Occurrence of naphthalenesulfonates and their condensates with formaldehyde in a landfill leachate and their transport behavior in groundwater of the Upper Rhine Valley, Germany

. Naphthalenesulfonates and their condensation products with formaldehyde are manufactured in the chemical industry for broad application as tanning agents, dispersing agents, and as superplasticizers for concrete. With the disposal of waste they have found their way into the aquatic environment. Five monomeric naphthalenesulfonates and a group of dimeric sulfonated naphthalene-formaldehyde condensates (SNFC) were identified in the leachate and in groundwater observation wells downstream in the plume of the Karlsruhe-West landfill, situated in the Upper Rhine Valley in southwest Germany. For the main monomer of technical SNFC products, 2-naphthalenesulfonate (2-NS), the concentration in the leachate was 170 µg l^–1, which decreased to 9.5 µg l^–1 at a distance of about 300 m from the boundary of the landfill. In the Merdingen tracer test field, the transport of these compounds was studied under more controlled conditions in two tracer experiments with (1) two model compounds, and (2) a technical SNFC product and uranine as a reference tracer. In these experiments, the monomeric naphthalenesulfonates and the SNFC with n=2 behave as conservative tracers. Thus, the findings of the landfill study were supported by these results. Higher molecular SNFC were strongly retarded, which is attributed to adsorption to soil particles. The results of the second tracer experiment suggest a degradation of 2-NS and 2,6-naphthalenedisulfonate (2,6-NDS) after adaptation of the microorganisms in the groundwater aquifer as a consequence of the first tracer experiment.     

Quaternary minettes and associated volcanic rocks of Mascota,western Mexico: a consequence of plate extension above a subduction modified mantle wedge

 Pleistocene-Holocene volcanism in the Jalisco block of western Mexico is confined to two conspicuous grabens, where potassic eruptives range from absarokites (48–52% SiO₂) and minettes (49–54% SiO₂) through basaltic andesites (53–57% SiO₂), the most voluminous type, to andesites and their lamprophyric equivalent spessartite (58–62% SiO₂); there are no contemporary rhyolitic rocks. This suite has high concentrations of Mg, Cr (<550 ppm) and Ni (<450 ppm) accompanied by large concentrations of K, P, Ba (<4000 ppm) and Sr (<5000 ppm) and elements such as LREE and Zr (<600 ppm). No combination of crystal fractionation and/or crustal contamination can reproduce the compositional range of these magmas, which nevertheless are believed to be genetically related because of their proximity in time and space. Hydrous minerals in the lamprophyres and the typical absence of plagioclase phenocrysts in both basaltic andesites and andesites reflect the relatively high concentrations of water in the magmas, which suppressed the crystallisation of feldspar. Experimental verification of the minimal amounts of water required to reproduce the phenocryst assemblages in selected rocks range from 3.5 to 6%. During ascent in a volcanic conduit, andesitic magma may lose water and consequently precipitate plagioclase, or it may ascend more rapidly, retaining more of its initial water, which stabilises phenocrysts of hornblende at the expense of plagioclase. Our estimates of water concentrations, which are consistent with the various low pressure phenocryst assemblages, will be minimal for the magmas in their source regions, and the process of magmatic dewatering on ascent may be typical in well established volcanic conduits. In accord with the compositions of phenocrystic olivine in the basaltic andesites and the minettes, the values of FeO and Fe₂O₃ of the bulk lavas and scoriae are demonstrably pristine. As a consequence, there are two characteristic features of the Mascota suite: the high range of relative oxygen fugacities (ΔNNO=1–5) and the high Mg# (MgO/MgO+FeO) that ranges from 0.70 to 0.91 (with only one andesite as low as 0.66). From the evidence of phlogopite phenocrysts, a partial melt involving phlogopite would have a higher Mg# than one from olivine (Fo₉₀) and pyroxene alone. As the Mascota series shows a correlation between K₂O and Mg#, we conclude that it was generated by partial fusion of the mantle wedge, with a variable contribution of phlogopite and apatite from veins throughout the lherzolitic assemblage. In conformity with an origin by varying increments of partial fusion of a phlogopite-bearing mantle, all incompatible elements vary linearly with Ti (or K) as if phlogopite (+apatite) in the source dominated their contribution to the partial melts. Fluids from dehydration of the subducting slab presumably deposit hydrous and other minerals in veins in the mantle wedge and also increase its redox state. As the Mascota volcanism occurs in grabens closer to the trench than the main andesite arc, it is concluded that the eruption of these small volumes of hydrous magmas require the tectonically favored ascent paths offered by the extensional grabens to reach the surface from their mantle sources. Received: 24 January 1995 / Accepted: 21 February 1996     

