Hypoxia in Manila Bay, Philippines during the northeast monsoon

Herein we present results from one of the first extensive bay-wide oceanographic surveys of Manila Bay, wherein 31 stations were sampled during the northeast monsoon (cold and dry season). A band of hypoxic bottom water (dissolved oxygen<2.8 mg/L) spanned the midsection of the bay from east to west. Bottom nitrate concentrations (5.7-16.8 μM; avg. 11.1 μM) and total organic carbon values in sediments (1.7-3.1%; avg. 2.4%) were high in the midsection, which coincided with the band of hypoxic bottom water. Physical processes and site-specific accumulation of organic material likely lead to hypoxic conditions in Manila Bay, even during the northeast monsoon period when the water column is relatively well mixed. The results of this study complement the previously reported widespread hypoxia that occurs during the rainy season. Thus, hypoxia may be pervasive in the bay throughout the year, although it varies in intensity and spatial extent.     

The speciation of dissolved copper,cadmium and zinc in Manila Bay,Philippines

At present, there is a very limited information on the levels and distribution of dissolved metals in Manila Bay. In this study, the horizontal and vertical distribution of operationally defined species (labile, bound and total) of dissolved copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) were determined using differential pulse anodic and cathodic stripping voltammetry in water samples obtained from 18 stations in November 1998. In addition, the 24-h variability in the concentrations of these species at different depths in the water column was determined. These measurements were complemented by the determination of temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll a, particulate organic carbon and nutrients. Results showed that more than 50% of total dissolved copper and cadmium were labile while 50% of total dissolved zinc was organically bound. Vertical profiles showed that Cu, Cd and Zn concentrations were generally high at the surface. Zinc and cadmium were characterised by the presence of a mid-depth minimum while copper did not show any clear vertical trend.

Dissolved Cu concentrations during the spatial and diurnal samplings ranged from 0.32 to 6.95 nM and 1.52 to 45.65 nM, respectively. For Cd, the concentrations in 18 stations ranged from 0.05 to 2.92 nM, and from 0.03 to 2.42 nM over a 24-h period. Zn concentrations ranged from 2.48 to 147.43 nM and 2.87 to 88.27 nM during the spatial and diurnal samplings, respectively. The large variation in the concentration of Cu, Cd and Zn in the bay was observed to be associated with the presence of a large vertical density gradient in the water column, which appeared to limit the exchange of materials between the surface and bottom waters. Elevated levels of these metals near point sources suggest anthropogenic inputs in the bay.     

Hypoxia in Manila Bay,Philippines during the northeast monsoon

Herein we present results from one of the first extensive bay-wide oceanographic surveys of Manila Bay, wherein 31 stations were sampled during the northeast monsoon (cold and dry season). A band of hypoxic bottom water (dissolved oxygen <2.8 mg/L) spanned the midsection of the bay from east to west. Bottom nitrate concentrations (5.7–16.8 μM; avg. 11.1 μM) and total organic carbon values in sediments (1.7–3.1%; avg. 2.4%) were high in the midsection, which coincided with the band of hypoxic bottom water. Physical processes and site-specific accumulation of organic material likely lead to hypoxic conditions in Manila Bay, even during the northeast monsoon period when the water column is relatively well mixed. The results of this study complement the previously reported widespread hypoxia that occurs during the rainy season. Thus, hypoxia may be pervasive in the bay throughout the year, although it varies in intensity and spatial extent.     

Eutrophication and hypoxia in four streams discharging in Guanabara Bay, RJ, Brazil, a case study

Four streams in the city of São Gonçalo, were sampled to evaluate their potential as sources of nutrients to Guanabara Bay aiming to contribute with the government program to decrease the levels of pollution in this area. Imbuaçu, Guaxindiba, Marimbondo and Brandoas streams were sampled in 2007, 2008 and 2009. The streams revealed to be hipereutrophic with severe limitation of primary production by nitrogen, as shown by the N/P molar ratio. Phosphate levels were abnormally high varying between 4.35 and 130.82 μM, whereas nitrate and nitrite ranged from 0.06 to 54.05 μM and from 0.28 to 19.23 μM, respectively. The streams also presented severe hypoxia and anoxia, with oxygen values varying from non-detected to 3.72 ml l⁻¹. Heavy loads of particulate suspended material were recorded in the studied streams, ranging between 6.00 and 400.00 mg l⁻¹. The streams were considered inexorable sources of nutrients, enhancing the severe eutrophication process in Guanabara Bay.     

