Seasonal dynamics of trophic relationships among co-occurring suspension-feeders in two shellfish culture dominated ecosystems

The temporal dynamics of carbon and nitrogen isotope values of co-occurring suspension-feeders in two shellfish culture areas (Normandy, France) were investigated over two years to evaluate the inter-specific trophic partitioning and relative contributions of organic matter sources to benthic suspension-feeders' diet. Oysters (Crassostrea gigas), mussels (Mytilus edulis), cockles (Cerastoderma edule), slipper limpets (Crepidula fornicata), and sand-mason worms (Lanice conchilega) were sampled in an estuarine environment (Baie des Veys, east Cotentin, Normandy), while oysters, mussels, slipper limpets, and honeycomb worms (Sabellaria alveolata) were sampled in an open-marine environment (Lingreville-sur-mer, west Cotentin, Normandy). Whatever the sampling period, the bivalves, C. gigas and M. edulis, exhibited the lowest values of δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N compared with the other species. Feeding relationships among suspension-feeders in both C. gigas culture areas exhibited temporal variations due to the marine/estuarine influence and seasonal changes in food supply. In the open-marine ecosystem, the contribution of phytoplankton remained the most important for all species except S. alveolata, while in the estuarine ecosystem, microphytobenthos and/or macroalgae detritus contributed a larger extent to the organisms' diets. During phytoplankton bloom periods (e.g. May and July) suspension-feeders, except for S. alveolata, relied strongly on phytoplankton; however, the majority of suspension-feeders exhibited different opportunistic behaviour in winter when phytoplankton biomass might be a limiting factor. We hypothesized that differences in particle capture and selection by the suspension-feeders influenced their isotopic values. Feeding ecology of suspension-feeders partly explained why competition was limited and why ecosystems can often support unexpectedly large numbers of suspension-feeders. We also showed that understanding ecosystem characteristics of the organic matter sources is of primary importance to determine the extent to which members of the suspension-feeding guild potentially compete for food.     

Skin diseases in Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) from the Paranaguá estuary,Brazil: A possible indicator of a compromised marine environment

We report on the presence of lobomycosis-like disease (LLD) and nodular skin disease (NSD) in a community of Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) inhabiting the biologically and chemically contaminated Paranaguá estuary (Brazil) and on their absence in the community living in the cleaner Cananéia estuary. Prevalence rates of LLD and NSD were 3.9% and 12.6%, respectively, in 103 photo-identified (PI) dolphins from the Paranaguá estuary in the period 2006–2007. Adults and calves were affected. Lobomycosis-like lesions may be extensive and form large plaques. Skin nodules were sometimes ulcerated and associated with cutaneous traumas suggesting that traumatic injuries may play a role in the pathogenesis of this condition. In two adult dolphins, NSD evoked the beginning of LLD. In 1996–2007 none of the 200 PI Cananéia S. guianensis had LLD or NSD, a highly significant difference. Interestingly, these dolphins were reported to harbour relatively low concentrations of organochlorines. LLD and NSD are possibly indicators of environmental changes.     

Relationship between age of waste and natural electric potential generation in Sanitary Landfill

The geophysical methods are effective tools for determining changes in physical parameters of the geological environment, as soil or groundwater in the presence of contamination. This work consisted on analyzing the natural electric potential obtained over domestic solid waste ditches with controlled closure dates. The interpretation data suggest the generation of electric potential predominantly through the redox phenomenon, as opposed to the flow potential phenomenon. The statistical data analysis indicates a correlation between residence time of the waste and growing variations of voltage. In addition highlights that eight years are required to achieve the reported values for the area with absence of waste, time estimated for decomposition of most organic matter contained in the buried waste.     

Relation between sedimentary framework and hydrogeology in the Guarani Aquifer System in São Paulo state,Brazil

