Modelling nitrogen and phosphorus cycles and dissolved oxygen in the Zhujiang Estuary Ⅰ. Model development

wrmcrloxHuman activities related to the population growth and developrnent of industry and rnwhci-pality have led to the incrouing hadings of various POllutants into estudries during the past fewdecades. These increasing edlutant lOadings have caused declined estuallne hedth which can bemereured by a vdriety of indices. In order to obtain solutions to environrnent problerns, re-sources manageTnnt apencies are supporting a holistic approach to envirorirnental management.An effcient strategy t…     

Natural attenuation, biostimulation and bioaugmentation on biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in mangrove sediments

The biodegradability of a mixture of PAHs, namely fluorene (Fl), phenanthrene (Phe) and pyrene (Pyr), in mangrove sediment slurry was investigated. At the end of week 4, natural attenuation based on the presence of autochthonous microorganisms degraded more than 99% Fl and Phe but only around 30% of Pyr were degraded. Biostimulation with addition of mineral salt medium degraded over 97% of all three PAHs, showing that nutrient amendment could enhance Pyr degradation. Bioaugmentation with inoculation of a PAH-degrading bacterial consortium enriched from mangrove sediments did not show any promotion effect and the degradation percentages of three PAHs were similar to that by natural attenuation. Some inhibitory effect was observed in bioaugmentation treatment in week 1 with only 50% Fl and 70% Phe degraded. These results indicate that autochthonous microbes may interact and even compete with the enriched consortium during PAH biodegradation. Natural attenuation appeared to be the most appropriate way to remedy Fl- and Phe-contaminated mangrove sediments while biostimulation was more capable to degrade Pyr-contaminated sediments. The study also shows that although a large portion of the added PAHs (more than 95%) was adsorbed onto the sediments at the beginning of the experiment, most PAHs were degraded in 4 weeks, suggesting that the degraders could utilize the adsorbed PAHs efficiently.     

Remotely sensed agricultural modification improves prediction of suitable habitat for a threatened lizard

The geographical distribution of a species is limited by factors such as climate, resources, disturbances and species interactions. Environmental niche models attempt to encapsulate these limits and represent them spatially but do not always incorporate disturbance factors. We constructed MaxEnt models derived from a remotely sensed vegetation classification with, and without, an agricultural modification variable. Including agricultural modification improved model performance and led to more sites with native vegetation and fewer sites with exotic or degraded native vegetation being predicted suitable for A. parapulchella. Analysis of a relatively well-surveyed sub-area indicated that including agricultural modification led to slightly higher omission rates but markedly fewer likely false positives. Expert assessment of the model based on mapped habitat also suggested that including agricultural modification improved predictions. We estimate that agricultural modification has led to the destruction or decline of approximately 30–35% of the most suitable habitat in the sub-area studied and approximately 20–25% of suitable habitat across the entire study area, located in the Australian Capital Territory, Australia. Environmental niche models for a range of species, particularly habitat specialists, are likely to benefit from incorporating agricultural modification. Our findings are therefore relevant to threatened species planning and management, particularly at finer spatial scales.     

The provenance of Australian uranium ore concentrates by elemental and isotopic analysis

Elemental and isotopic ratio analyses of U ore concentrate samples, from the 3 operating U mining facilities in Australia, were carried out to determine if significant variations exist between their products, thereby allowing the U ore concentrate’s origin to be identified. Elemental analyses were conducted using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). Lead isotope ratios were measured using ICP-MS and U isotope analyses were conducted using thermal ionisation mass spectrometry (TIMS). Minute quantities of sample, such as that obtained from a swipe, were also examined for elemental concentrations using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). The results of multivariate statistical analysis show clear patterns in the trace elemental composition of the processed U ores, indicating that it is possible to use this feature as a unique identifier of an Australian U ore concentrate’s source. Secondary ion mass spectrometry analyses also allow individual particles to be differentiated using this ‘fingerprinting’ technique. Isotope ratios determined using TIMS reveal that there is a significant difference in the n(²³⁴U)/n(²³⁸U) isotope ratio between the U ore concentrate from each mine.     

