Microphytobenthic biomass and species composition in intertidal flats of the Nakdong River estuary, Korea

Intertidal microphytobenthos (MPB) were investigated monthly from August 2006 to March 2008 at four different sites in the sand flats of Nakdong River estuary, Korea. Samples of surface sediment (ca. 1 cm) were collected, and chlorophyll a was extracted as biomass estimation. Species identification and enumeration were carried out by light microscopy, assisted where necessary by scanning electronic microscopy. Biomass varied between 0.47 and 16.58 μg cm⁻³, abundance changed from 5.25 to 414.75 × 10³ cells cm⁻³, while the Shannon diversity indexes ranged between 0.69 and 2.35 H′. Thirty-nine MPB taxa were identified, primarily composed of epipelic diatoms, among which Amphora and Navicula were the most abundant genera. Based on the biomass, abundance, species composition and their dynamics, MPB assemblages of sampling sites were grouped into three distinct communities corresponding to their sediment composition characteristics. Multivariate correlation analysis revealed that biomass was positively related to mud and very fine sand, negatively related to fine and medium sand, but not significantly related to environmental factors such as pore water nutrients, light intensity and salinity, which fluctuated rapidly during emersion period. Cluster analysis corroborated the division of MPB communities according to site types on seasonal scales, and also showed seasonality between sites by cluster of all summer groups. Principal component analysis identified that variability in species composition was significantly affected by mud, very fine sand, fine sand, light intensity, and sediment temperature. This study suggests that sediment composition plays an important role in the functioning of intertidal MPB communities in estuarine ecosystems.     

Current status and ecological roles of Zostera marina after recovery from large-scale reclamation in the Nakdong River estuary,Korea

Large Zostera marina meadows (covering 13.6 km²) existed in the Nakdong River estuary on the south coast of Korea until the mid-1980s, but these Z. marina beds nearly disappeared due to reclamation of adjacent mud flats for the construction of a port and industrial complex during the late 1980s. Partial recovery of Z. marina meadows occurred recently, and Z. marina coverage of about 0.3 km² was observed in this estuary. In this study, shoot morphology, density, biomass, productivity, and tissue nutrient content were measured to evaluate the current status of the Z. marina meadows by comparing these data to those for persistent seagrass meadows in similar geographical areas. Additionally, we examined the ecological roles of Z. marina in this estuary after recovery from the large-scale disturbance. Shoot density (151 shoots m⁻²) and total biomass (141 g DW m⁻²) in the estuary were similar to those reported from other Z. marina meadows in Korea. Annual leaf production (1726 g DW m⁻² y⁻¹) was higher than generally observed for Z. marina in other geographical areas. These results imply that the existing Z. marina meadows in this estuary have adjusted to local environmental conditions that changed after large-scale reclamation. Estimated annual whole plant carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) incorporations based on shoot production and tissue C and N content were 810.0 g C m⁻² y⁻¹ and 59.7 g N m⁻² y⁻¹, respectively. These values were equivalent to 2.4 × 10⁵ kg C y⁻¹ and 1.8 × 10⁴ kg N y⁻¹ for all Z. marina beds in the Nakdong River estuary. This high C and N incorporation into Z. marina tissues suggests that existing Z. marina meadows play important roles in C and N cycles in this estuary. Although the currently existing Z. marina beds in this estuary are persisting and play an important ecological role, anthropogenic factors that cause seagrass declines still affect the estuary. Thus, effective management and monitoring of Z. marina beds and environmental factors are critical to protecting and conserving this invaluable component of the Nakdong River estuary.     

