Trace metals in Choromytilus meridionalis

Concentrations of metals in mature females of the mussel Choromytilus meridionalis are approximately twice those in males and some other trace elements also differ according to sex. If this species is to be used as an indicator of trace-metal pollution, comparative data should relate to individuals of similar size and care must be taken to determine whether differences in trace-metal content are the result of seasonal variations or reflect abnormal metal uptake.     

Factors contributing to heavy metal accumulation in sediments and in the intertidal mussel Perna perna in the Gulf of Annaba (Algeria)

This paper presents the results of a seasonal survey of heavy metals accumulated in sediments and in the soft parts of the body of the mussel Perna perna at four stations in the Gulf of Annaba (Algeria). Pooled soft tissues from 10 mussels representing the entire range of sizes were digested in nitric acid. Statistical analysis reveals a significant seasonal effect on all the measured metals, the highest values being recorded in winter. With the exception of Cr, the levels for all metals were significantly higher in the east, at the outlet of the Seybouse River, than at all other monitoring stations. The study also shows that north-western waters are subject to a significantly lower degree of heavy metal pollution than elsewhere in the gulf. Levels were nevertheless within the limits of public health standards.     

Spatial patterns of submerged macrophytes and heavy metals in the hypertrophic, contaminated, shallow reservoir Lake Qattieneh/Syria

Our investigation on macrophytes in Lake Qattieneh, a large, shallow reservoir in western Syria, is a first assessment of ecological status of this lake. We studied spatial distribution patterns of aquatic macrophyte vegetation and heavy metal concentrations to determine if they can be used as indicators of point sources of pollution. Industrial and municipal point sources at the lake shore increase nutrient load and contamination by heavy metals. Water analyses revealed high concentrations of some heavy metals at some littoral sites: Ni 88.7 μg L⁻¹, Cr 49.99 μg L⁻¹, Co 14.38 μg L⁻¹, and Cu 11.65 μg L⁻¹. Despite hypertrophic conditions and high heavy metal contamination, we recorded several submerged macrophyte species with heterogeneous spatial distribution patterns. Whereas Potamogeton pectinatus L. dominates in the eastern part of the lake, near industrial point sources, both Myriophyllum spicatum L. and Potamogeton lucens L. form extended patches in the western part of the lake. The shallow, littoral areas near villages are dominated by Ranunculus trichophyllus Chaix in Villars and Ceratophyllum demersum L. The west-east gradient in nutrient and heavy metal concentrations in waters and sediments are reflected by the spatial distribution of submersed species. While the heavy metal concentrations of the water body vary considerably in different seasons, the contents in submersed macrophytes integrate seasonal variations of longer time periods. Spatial distribution and tissue accumulation of littoral macrophyte species reflect the environmental conditions at respective sites such as heavy metal contents in water and sediment.     

Seasonal and pollution-induced variations in biomarkers of transplanted mussels within the Beagle Channel

The occurrence of biomarker variations linked to environmental factors makes it difficult to distinguish the effect of pollution. In an attempt to evaluate spatial and seasonal effects of environmental parameters on biomarker responses, mussels Mytilus edulis chilensis coming from an aquaculture farm were transplanted to several points within Ushuaia Bay (Beagle Channel) for 6 weeks in summer and winter. Activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and levels of lipid peroxidation were measured in gills and digestive gland. Cu, Zn, Fe, Cd and Pb concentrations were also assessed. Results indicated a significant effect of seasons on biological responses as well as in metal bioaccumulation showing the influence of natural factors such as dissolved oxygen, temperature and food availability. The interdependence of those environmental factors is important for the homeostasis of thermoconformers, especially regarding their oxidative metabolism and should also be taken into consideration to distinguish natural from pollution-induced variations.     

