Seasonal and spatial variability in macrobenthos communities in Jamaica Bay,New York—an urban estuary

Macrobenthos were sampled at 27 sites on a seasonal basis from October 1981 through November 1982. Cluster analyses and principal components analyses indicated that although spatial and species groupings were weak, an underlying sediment-correlated structure persisted for all seasons. Weak station groupings resulted from great seasonal and local variability in abundance of several dominant taxa. The most widely distributed species varied the least in density over time. Species richness (number of species) and dominance were uncorrelated. Dominance was correlated with sediment organic content [% total organic carbon (TOC)] and % Mud. Species richness increased with increasing % TOC, reaching a maximum in the range 0.7 to 1.0% TOC (primarily sand stations). At higher organic levels (muddy, sand stations), species richness declined. Muddy sand stations were dominated byAmpelisca abdita. In this community, species richness was inversely correlated both with percent TOC and heavy metals concentrations. In both sand and mud communities, species richness was positively correlated with density (mean number individuals of all species per sample).     

Liver lesions in winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) from Jamaica Bay,New York: Indications of environmental degradation

Liver sections of winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) collected from Jamaica Bay and Shinnecock Bay, New York, in 1989, were examined microscopically to determine the pervasiveness of liver lesions observed previously in Jamaica Bay winter flounder. Neoplastic lesions were not detected in fish from Jamaica Bay or the Shinnecock Bay reference site. Twenty-two percent of Jamaica Bay winter flounder examined (n=103) had unusual vacuolization of hepatocytes and biliary pre-ductal and ductal cells (referred to hereafter as the vacuolated cell lesion). The lesion, identical to that found in 25% of Jamaica Bay winter flounder examined in 1988, has previously been identified in fishes taken from highly polluted regions of the Atlantic coast (e.g., Boston Harbor, Massachusetts, and Black Rock Harbor, Connecticut). Prevalence of the vacuolated cell lesion in winter flounder from Jamaica Bay was significantly greater (p<0.0001) than in 102 specimens collected from Shinnecock Bay. Current scientific literature indicates vacuolated hepatocytes and cholangiocytes are chronically injured and that the extent of their deformity is consistent with the action of a hepatotoxicant. The high prevalence of vacuolated hepatocytes in Jamaica Bay winter flounder and absence of the lesion in flounder from reference sites strongly supports the hypothesis that this impairment is a manifestation of a toxic condition in at least some portions of Jamaica Bay.     

Horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) in an urban estuary (Jamaica Bay, New York) and the potential for ecological restoration

We assessed the suitability of intertidal habitats for spawning by horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) at 12 proposed restoration sites identified by the United States Army Corps of Engineers along the shore of Jamaica Bay, a highly developed estuary in New York City. Based on beach geomorphology, we chose to quantify horseshoe crab activity at five of the sites during the May–July 2000 breeding season. Horseshoe crabs spawned intensively on small patches of suitable sand within larger areas of eroding shoreline with bulkheads and rubble fill. Small areas of sand behind grounded barges at Brant Point and Dubos Point had densities of over 100,000 eggs m⁻², which was equal to or greater than the egg densities on longer, more natural appearing beaches at Spring Creek and Dead Horse Bay, or at a sand spit at Bayswater State Park. There were no significant differences in the percentage of Jamaica Bay horseshoe crab eggs that completed development when cultured using water from Jamaica Bay or lower Delaware Bay, a less polluted location. Only 1% of the embryos from Jamaica Bay exhibited developmental anomalies, a frequency comparable to a previously studied population from Delaware Bay. We suggest that the distribution and abundance of horseshoe crabs at our study areas in Jamaica Bay is presently limited by the availability of suitable shoreline for breeding, rather than by water quality. Restoration efforts that increase the amount of sandy beach in this urban estuary have a good likelihood of benefiting horseshoe crabs and providing additional value to migrating shorebirds that use horseshoe crab eggs as food.     