Estimating sediment accumulation rates in Manila Bay, a marine pollution hot spot in the Seas of East Asia

The GEF/UNDP/IMO/PEMSEA project identifies Manila Bay as among the marine pollution hot spots in the Seas of East Asia. ²¹⁰Pb dating of its sediment can provide a historical perspective of its pollution loading. However, the validity of ²¹⁰Pb dating in a complex dynamic coastal system of Manila Bay may come into question. Land-based sediment input can be high and physical and biological processes can possibly disturb the sediment layers. In this report, the ²¹⁰Pb profiles of sediment cores from different parts of the bay are presented. The linear sedimentation rates are shown to be higher in the recent past and are also variable across the bay. The largest change in sedimentation rate, coincided with the occurrence of a volcanic eruption in 1991 and is shown by applying a variant of the CIC model in sedimentation rate calculations. The data suggest that ²¹⁰Pb dating can be useful in estimating relative magnitudes of sedimentation rates, even in a complex dynamic coastal system like Manila Bay.     

Effects of environmental regulations on heavy metal pollution decline in core sediments from Manila Bay

We investigated the high-resolution heavy metal pollution history of Manila Bay using heavy metal concentrations and Pb isotope ratios together with ²¹⁰Pb dating to find out the effects of environmental regulations after the 1990s. Our results suggested that the rate of decline in heavy metal pollution increased dramatically from the end of the 1990s due to stricter environmental regulations, Administrative Order No. 42, being enforced by the Philippines government. The presented data and methodology should form the basis for future monitoring, leading to pollution control, and to the generation of preventive measures at the pollution source for the maintenance of environmental quality in the coastal metropolitan city of Manila. Although this is the first report of a reduction in pollution in Asian developing country, our results suggest that we can expect to find similar signs of pollution decline in other parts of the world as well.     

Nitrogen stable isotope ratio in the manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum, reflects eutrophication levels in tidal flats

Understanding the effects of anthropogenic eutrophication on coastal fisheries may help in the enhancement of fishery production by effective utilization of sewage effluents, as well as in the consequent reduction of eutrophication. In this study, it was revealed that the nitrogen stable isotope ratio (δ¹⁵N) in the soft tissues of the manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum, can be used as an indicator of anthropogenic eutrophication levels in tidal flat environments by investigation of δ¹⁵N in dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), particulate organic matter (POM), sedimentary organic matter (SOM) and soft tissues of the clam in five tidal flats in Japan with different levels of DIN concentration. In addition, it was found that the acid insoluble fraction of the shell organic matrix, conchiolin, can be used as a proxy for the soft tissues in δ¹⁵N analyses. This will contribute in easier storage handling and the expansion of chances for sample acquisition.     

Spatiotemporal variability of drought in the northern part of northeast China

The thermal and moisture balance of permafrost regions has been altered by global warming, profoundly influencing vegetation dynamics and forest carbon cycling. To understand the spatial and temporal characteristics and driving forces responsible for changes in moisture conditions in the permafrost region of the Greater and Lesser Hinggan Mountains, northeastern China, we assessed long‐term trends for temperature, precipitation, and the standardized precipitation‐evapotranspiration index. From 1951 to 2014, annual mean temperature had a significant increase trend and the annual precipitation was not with significant trend. Since 1951, the annual standardized precipitation‐evapotranspiration index has decreased significantly at the boundary between regions with seasonal soil freezing and permafrost, suggesting that conspicuous permafrost degradation and moisture loss has occurred. The study area can be divided into 4 parts with a different balance between thermal and moisture conditions: the northern Songnen Plains, the Hulun Buir Sand Land, the middle reaches of the Heilongjiang River, and the Mohe region. However, only the middle reaches of the Heilongjiang River showed an obvious long‐term drying trend. The 4 areas showed quasi‐periodic oscillation and sea surface temperature during the winter half‐year affected drought intensity in the northern of Songnen Plains. When El Niño strengthened, moisture conditions increased in the northern of Songnen Plains, whereas stronger La Niña events decreased water availability. The result of this study will be beneficial for regional water resource management and prepare for potential drought hazards in the northeastern China.     

Effects of hypoxia in the gills of the Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum using NMR-based metabolomics

Coastal hypoxia affects the survival, behavior, and reproduction of individual local marine organisms, and the abundance, biomass, and biodiversity of coastal ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the chronic effects of hypoxia on the metabolomics in the gills of Ruditapes (R.) philippinarum. The results indicated significant alterations in the metabolite profiles in the gills of the hypoxia-treated clams, in comparison with those maintained under normoxia. The levels of betaine, taurine, glycine, isoleucine, and alanine were significantly reduced, suggesting a disturbance of osmotic balance associated with hypoxia. Meanwhile, metabolites involved in energy metabolism, such as alanine and succinate, were also affected. Dramatic histopathological changes were observed in the gills and hepatopancreases of R. philippinarum grown in hypoxic waters, demonstrating tissue damages apparently caused by long-term exposure to hypoxia. Our findings suggest that hypoxia significantly affects the physiology of R. philippinarum, even at a sub-lethal level, and impedes health of the clams.     

