Influence of slight differences in environmental conditions (light, hydrodynamics) on the structure and function of periphyton

Small streams are ecosystems mainly controlled by physical factors. Minor differences in these factors can affect periphyton, which are key functional communities in these ecosystems. Eight different environmental conditions combining two types of current, two flow velocities and two light intensities were produced and controlled in artificial channels. Their impact on young and mature periphyton was investigated during a 6-week exposure period. The two different levels of light intensity produced early effects on the algal community. In young periphyton, the lower level of light intensity enhanced the number of algal cells, and this community appeared to be significantly structured by light. As the periphyton matured, the effects of physical factors became more marked. At this later stage, both the bacterial and algal communities began to be affected. Both function (primary production) and structure began to respond to differences in light and in flow velocity. Small differences in low-level environmental factors, such as light and flow, had an effect both on the structure of periphyton and its functional capacities. Keeping in mind the close link between diversity and function in microbial communities, periphyton confronted to various environmental stresses (pollution, flooding) in the field may behave differently due to minor differences in physical factors.     

Characterization of the light attenuation by periphyton in lakes of different trophic state

In order to measure the attenuation of light by periphyton a method has been developed which assures that natural periphyton architecture and therefore its optical characteristics remain preserved. This method has been applied to analyze the transmittance of periphyton of four lakes of different tropic states situated in the Osterseen Lake District (Upper Bavaria, Germany). The seasonal variation of the periphyton's transmittance has been studied using standard microscope glass slides exposed 1 m beneath the water surface within macrophyte beds. The study ran from February to November 1997 in two eutrophic lakes (Lake Waschsee, Lake Sengsee) and from May to November 1997 in the meso-oligotrophic Lake Eishaussee and in the oligotrophic Lake Herrensee.Generally the exposure-period, the seasonality, and the tropic state of the habitat affected the transmittance spectra of the periphyton. In all lakes the attenuation by periphyton increased with longer colonization times but at a different time scale. The periphyton of the nutrient-rich and the nutrient-poor lakes differed clearly in composition and architecture. The eutrophic lakes were characterized by a relatively thick but loosely attached, unstable periphyton community, which was translucent to a certain degree even at the end of the growth period. The transmittance of this periphyton fluctuated considerably and high percentages of filamentous green algae in this periphyton contributed to attenuation maxima within the range 400-500 nm and 650-700 nm due to photosynthetic pigments. By contrast, the periphyton of the meso-oligotrophic and of the oligotrophic lake was quite compact and nearly impervious to light.     

Effects of sedimentation and periphyton communities on embryonic Rainbow Smelt, Osmerus mordax

The decline in anadromous rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) populations may be due to anthropogenic causes including spawning habitat degradation. The purpose of this study was to assess the survival of rainbow smelt embryos incubated under sediment layers of different depths (0.00, 0.25, 1.00, and 6.00 g/45.6 cm²) and in contact with periphyton communities of different biomass. Embryo survival was also assessed when cultured on periphyton in combination with sterilized sediment or eutrophying compounds (nitrates and phosphates). Oxygen consumption was monitored from embryos cultured alone, on periphyton layers, and under a sediment layer. Survival was significantly reduced under the highest sediment treatment and attributed to low oxygen availability to the embryos. Embryonic survival was also significantly reduced when incubated on the highest periphyton biomass. Embryos under the sediment layer consumed oxygen at a significantly greater rate than the controls, and the dissolved oxygen concentration below the sediment–water interface decreased to near anoxic. These results suggest that embryonic survival could be impacted in rivers with heavy sedimentation or a high standing biomass of periphyton.     

