Continuous Multi‐probe Measurements in Fastflowing Waters Using a Hydrographic Slot

Taking continuous spatiotemporal in situ measurements with multi‐probes in fast‐flowing waters/rivers can be problematic because the sensors may be damaged by high shear forces and flotsam. To protect the multi‐probe and to enable easy access for the maintenance and calibration of the sensors, a special multi‐probe holder fixed in a hydrographic slot was developed. The validation of the probe system revealed a “memory effect” at short time scales (< 10 s) within sharp gradients caused by the overflow container of the multi‐probe rack keeping the sensors submerged in the sample water. Continuously recorded data (conductivity, temperature, pH, oxygen concentration and saturation, as well as in vivo fluorescence of chlorophyll‐a) from a research cruise on board the RV ALBIS along the river Elbe (river km 309) and entering the river Saale are presented. This river stretch upstream of the city of Magdeburg to the mouth of the Saale tributary was found to have a complex physicochemical character, which is attributable to the long mixing process of water from the river Saale and the river Elbe.     

The dynamics of phytoplankton, bacteria and heterotrophic flagellates at two Banks near Magdeburg in the River Elbe (Germany)

The main objectives of this study were to describe the seasonal standing stock dynamics of phytoplankton, bacterioplankton and heterotrophic flagellates in the highly eutrophic River Elbe (Germany), and to compare the seasonal patterns observed with other streams. Emphasis was placed on examining and assessing abiotic and biotic controlling factors influencing the structure and dynamics of the riverine plankton. All the physico-chemical and biological parameters determined were within the range or somewhat higher (in the case of phytoplankton abundance and biomass) than reported for other large streams. The underwater light conditions resulting from atypically short phytoplankton growth periods of about 6 months per year and the low phytoplankton carbon to chl a ratio of 23 were identified as a major limiting factor for phytoplankton development in the River Elbe. The seasonal distribution pattern of bacterioplankton indicated probable tight trophodynamical coupling both with phytoplankton and with heterotrophic flagellates, whereas heterotrophic flagellates showed a more trophic link with bacterial densities. Although approximately constant DOC and DON levels throughout the year sustained bacterial growth rates, during the phytoplankton growing season an increase of bacterial standing stocks was observed. Although the left-bank sampling site of the Elbe is strongly influenced by the tributaries Mulde and Saale containing higher concentrations of chloride, nitrogen nutrients, heavy metals and organic pollutants, no clear differences were observed between the two sides of the river concerning the biological parameters measured. Possible reasons and the slightly higher phytoplankton abundance and diversity at the right bank are discussed.     

Long‐term variations and temporal scaling of hydroclimatic time series with focus on the German part of the Elbe River Basin

Long‐term variations and temporal scaling of mean monthly time series of river flow, precipitation, temperature, relative humidity, air pressure, duration of bright sunshine, degree of cloud cover, short wave radiation, wind speed and potential evaporation within or in vicinity of the German part of the Elbe River Basin are analyzed. Statistically significant correlations between the 2–15 year scale‐averaged wavelet spectra of the hydroclimatic variables and the North Atlantic Oscillation‐ and Arctic Oscillation index are found which suggests that such long‐term patterns in hydroclimatic time series are externally forced. The Hurst parameter estimates (H) based on the Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA) indicate persistence for discharge, precipitation, wind speed, air pressure and the degree of cloud cover, all having an annual cycle and a broad low‐frequency distribution. Also, DFA H parameter estimates are higher for discharge than for precipitation. The major long‐term quasi‐periodic variability modes of precipitation detected using Singular Spectrum Analysis coincide with those detected in the discharge time series. Upon subtraction of these low‐frequency quasi‐periodic modes, the DFA H parameter estimates suggest absence of the persistence for both precipitation and discharge. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of the Herbicide Metazachlor on Phytoplankton and Periphyton Communities in Outdoor Mesocosms

The effects of the chloroacetanilide herbicide metazachlor have been investigated in outdoor artificial mesocosms. Decreasing phytoplankton densities were caused by the application, however, the communities recovered after 30 to 35 days. Periphyton growth was found to be affected not only by the herbicide application but by the presence of species with different ability to grow on artificial substrates. Zooplankton diversity was small due to low density of ingestible algae species. Oxygen saturation was found to be correlated with the dosage levels of the herbicide in the second half of the study.     

