Chemistry of sediments in relation to trophic condition of eight Rotorua Lakes

Abstract

Chemical parameters (pH, Eh, carbon, Kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphorus, 0.5M H₂SO₄‐extractable phosphorus, organic phosphorus, and water‐soluble phosphorus) were measured in the surface layers of sediments collected from various depths in Lakes Rotowhero, Okaro, Ngapouri, Rotokakahi, Okareka, Tikitapu, Okataina, and. Rotoma during October 1972. The sediments of the productive geothermal lake, Rotowhero, were markedly different from those of the cold‐water lakes: they had relatively low pH values, high carbon (mean 8.5%) and organic phosphorus (mean 4160 μg.g^?1) concentrations, and very high total phosphorus concentrations (mean 4770 μg.g^?1), probably as a result of enrichment by hot springs.

The mean concentrations in the sediments of the cold‐water lakes were carbon 3.2–7.9%, Kjeldahl nitrogen 3380–8310 μg.g^?1 and phosphorus 690–1780 μg.g^?1. These concentrations are within the ranges for New Zealand terrestrial topsoils, but the lake sediments appear enriched in phosphorus relative to local topsoils. Total carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus concentrations of sediments tended to be highest in the eutrophic lakes (Okaro, Ngapouri) although the deep oligotrophic lakes (Okataina, Rotoma) had relatively high total phosphorus concentrations (means 1400, 1510 μg.g^?1). Overall, the carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus concentrations of the sediments showed little relationship to the trophic state of the lake.

Organic phosphorus concentrations of the surface layers of sediments were similar in all the cold‐water lakes (mean 319 μg.g^?1). The proportion of the total phosphorus apparently ‘fixed’ in mineral material was minimal (0–1%) in sediments from the eutrophic and mesotrophic lakes, but in the oligotrophic lakes was similar to that in New Zealand topsoils (9–14%). Reducing conditions may cause solution of a high proportion of the ‘fixed’ phosphorus in the eutrophic lakes.

The water‐soluble phosphorus concentrations in the sediments of the five shallow cold‐water lakes (Okaro, Ngapouri, Rotokakahi, Okareka, Tikitapu) correlated positively with trophic state and with concentrations of dissolved phosphorus in the lake waters.

Carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus concentrations in the sediments tended to vary with overlying water depth. This should be considered when comparisons are made between lakes.     

Factors affecting clarity of New Zealand lakes

Average values of inherent optical properties for the 400–700 nm waveband were estimated from quantum irradiance measurements on 27 New Zealand lakes of diverse optical character, using published nomograms. Secchi disc depths, turbidity, algal pigment, non‐volatile suspended solids, and absorption by membrane‐filtered samples at 440 nm (g 440 ) were also measured. Turbidity (NTU) correlated closely with the scattering coefficient (m^‐1) and these quantities were almost numerically equal, as found in other studies. The data were found to conform to an expression in the oceanographic literature relating Secchi disc depth to the beam attenuation and diffuse attenuation coefficients. Specific beam attenuation, scattering, and absorption coefficients were estimated from the coefficients of linear multiple regressions of the measured total coefficients on the variables: total pigment (chlorophyll a + phaeopigment), non‐volatile suspended solids, and g 440. The estimated values were in reasonable agreement with similar specific coefficients reported in the oceanographic literature. The coefficients provide a basis for predicting clarity in new impoundments or for predicting the effects of loading changes (e.g., of nutrients) on the clarity of existing lakes. The coefficients can be used for classifying lake waters into different optical types.     

Limnology of Lake Ngahewa,North Island,New Zealand

The water chemistry, flora, and fauna of Lake Ngahewa are described. Its waters are coloured by humic material from a flax swamp and the mean carbon: nitrogen ratio of the sediments lies in the range for dystrophic lakes. Thermal stratification is very weak or absent during summer, although deoxygenation occurs at depths below 3 m in late summer. The lake is highly productive and has a diverse phytoplankton and zooplankton population, which is different in species composition from other nearby eutrophic lakes; some algal species common in nearby eutrophic lakes are absent, and there is a high ratio of rotifers to cladocerans and copepods.

The high levels of dissolved phosphorus (42.2 mg.m^‐3) and nitrogen (up to 36.1 mg.m^‐3 NO3‐N) in the lake waters, and the differences in the flora and fauna compared with neighbouring lakes give only weak support to its tenuous classification as a dystrophic lake on the basis of water colour and sediment carbon values. The concept of dystrophy is discussed.     