长江口海域悬浮颗粒有机物的稳定氮同位素分布及其生物地球化学意义

对2006年2,5,8,11月份长江口海域表层水体中的悬浮颗粒物(SPM)进行稳定氮同位素分析,根据不同季节、不同区域内其1δ5N值的变化研究水体中氮的迁移、转化等生物地球化学过程,揭示其环境行为,从而对该海域的氮循环机制进行探索。研究发现:该海域悬浮颗粒有机物的稳定氮同位素组成(1δ5Np)分布范围较宽,在0.6‰~8.2‰之间,具有明显的时空分布特点,反映了不同程度的陆源输入和氮的生物地球化学过程的影响。口门内,表层水体中1δ5Np的变化主要受长江径流的陆源输入影响,生物地球化学作用影响较弱;最大浑浊带,水体中的悬浮颗粒有机氮受微生物的降解活动影响明显,各季节均存在不同程度的颗粒物分解作用;外海区,陆源输入减弱,悬浮颗粒物的δ15Np值主要受微藻的同化吸收作用以及一定程度的颗粒物分解作用影响。     

Carbon sources supporting a diverse fish community in a tropical coastal ecosystem (Gazi Bay,Kenya)

Interlinked mangrove–seagrass ecosystems are characteristic features of many tropical coastal areas, where they act as feeding and nursery grounds for a variety of fishes and invertebrates. The autotrophic carbon sources supporting fisheries in Gazi bay (Kenya) were studied in three sites, two located in the tidal creeks flowing through extensive mangrove forests, another site located in the subtidal seagrass meadows, approximately 2.5 km away from the forest. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope composition of 42 fish species, 2 crustacean species and a range of potential primary food sources (e.g., mangroves, seagrasses and epiphytes, macroalgae) were analysed. There was considerable overlap in the δ¹³C signatures between fish (−16.1 ± 2.1‰), seagrasses (−15.1 ± 3.0‰), seagrass epiphytes (−13.6 ± 3.3‰), and macroalgae (−20.4 ± 3.1‰). Nevertheless, the signatures for most primary producers were sufficiently distinct to indicate that the dominant carbon sources for fish were mainly derived from the seagrass and their associated epiphytic community, and possibly macroalgae. Mangrove-derived organic matter contributes only marginally to the overall fish food web. Carbon supporting these fish communities was derived directly through grazing by herbivorous and some omnivorous fishes, or indirectly through the benthic food web. Fishes from the mangrove creeks had distinctly lower δ¹³C signatures (−16.8 ± 2.0‰) compared to those collected in the adjacent seagrass beds (−14.7 ± 1.7‰). This indicated that these habitats were used as distinct sheltering and feeding zones for the fishes collected, with minimal degree of exchange within the fish communities despite their regular movement pattern.     

Sources and distribution of organic matter in a river-dominated estuary (Winyah Bay, SC, USA)

The sources and distribution of organic matter (OM) in surface waters and sediments from Winyah Bay (South Carolina, USA) were investigated using a variety of analytical techniques, including elemental, stable isotope and organic biomarker analyses. Several locations along the estuary salinity gradient were sampled during four different periods of contrasting river discharge and tidal range. The dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations of surface waters ranged from 7 mg l⁻¹ in the lower bay stations closest to the ocean to 20 mg l⁻¹ in the river and upper bay samples. There was a general linear relationship between DOC concentrations and salinity in three of the four sampling periods. In contrast, particulate organic carbon (POC) concentrations were significantly lower (0.1–3 mg l⁻¹) and showed no relationship with salinity. The high molecular weight dissolved OM (HMW DOM) isolated from selected water samples collected along the bay displayed atomic carbon:nitrogen ratios ([C/N]a) and stable carbon isotopic compositions of organic carbon (δ¹³C_OC) that ranged from 10 to 30 and from −28 to −25‰, respectively. Combined, such compositions indicate that in most HMW DOM samples, the majority of the OM originates from terrigenous sources, with smaller contributions from riverine and estuarine phytoplankton. In contrast, the [C/N]a ratios of particulate OM (POM) samples varied significantly among the collection periods, ranging from low values of 5 to high values of >20. Overall, the trends in [C/N]a ratios indicated that algal sources of POM were most important during the early and late summer, whereas terrigenous sources dominated in the winter and early spring.In Winyah Bay bottom sediments, the concentrations of the mineral-associated OM were positively correlated with sediment surface area. The [C/N]a ratios and δ¹³C_OC compositions of the bulk sedimentary OM ranged from 5 to 45 and from −28 to −23‰, respectively. These compositions were consistent with predominant contributions of terrigenous sources and lesser (but significant) inputs of freshwater, estuarine and marine phytoplankton. The highest terrigenous contents were found in sediments from the river and upper bay sites, with smaller contributions to the lower parts of the estuary. The yields of lignin-derived CuO oxidation products from Winyah Bay sediments indicated that the terrigenous OM in these samples was composed of variable mixtures of relatively fresh vascular plant detritus and moderately altered soil OM. Based on the lignin phenol compositions, most of this material appeared to be derived from angiosperm and gymnosperm vascular plant sources similar to those found in the upland coastal forests in this region. A few samples displayed lignin compositions that suggested a more significant contribution from marsh C₃ grasses. However, there was no evidence of inputs of Spartina alterniflora (a C₄ grass) remains from the salt marshes that surround the lower sections of Winyah Bay.     