Seasonality and abundance of ichthyoplankton in great South Bay,New York

The seasonality and abundance patterns of ichthyoplankton were investigated during 1985–1986 in Great South Bay, New York, USA. Eggs representing 17 species and larvae representing 23 species of fish were identified. Bay anchovy, Anchoa mitchilli, was the most abundant ichthyoplankter, comprising >96% of the eggs and >69% of the larvae collected. Bay anchovy spawned throughout the bay from late May through August, with peak baywide densities of >200 eggs and 6 larvae m^?3. Eggs of windowpane flounder (Scophthalmus aquosus) ranked second in abundance and were present in both spring and fall. Other dominant larvae were winter flounder (Pleuronectes americanus) and American sand lance (Ammodytes americanus). Their combined density reached 8 m^?3 and accounted for the winter peak in larvae. The seasonality of abundance of larval fish was strongly correlated with reported densities of copepod nauplii prey.     

Heavy metals distribution in Jamaica Bay sediments

Ninety-two sediment samples collected at 53 stations in Jamaica Bay from November 1970 to October 1973 were analyzed for Pb, Cr, V, Cu, Cd, Zn, Ni, Co, and percent organic carbon (ORC). Selected samples were analyzed for Hg. The concentrations of all metals correlate with each other and with organic carbon. Vanadium, cobalt, and nickel stand out as a separate component and are enriched relative to other metals in areas affected by petroliferous pollution. The metal concentrations are strongly influenced by the strength of tidal currents and proximity to pollution sources. Amount of rainfall and/or season affects metal concentrations in Grassy Bay (a deep restricted body of water within Jamaica Bay).     

Secondary production of the amphipod Ampelisca abdita mills and its importance in the diet of juvenile winter flounder (Pleuronectes americanus) in Jamaica Bay,New York

The benthic amphipod Ampelisca abdita dominates mudbottom benthic communities in Jamaica Bay (New York). In this study, we investigated the trophic role of Ampelisca in relation to winter flounder (Pleuronectes americanus) populations—the most frequently trawled fish species in Jamaica Bay. Flounders collected by trawl during summer 1989 were primarily juveniles. Stomach analyses indicated that amphipod crustaceans contributed >99% of prey individuals, with A. abdita making up 88%. Density and size frequency analyses of Ampelisca at three sites indicated two overlapping cohorts: a spring cohort released in June and a summer cohort released in late summer. Most overwintering survivors come from the summer cohort. Secondary production of Ampelisca was estimated at three sites using the cohort summation of biomass method. Estimates of annual production ranged from 25 g DW to 47 g DW m^?2 (mortality + residual biomass); production due to growth ranged from 20 g DW to 26 g DW. Simulations of spring cohort production using a range of plausible growth and mortality schedules suggested that P∶B may be more sensitive to variability in survivorship than growth. Ampelisca secondary production in Jamaica Bay is compared with other amphipod species and with macrobenthic production in other coastal and estuarine systems. We conclude that observed amphipod production is probably more than sufficient to support local winter flounder populations in Jamaica Bay, and we speculate that high nutrient loadings may indirectly stimulate amphipod production. *** DIRECT SUPPORT *** A01BY058 00010     

A multivariate sedimentary environmental analysis of Great South Bay and South Oyster Bay, New York

A multivariate statistical strategy for classifying paleoenvironments is effective for studying modern sedimentary processes in western Great South Bay and South Oyster Bay, New York. The 13 whole phi weight percent variables were tested for redundancy with R-mode cluster analysis. The samples were partitioned statistically into five environmentally significant facies using Q-mode cluster analysis: (A)sandy gravel, (B)sandy silt, (C)silty sand, (D)slightly gravelly sand, and (E)fine sand. An ordination depicted gradational relationships among the samples and the facies. It was used to evaluate the environmental and textural parameter gradients within the sample space. Interpretations obtained in this manner and by examination of the grain-size curves suggest that these sediments were deposited by waves and currents on beaches and in wave zones (facies C and E),shoal areas (facies B),and tidal channels (facies A and D).Tidal currents, wave action, and eelgrass control the distribution of sediments within the two bays.     

