Freshwater Phytoplankton Bloom in Visovac Lake - A Possible Cause of Benthic Mortality in Krka Estuary (Adriatic Sea, Croatia)

Abstract. In late summer and early autumn of 1989 benthic mortality in the upper part of Krka estuary extended from the Skradinski buk waterfalls to approximately 5 km downstream. Dead benthic organisms were found on the bottom at depths of up to 4.5 m. During August, a freshwater phytoplankton bloom was recorded in Visovac lake (which supplies the Skradinski buk waterfalls). The green tide in the lake was composed of up to 11.9 million cells. 1^--¹, predominantly of Synedra acus and Dinobtyon sertularia . At that time the maximal total inflow of phytoplankton cells through the waterfalls was approx. 0.41 S^-I (38000 1. d^-1). Cells of these two species died after reaching the salt wedge and the cummulative effect of their decomposition apparently caused an oxygen demand sufficient enough to trigger the benthic mortality. Due to the water mass dynamics, the spreading of mortality downstream was slow (from August to October, approx. 5 km). Certain benthic fishes (like Gobius sp.) were observed on the bottom of the affected area in mid-October 1989.     

Diel vertical migration of medusae in the open Southern Adriatic Sea over a short time period (July 2003)

Diel vertical migration (DVM) of medusae was investigated at a fixed station in the oligotrophic Southern Adriatic Sea at several depths during summer (July) 2003. We hypothesized that medusan DVM is considerably influenced by environmental variables such as hydrographic features, light intensities, and potential prey densities. We used short-term repetitive sampling as an approach to detail these relationships. Of the 26 species collected, the highest abundance was in the layer between the thermocline (15 m) and 100 m depth, where Rhopalonema velatum predominated, reaching the maximum count of 93 individuals per 10 m³. Seven species were observed over a wide depth range: Solmissus albescens (15–1200 m), R. velatum (0–800 m), Persa incolorata (50–1200 m), Octophialucium funerarium (200–1200 m), Arctapodema australis (200–1200 m), Amphinema rubra (100–800 m), and Rhabdoon singulare (15–600). According to the medusan weighted mean depth (WMD) calculations, the longest DVMs were noted for the deep-sea species S. albescens , O. funerarium , and A. australis . The shallowest species, Aglaura hemistoma , was primarily non-migratory. Certain medusan assemblages were associated consistently with a particular depth layer characterized by a particular light intensity. The interplay of environmental factors and trophic relationships explains some of the features of medusan migratory patterns. These findings thus contribute to understanding the variables that determine patterns of medusan vertical migratory behavior.     

Benthic macroinvertebrates' vertical distribution in the Tagus estuary (Portugal): The influence of tidal cycle

In this work we evaluated the vertical distribution pattern of benthic infauna during the tidal cycle at one of the most important mudflats of the Tagus estuary. Samples were collected hourly during 24 h periods at four complete tidal cycles, using a corer specifically designed for the study purpose that allowed easy and effective separation of 15 different sediment layers. A particular case of general linear models, the hurdle model, was used to analyse data sets. We found that different species have different distribution and abundance according to sediment layers. Results showed that individuals tend to go deeper into sediment with a lower water column height and that these migrations are more visible during spring tides.     

Inter-annual variability in phytoplankton summer blooms in the freshwater tidal reaches of the Schelde estuary (Belgium)

