Vertical variation of phosphorus forms in surface sediments from Wuli Bay, Taihu Lake, China

1IntroductionPhosphorus,an essential nutrient for the primaryproductivity in freshwater systems,is an important fac-tor controlling lacustrine eutrophication.Although ex-ternal input of phosphorus has been assumed as the vi-tal responsibility for the eutrophication of lakes(ZhuJun et al.,2005),the remobilization of phosphorus insediments has a distinct influence on it as well(Bostr m et al.,1982).The concentrations of totalphosphorus(Ptotal)in the sediments are often related tothe trophic st…     

Assessment of heavy metal contents in bed sediments of a mineralized catchment of the Agno River, Benguet, Philippines

Several former and existing gold and copper mines of the Benguet Province in northern Philippines are situated in the Baloy catchment. Rivers and tributaries drain an area of approximately 89 square kilometers before joining the main Agno River which drai…     

Pore water trace metal chemistry in polluted sediments of a tropical estuary of SE Brazil

The Sepetiba Bay is a shallow water body semi enclosed located on the west side of Rio de Janeiro City. Almost 80% of flesh water discharge, from the St Francisco canal, coming from the northern side of the bay develops an estuarine environment. Fishing and tourism are some of the most important economic activities in the area. During 35 years a zinc/cadmium smelter has polluted the bay. The objective of this investigation is to demonstrate the diagenetic processes and cadmium remobilization into pore water from the contaminated sediments. Two sites were selected to compare diagenetic processes. Site P1 is located next to domestic effluents discharge into the bay and approximately 20km away from the smelter. Site P2 is located near the same smelter and next to the Mazomba estuary, which is not influenced directly by domestic effluents. Peeper samplers of 25 cells with a resolution of 2.5 cm were deployed at both the sites. After a 3-weeks period of equilibrium, the pore waters were separated from the cells and analyzed immediately （within 24 h） for alkalinity, NH3 and reactive soluble phosphorus on a spectrophotometer. An ICP-AESΣH2S spectrometer was used to analyze Na, Mg, Li, Ba, Sr, Si, Fe and Mn. Total and labile dissolved Cd in pore waters were determined by differential-pulse stripping voltametry. The dissolved constituents in the pore waters have shown that the intensities of diagenetic reactions are different between sites. The reactions are stronger at site P1 site than at site P2, especially between 7.5 cm and 22.5 cm, which is evident by the organic rich sediment.     

Assessment of trace metal contents in water and bottom sediments from Eğirdir Lake,Turkey

The concentration of metals (Pb, As, Co, Cu, Ni, Zn, Fe and Mn) was investigated in water and sediment samples of E?irdir Lake. The Lake is the second largest fresh water lake of Turkey and it is used as drinking water in the region. The anthropogenic pollutants are primary sources of trace metals which are negatively affected lake water quality. These negative effects were observed in both lake water and bottom sediments. According to obtained data, Pb, Cu, Ni, Fe and Zn have significant enrichment in sediments samples. In addition, the hydrodynamic model of the lake was determined as effectively for Pb, Co, Cu, Ni, Zn, Fe and Mn accumulations. Also, the effect of anthropogenic pollutants was found to be more dominant than geogenic effect in metal accumulation of the lake bottom sediments. Therefore, anthropogenic pollutants within the lake basin should be consistently controlled for the sustainable usage of the lake.     

Provenance shift through time in superposed basins: From Early Cryogenian glaciomarine to Late Ediacaran orogenic sedimentations (Araçuaí Orogen,SE Brazil)

Records of Precambrian glaciation have been reported from southeastern Brazil for over a century. We present sedimentological, stratigraphic and isotopic (U-Pb and Lu-Hf on detrital zircons, C and O on carbonates) studies on diamictite-rich to diamictite-free successions of the Araçuaí Orogen, the Brazilian counterpart of the Araçuaí – West Congo Orogenic System (AWCO). From base to top, the Chapada Acauã Formation (Macaúbas Group) includes a diamictite-rich unit, with lenses of graded sandstone and clast-supported conglomerate, that gradually passes to graded sandstone, pelite with sparse oversized clasts and rare carbonate lenses on top, representing mass flow and turbidity current deposits of submarine fan, followed by finer-grained turbiditic sedimentation with iceberg discharges along fan fringes, from glaciomarine to post-glacial scenarios. The Salinas Formation comprises a deep-sea sand-mud sequence composed of pelites and pelitic wackes. The Chapada Acauã Formation was deposited in-between 750 and 667 Ma. It shows wide spectra of zircon ages (typical of continental rift to passive margin settings) that start around 3.2 Ga and display main age peaks indicating sediment provenance from the Rhyacian-Orosirian basement (εHf_(t) = +14.6 to −18.5) and Early Tonian anorogenic rocks (950–880 Ma; εHf_(t) = −3.2 to −23.2) for the diamictite-rich lower unit and, for the upper unit, also in Early Cryogenian anorogenic rocks (ca. 715 Ma, εHf_(t) = −9.6). In contrast, the Salinas Formation shows most ages in-between 676 and 620 Ma and a maximum sedimentation age around 551 Ma, with εHf_(t) from +6.9 to −18.2, unravelling an important shifting of sediment provenance to sources located in magmatic arcs and collisional granites of the Araçuaí and Ribeira orogens. The Early Cryogenian age and negative Hf signature for the glaciomarine Chapada Acauã Formation point to sediment sources in the 720–670 Ma anorogenic igneous rocks found in AWCO and adjacent Congo – São Francisco Craton, and suggest correlation with the Sturtian global glaciation.     