Ammonium regeneration and biomass of macrozooplankton and ctenophores in Great South Bay,New York

The rate of zooplankton ammonium regeneration was measured in Great South Bay, Long Island, New York, between July 1982 and May 1984. Ammonium excretion by macrozooplankton (>200 μm) ranged from 7 μg atoms NH₄ ¹⁺?N m^?3 d^?1 in winter to 156 μg-atoms NH₄ ¹⁺?N m^?3 d^?1 in spring. Ammonium excretion by ctenophores was greater than or equivalent to that of macrozooplankton during the period of ctenophore biomass maximum in summer and fall. The temperature coefficient (Q₁₀) for NH₄ ¹⁺ excretion was 1.74 from 2.2 to 27.5°C for macrozooplankton and 1.63 between 17 and 26°C for the ctenophores. Ammonium nitrogen excretion by macrozooplankton and ctenophores combined, accounted for 1 to 3% of phytoplankton nitrogen requirements in summer when primary productivity was high and 39% in the spring. *** DIRECT SUPPORT *** A01BY040 00005     

The concentrations, fluxes, enrichments and chronologies of potential harmful elements in sediment cores from Bohai Bay, North China

To reflect the historical changes, the vertical profiles of concentrations, enrichment factors and burial fluxes of potential harmful elements (PHEs: Ga, Ge, Mo, In, Sn, Sb, Te, Tl, Bi, W and V) were determined in two sediment cores collected from Bohai Bay. Sediment accumulation rates and chronologies were obtained from ²¹⁰Pb activity-depth profiles. Two sediment accumulation rates in core 2 were observed: a higher rate of 4.78 mm/year before the 1960s and 2.93 mm/year since then. The sediment accumulation rate in core 6 was 2.82 mm/year. The PHE concentrations and burial fluxes exhibited an obvious variation with the depth due to the natural and anthropogenic inputs. Especially, the higher concentrations and burial fluxes of PHEs occurred in the 1960s and 1980s, matching the large runoff and industrial development. Enrichment factors (EFs) of PHEs were computed in order to evaluate their potential sources. Results showed that the EFs of Sb, Te and Bi were higher than 1.5, revealing the anthropogenic inputs; however, the EFs of other PHEs were lower than 1.0, indicating the natural inputs. Moreover, the high EFs of Sb, Te and Bi appeared in the surface or subsurface layers, indicating that the extent of anthropogenic contamination enhanced in recent years. Sequential extraction technique was used to study the ecological risks of PHEs. Results revealed that the ecological risks of Mo, Te and Bi in both cores and Sb and W in core 2 were medium due to their high availability in the exchangeable and carbonate-bound fractions.     

Organic contaminants and characteristics of sediments from Oso Bay,south Texas,USA

The Oso Bay, Texas, sediments from nine sites were analyzed by GC-MS for organics to measure contamination in the bay. In most of the sites sediments contained tetrachloroethene (87–1433 g/kg), bis (2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (40–193 g/kg), and aliphatic hydrocarbons, C₈-C₁₃ (720–2491 g/kg). Sources of these contaminants include a landfill, military facilities, and municipal and industrial discharges. Size analysis of the sediments indicates they contain a high percentage of muddy sand (50–75 percent), which suggests that Oso Bay consists of common bay margin sediments.     

Sources and history of heavy metal contamination and sediment deposition in Tivoli South Bay, Hudson River, New York