Seasonal succession of cyanobacterial protease inhibitors and Daphnia magna genotypes in a eutrophic Swedish lake

Lakes are well known for having a pattern of seasonal succession of phytoplankton and zooplankton. The succession of different taxa of phytoplankton results in a succession of zooplankton taxa, and within the genus Daphnia, into a succession of different genotypes (clones). One cause for this succession of Daphnia clones might be the production of digestive protease inhibitors by cyanobacteria, which usually bloom in summer. Here we report seasonal changes in the frequency and the abundance of Daphnia magna haplotypes in a eutrophic lake, which developed a chymotrypsin-inhibitor-producing cyanobacterial bloom in May. These seasonal changes were not related to changes of biotic and abiotic lake parameters. However, a very high content of chymotrypsin inhibitors was observed in May (but not in other months). This was assumed to have exerted a strong punctual selection pressure on the Daphnia population and on the direct targets of the protease inhibitors, i.e. the digestive chymotrypsins of Daphnia. Actually, D. magna from before and during the cyanobacterial bloom showed a different protease pattern on activity stained SDS-PAGE in comparison to clones from the month after the bloom. However, no difference in tolerance, measured as IC₅₀ values, to inhibition by natural lake seston from May was found between the clones from before and after the bloom. Thus, the hypothesis that a seasonal adaptation of D. magna subpopulations from either April/May or June might have occurred could not be proven. This suggests that the Daphnia population investigated here is locally adapted to cyanobacterial protease inhibitors.     

Seasonal features in the spread-F probability near midnight over Moscow

Using the data of Moscow station for 1975–1985, the seasonal features in the dependence of the spread-F probability P near midnight on the levels of solar and geomagnetic activity have been analyzed. It has been found that the P dependence on solar activity is most substantial in winter and fall, the P dependence on geomagnetic activity is maximal during equinoxes, and the P dependence on solar activity prevails in summer but is much weaker than in winter and fall. Based on the qualitative analysis of the known mechanisms of the midlatitude spread-F, the regression equation, which shows the P dependence on the solar activity level and thermospheric parameters (temperature and density) at a fixed average level of geomagnetic activity, has been obtained. In this equation the character of the seasonal changes in P is determined by the thermospheric parameters, the relative contribution of which depends on solar activity. The found dependence of the character of the P seasonal variations on the solar activity level has been interpreted based on this equation.     

Multivariate discriminant analysis distinguishes metal- from non metal-related biomarker responses in the clam Chamaelea gallina

Molecular biomarkers are among the most sensitive and earliest responses to pollutants. However, lack of detailed knowledge on variability of responses and their possible seasonal variation limit their use. In addition, the seasonality of biological processes modulates the response of organisms to pollutant stressors. Using multivariate statistics, we have studied the influence of environmental and biological factors on the response of a battery of molecular biomarkers in the clam Chamaelea gallina collected along the South-Spanish littoral. Multivariate discriminant analysis clearly distinguished biomarker response between clean and polluted areas, using heavy metals as indicator of pollution. Such differences disappeared when the dataset was normalised for metal content, thus indicating that pollution was the main significant cause of the changes observed between clean and polluted sites. In conclusion, this work shows that, when applying a complete biomarker panel, multivariate statistical tools can be used to discern pollutant- from non pollutant-related responses.     

Seasonal variation of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">M</Emphasis><Subscript>2</Subscript> tide

The seasonal cycle of the main lunar tidal constituent M ₂ is studied globally by an analysis of a high-resolution ocean circulation and tide model (STORMTIDE) simulation, of 19 years of satellite altimeter data, and of multiyear tide-gauge records. The barotropic seasonal tidal variability is dominant in coastal and polar regions with relative changes of the tidal amplitude of 5–10 %. A comparison with the observations shows that the ocean circulation and tide model captures the seasonal pattern of the M ₂ tide reasonably well. There are two main processes leading to the seasonal variability in the barotropic tide: First, seasonal changes in stratification on the continental shelf affect the vertical profile of eddy viscosity and, in turn, the vertical current profile. Second, the frictional effect between sea-ice and the surface ocean layer leads to seasonally varying tidal transport. We estimate from the model simulation that the M ₂ tidal energy dissipation at the sea surface varies seasonally in the Arctic (ocean regions north of 60°N) between 2 and 34 GW, whereas in the Southern Ocean, it varies between 0.5 and 2 GW. The M ₂ internal tide is mainly affected by stratification, and the induced modified phase speed of the internal waves leads to amplitude differences in the surface tide signal of 0.005–0.0150 m. The seasonal signals of the M ₂ surface tide are large compared to the accuracy demands of satellite altimetry and gravity observations and emphasize the importance to consider seasonal tidal variability in the correction processes of satellite data.     

