Biological aspects of pollution in the Heathcote river,Christchurch, New Zealand

The presence and degree of pollution in the Heathcote River was estimated from bacterial and chemical analyses of water sampled at low tide from five stations in summer 1967–68. The river is very badly polluted in the industrial area and downstream of it, but is fairly clean upstream of the industrial area. Results of analyses of micro‐organisms and macrofauna at 20 stations are presented and distributions of these organisms are related to salinity and pollution in the river. Pollution is restricting the macrofauna of the river but is encouraging micro‐organism populations. Three groups of macrofauna are present:

• Those present in clean freshwater only,

• Those tolerating pollution but restricted to freshwater, and

• Those tolerating pollution but restricted to saline water.

The use of these groups of species as biological indicators of pollution in the Heathcote River has been evaluated; pollution appears to be indicated by absence of a group of species rather than by presence of one species.     

Water quality in a polluted lowland stream with chronically depressed dissolved oxygen: Causes and effects

Abstract

The Whangamaire Stream (North Island, New Zealand) has high concentrations of nitrate nitrogen (NO^? ₃‐N), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD₅), and Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) as a result of catchment land use practices. The lower reaches of the stream drain intensively farmed land and have dissolved oxygen (DO) levels of 10–50% saturation. The dominant riparian vegetation, Apium nodiflorum, provides a large organic loading by intercepting nutrients in run‐off and then decaying in the stream channel. Water quality and reaeration aspects of the stream were studied in order to explain the observed low DO levels. Measurements of the reaeration coefficient at 20°C, K₂ ²⁰, using methyl chloride (CH₃Cl) as a gas tracer, yielded values of 1.1–3.0 d^?1 for the upper part of the study reach and 15.5–16.2 d^?1 for the lower reach (overall average 12.5 ± 2.5 d^?1). These were in agreement with values inferred from single‐station diurnal curve analysis, which also showed that respiration was dominant in the lower reach where photo‐synthetic activity was inhibited by shade. The relatively large reaeration coefficients ensure that parts of the stream do not become anoxic at night time. Better riparian management and reduced nutrient inputs are likely to improve stream water quality.     

Comparison between in situ cone resistance and laboratory strength for overconsolidated north sea clays

Abstract

Cone resistance and laboratory strength measurements have been compared for stiff overconsolidated clays from five oil and gas fields in the North Sea. The clays considered are glacial in origin. The best agreement between cone resistance and laboratory strength is found by using an N_k factor equal to 17 in the formula

q_c = N_k . S_u + γZ.

The study shows that the cone gives highly reproducible results, whereas there is a considerable scatter in the laboratory strength determinations. When making use of CPTs for preliminary design, the authors recommend assuming an N_k of 15–20, depending on the type of problem under consideration.     

Book reviews

Detritus and microbial ecology in aquaculture. B7 Editors: D. J. W. Moriarty and R. S. V. Pullin, 1987. Proceedings for the Conference on Detrital Systems for Aquaculture, Italy, August 1985. 420 p. ISSN 0115–4389, ISBN 971–1022–29‐X. Price: US$12.50 surface. Available from ICLARM, MC P. O. Box 1501, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines.

Coastal fishes of New Zealand, a diver's identification guide. By Malcolm Francis, 1988. Heinemann Reed, Octopus Publishing Group Ltd., Auckland. 63 p. Price: $29.95. ISBN 0–7900–0013‐X.

Lake managers handbook. Editor: W. N. Vant 1987, Water Quality Centre, Ministry of Works and Development, Hamilton. Water & Soil Miscellaneous Publication 103, 230 p., 53 figures, 12 colour plates. Price: $38.50. ISSN 0110–4705. Available from DSIR Publishing, P.O. Box 9741, Wellington, New Zealand.     

Book reviews

Theory and management of tropical fisheries. Edited by D. Pauly and G. I. Murphy. Proceedings of the ICLARM/CSIRO Workshop on the Theory and Management of Tropical Multispecies Stocks. 12–21 January 1981, Cronulla, Australia. 1982. 360 p. $US21.50 surface; hardbound.

Animals of the estuary shore : illustrated guide and ecology. By Malcolm B. Jones, 1983. University of Canterbury publication No. 32. 162p., 140 figures, 11 keys. ISBN 0900–392–32–0 (soft cover, spiral bound). Price NZ$7.50.

Numerical ecology. By L. Legendre and P. Legendre, 1983. Elsevier Scientific Publishing Company, Amsterdam. $US83.00.