The inter-annual variability in phytoplankton summer blooms in the upper reaches of the Schelde estuary was investigated between 1996 and 2005 by monthly sampling at 10 stations. The large inter-annual variations of the chlorophyll a concentration in the freshwater tidal reaches were independent from variations in chlorophyll a in the tributary river Schelde. Summer mean chlorophyll a concentrations were significantly negatively correlated with flushing rate (Spearman correlation: r = −0.67, p = 0.05, n = 9) but not with temperature, irradiance and suspended particulate matter or dissolved silica (DSi) concentrations. During dry summers, low flushing rates permitted the development of dense phytoplankton populations in the upper part of the estuary, while during wet summers high flushing rates prevented the development of dense phytoplankton blooms. Flushing rate was also found to be important for the phytoplankton community composition. At low flushing rates, the community was dominated by diatoms that developed within the upper estuary. At high flushing rates, chlorophytes imported from the tributary river Schelde became more important in the phytoplankton community. The position of the chlorophyll a maximum shifted from the head of the estuary when flushing rates were low, to more downstream when flushing rates were high. Although DSi concentrations tended to be lower during years of high phytoplankton (mainly diatom) biomass, the relation with flushing rate was not significant.     

High downward flux of mucilaginous aggregates in the Ligurian Sea during summer 2002: similarities with the mucilage phenomenon in the Adriatic Sea

The DYFAMED sediment trap station in the Ligurian Sea (NW Mediterranean) has been active since 1986 and today comprises the longest time‐series of downward particle flux in the Mediterranean Sea. As such, it provides valuable information on the interannual variability of the particle flux, and also documents possible recent changes in the NW Mediterranean pelagic ecosystems. We report an unprecedented episode of downward flux of mucilaginous material at the DYFAMED station during summer 2002 in association with singular hydrometeorological conditions. The rain of mucilaginous aggregates clogged a PPS5 sediment trap at 260 m depth and was also clearly detected at 1080 m depth. The possible factors governing the development and sinking of the mucilaginous material are discussed. A very sharp increase of sea surface temperature during June and the presence of freshened waters in the surface the following month resulted in a stronger than usual stratification of the upper water column throughout the summer season. We suggest that the steepness of the vertical density gradient was responsible for the unusual accumulation of mucous aggregates. Additionally, a diatom bloom took place during the nutrient‐depleted conditions typical of summer, a factor which may have contributed to feed the pycnocline with transparent exopolymer substances. A storm occurring in the beginning of August relaxed the stratification and promoted the deposition of the mucilaginous aggregates accumulated in the upper water column during the preceding months. Important similarities of ambient conditions preceding the apparition of mucilaginous material in our open‐sea site and those reported in the Adriatic Sea during major mucilage events, suggest that general climatic conditions, rather than local factors, drive the occurrence of major accumulations of mucilaginous material in the water column at both sub‐basins of the Mediterranean Sea. In this regard, the strength of the air temperature increase during the onset of the stratified season is proposed as a major controlling factor.     

A case study of sewage discharge in the shallow coastal area of the Northern Adriatic Sea (Gulf of Trieste)

A case study was carried out in 2000 in the shallow coastal area of the Northern Adriatic Sea (Gulf of Trieste) where untreated domestic sewage and industrial wastes are discharged at rate of 5500 m³·day^?1. The sewage plume above the outfall was followed using faecal coliforms (FC) and overturning length scale (l_T). The latter was rejected as a marker as the discharge conditions prohibit following the turbulence of sewage water. Intermittent sewage discharge is reflected in the minimal effect of eutrophication. Increase of phytoplankton biomass is thus only minor compared with the unpolluted area regardless of elevated concentrations of sewage‐derived nutrients (confirmed by correlation coefficients between FC and NH₄⁺, TP, PO₄^3?: 0.78, 0.71 and 0.67, respectively). Deteriorated trophic status, determined by the TRIX index, was observed only in the surface layer (average TRIX: 5.67). High FC content well above the regulation limit (up to 2.6 × 10⁵ FC·100 ml^?1) represents, therefore, the major negative impact of the improperly treated waste for the risk to human health.     