Influence of the Coriolis force on the formation of a seasonal thermocline

Large eddy simulation (LES) reveals that the Coriolis force plays an important role in seasonal thermocline formation. In the high-latitude ocean, a seasonal thermocline is formed at a certain depth, across which the downward transports of heat and momentum are prohibited. On the other hand, in the equatorial ocean, heat and momentum continue to propagate downward to the deeper ocean without forming a well-defined thermocline. Mechanism to clarify the latitudinal difference is suggested. The depth of a seasonal thermocline h is scaled in terms of both the Ekman length scale λ and the Monin–Obukhov length scale L, as h ??? 0.5(Lλ)^1/2, which is in contrast to the earlier suggestion as h?∝?L.     

Mechanistic interpretation of alpine glacierized environments: Part 1. Model formulation and related dynamical properties

Understanding the long-term seasonal dynamics of alpine glacierized basins is essential to evaluating their relation to climatic forcing. We focus on process knowledge by following a minimalist approach, and propose a spatially lumped nonlinear differential model (MIAGE) to describe the link between the volume V of water that is stored on the basin and the river runoff Q at the seasonal scale. We formulate the model structure by mathematically describing the link relating precipitation P, temperature T, river runoff Q and stored volumes V. Beside reproducing some typical features of the catchment hydrology of glacierized basins, MIAGE offers an explanation of their seasonal hydroclimatic behaviour and of the origin of their dissipative properties from a dynamical system perspective. By studying the model nonlinear properties, characteristics, and performances, we show that climatic change has both direct and feedback effects on such basins. Eventually a synchronization of the runoffs with either the precipitation trend or the temperature trend may occur depending on the storage conditions. This model is subsequently used in a companion paper in order to investigate the potential impact of climatic change scenarios on basins of the Italian and Swiss Alps [Mechanistic interpretation of alpine glacierized environments: Part 2. Hydrologic interpretation and model parameters identification on case study, this issue].     

Metals discharged during different flow conditions from a mixed agricultural‐forest catchment (NW Spain)

Metal loads were determined from water samples collected under different streamflow conditions (baseflow and storm events) in a rural catchment (NW Spain) during 4 years. A study at annual, seasonal and storm‐event scales was carried out. In all analysed scales, the export order was Fe > Al > Mn > Zn > Cu. A high inter‐annual, seasonal and storm‐event scale variability of metal load was observed. The total metal loads in stream were higher during baseflow conditions than during storm events, which only represented 4% of the duration of the study period and 25% of streamflow. During storm events, both Al and Fe loads accounted 45% of the total load of the study period, whereas Mn, Cu and Zn loads represented 42%, 33% and 24%, respectively. This highlights the role of high flows on metal export. Only four big events exported around 30% of load of each metal transported in events. At all time scales, a prevalence of export of particulate metals over dissolved metals was observed, more pronounced for Al, Fe and Mn than for Cu and Zn. The export of metals in the Corbeira catchment is influenced by runoff and, to a lesser extent, by the rainfall amount. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Investigation of mangrove macroalgae as bioindicators of estuarine contamination

This study examined the potential use of macroalgae epiphytic on mangrove aerial roots as indicators of estuarine contamination. The distribution and abundance of macroalgae was investigated in four estuaries in the vicinity of Sydney, Australia, and compared to water and sediment metal concentrations, nutrient concentrations and physicochemical parameters over four seasonal surveys. Macroalgal diversity and distribution appeared to be highly influenced by the ambient contaminant concentrations, while biomass appeared to be linked with nutrient concentrations. The distribution of the Rhodophyta species, Catenella nipae Zanardini significantly decreased as metal concentrations increased among the estuaries during all seasonal surveys. This species showed strong potential for use as a bioindicator of estuarine contamination.     