沉积物中磷的存在形态及其生物可利用性研究

用MgCl₂,NaOH和HCl对大亚湾的大鹏澳、南海的珠江口、厦门湾的胡里山沉积物进行了逐级提取和总磷分析,并以这3种沉积物为惟一磷源培养小球藻和球等鞭金藻,估算了藻类对沉积物中磷的可利用量.结果表明,3种沉积物总磷含量分别为449.3,650.1和643.9mg/kg;MgCl₂和NaOH提取的生物可利用的非磷灰石无机磷分别为168.8,146.6和118.1mg/kg.非磷灰石无机磷占总磷的18.3%～32.6%.3种提取剂对3种沉积物提取的磷是HCl提取相最大,NaOH提取相次之,MgCl₂提取相最小.小球藻和球等鞭金藻在3种沉积物中的最大相对生长率为4.3%～26.9%,两种藻在3种沉积物中的生长与非磷灰石无机磷和藻类可利用的颗粒磷量相对应.颗粒磷占非磷灰石无机磷的42.4%～78.2%,占沉积物中总无机磷的21.1%～27.1%,占总磷的11.8%～20.3%.     

Method for comparing fish growth curves

The method of comparing growth curves that is described in this paper consists of describing growth for the ith group by the equation Li(t) = ai + bi r^t, which is linear in the two parameters ai and bi, and subsequently using the analysis of variance to compare the curves. The advantages of the linear growth equation over the von Bertalanffy equation, l i (t) ⁼ ai + bi r^t i, are easier analysis and a much simpler interpretation of the differences in the parameters in terms of growth rate and maximum size. An example comparing the growth of male and female red gurnard Chelidonichthys kumu from four areas within the Hauraki Gulf is given.     

Factors influencing biodeposit production by the New Zealand freshwater mussel Echyridella menziesii

Laboratory experiments on the New Zealand freshwater mussel Echyridella menziesii were used to investigate the short-term effects (7–8 days) of food type on rates of biodeposition and benthic substrate respiration. Post-feeding biodeposition rates ranged from 0.34 to 1.52?mg?g^?1?h^?1 (mean?=?0.50?mg g^?1?h^?1) and were unaffected by the addition of toxin-producing Microcystis. Addition of suspended sediment (30?mg?L^?1) visibly altered substrate composition, and increased total and inorganic biodeposit production rates by 24–33% compared to mussels fed commercial phytoplankton stock. Biodeposition rates of mussels in lake bed substrates were 38% higher than those in silica sand for identical feeding regimes, suggesting that a significant proportion of material produced in this experiment could have been derived from feeding on organic matter in the lake bed sediments. Respiration rates were higher in treatments with Microcystis but were unaffected by the presence of mussels. This laboratory study suggests that biodeposition by E. menziesii is resilient to short-term exposure to Microcystis, and highlights the ability of mussels to alter benthic substrate composition by incorporating suspended sediment into substrates.     

Physico‐chemical features of lake Ototoa,a sand‐dune lake in northern New Zealand

Lake Ototoa is a warm monomictic lake at 36° 31’ S, 174° 14'E. During a year's study (March 1969‐March 1970), the lake became thermally stratified in November, the metalimnion being between depths of 12 m and 16 m. Surface temperatures ranged between 10.2°c (in August) and 25.2°c (in late January), and bottom temperatures between 9.7°c and 17.5°c. The annual heat budget was calculated to be 642 354 KJ.m^‐2 (15 500 cal.cm^‐2) and the work of the wind in distributing the heat income 1.730 KJ.m^‐2 (1766 g.cm.cm^‐2). Secchi disc transparencies ranged between 5 m and 9.2 m (mean 7.07 m) and were greatest in the summer. Light transmission per metre was also high, ranging between 61% and 87%. Surface waters were normally supersaturated with oxygen, but during summer stratification oxygen concentrations in the bottom waters dropped to a minimum of 2.3 mg.litre^‐2 and a positive heterograde distribution of oxygen with depth was found. The oxygen deficit was 0.015 mg.cm^‐2.day^‐1 and showed the lake to be oligotrophic. Mean surface pH was 7.82, and the ionic composition of the waters was similar to that of other small New Zealand and Australian lakes located near the sea. Compared with other New Zealand lakes PO4‐P concentrations (range 1.00–10.20 μg.litre^‐1) were low and NO3—N concentrations (range 0.12–0.60 mg.litre^‐1) high.     