Substrate influence and temporal changes on periphytic biomass accrual and metabolism in a tropical humic lagoon

We performed a field experiment in a tropical humic coastal lagoon to evaluate periphyton biomass accrual and metabolism on three different substrates (1) plastic ribbons, (2) green and (3) senescent leaves of the emergent macrophyte Typha domingensis) over 30 days. The contribution of autotrophic biomass decreased as total biomass increased over the time. Mean periphytic ash free dry weight ranged from 0.8 to 5.6 mg cm⁻², but periphyton chlorophyll a concentrations presented shorter amplitudes, which oscillated from 0.12 to 0.44 μg cm⁻² throughout the experiment. Periphyton metabolism was overall heterotrophic on all substrates, especially on senescent leaves. Our data show that substrate type influenced both biomass accrual and periphyton net productivity and respiration rates throughout periphyton development and highlighted the dominance of heterotrophic metabolism. The periphyton respiration may be subsidized by both water- and substrate-derived allochthonous energy pathways, shedding light on the role of periphytic assemblages to the carbon cycling, as a source of CO₂ to the system.     

人工载体理化性状对附着生物水质修复能力的影响

附着生物初级生产力、叶绿素a含量和碱性磷酸酶活性能够指示其对水质的净化能力.本实验选择了5种具有不同表面结构和理化特性的人工载体(载玻片、PVC片、软性载体、组合载体和立体载体),野外原位测定了不同人工载体上附着生物的初级生产力、叶绿素a含量及碱性磷酸酶活性.结果表明:人工载体的理化性状是影响其上附着生物群落稳定、生产力、叶绿素a含量和碱性磷酸酶活性的重要因素.在野外原位条件下,附着生物通常在8～10 d就可以达到最大附着量,此时,其初级生产力、叶绿素a含量和代谢活性等均处于最佳状态.在所选择的5种人工载体中,立体载体和软性载体上附着生物的初级生产力、叶绿素a含量及碱性磷酸酶活性均显著高于其他3种载体,其中立体载体上附着生物净初级生产力最高可达164.21 mgO2/(g.h),且与软性载体相比,立体载体价格相对经济,因此立体载体是一种比较理想的用于水质修复的人工载体.     

Periphyton communities in Amazonian black- and whitewater habitats: Community structure, biomass and productivity

Chlorophyll a-concentrations, AFWD (ash-free-dry-weight) and photosynthesis rates were estimated for periphyton assemblages in Amazonian black-and white-water habitats over 14 months. Cellulose-acetate strips were incubated in situ and showed few major differences in periphyton quality as compared to natural substrata. The only exceptions were submersed Igapó forest leaves, which exhibited higher proportions of green algae and cyanobacteria though not producing differences in total periphyton biomass. Enclosure experiments showed a considerable nutrient release by inundated non-senescent Igapó forest leaves. Periphyton biomass and productivity were found to be highest in black-and white water mixing zones, where biomass peaked at 41.6 mg Chla/m² and 19.8 g/m² AFDW. Production was estimated to be 380 gC/m²·a. Maximum biomass of periphyton in floating meadows was 46 mg Chla/m² and 10.6 g/m² AFDW, with an annual production of 170 gC/m²·a. Solimões main channel periphyton values were low: maximum Chla was 7.1 mg/m², AFDW 0.8 g/m² and annual production was estimated to be 30 gC/m². Blackwater periphyton values were lower compared to whitewater and mixed water values but an enlarged trophogenic zone has to be taken into account. Highest Chla content reached 30.9 mg/m², AFDW 1.43 g/m². Estimated annual production was 110 gC/m². Observed mean periphyton productivity of Amazonian blackwater habitats approximately corresponded to mesotrophic attached algae productivity in temperate zones, whereas productivity of whitewater periphyton approached those of temperate eutrophic lakes. The role of periphyton in the Amazon food web is discussed.     