Mercury in sediments from gold and copper exploitation areas in the Camaquã River Basin,Southern Brazil

Mercury concentrations were determined in stream sediments from the Camaquã River Basin, located in the shield region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. The resulting geochemical data show that overbank floodplain deposits exhibit higher concentrations than sediments collected from the active channel bed. In addition, higher Hg concentrations were measured in the fine(<63 μm) sediment fraction of the samples. Total Hg concentrations in the fine fraction of active stream sediments from Lavras do Sul County, which have been influenced by past gold mining activities, have decreased during the last five years to values ≤142 ng g⁻¹. However, in a settling pond containing abandoned mine wastes, the Hg concentration of a bulk sample remained exceptionally high (5220 ng g⁻¹). Preliminary speciation results show that Hg⁰ is the predominant species in most of the samples. This was the form of Hg released by the gold amalgamation activities in the area, and appears to be relatively stable under the existing E_h and pH conditions.     

Ostracodes from the Aptian–Santonian of the Santos,Campos and Espírito Santo basins,Brazil

The Lower and Upper Cretaceous deposits from the Brazilian marginal basins present a rich and diversified fauna of ostracodes in continental, marine and mixohaline paleoenvironments. While the Cretaceous ostracodes from the northeastern region have already been the subject of many taxonomic and biostratigraphical studies, data from the southeastern basins are still scarce and restricted to the record of a few species. The present study represents a comprehensive contribution to the systematic knowledge of the Aptian–Santonian ostracodes from the Brazilian southeastern marginal basins. A total of 1045 cutting samples were analyzed from 10 wells drilled offshore in Santos, Campos and Espírito Santo basins. Thirty-eight ostracode taxa were recorded from different depositional environments, including the following six new species: Amphicytherura fragilis sp. nov., Brachycythere multidifferentis sp. nov., Fossocytheridea ballentae sp. nov., Fossocytheridea elegans sp. nov., Nigeroloxoconcha itanhaensis sp. nov. and Paracypris eniotmetos sp. nov.     

Molecular composition and chemosystematic aspects of Cretaceous amber from the Amazonas,Araripe and Recôncavo basins,Brazil

Amber occurrences in Brazil are rare. In this regard, the molecular composition of three such fossil resin samples from Brazilian Cretaceous sedimentary basins has been analyzed to determine the botanical origin of the resins. The samples were collected from the Amazonas (Alter do Chão Formation), Araripe (Santana Formation, Crato Member) and Recôncavo (Maracangalha Formation, Caruaçu Member) basins. The mono-, sesqui- and diterpenoids in the extracts were used as chemosystematic markers when compared with terpenoids in extant conifers. The compounds were mainly diterpenoids and their degradation products from the labdane, podocarpane, pimarane and isopimarane classes, in addition to paraffins, methoxyphenols and carboxylic acids. Tetracyclic diterpenoids such as phyllocladane, kaurenol and kauranol were also present. The biomarker compositions are certainly typical for conifers and, given the absence of triterpenoids and diterpenoids such as ozic acid, angiosperms can be excluded as a botanical source. The absence of phenolic diterpenoids (ferruginol, totarol) and their derivatives excludes podocarpaceous affinities for the ambers from the Amazonas and Araripe basins. The fossil records of the embedding sediments (e.g. Araucariaceae pollen and leaves) support the proposal of an Araucariacae origin for these ambers, but Cupressaceae and Cheirolepidiaceae cannot be excluded. On the other hand, the presence of phyllocladane and kaurane derivatives is evidence for Araucariaceae or Podocarpaceae origins for the amber from the Recôncavo basin, but Cupressaceae cannot be excluded.     

