Particulate and dissolved amino acids in the lower Mississippi and Pearl Rivers (USA)

In this study, we present seasonal changes (monthly samples from September 2001 to August 2003) in the abundance and composition of dissolved and particulate amino acids, at one station in the lower Mississippi and Pearl Rivers (LA, MS: USA). Spatial changes over a 4-day transmit from river km 390 to river mouth (Head of Passes, LA) in the Mississippi River, and a two-day downstream sampling from Jackson (MS) to Stennis Space Center (MS) were also determined. Temporal data in the lower Mississippi River showed significantly lower concentrations of dissolved combined amino acids (DCAA, 0.8 to 2.2 μM) and dissolved amino acids in high molecular weight fraction (HMW DAA, 0.2–0.4 μM) than in the Pearl River (DCAA, 1.4–4.3 μM; HMW DAA, 0.4–1.4 μM). Dissolved free amino acids (DFAA) were significantly lower than DCAA in both rivers, and displayed minimal seasonal variability. DCAA, HMW DAA, and particulate amino acids (PAA) were generally higher during high-flow periods, which may have suggested dominance in terrestrial sources. Carbon-normalized yield of PAA (%C-PAA) was generally higher during low-flow conditions and positively correlated with chlorophyll-a (chl-a), reflective of in situ sources. Downstream variability in the lower Mississippi River showed stable DCAA concentrations, a decline in PAA (from 1.06 to 0.43 μM), and a gradual increase in mole percent of non-protein amino acids (%NPAA). This likely reflected bacterial degradation of phytoplankton biomass during falling discharge. Nitrogen-normalized yield of PAA (%N-PAA) was inversely correlated with PAA (R = − 0.7, n = 48), indicative of short-term sedimentation and resuspension events. Conversely, downstream decreases in DCAA and middle-reach peaks of PAA and %N-PAA in the Pearl River, likely resulted from photochemical degradation of DOM as well as algal production during base-flow conditions. The comparisons in abundance and composition of DAA and PAA in these different river systems provides important information on in situ nitrogen and carbon cycling as related to riverine inputs of organic matter to coastal ocean.     

Short-term variation in behavior of allochthonous particulate organic matter accompanying changes of river discharge in Ise Bay,Japan

The composition and behavior of allochthonous particulate organic matter (POM) in the northern part of Ise Bay, Japan were investigated to elucidate the short-term variation in POM accompanying changes in river discharge. The behavior of POM was significantly regulated by hydrographic conditions, but behavior was different in the upper layer versus the middle and lower layers. The former showed simple dynamics controlled by the river plume, while the latter showed complex dynamics because of changes in river discharge and subsequent variation in estuarine circulation. During normal discharge, the contribution of riverine materials to POC in the surface water within the bay was negligible because most riverine organic matter is deposited before flowing into the bay. During high discharge, on the other hand, the contribution of riverine organic matter to total POM increased to 50% at ∼10 km from the river mouth. Though riverine organic matter loads increased, the total amount of POC decreased around the river mouth due to flushing of phytoplankton. After river discharge, the contribution decreased rapidly.The behavior of POM in the middle and lower layers differed from that in the surface layer. At normal discharge, the influence of riverine organic matter was weak. During high discharge, high flooding temporarily weakened the bottom inflow, resulting in heavier riverine organic matter distributed from the river mouth to mid regions within the bay in the lower layer. The maximum contribution of riverine organic matter to total POM was estimated to be ∼60% around 25 km from the river mouth. After high discharge, riverine POM in the lower layer was pushed to the bay head by enhanced estuarine circulation and was uplifted to the middle layer. The behavior of riverine POM dynamically changed in relation to river discharge, and exerted a significant influence on bottom water conditions in the bay.     