贵州草海湿地不同生境周丛生物碳、氮、磷生态化学计量学

为深入了解湿地周丛生物碳(C)、氮(N)、磷(P)生态化学计量的变化规律及其影响因素,对贵州草海湿地4种不同生境(湖滨带、人工湿地、农田沟渠、污水处理厂)中周丛生物两个生长阶段(生长期和衰老期)的C、N、P生态化学计量学进行了研究.结果表明:水体营养指数依次为污水处理厂(51.55±4.50)>农田沟渠(50.41±4.50)>人工湿地(47.20±6.72)>湖滨带(41.86±6.91),湿地下游水域水质较上游明显改善.总体来看,在不同生境间,周丛生物C、N、P含量随着水体营养浓度的升高而增加,但周丛生物化学计量比呈下降的趋势.同一生境中,生长期周丛生物的C、N、P含量和C∶N都小于衰老期周丛生物,N∶P和C∶P则相反.周丛生物生长期N、P元素为弱稳态型(H_N=2.358,H_P=2.576),衰老期为稳态型(H_N=10.99,H_P=5.78),整体来看两个生长阶段周丛生物的N∶P呈稳态型(H_N∶P=4.504).根据周丛生物最佳生长速率计量比得出湖滨带处于P限制状态,而人工湿地、污水处理厂和农田沟渠则不受养分限制.相关性分析表明水体营养水平显著影响周丛生物的N、P元素含量及化学计量比,尤其是水体TP和TN浓度.非线性曲面拟合分析表明,周丛生物N∶P和C∶N分别受水体TP和TN浓度的主要影响,而水体TN和TP浓度对周丛生物C∶P的影响同等重要.该研究表明,基于水体TP、TN浓度和周丛生物化学计量比的三维模型可用来评估水体营养水平和周丛生物化学计量之间的关系.     

Longitudinal distribution of periphyton algae in the Moskva river under eutrophication

Variations of the species structure of periphyton algae community on submerged plants have been studied along the longitudinal profile of the Moskva R. with the use of multivariate statistical methods. The results of principal-coordinates analysis show the flow velocity and biogenic load to be the major factors governing the spatial variations of periphyton structure. Mantel test shows the difference in the species structure to be correlated more closely with local variations in the environmental factors than with the distance along river channel. Therefore, the spatial distribution of periphyton in the Moskva R. agrees better with the concept of patch dynamics than the concept of river continuum. Estimation of the indicator potential of three ecological guilds of diatoms (low profile, high profile, and motile) has shown a positive response of motile diatoms to an increase in the concentration of biogenic compounds. The effect of other factors, such as light intensity in macrophyte stands and the microdistribution of diatoms in periphyton layer, can disturb the relationship between biogenic substance concentrations and the abundance of low profile and high profile diatoms.     

Phytoplankton and periphyton production and its relation to temperature in a humic lagoon

To analyse the existence of interactive competition between phytoplankton and periphyton, we studied their photosynthesis–irradiance (P–E) response during one year in a humic lagoon. Lake production was dominated by phytoplankton, which followed seasonal changes in temperature. Periphyton primary production and algae biomass increased in winter, when phytoplankton biomass and production were lower. In this study we show that even in conditions of phytoplankton dominance, the habitat coupling between phytoplankton and periphyton can still be noticed.     

太湖椭圆萝卜螺的食物来源分析

椭圆萝卜螺（Radix swinhoei）是太湖常见螺类,能牧食附着生物与多种水生植物。对植食性螺类而言,食物的主要来源究竟是水生植物还是附着生物尚存在争议。以来自太湖的苦草、轮叶黑藻、附着生物及混合食物（苦草＋轮叶黑藻＋附着生物）作为椭圆萝卜螺的四组食物,通过两个月的室内养殖实验,根据椭圆萝卜螺的生长指标来分析其主要食物来源。结果表明：以苦草、轮叶黑藻为食物时,椭圆萝卜螺的成活率（成螺）、特定生长率（幼螺与成螺）均显著低于附着生物、混合食物,食物种类对幼螺成活率的影响则不显著。另外,食物种类对幼螺壳长的增长有显著影响,在牧食两种水生植物后,幼螺平均每天壳长增长在0.01-0.02mm之间,而牧食附着生物与混合食物后每天增长0.05mm以上。分析认为,椭圆萝卜螺尽管牧食水生植物,但附着生物仍是其主要的食物来源,并对其原因进行了初步探讨。     

基于角弹性参数的多波地震储层预测方法

弹性参数作为反映岩石弹性性质的参数,在储层预测中具有重要作用.常规弹性参数的构建主要基于PP波地震信息.PP波与PS波地震振幅因其携带的信息不同,对岩性与流体的敏感性也不同.本文提出联合利用PP波与PS波弹性阻抗以及角度信息构建角弹性参数来预测有利储层.首先,对常规PS波弹性阻抗方程进行重新推导,使得PS波弹性阻抗取值的数量级不随角度变化且能够与PP波弹性阻抗具备形式上的匹配;其次,根据常规弹性参数构建公式,采用PP波弹性阻抗、PS波弹性阻抗替代纵波阻抗、横波阻抗,提出角弹性参数的概念及构建公式,从而将角度信息引入到弹性参数的构建中;最后,在PP波与PS波弹性阻抗反演的基础上构建得到对储层敏感性较强的角弹性参数,利用角弹性参数的取值特征预测有利储层.模型与实际资料测试均表明角弹性参数具备较高的储层敏感性.     