Self-sedimentation of phytoplankton blooms in the geologic record

Understanding the formation of laminated, organic-rich sediments is an essential topic for researchers interested in fossil fuels, biogeochemical cycles, Earth's environmental history and global change. Biologists have very recently demonstrated that some marine phytoplankton blooms actively govern their own sedimentation by the formation of sticky transparent gels that facilitate rapid aggregation, accelerated sinking and efficient export flux. Here we present fossil evidence of unfragmented, low-diversity phytoplankton assemblages preserved as sedimentary laminae and irregular flocs that are attributable to a similar phytoplankton-driven sedimentary mechanism we term ‘self-sedimentation’. The geological evidence suggests that self-sedimentation precludes significant heterotrophic grazing, propels the formation of some conspicuous hemipelagic sedimentary laminae and results in efficient carbon and opal flux to the sediments. We suggest that the self-sedimentation phenomenon may have broad implications for the geological history of biogeochemical cycling, oceanic ecological dynamics, and abrupt atmospheric/environmental change. Broader recognition of the self-sedimentation phenomenon as explicitly defined here is a prerequisite to testing these unconventional hypotheses.     

Latitudinal patterns of export production recorded in surface sediments of the Chilean Patagonian fjords (41–55°S) as a response to water column productivity

The Chilean Patagonian fjords region (41–56°S) is characterized by highly complex geomorphology and hydrographic conditions, and strong seasonal and latitudinal patterns in precipitation, freshwater discharge, glacier coverage, and light regime; all of these directly affect biological production in the water column. In this study, we compiled published and new information on water column properties (primary production, nutrients) and surface sediment characteristics (biogenic opal, organic carbon, molar C/N, bulk sedimentary δ¹³C_org) from the Chilean Patagonian fjords between 41°S and 55°S, describing herein the latitudinal pattern of water column productivity and its imprint in the underlying sediments. Based on information collected at 188 water column and 118 sediment sampling sites, we grouped the Chilean fjords into four main zones: Inner Sea of Chiloé (41° to ～44°S), Northern Patagonia (44° to ～47°S), Central Patagonia (48–51°S), and Southern Patagonia (Magellan Strait region between 52° and 55°S). Primary production in the Chilean Patagonian fjords was the highest in spring–summer, reflecting the seasonal pattern of water column productivity. A clear north–south latitudinal pattern in primary production was observed, with the highest average spring and summer estimates in the Inner Sea of Chiloé (2427 and 5860 mg C m^?2 d^?1) and Northern Patagonia (1667 and 2616 mg C m^?2 d^?1). This pattern was closely related to the higher availability of nutrients, greater solar radiation, and extended photoperiod during the productive season in these two zones. The lowest spring value was found in Caleta Tortel, Central Patagonia (91 mg C m^?2 d^?1), a site heavily influenced by glacier meltwater and river discharge loaded with glacial sediments. Biogenic opal, an important constituent of the Chilean fjord surface sediments (Si_OPAL ～1–13%), reproduced the general north–south pattern of primary production and was directly related to water column silicic acid concentrations. Surface sediments were also rich in organic carbon content and the highest values corresponded to locations far away from glacier influence, sites within fjords, and/or semi-enclosed and protected basins, reflecting both autochthonous (water column productivity) and allochthonous sources (contribution of terrestrial organic matter from fluvial input to the fjords). A gradient was observed from the more oceanic sites to the fjord heads (west–east) in terms of bulk sedimentary δ¹³C_org and C/N ratios; the more depleted (δ¹³C_org ?26‰) and higher C/N (23) values corresponded to areas close to rivers and glaciers. A comparison of the Chilean Patagonian fjords with other fjord systems in the world revealed high variability in primary production for all fjord systems as well as similar surface sediment geochemistry due to the mixing of marine and terrestrial organic carbon.     