Subtidal Galeolaria hystrix (Polychaeta: Serpulidae) reefs in Paterson Inlet,Stewart Island,New Zealand

Serpulid patch reefs of Galeolaria hystrix Mörch, 1863 were found in water depths of 9–16 m in Big Glory Bay, Paterson Inlet, Stewart Island, and here we report preliminary studies of these important habitat‐formers. This is the first observation of this species in subtidal patch reefs; 114 reefs were noted in a survey of 28 000 m². Most reefs were 1–5 m in diameter, and up to 1.5 m high. Up to 65% of the serpulid tubes were occupied by living G. hystrix during a mid‐winter diving survey; 64% of reefs observed were whole, whereas 36% were broken or dead. Radiometric dating of a basal specimen of reef carbonate showed it to be less than 50 years old. Production of high‐Mg calcite, ranging from 9 to 11 wt% MgCO3, by G. hystrix may be as much as 11 kg CaCO3 m^‐2y^‐1, but was not reflected in surrounding sediments, which were dominantly terrigenous muds. A rich reef fauna, both sessile and motile, was associated with the reefs. Further study of these unusual temperate reefs is strongly recommended.     

Heterotrophic potentials and trophic status of ten New Zealand lakes

A comparative study of the heterotrophic potentials of ten New Zealand lakes was carried out. Two sampling periods were chosen, one during late August and early September 1972 (late winter, minimal thermal stratification) and another during February 1973 (mid summer, strong thermal stratification in all but two lakes). A wide range of heterotrophic potentials occurred which enabled the lakes to be placed in the following basic groups according to descending trophic levels:

Group I: Rotowhero (thermal, acid lake) >Rotorua>Okaro

Group II: Rotokakahi> Tikitapu >Okareka

Group III: Rotoma = Rotoroa (S.I.) = Rotoiti (S.I.) = Okataina

Maximum values for heterotrophic potential (Vm a x ) in micrograms of glucose per litre per hour were: Maximum heterotrophic activities were found within the metalimnion, except in Lakes Tikitapu and Rotokakahi, where maximum activities occurred within the hypolimnion.     

Nitrate levels in subsurface waters of the Waimea Plain,Nelson

In 1969–72, nitrate determinations were made on waters from 122 wells on the Waimea Plain, Nelson, South Island, New Zealand. Four wells showed values above 30 mg NO3‐N/litre with a maximum of 50 mg/litre in one well, fifteen were in the 30–20 mg/litre range, forty‐six were between 20 mg and 10 mg/litre; fifty‐seven were below 10 mg/litre, and in only four wells was the nitrate concentration below 1.0 mg NO3‐N/litre. Where it entered the plain, the Wairoa River usually contained about 0.07 mg NO3‐N/litre, whereas the Waiiti River contained from 0.5 to 2.0 mg NO3‐N/litre.

Mapping of gradients of nitrate level indicated that these might contribute to aquifer definition and to sources of replenishing waters.     

Size trends and population characteristics of striped marlin,Tetrapturus audax caught in the New Zealand recreational fishery

Size trends and population characteristics of striped marlin, Tetrapturus audax, caught in the New Zealand recreational fishery were evaluated using club records from the Bay of Islands Sword‐fish Club (BOISC) from 1925 to 2003 (n = 15 114) and biological samples from northern New Zealand collected from 1985 to 1994 (n = 684). Average weight (kg) ± SE of striped marlin declined 6–9 kg every 20 years between 1925 (124.2 ± 1.0 kg) and 2003 (100.1 kg ± 0.4). Weight (H14843 = 444.58, P < 0.001) and condition (H443 = 37.54, P < 0.001) increased significantly throughout the recreational fishing season (December‐May). No differences were observed in the lower jaw‐fork length (LJFL)‐weight (W) relationship between sexes or years but average weight of females (106.2 ±1.1 kg) was significantly greater than males (90.2 ±1.2 kg) from 1985 to 1994 (F684 = 88.37, P < 0.001). Negative allometric growth (W = 2E ‐08 LJFL^2.88) was recorded for all striped marlin. Individual growth was modelled by fitting backcalculated LJFL to eight age classes derived from dorsal spine measurements (n = 94) using the von Bertalanffy growth equation (r² = 0.96). The parameters estimated in the von Bertalanffy growth equation were asymptotic length (L ) = 3010 mm, annual growth rate (K) = 0.22, age (yr) at hypothetical length 0 (t0) = ‐0.04.     