Origin and biochemical cycling of particulate nitrogen in the Mandovi estuary

Mandovi estuary is a tropical estuary strongly influenced by the southwest monsoon. In order to understand, sources and fate of particulate organic nitrogen, suspended particulate matter (SPM) collected from various locations, was analyzed for particulate organic carbon (POC) and particulate organic nitrogen (PON), δ¹³C_POC, total hydrolysable amino acid enantiomers (l- and d- amino acids) concentration and composition. δ¹³C_POC values were depleted (−32 to −25‰) during the monsoon and enriched (−29.6 to −21‰) in the pre-monsoon season implying that OM was derived from terrestrial and marine sources during the former and latter season, respectively. The biological indicators such as C/N ratio, d-amino acids, THAA yields and degradation indices (DI) indicate that the particulate organic matter (POM) was relatively more degraded during the monsoon season. Conversely, during the pre-monsoon, the biological indicators indicated the presence of relatively fresh and labile POM derived from autochthonous sources. Amino acids such as alanine, aspartic acid, leucine, serine, arginine, and threonine in monsoon and glutamic acid, glycine, valine, lysine, and isoleucine in pre-monsoon were relatively abundant. Presence of bacterial biomarker, d-amino acids in the SPM of the estuary during both the seasons signifies important contribution of bacteria to the estuarine detrital ON pool. Based on d-amino acid yields, bacterial OM accounted for 16-34% (23.0 ± 6.7%) of POC and 29-75% (47.9 ± 18.7%) of PON in monsoon, and 30-78% (50.0 ± 15%) of POC and 34-79% (51.2 ± 13.3%) of the PON in pre-monsoon in the estuary. Substantial contribution of bacterial-N to PON indicates nitrogen (N) enrichment on terrestrial POM during the monsoon season. Transport of terrestrial POM enriched with bacterial OM to the coastal waters is expected to influence coastal productivity and ecosystem functioning during the monsoon season.     

Degradation of phytoplankton-derived organic matter: Implications for carbon and nitrogen biogeochemistry in coastal ecosystems

Experiments were conducted using seawater from the Oregon continental shelf to determine: (1) rates of phytoplankton-derived particulate organic matter (POM) and dissolved organic matter (DOM) degradation by natural microbial communities, and (2) whether inorganic nutrients or flagellate grazing limit the bacterial response to, and subsequent degradation of, the DOM. In the initial seawater samples, nutrients were depleted and organic matter concentrations were elevated above concentrations found in upwelled water, indicative of recent bloom conditions. In whole water treatments incubated for 3 d, an average of 24% of the total organic C and 33% of the POC was degraded, with some portion of the POC being converted to DOC. In treatments incubated after POM was removed by filtration, DOC degradation was initially rapid and then proceeded at a slower rate. After 3 d, an average of 41% of the DOC was degraded. Selective degradation of the C-component of both the POM and DOM relative to the N-component was observed. Reductions in flagellate grazing resulted in increases in bacterial abundance and enhanced DOC degradation, while inorganic nutrient amendments had little effect. Overall, these results suggest that a fraction of the phytoplankton-derived POM and DOM can be rapidly degraded, contributing to oxygen consumption on the continental shelf. The long degradation time of a less labile DOC fraction relative to potential offshelf transport mechanisms suggests that Oregon's coastal waters may be a source of DOC to adjacent offshore waters of the North Pacific.     

Origin of sedimentary organic matter in the north-western Adriatic Sea

In order to evaluate the origin and the transformation of organic matter on the shallow shelf of the NW Adriatic Sea, organic carbon, total nitrogen and stable isotope ratios of organic carbon were analysed in riverine suspended matter and sediments as well as in marine suspended and sedimentary organic matter, in marine phytoplankton and zooplankton.The deposition of organic matter is influenced by fine sediment concentration. Surface sediments were characterised by highly variable biogeochemical conditions on the sea floor, whereas sub-surface sediments showed a more homogeneous hypoxic/anoxic environment.Low C_org/N ratio and high organic carbon and nitrogen concentrations in riverine suspended organic matter indicate an important contribution of freshwater phytoplankton within rivers, particularly during low flow regimes, which adds to the marine phyto- and zooplankton at shelf locations.In order to evaluate the importance of terrestrial, riverine and marine sources of OM in shelf sediments, a three end-member mixing model was applied to shelf surface sediments using ¹³C/¹²C values for organic matter and N/C ratios. The model showed an elevated contribution of terrestrial organic substances at intermediate depths (10–15 m), mostly corresponding to an area of coarser grain-size, whereas the riverine and marine organic fractions were mainly accumulating near the coast and offshore, respectively.     