Persistent inorganic constitutents preserved in sediments of aquatic ecosystems record temporal variability of biogeochemical functioning and anthropogenic impacts.²¹⁰Pb and¹³⁷Cs dating techniques were used to study the past variations of heavy metals (Pb, Cu, and Zn) and accumulation rates of sediments for Tivoli South Bay, in the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve ecosystem. South Bay, a tidal freshwater embayment of the Hudson, may play an important role in the sediment dynamics of this important river. The measured sedimentation rate range of 0.59 to 2.92 cm yr⁻¹ suggests that rapid accumulation occurred during the time period represented by the length of the cores (approximately the past 50 yr). Direct measurements of sediment exchange with the Hudson River reveal high variability in the sediment flux from one tidal cycle to the next. Net exchange does not seem to be adequate to explain sediment accumulation rates in the bay as measured by²¹⁰Pb and¹³⁷Cs. The difference may be supplied from upland streams or the Hudson River during storm events. Concentrations of the metals Pb, Cu and Zn were found to be well correlated with each other within individual cores at five of six sites tested. This suggests a common proximate source for the three metals at a specific site. The evidence is consistent with mixing in some environmental compartment before delivery to the bay. While metals self-correlate within individual cores, absolute concentrations, depth distribution patterns, and ratios of the metals to each other vary among the cores collected at different locations within the bay. Organic matter, Fe content, and particle size distribution of sediments do not account for the intercore variations in metal concentration. It is likely that cores collected from different sites may have derived metals from different sources, such as watershed streams and tidal exchange with the Hudson River.     

Effects of a Beach Nourishment Project in Jamaica Bay,New York,on Horseshoe Crab (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Limulus polyphemus</Emphasis>) Spawning Activity and Egg Deposition

Restoration of horseshoe crab spawning habitats through beach nourishment may be considered as a potential strategy to enhance reproductive success in areas where estuarine beaches have been lost to coastal erosion and development. The US Army Corps of Engineers performed a beach nourishment project at Plumb Beach (Jamaica Bay, Brooklyn, NY) in 2012 to stabilize the shoreline. While the addition of sand was done to protect infrastructure, it created an opportunity to examine the responses of American horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) to beach nourishment using a BACI (before-after control impact) design. During Spring 2012, before beach nourishment, horseshoe crabs made minimal use of the highly degraded western section of Plumb Beach in comparison to a nearby reference site, as quantified by numbers of spawning adults at high tide and densities of horseshoe crab eggs in core samples. In the first post-nourishment field season (Spring 2013), there was no detectable increase in horseshoe crab spawning activity on the newly restored beach. In 2014 and 2015, the density of spawning females began to increase at the nourished beach, although their numbers and especially the density of horseshoe crab eggs remained much lower than at the reference site. Three years after beach nourishment, differences in sediments texture (mean grain diameter, percent gravel, sorting, skewness, and hardness) were still evident between the nourishment and reference sites. Our results suggest that (1) at this site, beach nourishment appeared to bring about only slow increases in horseshoe crab spawning density after several seasons and (2) subtle differences in beach geomorphology over relatively short distances can be detected by horseshoe crabs and may underlie their selection of specific nesting sites.     

Distributions of pesticides and organic contaminants between water and suspended sediment,San Francisco Bay,California

Suspended-sediment and water samples were collected from San Francisco Bay in 1991 during low river discharge and after spring rains. All samples were analyzed for organophosphate, carbamate, and organochlorine pesticides; petroleum hydrocarbons; biomarkers; and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. The objectives were to determine the concentrations of these contaminants in water and suspended sediment during two different hydrologic conditions and to determine partition coefficients of the contaminants between water and sediment. Concentrations of hydrophobic contaminants, such as polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, varied with location of sample collection, riverine discharge, and tidal cycle. Concentrations of hydrophobic contaminants in suspended sediments were highest during low river discharge but became diluted as agricultural soils entered the bay after spring rains. Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons defined as dissolved in the water column were not detected. The concentrations sorbed on suspended sediments were variable and were dependent on sediment transport patterns in the bay. In contrast, the relatively hydrophilic organophosphate pesticides, such as chlorpyrifos and diazinon, has a more uniform concentration in suspended sediment. These pesticides were detected only after spring rains. Most of the measured diazinon, at least 98% for all samples, was in the dissolved phase. Measured partition coefficients for diazinon generally were uniform, which suggests that suspended-sediment concentrations were close to equilibrium with dissolved concentrations. The concentration of diazinon sorbed to suspended sediments, at any given sampling site, was driven primarily by the more abundant solution concentration. The concentrations of diazinon sorbed to suspended sediments, therefore, were independent of the patterns of sediment movement.     