Spatial variability in organic material sinking export in the Hudson Bay system,Canada, during fall

Spatial variations in the sinking export of organic material were assessed within the Hudson Bay system (i.e., Hudson Bay, Hudson Strait and Foxe Basin) during the second oceanographic expedition of ArcticNet, on board the CCGS Amundsen in early fall 2005. Sinking fluxes of particulate organic material were measured using short-term free-drifting particle interceptor traps deployed at 50, 100 and 150 m for 8–20 h at eight stations. Measurements of chlorophyll a (chl a), pheopigments (pheo), particulate organic carbon (POC), biogenic silica (BioSi), protists, fecal pellets and bacteria were performed on the collected material. In parallel, sea surface salinity and temperature were determined at 121 stations in the Hudson Bay system. Three hydrographic regions presenting different sedimentation patterns were identified based on average surface salinity and temperature. Hudson Strait was characterized by a marine signature, with high salinity (average=32.3) and low temperature (average=2.1 °C). Eastern Hudson Bay was strongly influenced by river runoff and showed the lowest average salinity (26.6) and highest average temperature (7.6 °C) of the three regions. Western Hudson Bay showed intermediate salinity (average=29.4) and temperature (average=4.4 °C). Sinking fluxes of total pigments (chl a+pheo: 3.37 mg m⁻² d⁻¹), diatom-associated carbon (19.8 mg m⁻² d⁻¹) and BioSi (50.2 mg m⁻² d⁻¹) at 50 m were highest in Hudson Strait. Eastern Hudson Bay showed higher sinking fluxes of total pigments (0.52 mg m⁻² d⁻¹), diatom-associated carbon (3.29 mg m⁻² d⁻¹) and BioSi (36.6 mg m⁻² d⁻¹) compared to western Hudson Bay (0.19, 0.05 and 7.76 mg m⁻² d⁻¹, respectively). POC sinking fluxes at 50 m were low and relatively uniform throughout the Hudson Bay system (50.0–76.8 mg C m⁻² d⁻¹), but spatial variations in the composition of the sinking organic material were observed. A large part (37–78%) of the total sinking POC was unidentifiable by microscopic observation and was qualified as amorphous detritus. Considering only the identifiable material, the major contributors to the POC sinking flux were intact protist cells in Hudson Strait (28%), fecal pellets in eastern Hudson Bay (52%) and bacteria in western Hudson Bay (17%). A significant depth-related attenuation of the POC sinking fluxes (average loss between 50 and 150 m=32%) and a significant increase in the BioSi:POC ratio (average increase between 50 and 150 m=76%) were observed in Hudson Strait and eastern Hudson Bay. For all other sinking fluxes and composition ratios, we found no statistically significant difference with depth. These results show that during fall, the sinking export of total POC from the euphotic zone remained fairly constant throughout the Hudson Bay system, whereas other components of the organic sinking material (e.g., chl a, BioSi, fecal pellets, protist cells) showed strong spatial variations.     

Some challenges of an "upside down" nitrogen budget--science and management in Greenwich Bay, RI (USA)

When nutrients impact estuarine water quality, scientists and managers instinctively focus on quantifying and controlling land-based sources. However, in Greenwich Bay, RI, the estuary opens onto a larger and more intensively fertilized coastal water body (Narragansett Bay). Previous inventories of nitrogen (N) inputs to Greenwich Bay found that N inputs from Narragansett Bay exceeded those from the local watershed, suggesting that recent efforts to reduce local watershed N loads may have little effect on estuarine water quality. We used stable isotopes of N to characterize watershed and Narragansett Bay N sources as well as the composition of primary producers and consumers throughout Greenwich Bay. Results were consistent with previous assessments of the importance of N inputs to Greenwich Bay from Narragansett Bay. As multiple N sources contribute to estuarine water quality, effective management requires attention to individual sources commensurate with overall magnitude, regardless of the political complications that may entail.     

