Predation by estuarine zooplankton on tintinnid ciliates

Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the feeding performances of Uca zoeae and the estuarine copepods Acartia tonsa and Tortanus setacaudatus when these zooplankton preyed upon the co-occurring tintinnids Favella panamensis (length 265 μm) and Tintinnopsis tubulosa (length 148 μm). Predation by Favella on Tintinnopsis was also studied. Over the range of experimental prey densities used, Acartia ingested Tintinopsis at rates linearly related to prey density. Favella was ingested by Aractia at higher rates than was Tintinnopsis. Tortamus ingested Favella more readily than did Acartia, but Tortanus did not ingest Tintinnopsis. Uca ingested both Tintinnopsis and Favella while Tintinnopsis was also ingested by the larger tintinnid Favella. Comparisons of Acartia predation on tintinnids with published data on ingestion of nauplii and phytoplankton showed that when the phytoplankton are dominated by small (diameters < 10 μm) species, tintinnids in concentrations exceeding 10³ organisms 1^?1 can be important items in the diets of Acartia. At lower tintinnid concentrations or when algal species with diameters > 10 μm are present in significant concentrations, tintinnids merely supplement algae in the diet of Acartia. Generally, tintinnids are more important food items for Acartia than are comparably sized nauplii. Only at concentrations exceeding 10⁴ cop. m^?3 can Acartia depress tintinid population growth.     

Phytoplankton biomass and size fractions in surface waters of the Australian sector of the southern ocean

We collected surface water along the 142nd E meridian from Tasmania to Antarctica in December 1999. We measured temperature, salinity and total chlorophyll a; additionally, we collected suspended particle size fractions and used fluorometric analysis to determine the quantity of chlorophyll a in each of four cell size classes: picoplankton (<3 μm), two nanoplankton fractions (3–10 μm and 10–20 μm) and microplankton (> 20 μm). Changes in temperature and salinity show that we crossed 6 water masses separated by 5 fronts. We found low abundance (<0.2 mg m⁻³) of chlorophyll in all size classes, with the exception of higher values near the continent (0.2 to 0.4 mg m⁻³). Lowest chlorophyll values (<0.1 mg m⁻³) were found in the Polar Frontal Zone (51° to 54°S). Microplankton made up the largest portion of total chlorophyll throughout most of the region. We conclude that biomass of all phytoplankton fractions, especially pico-and nanoplankton, was constrained by limiting factors, most probably iron, throughout the region and that ecosystem dynamics within a zone are not circumpolar but are regionalized within sectors.     

Spatial and temporal variability of microplankton and detritus, and their export to the shelf sediments in the upwelling area off Concepción, Chile (∼36°S), during 2002-2005

Seasonal variations in diversity and biomass of diatoms, tintinnids, and dinoflagellates and the contribution of microplankton and faecal material to the vertical flux of particulates were investigated at one time series station T (station 18) between 2002 and 2005 and at a grid of stations during November 2004 in the coastal and oceanic area off Concepción (36°S), Chile. The variations were analysed in relation to water column temperature, dissolved oxygen, nutrient concentration, offshore Ekman transport, and chlorophyll-a concentration. Abundance was estimated as cell numbers per litre and biomass in terms of biovolume and carbon units.A sharp decrease with depth was observed in the abundance of both phytoplankton and microzooplankton during the whole annual cycle; over 70% of their abundance was concentrated in the upper 10 m of the water column. Also, a clear seasonality in microplankton distribution was observed at station T, with maxima for diatoms, tintinnids, and dinoflagellates every summer (centred on January) from 2002 to 2005.On the grid of stations, the maximum integrated (0-50 m) micro-phytoplankton abundances (>1 × 10⁹ cells m⁻²) occurred at the coastal stations, an area directly influenced by upwelling. A similar spatial distribution was observed for the integrated (0-200 m) faecal carbon (with values up to 632 mg C m⁻²). Tintinnids were distributed in all the first 300 miles from the coast and dinoflagellates were more abundant in oceanic waters.At station T, the average POC export production (below 50 m depth) was 16.6% (SD = 17%; range 2-67%; n = 16). The biological-mediated fluxes of carbon between the upper productive layer and the sediments of the continental shelf off Concepción depend upon key groups of phytoplankton (Thalassiosira spp., Chaetoceros spp.) and zooplankton (euphausiids) through the export of either cells or faecal material, respectively.     

