Contaminants in molting long-tailed ducks and nesting common eiders in the Beaufort Sea

In 2000, we collected blood from long-tailed ducks (Clangula hyemalis) and blood and eggs from common eiders (Somateria mollissima) at near-shore islands in the vicinity of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, and at a reference area east of Prudhoe Bay. Blood was analyzed for trace elements and egg contents were analyzed for trace elements, organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Except for Se (mean=36.1 microg/g dry weight (dw) in common eiders and 48.8 microg/g dw in long-tailed ducks), concentrations of trace elements in blood were low and, although several trace elements differed between areas, they were not consistently higher at one location. In long-tailed ducks, Se in blood was positively correlated with activities of two serum enzymes, suggestive of an adverse effect of increasing Se levels on the liver. Although common eiders had high Se concentrations in their blood, Se residues in eggs were low (mean=2.28 microg/g dw). Strontium and Ni were higher in eggs near Prudhoe Bay than at the reference area, but none of the other trace elements or organic contaminants in eggs differed between locations. Concentrations of Ca, Sr, Mg, and Ni differed among eggs having no visible development, early-stage embryos, or late-stage embryos. Residues of 4,4'-DDE, cis-nonachlor, dieldrin, hexachlorobenzene, oxychlordane, and trans-nonachlor were found in 100% of the common eider eggs, but at low concentrations (means of 2.35-7.45 microg/kg wet weight (ww)). The mean total PCB concentration in eggs was 15.12 microg/kg ww. Of PAHs tested for, residues of 1- and 2-methylnaphthalene and naphthalene were found in 100% of the eggs, at mean concentrations of 0.36-0.89 microg/kg ww.     

Determination of the absolute32S/34S ratio of IAEA-S-1 reference material and V-CDT sulfur isotope standard

The absolute³²S/³⁴S ratios of IAEA-S-1 reference material and V-CDT standard are determined. For cross-checking, two sets of synthetic isotope mixtures are prepared from high purity³²S and³⁴S-enriched materials in different forms: the first set is prepared from BaSO₄ whereas the second is prepared from Ag₂S. The sulfur isotope analyses are done by using SF₆ method with a MAT-251 EM mass spectrometer. The resulting³²S/³⁴S ratio of IAEAS-1 reference material is 22. 656 4 ±0.006 0, and that of V-CDT is 22.649 6 ± 0.006 0. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 86020341).     

Geological cycling of potassium and the K isotopic response:insights from loess and shales

Shales are a major sink for K into seawater delivered from continental weathering,and are potential recorders of K cycling.High precision K isotope analyses reveal a[0.6%variation in δ^41K values(41K/39K relative to NIST SRM 3141a)from a set of well characterized postArchean Australian shale(PAAS)samples.By contrast,loess samples have relatively homogenous δ^41K values(-0.5±0.1%),which may represent the average K composition of upper continental crust.Most of the shales analyzed in this study have experienced K enrichment relative to average continental crust,and the majority of them define a trend of decreasing δ^41K value(from-0.5to-0.7%)with increasing K content and K/Na ratio,indicating cation exchange in clays minerals is accompanied by K isotope fractionation.Several shale samples do not follow the trend and have elevated δ^41K values up to-0.1%,and these samples are characterized by variable Fe isotope compositions,which reflect post-depositional processes.The K isotope variability observed in shales,in combination with recent findings about K isotope fractionation during continental weathering,indicates that K isotopes fractionate during cycling of K between different reservoirs,and K isotopes in sediments may be used to trace geological cycling of K.     