Early diagenesis of nurtrients （C, N, P and Si） stored in sediments of two reservoirs in southwestern China

Damming is a common anthropogenic intervention along the course of rivers, which is defined as ＂artificial-lake effect＂, both in China and across the world. Today as many as 48000 dams and/or reservoirs are in operation in the Changjiang River （Yangtze River） drainage area, and more are being constructed. While damming is well known to affect riverbome nutrient loads, and thus the riverine ecosystems owing to removal of carbon fixation, and removal of particles in reservoir sediments, there is limited information on the detailed early diagenesis of sediments in reservoirs including the regeneration processes of nutrients deposited in sediments and exchange flux across the sediment-water interface, which is important for mass balance of riverbome nutrients. In the present study, two large-size reservoirs, Wujiangdu Reservoir （WJDR） and Dongfeng Reservoir （DFR）, located on the main steam of the Wujiang River and with uniformity hydrography and discrepancy biogeochemical activity （e. g. primary production）, were selected for a comparative study on the detailed processes of nutrient regeneration. Water, pore water and sediment were sampled from these two reservoirs and dissolved organic carbon （DOC）, NH4^＋, NO3^-, PO4^3-, dissolved silica （DSi） in the overlying water and pore water, and total organic matter in sediments were determined. The results of correlation analysis suggested that in these two reservoirs, processes of nutrient regeneration near the sediment-water interface were significantly different. As a result of rapid decomposition of algae-derived ＂labile＂ organic matter in upper sediments, nutrient regeneration processes and upward fluxes in WJDR are dramatically stronger than those of DFR. NH4^＋ upward flux from sediment in WJDR was about 17 times higher than that in DFR. PO4^3- flux in WJDR is about 13 times above that in DFR. DOC flux in WJDR is larger that in DFR by 5 times, and DSi by 1 time.     

Distribution of trace metals in stream sediments along the Trans-Amazonian Federal Highway,Pará State,Brazil

A total of 64 sediment samples were collected along a stretch of about 988 km of the Trans-Amazonian Federal Highway, between Marabá and Itaituba, Pará State, in order to characterize the distribution of metals and trace elements. Due to the lithological and geological diversity along this stretch of the Amazon, the study region was divided in three distinct tracks. Statistical data analysis (Spearman correlation and Principal Factor Analysis) shows strong signature and predominance of regional rocks chemistry, such as mafic-ultramafic-bearing elements (Ni and Cr) and hydrothermalism-bearing elements such as Cu and Pb. Enrichment factors were calculated for three different normalizer agents: 1) Fe and Mn, representing the Fe and Mn (hydr)oxides, 2) Al representing clay minerals, and 3) organic matter (OM). The Fe and Mn (hydr)oxides showed to be the most proficient metal carrier among the geological matrices, likely due to the larger lithological diversity. On the other hand, OM positively correlated to trace element distribution.     

Geodynamic evolution of ophiolites from Albania and Greece (Dinaric-Hellenic belt): one, two, or more oceanic basins?

All the geological constraints for an exhaustive reconstruction of the Triassic to Tertiary tectonic history of the southern Dinaric-Hellenic belt can be found in Albania and Greece. This article aims to schematically reconstruct this long tectonic evolution primarily based on a detailed analysis of the tectonic setting, the stratigraphy, the geochemistry, and the age of the ophiolites. In contrast to what was previously reported in the literature, we propose a new subdivision on a regional scale of the ophiolite complexes cropping out in Albania and Greece. This new subdivision includes six types of ophiolite occurrences, each corresponding to different tectonic units derived from a single obducted sheet. These units are represented by: (1) sub-ophiolite mélange, (2) Triassic ocean-floor ophiolites, (3) metamorphic soles, (4) Jurassic fore-arc ophiolites, (5) Jurassic intra-oceanic-arc ophiolites, and (6) Jurassic back-arc basin ophiolites. The overall features of these ophiolites are coherent with the existence of a single, though composite, oceanic basin located east of the Adria/Pelagonian continental margin. This oceanic basin was originated during the Middle Triassic and was subsequently (Early Jurassic) affected by an east-dipping intra-oceanic subduction. This subduction was responsible for the birth of intra-oceanic-arc and back-arc oceanic basins separated by a continental volcanic arc during the Early to Middle Jurassic. From the uppermost Middle Jurassic to the Early Cretaceous, an obduction developed, during which the ophiolites were thrust westwards firstly onto the neighboring oceanic lithosphere and then onto the Adria margin.     