Distribution and sinking rates of phytoplankton, detritus, and particulate biogenic silica in the Laptev Sea and Lena River (Arctic Siberia)

Concentrations and sinking rates of particulate biogenic silica (BSi), chlorophyll a (chl a) and phaeopigments (phae) (< 3 μm, 3–10 μm, > 10 μm and total), as well as the abundances of the major phytoplankton species, were studied during September 1991 in the Eastern Laptev Sea and the lower Lena River (Siberian Arctic). The highest chl a concentrations were found in two major “new” production regimes of the study area: (1) a deep chl a maximum (5.8 mg chl a m⁻³) (formed by the diatom Chaetoceros socialis) at 30 m depth on the outer shelf of the northern Laptev Sea, and (2) in the Lena River, where the phytoplankton community was dominated by fresh water diatoms (1.5 to 4.5 mg chl a m⁻³). Elevated chl a concentrations were also found in the river plume phytoplankton community (dominated by brackish water diatoms), NE of the Lena delta. In the Laptev Sea, the low chl a (0.1 to 3 mg chl a m⁻³) and high phae concentrations (0.5 to 14 mg phae m⁻³) indicated that the phytoplankton community (dominated by picoplanktic algae and nanoflagellates) was already senescent and affected by grazing losses. Biogenic silica values were highest in the Lena River (4 to 17 μM) as compared to the low values found in the Laptev Sea (0.3 to 4 μM). The large chl a size fraction, phae and BSi in the Lena River samples revealed the highest measured sinking rates (1.4, 2.3, and 1.5 m d⁻¹, respectively). The formation of a strong halocline, decreasing turbulence, and possible nutrient deficiency resulted in death, disintegration and rapid sedimentation of fresh water diatoms. This was accompanied by a decrease in the BSi concentration and growth of the picoplanktic size fraction (< 3 μm) in the estuarine mixing zone (Gulf of Buorkhaya). Only a minor part of BSi was bound to intact diatom cells (< 3%) in the surface layer, most of which being apparently associated with detrital particles. In the Lena River, approximately 12% of the total silica was bound to BSi fraction, yet elsewhere in the Laptev Sea and in the estuarine mixing zone the BSi:total silica ratio was ≤ 5%. Thus, the results reflected the successional stage of a late summer phytoplankton community, characterized by dominance of small autotrophs and patchy distribution of senescent diatoms no longer able to affect the relative high levels of dissolved silica supplied by the Lena River.     

Seasonality of occurrence,foods and food preferences of ichthyoplankton in Biscayne Bay,Florida

Ichthyoplankton and microzooplankton were collected twice monthly for one year at a single station in Biscayne Bay, Florida. Based on approximate 10-m³, 333-μm mesh bongo net samples, the mean annual densities were 17·7 m^?3 and 1·8 m^?3 for fish eggs and larvae, respectively. Ichthyoplankton was most abundant in spring-summer. The most common fish larvae were bay anchovy (Anchoa mitchilli), spotted dragonet (Callionymus pauciradiatus), thread herring (Opisthonema oglinum) and gobies (Gobiidae), which comprised 50% of all larvae collected. A comparison of 35-μm and 333-μm mesh, bongo net collections revealed that mean densities of fish larvae were 8·5 times higher in the smaller mesh. The most abundant microzooplankton, based on 35-μm bongo net collections, were copepod nauplii, <100 μm in width, which averaged 90·41^?1 and tintinnids which averaged 168·51^?1. The mean density of microzooplankton <100 μm wide, potentially suitable food for first-feeding fish larvae, was 104·91^?1, exclusive of tintinnids, and 273·41^?1 including tintinninds. Excepting tintinnids, seasonal variability in microzooplankton abundance was low relative to that for ichthyoplankton. High microzooplankton densities, combined with low seasonal variability, indicated that feeding conditions for fish larvae were usually good in Biscayne Bay. Copepods, especially nauplii, were the predominant food of fish larvae (71% of all food items). Only mollusc veliger larvae (18% of all food items) were highly preferred prey but they were a small component of most larval fish diets. Average width of prey eaten by first-feeding larvae was 74 μm. Prey size increased in relation to larval length.     