Concentration and subcellular distribution of trace elements in liver of small cetaceans incidentally caught along the Brazilian coast

Concentrations of trace elements (V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sb, Cs, Ba, T-Hg, Org-Hg, Tl and Pb) were determined in liver samples of estuarine dolphin (Sotalia guianensis; n = 20), Franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei; n = 23), Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis; n = 2), common dolphin (Delphinus capensis; n = 1) and striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba; n = 1) incidentally caught along the coast of Sao Paulo State and Parana State, Brazil, from 1997 to 1999. The hepatic concentrations of trace elements in the Brazilian cetaceans were comparable to the data available in literature on marine mammals from Northern Hemisphere. Concentrations of V, Se, Mo, Cd, T-Hg and Org-Hg increased with increasing age in liver of both estuarine and Franciscana dolphins. Very high concentrations of Cu (range, 262-1970 microg/g dry wt.) and Zn (range, 242-369 microg/g dry wt.) were observed in liver of sucklings of estuarine dolphin. Hepatic concentrations of V, Se, T-Hg, Org-Hg and Pb were significantly higher in estuarine dolphin, whereas Franciscana dolphin showed higher concentrations of Mn, Co, As and Rb. Ratio of Org-Hg to T-Hg in liver was significantly higher in Franciscana dolphin than estuarine dolphin, suggesting that demethylation ability of methyl Hg might be lower in liver of Franciscana than estuarine dolphins. High hepatic concentrations of Ag were found in some specimens of Franciscana dolphin (maximum, 20 microg/g dry wt.), and 17% of Franciscana showed higher concentrations of Ag than Hg. These samples with high Ag concentration also exhibited elevated hepatic Se concentration, implying that Ag might be detoxified by Se in the liver. Higher correlation coefficient between (Hg+0.5 Ag) and Se than between Hg and Se and the large distribution of Ag in non-soluble fraction in nuclear and mitochondrial fraction of the liver also suggests that Ag might be detoxified by Se via formation of Ag2Se in the liver of Franciscana dolphin.     

Isotopic evidence of subtle nutrient enrichment in mangrove habitats of Golfo Dulce,Costa Rica

Mangroves are of great ecological and socio‐economic importance, yet they are under threat from urban development on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. To test for possible nutrient‐related impacts, we compared water‐column nutrient concentrations, C and N stable isotope values and other environmental variables between mangroves with known sewage loading (three “nutrient loaded” locations) and those without such loading (three “reference” locations). Instantaneous nutrient concentrations were low at all locations, Secchi depth was greater at reference locations, and chlorophyll concentrations were higher at nutrient loaded mangroves. Suspended matter did not vary between reference and nutrient loaded mangroves, and nor did bivalve and algal δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values. Enrichment of δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C of red mangrove leaves at the nutrient loaded locations is attributed to pulsed inputs of materials that were not detected in the instantaneous nutrient data. We provide evidence of isotopic enrichment at nutrient loaded locations from mangrove material and recommend that adequate waste water treatment be carried out on all anthropogenic discharges into this vulnerable marine system.     

Trace element concentrations in barramundi (Lates calcarifer) collected along the coast of Vietnam

We determined concentrations of 23 trace elements (TEs), and stable carbon and nitrogen isotope (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) signatures in barramundi (Lates calcarifer) specimens collected along the coast of Vietnam in the Northern (NCZ), Central (CCZ) and Southern (SCZ) zones in the period 2007–2010. A combination of δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N signatures provided insight into ontogenetic shifts in barramundi foraging choices. There were clear zone-dependent differences in Mn, As, Sr and Tl concentrations; levels of Tl were highest in the NCZ, As in the CCZ, and Mn and Sr in the SCZ. Lowest concentrations of Rb occurred in the NCZ, Bi was lowest in the CCZ, and Cd and Cs were lowest in the SCZ. δ¹⁵N values significantly increased with increasing Zn, Se, Sn and Cs. Concentrations of TEs in barramundi from Vietnam were below worldwide guidelines for human consumption.     

