Sediments of lakes Rotoroa and Rotoiti,South Island,New Zealand

The chemistry and mineralogy of the sediments of Lakes Rotoroa and Rotoiti, South Island, New Zealand (41° 51 S, 172° 38 E and 41° 50 S, 172° 50 E respectively) , were studied. In general, the cation exchange properties, element concentrations, and mineral compositions of the sediments show little variation between samples from each lake. However, some nutrient concentrations, notably exchangeable calcium, magnesium, and potassium, and total nitrogen and sulphur, are higher in sediments from weed beds than in sediments underlying deeper water; iron and manganese concentrations tend to show the opposite trend. Concentrations of exchangeable calcium and total nitrogen, sulphur, manganese, and iron generally decrease down the sediment profiles from the sediment/water interface. Differences between lakes, notably higher concentrations of illite and of the elements potassium, aluminium, titanium, and zirconium, and lower concentrations of calcium in the sediments of Lake Rotoiti than in those from Lake Rotoroa, are probably due mainly to the different geological settings rather than to differences in the diagenetic processes operating within the lakes. Mineralogical analyses indicate that the lake sediments are derived mainly from the valleys of the major inflow rivers rather than from the slopes at the sides of each lake.     

The accumulation of Zn, Se, Cd, and Pb and physiological condition of Anadara trapezia transplanted to a contamination gradient in Lake Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia

The benthic bivalve, Anadara trapezia, was collected from a 'clean' reference site and transplanted along a suspected trace metal contamination gradient in Lake Macquarie, NSW. At monthly intervals, Zn, Se, Cd and Pb concentrations were measured in the surficial sediments and whole tissues of the cockle as well as their physiological condition (Scope for Growth). Zinc, Cd and Pb concentrations in sediments decreased together, southward, with the highest concentrations in the Cockle Bay area, suggesting that this is the main source of contamination. Zinc, Cd and Pb concentrations were near or above [ANZECC/ARMCANZ, 2000. National water quality management strategy paper 4. Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality, Australian and New Zealand Conservation Council and Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand. pp. 3.5.-1-3.5-10] sediment quality guidelines at Cockle Creek, Warners Bay and Koorooa Bay. Significant differences in trace metal concentrations could not be attributed to grain size or Fe concentration differences. Se concentrations were highest in fine grain Fe rich sediments of Whiteheads Lagoon, and likely to be associated with power generation operations. Trace metal concentrations did not vary significantly over time. Zinc, Cd and Pb concentrations in the tissues of A. trapezia followed a similar pattern to that of sediments. Zinc and Pb concentrations in cockles and sediments were highly correlated, indicating significant exposure-dose relationships. Selenium concentrations in the tissues of A. trapezia were higher after transplantation to the lake, however, Se concentrations were similar in all transplanted cockles, indicating that Se in contaminated sediments is not the major source of Se to organisms. There was a decline in the physiological condition of A. trapezia transplanted to Lake Macquarie after a 90-day-period with marked differences in clearance rates and respiration rates at some locations and absorption efficiencies at all locations. The mean Scope for Growth value at the most contaminated location, Cockle Bay, was markedly lower than at other locations. A significant Zn exposure-dose response relationship indicates that Zn bioaccumulation is occurring in response to sediment contamination. A significant Cd exposure-response relationship indicates that Cd may be influencing the health of cockles. Significant Pb exposure-dose, exposure-response and dose-response relationships indicate that Pb probably is affecting the health of cockles in Lake Macquarie. Therefore, Zn, Cd and Pb concentrations in sediments are likely to be affecting the health of cockles in Lake Macquarie.     

Effects of sediment on fish communities in East Cape streams,North Island,New Zealand

We examined the effects of sediment on fish communities at 38 sites in the East Cape region of New Zealand. Many streams in this region are subject to high sediment loads, a natural situation that has been exacerbated by the conversion of native forest to pasture. The fish community consisted of diadromous native species common throughout New Zealand that require access to and from the sea. We found that site altitude and distance inland were important factors in determining the abundance and composition of the fish community. We used four measures as indices of sediment load: suspended sediment concentration, median substrate size, substrate stability, and the ratio of the wetted width to the width of the active (non‐vegetated) stream channel. Although all indices were correlated, the ratio of wetted width to width of active channel was most closely related to fish abundance and diversity. Fish abundance and diversity reduced as sediment load increased among streams, with up to nine fish species in streams with low sediment loads and only two species in streams with high sediment loads. In‐stream habitat also varied with sediment load; as load increased, depth and substrate size decreased and velocity increased. These results suggest that activities that increase sediment loads in rivers will have a negative impact on native fish communities in New Zealand.     