Phytoplankton ecology of a barrier island estuary: Great South Bay,New York

The phytoplankton ecology of Great South Bay, New York, was studied over a 1-year period. The study area, a large barrier island estuary (coastal lagoon with estuarine circulation), was characterized by high levels of inorganic nutrients, high turbidity and a shallow euphotic zone (<2 m). Net annual primary production by phytoplankton was high—450 g C m^?2 year^?1—and accounted for approximately 85% of the total ecosystem primary production. Chlorophyll a-specific productivity was dependent on mean photic zone light intensity in areas of the bay <1 m in depth from September 1979 through June 1980; 65–95% of the total light extinction in those areas was attibutable to suspended solids. Nitrogenous nutrient concentration did not limit phytoplankton productivity. Diatom and dinoflagellate cell densities varied greatly over time, while cryptomonad and chlorophyte species were abundant throughtout the year. Chlorophytes of 2–4 μm (‘small forms’) were numerically dominant, and contributed approximately half of the total phytoplankton biomass. Dilution of bay water by intruding ocean water appeared to control the spatial distribution of chlorophyll a on the south side of the bay; in other areas, growth appeared to exceed the rate of dilution by flushing. Waters entrained in eelgrass beds were significantly higher in salinity and mean photic zone light intensity, and had lower phytoplankton standing stock and depth-integrated primary production than control areas; waters in the sediment plume of active clamdigging boats were statistically similar to control areas with respect to water quality and phytoplankton community characteristics.     

Phytoplankton spring bloom of the Gironde plume waters in the Bay of Biscay: early phosphorus limitation and food-web consequences

During the spring 1995 (2–25 May), a cruise was carried on the RV Poseidon (Germany) on the continental shelf of the south Bay of Biscay. The objective was a comprehensive study of the planktonic food web within the Gironde plume waters. In these waters phosphate was present at very low concentrations (undetectable to < 0.1 μmol.L⁻¹), whereas nitrate, silicate and ammonium concentrations were much higher (several μmol·L⁻¹ for nitrate and silicate and 0.5 to 1.0 μmol·L⁻¹ for ammonium). The size distribution of the phytoplankton biomass (estimated from chlorophyll a measurements by high performance liquid chromatography) and primary production (measured by ¹⁴C in situ method) showed a great proportion of small (40 to 70 % < 3 μm) and active autotrophic cells (growth rates estimated from 0.4 to 0.8 d⁻¹ for the entire euphotic layer). Considering the very high values of NO₃-N:PO₄-P ratios and the high C:P and N:P ratios for the particulate organic matter, it is suggested that an early phosphorus depletion limits the spring bloom phytoplankton and particularly the new production (nitrate uptake coming from the Gironde waters).From these results and other simultaneous observations on the heterotrophic processes (such as grazing of microzooplankton), we can conclude that the planktonic food web would be close to a maintenance system as defined by Platt et al. The possible generalisation of these results for each spring is discussed with respect to the scarcity of previous and reliable phosphate data.     

Variability of chlorophyll and primary production in the Eastern North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre: potential factors affecting phytoplankton activity

Size-fractionated chlorophyll-a and carbon incorporation rates were determined on a series of 13 cruises carried out from 1992 to 2001with the aim of investigating the patterns and causes of variability in phytoplankton chlorophyll and production in the Eastern North Atlantic Subtropical Gyral Province (NASE). Averaged (±SE) integrated chlorophyll-a concentration and primary production rate were 17±1 mg m⁻² and 253±22 mg C m⁻² d⁻¹. Small-sized cells (<2 μm) formed the bulk of phytoplankton biomass (71%) and accounted for 54% of total primary production. A clear latitudinal gradient in these variables was not detected. By contrast, large seasonal variability was detected in terms of primary production, although integrated phytoplankton biomass, as estimated from chlorophyll-a concentration, remained rather constant and did not display significant changes with time. Variability in primary production (PP) was related mainly to variability in surface temperature and surface chlorophyll-a concentration. The control exerted by surface temperature was related to nutrient availability. By contrary, euphotic-zone depth, depth of maximum concentration of chlorophyll-a and integrated chlorophyll-a did not contribute significantly to the high variability in primary production observed in this oligotrophic region.     

