Early onset of a microcystin-producing cyanobacterial bloom in an agriculturally-influenced Great Lakes tributary

In late May 2016, a cyanobacterial harmful algal bloom(cHAB) was detected in the Maumee River, the largest tributary to Lake Erie, the southernmost lake of the Laurentian Great Lakes system. Testing on 31 May identified Planktothrix agardhii as the dominant cyanobacterium with cell abundance exceeding 1.7×10~9 cells/L and total microcystins(MC) reaching 19 μg/L MC-LR equivalents, a level over 10-fold higher than the 2015 revised U.S. Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) national health advisory levels for drinking water exposure to adults. Low river discharge coincident with negligible precipitation through the latter half of May coincided with an 80% decline in river turbidity that likely favored bloom formation by a low-light adapted P. agardhii population. Also contributing to the c HAB were high initial nutrient loads and an increase of the river temperature from 13℃ to 26℃ over this same period. The bloom persisted through 5 June with microcystins exceeding 22 μg/L MC-LR equivalents at the bloom peak. By 6 June, the river had returned to its muddy character following a rain event and sampling on 7 June detected only low levels of toxin(0.6 μg/L) at public water systems located near the bloom origin. The elevated toxin production associated with this early onset bloom was without precedent for the Maumee River and an unique attribute of the c HAB was the high proportion of potentially-toxic genotypes. Whereas Planktothrix spp. is common in lotic environments, and has been previously detected in the Maumee, blooms are not commonly reported. This early onset, microcystin-producing c HAB provided a rare opportunity to glean insights into environmental factors that promote bloom development and dominance by Planktothrix in lotic environments.     

Geochemical evolution of the Richtersveld area, South Africa, as deduced from regional geochemical maps of stream sediments

The Richtersveld area, bounded by 16° and 18° E and 28° and 29° S, has been mapped geochemically using stream sediment samples collected from first-order streams on a one-kilometre grid. The samples have been analysed for 20 elements and geochemical maps on a scale of 1:250,000 have been prepared.The basement consists of the Orange River Group which has been intruded by the Vioolsdrift Suite between 1700 and 1900 Ma. Intrusive into the Vioolsdrift Suite is the Richtersveld Suite, consisting of alkaline granite, syenite and diorite, which intruded at 970 Ma.The basement and the Richtersveld Complex are overlain by the younger Gariep Complex and in the south the Vioolsdrift Suite is overlain by the still younger Nama basin. The last intrusive event was the emplacement of three granitic plutons at 550 Ma.Geochemical maps for Rb and Y are used to characterize the geochemistry of the basement rocks. These maps show that the northern portion of the Vioolsdrift Suite is granodioritic whereas the southern portion is granitic. The boundary between the two granitic terrains is delineated.The distribution of Rb in the sandstone of the Gariep Complex reflects the Rb variation in the Vioolsdrift Suite and the Richtersveld Complex from which it was derived. The Rb in the sandstone occurs in feldspar thus demonstrating that mechanical weathering dominated during the its formation. The distribution of Y confirms both the proposed source areas and weathering conditions. Yttrium occurs in placer deposits in the sandstones of the Gariep Complex.The deep water facies of the Gariep Complex reflects the provenance areas vaguely, but due to homogenization in the basin the distribution of Y is more homogeneous in the shale. The effect of chemical traps such as dolomitic limestone is, however, apparent.The sporadic high concentration levels of Rb and Y in the sandstone of the Nama basin indicate that the granitic portion of the Vioolsdrift batholith was the source area, that mechanical weathering dominated and that placer deposits formed during the deposition of the fluvial sandstones. The dolomitic limestones, however, show evidence of the chemical fractionation of Y, indicating that chemical leaching and concentration took place during this phase.Elements such as Sn, W, Be, B, Th, Nb and Ta, all of which occur in the southern Vioolsdrift batholith, could have concentrated as placers in the Gariep and Nama sandstones. Elements such as U, Y, P, and Cu, of which substantial deposits are known, did not concentrate in the sandstones, but formed accumulations in the limestone and carbonaceous limestone of the younger sediments. Geochemical maps for Y, P and U show examples of hitherto unknown metallogenic provinces in the deep water sediments.Geochemical maps for Ti, Zr and P can be used to define the boundaries and relative concentration of diamonds within individual deposits and to identify new exploration targets.The pegmatite metallogenic province is divided into a northern P-enriched province containing accumulations of Y, Zr, Th, U and rare-earths, and a southern Nb-enriched province. The latter contains several Ta- and Be-producing pegmatites. The extension of these two pegmatitic provinces, which are also associated with the widespread W-mineralization, to the west of the Nama basin is also suggested.     