The use of molluscs for monitoring trace elements in the marine environment in New Zealand 1. The contribution of ingested sediment to the trace element concentrations in New Zealand molluscs

Reference elements, such as silicon, were used to calculate the effect of sediment in the gut contents of molluscs on the estimation of the total body burden of trace elements. A significant proportion of the aluminium, iron, manganese, and lead are contributed by the sediment in the gut of many New Zealand mollusc species. Local mineralisation is likely to produce an important contribution for elements such as chromium, vanadium, and nickel in some areas of New Zealand and the ingested sediment in molluscs from “clean” environments will result in the real body burden of some elements such as lead being naturally lower than the available data suggests.     

Reference and current Trophic Level Index of New Zealand lakes: benchmarks to inform lake management and assessment

ABSTRACT

Knowledge of trophic status is fundamental to understanding the condition and function of lake ecosystems. We developed regression models to predict chlorophyll a concentrations (chl a) in New Zealand lakes for reference and current states, based on an existing dataset of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations for 1031 lakes. Models were then developed to predict Secchi depth based on chl a and a sediment resuspension term applicable to shallow lakes. Estimates of all four Trophic Level Index (TLI) variables (chl a, TN, TP and Secchi depth) were analysed to estimate reference and current state TLI for the nationally representative sample of 1031 lakes. There was a trend of eutrophication between reference and current states, with systematic differences among lake geomorphic types. Mean chl a increased 3.5-fold (2.42?mg?m^?3 vs. 8.32?mg?m^?3) and mean Secchi depth decreased (indicating lower clarity) by approximately one-third (9.62?m vs. 6.48?m) between reference and current states. On average, TLI increased by 0.67, with the TLI increase >1 in approximately one-third (31%) of lakes. This study informs the status of lake ecosystems in NZ and provides benchmarks to guide management and assessment.     

A Mössbauer spectroscopic and X-ray diffraction study of the iron mineralogy of some sediments from the Southwestern Pacific Basin

The results of a ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopic and X-ray diffraction study of four pelagic clay sediments from the Southwestern Pacific Basin collected at increasing distances from New Zealand, on a New Zealand—Rarotonga transect, are presented. These show that, with increasing distance from New Zealand, the Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ ratio of the sediment increases as a result of the increasing contribution of the X-ray amorphous secondary hydrous iron oxides, notably ferrihydrite, due to the longer sedimentation periods and consequent greater degree of oxidation of the sediments. This increase in the Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ ratio is correlated with the change in colour of the sediments from pale yellowish to dusky brown, as well as a number of other sediment parameters. Apart from a slight increase in the relative abundance of montmorillonite with increasing distance from New Zealand, the abundances of the other clay minerals, illite and kaolinite, and of chlorite in the sediments are approximately equal. Quartz and feldspar with minor augite are the dominant detrital minerals. Calcite is present in minor amounts in some of the sediments.     

Input of river-derived sediment to the New Zealand continental shelf: I. Mass

The input of river-borne sediments to the New Zealand continental shelf has been calculated for all the major rivers and basins in New Zealand. South Island yields 284 ± 40 × 10⁶ tonnes per year of sediment from a land area of 152 977 km² and North Island yields 105 ± 9·4 × 10⁶ tonnes per year from a land area of 114 621 km². Particularly high discharges are noted off the west coast of South Island and east coast of North Island and result in higher offshore sedimentation there. The data are compatible with measured sedimentation rates on the New Zealand continental shelf. The specific sediment yield from South Island is amongst the highest previously recorded.     

Turbidite facies in an ancient subduction complex: Torlesse terrane, New Zealand

The Torlesse terrane of New Zealand is an ancient subduction complex consisting of deformed turbidite-facies rocks. These are mainly thick-bedded sandstone (facies B and C) with subordinate mudstone (facies D and E), comparable to inner- and middle-fan deposits of a submarine fan. Strata were deposited in trench-floor and trench-slope settings that received sandy sediment from slope-cutting submarine canyons. The dominance of sandstone suggests that some mudstone may have been selectively subducted. Construction of a detailed sediment dispersal model is not possible because tectonic deformation has largely destroyed original facies relationships and paleocurrent patterns. D. G. Howell's research in New Zealand was in conjunction with a USGS/DSIR cooperative program.     

Recent Ostracoda from Port Pegasus,Stewart Island,New Zealand

Sixty‐one species are listed from 19 stations in the Port Pegasus area of Stewart Island, New Zealand. A chart showing bottom sediment characteristics for all samples is included. Because of the sparseness of the sampling stations no attempt was made to evaluate ostracod distribution in terms of depth zonations or assemblages. It is hoped, however, that the information presented will aid in the interpretation of the broader provincial aspect of ostracod distribution. This paper is the first to present scanning electron micrographs to illustrate a New Zealand ostracod fauna.     