Distinctive stable isotope ratios in important zooplankton species in relation to estuarine salinity gradients: Potential tracer of fish migration

To assess the potential of stable isotope ratios as an indicator of fish migration within estuaries, stable isotope ratios in important zooplankton species were analyzed in relation to estuarine salinity gradients. Gut contents from migratory juveniles of the euryhaline marine fish Lateolabrax japonicus were examined along the Chikugo River estuary of the Ariake Sea, which has the most developed estuarine turbidity maximum (ETM) in Japan. Early juveniles in March and April preyed primarily on two copepod species; Sinocalanus sinensis at lower salinities and Acartia omorii at higher salinities. Late juveniles (standard length > 40 mm) at lower salinities preyed exclusively on the mysid Acanthomysis longirostris until July and complementarily on the decapod Acetes japonicus in August. These prey species were collected along the estuary during the spring–summer seasons of 2003 and 2004, and their carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) were evaluated. The δ¹³C values of prey species were distinct from each other and were primarily depleted within and in close proximity to the ETM (salinity < 10); S. sinensis (−26.6‰) < Acanthomysis longirostris (−23.3‰) < Acartia omorii (−21.1‰) < Acetes japonicus (−18.5‰). The overall gradient of δ¹³C with salinity occurred for all prey species and showed minor temporal fluctuations, while it was not directly influenced by the δ¹³C values in particulate organic matter along the estuary. In contrast to δ¹³C, the δ¹⁵N values of prey species did not exhibit any clear relationship with salinity. The present study demonstrated that δ¹³C has the potential for application as a tracer of fish migration into lower salinity areas including the ETM.     

Particulate suspended matter concentrations in the Bahía Blanca Estuary,Argentina: Implication for the development of phytoplankton blooms

The inner zone of the Bahía Blanca Estuary is shallow, nutrient-rich and turbid. Tidal energy and water turbulence strongly affect the water column resulting in a well-mixed structure and high concentrations of suspended sediment. The phytoplankton community is mostly dominated by diatoms and the annual pattern has been characterized by a recurrent winter-early spring bloom. Here, we investigated to what extent the temporal variations of suspended particulate matter (SPM) regulate the phytoplankton blooms in the head of the estuary by light-limitation. Sampling was done on a fortnightly basis (weekly during the blooming season) at a fixed station in the inner zone of the estuary from January 2007 to February 2008. SPM concentrations and light extinction coefficients (k) in the water column were significantly correlated and showed relatively lower values during the phytoplankton maximal biomass levels. During winter, SPM and k reached values of 23.6 mg l⁻¹ and 0.17 m⁻¹ which were significantly lower than the annual means of 77.6 mg l⁻¹ and 2.94 m⁻¹, respectively. The particulate organic matter (POM) concentration was significantly correlated with the calculated phytoplankton biomass although the contribution of the latter to the total POM was rather low. Both, POM and biomass, had maximal values during winter (21.8 mg l⁻¹ and 393.5 μg C l⁻¹) and mid summer (24.3 mg l⁻¹ and 407.0 μg C l⁻¹), with cell densities up to 8 × 10⁶ cells l⁻¹ and chlorophyll a up to 24.6 μg l⁻¹. Our results suggest that the decrease of SPM concentrations in the water column with a concomitant increase in the penetration of solar radiation seems to be one of the main causes for the development of the phytoplankton winter bloom in the Bahía Blanca Estuary.     

Trophic relationships along a bathymetric gradient at the deep-sea observatory HAUSGARTEN