The control of oil pollution (revised edition). Edited by J Wardley‐Smith. Graham & Trot‐man Limited, London. 1983. 285 p., 98 figures, 17 tables. ISBN 0.86010 3382. £19.00/$US35.00.

Physical oceanography in Australia. Edited by J. Imberger. Reprinted from the Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, Volume 34, 1–230, 1983. CSIRO, Melbourne 1983.     

Scour effects on bearing capacity of composite bucket foundation for offshore wind turbines

Abstract

Composite bucket foundation (CBF) is a wide-shallow foundation for offshore wind turbines, which can be transported and installed with the turbine as one unit at a one-step operation. Compared with deep pile foundations, its structural stability is more sensitive to the scouring by waves and currents. In this paper, a three-dimensional finite element model with CBF and surrounding soil is established to estimate the failure mode at different given soil scour conditions. The loading on CBF for offshore wind turbines is characterized by relatively small vertical loading V, larger horizontal loading H, and bending moment M, and the effect of erosion on bearing capacity of CBF is determined by using the fixed displacement ratio method. In addition, the failure envelopes of the CBF applied in H–M and V–H–M loading modes are obtained. Results indicate that the bearing capacity of CBF under horizontal loading and bending moment will be significantly reduced by the decrease in the embedded depth of CBF due to the scouring depth and extent, as well as the H–M, and V–H–M failure envelopes. The structural stability safety factor of CBF under different scouring conditions can be obtained through the three-dimensional envelope surface with respect to scouring depth and extent.     

Water quality of the Waiohewa Stream,Rotorua

The chemical quality of the Waiohewa stream, Rotorua, was assessed from the results of 2 longitudinal surveys in summer 1978–79. In particular, changes in nitrogen concentration were examined. The quantity of ammonia increased downstream from unmonitored geothermal inputs, but, after dilution and neutralisation by a larger inflow of freshwater, considerable proportions of ammonia were converted to nitrate. In the first survey ammonia concentrations decreased from 4.48 to 2.47 g m^‐3 and nitrate concentrations increased from 0.59 to 1.13 g ^‐3 in a 3‐km stretch of the stream. Mass flow calculations show that nitrification could account for at least 55% of the ammonia decrease, the rest probably being lost through assimilation or denitrification. Laboratory incubation experiments showed that nitrification occurred in the stream bed. The geothermal waters contained low concentrations of boron (1.1–4.0 g m^‐3), filterable mercury (0.1–0.8 mg m^‐3) and arsenic (10–14 mg m^‐3).     

Avoidance behaviour of freshwater fish and shrimp exposed to ammonia and low dissolved oxygen separately and in combination

Abstract

The responses of common smelt (Retropinna retropinna Richardson), inanga (Galaxias maculatus Jenyns), common bully (Gobiomorphus cotidianus McDowall), and shrimp (Paratya curvirostris Heller) to ammonia and low dissolved oxygen (DO), separately and in combination, were measured in a fluvarium. Only common smelt avoided high or low ammonia (c. 8.5 and 2.0 g m^?3 NH3, respectively) and low DO (c. 2 g m^?3) alone and in combination. Shrimp avoided high ammonia and low DO+ammonia but not low DO on its own. Inanga and bullies showed no significant negative response to either contaminant; rather, inanga were strongly attracted to low ammonia and bullies to low DO. These results parallel those from toxicity experiments that show common smelt and shrimp are usually among the most sensitive native species to various contaminants. The consistent and appropriate avoidance behaviour shown by common smelt, in particular, suggests this species would be a good indicator organism for assessing the health of lowland waterways.     

Book reviews

A key to common algae. Freshwater, estuarine and some coastal species. By E. G. Bellinger. The Institution of Water and Environmental Management, United Kingdom. Fourth edition. Published in 1992.138 p. ISBN 1–870752 163.

Greater Cook Strait. By T. F. W. Harris, University of Auckland Marine Laboratory, Leigh. Published in 1990 by DSIR Marine & Freshwater, Wellington, New Zealand. ISBN 0–477–02580–3.

Samples of New Zealand science on CD‐ROM (for IBM‐compatibles only). Edited by J. A. Jasperse, 1992. SIR Publishing, Wellington. ISBN 0–908654–34–0. Price: NZ/US$50.00.     