Factors influencing biodeposit production by the New Zealand freshwater mussel Echyridella menziesii

Laboratory experiments on the New Zealand freshwater mussel Echyridella menziesii were used to investigate the short-term effects (7–8 days) of food type on rates of biodeposition and benthic substrate respiration. Post-feeding biodeposition rates ranged from 0.34 to 1.52?mg?g^?1?h^?1 (mean?=?0.50?mg g^?1?h^?1) and were unaffected by the addition of toxin-producing Microcystis. Addition of suspended sediment (30?mg?L^?1) visibly altered substrate composition, and increased total and inorganic biodeposit production rates by 24–33% compared to mussels fed commercial phytoplankton stock. Biodeposition rates of mussels in lake bed substrates were 38% higher than those in silica sand for identical feeding regimes, suggesting that a significant proportion of material produced in this experiment could have been derived from feeding on organic matter in the lake bed sediments. Respiration rates were higher in treatments with Microcystis but were unaffected by the presence of mussels. This laboratory study suggests that biodeposition by E. menziesii is resilient to short-term exposure to Microcystis, and highlights the ability of mussels to alter benthic substrate composition by incorporating suspended sediment into substrates.     

Seasonality of foraminiferal flux in sediment traps at Chatham Rise,SW Pacific: implications for paleotemperature estimates

Analysis of sediment traps located either side of the Subtropical Front east of New Zealand reveals a strong association between water masses and foraminiferal assemblages. The composition and timing of foraminiferal productivity is distinct between waters north and south of the front, and these differences are also reflected in the assemblages of nearby core-tops. The sediment trap data indicate highly seasonal flux patterns in this region, so sedimentary records may represent flux during a particular season, rather than throughout the annual cycle. This pronounced seasonality has implications for our estimates of the annual temperature range based on faunal assemblages. This study shows that despite strong flux seasonality the annual sea-surface temperature (SST) range is reliably estimated from the sediment trap foraminiferal assemblages by the modern analog technique. The successful estimation of the annual SST range also indicates that the annual flux obtained from these sediment traps is representative of the longer term flux preserved in surface sediments. Core-top assemblages from this region can therefore be directly related to modern sea-surface conditions, providing an analogue for interpreting past environmental change from fossil assemblages.     

Hydrocarbon gas in sediment of the Southern Pacific Ocean

Methane, ethane, ethene, propane, and propene are common hydrocarbon gases in near-surface sediment from offshore areas in the southern Pacific Ocean near Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga, New Zealand, and Antarctica. Sea floor sites for sampling of sediment were selected on the basis of anomalies in marine seismic records, and the samples were intentionally biased toward finding possible thermogenic hydrocarbon gases. In none of the areas, however, were thermogenic hydrocarbons clearly identified. The hydrocarbon gases that were found appear to be mainly the products ofin situ microbial processes.     

Effects of crayfish (Paranephrops planifrons: Parastacidae) on in‐stream processes and benthic faunas: A density manipulation experiment

The effects of New Zealand freshwater crayfish or koura (Paranephrops planifrons: Parastacidae) on organic matter processing, sediment accumulation, and benthic invertebrate communities were investigated using four replicate treatments of 0 (control), 4–5 (medium), and 8–11 (high) similar‐sized koura in 0.5 m² artificial stream channels colonised by benthic invertebrates from a pasture stream, Waikato, New Zealand. Wineberry (Aristotelia serrata) leaf packs were placed in each channel and after 7 weeks the leaf matter remaining was significantly lower in both medium and high koura channels than in controls. The amount of sediment (surficial cover by fines and weight of suspendable sediment) was also significantly reduced in high koura density channels. Densities of invertebrates other than crayfish were not significantly different among treatments; however, taxa richness and invertebrate biomass were significantly lower in high koura channels than in controls. Our results suggest that freshwater koura may play a keystone role in structuring benthic invertebrate communities either directly through predation, or indirectly by sediment bioturbation and increasing organic matter processing rates.     

In situ degradation of mangrove tissues (note)

In situ degradation rates of feeder roots, pneumatophores, and leaves of the New Zealand mangrove Avicennia marina (Forsk) Vierh. var. resinifera (Forst. f) Bakh. are described. At the sediment‐water interface, leaves degrade faster than roots, which degrade faster than pneumatophores, whereas roots and pneumatophores immersed in sediment degrade at the same rate. However, roots and pneumatophores degrade faster at the sediment‐water interface than in sediment. Added nitrogen accelerates feeder root and pneumatophore degradation in sediment; added phosphorus has little influence on pneumatophore degradation but inhibits root degradation in sediment.     