Late Holocene diatoms in Lake Poukawa: Effects of airfall tephra and changes in depth

Lake Poukawa, a shallow hardwater lake, is situated on calcareous lake silt overlying peat and alluvium. Two tephra layers, Taupo Pumice and Waimihia Lapilli, aged c. 2000 and 3500 calendar years respectively, were present in four cores (c. 6 m long) of the lake sediment. The diatom flora of the cores was studied to find any indication of changes in the lake morphology and to assess the effects of tephra deposition. Increased abundance of small Fragilaria spp. appears to indicate periods when the lake was less extensive, c. 3700–3500 y ago, and c. 2800–3000 y ago. In the recent past, increased abundance of Fragilaria spp. in lake sediment near the present southern margin almost certainly coincides with artificial draining since A.D. 1931. The occurrence of marine sponge spicules in the cores probably indicates that rates of erosion in the catchment were low before 2500 y ago and high 100–0 y ago. Diatom samples taken at close intervals adjacent to the Taupo and Waimihia tephras indicate that above the ash estimated numbers of diatoms per unit dry weight increase, but the proportion of epiphytic species decreases. Some of the possible causes of this increase are discussed. The tephra layers possibly preserved more diatom frustules, or increased diatom growth by supplying silica, phosphorus, and sulphur nutrients directly, or organic matter from vegetation damage in the surrounding catchment. Alternatively, in shallow hardwater lakes, if acids are deposited with the tephra and its fine particles form an impermeable layer on the calcite sediments the lake will become less alkaline and nutrient depleted.     

Uptake of nitrate and ammonium,and distribution of related variables,in the upwelled plume of western Cook Strait/Taranaki Bight,New Zealand

To distinguish the manner of spread of upwelling effects in the Cook Strait/Taranaki Bight (New Zealand) region, nitrogen uptake and the distribution of nutrients and chlorophyll a are described. NO3 concentrations were closely linked to upwelled water, but this was distributed irregularly and not necessarily with the upwelling focus. NH4, SRP, and chlorophyll a showed varying degrees of association with recycling processes, but linear correlations were not present. NO3 uptake was strongly inhibited by ambient NH4, but not completely. There was no evidence of either N or P limitation of total planktonic biomass, and there was indirect evidence from C/N uptake and cellular ratios that a high growth rate prevailed. N uptake increased with irradiance (= decreasing depth) similar to photosynthesis, but without high light inhibition, and could be related to light by a simple equation. The irregularity of distribution of features suggests that future modelling of the phytoplankton biomass in the region could benefit from analysis of event occurrence rather than of evenly progressive changes.     

Citrate-dithionite-bicarbonate extractable phosphorus (CDB-P) pool in the suspended and surface sediments of the tidal flat area in inner Ariake Bay,Japan

CDB-P (phosphorus extractable by the citrate-dithionite-bicarbonate extraction procedure) was used as the indicator of bio-available inorganic P in the suspended and surface sediments in the inner part of Ariake Bay. The CDB-P pool of suspended and surface sediments in the tidal flat area was estimated to be 10 ton and 90 ton, respectively (total of 100 ton), which corresponds to 1.5 times the average dissolved inorganic phosphorus standing stock. During the summer periods of hypoxia, the CDB-P concentration in the surface sediments decreased with the decline of Eh, losing 43–47% of the CDB-P observed in April. These results suggest that the phosphorus dynamics have been affected by the decrease of resuspended sediment concentrations brought about by the reduction of the tidal currents and phosphate release from the surface sediments during frequently occurring summer hypoxia events.     

缢蛏(Sinonovacula constricta)生物扰动对养殖废水处理系统中沉积物磷赋存形态垂直分布的影响

为研究缢蛏(Sinonovacula constricta)生物扰动在养殖废水生态处理系统中对沉积物不同垂直分层的各种磷形态迁移转化的影响,于2016年5—7月在养殖废水处理池的贝藻处理区采集不同缢蛏养殖密度下的实验围隔箱内的底泥,测定不同垂直方向上的磷形态、微生物活性(FDA)以及碱性磷酸酶活性(APA)。结果表明,在底栖动物缢蛏生物扰动作用下,改变了沉积物内部的微环境,促进了微生物的生长,增大了沉积物中总微生物活性以及碱性磷酸酶活性。而沉积物中有机磷(OP)含量显著减少(P0.05);非磷灰石态无机磷(NAIP)、磷灰石态无机磷(AP)和无机磷(IP)含量显著增加(P0.05),这表明在缢蛏的生物扰动下OP可能转变成为AP、NAIP等无机磷成分;总磷含量呈降低趋势。本试验结果表明,缢蛏生物扰动下对于养殖废水生态处理系统沉积物垂直方向上的磷赋存形态具有显著的影响,且高密度组的生物扰动作用对沉积物中磷形态迁移转化的影响强于低密度组。     

Age and growth of bluenose,Hyperoglyphe antarctica (Pisces: Stromateoidei) from the lower east coast,North Island,New Zealand

Growth of the bluenose, Hyperoglyphe antarctica (Carmichael, 1818) from the lower east coast, North Island, was determined by counting growth check rings in otoliths. One growth check ring appeared to be laid down each year, so this technique is probably valid for aging bluenose. Female fish had a significantly higher growth rate than males. Comparisons of samples from three sites indicated no significant regional differences in growth. The von Bertalanffy parameters L8,K, and t0 fitted to back‐calculated fish lengths were, respectively, 81.1 cm, 0.308, ‐0.627 for males, and 86.1 cm, 0.308, ‐0.384 for females.     