Effects of the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense on the greenshell mussel Perna canaliculus

Abstract

Oxygen consumption, grazing rate, and byssus production of the greenshell mussel Perna canaliculus were measured following exposure to bloom concentrations (10⁶ cells l^?1 ) of a toxic clone of the dinoflagellate AIexandrium tamarense (GT429), using anon‐toxic clone of the same species (PLY173) as control. Following feeding for 1 h on GT429, mussels (dry weight 54–127 mg) showed significantly increased oxygen uptake at 15°C (0.08 μl O₂ (mg dry tissue weight)^?1 ) compared with control mussels. However, following 24 h recovery, oxygen uptake was similar to initial values in all experimental conditions. The grazing rate of P. canaliculus fed upon toxic clone GT429 was 4.58 ± 0.76 cells mg^?1 h^?1 compared with 1.99 ± 0.47 cells mg^?1 h^?1 for PLY173. On exposure to A. tamarense, mussels maintained normal opening behaviour and there was no change in the byssus production over 24 h. It was concluded that P. canaliculus showed no dramatic physiological effects following short‐term feeding on the toxic strain of A. tamarense. During 2 weeks’ exposure to twice daily bloom concentrations of GT429, there was no mussel mortality. Toxicity in the tissues was 1295 μg STX equivalent per 100 g tissue, levels at which these mussels would be unsuitable for human or animal consumption.     

Book reviews

Climate change in contrasting river basins: adaptation strategies for water, food and environment. Edited by J Aerts and P Droogers. Published in 2004 by CABI Publishing, 288 p., hardcover. ISBN: 0–85199–835–6. Price: US$100 (orders: services@dadirect.com.au).

Australian water bugs. Their biology and identification (Hemiptera‐Heteroptera, Gerromorpha &; Nepomorpha). By Nils M Andersen? and Tom A Weir. Published in 2004 by CSIRO Publishing/Apollo Books, P.O. Box 1139, Collingwood, VIC 3066, Australia. 344 p., hardcover. ISBN: 0–643–090517. Price: AU$135.00 (orders: publishing.sales@csiro.au).

The Lakes Handbook. Volume I: Limnology and Limnetic Ecology. Volume II: Lake restoration and rehabilitation. Edited by Patrick O'Sullivan and Colin Reynolds. Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd., 109 Cowley Road, Oxford OX4 1JF, United Kingdom (http//www.blackwellpublishing.com). Volume I (published in 2003) 712 p., hardcover. ISBN: 0632047976. Price: £125. Volume II (published in 2004) 568 p., hardcover. ISBN: 063204795X. Price: £125.     

Book reviews

Marine decapod Crustacea of southern Australia: a guide to identification. By Gary C. B. Poore. Published in 2004 by CSIRO Publishing, P.O. Box 1139, Collingwood, VIC 3066, Australia. 608 p., hardcover. ISBN: 0–643–06906–2. Price: AU$180.00 (orders: publishing.sales@csiro.au).

Marine mammals: fisheries, tourism and management issues. Edited by Nicholas J. Gales, Mark A. Hindell and Roger Kirkwood. Published in 2003 by CSIRO Publishing, P.O. Box 1139, Collingwood, VIC 3066, Australia. 446 p., hardcover. ISBN: 0–643–06953–4. Price: AU$116 (orders: publishing.sales@csiro.au).

Freshwater fishes of north‐eastern Australia. By Brad Pusey, Mark Kennard, and Angela Arthington. Published in 2004 by CSIRO Publishing, P.O. Box 1139, Collingwood, VIC 3066, Australia. 700 p., hardcover. ISBN: 0–643–06966–6. Price: au$89.00 (orders: publishing.sales@csiro.au).     

Limnology of Lake Rotokawa and its outlet stream

Abstract

The water chemistry, flora, and fauna of Lake Rotokawa (38° 37.8’ S, 176° 11.2'E) was studied in 1975–76. The mean pH is 2.1 and thermal inflows may elevate the mean summer temperature of the surface waters 4.2°c above that of nearby cold water Lake Rotongaio (18.9°c). The temperature range of surface water was from 10.1 °c in winter to 23.1°c in summer. The major anions were SO₄ ^2? 679 g.m^?3, and Cl‐ 314 g.m^?3. Mean concentrations of major cations were Na⁺ 224 g.m^?3, K⁺ 28.9 g.m^?3, Ca²⁺ 13.3 g.m^?3, and Mg²⁺ 2.6 g.m^?3.

Two species of flagellate algae were recorded, of which Euglena anabaena was predominant. Only two benthic macroinvertebrates were found, larvae of Chironomus zealandicus, mean density 253 per square metre, and Helobdella sp., 1.3 per square metre.