Species Composition and Seasonal Variations of the Gastropoda in Upper Sakarya River System (Turkey) in Relation to Water Quality

Species composition, abundance, and seasonal distribution of the Gastropoda fauna and the physical and chemical variables of Upper Sakarya River System have been investigated between October 1998 and August 1999. Gastropod fauna in the Upper Sakarya River System was represented by 9 species of Prosobranchia and 7 species of Pulmonata. Diversity, dominance, and abundance of the Gastropoda species were recorded seasonally. The abundance of some of the 16 species was correlated positively with temperature, dissolved oxygen and negatively or positively with pH and nitrate. It was observed that Gyraulus albus (Müller, 1774), Physa acuta Draparnaud, 1805, Valvata pulchella Studer, 1820, and Oxyloma elegans (Risso, 1826) can tolerate a high level of NO‐N while V. piscinalis (Müller, 1774) spread out in unpolluted water. Although the species and their numbers change at the stations, the maximum numbers were found during autumn, while minimums were identified during the winter sampling. Gyraulus albus was the most widespread species in our research area. Only 5 species (Gyraulus albus, Physa acuta, Valvata cristata (Muller, 1774), Valvata pulchella, Melanopsis praemorsa costata (Olivier, 1804)) were determined each season. However, no Gastropoda were found at the station 3 that has high BOD, NO‐N, NO‐N, and NH₃ levels.     

Abrupt changes in the discharge and sediment load of the Pearl River,China

The abrupt changes in the streamflow and sediment load at nine hydrological stations of the Pearl River basin were systematically analysed by using the simple two‐phase linear regression scheme and the coherency analysis technique. Possible underlying causes were also discussed. Our study results indicated that abrupt changes in the streamflow occurred mainly in the early 1990s. The change points were followed by significant decreasing streamflow. Multiscale abrupt behaviour of the sediment load classified the hydrological stations into two groups: (1) Xiaolongtan, Nanning and Liuzhou; and (2) Qianjiang, Dahuangjiangkou, Wuzhou, Gaoyao, Shijiao and Boluo. The grouped categories implied obvious influences of water reservoirs on the hydrological processes of the Pearl River. On the basis of analysis of the locations and the construction time of the water reservoirs, and also the time when the change points occurred, we figured out different ways the water reservoirs impacted the hydrological processes within the Pearl River basin. As for the hydrological variation along the mainstream of the Pearl River, the water reservoirs have considerable influences on both the streamflow and sediment load variations; however, more influences seemed to be exerted on the sediment load transport. In the North River, the hydrological processes seemed to be influenced mainly by climate changes. In the East River, the hydrological variations tended to be impacted by the water reservoirs. The study results also indicated no fixed modes when we address the influences of water reservoirs on hydrological processes. Drainage area and regulation behaviour of the water reservoirs should be taken into account. The results of this study will be of considerable importance for the effective water resources management of the Pearl River basin under the changing environment. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Polysaccharides in River Sediments from the Odra Basin after the 1997 Flood

Fourteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), six monosaccharides (SA) formed following the hydrolysis of polysaccharides, as well as water and organic matter contents were determined in river sediments sampled in thirteen points in the Odra basin after the catastrophic flood of 1997. The water content is related to the water absorbing capacity of the soil in the Odra catchment area. The PAH content increases together with the increase in the organic matter (OM) content which suggests that these species are mainly of anthropogenic origin. On the other hand, SA and OM contents decrease with increasing water content, which implies that both enhance biological life. The PAH content tends to decrease when the SA content increases. This relation goes hand in hand with the quality of water resources, which is greater when the quantity of polysaccharides is higher.     

1840年以来长江大洪水演变与气候变化关系初探

长江洪水灾害是我国频率高、为患严重的自然灾害之一.本文依据可靠资料,选择1840年至2000年间32次大洪水记录,探讨其演变与气候变化的关系.认知1910s前的19世纪冷期出现大洪水13次(包括1870年的极值大洪水事件)频率为1.9次／10a.1921-2000年间出现了大洪水19次,频率为2.4次／10a.20世纪暖期又分出两个变暖时段,前一变暖时段的峰值期1920s-1940s出现大洪水9次,包含1931年全流域大洪水.后一变暖时段,即1980s与1990s出现大洪水8次.实测记录到的最大洪水1954年位于前一变暖时段结束阶段.1990s是全球,也是我国近百年中最暖年代,受东南季风影响大的中下游地区夏季降水量是近百年最多的,大暴雨频率也是有较多记录的40年来最高的.以此出现了10年5次大洪水高频率现象,包含1998年全流域型大洪水,表明了全球变暖的显著影响.也指示30-40年问周期性振荡中多雨年代.如此可预期21世纪初期降水会有小幅度下降与大洪水频率在短期内降低的可能性.长江上游受西南季风影响较大,19世纪下半期与20世纪上半期为多降水期,大洪水频率较高.20世纪下半期为少降水期,大洪水频率较低.关于气候变化研究有待深入,前景不易预估.     