The nitrogen isotopic composition of dissolved nitrate in the Yangtze River (Changjiang) estuary,China

The nitrogen isotopic composition of dissolved nitrate (δ¹⁵N-NO₃⁻) in surface water of the Yangtze River estuary was determined in four seasons of 2006. δ¹⁵N-NO₃⁻ ranged from 0.4‰ to 6.5‰ and varied with seasons and geographic regions, reflecting the dynamics of nitrogen cycling in the estuarine ecosystem. δ¹⁵N-NO₃⁻ was markedly lower in February than in other seasons and exhibited conservative mixing, which was probably attributed to the NO₃⁻ being sourced from the atmospheric deposition and agricultural fertilizer. In the upper estuary, the influence of riverine inputs was important during all surveys. In the turbidity maximum zone, nitrification was found with nitrate depleted in ¹⁵N in May, whereas denitrification resulting in heavy δ¹⁵N-NO₃⁻ played an important role in August. More enriched δ¹⁵N-NO₃⁻ values coinciding with losses of nitrate concentrations based on the conservative mixing model were found in the adjacent marine area in May, and may reflect obvious phytoplankton assimilation of dissolved nitrate. In this manner, δ¹⁵N-NO₃⁻ may be a sensitive indicator of nitrogen sources and biogeochemical processing existing in this estuary in conjunction with the variations of dissolved nitrate and other environmental factors.     

Sources and transfer of organic matter in food webs of a Mediterranean coastal environment: Evidence for spatial variability

The spatial variability in the food web structure of a Mediterranean semi-enclosed coastal environment (Stagnone di Marsala, Italy) was investigated using stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes. Organic matter sources and consumers were sampled in two locations with different environmental features (e.g. hydrodynamic regime, open-sea influence, vegetal coverage). Overall more ¹³C-enriched and ¹⁵N-depleted values were found in the central location than in the southern for organic matter sources and consumers. Pelagic consumers (zooplankton and juveniles of transient fish) showed slight spatial differences and in both locations seemed to depend on phytoplankton as the ultimate energy source. In contrast, benthic consumers (epifauna and resident fish) exhibited remarkable differences between locations. Spatial differences in organic matter sources were smaller than in benthic consumers and thus consumers presumably exploited different ultimate organic matter sources in the two locations. Sedimentary organic matter and epiphytes appeared to be the main primary producers transferred within the food web in both locations, and seagrasses seemed to play a non-negligible trophic role in the central location. The results of this paper corroborate the finding food webs are characterised by high spatial variability even on a small spatial scale and environmental heterogeneity more than primary production that seems to influence the trophic role of autotrophs.     