Phytoplankton production in the Tagus estuary (Portugal)

Biomass and phytoplankton photosynthetic response were studied in the lower Tagus estuary weekly, and related to environmental conditions in February, March and April 1994. The Photosynthesis-Irradiance (P₋^BI) relation was studied based on the light-saturated photosynthesis rate (P^Bm) and the light-limited initial slope (a^B). The nutrient concentrations observed were high enough to be considered as not limiting phytoplankton growth. Tagus estuary phytoplankton seems, to a certain extent, adapted to high turbid conditions, being able to utilize the low light levels more efficiently, which was translated by high values of a^B [0.10–0.20 mg C (mg Chl a)⁻¹ h⁻¹ (W m⁻²)⁻¹]; however, light seems to limit phytoplankton production in the water column.     

Latitudinal distribution of microbial plankton abundance,production, and respiration in the Equatorial Atlantic in autumn 2000

Phytoplankton and bacterial abundance, size-fractionated phytoplankton chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and production together with bacterial production, microbial oxygen production and respiration rates were measured along a transect that crossed the Equatorial Atlantic Ocean (10°N–10°S) in September 2000, as part of the Atlantic Meridional Transect 11 (AMT 11) cruise. From 2°N to 5°S, the equatorial divergence resulted in a shallowing of the pycnocline and the presence of relatively high nitrate (>1 μM) concentrations in surface waters. In contrast, a typical tropical structure (TTS) was found near the ends of the transect. Photic zone integrated ¹⁴C primary production ranged from ∼200 mg C m⁻² d⁻¹ in the TTS region to ∼1300 mg C m⁻² d⁻¹ in the equatorial divergence area. In spite of the relatively high primary production rates measured in the equatorial upwelling region, only a moderate rise in phytoplankton biomass was observed as compared to nearby nutrient-depleted areas (22 vs. 18 mg Chl-a m⁻², respectively). Picophytoplankton were the main contributors (>60%) to both Chl-a biomass and primary production throughout the region. The equatorial upwelling did not alter the phytoplankton size structure typically found in the tropical open ocean, which suggests a strong top-down control of primary producers by zooplankton. However, the impact of nutrient supply on net microbial community metabolism, integrated over the euphotic layer, was evidenced by an average net microbial community production within the equatorial divergence (1130 mg C m⁻² d⁻¹) three-fold larger than net production measured in the TTS region (370 mg C m⁻² d⁻¹). The entire region under study showed net autotrophic community metabolism, since respiration accounted on average for 51% of gross primary production integrated over the euphotic layer.     

Vertical distribution of phytoplankton biomass,production and growth in the Atlantic subtropical gyres

Ninety-four stations were sampled in the Atlantic subtropical gyres during 10 cruises carried out between 1995 and 2001, mainly in boreal spring and autumn. Chlorophyll a (Chl-a) and primary production were measured during all cruises, and phytoplankton biomass was estimated in part of them. Picoplankton (<2 μm) represented >60% of total Chl-a concentration measured at the surface, and their contribution to this variable increased with depth. Phytoplankton carbon concentrations were higher in the upper metres of the water column, whereas Chl-a showed a deep maximum (DCM). At each station, the water column was divided into the upper mixed layer (ML) and the DCM layer (DCML). The boundary between the two layers was calculated as the depth where Chl-a concentration was 50% of the maximum Chl-a concentration. On average DCML extends from 67 to 126 m depth. Carbon to Chl-a (C:Chl-a) ratios were used to estimate phytoplankton carbon content from Chl-a in order to obtain a large phytoplankton carbon dataset. Total C:Chl-a ratios averaged (±s.e.) 103±7 (n=22) in the ML and 24±4 (n=12) in the DCML and were higher in larger cells than in picoplankton. Using these ratios and primary production measurements, we derived mean specific growth rates of 0.17±0.01 d⁻¹ (n=173) in the ML and 0.20±0.01 d⁻¹ (n=165) in the DCML although the differences were not significant (t-test, p>0.05). Our results suggest a moderate contribution of the DCML (43%) to both phytoplankton biomass and primary production in the Atlantic subtropical gyres.     