Lake sediment phosphorus release management—Decision support and risk assessment framework

The release of phosphorus (P) from the sediments of eutrophic lakes is often associated with the proliferation of nuisance algal blooms, especially cyanobacteria. The successful implementation of management actions aimed at reducing such algal blooms requires an integrated approach, including both external and internal nutrient loads. The internal load of P can be a significant source of P for primary production, with greatest inputs occurring when lakes stratify and the hypolimnetic waters become anoxic. We reviewed the nature and characteristics of New Zealand lakes in relation to factors which affect the application of technologies to manage internal P loads within individual lakes. New Zealand's windy maritime climate causes lakes to mix more deeply than lakes in continental areas, which are characterised by relatively hot, calm summers. We assessed a range of management options which may be used to control internal P loads, and considered these in a de cision‐support framework aimed at identifying the key factors which may limit successful application. Methods to reduce P release from sediments include: physical approaches—such as artificial destratification, hypolimnetic aeration, enhanced lake flushing, and dredging/discing; and geochemical approaches—such as the application of alum and iron as flocculation agents, and other products as “capping” materials. The capping materials may be either a passive physical barrier (e.g., sand, gravel, clay) or an active barrier. The active barrier systems are generally pervious chemical or geochemical materials capable of binding contaminants by adsorption or precipitation processes. A decision‐support and risk assessment framework is provided to assist managers in the development of appropriate strategies for reducing or controlling internal P loads, and thus cyanobacteria blooms. A review of the sediment characteristics of lakes in the Taupo volcanic zone showed marked variability in sediment P content, and elevated geothermal arsenic concentrations in some lake sediments, which may affect the efficacy of chemical capping agents, indicating that site‐specific consideration of capping agent dose is required.     

First record of manta rays off New Zealand

Three manta rays were seen and photographed in the western Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, in March 1968. Although the species or genus could not be identified, this sighting represents the first substantiated record of the manta ray family (Mobulidae) in New Zealand and confirms the statements of fishermen that, in summer, mantas occasionally appear in offshore game‐fish waters in north‐eastern New Zealand.     

Assessment of metals in sediments from Lake Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia, using normalisation models and sediment quality guidelines

Industrial activity since the 1890s and, more recently catchment development has resulted in significant metal contamination in Lake Macquarie, an estuary in New South Wales, Australia. This paper presents an analysis of metal concentrations in surface sediments from Lake Macquarie using normalisation models to estimate enrichment relative to natural background concentrations and by comparing concentrations with sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) and effects range median quotients to assess the potential for ecological harm. Of the 12 metals examined, cadmium, lead, mercury, selenium, silver and zinc were enriched in surface sediments throughout the lake. The greatest contamination was found in the north of the lake and, for selenium, also in areas adjacent to two power stations. Comparisons with SQGs and effects range median quotients found that sediments from a site in Cockle Bay had concentrations of metals with the highest likelihood of causing adverse effects on sediment associated biota, and that the likelihood adverse decreased with distance from Cockle Bay. Comparisons with historical sediment quality data indicated that there has been a marked reduction in surface metal concentrations throughout the lake over 15 years. Models could not be constructed for all metals due to low background concentrations. For most metals, simple linear regression models were adequate, but for selenium and arsenic a multiple regression model provided a better estimate of background concentrations. SQGs possibly overestimated effects for arsenic, which has naturally high concentrations in the lake and underestimated the potential for ecological effects in coarser sediments.     

Harbour entrance morphology and sediments at a river mouth port,Westport, New Zealand

Entrance morphologies and sediment characteristics were studied at Westport Harbour, a river mouth port located on the Buller River, New Zealand. The most frequent morphology found was that in which two submarine bars were present off the river mouth. When present, these bars were separated by a transverse channel running east from Carters Beach and terminating in the principal inlet channel. Sediment samples were collected and analysed for grain size, reliability (grain shape), and, in a few instances, mineralogy. The data collected suggested that longshore sediment transport is predominantly west to east and that river derived sediment is deflected to the east. The inner bar is predominantly a littoral drift related event whereas the outer bar, which is composed mainly of littoral drifted sediment, forms as a submarine extension of Carters Beach. Both bars can be modified by floods in the river, although modification of the outer bar is much less frequent because of the very high river flows required. Sediment can bypass directly across the river mouth only when the inner bar is present. On other occasions bypassing can only occur by transport through the transverse channel or over the outer bar, into the river channel and then onshore.     

Sediment variability in offshore sampling areas

From two to four different sediment types were found in each of six offshore sampling areas in western Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. The size of the areas ranged from 7.7 km² to 64.6 km², and the average depths ranged from 36 m to 168 m. Sediments may thus vary widely within areas plotted as homogeneous on large‐scale (1:200 000) sediment charts.