Mesozooplankton spatial distribution and community structure in the South Adriatic Sea during two winters (2015, 2016)

Whereas the data on mesozooplankton in the epipelagic offshore Mediterranean Sea are extensive, less information is available about plankton in the deeper layers. The present study aims to describe the vertical and horizontal structure and distribution of mesozooplankton species and their associations down to 1,200 m in the water of the Southern Adriatic Sea. Zooplankton were sampled using a Nansen net of 200‐μm mesh size during two cruises in the winters of 2015 and 2016, extending from the coast to the open sea. In total, 203 zooplankton taxa were identified. The community was dominated by copepods, representing between 67% and 91% of the total abundance. The highest total densities were recorded in the upper layers where a high proportion (up to 36%) of appendicularians was also observed in the first sampled year. Five groups of samples were determined based on their community structure. In 2015 communities were distinct between the 0 and 50 m layer and the underlying one (50–100 m), whereas in 2016 epipelagic waters were inhabited by a more uniform mesozooplankton community. The mesopelagic and deep‐water fauna, especially copepods, showed a relatively stable composition in both sampling years Overall, our study confirms the oligotrophic character of the Southern Adriatic, with occasional density outbreaks of appendicularians under favourable conditions.     

2012年夏季楚科奇海浮游动物垂直迁移及上升流对其生物量的影响

The diel vertical migration(DVM) of zooplankton and the influence of upwelling on zooplankton biomass were examined using water column data of current velocity and mean volume backscattering strength(MVBS)collected by moored acoustic Doppler current profilers(ADCPs) deployed in the southeastern Chukchi Sea during the 5th Chinese National Arctic Research Expedition(CHINARE) in summer 2012, combined with the satellite observational data such as sea surface temperature(SST), wind, and chlorophyll a(Chl a). Hourly acoustic data were continuously collected for 49-d in the mooring site. Spectral analysis indicated that there were different migrating patterns of zooplankton, even though precisely classifying the zooplankton taxa was not available. The prevailing 24-h cycle corresponded to the normal DVM with zooplankton swimming upwards at sunrise and returning to deep waters at sunset. There was a clear DVM in the upper 17 m of the water column during the period with distinct day-night cycles, and no active DVM throughout the water column when the sun above the horizon(polar day), suggesting that light intensity was the trigger for DVM. Also there was a second migrating pattern with 12-h cycle. The upwelling event occurring in the northwest of Alaskan coastal area had important influence on zooplankton biomass at the mooring site. During the upwelling, the SST close to the mooring site dropped significantly from maximal 6.35°C to minimal 1.31°C within five days. Simultaneously, there was a rapid increase in the MVBS and Chl a level, suggesting the aggregation of zooplankton related to upwelling.     

Reproductive cycle and minimal length at sexual maturity of Engraulis encrasicolus (L.) in the Zrmanja River estuary (Adriatic Sea, Croatia)

The reproductive cycle of anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus (L.), was studied from monthly random samples of purse seine catches. A total of 1477 anchovy specimens were collected from January to December 2003 in the Zrmanja River estuary (Novigrad Sea). The analysis was based on the temporal evolution of gonadosomatic index, mass and stage of gonads. The total length of anchovy ranged from 4.5 to 14.5 cm and mass from 0.56 to 19.80 g. Sex ratio was slightly different from 1:1; the females were insignificantly predominated (♂/♀ = 0.99). The period of reproductive activity was from April to September coinciding with the most developed stages of gonads as well as with the highest gonad weights, and gonadosomatic indices. To estimate the length at maturity, a sub sample of 454 anchovy was taken from May to July (peak of anchovy spawning period). The length at which 50% of anchovy were mature (L₅₀) was calculated to be 8.2 cm. The length–weight relationship of anchovy was described by the expression: W = 3.51 × 10⁻³ L_T^3.211 (r² = 0.998). The relationships between total length–standard length and total length–fork length are L_T = 1.1405L_S + 0.2420 and L_T = 1.0425 L_F + 0.3944, respectively.     