Solid-state (H and C) nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of insoluble organic residue in the Murchison meteorite: a self-consistent quantitative analysis

Complementary, double- and single-resonance solid-state (¹H and ¹³C) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments were performed on a solvent extracted and demineralized sample of Murchison meteorite organic macromolecule. These NMR data provide a consistent picture of a complex organic solid composed of a wide range of organic (aromatic and aliphatic) functional groups, including numerous oxygen-containing functional groups. The fraction of aromatic carbon within the Murchison organic residue (constrained by three independent experiments) lies between 0.61 and 0.66. The close similarity in cross-polarized and single-pulse spectra suggests that both methods detect the same distribution of carbon. With the exception of interstellar diamond (readily detected in slow magic angle spinning single-pulse NMR experiments), there is no evidence in the solid-state NMR data for a significant abundance of large laterally condensed aromatic molecules in the Murchison organic insoluble residue. Given the most optimistic estimation, such carbon would not exceed 10% and more likely is a fraction of this maximum estimate. The fraction of aromatic carbon directly bonded to hydrogen is low (∼30%), indicating that the aromatic molecules in the Murchison organic residue are highly substituted. The bulk hydrogen content, H/C, derived from NMR data, ranges from a low of 0.53 ± 0.06 and a high of 0.63 ± 0.06. The hydrogen content (H/C) determined via elemental analysis is 0.53. The range of oxygen-containing organic functionality in the Murchison is substantial. Depending on whether various oxygen-containing organic functional groups exist as free acids and hydroxyls or are linked as esters and ethers results in a wide range in O/C (0.22 to 0.37). The lowest values are more consistent with elemental analyses, requiring that oxygen-containing functional groups in the Murchison macromolecule are highly linked. The combined ¹H and ¹³C NMR data reveal a high proportion of methine carbon, which requires that carbon chains within the Murchison organic macromolecule are highly branched.     

The origin and evolution of chondrites recorded in the elemental and isotopic compositions of their macromolecular organic matter

Extraterrestrial organic matter in meteorites potentially retains a unique record of synthesis and chemical/thermal modification by parent body, nebular and even presolar processes. In a survey of the elemental and isotopic compositions of insoluble organic matter (IOM) from 75 carbonaceous, ordinary and enstatite chondrites, we find dramatic variations within and between chondrite classes. There is no evidence that these variations correlate with the time and/or location of chondrite formation, or with any primary petrologic or bulk compositional features that are associated with nebular processes (e.g., chondrule and volatile trace element abundances). Nor is there evidence for the formation of the IOM by Fischer-Tropsch-Type synthesis in the nebula or in the parent bodies. The elemental variations are consistent with thermal maturation and/or oxidation of a common precursor. For reasons that are unclear, there are large variations in isotopic composition within and between chondrite classes that do not correlate in a simple way with elemental composition or petrologic type. Nevertheless, because of the pattern of elemental variations with petrologic type and the lack of any correlation with the primary features of the chondrite classes, at present the most likely explanation is that all IOM compositional variations are the result of parent body processing of a common precursor. If correct, the range of isotopic compositions within and between chondrite classes implies that the IOM is composed of several isotopically distinct components whose relative stability varied with parent body conditions. The most primitive IOM is found in the CR chondrites and Bells (CM2). Isotopically, the IOM from these meteorites resembles the IOM in interplanetary dust particles. Chemically, their IOM resembles the CHON particles of comet Halley. Despite the large isotopic anomalies in the IOM from these meteorites, it is uncertain whether the IOM formed in the interstellar medium or the outer Solar System, although the former is preferred here.     

Solubility mechanisms of fluorine in peralkaline and meta-aluminous silicate glasses and in melts to magmatic temperatures

Structural interaction between dissolved fluorine and silicate glass (25°C) and melt (to 1400°C) has been examined with ¹⁹F and ²⁹Si MAS NMR and with Raman spectroscopy in the system Na₂O-Al₂O₃-SiO₂ as a function of Al₂O₃ content. Approximately 3 mol.% F calculated as NaF dissolved in these glasses and melts. From ¹⁹F NMR spectroscopy, four different fluoride complexes were identified. These are (1) Na-F complexes (NF), (2) Na-Al-F complexes with Al in 4-fold coordination (NAF), (3) Na-Al-F complexes with Al in 6-fold coordination with F (CF), and (4) Al-F complexes with Al in 6-fold, and possibly also 4-fold coordination (TF). The latter three types of complexes may be linked to the aluminosilicate network via Al-O-Si bridges.The abundance of sodium fluoride complexes (NF) decreases with increasing Al/(Al + Si) of the glasses and melts. The NF complexes were not detected in meta-aluminosilicate glasses and melts. The NAF, CF, and TF complexes coexist in peralkaline and meta-aluminosilicate glasses and melts.From ²⁹Si-NMR spectra of glasses and Raman spectra of glasses and melts, the silicate structure of Al-free and Al-poor compositions becomes polymerized by dissolution of F because NF complexes scavenge network-modifying Na from the silicate. Solution of F in Al-rich peralkaline and meta-aluminous glasses and melts results in Al-F bonding and aluminosilicate depolymerization.Temperature (above that of the glass transition) affects the Qⁿ-speciation reaction in the melts, 2Q³ ⇔ Q⁴ + Q², in a manner similar to other alkali silicate and alkali aluminosilicate melts. Dissolved F at the concentration level used in this study does not affect the temperature-dependence of this speciation reaction.     