Deep-seafloor communities, especially those from the ice-covered Arctic, are subject to severe food limitation as the amount of particulate organic matter (POM) from the surface is attenuated with increasing depth. Here, we use naturally occurring stable isotope tracers (δ¹⁵N) to broaden our rudimentary knowledge of food web structure and the response of benthic organisms to decreasing food supplies along the bathymetric transect (～1300–5600 m water depth) of the deep-sea observatory HAUSGARTEN. Encompassing five trophic levels, the HAUSGARTEN food web is among the longest indicating continuous recycling of organic material typical of food-limited deep-sea ecosystems. The δ¹⁵N signatures ranged from 3.0‰ for Foraminifera to 21.4‰ (±0.4) for starfish (Poraniomorpha tumida). The majority of organisms occupied the second and third trophic level. Demersal fish fed at the third trophic level, consistent with results from stomach contents analysis. There were significant differences in the δ¹⁵N signatures of different functional groups with highest δ¹⁵N values in predators/scavengers (13.2±0.2‰) followed by suspension feeders (11.2±0.2‰) and deposit feeders (10.2±0.3‰). Depth (=increasing food limitation) affected functional groups in different ways. While the isotopic signatures of predators/scavengers did not change, those of suspension feeders increased with depth, and the reverse was found for deposit feeders. In contrast to the results of other studies, the δ¹⁵N signatures in POM samples obtained below 800 m did not vary significantly with depth indicating that changes in δ¹⁵N values are unlikely to be responsible for the depth-related δ¹⁵N signature changes observed for benthic consumers. However, the δ¹⁵N signatures of sediments decreased with increasing depth, which also explains the decrease found for deposit feeders. Suspension feeders may rely increasingly on particles trickling down the HAUSGARTEN slope and carrying higher δ¹⁵N signatures than the decreasing POM supplies, which elevates the δ¹⁵N value of their tissues. Our results imply that a depth-stratified approach should be taken to avoid a misinterpretation of data obtained at different depths.     

Pelagic nitrogen dynamics in the Vietnamese upwelling area according to stable nitrogen and carbon isotope data

Upwelling and nitrogen (N) fixation provide new N for primary production off southern central Vietnam. Here we evaluate the roles of both N sources for zooplankton nutrition by comparing δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C values in nitrate, particulate organic matter (POM), and six net-plankton size fractions from monsoon and intermonsoon seasons. The δ¹³C values in POM and the net-plankton size fractions differed by 2–4‰ at any time. We assume that plankton from the POM filters was dominated by nano-and picoplankton as opposed to micro- and mesoplankton in the net-samples. The implications of this are discussed in terms of size differential pathways of C and N in the planktonic food web. We used δ¹⁵N to estimate the differences in N nutrition between the actual upwelling region and the oligotrophic area further offshore. The δ¹⁵N values of the net-plankton size fractions were depleted in δ¹⁵N by ca. 2‰ outside compared to inside the upwelling area during the monsoon season. We attribute these patterns to the additional utilization of N derived from N fixation. The concomitant findings of high N fixation rates reported earlier and low subthermocline nitrate (nitrate_sub) values of 2.9–3.6‰ support this conclusion. Net-plankton δ¹⁵N values increased with size, pointing to the dominance of higher trophic levels in the larger size fractions. According to a two source mixing model N fixation may have provided up to 13% of the N demand in higher trophic levels.     

Limited nutritional benefit to the seagrass Halophila ovalis, in culture, following sediment organic matter enrichment

Essential nutrients for seagrass growth may be derived from benthic decomposition of organic matter. To test this idea, cores of Halophila ovalis (seagrass-vegetated) and unvegetated sediment (control) were amended with either particulate organic matter (POM) or dissolved organic matter (DOM) to test whether a positive feed-back loop exists, where increased organic matter results in increased seagrass nutrients. POM was added in the form of seagrass wrack (0, 1, 5, 12 g core⁻¹) and DOM was added with sucrose diffusion tubes at the root zone (0, 0.8, 2.4, 5.2 g core⁻¹). Cores were incubated under saturating light conditions (12 h light/12 h dark) at 18 °C, for 4 weeks. Results suggest a complex balance between positive and negative effects of organic matter enrichment. Whilst leaf molar concentrations of N and P of H. ovalis increased (by 15 and 30% respectively), plant growth declined (up to 50% relative to control) for both DOM and POM enrichments. Phosphate was removed from sediment porewater following POM addition and most likely translocated to the leaves. Stressors other than nutrient limitation (e.g. biogeochemical constraints) reduce growth and affect the nutrient dynamics of the seagrass and should be the focus of future work.     