Contrasting chemical and isotopic compositions of organic matter in Changjiang (Yangtze River) estuarine and East China Sea shelf sediments

To examine the source and preservation of organic matter in the shelf sediments of the East China Sea (ECS), we measured bulk C/N and isotopes, organic biomarkers (n-alkanes and fatty acids) and compound-specific (fatty acids) stable carbon isotope ratios in three sediment cores collected from two sites near the Changjiang Estuary and one in the ECS shelf. Contrasting chemical and isotopic compositions of organic matter were observed between the estuarine and shelf sediments. The concentrations of total n-alkanes and fatty acids in the shelf surface sediments (0–2 cm) were 5–10 times higher than those in estuarine surface sediments but they all decreased rapidly to comparable levels below the surface layer. The compositions of n-alkanes in the estuarine sediments were dominated by C₂₆-C₃₃ long-chain n-alkanes with a strong odd-to-even carbon number predominance. In contrast, the composition of n-alkanes in the shelf sediment was dominated by nC₁₅ to nC₂₂ compounds. Long-chain (>C₂₀) fatty acids (terrestrial biomarkers) accounted for a significantly higher fraction in the estuarine sediments compared to that in the shelf sediment, while short-chain (<C₂₀) saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were more abundant in the shelf surface sediments than in the estuarine sediments. Stable carbon isotopic ratios of individual fatty acids showed a general positive shift from estuarine to shelf sediments, consistent with the variations in bulk δ ¹³C_TOCTOC. These contrasts between the estuarine and shelf sediments indicate that terrestrial organic matter was mainly deposited within the Changjiang Estuary and inner shelf of ECS. Post-depositional diagenetic processes in the surface sediments rapidly altered the chemical compositions and control the preservation of organic matter in the region.     

Mass balance of lead through a small macrotidal estuary: The Morlaix River estuary (Brittany,France)

Dissolved and particulate lead were measured over an annual cycle (12 surveys between February 1998 and January 1999) in the Morlaix River estuary (Brittany, France). The concentrations were investigated in both the water column and the sediment of the river bottom in relation to hydrological conditions. In the water column, dissolved and particulate lead concentrations ranged from 0.1 to 4.4 nM and from 0.04 to 1.9 μmol g^− 1, respectively. Lead concentrations in surface sediment varied from 0.04 to 0.19 μmol g^− 1 and concentrations in the sediment pore water of the estuary were below the detection limit. Compared with the ranges known for pristine estuaries, concentrations of Pb in the water column of the Morlaix River estuary were found to be much higher. Concentrations of Pb also exceeded the lower range of those known for industrialized estuaries. Extensive agricultural activities in the drainage basin may be responsible for Pb levels above pristine conditions. Furthermore, the sediment appeared not to be contaminated. A mass balance was constructed quantifying all known sources and sinks for the Pb in the estuary. Riverine input accounts for most of the total annual metal flux. Burial in sediments was the major sink within the estuary, which acts as a trap especially for the particulate lead. The mass balance shows that the metal accumulation ranged between 414.6 and 446.0 kg year^− 1.     

Distribution and sources of organic carbon, nitrogen and their isotopes in sediments of the subtropical Pearl River estuary and adjacent shelf, Southern China

The isotopic composition (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) and organic carbon (OC) and total nitrogen (TN, organic plus inorganic) content of 37 carbonate-free surficial sediments of the subtropical Pearl River estuary and the adjacent shelf of South China Sea (SCS) was determined. The δ¹³C values indicate that the sediment organic material is a mixture from two sources, terrestrial and marine. Several of the sediments have extremely low (< 4) OC / TN ratios, which could be due to low OC contents and/or to a significant fraction of the TN present as inorganic nitrogen adsorbed on clays. In general, the spatial patterns of OC, TN, δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N are similar. Values are low at the river mouth and on the western coast, suggesting proportionally greater accumulation of terrestrial particulate organic matter relative to marine phytodetritus, which is limited by low productivity in the turbid plume of the Pearl River. Algal-derived organic carbon (al-OC) content is estimated to be low (≤ 0.06%) at the river mouth and higher (up to 0.57%) on the adjacent inner shelf based on a mixing model of end members.     