Enhanced carbohydrate production by Southern Ocean phytoplankton in response to in situ iron fertilization

Storage carbohydrates (e.g., water-extractable β-1,3-d-glucan in diatoms) are of key importance for phytoplankton growth in a variable light climate, because they facilitate continued growth of the cells in darkness by providing energy and carbon skeletons for protein synthesis. Here, we tested the hypothesis that synthesis of storage carbohydrates by phytoplankton in the Southern Ocean is reduced by low iron and light availability. During the EisenEx/CARbon dioxide Uptake by the Southern Ocean (CARUSO) in situ iron enrichment experiment in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean in November 2000, we studied the dynamics of water-extractable carbohydrates in the particulate fraction over the period of 3 weeks following the iron release. The areal amount (integral between 0- and 100-m depth) of carbohydrates increased from 1400 to 2300 mg m⁻² inside the iron-enriched patch, while remaining roughly constant in the surrounding waters. Most of the increase inside the patch was associated with the fraction of large (>10 μm) phytoplankton cells, consistent with the shift in the community structure towards larger diatoms. Deck incubations at 60% of the ambient irradiance revealed that the diurnal chlorophyll a (Chl a)-specific production rates of water-extractable polysaccharides were significantly higher for “in-patch” than for “out-patch” samples (0.5 vs. 0.3 μg C [μg Chl a]⁻¹ h⁻¹, respectively). Together with the higher photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (F_v/F_m), this indicates enhanced photosynthetic performance in response to iron fertilization. In addition, the nocturnal polysaccharide consumption rates were also enhanced by iron release, causing a striking increase in the diel dynamics of polysaccharide concentration. An iron-stimulated increase in diel dynamics was also observed in the fluorescence and size of pico- and nanophytoplankton cells (measured by flow cytometry) and is indicative of enhanced phytoplankton growth. Diurnal polysaccharide production by phytoplankton inside the patch was light-limited when they were incubated at intensities below ca. 200 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ (daytime average). These irradiance levels correspond to those at 20- to 30-m depth in situ, whereas the upper mixed layer was frequently several-fold deeper due to storms. Therefore, these first measurements of phytoplankton carbohydrates during an in situ iron release experiment have revealed that both light and iron availability are the key factors controlling the synthesis of storage carbohydrates in phytoplankton and, hence, the development of diatom blooms in the Southern Ocean.     

Chlorophyll concentrations and suspended particulate loads in St Lucia,a turbid estuary on the east coast of South Africa

Concentrations of chlorophyll a and suspended particulate concentrations were measured during three lake-wide surveys of St Lucia, a shallow, turbid estuary on the east coast of South Africa. There was no salinity gradient in the system during any of the surveys, but between the surveys there were considerable salinity differences. Summer turbidities were higher than those of winter and spring, and turbidity along the eastern edge of the system was lower than elsewhere. Chlorophyll a was present over a wide range of salinities and turbidities and was generally highest in summer. However, there was no relationship between salinity and concentrations of chlorophyll a, and the concentrations were not significantly higher along the less turbid eastern shore. Concentrations of total paniculate matter (TPM) and particulate organic matter (POM) in the < 100 μm fraction were significantly correlated with turbidity throughout the year, but chlorophyll a and POM (< 100 μm) were significantly correlated only in summer. Concentrations of TPM in the > 100 μm fraction were two orders of magnitude lower than those in the < 100 μm fraction, but the organic content of the former fraction was very much higher. There was no relationship between turbidity and TPM (> 100 μm), nor between chlorophyll a and POM (> 100 μm) concentrations. Under conditions of high TPM load and in the salinity range 2–25 × 10^?3, phytoplankton would probably still occur in St Lucia. Estimates of phytoplankton production ranged between 218 and 252 mg C·m?2·day^?1. A comparison of estimates of the standing stocks of carbon from phytoplankton and suspended POM < 100 μm indicated that carbon input from sources other than phytoplankton may be important.     