Role of mysid seasonal migrations in the organic matter transfer in the Curonian Lagoon,south-eastern Baltic Sea

We investigated population dynamics, growth and feeding of an omnivorous mysid, Paramysis lacustris, performing seasonal horizontal migrations in the Curonian Lagoon. In autumn, increased predation pressure and deteriorated feeding conditions, due to zooplankton and phytoplankton decline in the open water, forces mysids to migrate to the shoreline, where large amounts of decaying submersed vegetation occur at the end of plant growth season. Using stable isotope analysis and mixing models, we evaluated relative importance of decaying submersed macrophytes, lagoon phytoplankton and mesozooplankton in the diet of mysids during this period. In September–November, mysids actively grew and produced three cohorts. Specific growth rates of adults (10.9 ± 1.9 mm) and subadults (6 ± 0.5 mm) were 3 and 9% DW d⁻¹, respectively, resulting in population somatic production of 36 g DW m⁻². Both δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C of mysids varied in concert with those in suspended and bottom particulate organic matter (POM) and mesozooplankton. The mixing models estimated that 45% of mysid diets were composed of bottom POM originated from the decaying macrophyte Potamogeton perfoliatus, 45% by suspended POM largely consisting of phytoplankton, while mesozooplankton contributed less than 10% of the diet. This diet composition differs from that in summer, when mysids rely mostly on zooplankton and phytoplankton. Therefore, mysid horizontal migrations and their ability to efficiently utilize littoral detritus improve the efficiency of macrophyte detritus transfer up the food chain and inshore/offshore habitat coupling in the Curonian Lagoon.     

Seasonal food web structures and sympagic-pelagic coupling in the European Arctic revealed by stable isotopes and a two-source food web model

We simultaneously followed stable carbon (δ¹³C) and nitrogen (δ¹⁵N) isotopes in a two-source food web model to determine trophic levels and the relative importance of open water- and ice-associated food sources (phytoplankton vs. ice algae) in the lower marine food web in the European Arctic during four seasons. The model is based upon extensive seasonal data from 1995 to 2001.Phytoplankton, represented by samples of particulate organic matter from open water (Pelagic-POM) and ice algae, represented by samples from the underside of the ice (Ice-POM), were isotopically different. Ice-POM was generally dominated by the typical ice diatoms Nitzschia frigida and Melosira arctica and was more enriched than Pelagic-POM in ¹³C (δ¹³C = −20‰ vs. −24‰), but less enriched in ¹⁵N (δ¹⁵N = 1.8‰ vs. 4.0‰). However, when dominated by pelagic algae, Ice-POM was enriched in ¹³C and ¹⁵N similarly to Pelagic-POM.The derived trophic enrichment factors for δ¹⁵N (Δ_N = 3.4‰) and δ¹³C (Δ_C = 0.6‰) were similar in both pelagic and sympagic (ice-associated) systems, although the Δ_C for the sympagic system was variable.Trophic level (TL) range for zooplankton (TL = 1.8-3.8) was similar to that of ice fauna (TL = 1.9-3.7), but ice amphipods were generally less enriched in δ¹⁵N than zooplankton, reflecting lower δ¹⁵N in Ice-POM compared to Pelagic-POM. For bulk zooplankton, TLs and carbon sources changed little seasonally, but the proportion of herbivores was higher during May-September than in October and March. Overall, we found that the primary carbon source for zooplankton was Pelagic-POM (mean 74%), but depending on species, season and TL, substantial carbon (up to 50%) was supplied from the sympagic system. For bulk ice fauna, no major changes were found in TLs or carbon sources from summer to autumn. The primary carbon source for ice fauna was Ice-POM (mean 67%), although ice fauna with TL > 3 (adult Onisimus nanseni and juvenile polar cod) primarily utilized a pelagic food source.     

The supply and preservation of ancient and modern components of organic carbon in the Canadian Beaufort Shelf of the Arctic Ocean