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.     

Food webs in forest and pasture streams in the Waikato region,New Zealand: A study based on analyses of stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen,and fish gut contents

Abstract

Stable isotopes of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) were studied in 11 stream communities in the Waikato region of New Zealand. From comparisons of mean δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values, food webs in the shaded, forest streams were clearly based on allochthonous material (conditioned leaf litter and terrestrial invertebrates). Autotrophs in forest streams were not a significant C source for the food webs. However, the C source of food webs in the unshaded pasture streams appeared to be a mixture of allochthonous and autochthonous material. Conditioned leaf litter appeared to contribute to the pasture stream food webs, and the δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N of some samples of epilithic diatoms indicated their consumption by invertebrates in pasture streams. Fish ate a wide range of aquatic invertebrates; longfinned eels (Anguilla dieffenbachii) and banded kokopu (Galaxias fasciatus) also had a large proportion of terrestrial invertebrates in their diet. Filamentous green algae were found only at pasture sites, where they were sometimes abundant. The wide range of δ¹³C values of filamentous green algae (‐18.8 to ‐29.7‰) complicated understanding of their role in the stream food webs. The δ¹³C values of Cladophora were related to water velocity, with more ¹³C‐enriched values in pools than in runs (‐23.2‰ in pools, mean velocity 0.12 m s^?1; ‐28.1‰ in runs, mean velocity 0.24 m s^?1). Crayfish and the gastropod mollusc Potamopyrgus appeared to be the only invertebrates to eat filamentous green algae.     

Ecophysiological characteristics of invasive Spartina alterniflora and native species in salt marshes of Yangtze River estuary,China

Biological invasions represent one of the significant components of global change. A comparative study of invaders and co-occurring natives is a useful approach to gaining insights into the invasiveness of exotic plants. Spartina alterniflora, a C₄ grass, is a widespread invader in the coastal wetlands in China and other regions of the world. We conducted a comparative study of S. alterniflora and native C₃ species, Phragmites australis and Scirpus mariqueter, in terms of their gas exchange and efficiencies in resource utilization. We tested the hypothesis that S. alterniflora has growth-related ecophysiological advantages over the natives in its non-native range, which result in its rapid growth and enhance its invasiveness. Photosynthesis, leaf area index (LAI), specific leaf area (SLA), and the efficiency of resource use (light, water, and nitrogen) were examined monthly for eight months in 2004. Overall, S. alterniflora had greater LAI, higher maximal net photosynthetic rate (A_max), and longer growing season than those of the native species. On average, the efficiencies of S. alterniflora in light, water, and nitrogen utilization were respectively 10.1%, 26.1%, and 33.1% higher than those of P. australis, and respectively 70.3%, 53.5%, 28.3% higher than those of S. mariqueter. However, SLA of S. alterniflora was significantly lower than those of P. australis and S. mariqueter. Although there was no general pattern in the relationship between invasiveness and plant photosynthetic types, in this study, most of the ecophysiological characteristics that gave S. alterniflora a competitive advantage in the Yangtze River estuary were associated with photosynthetic pathways. Our results offer a greater understanding of the relationship between invasiveness and plant photosynthetic type. Our results also indicate that LAI and the length of the photosynthetic season, which vary with habitats, are also important in invasion success.     