Hydrographic surveys and sedimentation in Deep Bay,Hong Kong

Three hydrographic surveys were carried out in Deep Bay, which is located in the eastern part of Pearl estuary between Shenzhen, the most successful special economic zone of PRC, and Hong Kong. Data on current, size distributions of bottom sediment, suspended solids, and some water quality parameters were obtained. This information is of value for mathematical modeling of tidal circulation and sediment transport in the bay, and also useful in the planning of further development in this area. The sedimentation rate in Deep Bay was estimated by two different approaches, viz. comparison of historical navigation maps and²¹⁰Pb dating. Information obtained from the maps indicated that average sedimentation rate between 1898 and 1949 was about 8 mm/yr, while a 15 mm/yr figure was obtained from the²¹⁰Pb dating for recent years.     

Numerical hindcasting of sea surface pCO2 at Weathership Station Papa

A one-dimensional model of temperature, salinity, nutrients, oxygen, carbon, and argon chemistry is used to hindcast the annual cycle of sea surface pCO₂ at weathership Station Papa in the subarctic Pacific (50°N, 145°W), based on recent biological and chemical measurements made in conjunction with the SUPER program. Heat fluxes are calculated from the meteorological time series data from the Canadian weathership program. The Price, Weller and Pinkle (1986) model is used for predicting mixed layer dynamics. The rate of new production in the model is based on sediment trap data (Welschmeyer, personal communication) and a comparison of model oxygen and argon concentrations with the recent data of Emerson, Quay, Stump, Wilbur and Knox (1991). The balances of nutrients and oxygen in the permanent halocline require isopycnal ventilation on a time frame of approximately 10 years; this estimate is consistent with estimate of Van Scoy, Fine and Ostlund (1991) based in tritium data from Geosecs and Long Lines programs. The model results are compared with the 5 year time series data presented by Wong and Chang (1990). The model appears to capture the mean sea surface pCO₂ and the magnitude and timing of the seasonal cycle. The data, howeber, contain much greater high frequency variation than the model results, which we believe is caused by patchiness in the horizontal distribution of NO₃. The model pCO₂ sensitivity to the chemistry of the upwelling water and the rate of biological new production are presented.Although the model simulation of pCO₂ is satisfactory, this study illustrates the limitations of modelling the chemistry of the upper ocean in one dimension. The slow currents and horizontally homogeneous sea surface in the subarctic Pacific make Papa one of the best available candidates for modelling in 1-D. In spite of this, a 1-D formulation is inadequate to address the chemistry of the halocline (a crucial lower boundary condition to the mixed layer) and does not constrain the transport of the nutrients by wind-driven currents in the mixed layer. We conclude that further progress in modelling the upper ocean nutrient and carbon cycles will requires simulation in three dimensions.     

Stratigraphy of Quaternary inner-shelf sediments in Tai O Bay, Hong Kong, based on ground-truthed seismic profiles

High-resolution boomer profiles from Tai O Bay, Hong Kong SAR, were ground-truthed using ten discontinuously sampled boreholes penetrating bedrock with a maximum length of 82.1 m. The relationship between depth below seabed and seismic profiles was established through the measurement of two borehole compressional-wave velocity profiles. In departure from previous interpretations, nine Quaternary seismic units were identified, which can be divided into eight systems tracts formed by cycles of fourth-order sea-level fluctuations dating back at least to marine isotope stage (MIS) 7 (ca. 190–245 ka). These consist of two lowstand systems tracts, two transgressive systems tracts, and four highstand systems tracts. Secondary unconformities within the highstand deposits are interpreted to document fifth-order sea-level fluctuations. Lowstand deposits are less common because, as soon as the sea level drops by a few metres, Tai O Bay becomes sub-aerially exposed, leading to widespread non-deposition or erosion. At the same time, extensive fluvial erosion and channel incision take place. Filling of the fluvial channels occurs during rising sea level. Lowstand sediments (if present) are generally landslide deposits laid down on a basal alluvial plain. Uncorrected accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon dates of mollusc shells show that the depositional environment was marine since 6.2 ka, becoming gradually more brackish as a result of progradation of the Pearl River delta. The computed average sedimentation rate for the period 6.2–4.1 ka is 4.4 m/1,000 year, and approximately 1 m/1,000 year since 4.1 ka.     

Changes in topography and vegetation near gaps in a protective foredune

Data gathered on a foredune on a nourished beach reveal the relationships between topography and plant communities at gaps in the dune crest. Sand inundation at gaps allows plants in some portions of the dune to rejuvenate to earlier successional stages, while an increase in richness occurs in other portions. Ammophila breviligulata can create an initial dune ridge, colonize new areas of bare sand within the dune field, facilitate growth of other species, and provide a natural alternative to fencing in managing gaps. Foredune mobility can be considered a positive factor if beach width and dune volume provide adequate protection.