春、夏季长江口邻近水域浮游动物优势种的生态特征

依据2000～2003年长江口邻近海域5月和8月8个航次的调查资料,对长江口浮游动物优势种的生态特征进行了研究。根据优势种出现的年份,平均丰度、优势度、聚集强度和对总丰度变化的回归贡献,确定本区优势种的重要性为真刺唇角水蚤（Labidocera euchaeta）〉中华哲水蚤（Calanus sinicus）〉背针胸刺水蚤（Centropage dorsispinatus）。太平洋纺锤水蚤（Acartia pacifica）,火腿许水蚤（Schmackeria poplesia）和虫肢歪水蚤（Tortanus vermiculus）为次要优势种。马蹄娩螺（Limacina trochiformis）是偶然出现的优势种。中华哲水蚤在春季对总丰度贡献最大。真刺唇角水蚤是8个航次唯一的优势种,种群年间变化不显著。太平洋纺锤水蚤,火腿许水蚤和虫肢歪水蚤分布范围相对狭小,火腿许水蚤和虫肢歪水蚤分布在沿岸偏淡水的水体,适合较低的温度。太平洋纺锤水蚤分布在近岸偏成水的水体,适合较高的温度。     

Phytoplankton driven distribution of dissolved and particulate lipids in a semi-enclosed temperate sea (Mediterranean): Spring to summer situation

The relationship between changes in lipid classes and phytoplankton composition and abundance in the northern Adriatic was studied during spring and summer 2008 at two stations with different nutrient levels, i.e. at the western mesotrophic and eastern oligotrophic areas. Changes in the phytoplankton community depended on temporal surface nutrient depletion and bottom accumulation; that is, microphytoplankton, mainly diatoms Pseudo-nitzschia sp., developed at nutrient richer surface layers of the mesotrophic area in spring and at deeper layers of the oligotrophic site in late summer. In other periods nanophytoplankton dominated. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and lipid content were comparable for the two stations, while particulate organic carbon (POC) was richer at the mesotrophic side. Total lipid concentrations varied in the range from 8.0 to 92.2 μg l⁻¹ and from 16.9 to 76.9 μg l⁻¹ in the dissolved and particulate fractions, respectively. DOC and POC contents were in the ranges from 0.77 to 1.58 mg l⁻¹ and from 0.06 to 0.56 mg l⁻¹, respectively. Lipid and organic carbon distribution did not follow phytoplankton progression, indicating decoupling between organic matter production and decomposition throughout the investigation period. The main sources of lipids were marine phytoplankton and bacteria. Low nutrient conditions caused increased biosynthesis of lipids. Also, increasing oligotrophy led to an increasing number of phytoplankton taxa. The synthesis and accumulation of glycolipids by the developed taxa were enhanced during nutrient exhaustion, contributing in late summer, on average, 20.2 and 22.0% at the mesotrophic and oligotrophic stations, respectively, in the particulate fraction. The distribution of bacterial lipids and lipid breakdown products implies that bacterial lipid degradation was significant in spring, while very probably lipid abiotic degradation took place during summer.     

Organic matter origin and distribution in suspended particulate materials and surficial sediments from the western Adriatic Sea (Italy)

In this study, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), stable carbon isotopic (δ¹³C_OC) and CuO reaction product compositions were used to identify the sources of organic matter (OM) and to quantify the relative importance of allochthonous and autochthonous contributions to the western Adriatic Sea, Italy. Suspended particulate material (195 samples) and surficial sediments (0–1 cm, 70 samples) from shallow cross-shelf transects were collected in February and May 2003, respectively. Vertical water column profiles were acquired along the same transects. Data include depth, potential temperature, salinity, density and chlorophyll fluorimetry.Along the western Adriatic shelf in the near-shore region, the phytoplankton growth was influenced by dynamics of the buoyant plumes from the Po and Appennine rivers. A small amount of very fine terrigenous material remained suspended within the coastal current and was exported southward along the shelf to the slope. High variability in the bulk composition was detected in the Po prodelta surficial sediments, whereas the western Adriatic shelf, although a larger area, exhibited a narrower range of values.A significant decoupling was observed between suspended particles in the water column and surficial deposits. The organic material collected in the water column was compositionally heterogeneous, with contributions from marine phytoplankton, riverine–estuarine phytoplankton and soil-derived OM. Frequent physical reworking of surficial sediments likely leads to the efficient oxidation of marine OC, resulting in the observed accumulation and preservation of refractory soil-derived OC delivered by the Po and Appennine rivers.     

