州湾夏季营养盐浓度在1990-2008年期间呈持续上升的趋势,政府实施的污染物总量控制措施以及河流径流量下降使得2006年以来营养盐浓度呈现下降的趋势,该变化在空间上主要体现为大沽河氮、磷输入量的减少及其对应的湾西部营养盐高值的消失。胶州湾氮、磷营养盐输入的不平衡使得“磷限制”在2000年后逐渐加剧。胶州湾表层沉积物中总有机碳、总氮、总磷含量高值均集中于东北部和东部沿岸,结合生物硅和水体营养盐含量分析显示,这主要是河流与排污输入及其...     

Biomass Production in PioneerSpartina anglicaPatches: Evidence for the Importance of Seston Particle Deposition

Salt marsh formation can be initiated by the colonization of bare tidal flats by pioneer halophytes such asSpartina anglica. In the present study, growth ofS. anglicain the edge and centre zones of pioneer patches colonizing a tidal flat in a marine bay in the south-west Netherlands was investigated. Average biomass and shoot length was significantly lower in centre zones than in edge zones of the patches. Multiple linear regression showed that 84% of the variance in aboveground biomass in the centre zones could be explained by sediment phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations. No such relationship existed in the edge zone. This suggests that biomass production in the centre zones of the patches is nutrient limited, but that factors other than sediment nitrogen and phosphorus content determine growth ofSpartinain the edge zones.The sediment nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in the centre zones of the patches were significantly related with sediment carbon concentrations, indicating that the pool of particle-bound nutrients in the sediment to an important extent is associated with organic particles. Determination of stable carbon isotope signatures of the sedimentary organic matter showed that an increasing carbon content of the sediment in the centre zone of the patches (and a rise in plant biomass) coincides with a higher contribution of non-Spartinaderived carbon to the sedimentary organic matter pool. Sustained biomass production in the centre zones of the patches, thus, probably depends on deposition of allochthonous organic particles and the nutrient inputs inherent in this process. Due to the construction of large-scale hydro-engineering works, however, conditions for deposition of waterborne particles are currently unfavourable. The consequences of reduced carbon and nutrient inputs into the patches will be particularly in the (older) centre zones, where the nutrient pools in non-refractory organic matter have been drained in the years of previous growth. Accordingly, it is hypothesized that the canopy-enhanced sedimentation for whichSpartinais well- known, via positive feed-back effects on plant growth can be crucial for plant vitality, and, hence, for successful colonization of unvegetated areas.     

Microbial biomass response to different quantities and sources of organic matter in Brazilian coastal sediments

This study investigates the benthic microbial responses to organic matter (OM) variations in quantity and sources in two shallow water bays (Fortaleza and Ubatuba Bays) on the SE coast of Brazil on six occasions during the year. The pelagic and benthic compartments of the bays were evaluated by: (i) nutrients and chlorophyll a (Chl a) in the water column; (ii) quantity and sources of OM in the sediment (Chl a, total organic carbon and total nitrogen and lipid biomarker composition); and (iii) microbial biomass in sediments as an indicator of active benthic response. Although there were changes in water‐column nutrients during the year, Chl a was fairly constant, suggesting a regular supply of microalgae‐derived OM to the sea bottom. Based on the composition of lipid biomarkers in sediments, OM sources were classified as mostly marine and with high contributions of labile (microalgae‐derived) OM. Labile OM composition varied from diatoms in the summer to phytoflagellates in the winter and tended to accumulate in areas protected by physical disturbances in one of the bays. Microbial biomass followed this trend and was 160% higher in protected than in exposed areas. This study suggests that the coupling between labile OM and benthic microbial biomass occurs primarily in protected areas, irrespective of the time of the year. Since meio‐ and macrofaunal assemblages depend upon secondary microbial production within the sediments, this coupling may have an important role for the benthic food‐web.     