U,U andTh in seawater

We have developed techniques to determine²³⁸U,²³⁴U and²³²Th concentrations in seawater by isotope dilution mass spectrometry. U measurements are made using a²³³U²³⁶U double spike to correct for instrumental fractionation. Measurements on uranium standards demonstrate that²³⁴U/²³⁸U ratios can be measured accurately and reproducibly.²³⁴U/²³⁸U can be measured routinely to ± 5‰ (2σ) for a sample of 5 × 10⁹ atoms of²³⁴U (3 × 10⁻⁸ g of total U, 10 ml of seawater). Data acquisition time is 1 hour. The small sample size, high precision and short data acquisition time are superior to-counting techniques.²³⁸U is measured to ± 2‰ (2σ) for a sample of 8 × 10¹² atoms of²³⁸U ( 3 × 10⁻⁹ g of U, 1 ml of seawater).²³²Th is measured to ± 20‰ with 3 × 10¹¹²³²Th atoms (10⁻¹⁰ g²³²Th, 1 1 of seawater). This small sample size will greatly facilitate investigation of the²³²Th concentration in the oceans. Using these techniques, we have measured²³⁸U,²³⁴U and²³²Th in vertical profiles of unfiltered, acidified seawater from the Atlantic and²³⁸U and²³⁴U in vertical profiles from the Pacific. Determinations of²³⁴U/²³⁸U at depths ranging from 0 to 4900 m in the Atlantic (7°44′N, 40°43′W) and the Pacific (14°41′N, 160°01′W) Oceans are the same within experimental error (± 5‰,2σ). The average of these²³⁴U/²³⁸U measurements is 144 ± 2‰ (2σ) higher than the equilibrium ratio of 5.472 × 10⁻⁵. U concentrations, normalized to 35‰ salinity, range from 3.162 to 3.281 ng/g, a range of 3.8%. The average concentration of the Pacific samples (31°4′N, 159°1′W) is 1% higher than that of the Atlantic (7°44′N, 40°43′W and 31°49′N, 64°6′W).²³²Th concentrations from an Atlantic profile range from 0.092 to 0.145 pg/g. The observed constancy of the²³⁴U/²³⁸U ratio is consistent with the predicted range of²³⁴U/²³⁸U using a simple two-☐ model and the residence time of deep water in the ocean determined from¹⁴C. The variation in salinity-normalized U concentrations suggests that U may be much more reactive in the marine environment than previously thought.     

用优化聚束滤波方法消除低信噪比地震资料中的多次波

针对常规方法如f k,Radon变换不能很好解决的消除低信噪比地震勘探资料的多次波问题,本文提出了优化聚束滤波方法,采用具有静态权的自适应聚束滤波器,并调整聚束滤波器设计的约束准则,去除低信噪比复杂实际资料中的多次波．实际资料处理结果表明,优化聚束滤波方法改善了最小方差无偏聚束滤波方法不能较好地处理低覆盖低信噪资料处理的局限性,在实际处理中计算量增加不大．     

古龙断陷深层火山岩地震资料成像方法及应用研究

松辽盆地北部古龙断陷的地震地质条件复杂,三维地震资料品质较差,所以提高地震资料的信噪比和断陷期地层的成像精度是当前地震资料处理的研究重点.在提高地震资料信噪比方面,本文进行了十字交叉排列面波压制技术、压制规则干扰的减去法多次波压制技术和基于菲涅耳带原理的超面元技术的研究,这些技术的有效应用,对保护深层有效波的低频信号、...     

Investigation of matrix effects in the MC-ICP-MS induced by Nb,W, and Cu: Isotopic case studies of iron and copper

Some elements normally occur at trace levels while the majority of natural geological materials may be exceedingly enriched in some special cases, such as the Bayan Obo ore deposit where REE and Nb are extremely enriched. These elements may not be removed completely during purification. Therefore, matrix effects will be caused during stable isotope ratio measurement in the MC-ICP-MS. Experiments have shown that the established methods of chromatographic separation of Cu, Fe, and Zn using AG MP-1 Anion Exchange Resin cannot make ef-fective separation of Nb, W, and Cu from Fe using 20 mL 6 M HCl. It is also observed that the elution curves of W and Cu overlap at working conditions and thus W is present in measurable amounts in some sample solutions. Matrix effects in the MC-ICP-MS induced by Nb, W, and Cu during Fe isotope ratio measurements and by W during Cu isotope ratio measurements were thus investigated by examining their changes in delta values between doped and undoped standards. The results show that the effects of the matrix elements Nb, W, or Cu on Fe isotope ratio measurements are minimal in the case of m(Nb)/m(Fe)0.005, m(W)/m(Fe)0.01, or m(Cu)/m(Fe)0.6. This finding, combined with the extremely low levels of W and Cu, and the fact that nearly 90% of Nb can be removed during purification, demonstrates that the methods of chromatographic separation of Fe established before are suitable for Bayan Obo ore samples and that the methods can be simplified when Cu elution is unnecessary. The effects of the matrix element W on Cu isotope determinations are minimal in the case of m(W)/m(Cu)0.7. Therefore, W exerts no significant effect on the measurements of Cu isotopes for the majority of natural geological materials.     