The Parariki Stream was influenced by thermal springs in its upper and lower reaches, being cooler (24–25°c) about halfway along its length than near its source (27.8–39.0°c) or confluence (26.5°‐28.0°c) with the Waikato River. In the cooler stretch of the stream where unidentified benthic algae were not limited by high temperature, chlorophyll and total pigment increased from 3.9 to 377.9 mg.m^?3 and from 17.5 to 534.4 mg.m^?3 respectively, and nutrient levels fell (NO₃‐N, 22–10.5 mg.m^?3; NH₄‐N, 6440–230 mg.m^?3; and PO₄‐P, 51–19 mg.m^?3).     

Undrained stability analysis of trenches for buried submarine pipelines

Abstract

The stability of trenches for buried submarine pipelines (TBSPs) during excavation and/or prior to backfilling has not received enough attention in the literature. In this study, the undrained stability of TBSPs in horizontal and inclined seabeds with shear strengths increasing linearly with depth is investigated using the lower and upper bound finite element limit analysis (FELA). The surcharge due to excavated soils and trenching machines is reasonably considered. Extensive parametric studies are performed on the trench slope angle β, normalized width of trenching machine L/H, dimensionless strength gradient Hk/s_u0 and the volume ratio R (for inclined seabed only) of the excavated soil stacked on the upside and downside of trenches. The actual results are accurately bracketed by the computed upper and lower bound solutions. For the trench with horizontal seabeds, the maximum stability can be obtained under β?=?70°–80°. For inclined seabeds, the global stability of TBSPs roughly reaches peak value for different combinations of L/H and β when R?=?0.15–0.3.     

Life‐history studies on New Zealand Brachyura

A brief account is given of the systematics and distribution of Heterozius rotundifrons A. Milne Edwards, Ozius truncatus H. Milne Edwards, and Heteropanope (Pilumnopeus) serratijrons (Kinahan). Keys are given for the separation of Zoea larvae of New Zealand xanthid Brachyura and to the Megalopa larvae of Heterozius rotundifrons and Ozius truncatus

Notes are given on the seasonal breeding cycle of Heterozius rotundifrons, and the pre‐Zoea larva, two Zoea larval stages, and Megalopa larva reared in the laboratory are described. Larval characters of H. rotundifrons are specialised and do not support its recently suggested classification in the family Atelecyclidae. The larvae show no relationships with those of the Cancridae or of the Corystidae, and affinities with described larvae of the Xanthidae or even the Brachyrhyncha are obscure. Larval development is incompletely abbreviated possibly to reduce dispersal in response to restricted intertidal habitat requirements of the adult crabs.

The pre‐Zoea larva, four Zoea larval stages, and the Megalopa larva of Ozius truncatus reared in the laboratory are described. A key to the Zoea larval stages is given. Larvae of this species are distinct both at the generic and specific levels, but are generally similar to those known of xanthid crabs. It is difficult to relate the genus Ozius to other xanthid genera on the basis of larval characters alone.

The pre‐Zoea larva and stage one Zoea larva of Heteropanope (Pilumnopeus) serratifrons are described. There are probably four Zoea larval stages in the development of this species. Zoea larval characters suggest that in the family Xanthidae, Heteropanope and Pilumnopeus should be separated from other genera in the subfamily Pilumninae with which they are currently classified.     

New Zealand sea lions,phocarctos hookeri,on the snares islands

Abstract

New Zealand sea lions, Phocarctos hookeri (Gray, 1844), on Main Island of the Snares Islands (48° S) are restricted to the eastern coastal region between Molly Bay and Punui Bay. In the 1970–71 summer, a maximum of 47 sea lions (36 ?, 11 ?) was counted in one day, 5 January 1971.

A female and pup were seen several times in January and February 1969, and a second mother‐pup pair in January 1971. These sightings, with a similar record in 1907, show that small numbers of sea lions may breed on the Snares Islands, north of the main breeding area at the Auckland Islands (51° S).     