Seasonal dynamics of ciliated protozoa and their potential food in an eutrophic estuary (Bay of Biscay)

Ciliate assemblages, together with phytoplankton and heterotrophic nanoflagellates (HNF) as their potential food, have been surveyed monthly along the salinity gradient of the Nervión River estuary from March 2000 to March 2002. A total of 135 taxa of ciliate have been identified corresponding to 20 orders. Scuticociliates, naked choreotrichs and oligotrichs were the most abundant groups, distributed throughout a broad range of salinity. In addition to these groups, which were the dominant taxa in the middle estuary, tintinnids were characteristic of the ciliate assemblages of the outer estuary whereas in the innermost part naked choreotrichs and oligotrichs decreased in number, being substituted by sessilids, hymenostomatids, peniculids and cyrtophorids. Total ciliate concentrations were among the highest reported in the literature for other estuaries and coastal waters, frequently reaching 10⁵ cells l⁻¹. Meanwhile, tintinnid concentrations were comparable with those of other estuarine and coastal waters. Based on a principal component analysis (PCA) three main groups were delineated, with ciliates and their potential food sources as variables. One was that constituted by freshwater ciliate such as sessilids, hymenostomatids, cyrtophorids and pleurostomatids, which appear in low numbers in the innermost part, mainly in winter. Another group contained diatoms, chlorophytes, flagellates, euplotids and scuticociliates, all of them broadly distributed along the estuary and reaching their maximum density in late spring–summer. The third group was made up of taxa mainly appearing at the seaward end such as dinoflagellates, cyanobacteria, haptorids, tintinnids, naked choreotrichs and oligotrichs, which reached the highest densities in summer and early autumn. Ciliates do not seem to be food limited in the Nervión River estuary or much controlled by metazoan grazing.     

Isotopic signatures of organic matter in sediments of the continental shelf facing the Orinoco Delta: Possible contribution of organic carbon from savannas

The ⁸⁷Sr, ¹³C, and ¹⁵N isotopic signatures of organic matter in sediments from the continental shelf facing the Orinoco Delta were measured to determine the contribution of sediments transported from the Amazon River by the coastal Guayana current and the sediments transported by the Orinoco River. Box core samples between 60 and 300 m water depth collected along 4 transects located eastwards to the Orinoco Delta were analyzed. Carbon and nitrogen concentrations decreased with depth under water on the shelf, and were strongly correlated indicating homogeneity of organic matter composition. Phosphorus content was also associated to organic matter in most samples, but some of them revealed deposition of P-enriched sediments. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios showed a strong continental signature averaging 0.7117, therefore, limiting the possible carbon and nitrogen sources associated with these sediments to C3 trees, C4 grasses, or freshwater phytoplankton. The δ¹³C values were relatively high averaging −21‰, above values reported for sediments on the Amapá shelf and the Amazon River in Brazil. Average δ¹³C values did not differ significantly among transects. High δ¹³C values point to the influence of organic matter transported from the C4-plants dominated savannas in the northern fringe of the Orinoco River. δ¹⁵N values were positive and averaged 5‰, being within the range of values measured in the Marajo island (Amazon River) and the estuary of the Pará River. The δ¹⁵N values differed significantly among transects (4.9–5.2‰), lowest values corresponding to the northernmost transect near the coast of Trinidad, and the highest values corresponding to the transect located at the southernmost position.     

The environmental implication of diatom fossils in the surface sediment of the Changjiang River estuary(CRE) and its adjacent area

In order to depict the distribution of diatom fossils in surface sediments and to establish a reliable reference data for further paleoenvironmental study in the Changjiang (Yangtze) River estuary and its adjacent waters, the diatom fossils from 34 surface sediment samples and their relationship with environmental variables were analyzed by principal component analysis and redundancy correspondence analysis. The diversity and abundance of diatom fossils were analyzed. Some annual average parameters of the overlying water (salinity, temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, depth, dissolved inorganic nitrogen, dissolved inorganic phosphate and dissolved inorganic silicate) were measured at each sampling site. A total of 113 diatom taxa and one silicoflagellate species were identified in the investigation area. Diatom fossils were better preserved in fine sediments. The absolute abundance of diatom fossils did not significantly diff er between inshore and off shore areas, the species diversity decreased from inshore to off shore. This may be because high nutrients and low salinity promoted the growth of more brackish species in coastal waters. The diatom taxa were divided into three groups, on the basis of their response and indication to environmental changes. For example, Actinocyclus ehrenbergii and Cyclotella stylorum were dominant in coastal waters (Group 1 and Group 3) with high nutrients and low salinity;the relative abundances of Paralia sulcata and Podosira stelliger were significantly higher in off shore sites (Group 2, average 39.5%), which were characterized by high salinity and deep water. Four environmental variables (salinity, dissolved inorganic nitrogen, temperature and water depth) explained the composition and distribution of diatom taxa independently ( P< 0.05), this finding can be applied in further paleoenvironmental reconstruction research in this area.     