菹草(Potamogeton crispus)附着物对水体氮、磷负荷的响应

通过实验模拟了10组氮、磷负荷对菹草(Potamogeton crispus)生长期和衰亡期茎叶附着物的影响.结果显示:随着水体氮、磷浓度的升高,菹草附着物的叶绿素a(Chl.a)含量、附着有机物量、附着无机物量和附着物总量均增加,在氮、磷浓度最高的T10组(总氮12.0 mg/L,总磷1.0 mg/L),附着物的总量达到高峰,附着物的Chl.a含量为2.005~4.765mg/g(DW),附着有机物的量为29.027~94.886 mg/g(DW),附着无机物的量为176.881~397.750 mg/g(DW),附着物总量为205.909~492.636 mg/g(DW).在菹草的快速生长期、稳定期和衰亡期,附着物的Chl.a含量、附着有机物量、附着无机物量和附着物总量均存在显著差异,均表现为衰亡期 >稳定期 >快速生长期,且在各营养盐浓度下均存在这一趋势.菹草衰亡期附着物的Chl.a含量、附着有机物量、附着无机物量和附着物总量分别为稳定期的1.046~1.826、1.046~1.638、1.029~1.858和1.106~1.717倍,为快速生长期的2.324~4.059、2.323~3.640、2.101~3.792和2.280~3.584倍.结果表明水体氮、磷负荷的增加促进了菹草茎叶附着物的生长和积累,加速了沉水植物衰亡.     

Stress Transfer During Pressure Solution Compression of Rigidly Coupled Axisymmetric Asperities Pressed Against a Flat Semi-Infinite Solid

In a previous work, we developed a numerical model of compression by pressure solution (PS) of a single axisymmetric asperity pressed against a flat semi-infinite solid. The dissolution rate at any point along the contact and at any time t was determined by (1) computing the normal stress distribution from the current shape of the asperity, and (2) solving the diffusion equation inside the fluid-saturated solid-solid interface, including local dissolution source terms corresponding to the stress field previously determined. The change in shape of the asperity during an infinitesimal time interval δt can then be calculated and the entire procedure repeated as many times as desired. Our results showed that, as the contact flattens and grows during PS, the initial elastic deformation is partially relaxed and the stress transferred from the contact center to the edge. Our goal in the present paper is to demonstrate that, among a population of asperities, stress can also be transferred from one contact to another and that the overall compaction rate can be significantly affected by this process. For this purpose we extended our previous numerical model to simulate PS of two rigidly coupled spherical asperities simultaneously pressed against a flat semi-infinite solid. We considered two end-member cases: 1) transfer of stress to a newly created, not initially present contact, 2) transfer of stress between asperities with different sizes. In both cases, stress was transferred from the most stressed asperity to the least, and, the overall PS displacement rate was reduced. Thus, formation of new contacts and heterogeneous distribution of asperity sizes, which are both expected to exist in rough fractures with self-affine aperture or in heterogeneous granular materials with variable grain-packing geometry, may significantly slow down PS creep compaction.     