Simulation of eutrophication and associated occurrence of hypoxic and anoxic condition in a coastal bay in Japan

A probabilistic method of calculating the occurrence of oxygen-depleted water within a combined hydrothermal and water quality model was presented in this paper to investigate the environmental impact of eutrophication on the living resources. The method was applied to an eutrophicated shallow coastal bay in western Japan, where the occurrence of red tides at the water surface and the onset of bottom hypoxic waters are observed every summer. Both meteorology and freshwater inflow contribute to the development of stratification of the bay, thus limiting the dissolved oxygen supply to bottom waters. The resulting hydrodynamics enhances the development of oxygen-depleted bottom waters by transporting organic matter produced by algal blooms to the inner bay, where it decomposes and exerts high SOD. During August, about 60% of the inner bay is hypoxic for prolonged durations and as a result most of the benthic biota and fish die. The method used here is a very useful and informative way to evaluate the spatial and temporal damage and severity caused by hypoxia on living resources. Moreover, the model results agreed very well with the observed hydrodynamics, thermal structure and water quality data of the stratified bay. The model can be used for other lakes and bays where knowledge of temperature and density stratification is important for assessing water quality.     

Disturbance of recruitment success of mantis shrimp in Tokyo Bay associated with effects of hypoxia on the early life history

We investigated effects of severe hypoxia (dissolved oxygen <1 ml l⁻¹) on recruitment of mantis shrimp Oratosquilla oratoria in Tokyo Bay. Ten-year field surveys were conducted to examine quantitative relationships in annual mean densities of larvae and juveniles, and spatial distribution of juveniles and severe hypoxia. There was no significant correlation between annual mean densities of larvae and juveniles, suggesting that mortality during larval or juvenile stages varies among years, which might have regulated abundance of young-of-the-year juveniles. Juvenile density was low in the severely hypoxic area, implying that hypoxia could affect survivals and spatial distribution of juveniles. Meanwhile, there are yearly fluctuations in juvenile density in normoxic areas of both northern and southern part of the bay. This evidence suggests that abundance of post-settled juveniles might have been determined by not only effects of hypoxia, but also other factors influencing mortality during the early life stages.     

太湖梅梁湾富营养化主要驱动因子的多时间尺度分析

采用太湖湖泊生态系统研究站太湖梅梁湾富营养化四种主要驱动因子叶绿素a(Chl.a)、水温、总磷(TP)、总氮浓度1992-2010年的监测数据,利用小波变换方法,分析了四种因子不同时间尺度上的时间格局特征.结果表明,四种驱动因子在年际和年代际尺度上都具有清晰的多时间尺度特征,主周期各不相同,但Chl.a和TP浓度的小波实部变化趋势具有较高的一致性.本文分析了各因子在不同时间尺度上的强弱分布以及高低交替,并在此基础上从时间尺度的角度预测出在未来3~5年内,太湖梅梁湾湖区的富营养化程度将保持在一个比较平稳的水平,为太湖富营养化的认识和治理提供更加可靠的科学依据.     

太湖贡湖湾人工湖滨带水生植物恢复及其富营养化控制

以太湖贡湖湾人工湖滨带为对象,研究湖滨水生植物修复过程及其富营养化控制效果.人工湖滨区域内的消浪带、岸上护坡措施为水生植物修复提供了良好的生境条件,形成了包括荇菜（Nymphoides peltatum（Gmel.）Kuntze）、睡莲（Nymphaea tetragona Georgi）、菱（Trapa bispinosa Roxb.）为主的浮叶植物群落,以及以黑藻（Hydrilla verticillata（Linn.f.）Royle）、狐尾藻（Myriophyllum verticillatum L.）、小眼子菜（Potamogeton pusillus L.）、竹叶眼子菜（Potamogeton malaianus）为主的沉水植物群落.通过设置研究区、对照区,持续监测溶解氧、总氮、总磷、氨氮、叶绿素a浓度等水体指标,烧失量、氮含量、磷含量等沉积物指标,水生植物生物量、覆盖度,浮游藻类等指标.不同时期、不同区域间的时空分布显示：随着水生植物的恢复,水体营养状态指数（TLI）、沉积物生物生产力指数（BPI）显著下降,水体透明度显著提升;较高浓度的总氮（>3.0 mg/L）、氨氮（>0.6 mg/L）环境不利于浮叶植物的生长,沉水植物对其则表现出更好的适应性,同时水生植物在成长过程中直接从水体/沉积物中吸收氮;颤藻（Cyanophyta oscillatoria）、直裂藻（Cyanophyta merismopedia）等浮游藻类吸收了水体磷,水生植物利用了沉积物磷,共同缓解了磷在湖滨区域的累计.总结以上,湖滨带的水文水质条件可以影响水生植物群落结构,进而决定氮、磷的控制效果,所以在湖滨带修复中构建合适的生境条件是水生植物发挥氮磷控制效果的重要前提.水生植物在恢复过程中对浮游藻类群落结构的影响是显著的,并且以此影响到湖滨水体中磷的分布.     

