Acoustic reflectors in the surface layers of deep sea sediments

Using ultrasonic scanning it is possible to display the position of an acoustic discontinuity within a sediment core and the amplitude of the reflected signal which results from it. From these results it has been possible to examine the effect of variations in the geotechnical properties on the reflection of compressional waves at normal incidence within the core at a frequency of 100 kHz. The occurrence of acoustic reflectors in the surface layers of North Atlantic sediments has also been examined.Two ultrasonic scanning systems for the non-destructive testing of marine sediment cores have been developed. The performance of the two systems has been evaluated using the results from measurements made on a suite of marine sediment cores from the North Atlantic in conjunction with X-ray scanning and geological analysis of the same cores.     

Trace metals and hydrocarbons in sediments from the Southampton water region,with particular reference to the influence of oil refinery effluent

The concentrations of a number of trace metals (Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ag, Cd and Hg) have been determined in sediments from cores collected in the Southampton Water region. Measurements of total hydrocarbons were also made on several of the cores. Markedly elevated concentrations of copper, up to 362 μg/g dry wt, were found in sediments which were collected close to the discharge points of oil refinery outfalls and which also showed concentrations of total hydrocarbons considerably greater than the background levels for the estuary. The results of selective chemical extractions showed that much of the copper was present in the non-lattice fraction of the sediment. Although the concentrations of Co, Ni, Zn and Cd were significantly correlated with those of copper in the core showing the highest concentrations of this element, these metals were not enhanced in comparison with the levels found in several other parts of the estuary. Variations in concentrations of metals in sediments throughout the estuary were not correlated with differences in organic carbon content.     

Chlorinated hydrocarbons in seawater: Analytical method and levels in the northeastern Pacific

A method is described for analyzing nanogram quantities of chlorinated hydrocarbons from 1-1 samples of seawater. Seawater samples are pumped through a copper column containing a mixture by weight of 5% activated carbon powder, 10% MgO and 85% refined diatomaceous earth. The chlorinated hydrocarbons in the seawater are adsorbed or trapped on the column and subsequently eluted with 30% benzene in acetone (v/v) for analysis by gas-liquid chromatography.This procedure was used to analyze chlorinated hydrocarbon levels in samples collected off the southern California coast. We suggest that anthropogenic chlorinated hydrocarbons can be used for the investigation of large-scale ocean currents and mixing processes.     

4-tert-octylphenol and 17beta-estradiol applied by feeding to flounder Platichthys flesus: induction of vitellogenin and accumulation in tissues

In order to simulate a possible natural administration route of xenoestrogens male flounder Platichthys flesus were exposed via the diet to the alkylphenol 4-tert-octylphenol. Treatment with 4-tert-octylphenol (10, 50 and 100 mg OP kg(-1) BW) or 17beta-estradiol (0.05 mg kg(-1) BW) every second day during a period of 11 days resulted in a significant increase in plasma vitellogenin (Vtg) concentrations. The induction of Vtg was greatest in the fish receiving 50 mg OP kg-' BW. A significant accumulation of 4-tert-octylphenol was found in liver and muscle tissue of the OP treated groups. The tissue concentrations of 4-tert-octylphenol and the plasma vitellogenin concentration were positively correlated. The results show that 4-tert-octylphenol accumulates in liver and muscles of flounder P. flesus, and exerts estrogenic effects such as vitellogenin induction.     

Raising the packing density of computerized oceanographic data records

In this paper the peculiarities of compiled oceanographic data sets, which consist primarily in the presence of some characteristic information as well as in the planned incomplete filling of the files with observations, are discussed. A number of special ways are suggested which essentially improve the packing density of computerized data without applying special archiving algorithms. The effectiveness of these methods has been tested by treating thein situ hydrological/chemical data file compiled in the Black Sea in 1988.Translated by Vladimir A. Puchkin.