Evidence for ecosystem engineering in a lentic habitat by tadpoles of the western toad

A number of aquatic organisms have demonstrated an ability to modulate sediment deposition in tropical and temperate stream systems, but little is known about the impact of similar benthic grazing processes in temperate pond systems. Using exclosure experiments in mesocosms, we used tadpoles of the western toad (Anaxyrus boreas) to investigate two questions: (1) can grazing activities of tadpoles of the western toad in ponds reduce sediment accrual on grazing surfaces (e.g. via bioturbation or ingestion); and (2) do these grazing activities contribute to enhanced periphyton biomass and chlorophyll a content of benthic matter. Mesocosms received pulses of fine sediment weekly over 8 weeks to simulate allochthonous surface inputs following rainstorms. Accumulated sediment and periphyton matter on exposed and grazing-restricted substrate surfaces were measured weekly. Tadpole grazing activity significantly reduced the standing stock of periphyton on open grazing surfaces by 80% in controls. Under sediment-additions, tadpoles effectively removed settled particulate matter from exposed grazing surfaces, but no corresponding increase in periphyton biomass was observed. These results suggest that tadpoles can impact the dynamics of sediment distribution in ponds as well as streams, providing support for a role as “ecosystem engineers” in these habitats.     

Periphyton and sphagnicolous protists of dystrophic bog lakes (Brandenburg, Germany): II. Characteristic species and trophy of the lakes

Glass-slides were exposed in four different bog lakes located in great forest areas in Northern Germany, about 100 km north of Berlin, in order to examine the protist community of these dystrophic, acid lakes. Species composition and succession of the periphyton were studied during one year. The four investigated bog lakes exhibit similar species compositions, most of the species were present in each of the four lakes. The periphyton was composed of a great variety of protist species. Specimens of all major flagellated protists and of most of the ciliate taxa were found on the slides. Many of these species are ubiquitous. Some species, however, like the flagellates Spongomonas sacculus, Rhipidodendron huxleyi, Cyathobodo sp., and Pseudodendromonas vlkii as well as the ciliates Ophrydium hyalinum, Leptopharynx costatus, Uroleptus caudatus, and Platyophrya sphagni are found more frequently in acid waters. A regular and common occurrence of these species partly characterizes the acid Sphagnum bogs. Besides that, common species like Bodo spp., Cryptomonas spp., Goniomonas truncata, Chilodonella uncinata, Vorticella sp., and Cyrtolophosis mucicola are represented in the periphyton. Examinations of the testate amoebae in the Sphagnum mats show a very different species composition compared to earlier studies.

The investigated bog lakes revealed mesotrophic conditions. In the upper regions of the Sphagnum mats and in the center of the larger bog lakes, oligotrophic conditions still prevail. The lower regions of the Sphagnum mat and the smaller lakes, however, are influenced by the partly degradation of plants and the run-off water from surrounding land. In comparison to earlier studies, the species composition indicates a beginning eutrophication of the bog lakes. A direct anthropogenic impact can be excluded.     

Evaluation of a Florida coastal golf complex as a local and watershed source of bioavailable contaminants

Contaminant fate in coastal areas impacted by golf course runoff is not well understood. This report summarizes trace metal, pesticide and PCB residues for colonized periphyton, Ruppia maritima (widgeon grass), Callinectes sapidus Rathbun (blue crabs) and Crassostrea virginica Gemlin (Eastern oyster) collected from areas adjacent to a Florida golf course complex which receive runoff containing reclaimed municipal wastewater. Concentrations of 19 chlorinated pesticides and 18 PCB congeners were usually below detection in the biota. In contrast, 8 trace metals were commonly detected although concentrations were not usually significantly different for biota collected from reference and non-reference coastal areas. Residue concentrations in decreasing order were typically: zinc, arsenic, copper, chromium, lead, nickel, cadmium and mercury. Mean BCF values for the eight trace metals ranged between 160-57000 (periphyton), 79-11033 (R. maritima), 87-162625 (C. virginica) and 12-9800 (C. sapidus). Most trace metal residues in periphyton colonized adjacent to the golf complex, were either similar to or significantly less than those reported for periphyton colonized in nearby coastal areas impacted by urban stormwater runoff and treated municipal and industrial wastewater discharges. Consequently, the recreational complex does not appear to be a major source of bioavailable contaminants locally nor in the immediate watershed based on results for the selected biota.     