长江口浮游动物生态分布特征及其与环境的关系

采用2002年8月监测资料,对长江口海域的浮游动物生态分布特征(种类组成、群落结构及多样性等)分四个区域进行了分析,并探讨了浮游动物个体数、生物量分布与环境因子的关系。结果表明,调查海域共鉴定出浮游动物74种,桡足类28种,水母类7种,毛颚类6种,另外还鉴定出多种浮游虾类和浮游幼体。长江口外海区浮游动物种类最多,为55种,长江口混合区其次,为42种,长江口南支和南汇嘴附近海域种类较少,分别为11种和13种。长江口南支和南汇嘴附近海域优势种类为火腿许水蚤(Schmackeria poplesia)和虫肢歪水蚤(Tortanus vermiculus),长江口混合区为背针胸刺水蚤(Centropages dorsispinatus)、真刺唇角水蚤(Labidocera euchaeta),而中华哲水蚤(Calanus sinicus)和肥胖箭虫(Sagitta enflata)为长江口外海区的优势种类。浮游动物个体数大小为:长江口南支<长江口混合区<长江口外海区<南汇嘴;而生物量高低依次为:长江口外海区>长江口混合区>南汇嘴>长江口南支。长江口外浮游动物种类丰富,多样性指数较高,均匀度较好。经相关分析结果表明,浮游动物个体数与生物量存在明显的正相关,个体数与Hg呈正相关,与化学需氧量呈负相关;生物量与盐度、酸碱度、叶绿素a呈正相关,与溶解氧、化学需氧量、活性磷酸盐、无机氮表现为负相关。     

夏季珠江口溶解氧垂向输运数值模拟研究

通过建立一个珠江口三维水质模型,对夏季珠江口溶解氧垂向输运进行研究。结果表明:潮汐、风及上升流间歇性破坏层化,令溶解氧垂向对流及扩散通量的方向和大小随潮汐发生周期性变化。在西四口门海域,由于水体层化稳定,垂向上对流及扩散作用产生的溶解氧输运通量都较小,且相互平衡;在伶仃洋内的深槽,径流与潮汐的相互作用强烈,层化被间歇性地打破,溶解氧的垂向对流通量大于扩散通量,导致底层溶解氧浓度产生波动;在伶仃洋内的西部浅滩上,层化相对稳定,溶解氧的垂向扩散通量大于对流通量。这表明在珠江口不同区域,垂向的对流扩散作用对溶解氧垂向输运起不同作用,从而影响表底层溶解氧的浓度。     

长江口上升流区营养盐的分布及其通量的初步估算

根据2004年5月份长江口调查资料,分析了春季长江口上升流现象及其对营养盐分布的影响;初步估算了春季上升流的营养盐通量。结果表明:在春季,低温、高盐、低溶解氧的上升流稳定存在于122°20′～123°00′E,31°00′～32°00′N海区的10m 层和底层之间,并可以涌升到10m 层以上海区。上升流为上层海区输入了丰富的 PO_4-P 和相对低浓度的 NO_3-N 和 SiO_3-si。对上升流营养盐通量的计算表明,春季上升流中磷酸盐输送通量远高于长江径流输入,可能会成为影响该海区磷酸盐分布以及浮游植物生长的一个值得关注的因素:而氮和硅营养盐则不如长江径流输入量大。     

Size-differential feeding in Pinna nobilis L. (Mollusca: Bivalvia): Exploitation of detritus,phytoplankton and zooplankton