We are not all the same!: Comparative climate change vulnerabilities among fishers in Old Harbour Bay,Jamaica

There is a general consensus that Small Island Developing States are among the most vulnerable to experience climate injustices. Vulnerability studies of climate change effects on communities have often focused on differences between communities given these climate injustices. However, there is a need to also focus on vulnerability within communities, referred to here as comparative vulnerabilities. Climate justice therefore becomes even more important with more focused attention given to the nuances within groups that fall within the vulnerable category. This article examines comparative vulnerabilities for the fishing community in Jamaica. A survey of 241 fishers from Old Harbour Bay, the largest fishing village in Jamaica, was conducted to examine the level of vulnerability of different fishers to climate change. A vulnerability index was constructed for the community and then comparative vulnerabilities were determined based on socio-demographic characteristics. Overall for the sample 46.9% of respondents would be considered as experiencing a comparatively high level of vulnerability to climate change. Climate change vulnerability was influenced by a number of socio-demographic variables with unique profiles emerging for groups that can be ranked as low, moderate, and high vulnerability. The paper therefore argues that within vulnerable populations there are comparative vulnerabilities based on economic factors and social capital, which must be taken into consideration for adaptation strategies to be implemented. Given these comparative vulnerabilities a more targeted approach to coping and adaptation strategies can then be taken. This will assist in building resilience of these communities that must now adjust to a new normal with climate change effects currently occurring.     

Spatial and temporal dynamics of dissolved trace metals, organic carbon, mineral nutrients, and phytoplankton in a coastal lagoon: Great South Bay, New York

Although marine lagoons are ubiquitous features along coastal margins, studies investigating the dynamics of metal, organic matter, and nutrient concentrations in such systems are rare. Here we present a comprehensive examination of the temporal and spatial gradients in dissolved trace metals (Ag, Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb), organic and inorganic nutrients (POC, PON, DOC, N0₃ ⁻, NH₄ ⁺, H₄SiO₄, PO₄ ⁻³, and urea), and algal biomass in a lagoon estuary, Great South Bay (GSB), New York, USA. While this estuary has experienced a series of environmental problems during recent decades (urbanization, loss of fisheries, harmful algal blooms), root causes are largely unknown, in part because levels of bioactive substances, such as trace metals, have never been measured. Sampling was undertaken within multiple estuarine, riverine, and groundwater sites during spring, summer, and fall. Trace metal tracers (e.g., Ag, Mn) and statistical analyses were used to differentiate the influences of natural and anthropogenic processes on the chemical composition of the lagoon. Our analyses revealed three clusters of biogeochemical constituents that behaved similarly in GSB: constituents under strong biological control such as POC, PON, DOC and chlorophyll,a; elements indicative of benthic remobilization processes such as Mn, Cd, and Cu; and constituents strongly influence by anthropogenic processes such as Ag, Pb, PO₄ ⁻³, NO₃ ⁻, and NH₄ ⁺. Although GSB is surrounded by a densely populated watershed (c. 1 million people), it does not appear to be significantly contaminated by trace metals compared to other urban estuaries. Levels of DOC (up to 760 μM) in GSB were well correlated with phytoplankton biomass and exceeded at least 98% of values reported in similar mid Atlantic estuaries at the same salinities. These high levels of DOC are likely to be an important source of carbon export to the coastal ocean and likely promote mixotrophic harmful algal blooms in this system.     