Mercury enrichments in core sediments in Hugli–Matla–Bidyadhari estuarine complex,north-eastern part of the Bay of Bengal and their ecotoxicological significance

Mercury concentrations (Hg_T) in fine-grained fraction (<63 μm) of core sediments of the Hugli–Matla–Bidyadhari estuarine complex, India were analyzed. Results revealed a wide range of spatial variations (<4–93 ng g⁻¹ dry weight) with a definite enhancement level at the lower stretch of the estuarine complex infested with mangrove plants, which might act as a sink to Hg_T. An elevated concentration of Hg was encountered in surface/subsurface layer of the core in majority of the cases resulting from physical, biogenic and postdepositional diagenetic processes that remobilized and resuspended the metal from deeper sediments. A strong positive correlation was observed between the Hg and clay fraction content of the sediments, while the correlations of Hg with Al, Fe and Mn were poor. Based on the index of geoaccumulation (I _geo) and effects range-low (ER-L) value, it is considered that the sediments are less polluted and thus there is less chance of ecotoxicological risk to organisms living in sediments.     

Spatial distribution and estimation of rainfall trends and erosivity in the Epitácio Pessoa reservoir catchment,Paraíba,Brazil

Natural Hazards - The main goals of this study are to better understand the spatial and temporal variabilities in rainfall and to identify rainfall trends and erosivity for the period from 1963 to...     

Systematic and taphonomic insights of fossilized feathers: A new occurrence from the Oligocene of Taubaté Basin (SE,Brazil)

Feathers are rare in the fossil record because they have a low fossilization potential. Despite their palaeobiological significance, they also provide important palaeoecological and taphonomic information. Here, we report a new occurrence of three isolated feathers from the shales of the Oligocene Tremembé Formation (Taubaté Basin, SE Brazil). Their possible taxonomic affinities and taphonomic features are also discussed. Analyses identified the specimens as representatives of two pennaceous morphotypes (i.e., a contour and a rectrice feather). Both are preserved as carbonized traces, although, due taphonomic processes, they show different degrees of preservation. Since the Tremembé Formation is responsible for the most diverse record of Cenozoic birds, and because water-adapted birds (e.g., anseriformes and phoenicopteriformes) occur in this unit, it is highly possible that these feathers belonged to these aquatic taxa. Further investigations should concentrate on geochemical and microscopic techniques in order to reveal additional taxonomic and paleoecological features currently unknown in Paleogene birds of Brazil.     

The beach placer iron deposit of Portman Bay,Murcia, SE Spain: the result of 33 years of tailings disposal (1957–1990) to the Mediterranean seaside

Between 1957 and 1990, the Peñarroya Mining and Metallurgical Company (SMMPE) disposed about 60 million tonnes of tailings materials directly to the Mediterranean Sea. A substantial part of it (12.5 Mt) was dragged back by the sea currents progressively infilling the Portman Bay (Murcia, SE Spain), thus making the shoreline advance between 500 and 600 m seaward. The Roberto froth flotation plant processed mineral from manto-type deposits belonging to the Sierra de Cartagena-La Unión lead-zinc district. One of the mineral assemblages present in these deposits comprises greenalite, magnetite, sulfides, carbonates, and silica. Despite that magnetite recovery was undertaken by SMMPE between 1959 and 1967, we estimate that magnetite contained in the tailings hosts a substantial resource that could be as large as 2.3 Mt of iron ore. The ore contains magnetite ± hematite ± siderite. Tidal waves and sea currents led to gravimetric classification of the tailings material, with concentration of the dense iron oxides in the sandy fractions, eventually forming a coastal placer iron deposit. A major problem for magnetic separation is the intimate intergrowth between magnetite, hematite, and siderite. Besides, the sands contain large concentrations of Pb (0.27 %), Zn (0.72 %), and As (559 ppm).     

Distribution of metals in soils and plants around mineralized zones at Cartagena-La Unión mining district (SE,Spain)

A geochemical and mineralogical characterization of three zones (namely oxides zones, hydrothermal alteration zone and mining wastes zone) from a mineralized zone in the upper part of the Cartagena-La Unión range was carried out by analysing rocks, soils and three plant species (Piptatherum miliaceum, Ditrichia viscosa and Hirsfeldia incana). The transference and bioavailability of some metals (especially Pb, Zn, As and Fe) from soils to plants was also checked. Results show that rocks have a large content of Fe and Pb which are transferred to surrounding soils also highly enriched in these elements (Fe ranges from 9 to 35% and Pb 1 to 2.9%). Regarding soil to plant transfer, it was shown a differential behaviour for both the three plant species and the soil zones, with a higher level of metal accumulation rates for Piptatherum miliaceum in the hydrothermal alteration zone. Values of accumulation rates obtained for Pb in Piptatherum miliaceum allow considering it a good choice for phytoremediation purposes.