Nanoplanktonic assemblages in the upwelling area off Concepción (∼36°S), central Chile: Abundance, biomass, and grazing potential during the annual cycle

The structure and functioning of nanoplanktonic assemblages in coastal upwelling areas have usually been overlooked in explorations of the productivity of these areas. As part of a multidisciplinary, time-series station in the coastal area off Concepción, seasonal variations (upwelling and non-upwelling) in the abundance and biomass of these assemblages were investigated. Hydrographic measurements and biological samples were taken monthly over a 2-year period (18 August 2004-28 July 2006). Nanoflagellates dominated the total integrated abundance (3-317 × 10⁹ cells m⁻²; 0-80 m). Diatoms and dinoflagellates usually contributed to a lesser degree (<20%) but sporadically made important contributions to the total integrated nanoplankton biomass (0.02-10.6 g C m⁻²). Most of the nanoplankton was concentrated in surface waters (<30 m) during all the samplings and no seasonal differences in abundance or biomass were found in this layer, although the mean values and dispersions around them were highest during the upwelling period along with maximum integrated (0-80 m) chlorophyll-a values, as total or in the <20 μm fraction. Changes in nanoplankton abundance were significantly but weakly (r < 0.4) correlated with changes in the hydrographic variables; the highest correlation values were positive for temperature and oxygen, factors that varied with depth and date. The potential grazing rates of heterotrophic nano-predators (flagellates and dinoflagellates) on prokaryotic prey, estimated with a generic model, ranged from 3 to 242 bacterioplankton predator⁻¹ h⁻¹ and from 0.1 to 14 cyanobacteria predator⁻¹ h⁻¹. Our results imply a small impact of seasonal hydrographic variability on the abundance and biomass of nanoplanktonic assemblages and suggest that grazing by nanoheterotrophs might control the prokaryotic picoplankton populations in the upwelling area off Concepción.     

Fatty Acid Composition and Community Structure of Plankton from the San Lorenzo Channel, Gulf of California

The structure of the plankton community and fatty acid composition of nano-, micro- and zooplankton are described during four seasons of 1994 from the San Lorenzo Channel. During August, the warmest temperature in the surface water was observed and a thermocline developed between 20 and 30 m. In the remaining months, a well-mixed layer occurred in the upper 30 m. The chlorophyllacontent of the nanoplankton fraction (<38 μm) was higher than the microplanktonic fraction (38–200 μm) year round. Maximal chlorophyll values (1·5–3 μ l⁻¹) occurred in January, which may be associated with organic matter, since phytoplankton was lower than at other seasons. The relative abundance of diatoms increased from January (57% of phytoplankton) to November (99%). The increment was mainly due toNitzschiaandChaetoceros. Dinoflagellates were always low (0·03–1·36 cells ml⁻¹). Copepods (mainlyEucalanus) dominated the zooplankton in winter and fall, while in spring and summer, the abundance of doliolids was similar to the copepods (Nannocalanus minordominated).Four fatty acids (16:0, 16:1, 18:0, 18:1) were the most conspicuous in the plankton, representing usually between 40 and 80% of the total fatty acids throughout the water column. In winter, higher fatty acid content and higher relative amounts of 16:0 and 16:1 were observed than in the warm months. Stearic acid (18:0) peaked during fall. The major seasonal differences occurred in the nanoplankton, which had peaks of 20:5 during January, and 16:4 in April. A strong decrease in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) occurred during the warm months. The fatty acid composition of microplankton and larger zooplankton was similar in winter–spring. Individual copepods of selected species (Eucalanus sewelli,Rhincalanus nasutus,Centropages furcatusandLabidocera acuta) showed fatty acid profiles similar to the mixed zooplankton, with some differences in content of PUFA.     