Temporal variability of near-bottom particle resuspension and dynamics at the Porcupine Abyssal Plain, Northeast Atlantic

In order to study particle behaviour and its time-variability in the near-bottom layer on the Porcupine Abyssal Plain (48°50′N, 16°30′W, 4850 m), long-term measurements were made of currents, and nephelometry and particle samples were collected using an autonomous lander between mid-1996 and mid-1998. Water samples, collected in the Bottom Nepheloid Layer within 1000 m of the bottom, were filtered for suspended particles whose contents of organic carbon, nitrogen and pigments were determined. This study was co-ordinated with a water column flux study and a detailed programme of benthic studies to understand how the abyssal boundary layer responds to and modifies inputs of organic matter from the water column (MAST3/BENGAL programme).There were strong seasonal fluctuations in the near-bottom (2 m above the bottom, mab) particle flux, whose variation were correlated in time with the water column fluxes. During the periods of peak flux, the near-bottom flux was sometimes higher than that recorded higher up in the water column, but not always at other times. These excesses were attributed to the resuspension events, since we observed a correlation between current speed and nephelometry. However, in summer the peak in the particle resuspension flux could not be explained by the variations in the tidal amplitude. Instead we attribute it to the large quantities of fresh large particles (aggregations) that had just arrived on the bottom; it was probably linked to the feeding activity and sediment reworking by the rich and varied benthic and benthopelagic megafauna.In both 1997 and 1998, the nephelometry signal (directly related to fine particle concentration) and its variability increased after the peaks in large particle flux with a time-lag of 2–3 months. We assume that this time lag corresponds to the time it takes for the large fresh particles, once they have settled on the bottom, to be disaggregated into smaller particles, and hence become subject to resuspension in the quiet current conditions then prevailing in the BENGAL area. The suspended particle analyses confirm the vertical structure of the Bottom Nepheloid Layer, the lower part of which corresponds to the Bottom Mixed Layer (BML) where resuspension and mixing are higher.     

Carbon production and export from Biscayne Bay,Florida. I. Temporal patterns in primary production,seston and zooplankton

Five stations along a transect from the western shore of Biscayne Bay, Florida to the Florida Current were sampled monthly for one year. The variability and amount of seston particulate organic carbon, adenosine triphosphate, chlorophyll a, primary production and zooplankton decreased along the seaward transect. The greater inshore biomass and variability of seston were the result of the allochthonous input of detritus and inorganic nutrients via terrestrial runoff. Annual primary production in this subtropical coastal lagoon ranged from 13 to 46 g C m^?2 yr^?1. Chlorophyll a in the bay ranged from 1 to 3 mg chlorophyll a m^?2. In contrast, chlorophyll a in the surface centimetre of the sediment ranged from 50 to 300 mg chlorophyll a m^?2. In this clear, shallow (2 to 3 m), oligotrophic lagoon, over 90% of total primary production is by submerged macrophytes and benthic algae. The high zooplankton biomass in the bay is most likely sustained by macrophyte detritus and the resuspension of benthic diatoms by the high winds associated with summer squalls and winter cold fronts.     

Patterns of colonization and succession of benthic assemblages in two artificial substrates

Benthic communities colonizing two different typologies of artificial structures, Tecnoreef® pyramids (PY), and plinth modules (PL), differing for material and shape, were investigated for three years after their deployment on a soft bottom offshore Pedaso (Western Adriatic Sea). The aims were to describe the colonization patterns of benthic assemblages on the two artificial modules, to highlight possible differences between them and to detect the effectiveness of the artificial reef on the ecosystem functioning.The composition of the benthic communities settled on the two types of artificial substrates was different especially just after the reef deployment. Abundance and species richness were higher on PL in the first two years, while an explosion of individuals characterized PY in the third year. This suggested a delay of about one year in the colonization processes on PY likely due to the material and shape. The community settled of the artificial structures was dominated by hard-substrate species which are commonly absent in the natural environment. The occurrence of these organisms enriched the local soft-bottom communities and contributed to habitat diversification. This, together with the importance of these species in the diet of a few reef-dwelling fish, confirms the trophic role and the ecological importance of artificial reefs in areas characterized by soft seabed.     

Benthic microbial biogeography along the continental shelf shaped by substrates from the Changjiang River plume

Coastal zones are active reactors of continental material including that transported by rivers via a series of microbiota-mediated reactions. Nevertheless, current knowledge of the ecology and functioning of the microbiota in coastal areas affected by large riverine inputs remains insufficient on a global scale. Here, an investigation on sediment microbial composition, including taxonomy and metabolic network, as well as their relationship with major benthic reaction substrates, namely carbon, n...     