The provenance of organic matter in sediments from the Mackenzie River and Beaufort Shelf was investigated using the stable carbon and radiocarbon isotopic compositions of bulk organic matter and the stable carbon isotopic compositions of individual organic compounds, including lignin-derived phenols and lipid-derived fatty acids. Most river suspended sediments and shelf surface sediments contained organic carbon characterized by highly depleted Δ¹⁴C values that were consistent with average radiocarbon ages exceeding 7000 years. The stable carbon isotopic signatures of lignin phenols were uniformly depleted (−25≥δ¹³C≥−32‰), indicating the predominant contributions of C₃ vascular plant sources. The isotopic compositions of C₁₄ and C₁₆ fatty acids exhibited important contrasts between the river (−36‰ to −40‰) and shelf (−25‰ to −29‰) sediments that were consistent with contributions from freshwater algae and/or vascular plants in the former and marine phytoplankton in the latter. Using ¹⁴C isotopic mass balance, the abundances of modern and ancient organic matter were quantitatively constrained. The fate of organic matter in the Beaufort Shelf was explored by normalizing these abundances to the specific surface area of sediments. Ancient organic carbon, which may include old pre-aged soil material as well as fossil bitumen or kerogen, accounted for the majority (∼70%) of the particulate organic matter exported by the Mackenzie River and deposited in surface sediments of the Beaufort Shelf. Modern organic carbon accounted for ∼30% in both river and shelf sediments, with significant contributions from vascular plant-derived materials in both river and shelf samples and from marine algae in the shelf sediments. Respiration (and/or leaching) of particle-bound marine organic matter dominates the carbon metabolism in the Mackenzie Delta/Beaufort Shelf region. However, land-derived pools, including modern carbon derived from vascular plants as well as ancient carbon also appeared to undergo a degree of post-depositional degradation prior to burial in the shelf. These novel source apportionments are reflected in an updated carbon budget for the study area.     

Bacterial production,glucosidase activity and particle-associated carbohydrates in Dona Paula bay,west coast of India

Size-fractionated bacterial production, abundance and α- and β- glucosidase enzyme activities were studied with respect to changes in hydrography, total suspended matter (TSM), chlorophyll a, particulate organic carbon and nitrogen ratio (POC:PON), 1.5 M NaCl-soluble and 10 mM EDTA-soluble carbohydrates (Sal-PCHO and CPCHO) and transparent exopolymeric particles (TEP) in the surface waters from July 1999–2000 at a shallow coastal station in Dona Paula Bay, west coast of India. The bulk of the total bacterial production and glucosidase activity were associated with particles (75% and >80%, respectively). Total bacterial production was linearly correlated to chlorophyll a (r = 0.513; p < 0.05) whereas enzyme activity was significantly correlated to TSM (α-glucosidase: r = 0.721 (p < 0.001); β-glucosidase: r = 0.596 (p < 0.01)). Both α-glucosidase (r = 0.514; p < 0.05) and β-glucosidase enzymes (r = 0.598; p < 0.01) appeared to be involved in the degradation of CPCHO and Sal-PCHO, respectively. Changes in α-glucosidase/β-glucosidase ratios highlighted the varying composition of particulate organic matter. The bacterial uptake of ¹⁴C-labeled bacterial extracellular carbohydrate measured over 11 days showed a strong linear correlation between ¹⁴C-uptake and bacterial production using tritiated thymidine. The turnover rate of ¹⁴C-labeled carbohydrate-C was 0.52 d⁻¹, higher than the estimated annual mean potential carbohydrate carbon turnover rate of 0.33 ± 0.2 d⁻¹. Our study suggests that carbohydrates derived from sediments may serve as an important alternative carbon source sustaining the bacterial carbon demand in the surface waters of Dona Paula Bay.     

Enzyme activities in the Delaware Estuary affected by elevated suspended sediment load

Extracellular enzyme activities were compared among surface water, bottom water, and sediments of the Delaware Estuary using six fluorescently labeled, structurally distinct polysaccharides to determine the effects of suspended sediment transport on water column hydrolytic activities. Potential hydrolysis rates in surface waters were also measured for the nearby shelf. Samples were taken in December 2006, 6 months after a major flood event in the Delaware Basin that was followed by high freshwater run-off throughout the fall of 2006. All substrates were hydrolyzed in sediments and in the water column, including two (pullulan and fucoidan) that previously were not hydrolyzed in surface waters of the Delaware estuary. At the time of sampling, total particulate matter (TPM) in surface waters at the lower bay, bay mouth, and shelf ranged between 31 mg l⁻¹ and 48 mg l⁻¹ and were 2 to 20 times higher than previously reported. The presence of easily resuspended sediments at the lower bay and bay mouth indicated enhanced suspended sediment transport in the estuary prior to our sampling. Bottom water hydrolysis rates at the two sites affected by sediment resuspension were generally higher than those in surface waters from the same site. Most notably, fucoidan and pullulan hydrolysis rates in bay mouth bottom waters were 22.6 and 6.2 nM monomer h⁻¹, respectively, and thus three and five times higher than surface water rates. Our data suggest that enhanced mixing processes between the sediment and the overlying water broadened the spectrum of water column hydrolases activity, improving the efficiency of enzymatic degradation of high molecular weight organic matter in the water with consequences for organic matter cycling in the Delaware estuary.     