In situ sampling reveals rapid uptake and depuration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by surf clams (Paphies subtriangulata) affected by the Rena oil spill

ABSTRACT

To investigate the uptake and depuration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons associated with the Rena oil spill we sampled the surf clam Paphies subtriangulata at two open coast locations (6?km apart) just prior to oil coming ashore (7 October 2011), then at 1–3 week intervals for the next 4 months. Total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (tPAH) increased at both sites from 1 to 96–124?µg?kg^?1 (wet weight) by 18 October before declining to low levels (<4?µg?kg^?1) by February 2012. Ongoing sampling throughout 2012–2014 included three additional sites to the north east (up to 30?km away) and a site 5?km to the south east revealing tPAH levels generally <10?µg?kg^?1 except in October 2013 where levels ranged between 39–45?µg?kg^?1 at all sites. A comparison of PAH component profiles with oil-contaminated beach sediment indicated that the high levels observed in surf clams between October–December 2011 were clearly associated with the Rena spill. However, the October 2013 peak had a PAH profile inconsistent with weathered Rena oil, suggesting an alternative source of contamination. Our results highlight the potential for P. subtriangulata as a PAH monitoring tool but recognise more study is needed to better quantify baseline levels and uptake and depuration dynamics.     

Bacterial populations,heterotrophic potentials,and water quality in three New Zealand Rivers

Abstract

Thirty sites were sampled in three New Zealand rivers (Waikato, Maitai, and Wakapuaka) during late summer 1977. Samples were collected from just below the surface at mid river or in the tailraces below hydro‐electric dams.

Parameters measured included bacterial numbers (direct counts), heterotrophic potential (V_max ), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), chlorophyll a (Chi a), and concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds.

Bacterial populations per millilitre fluctuated threefold (6.4–19.4 × 10⁵) along the Waikato River and were lower and more consistent in the two South Island rivers (1.46–2.55 × 10⁵). In contrast, V_max varied 5000‐fold in the Waikato River, from a characteristically oligotrophic value of 0.0035 μg. l^?1·h^?1 (Lake Taupo outlet) to a eutrophic value of 18.4 μg. l^?1·h^?1 at the Mihi bridge. V_max for the two South Island rivers ranged from 0.0091 to 0.189 μg. l^?1 · h^?1.

ATP, Chi a, Kjeldahl nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, and total phosphorus concentrations for the 20 sites on the Waikato River varied in a similar way to the V_max and bacterial data. There were large peaks at the Mihi bridge, lower values for the dam tailraces and significant increases for the sites below Hamilton. Concentrations for these parameters were lower and more consistent along the lengths of the two South Island rivers.

Most parameters were significantly correlated with each other for the Waikato River samples. The strongest correlations were between V_max and bacterial numbers and between V_max and nitrate nitrogen. In the Maitai and Wakapuaka River series these correlations were also significant, but the only other significant correlations recorded there were between ATP and nitrate nitrogen, and between ATP and bacterial numbers.     

First record of Bonnemaisonia hamifera (Bonnemaisoniales,Rhodophyta) in the South Pacific,from the South Island of New Zealand

ABSTRACT

The tetrasporophytic ‘Trailliella’ stage of the red algal genus Bonnemaisonia is reported for the first time from the Southern Hemisphere. Here we describe a bloom of the tetrasporophyte of B. hamifera from the mouth of the Waikouaiti River, Karitāne, South Island, where it occurred as thousands of free-floating tufts up to 1?cm wide in shallow water, accumulated in windrows on sand banks and beaches, and in the water column at depths of 10–12?m on the adjacent open coast. Gametophytic stages have not yet been found in New Zealand. The material collected to date is strictly vegetative, and reproduction occurs via fragmentation. The identity of the New Zealand samples as B. hamifera was confirmed by both morphology and rbcL sequencing. The abundance and floating dispersal of B. hamifera suggests that it is invasive and will become widely distributed in New Zealand.     

Experimental study on the effect of soil saturation on the electric permeability coefficient during electroosmosis process

Abstract

The electrokinetic treatments on high natural moisture content, large compressibility, and low strength dredged marine soil are regarded as an innovative method, but it has not been widely applied due to the difference between theory predictions and realities. To minimize the difference which is resulted from the electric permeability coefficient variations due to pore water drainage and the degree of saturation drops during the electrokinetic treatment of soils, several one-dimensional indoor experiments were conducted with single kaolin clay and natural soft clay. The test results indicate that the electric permeability values conform to the predicted value of Helmholtz–Smoluchowski (H-S) theory under saturated conditions. The permeability for unsaturated soils can be described with relative electric permeability, that is, k_e,rel=a(Sr)^b. The ranges of fitting parameters are 0.8–1.2 for a and 3–9 for b. The fitting parameters are dependent on the soil type, electric potential gradient, and pore size distribution and so on. The smaller the soil pore size is the more sensitive the permeability coefficient is to the degree of saturation.