桑沟湾浮游纤毛虫丰度和生物量分布的季节变化

于2011年4、8、10月及2012年1月对桑沟湾进行了浮游纤毛虫丰度和生物量的季节调查。纤毛虫的平均丰度为(7 552±10 979)个/L,范围为408~61 667个/L;纤毛虫的平均生物量(以碳计)为(4.79±5.77)μg/L,范围为0.35~33.09 μg/L。无壳纤毛虫丰度和生物量主要分布在湾内,湾中和湾外丰度相对较低;砂壳纤毛虫丰度和生物量在盐度较高的海区总体较高,呈现朝向外海分布的趋势。纤毛虫丰度和生物量的高值区春季主要出现在湾的西北,夏季向湾中部迁移,秋季主要出现在湾的西南,冬季主要出现在湾的西部,高值区随季节大致呈顺时针迁移的趋势。纤毛虫的丰度春季最高,冬季最低;生物量夏季最高,冬季最低。无壳纤毛虫夏季粒级较大,冬季粒级较小;砂壳纤毛虫壳的平均口径夏季较大,秋季较小。共鉴定出砂壳纤毛虫8属27种,其中拟铃虫属(Tintinnopsis)种数最多。砂壳纤毛虫在纤毛虫总丰度中的比例平均为16.3%±21.9%,夏季最高(36.3%±27.8%),冬季最低(4.9%±5.9%)。纤毛虫丰度与温度、盐度、Chl a浓度及微微型真核浮游生物丰度均没有明显的相关性,但与蓝细菌及异养细菌丰度呈显著的正相关关系。     

Iron-induced alterations of bacterial DMSP metabolism in the western subarctic Pacific during SEEDS-II

The effect of added iron on bacterial cycling of the climate-active gas dimethylsulfide (DMS) and its precursor dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) was tested during the second Subarctic Pacific Iron Experiment for Ecosystem Dynamics Study (SEEDS II) from 19 July to 21 August 2004 aboard the R/V Hakuho-Maru. The study area in the northwest Pacific Ocean (48°N 165°E) was enriched with Fe and the conservative tracer, SF₆, allowing the fertilized patch to be tracked. Microbial DMSP cycling rates were determined in the surface mixed layer (5 m) during incubations using the ³⁵S-DMSP technique. The addition of iron resulted in a 4-fold increase in concentrations of chlorophyll a (chl a) within the surface mixed layer (5 m depth), and the length of the sampling period allowed the observation of both bloom and post-bloom conditions. Inside the fertilized patch, the alleviation of resource limitation gave rise to the concurrent increase in bacterial abundance and production. Changes in the phytoplankton community within the Fe-enriched patch translated into a sustained decrease in chl a-normalized particulate DMSP (DMSP_p) concentrations, suggesting a preferential stimulation of the growth of DMSP_p-poor phytoplankton species. Despite short-lived peaks of DMSP_p within the Fe-enriched area, concentrations of DMSP_p generally remained stable during the entire sampling period inside and outside the fertilized patch. During the Fe-induced bloom, microbial DMSP-sulfur (DMSP-S) assimilation efficiency increased 2.6-fold inside the Fe-enriched area, which indicated that as bacterial production increased, a greater proportion of DMSP-S was assimilated and possibly diverted away from the bacterial cleavage pathway (i.e. production of DMS). Our results suggest that iron-induced stimulation of weak DMSP_p-producers and DMSP-assimilating bacteria may diminish the potential production of DMS and thus limit its flux towards the atmosphere over the subarctic Pacific Ocean.     

Microzooplankton diversity: relationships of tintinnid ciliates with resources,competitors and predators from the Atlantic Coast of Morocco to the Eastern Mediterranean

