Effects of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons on lysosomal membranes in molluscs

Lysosomal sequestration of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PNAHs), a major class of environmental contaminant, is a well-established phenomenon;¹ considerably less is known about their pathological effects on lysosomes. Marine molluscs contain a number of lysosome-rich tissues and PNAHs are known to induce deleterious alterations in lysosomal structure and latency of lysosomal enzymes.² The latter are presumed to involve destabilisation of the lysosomal membrane, resulting in increased permeability and reduced enzyme latency. If lysosomal injury involves derangement of membrane-lipid structure due to the interaction of PNAHs then it would be expected that membrane damage would be closely linked to the structural characteristics of the intruding molecule. Our results show that the effects of the isomeric PNAHs phenanthrene and anthracene on digestive cell lysosomal stability were markedly different in the marine mussel (Mytilus edulis) over the same range of tissue concentrations. Lysosomal membrane stability was determined using a cytochemical test for enzyme latency.³     

Study of the fauna inhabiting the holdfasts of Laminaria hyperborea (gunn.) fosl. along some environmental and geographical gradients

A survey of the holdfast fauna of Laminaria hyperborea was carried out at thirty-five sites around the UK, mostly along the North Sea and south coasts.Data from different age classes of holdfast from a polluted and unpolluted site indicate that volume of holdfast space is a most important measurement of sample size, a minimum size of sample being one litre and, preferably, three.Gradients of increased heavy metals were defined down the North Sea and west coasts and, by utilising measurements of kelp penetration, water clarity gradients were determined as increasing northwards on the west coast and both north and southwards on the North Sea coast from a point near Tyne and Wear county. Analysis of holdfast fauna showed numerous gradients of total numbers, species and diversity which correlate closely with the heavy metal and water clarity gradients, or with undetermined parameters analogous to latitude and longitude. Where there were increases of heavy metals or decreases of water clarity, various reciprocal relationships between suspension feeders and all other trophic groups were commonly observed. In the North Sea numbers of suspension feeders increased while numbers of all other trophic groups declined. On the west coast a heavy metal increase correlated with a decreasing species richness of all trophic categories except suspension feeders, while with total numbers only suspension feeders showed an increase. On the south coast transect neither gradient existed, and only here did all trophic categories covary, except at one very polluted site where the same reciprocal relationship was again indicated.In terms of species similarity the North Sea showed a greater pool of common species than occurred between sites of other regions and between North Sea sites with other regions, despite the widest range of heavy metal levels and wate clarity that existed there. Between-site similarity appeared to be much more dependent on geographical proximity than on the two measured environmental factors. It is suggested that effects of clarity-reduction can be measured by trophic analysis more successfully than by species presence or absence, and that changes of holdfast fauna along the North Sea coast are due largely to pollution.     

Marine microbiological studies of mangrove swamps of Killai backwaters

The bacterial populations of mangrove swamps of Killai backwaters (11°21–11°29N, 79°46–79°50E, South India) were studied during August 1968 (Pre monsoon period) and December (post monsoon period). The presence of these groups such as agar digesters, algin digesters, cellulose digesters, sulphate reducers etc., bring about transformation of organic matter in the mangrove swamps. The presence of denitrifiers in mangrove swamps and in association with the molluscs may bring about the precipitation of calcium carbonate by removing the acid radicals such as sulphate and nitrite, increasing alkalinity. The luminiscent bacteria such asVibrio andAeromonas were also isolated in mangrove swamps of Killai backwaters. The iron bacteria likeLeptothrix sp. andGallionella sp. were also isolated from mangrove swamps of Killai backwaters.     

A sample changer for automated seawater nutrient analysis systems

An automatic sample changer based upon a commercially available 20-port rotary valve has been developed for use in automated seawater nutrient analyses. All parts exposed to seawater are of stainless steel, Teflon®, or Kel-F®. The sampler has proven to be rugged and efficient in both shore and shipboard laboratories.     

Study of fluoride in polluted and unpolluted estuarine environments

Mindhola River estuary, which receives industrial waste containing high concentrations of fluoride, and Purna River estuary, which is free from fluoride contamination, have been investigated. While fluoride behaved conservatively in Purna River estuary, significant deviation from the theoretical dilution line (TDL) in the chlorinity range 0·5–8‰ was observed in Mindhola River estuary due to the externally added fluoride which largely remained in solution. The excess of fluroide over the theoretically calculated value was at a maximum around a chlorinity of 3‰. High natural fluoride content of the river waters resulted in F/Cl ratios exceeding 300 × 10⁻⁵ at low chlorinities. The ratio decreased rapidly with increasing chlorinity and the value near to that of seawater was observed at chlorinities above 14‰.     

A clay mineral investigation of six cores from the Gulf of Mexico

Samples were studied from each color change along six gravity cores from nearshore to deep-sea areas in the Gulf of Mexico. Analytical methods and techniques used to characterize the sediments were X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis, cation exchange capacity, particle size distribution and fractionation of the clay-size material with the supercentrifuge.     

The method of calculating the current velocity's verticla component in problems of fluid dynamics in reservoirs

A new algorithm for calculating the vertical velocity is suggested. Horizontal current velocity components are expressed through level inclination and wind/temperature forcing. The acquired relations are given in the difference form, with the accuracy being sufficiently high. The algorithm is tested using cases where a numerical solution is matched up with an exact one. The derived data are subsequently analysed. Translated by Vladimir A. Puchkin.     

Geoacoustic and physical properties of carbonate sediments of the Lower Florida Keys

 Near-surface sediment geoacoustic and physical properties were measured from a variety of unconsolidated carbonate sediments in the Lower Florida Keys. Surficial values of compressional and shear speed correlate with sediment physical properties and near-surface acoustic reflectivity. Highest speeds (shear 125–150 m s^-1; compressional 1670–1725 m s^-1) are from sandy sediments near Rebecca Shoal and lowest speeds (shear 40–65 m s^-1; compressional 1520–1570 m s^-1) are found in soft, silty sediments which collect in sediment ponds in the Southeast Channel of the Dry Tortugas. High compressional wave attenuation is attributed to scattering of acoustic waves from heterogeneity caused by accumulation of abundant shell material and other impedance discontinuities rather than high intrinsic attenuation. Compared to siliciclastic sediments, carbonate sediment shear wave speed is high for comparable values of sediment physical properties. Sediment fabric, rather than changes due to the effects of biogeochemical processes, is responsible for these differences.