马尼拉俯冲带北段增生楔前缘构造变形和精细结构

马尼拉俯冲带是南海的东部边界,记录了南海形成演化的关键信息,同时也是地震和海啸多发区域.本文利用过马尼拉俯冲带北段的高分辨率多道地震剖面,分析了研究区内海盆和海沟的沉积特征,精细刻画了区内增生楔前缘的构造变形、结构以及岩浆活动特征.研究区内增生楔下陆坡部分由盲冲断层、构造楔和叠瓦逆冲断层构成,逆冲断层归并于一条位于下中新统的滑脱面上,滑脱面向海方向的展布明显受到增生楔之下埋藏海山和基底隆起的影响;上陆坡的反射特征则因变形强烈和岩浆作用而难以识别;岩浆活动开始于晚中新世末期并持续至第四纪.马尼拉俯冲带北段增生楔的形成时间早于16.5 Ma,并通过前展式逆冲向南海方向扩展;马尼拉俯冲带的初始形成时间可能在晚渐新世,而此时南海海盆扩张仍在持续.南海东北缘19°N-21°N区域为南海北部陆坡向海盆的延伸,高度减薄的陆壳的俯冲造成马尼拉海沟北段几何形态明显地向东凹进.

     

fCO2 variability in the Bay of Biscay during ECO cruises

The Bay of Biscay is part of the North Atlantic Ocean, the most important sink of CO₂, and a subduction zone of mode waters that favours the entry of carbon to the ocean interior. To investigate the seasonal and interannual variability of CO₂ uptake, continuous underway measurements of the partial pressure of CO₂ at sea surface were performed along a commercial route between Vigo (Spain) and St. Nazaire (France). An unattended measuring system of CO₂ fugacity (fCO₂), with meteorological station, and temperature, salinity, oxygen and fluorescence sensors, was installed on board of ships of opportunity (RO-RO L’Audace and RO-RO Surprise).     

Development of a benthic index to assess sediment quality in the Tampa Bay Estuary

The identification, remedial treatment, and monitoring of contaminated sediments are among the priorities for managers of the Tampa Bay Estuary. Tampa Bay, as an urbanized estuary, is subject to the input of watershed sources of chemical contaminants, including metals, pesticides, and organic chemicals. Although the use of biological indicators and their incorporation into multi-metric indices is not new, the refinement and applications of such techniques for determining environmental condition still require further development and exploration. We present a single Tampa Bay Benthic Index (TBBI) that was developed specifically for Tampa Bay. Stepwise discriminant analysis was applied to a comprehensive list of potential benthic metrics. Results from the stepwise procedure identified the metrics that best discriminated between "healthy" and "degraded" conditions, as defined by sediment contaminant effect levels and dissolved oxygen. Discriminant analysis was then applied to the resultant three variables to determine the linear combination for the index.     

孟加拉湾西南季风与南海热带季风的气候特征比较

本文运用NCAR/NCEP再分析数据和APHRO_MA_V1003R1降水数据,对比分析了孟加拉湾西南季风和南海热带季风的气候特征异同以及对降水分布的影响,得到如下结论:(1)孟加拉湾西南季风比南海热带季风爆发更早、强度更强、持续时间更久、向北推进更北.(2)孟加拉湾西南季风建立过程缓慢,主要是索马里越赤道西南气流的逐渐加强和热带印度洋ITCZ(赤道辐合带)的逐渐北移;而南海热带季风建立过程迅速,主要是东亚大槽的一次替换过程伴随西太平洋副热带高压的突然东撤和热带西太平洋ITCZ的突然北跳.(3)孟加拉湾西南风纬向分量较强,季风建立前后主要变化在于偏西风的强度;而南海西南风经向分量较强,季风建立后风向突然逆转,东南风由于副高东撤而迅速被西南风取代.(4)孟加拉湾西南季风撤退较快,而南海季风则撤退较慢.(5)根据季风进程将夏季风期划分为季风发展期(5月)、强盛期(6-8月)和减退期(9-10月).其间对流活跃区的发展和推进、季风槽的位置以及对应降水区域均有明显差异.(6)在夏季风期,孟加拉湾和南海经度上分别存在着由ITCZ北抬引起的、在季风槽对流活跃区上升而在南北两侧下沉的、南北对称分布的季风经向次级环流.由于孟加拉湾和青藏高原强大热源的存在,孟加拉湾上升区南北跨度比南海的更大;孟加拉湾经圈环流更加稳定,而南海经圈环流的南北摆动更明显;孟加拉湾上升中心区比南海的偏北;在季风减退期,由于南海ITCZ撤退较慢,其上升区比孟加拉湾上升区偏北.