Seasonal variation in the concentrations of nutrients in two green macroalgae and nutrient levels in sediments in the Rías Baixas (NW Spain)

Seasonal monitoring of the levels of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in two green macroalgae (Ulva and Enteromorpha) was carried out at 22 sampling sites in four embayments (rías) on the northwest coast of Spain. Sediments were also analysed to determine the concentrations of these elements as well as organic matter, organic carbon, iron and texture. In addition, accumulations of Ulva were monitored. Nitrogen levels in algae were similar to those found in comparable studies, whereas carbon concentrations were generally higher and those of phosphorus were lower. As a result the macroalgae were relatively enriched by carbon and nitrogen compared with phosphorus. Seasonal variations in algal tissue nitrogen and phosphorus followed the usual pattern for temperate zones, with minimum levels in summer and maximum levels in winter. Variations in carbon concentrations were much less accentuated. The low levels of P in the algae appear to indicate limitation by this element, however, comparison of the monthly changes in nitrogen and phosphorus in Ulva with the critical concentrations of these elements suggests dual nutrient limitation in this alga in summer. By contrast, the sediments were more enriched by phosphorus; high retention of this element by the sediment may explain the low levels in algae. The highest accumulations of Ulva occurred in spring and summer; hydrodynamic factors appeared to be important in determining the extent of these accumulations.     

Floating mucus aggregates derived from benthic microorganisms on rocky intertidal reefs: Potential as food sources for benthic animals

Mucus films, flocs or foams consisting of fine sand, algae and detritus frequently occur in the surface waters of rocky intertidal reef flats during incoming tide. These masses are referred to as mucus aggregates. We examined the developmental process of mucus aggregates and their abundance, distribution, migration and trophic composition. The trophic composition of mucus aggregates was then compared to those of sediments to evaluate their potential nutritional value for benthic animals. The organic matter content, chlorophyll a concentration, microalgal density and bacteria-derived fatty acid contents of mucus aggregates were higher than those observed in sediment, suggesting that mucus aggregates contain not only high levels of organic matter but also dense concentrations of microalgae and bacteria; therefore, mucus aggregates may serve as a qualitatively more energetic food source for benthic fauna compared to sediments. Benthic diatoms were the most abundant organisms in mucus aggregates. Large numbers of diatoms were trapped in fine mineral particles and mucilage-like strings, suggesting that a portion of the mucus is secreted by these benthic microalgae.Mucus aggregate accounted for only 0.01-3.9% of the daily feeding requirements of the dominant detritivore, Ophiocoma scolopendrina (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) over the entire sampling area. In contrast, for the species population on the back reef, where mucus aggregates ultimately accumulate, mucus aggregates provided from 0.4 to 113.3% of food for this species. These results suggest that mucus aggregate availability varies spatiotemporally and that they do not always provide adequate food sources for O. scolopendrina populations.     

Seasonal Variations in Benthic Community Metabolism and Nitrogen Dynamics in a Shallow, Organic-Poor Danish Lagoon

The dynamics of benthic primary production and community respiration in a shallow oligotrophic, marine lagoon (Fællestrand, Denmark) was followed for 1·5 years. The shape of the annual primary production cycle was explained primarily by seasonal changes in temperature (r² = 0·67-0·72) and daylength (r² = 0·63), whereas temperature almost explained all variation in benthic community respiration (r² = 0·83-0·87). On a daily basis the benthic system was autotrophic during spring and summer supplied by 'new' and 'regenerated' nitrogen and predominantly heterotrophic during fall and winter caused by light and nutrient limitation. The linear depth-relationship between porewater alkalinity and ammonium indicated that the C:N ratio of mineralized organic matter is low in spring and summer (3-6) and high in fall and winter (9-16). This is inversely related to net primary production and thus the input of labile, nitrogen-rich algal cells. Accordingly, mineralization occurred predominantly in the upper 2-5 cm of the sediment. The pool of reactive material (microalgal cells) was estimated to account for 12% of total organic carbon in the upper 3 cm, and had an average turnover time of less than 1 month in summer. Assimilation of organic carbon by benthic animals was equivalent to about 30% of the annual gross primary production. Grazing reduced chlorophyll a concentration in the sediment during summer and spring to values 30-40% lower than in winter, but maintained a 3-4 times higher specific microalgal productivity. The rapid turnover of organic carbon and nitrogen, and important role of benthic microalgae showed that the benthic community in this oligotrophic lagoon is of a very dynamic nature.