Groundwater Quality in the Yucatan Peninsula: Insights from Stable Isotope and Metals Analysis

High surface water-groundwater connectivity characterizes watersheds underlain by karsts, increasing contaminant transport risks. However, karsts are highly complex, making research necessary to understand the transport of contaminants from the surface, through the aquifer, to discharge areas. In Yucatan, the lack of waste water treatment raises the risk of groundwater contamination. We monitored stable isotopes (δ¹⁸O-NO₃ and δ¹⁵N-NO₃), cadmium, and lead to document waste water contamination and transport during the rainy and dry seasons, using water samples collected along the Ring of Cenotes during each season. Specific conductance and pH showed no consistent seasonality, with conductance ranging from 0.5 to 55 mS/cm and pH ranging from 6.6 to 8.6 for most samples. Nitrate concentrations in the cenotes averaged 205 ± 260 μM and no seasonal pattern was observed. Cd and Pb concentrations were 0.1 to 37.9 μg/L and 0.2 to 243.2 μg/L, respectively. Nitrate stable isotope values were 2.6 to 27.2‰ for δ¹⁸O and 1.2 to 20.7‰ for δ¹⁵N. The statistical relationship between δ¹⁵N and δ¹⁸O, in dry season samples, indicated that denitrification was occurring. A scale measure for waste water recognition showed: (1) high variability among sites probably related with dry/rainy seasons and/or diverse anthropogenic activities; and (2) specific water quality variables that contribute to contamination at each site during each season. Importantly, our analyses indicate that in the area surrounding the Ring of Cenotes, waste water exhibits spatial and temporal patterns related to complex transport and dilution processes, as is the case in karsts in general.     

The distribution of particulate matter in the Atlantic Ocean

We have determined the dry weight of suspended particulate matter in seawater in a section through the western Atlantic Ocean from 75°N to 52°S. The concentrations, operationally defined as that weight retained on 0.6-μm and 0.4-μm pore size Nuclepore filters, contained in 1 kg of seawater, range from 5 to 300 μg/kg and show readily explainable regional features. High concentrations are found in surface waters and in association with radpidly moving bottom waters in the Denmark Straits overflow and in Antarctic bottom waters to 15°S. Low concentrations, <12 μg/kg, characterize the mid-water regions of the sub-tropical gyres. High concentrations are seen in sinking Labrador Sea water and in a plume extending at least a kilometer off the bottom at 35°N–40°N where the cruise track intersects the North Atlantic gyre. It is doubtful whether this important phenomenon could be observed by any means other than through particulate observations, either optical or gravimetric, and this provides a unique insight into the scale of vertical turbulent processes.     

长江中下游湖泊群落水平下沉水植物碳、氮、磷化学计量特征及其影响因素

以长江中下游14个湖泊沉水植物为研究对象,分析群落水平下沉水植物碳(C)、氮(N)、磷(P)的化学计量特征及其影响因素.结果显示,沉水植物群落C含量平均为386.93±25.80 mg/g,范围为315.98~441.97 mg/g,N和P含量的平均值分别为26.10±4.84和2.64±0.99 mg/g,范围分别为13.75~40.89和1.01~5.92 mg/g.与物种水平研究相比,群落水平下沉水植物C、N、P化学计量特征变异系数较小,内稳定性更强.群落C含量与P含量具有显著相关性,而与N含量不相关,这说明C元素与N和P之间的耦合关系并不一致;N∶P比与P含量之间具有极显著的负相关关系,但与N含量不相关,说明沉水植物群落P含量的变异对N∶P比起主导作用.冗余分析表明,环境因子解释了沉水植物群落化学计量特征总变异的30.2%,在P0.01水平下对沉水植物群落化学计量特征具有显著影响的环境因子为底泥总磷、底泥N∶P比、水深和消光系数.变差分解结果表明,底泥和上覆水分别独自解释了化学计量特征总变异的5.21%和10.19%,其交互作用解释了总变异的5.25%.通过该研究结果推测,在恢复湖泊水生植被的实践过程中,相对于底泥,对上覆水光照条件进行控制可能更加迫切.     