The endangered fan shell Pinna nobilis is a large bivalve mollusc (<120 cm shell length) endemic to the Mediterranean that lives one-third buried in soft substrata, generally in shallow coastal waters. We hypothesised that P. nobilis of different sizes would ingest different food sources, because small fan shells will inhale material from closer to the substratum than do large fan shells. We studied stomach contents and faeces of 18 fan shells, 6 small (mean 23.0 cm length), 6 medium-sized (mean 41.5 cm length) and 6 large (mean 62.7 cm length) living in a small area of a low-energy coastal detritic bottom characterised by mud, sand and macroalgae at Mali Ston Bay, Croatia. We found that all P. nobilis ingested copious quantities of undetermined detritus (probably at least 95% of ingested material), phytoplankton, micro and mesozooplankton and pollen grains. Large P. nobilis stomach contents showed a preponderance of water column calanoid copepods, while small fan shells had higher numbers of bivalve larvae. All fan shells took in high numbers of harpacticoid copepods that are benthonic, feeding on microbial communities of detritus and benthic vegetation. There was also a significant selection of phytoplankton species, some apparently occurring between inhalation and ingestion. The stomach contents of small P. nobilis had a higher organic matter content than either medium-sized or large fan shells; this indicated that small fan shells ingested detritus of higher organic content than did larger P. nobilis. As the faeces of all P. nobilis had similar organic matter content, this also indicates higher assimilation efficiencies in small fan shells. The demonstration of differential dietary selectivity by different sized animals has implications for future trophic studies of this endangered species. This study also provides the first demonstration of predation on zooplankton by P. nobilis.     

First record of vertical rhizomes in the seagrass Zostera marina (Novigrad Sea,Croatia)

We report the first record of vertical rhizome growth in the temperate seagrass Zostera marina. In a population of Z. marina occurring on subtidal sand in the Novigrad Sea (Croatia), an area subject to episodic high sediment transport, collected plants of Z. marina showed vertical rhizomes with shorter and narrower inter‐nodes (mean length = 3.4 ± 1.5 SD mm, mean width = 1.9 ± 0.3 SD mm) than those recorded for horizontal rhizomes (mean length = 9.0 ± 3.5 SD mm, mean width = 2.8 ± 0.4 SD mm). Out of a sample of 1130 rhizome fragments, 288 (25.5%) were vertical. Repeated moderate burial events may have stimulated the production of vertical rhizomes, and the ability of Z. marina to produce vertical rhizomes may enable it to withstand moderate burial in this highly dynamic environment.     

2010年马卡罗夫海盆冰站观测期间垂向热通量时间变化研究

Based on hydrographic data obtained at an ice camp deployed in the Makarov Basin by the 4th Chinese Arctic Research Expedition in August of 2010, temporal variability of vertical heat flux in the upper ocean of the Makarov Basin is investigated together with its impacts on sea ice melt and evolution of heat content in the remnant of winter mixed layer(r WML). The upper ocean of the Makarov Basin under sea ice is vertically stratified. Oceanic heat flux from mixed layer(ML) to ice evolves in three stages as a response to air temperature changes, fluctuating from 12.4 W/m2 to the maximum 43.6 W/m2. The heat transferred upward from ML can support(0.7±0.3) cm/d ice melt rate on average, and daily variability of melt rate agrees well with the observed results. Downward heat flux from ML across the base of ML is much less, only 0.87 W/m2, due to enhanced stratification in the seasonal halocline under ML caused by sea ice melt, indicating that increasing solar heat entering summer ML is mainly used to melt sea ice, with a small proportion transferred downward and stored in the r WML. Heat flux from ML into r WML changes in two phases caused by abrupt air cooling with a day lag. Meanwhile, upward heat flux from Atlantic water(AW) across the base of r WML, even though obstructed by the cold halocline layer(CHL), reaches0.18 W/m2 on average with no obvious changing pattern and is also trapped by the r WML. Upward heat flux from deep AW is higher than generally supposed value near 0, as the existence of r WML enlarges the temperature gradient between surface water and CHL. Acting as a reservoir of heat transferred from both ML and AW, the increasing heat content of r WML can delay the onset of sea ice freezing.