The effect of periphyton on the light environment and production of Potamogeton perfoliatus L. in the mesotrophic basin of Lake Balaton

Light within the littoral zone affects the productivity and interaction between periphyton and its macrophyte substrate. The effect of periphyton on macrophyte photosynthesis, seasonal variation and vertical distribution of periphyton on artificial substrates (plastic strips), and the effect of periphyton on the light environment was studied in Lake Balaton. Data showed that an average of 4.1 ± 0.4 mg (dry weight) cm^?2 of periphyton had accumulated on the plastic strips after 8.8 ± 0.4 days. This biomass corresponded to 294 ± 30 μg m^?2 chl-a of epiphytic algae and blocked 92.3 ± 0.8 % of the depth specific radiation. Seasonal variation and specific vertical distribution of periphyton were observed. The most active time of periphyton accumulation corresponded to spring up until mid-June. Later in the year, the amount of periphyton significantly decreased. The optimal conditions for periphyton accumulation were at 30–40 cm depth. Most of the light reaching the adaxial leaf surface was attenuated by periphyton, decreasing the production of Potamogeton perfoliatus by 60–80 %. This increased the importance of backscattered light that corresponded to 10–15 % of the macrophyte production. A smaller part of the periphyton consisted of precipitated inorganic material, while epiphytic algae, making up the majority of the periphyton, were connected to both benthic (dominantly benthic penales) and pelagic (very close seasonal dynamics of pelagic and epiphytic biomass) algae. Periphyton affects macrophyte production especially in spring and in the upper water layers even in a mesotrophic water body. This increases the importance of the light absorbed through the abaxial side of the leaf and confirm the role of periphyton in transition from clear to turbid water states.     

氮及氮磷比对附着藻类及浮游藻类的影响

2005年5月至11月,在河北省YH水库选取5个具有代表性的样点,进行了微囊藻毒素-LR的调查,同时,测定了相应各样点的TN,TP,NH4-N,NO3-N和PO4-P.结果显示,水库中微囊藻毒素-LR(MC-LR)随季节发生变化,其中,7-10月期间相对较高,且大部分超过了生活饮用水地表水标准限值(1 μg/L);MC-LR与水体中的N、P之间的相互关系表明,5-7月期间,水库MC-LR与TP呈正相关,与NH4-N和TN/TP呈负相关;8-9月期间,水库中TP逐渐降低,但其它降低速率低于TN,造成TN/TP明显降低,MC-LR与TP和TN/TP呈正相关,与NH4-N呈负相关;10-11月期间,大量藻细胞死亡,释放到水体中MC-LR也逐渐下降,这时,大量外源营养盐也进入水库,造成微囊藻毒素-LR的变化与TN、NH4-N、NO3-N呈显著或极显著负相关.这说明在不同季节下,微囊藻毒素-LR与营养盐的关系不同,必须视实际情况而定.     

Periphyton and sphagnicolous protists of dystrophic bog lakes (Brandenburg, Germany): I. Annual cycles, distribution and comparison to other lakes

The periphyton of acid, dystrophic bogs was investigated. Glass-slides were exposed in four different bog lakes about 100 km north of Berlin, Germany, in order to examine the species composition and the annual cycle of the protist community. The annual cycles of the periphyton in bog lakes were comparable to those in other mesotrophic lakes: During the winter months small heterotrophic flagellates (HF) dominated the periphyton community. Besides that bacterivorous ciliates were present as typical pioneer species. At the end of the ice covering, almost exclusively unicellular green algae colonized the slides. In May high abundances of ciliates and choanoflagellates were observed. At the same time, a maximum of species was reached. From August to October peritrich ciliates significantly contributed to the periphyton. Their number decreased when early frosts occurred.

The four investigated bog lakes exhibit very similar species compositions, almost all of the species were present in each of the four lakes. Differences were only distinct concerning the dominance of some protistan groups. The largest deflections, however, occurred not between two lakes, but between two habitats within one lake: The upper 30 cm of the Sphagnum mat comprise two very different protistan communities, determined by a strong vertical zoning. Due to the different light and nutrient conditions, the slides of the upper region exhibited a denser colonization, mainly consisting of autotrophic cryptomonads and vagile ciliates. In contrast to this, the slides of the deeper region were mainly colonized by heterotrophic flagellates and sessile peritrich ciliates.