Osmium isotope geochemistry in the Mackenzie River basin

The Cenozoic marine osmium isotope record is largely driven by changes in the continental input. We aid its interpretation by supplying direct measurements of present day riverine Os in known geological and environmental settings. We analyzed Os concentrations and isotopic ratios in the dissolved, suspended, and bed materials of the Mackenzie River in Canada and smaller rivers draining the Western Cordillera into the Pacific Ocean. Rhenium content was measured for suspended and bed materials to provide further constraint. Dissolved ¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os ratios range from 0.74 to 4.5 and are controlled to first order by age and lithology of the bedrock. The rivers draining Jurassic volcanic rocks are unradiogenic, as low as 0.74, and those draining the Precambrian Canadian Shield are radiogenic, as high as 3.5. The headwaters of the Mackenzie left bank tributaries draining metamorphic carbonates in the Eastern Cordillera and Paleozoic black and gray shales in the Transition zone and the Interior Platform are especially radiogenic (3.0-4.5) with relatively high concentrations of Os. These latter rivers are responsible for the Mackenzie being above world average in Os concentration and yield (mol Os/km²/year) as well as in ¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os. The dissolved load is more radiogenic than the suspended or bed loads and constitutes a significant fraction of total fluvial Os.     

Coupled Os–Os enrichments in the Earth’s mantle – core–mantle interaction or recycling of ferromanganese crusts and nodules?

¹⁸⁶Os enrichments in volcanic rocks and peridotite-derived iridosmine grains have been attributed to contributions from Earth’s outer core to the mantle, and apparently constrain the scale of mantle convection and an early timing for inner–outer core segregation more than 3.5 Gyr ago. Here, we highlight that marine ferromanganese crusts and nodules are characterised by high Pt/Os ratios and Pt–Os contents that develop much larger ¹⁸⁶Os excesses over geological time (≥0.2%/Gyr) than those hypothesised for Earth’s outer core (<0.005–0.01%/Gyr). ¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os ratios in ferromanganese crusts are radiogenic due to sequestering of continental Os from seawater. Similarly, ancient ferromanganese materials may have had ¹⁸⁶Os excesses (>0.1%) as a result of high Pt/Os ratios in continental crust, even prior to in-growth of ¹⁸⁶Os after formation due to their high Pt/Os ratios. Past recycling of small amounts of these materials into the Earth’s mantle will produce coupled ¹⁸⁷Os–¹⁸⁶Os excesses and little change in Re and platinum-group-element concentrations, as observed in Hawaiian picrites, and in contrast to the predicted result of outer core addition to the mantle. ¹⁸⁷Os and ¹⁸⁶Os enrichments in the Hawaiian mantle source are potentially consistent with it comprising recycled oceanic lithosphere, pelagic sediments and ferromanganese materials, and questions the notion that Os isotopes can be used to uniquely identify core–mantle interactions and the depth at which mantle sources for volcanism originate.     

Isotopic Characterization of Sulfate in a Shallow Aquifer Impacted by Agricultural Fertilizer

The stable isotope ratios of groundwater sulfate (³⁴S/³²S, ¹⁸O/¹⁶O) are often used as tracers to help determine the origin of groundwater or groundwater contaminants. In agricultural watersheds, little is known about how the increased use of sulfur as a soil amendment to optimize crop production is affecting the isotopic composition of groundwater sulfate, especially in shallow aquifers. We investigated the isotopic composition of synthetic agricultural fertilizers and groundwater sulfate in an area of intensive agricultural activity, in Ontario, Canada. Groundwater samples from an unconfined surficial sand aquifer (Lake Algonquin Sand Aquifer) were analyzed from multi-level monitoring wells, riverbank seeps, and private domestic wells. Fertilizers used in the area were analyzed for sulfur/sulfate content and stable isotopic composition (δ¹⁸O and/or δ³⁴S). Fertilizers were isotopically distinct from geological sources of groundwater sulfate in the watershed and groundwater sulfate exhibited a wide range of δ³⁴S (−6.9 to +20.0‰) and δ¹⁸O (−5.0 to +13.7‰) values. Quantitative apportionment of sulfate sources based on stable isotope data alone was not possible, largely because two of the potential fertilizer sulfate sources had an isotopic composition on the mixing line between two natural geological sources of sulfate in the aquifer. This study demonstrates that, when sulfate isotope analysis is being used as a tracer or co-tracer of the origin of groundwater or of contaminants in groundwater, sulfate derived from synthetic fertilizer needs to be considered as a potential source, especially when other parameters such as nitrate independently indicate fertilizer impacts to groundwater quality.     