Distribution and Chemical Forms of Heavy Metals in the Flood 1997 Sediments of the Upper and Middle Odra River and its Tributarie:, Poland

At the beginning of August 1997, 72 samples of flood sediments were taken along the Upper and Middle Odra river and its tributaries. The concentrations of Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd, Co, Ni, Cr, Mn, and Fe in the bulk samples and in the <20 μm fraction were determined by AAS method. The contents of metals vary in wide ranges and are significantly higher in the <20 μm fraction of sediments. The range concentrations vary as following: Zn 274...3 656 mg/kg, Pb 79...1 773 mg/kg, Cd 1.7...11.8 mg/kg, Cu 38...2 244 mg/kg, Cr 14...384 mg/kg, Co 4...73 mg/kg, Hg 0.2...3.9 mg/kg, Mn 214...6 972 mg/kg, and Fe 1.5...16.3 %. The highest amount of the metals was found in the Wrocław and Głogów regions. The mobile (exchangeable and carbonatic fractions) portions of metals reached up to 50 % of Zn, 40 % of Pb and Cu and 60 % of Mn.     

Assessment of the Water and Habitat Quality of a Mediterranean River (Kalamas,Epirus, Hellas), in Accordance with the EU Water Framework Directive

In the present study, the water quality of Kalamas river (NW Greece) was evaluated using physicochemical and hydromorphological parameters and benthic macroinvertebrates. Statistical analyses (Cluster and FUZZY analyses) were performed and two biotic scores (BMWP' and HS) were used in order to classify the sites according to water quality. Kalamas river appeared to have excellent tomoderate water quality at all sampling sites except one (close to the delta area) which was ”fairly or significantly polluted”. During the low flow season water quality appeared poorer than during the high flow season. The ecological parameters (hydromorphological, chemical, and biological) used for this integrated approach are the ones proposed by the New Water Directive 2000/60 EC for an efficient surveying monitoring of running waters.     

Occurence and Transport of Organic Micro-contaminants in Sediments of the Odra River Estuarine System

Over ninety surface sediment samples (0...3 cm) were collected in the Odra river estuarine system – from the Oderhaff, the Pomeranian Bight, the Peenestrom, the Greifswald Bodden – and the Arkona Basin between 1994 and 1996 and analysed for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) and biphenyls (PCB), and p,p′-dichlorodiphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) including their metabolites. The contents of all investigated organochlorines in the sediments of the western part of the Oderhaff (Kleines Haff) were only slightly higher and more homogenously distributed compared to the values of the Pomeranian Bight and the Greifswald Bodden. PCB contents (sum of 23 congeners) in surface sediments ranged between <130 and 9 550 pg/g (given for dry weight, dw). The results of individual PCB congeners showed that high contents of hexa- and heptachlorinated compounds (PCB 138, 153, 180) were present in the entire area investigated. Generally, low levels of PCDD/F were found in surface sediments of the Odra river estuarine system due to small industrial activities in the catchment area. Contents of PCDF (sum) and PCDD (sum) varied from 2.5 to 820 pg/g (dw) and from 13 to 2 991 pg/g (dw), respectively. The congener contents of PCDF showed a nonuniform picture between the Oderhaff and the Arkona Basin. In contrast, the congener profiles of PCDD showed approximately similar patterns at nearshore and offshore stations, with highest values of OCDD (octa CDD). We assume that most of the particulate-bound micro-contaminants (PCB, PCDD/F) are deposited in the eastern part of the Oderhaff (Stettin Lagoon), which acts as a temporary trap and opurificationπ basin for the suspended particulate matter (SPM). One pathway for further transport of the particles seems to be the way on a small sedimentation strip along the island of Usedom via the “Saßnitz-trough” into the deeper parts of the western Baltic Sea.     

Distribution and Fate of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Sediments and Fluffy Layer Material from the Odra River Estuary

The distribution and fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated in surface sediments (0...2 cm) and fluffy layer material of the internal and external coastal waters of the Odra river estuary (north-eastern Germany). The area includes the Odra Lagoon (Oderhaff), the Greifswalder Bodden, the Pomeranian Bight, and the Arkona Basin. Elevated concentrations were observed in the surface sediments of the internal coastal waters with highest concentrations in the Odra Lagoon. This indicates a significant contribution of river discharge to the contamination of sediments with PAHs. During the exceptional Odra flood in the summer of 1997 significantly higher concentrations of PAHs were found in the fluffy layer material of the Odra Estuary. The distribution of the individual PAH compounds varies widely depending on their structure and molecular weight. A concentration gradient of the lower molecular weight PAHs was found from the Odra Lagoon to the open sea areas. The concentrations decreased rapidly from the Oder Haff to the Arkona Basin. These results were found in both sediments and fluffy layer material. This is attributed to the degradation of the lower molecular weight PAHs during transport from the urban regions to the sedimentation basins. A decrease of this magnitude was not found for the higher molecular weight PAHs (i.e. benzo(a)pyrene) due to their higher persistence. An enrichment of these compounds was measured in the Arkona Basin.