We examined tintinnid (loricate ciliate microzooplankton) diversity using data from 11 stations between the Moroccan upwelling system and the oligotrophic Eastern Mediterranean. Taxonomic and morphological diversity of tintinnids was compared to phytoplankton distribution and size-structure, to the abundance of competitors in the form of oligotrich ciliates, and predators as copepods. Tintinnid taxonomic diversity was estimated as numbers of species and the Shannon Index, H′; morphological diversity was quantified by substituting size classes of lorica dimensions for species. Total chlorophyll was partitioned into micro-, nano- and pico-fractions using pigment data and a size-diversity was estimated by considering the 3 size classes as 3 species. Along a west-to-east gradient, average water column concentrations of most organism groups declined approximately an order of magnitude yielding tight correlations. However, tintinnid diversity, both taxonomic and morphological, increased from the Atlantic upwelling station into the western basin of the Mediterranean, and declined slightly towards the Eastern Mediterranean, paralleling shifts in the chlorophyll size-diversity estimate. Diversity varied with absolute or relative abundance of oligotrich or copepods, but different diversity metrics were significantly correlated only with phytoplankton size-diversity. We conclude that tintinnid diversity more closely reflects resource diversity than competitive interactions or predation.     

Some observations on phytoplankton species composition,biomass, and productivity in Kenepuru Sound,New Zealand, 1982–83

Phytoplankton species composition, biomass, and rates of primary production were determined at two sites within Kenepuru Sound, New Zealand, in spring, summer, and autumn of 1982–83. Microflagellates and ultraplankton (< 5–10 μm) were numerically very abundant on each occasion and small gymnodinoid nanno‐planktonic (< 10–15 μm) dinoflagellates were likewise always a common component of the populations. The dinoflagellate, Prorocentrum gracile, made a substantial contribution to the total biomass in summer. The diatom community changed from mainly small chain forming species (Chaetoceros spp., Leptocylindricus spp.) in spring to small solitary centric and pennate forms (Nitzchia longissima, Coscinodiscus spp.) in summer, to a diversity of larger taxa (Coscinodiscus concinnus, Eucampia zoodiacus) in autumn. The autotrophic ciliate Mesodinium rubrum was a particularly important member of the autumn photo‐autotrophic assemblage. Both phytoplankton biomass and productivity increased from spring to autumn. In situ rates of primary production ranged from 15 to 1420 mgC m^‐2h^‐1 and chlorophyll a concentrations ranged from 6.9 to 258.5 mgChl a m^‐2. A gross primary production rate, in summer, was estimated at 0.57 gC m^‐2 d^‐1. Phytoplankton production and biomass appeared to be related to dissolved inorganic nutrient concentrations as a result of variations in the freshwater inflow. A tentative comparison between the rates of phytoplankton and cultivated mussel production is made.     

2012年楚科奇海及其邻近海域浮游植物现存量和初级生产力粒级结构研究

通过2012年夏季第五次北极科学考察期间在楚科奇海及其邻近海域现场调查所获得的数据分析研究了海域的粒度分级叶绿素a浓度和初级生产力。结果表明,叶绿素a浓度和初级生产力的高值均出现在楚科奇海陆架区,并且远高于深海区。去程时调查海域水层平均叶绿素a浓度的变化范围为0.32~15.66mg/m3,平均(2.77±3.96)mg/m3,高值区出现在南部邻近白令海峡海域、北部阿拉斯加巴罗近岸和冰缘区;初级生产力的范围为50.11~943.28mg/(m2d),高值出现在冰缘水华区。返程时水层平均叶绿素a浓度的变化范围为0.07~1.52mg/m3,平均(0.41±0.40)mg/m3,高值仍出现在陆架区,但比去程时低了一个数量级;初级生产力的分布范围为12.31~41.35mg/(m2d),高值出现在陆架区。浮游植物粒度分级测定结果表明,在生物量较低的深海区,叶绿素a浓度和初级生产力的粒级结构以微微型浮游生物(Pico级份)占优势(其贡献率分别为46.1%和56.9%),小型(Net级份)和微型(Nano级份)对总叶绿素a浓度的贡献差异极小,分别为26.6%和27.3%,对总初级生产力的贡献分别为23.8%和19.3%;而在生物量较高的水深小于200m的陆架区,Net级份叶绿素a浓度所占百分比最高,Pico级份次之,Nano级份最低,分别为59.8%、27.9%和12.3%,初级生产力的粒级结构中叶绿素a浓度所占百分比由高到低同样是Net、Pico和Nano,所占百分比分别为60.6%,32.2%和7.2%。