Plate motions and the viscosity structure of the mantle — Insights from numerical modelling

We use sulfur (S) isotope signatures within ancient sediments and a photochemical model of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) photolysis to interpret the evolution of the atmosphere over the first half of Earth's history. A decrease in mass-independent sulfur isotope fractionation has been reported in Archean rocks deposited between ~ 2.7 Ga and ~ 3.2 Ga, and is reinforced by new S isotope data that we report here. This pattern has been interpreted by some as evidence that atmospheric oxygen (O₂) was elevated during this time. In this paper, we argue against that conclusion, and show that it is inconsistent with other geochemical data. In its place, we propose a new model that can explain the sulfur isotope record that can also avoid conflicts with independent constraints on O₂ and account for concurrent glacial deposits. Specifically, we suggest that prior to the rise of O₂ excursions in the sulfur isotope record were modulated by the thickness of an organic haze. This haze would have blocked the lower atmosphere from the UV fluxes responsible for the anomalous sulfur photochemistry and would have caused an anti-greenhouse effect that triggered the glaciations. We used a photochemical model to verify that a haze could have affected the isotopic signal in this manner, and to examine how changes in atmospheric methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations could have controlled haze thickness. Finally, we combined the resulting relationships with climate models and sulfur isotope and glacial records to deduce a new evolutionary sequence for Archean climate, surface chemistry, and biology.     

Distribution and enrichment patterns of selenium in the Ediacaran and early Cambrian strata in the Yangtze Gorges area,South China

The distribution and enrichment patterns of selenium(Se) in the E-?1 strata in the Yangtze Gorges area of South China were obtained. The geochemical characteristics of the significantly and non-significantly enriched strata of Se were analyzed.The observed enrichment factor(EF, relative to the upper continental crust) and concentration coefficient(CC, relative to the similar lithology in Eastern China) both suggest that Se is the most enriched/concentrated(SeEF=26.97, SeCC=48.04) among the analyzed23 trace elements the E-?1 strata. The normalized enrichment factor(EF′, EF after Al or Th normalized) shows Se is secondly enriched(SeEF′=218.73), which is slightly lower than cadmium(CdEF′=288.46) but significantly higher than the third enriched trace element arsenic(AsEF′=97.49). Se concentrations in the E-?1 strata vary from 10.5 to 30.08 ppm with an arithmetic mean value of 1.35 ppm. Compared to the Nantuo Formation, Se increased 11.78 times in the whole E-?1 strata and the average EF values are displayed as Shuijingtuo(92.58)Yanjiahe(54.45)Doushantuo(24.72)Dengying(2.48)Shipai(1.95)lower Tianheban(1.24)Formations. Se concentrations in the E-?1 strata are best displayed on natural logarithm normal quantile-quantile(Q-Q) plots and shown as a positive-skewed distribution pattern. The Se significantly enriched(EF10) strata sequences mainly include the lower and upper Doushantuo member II(DST-II), top DST-III, DST-IV, the basal and upper Yanjiahe Formation, and lower and upper Shuijingtuo Formation. Geochemical characteristics indicate that Se concentrations in the significantly enriched strata were generally influenced by terrigenous detrital as well as the combined action of single or multiple factors, such as hydrotherm,volcanic debris and deep source. Moreover, pyrite and organic matter promoted the enrichment of Se in the upper DST-II, DST-IV,upper Shuijingtuo Formation and lower DST-II, upper Shuijingtuo Formation, respectively. The Se concentrations in the not significantly enriched strata(except for DST-I, middle Shuijingtuo Formation, Shipai Formation and lower Tianheban Formation)were also influenced by terrigenous detrital, but other enrichment activities(e.g., hydrothermal, volcanic debris, and deep source)were generally insignificant.     