Myrionecta rubra (Mesodinium rubrum) bloom initiation in the Columbia River estuary

To better understand the development of the annually recurring late summer red water blooms of the phototrophic ciliate Myrionecta rubra in the Columbia River estuary we examined its standing stocks and measured its growth rates both in the estuary main channels and in Baker Bay, a peripheral embayment situated near the river mouth. Data collected during two summers show a biphasic development of M. rubra blooms, with an initial phase when the protist was only detected in Baker Bay, followed by an established phase when red waters were observed throughout the lower estuary. Ilwaco harbor (Baker Bay’s seaward-end) is at least one of the locations where the bloom starts since M. rubra was detected there at concentrations >100s cell L⁻¹ before Chinook harbor (Baker Bay’s upriver-end) or the estuary main channels. In 2010, this initial phase lasted about 1.5 months, spanning the neap tide of early July to the beginning of the neap tide of mid-August. While high growth rates were measured in Ilwaco harbor during the initial phase (1.2–3.1 d⁻¹) and in the estuary main channels in both surface red (0.7 d⁻¹) and adjacent non-red (1.1 d⁻¹) waters during the established period, growth of the ciliate was not detected in Ilwaco harbor during this second phase. Growth rate data obtained during the established bloom phase also suggest that M. rubra cells in the estuary mostly divide during the daytime and that red water patches might experience self-shading.     

珠江口外海水声速经验正交函数分析

利用珠江口外海多年的水文观测资料,采用经验正交函数(EOF)法分别对该海域表层及21°N垂向断面的声速及其距平值进行了分析.结果表明该海域表层声速自西北向东南增大,21°N垂向断面声速随水深的增加而减小.EOF法分析声速及其距平值得出的第一个特征分量在该区域表层和21°N垂向断面上都是最重要的.声速季节变化显著:自上一年的10月开始减小,2或3月减到最小值后开始增大,7~9月增至最大值,有显著的年变化周期.声速也似有年际变化:1981年冬季声速开始减小,一直持续到1982年秋季,1982年冬季开始呈增大的趋势.声速的年际变化强度随着水深的增加而减弱.     

Assessment of the molecular composition of particulate organic matter exchanged between the Saeftinghe salt marsh (southwestern Netherlands) and the adjacent water system

In this study the chemical composition of seston, transported by tidal water between an estuarine salt marsh and the adjacent water system, was assessed. The analytical techniques used are Pyrolysis in combination with Gas Chromatography and/or Mass Spectrometry. Interpretation of the Py-MS data was aided by discriminant analysis.The presented results indicate that throughout the year a dominant refractory fraction is present in the seston, but that seasonal additions can be distinguished. Apart from this seasonal pattern, differences between ebb and flood can be visualized by the use of discriminant analysis. During summertime, flood seston is enriched with lipids and recently synthesized polysaccharides, while during the rest of the year the flood tide samples contain more (remains of) lignin and polysaccharides than their ebb tide counterparts. The lignin markers comprise only fragments with extremely altered (reduced) character.These results, which highlight the molecular composition of the exchanged seston but do not offer exact quantitative budget estimations, provide no evidence for export of lignin-rich particulate halophytic material from the marsh to the water system. On the contrary, based on seston compositions, the water system seems to supply lignin-rich particles to the marsh during a considerable part of the year.