Reference and current Trophic Level Index of New Zealand lakes: benchmarks to inform lake management and assessment

ABSTRACT

Knowledge of trophic status is fundamental to understanding the condition and function of lake ecosystems. We developed regression models to predict chlorophyll a concentrations (chl a) in New Zealand lakes for reference and current states, based on an existing dataset of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations for 1031 lakes. Models were then developed to predict Secchi depth based on chl a and a sediment resuspension term applicable to shallow lakes. Estimates of all four Trophic Level Index (TLI) variables (chl a, TN, TP and Secchi depth) were analysed to estimate reference and current state TLI for the nationally representative sample of 1031 lakes. There was a trend of eutrophication between reference and current states, with systematic differences among lake geomorphic types. Mean chl a increased 3.5-fold (2.42?mg?m^?3 vs. 8.32?mg?m^?3) and mean Secchi depth decreased (indicating lower clarity) by approximately one-third (9.62?m vs. 6.48?m) between reference and current states. On average, TLI increased by 0.67, with the TLI increase >1 in approximately one-third (31%) of lakes. This study informs the status of lake ecosystems in NZ and provides benchmarks to guide management and assessment.     

Carbon dioxide fixation in aerial roots of the New Zealand mangrove Avicennia marina var. resinifera (Note)

The CO2 exchange characteristics and chlorophyll content of the pneumatophores of Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh. var. resinifera (Forst.) Bakh. were examined. The results indicate that, in addition to their primary role in ventilation of the buried roots, the aerial roots have the ability to fix exogenous CO2 via photosynthesis. Consequently, during the day these organs are almost auto trophic in terms of carbon balance. When corrected for the respiration of non‐chlorophyllous tissue, they show photosynthetic rates comparable to those of many other woody plants.     

Tidal observations on the West Coast,South Island,New Zealand

Harmonic tidal constants, calculated from sea surface elevation observations at Jackson Bay on the West Coast of the South Island, are consistent with available semi‐diurnal and diurnal tidal phase distributions. Current observations taken over a 111 day period at mid‐depth in 1505 m of water on the southern flank of the Challenger Plateau and over a 240 day period in 1430 m of water on the South Island western coast continental slope, are subject to tidal analysis. At both sites there is a component of energy flux directed across the isobaths and only at the northern site for the M2 tide is the phase consistent with a dominant progressive barotropic tide. The successive 30 day harmonic constants at the southern continental slope site exhibit a trend in the M2 tidal ellipse speed and ellipticity suggesting the presence of a regular internal tide. Superposition of ‘internal tidal’ and barotropic tidal flows, as prescribed from progressive‐ and standing‐wave elevations, to fit the observations indicates that the ‘internal tide’ is probably associated with the first baroclinic mode. At the current‐meter depths the speeds of the ‘internal tide’ for the M2 tide are about the same as the barotropic speeds, whereas, the S2 ‘internal tide’ speeds are larger than those of the barotropic tide. The consistency of the trend in ellipse parameters lends support to the theoretical progressive trapped barotropic tidal flows being a good approximation to the actual barotropic tide. Some support for the hypothesis that the S2 tide on the West Coast of New Zealand has a substantial standing wave contribution is given by the northern observations, where the ratio of the S2: M2 internal tidal ellipse current amplitudes are substantially larger than the ratio of the elevations, the internal tide being generated by across‐isobath flows.     

McMurdo sound hydrological observations, 1972–73

Hydrological data, including current observations, from a line of five stations across seasonal ice in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, are presented. The observations, which were made during the 1972–73 summer, gave evidence for a net flux of approximately 0.4 × 10⁶m³.s^‐1 flowing towards the south to pass under the Ross Ice Shelf. There was a small northward flux (0.04 × 10⁶m³.s^‐1) on the western side of the sound, but over most of the width the flow was to the south.

Diurnal tidal currents, which were analysed in terms of K1, P1, and O1 components, were superposed on the drift currents.

Temperature and salinity measurements revealed signs of surface water dilution and warming down to 200 m in the region of southerly drift. Temperatures associated with the northerly drift on the western side of the section were close to freezing at all depths. This water can be identified as coming from under the Ross Ice Shelf.