Geochemical baselines of major, minor and trace elements in the tropical sediments of the Terengganu River basin, Malaysia

The geochemical baselines and distribution of 31 elements (Al, Fe, K, Na, Mg, Ca, Mn, Ba, Cr, Zr, Ni, Sr, Zn, Y, Li, Cu, Mo, Nb, Th, Co, Ga, W, Ta, Be, Ti, Ge, Se, Bi, Te, Sc and Re) and physico-chemical parameters of the tropical surface sediments of the Terengganu River basin, Malaysia, are reported. Sediments are sandy loam to sand in texture consisting of mostly quartz, low organic matter content (average-2.68%), low CEC (average-2.02 cmol(+)/kg) and mildly acidic pH1:5 (average-5.91). Concentrations of Mn, Fe, Ba, Cr, Ni, Cu, Mo and Se were measured to be above the environmental sediment quality criteria at various locations. Lake sediments registered significantly higher Al, Fe, Ti, Mg, Ca, Mn, Te and Sc concentrations as compared to the river sediments. Most of the elements investigated showed an association with silt size fraction (2-63 μm). Among the investigated metals, Mo and Fe concentrations showed an increasing (5-fold) and decreasing (3-fold) trend, respectively, along the river path from the upstream to the downstream depending on the stream pH-redox conditions. The enrichment factor values (EF 5) of Cr, Ni, Mo and Se indicated enrichment from anthropogenic activities. Alkali and alkali earth metals registered a significant depletion (EF values 0.7) as compared to the Earth's crust. Principal component analysis of the two main components (PC1, 87.4% and PC2, 8.7%) revealed a well-defined group of estuary sediments. Lake and river sediment sampling locations did not form defined groups revealing heterogeneity in the origin of geologic material and the in-stream geochemical processes. However, Cr, Ni, Mo and Se formed a separate group with elevated concentrations (e.g. Cr1,000 mg/kg) indicating contamination of sediments. This work presents the geochemical baselines of the tropical sediments as industrial development and urbanization along the north east coast of Peninsular Malaysia are advancing rapidly.     

Sediment features, macrozoobenthic assemblages and trophic relationships (delta13C and delta15N analysis) following a dystrophic event with anoxia and sulphide development in the Santa Giusta lagoon (western Sardinia, Italy)

Macrozoobenthic assemblages and stable carbon (delta(13)C) and nitrogen (delta(15)N) isotope values of various primary producers (macroalgae and angiosperms) and consumers (macroinvertebrate filter/suspension feeders, deposit feeders, detritivores/omnivores and carnivores and fishes) were studied in the Santa Giusta lagoon (Sardinia, Italy) before (spring) and after (autumn) a dystrophic event which occurred in the summer of 2004. A few days after the dystrophy, the physico-chemical characteristics of sediments and macrozoobenthic assemblages were also investigated. In the latter occasion, high total organic carbon (3.9%) and organic matter (15.9%) contents of surface sediments went together with peaks in acid-volatile sulphide concentrations. Certain immediate effects were quite extreme, such as the drastic reduction in macrozoobenthos and the massive fish kill in August 2004. Among the macrozoobenthos, there were few individuals of chironomid larvae and Capitella cf. capitata left. However, by October, chironomid larvae were numerous, indicating a lack of predators (e.g. fish) and competitors. In addition, some bivalve species and polychaetes which were absent, or present in small numbers before the event, became relatively numerous. The results are discussed based on a knowledge of the sulphide tolerance of these species. Stable isotope analysis clearly showed that the basal level of the food web for most consumers consisted mainly of macroalgae and sedimentary organic matter, and that the values before and after the dystrophic event were not significantly different from one another. This indicates that the relations among different trophic levels were quickly restored following the dystrophic event.