Meiofauna of the western continental shelf of India,Arabian Sea

Meiofaunal standing stock and nematode community structure were investigated in the western continental shelf of India by collecting samples from every degree square of the shelf during two cruises of the FORV (Fishery and Oceanographic Research Vessel) Sagar Sampada, conducted in 1998 and 2001. Samples were collected from 30, 50, 100 and 200 m depths using a Smith Mc Intyre grab. Meiofaunal density ranged from 8 Ind. 10 cm⁻² to 1208 Ind. 10 cm⁻² and biomass from 0.07 mg 10 cm⁻² to 6.11 mg 10 cm⁻². Nematodes were the dominant meiofaunal group, contributing 88% of the density and 44% of the biomass. Harpacticoid copepods were the second important taxa, contributing 8% of both biomass and density. Altogether, 154 species of nematodes belonging to 28 families were recorded from the study area. Numerically, Desmodora spp., Dorylaimopsis sp., Tricoma spp., Theristus spp. and Halalaimus spp. were the dominant species. In general, there was a decrease in biomass and density of meiofauna and species diversity of nematodes with increase in depth. There was a 67% drop in species number from 51 to 100 m (106 species) to the shelf edge (35 species). Species richness and diversity indices showed consistent decrease with depth. The species dominance index was higher below 150 m depth. ANOSIM (from PRIMER) showed a significant difference between the nematodes of the near shore and shelf edge. Latitudinal variation was observed only in the number of nematode species. Biomass and abundance of nematodes were found to increase from coarse to fine sediment, while copepods showed an opposite trend. Multivariate analyses of nematode communities did not reveal any latitudinal or substratum differences. Variables such as depth, latitude, organic matter (OM) and amount of clay were the most relevant parameters influencing the biomass and density of meiofauna, while depth and temperature were the important parameters explaining the distribution of the nematode communities along the western Indian shelf.     

Sedimentary carbon-isotope systematics on the Amazon shelf

Sedimentary carbon systematics on the Amazon continental shelf were investigated using¹⁴C and ¹³C measurements of sedimentary organic materials. Mass balance calculations indicate that the¹⁴C content of modern shelf muds results from burial of old (~ 5000 yr BP) terrestrial soil carbon and bomb-¹⁴C-enriched marine carbon, implying that most of the bomb-labeled riverine particulate carbon is not buried on the shelf. The¹⁴C signature of Amazon shelf deposits records the effects of both biogeochemical and sedimentary processes active in this dynamic environment.     

River or mangrove? Tracing major organic matter sources in tropical Brazilian coastal waters

The influence of mangrove-fringed tropical estuaries on coastal carbon budgets has been widely recognised. However, a quantitative differentiation between riverine and mangrove-derived inputs to the dissolved (DOM) and microparticulate organic matter (POM) pool of these environments has been hitherto not possible. Based on lignin-derived phenols and stable carbon isotopes a chemical signature for mangrove, terrestrial and marine-derived organic matter was established for a mangrove estuary in North Brazil. A mixing model was applied to calculate the contribution of each of the three sources to the DOM and POM pool in the estuary throughout 18 tidal cycles in the course of one year. Best source assignment for POM was reached with the yield of lignin phenols and δ¹³C as paired indicators, while the origin of DOM was best identified by the yield of lignin phenols and the acid to aldehyde ratio of vanillyl phenols. Although only about 6% of the fluvial catchment area is covered by mangroves, their contribution to the estuarine DOM and POM pool generally exceeded several times the terrigenic input from the hinterland. This outwelling of mangrove-derived organic matter was enhanced during the rainy season. DOM and POM were exported from the mangrove to the estuary in similar proportions. Most mangrove-POM was rapidly removed from the water column, while mangrove-DOM behaved conservatively. In contrast, terrestrial DOM was almost entirely removed in the outer part of the estuary, which was accompanied by a concomitant increase in terrestrial POM. This seems to be the result of a geochemical barrier zone for this type of DOM in the estuary. Generally, a high proportion of mangrove-DOM was present in the outer part of the estuary, even at high tide. This indicates DOM outwelling from mangroves in adjacent bays or estuaries and points to similar driving forces controlling this process on a regional scale. Mangroves probably play a more important role than rivers for marine carbon budgets along the North Brazilian coast south of the Amazon estuary.     