Hydrographic Vertical Separation Surfaces (HyVSEPs) for the Tidal Waters of Canada

Since the advent of Global Navigation Satellite Systems, it has been possible to perform hydrographic survey reductions through the ellipsoid, which has the potential to simplify operations and improve bathymetric products. This technique requires a spatially continuous separation surface connecting chart datum (CD) to a geodetic ellipsoid. The Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS), with support from the Canadian Geodetic Survey, has developed a new suite of such surfaces, termed Hydrographic Vertical Separations Surfaces, or HyVSEPs, for CD and seven tidal levels. They capture the spatial variability of the tidal datum and levels between tide gauges and offshore using semiempirical models coupling observations at tide stations with relative sea-level rise estimates, dynamic ocean model solutions, satellite altimetry, and a geoid model. HyVSEPs are available for all tidal waters of Canada, covering over seven million square kilometers of ocean and more than 200,000 kilometers of shoreline. This document provides an overview of the CHS's modeling approach, tools, methods, and procedures.

The HyVSEP for CD defines the new hydrographic datum for the tidal waters of Canada. HyVSEPs for other tidal levels are fundamental for coastal studies, climate change adaptation and the definition of the Canadian shoreline and offshore boundaries. HyVSEPs for inland waters are not discussed.     

Oil dispersal modelling: reanalysis of the Rena oil spill using open-source modelling tools

ABSTRACT

Oil spill forecast modelling is typically used immediately after a spill to predict oil dispersal and promote mobilisation of more effective response operations. The aim of this work was to map oil dispersal after the grounding of the MV Rena on Astrolabe Reef and to verify the results against observations. Model predictions were broadly consistent with observed distribution of oil contamination. However, some hot spots of oil accumulation, likely due to surf-zone and rip current circulation, were not well represented. Additionally, the model was run with 81 differing wind conditions to show that the events occurring during the grounding represented the typical likely behaviour of an oil spill on Astrolabe Reef. Oil dispersal was highly dependent on prevailing wind patterns; more accurate prediction would require better observations of local wind patterns. However, comparison of predictions with observations indicated that the GNOME model was an effective low-cost approach.     

Visualising 30 Years of Population Density Change in Australia’s Major Capital Cities

ABSTRACT

This study uses a novel spatial approach to compare population density change across cities and over time. It examines spatio-temporal change in Australia’s five most populated capital cities from 1981 to 2011, and documents the established and emerging patterns of population distribution. The settlement patterns of Australian cities have changed substantially in the last 30 years. From the doughnut cities of the 1980s, programs of consolidation, renewal and densification have changed and concentrated population in our cities. Australian cities in the 1980s were characterised by sparsely populated, low density centres with growth concentrated to the suburban fringes. ‘Smart Growth’ and the ‘New Urbanism’ movements in the 1990s advocated higher dwelling density living and the inner cities re-emerged, inner areas were redeveloped, and the population distribution shifted towards increased inner city population densities. Policies aimed at re-populating the inner city dominated and the resultant changes are now visible in Australia’s five most populated capital cities. While this pattern has been reported in a number of studies, questions remain regarding the extent of these changes and how to analyse and visualise them across urban space. This paper reports on a spatial method which addresses the limitations of changing statistical boundaries to identify the changing patterns in Australian cities over time and space.     

Structure and Distribution of Autumn Zooplankton in the Southeastern Baltic Sea in 2015

Oceanology - Specific features of the structure and distribution of autumn zooplankton in the southeastern Baltic Sea (SEB) in October 2015 have been found taking into account the hydrological and...     

Ein Programm zur Periodensuche bei großen Anzahlen von Meßwerten

A method for the search of periods in large series of observational data is discribed. Like that proposed by Lafler and Kinman our procedure is based on the computation of the variance, however, the speed of computation of periodogramms is considerably higher since we do not need to size the values with regard to the phase. A FORTRAN-programm is given.