Microbiological composition of native and exotic clams from Tagus estuary: Effect of season and environmental parameters

The influence of seasonal and environmental parameters on the occurrence of bacteria was investigated in two clam species (Venerupis pullastra and Ruditapes philippinarum), water and sediment from the Tagus estuary. Total viable counts (TVC), Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Vibrio spp. were evaluated during one-year. Overall, significant seasonal variations were found in both sampling sites, especially for E. coli and Vibrio spp. levels. In summer, significantly higher Vibrio spp. levels were found in R. philippinarum and sediment samples, but not in V. pullastra clams and water samples. In contrast, significantly higher TVC and E. coli levels were observed in winter months in water and sediment samples. Salmonella spp. was generally isolated when higher levels of E. coli were detected, particularly in R. philippinarum. This study is useful for authorities to develop monitoring strategies for coastal contamination and to estimate human health risks associated with the consumption of bivalves.     

Long term monitoring of meiofauna densities after the Amoco Cadiz oil spill

Long term temporal variations in nematode and copepod densities were monitored in the upper and lower part of the Bay of Morlaix (West Channel), which was heavily contaminated by the 1978 Amoco Cadiz oil spill. Deseasonalization of abundance data allowed estimates to be made of the different components, namely the annual and seasonal trends and the residue. Reduced nematode abundance was long lasting in both types of sediment investigated: it appeared to be a gradual decrease in sublittoral sand but there was a dramatic reduction in estuarine mud 2 years after disturbance. Copepod variability, however, was related to seasonal factors.     

Germination and establishment of the invasive cordgrass Spartina densiflora in acidic and metal polluted sediments of the Tinto River

Heavy metal pollution is common in rivers in the vicinity of mining areas. In these polluted environments, the survival of alien species with a high tolerance to metals may be favored. The Tinto River (Southwest Iberian Peninsula) is an excellent natural laboratory for the study of plants’ responses to acidic and metal polluted sediments. This work analyzes the tolerance of the alien species Spartina densiflora to low pH and high metal loads in the Tinto River. The main aim of this study was to determine if this alien species can invade landward along the banks of the Tinto River. S. densiflora seeds were able to germinate in heavy metal polluted aerobic sediments even at pH 2. However, these conditions decreased S. densiflora final germination, altered germination dynamics, decreased aerial and subterranean growth rates, and prevented its establishment.     

Seasonal changes in the isotopic composition of planktonic foraminifera collected in Panama Basin sediment traps

Isotopic analyses have been made on five species of planktonic foraminifera collected in two deployments of PARFLUX Mark II time-series sediment traps in the Panama Basin. The automated sampling system on the traps provided 4 one-month samples from 29 July to 16 November 1979 and 6 two-month samples from December 1979 to November 1980.The δ¹⁸O values of Globigerinoides ruber and Globigerinoides sacculifer in this region are primarily affected by a low-salinity surface layer that forms during the early winter. These species each show a 1‰ total range in δ¹⁸O. The δ¹⁸O values of the colder-water species Globorotalia menardii, Neogloboquadrina dutertrei, and Globorotalia theyeri show smaller seasonal changes in δ¹⁸O. The δ¹³C values of G. ruber and G. sacculifer exhibit small seasonal changes (0.35 and 0.4‰ respectively) despite large seasonal changes in surface water productivity. The colder-water species exhibit only slightly larger changes in δ¹³C (up to 0.55‰) throughout the year. All colder-water species exhibit minimum or near minimum δ¹³C values during February and March, which is the period of maximum upwelling and primary productivity. Seasonal variations in the flux of foraminifera in the water column at this location will have only a small effect on the isotopic composition of the sediment assemblage; extreme values of δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C do not occur during the periods which are associated with the high flux of foraminiferal tests.     