Minor elements in sediments of Great Bay estuary,New Hampshire

Concentrations of copper, zinc, chromium, lead, cadmium, and phosphorus were obtained from 81 samples of unconsolidated estuarine sediment from Great Bay, New Hampshire. Dispersal of aqueous chromium from localized industrial effluent is believed responsible for an increase in sediment chromium throughout the entire estuary. High phosphorus concentrations exist in sediment near the outfalls from several waste-water treatment plants. There is no evidence for any increase of copper, zinc, lead, or cadmium in this estuary, except for localized high concentrations close to industrial outfalls. Fine-grained sediments and organic carbon correlate highly with all the elements studied, except for chromium. This suggests that conventional agents of sedimentary adsorption are not adequate to explain the incorporation of chromium into sediment under the conditions of heavy industrial discharge which exist in this estuary. Sediment phosphorus correlates highly with minor elements, suggesting that it is an adsorption agent, similar to more typical sedimentary parameters such as organic matter and clay minerals. In such a capacity phosphorus may enhance the sedimentary uptake of other aqueous species, and account for higher chromium sediment concentrations. Comparative data from other sedimentary environments emphasize the environmental significance of these elements in Great Bay.     

Hydrogeochemistry and transport of organic contaminants in an urban watershed of Chesapeake Bay (USA)

Stream water samples were collected in the two main free-flowing branches of the Anacostia River watershed above the head of tide over a one year time period. Both the Northeast and Northwest Branches drain large suburban and urban land areas that flow into the more urbanized tidal portion of the Anacostia River within Washington, DC. Large volume (40–75 l) water samples were filtered, and the suspended particulate matter and filtrate were analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) at sub-nanogram per liter concentrations using ultra-trace analytical methods. Higher amounts of PCBs, PAH, and OCPs in the tidal Anacostia River occurred primarily in the particulate phase during high flow events. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the particulate phase within fluvial transport consisted primarily of pyrogenic homologues characteristic of weathered or combusted petroleum products. Fluxes were exceptionally high for PAHs which showed annual fluxes to the tidal Anacostia River comparable to those determined for the much larger mainstem Potomac River. Aromatic hydrocarbons in runoff from urban regions may serve as an important source of PAH fluxes to the tidal waters of Chesapeake Bay.     

Temporal Trends of Dissolved Trace Metals in Jamaica Bay,NY: Importance of Wastewater Input and Submarine Groundwater Discharge in an Urban Estuary

Jamaica Bay, NY, is a highly urbanized estuary within the boroughs of New York City conspicuously lacking published information on dissolved trace metal concentrations. The current study examines the distribution and cycling of trace metals in that embayment with data gathered during cruises in November 2004, April 2005, and June 2006. Most of the metal distributions (Fe, Zn, Co, Ag, Cu, Pb, Ni) in the water column are explained by the input of substantial volumes of treated wastewater effluent. However, several lines of evidence suggest that submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) is also an important source of dissolved Fe, Zn, Co, Ni, and isotopically distinct stable Pb ratios (²⁰⁶Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb, ²⁰⁸Pb) in the Bay. Conversely, the recirculated seawater component of SGD is an apparent sink for dissolved Mo. This study provides the first measurements of dissolved trace metals in the Jamaica Bay water column and subterranean estuary and provides evidence for trace metal input due to SGD.     

Glacial conglomerates of the Appalachian Plateau,New York

Three generations of Quaternary conglomerates formed by cementation of glacial gravels are found in drift of the Appalachian Plateau in south-central New York. Postglacial conglomerates have been locally cemented by carbonate minerals within limestone-bearing (erratic-rich) gravels of Late Wisconsin (Woodfordian) age. Conglomerates cemented during the Mid-Wisconsin interstade occur as numerous fragments in erratic-rich Late Wisconsin drift, and as a single in situ mound near Syracuse. Mid-Wisconsin conglomerate contains fragments of a still older conglomerate believed to be of possible pre-Wisconsin (Sangamon) age. Both postglacial and Mid-Wisconsin conglomerates were cemented in the same manner, as a result of diagenetic processes in the vadose zones of limestone-bearing terraces. Information gleaned from conglomerate fragments indicates that Early Wisconsin drift was similar to Late Wisconsin drift; the Early and Late Wisconsin glaciations and deglaciations of the plateau probably proceeded in much the same fashion.