楚科奇和西伯利亚陆架颗粒有机物的来源：碳、氮同位素的线索

The stable isotopic composition(δ~(13)C and δ~(15)N) and carbon/nitrogen ratio(C/N) of particulate organic matter(POM) in the Chukchi and East Siberian shelves from July to September, 2016 were measured to evaluate the spatial variability and origin of POM. The δ~(13)C_(POC) values were in the range of -29.5‰ to-17.5‰ with an average of -25.9‰±2.0‰, and the δ~(15)N_(PN) values ranged from 3.9‰ to 13.1‰ with an average of 8.0‰±1.6‰. The C/N ratios in the East Siberian shelf were generally higher than those in the Chukchi shelf, while the δ~(13)C and δ~(15)N values were just the opposite. Abnormally low C/N ratios(4), low δ~(13)C_(POC)(almost-28‰) and high δ~(15)N_(PN)(10‰) values were observed in the Wrangel Island polynya, which was attributed to the early bloom of small phytoplankton. The contributions of terrestrial POM, bloom-produced POM and non-bloom marine POM were estimated using a three end-member mixing model. The spatial distribution of terrestrial POM showed a high fraction in the East Siberian shelf and decreased eastward, indicating the influence of Russian rivers. The distribution of non-bloom marine POM showed a high fraction in the Chukchi shelf with the highest fraction occurring in the Bering Strait and decreased westward, suggesting the stimulation of biological production by the Pacific inflow in the Chukchi shelf. The fractions of bloom-produced POM were highest in the winter polynya and gradually decreased toward the periphery. A negative relationship between the bloom-produced POM and the sea ice meltwater inventory was observed, indicating that the net sea ice loss promotes early bloom in the polynya.Given the high fraction of bloom-produced POM, the early bloom of phytoplankton in the polynyas may play an important role on marine production and POM export in the Arctic shelves.     

Spatial and temporal distribution of cadmium and copper in water and zooplankton in the Bahía Blanca estuary,Argentina

Cadmium and copper in the dissolved and particulate phase and in zooplankton were determined in the Bahía Blanca estuary during six surveys from March to December 2005. Temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, suspended particulate matter, particulate organic matter and chlorophyll-a were also considered. Dissolved Cd was below the detection limit (0.2 μg L⁻¹) for almost the entire study period whereas Cu concentrations (0.5–2.4 μg L⁻¹) indicated a continuous dissolved Cu input. Particulate Cd concentrations ranged from below the detection limit (<0.01) to 28.6 μg g⁻¹ d.w. while particulate Cu ranged from below the detection limit (<0.04) to 53.5 μg g⁻¹ d.w. Cd in mesozooplankton ranged from below the detection limit (<0.01) to 37.4 μg g⁻¹ d.w. Some of the Cd levels were higher than those reported for other aquatic ecosystems. Cu in the mesozooplankton ranged from 1.3 to 89.3 μg g⁻¹ d.w., values which were within the reported values or higher than other studies. The log of the partition coefficients (log (K_d)) of Cd was 0.04, while log (K_d) for Cu ranged from −0.39 to 2.79. These values were lower than both those calculated for other estuaries and the typical coefficients for marine environments. The log of the bioconcentration factor (log BCF) of Cd was 1.78, indicating that Cd concentration was higher in the zooplankton than in the dissolved phase. Log BCF of Cu ranged from 1.15 to 3. The logs of the biomagnification factors (log BMF) of Cd were low, with a range between −3.45 and 2.21 and those for Cu ranged from −0.1 to 3.35. Positive values indicate biomagnification while negative values indicate biodiminution. In general, no significant dissolved Cd concentration appeared to be present in the Bahía Blanca estuary and Cu values did not indicate a critical environmental status. The particulate phase seemed to be the major carrier for Cd and Cu and TPCu values were within the normal values for an anthropogenically stressed estuary but not for a strongly polluted system. This fraction was the most important metal source for the mesozooplankton. Moreover, the highest metal concentrations were in the mesozooplankton since most of the bioconcentration and biomagnification factors were positive, especially for Cu.