Specific features of the characteristics of midlatitude substorm and nonsubstorm Pi2 geomagnetic pulsations and their generation conditions

The specific features of the diurnal and seasonal variations in different characteristics of two Pi2 geomagnetic pulsation groups (observed during magnetospheric substorms and when these substorms are absent) and the pulsation generation geophysical conditions have been experimentally studied based on observations at the Borok midlatitude observatory. It has been indicated that the dynamics of the occurrence frequency of Pi2 substorm and nonsubstorm bursts and their amplitude, duration, and intervals between peaks depending on the local time and season is identical in many respects. It has been found that substorm Pi2 bursts are mostly observed when the IMF is sunward and the solar wind electric field (Ey) is positive, whereas nonsubstorm bursts are observed when the IMF is antisunward and Ey is negative. The fundamental differences in the diurnal and seasonal variations in index α, which characterizes the slope of the distribution function of the two-group Pi2 burst amplitudes, have been revealed. It has been found that the index α value substantially depends on Ey and the IMF longitude (ψ). It has been assumed that the plasma sheet turbulence of the metastable magnetotail is responsible for reconnection and the generation of substorm and nonsub-storm Pi2 pulsation bursts.     

Trace metals in mussels from the N.W. Mediterranean

A coastal survey in the northwestern Mediterranean region was initiated to measure existing levels of selected trace metals in mussels. For most metals the highest values were found in samples from port cities and areas in the vicinity of river discharge. Marked seasonal variation for many metals was evident; an overall increase in metal concentration in mussels from most stations during March 1974 was attributed to high precipitation and attendant run-off rather than to local pollution. Data comparison indicates that average metal levels in northwestern Mediterranean mussels do not differ markedly from those measured in similar species from different localities throughout the world.     

Quantifying the EEJ current with ground-based ionosonde inferred vertical E × B drifts in the morning hours over Ilorin,West Africa

The relationship between the ground-based inferred vertical E × B drifts, Vz, and the magnetic equatorial electrojet current during the year of solar minima was presented. Both the diurnal and seasonal Vz variations are positively directed during the daytime and negative at nighttime. The evening time pre-reversal enhancement occurs around 19:00 LT. The fairly strong linear relationship between the electrojet current strength and Vz exhibited higher correlations during the daytime (06:00–16:00 LT). The maximum morning time proxy parameter described by E = [d (ΔH _ILR)/dt]_max in the morning hours, indicating the east-west electric field in the EEJ, corresponds reasonably well with the E × B drift and, hence, can be used as a proxy parameter for representing Vz in the morning hours. The daytime EEJ magnitude seasonal changes are connected with a change in conductivity emerging from the action of turbulence and divergence of momentum flux. These waves above the dynamo region are suggested to lead to partial counter electrojet during the equinoctial months.     

The seasonal occurrence of Neocalanus cristatus,Neocalanus plumchrus,and Eucalanus bungii over the shelf of the northern Gulf of Alaska

Field collections of zooplankton from the northern Gulf of Alaska demonstrate that the large oceanic copepods Neocalanus cristatus, N. plumchrus, and Eucalanus bungii are seasonal members of shelf and coastal zooplankton communities. They account for more than 25% of the net zooplankton biomass (0.333 mm) during the spring and summer months.The presence, absence, and subsequent reappearance of these copepods over the shelf is apparently related to their seasonal shifts in vertical distributions and to a persistent pattern of onshore Ekman transport. During periods when these copepods occur in the surface water of the bordering deep ocean (late autumn to summer) they are swept shoreward over the shelf. During times when they occur below the Ekman layer, they are generally absent from the shelf.The ecological significance of this seasonally introduced biomass is discussed in terms of what is understood about these species from studies elsewhere in the North Pacific Ocean.