Solubility and solution mechanism of H2O in alkali silicate melts and glasses at high pressure and temperature

The solubility behavior of H₂O in melts in the system Na₂O-SiO₂-H₂O was determined by locating the univariant phase boundary, melt = melt + vapor in the 0.8-2 GPa and 1000°-1300°C pressure and temperature range, respectively. The NBO/Si-range of the melts (0.25-1) was chosen to cover that of most natural magmatic liquids. The H₂O solubility in melts in the system Na₂O-SiO₂-H₂O (X_H2O) ranges between 18 and 45 mol% (O = 1) with (∂X_H2O/∂P)_T∼14-18 mol% H₂O/GPa. The (∂X_H2O/∂P)_T is negatively correlated with NBO/Si (= Na/Si) of the melt. The (∂X_H2O/∂T)_P is in the −0.03 to +0.05 mol% H₂O/°C range, and is negatively correlated with NBO/Si. The [∂X_H2O/∂(NBO/Si)]_P,T is in the −3 to −8 mol% H₂O/(NBO/Si) range. Melts with NBO/Si similar to basaltic liquids (∼0.6-∼1.0) show (∂X_H2O/∂T)_P<0, whereas more polymerized melts exhibit (∂X_H2O/∂T)_P>0. Complete miscibility between hydrous melt and aqueous fluid occurs in the 0.8-2 GPa pressure range for melts with NBO/Si ≤0.5 at T >1100°C. Miscibility occurs at lower pressure the more polymerized the melt.     

A study of the soil geochemistry of the Platreef in the Bushveld Complex, South Africa

A study of the soil profiles in the central Transvaal showed that in most areas a thick top layer of transported soils is present. Since this transported horizon has moved for considerable distances and because mixing took place in the process, the use of soil geochemistry in the search for hidden ore bodies tends to yield erratic results. In the present investigation an attempt was made to use volatile elements such as Hg, As, S and C as CO₂ as geochemical indicator elements and to establish whether epigenetic haloes of these elements are imprinted on the transported soils. The geochemical behaviour of these elements are compared with elements such as Ni, Co, Cu and Fe, which would tend to migrate with the transported soil.The geochemical study was done on the Platreef in the Bushveld Complex, north of Potgietersrus. The Platreef consists of a stratified horizon which contains appreciable amounts of chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, pentlandite and platinum-group elements. Four traverses across the ore body were investigated and the results indicate that in cases where the soil cover is relatively thin, approximately 1 to 2 metres, all the elements studied can be used to locate the ore body. Those traverses where the soil cover is thicker and where transported soils are definitely present, only mercury yields significant anomalies, while siderophile elements give erratic and poor results. The mercury anomalies are usually not displaced and even tend to delineate mineralized sub-zones of the Platreef.Arsenic, sulphur and carbon measured as total CO₂, also give erratic results in the cases where a thick soil cover is present. The fact that arsenic tends to be fixed relatively easily in soils, either in laterite particles or in surface limestone, apparently is the prime reason for its erratic behaviour. The results indicate that both S and C would yield unsatisfactory results if these elements are measured as total S and C in the soils. The use of gas species may be more successful.A surprising but consistent result, was the tendency for mercury to be concentrated in the soils above faults, which intersect the ore body at depth. The behaviour of mercury in soils taken along the strike of a fault indicated that a logarithmic relationship exists between the mercury concentration in the soil and the depth of the ore body.     

Standard and Non-Standard Solar Models

We summarize the physical input and assumptions commonly adopted in modern standard solar models that also produce good agreement with solar oscillation frequencies. We discuss two motivations for considering non-standard models: the solar neutrino problem and surface lithium abundance problem. We begin to explore the potential for mixed core models to solve the neutrino problem, and compare the structure, neutrino flux, and oscillation frequency predictions for several models in which the inner 25% of the radius is homogenized, taking into account the effects of non-local equilibrium abundances of ³He. The results for the neutrino flux and helioseismic predictions are far from satisfactory, but such models have the potential to reduce the predicted ⁷Be/⁸B neutrino flux ratio, and further studies are warranted. Finally, we discuss how much the neutrino problem can be alleviated in the framework of the standard solar model by using reaction rates, abundances and neutrino capture cross-sections at the limits of their uncertainties, while still satisfying the constraints of helioseismology.     

Toward an improved understanding of thruster dynamics forunderwater vehicles

This paper proposes a novel approach to modeling the four quadrant dynamic response of thrusters as used for the motion control of ROV and AUV underwater vehicles. The significance is that these vehicles are small in size and respond quickly to commands. Precision in motion control will require further understanding of thruster performance than is currently available. The model includes a four quadrant mapping of the propeller blades lift and drag forces and is coupled with motor and fluid system dynamics. A series of experiments is described for both long and short period triangular, as well as square wave inputs. The model is compared favorably with experimental data for a variety of differing conditions and predicts that force overshoots are observed under conditions of rapid command changes. Use of the model will improve the control of dynamic thrust on these vehicles