This paper presents the results of a new investigation of the Guarani Aquifer System (SAG) in São Paulo state. New data were acquired about sedimentary framework, flow pattern, and hydrogeochemistry. The flow direction in the north of the state is towards the southwest and not towards the west as expected previously. This is linked to the absence of SAG outcrop in the northeast of São Paulo state. Both the underlying Pirambóia Formation and the overlying Botucatu Formation possess high porosity (18.9% and 19.5%, respectively), which was not modified significantly by diagenetic changes. Investigation of sediments confirmed a zone of chalcedony cement close to the SAG outcrop and a zone of calcite cement in the deep confined zone. The main events in the SAG post-sedimentary history were: (1) adhesion of ferrugineous coatings on grains, (2) infiltration of clays in eodiagenetic stage, (3) regeneration of coatings with formation of smectites, (4) authigenic overgrowth of quartz and K-feldspar in advanced eodiagenetic stage, (5) bitumen cementation of Pirambóia Formation in mesodiagenetic stage, (6) cementation by calcite in mesodiagenetic and telodiagenetic stages in Pirambóia Formation, (7) formation of secondary porosity by dissolution of unstable minerals after appearance of hydraulic gradient and penetration of the meteoric water caused by the uplift of the Serra do Mar coastal range in the Late Cretaceous, (8) authigenesis of kaolinite and amorphous silica in unconfined zone of the SAG and cation exchange coupled with the dissolution of calcite at the transition between unconfined and confined zone, and (9) authigenesis of analcime in the confined SAG zone. The last two processes are still under operation. The deep zone of the SAG comprises an alkaline pH, Na–HCO₃ groundwater type with old water and enriched δ¹³C values (<?3.9), which evolved from a neutral pH, Ca–HCO₃ groundwater type with young water and depleted δ¹³C values (>?18.8) close to the SAG outcrop. This is consistent with a conceptual geochemical model of the SAG, suggesting dissolution of calcite driven by cation exchange, which occurs at a relatively narrow front recently moving downgradient at much slower rate compared to groundwater flow. More depleted values of δ¹⁸O in the deep confined zone close to the Paraná River compared to values of relative recent recharged water indicate recharge occur during a period of cold climate. The SAG is a “storage-dominated” type of aquifer which has to be managed properly to avoid its overexploitation.     

现代集装箱港口体系演进理论与实证

集装箱技术的传播深刻影响了港口体系的发展,集装箱港口体系的理论模型重点解析该技术对港口体系空间时序过程的影响机制.基于相关研究进展的回顾与评述,根据港口发展的新现象与新机制,综合Hayuth和Notterboom的理论模型,介绍了集装箱港口体系的最新理论,将其分为前集装箱化、技术试验、巩周集中化、枢纽港中心化、扩散化与...     

Low-Mass Young Stars in Cep OB2: Ages, Distribution and Accretion Disks

We are studying the young clusters Tr37 and NGC7160 in the Cep OB2 region as part of a program to understand the evolution of accretion disks at the ages of disk dissipation and planet formation. Here, we present the first identifications of low mass (spectral types K-M) members of the clusters and study the presence and characteristics of their accretion disks, finding evidences of disk evolution. Using optical photometry and spectroscopy, we have identified ～70 members in Tr37 and ～20 in NGC7160, confirming age estimates of 3 and 10 Myr respectively. Accretion rates are ～10^?8 M _⊙yr^?1 in Tr37. We have not found any accreting members in NGC7160, suggesting that disk accretion generally ends before the age of 10 Myr, which is consistent with the results from other populations.     

Paleoenvironmental reconstruction of a Late Quaternary lagoon system in southern Brazil (Jaguaruna region,Santa Catarina state) based on multi‐proxy analysis

This paper provides a paleoenvironmental reconstruction of a Late Quaternary lagoon system in the Jaguaruna region of Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil. Integrated results of bulk sedimentary organic matter characterization (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N and C/N), microfossil (pollen and diatom) and grain‐size analysis from three shallow cores (～2.5 m depth) allowed us to propose an evolving paleogeographic scenario in this coastal region for the last ca. 5500 cal a BP. The lagoonal system in this area was more extensive during the mid‐Holocene than today, with a gradual and continuous lagoon–sea disconnection until the present. We add to the debate regarding relative sea‐level (RSL) variations for the Brazilian coast during the Holocene and discuss the importance of sedimentary dynamics for interpreting changes in coastal ecosystems. The multi‐proxy analysis suggests that changes in coastal ecosystems could be directly related to local sedimentary processes, which are not necessarily linked to RSL fluctuations and/or to climatic variations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dynamics of sedimentary environments in the accelerated siltation of a reservoir: the case of Alhama de Granada,southern Spain

An analysis has been made of sedimentary systems involved in the rapid silting of a reservoir constructed in 1974 in Alhama de Granada (S. Spain); in only 30 years the storage capacity of the reservoir has shrunk by 80% and its perimeter has decreased by 64%. A study of sediment lithofacies identified in a series of shallow trenches and of georadar facies identified in a series of almost 900 m lines of ground penetrating radar (GPR) images, together with a survey of surface geology, has identified 3 alluvial systems (2 transversal systems and a longitudinal system) whose deltas have filled in the reservoir. Thus, there are three phases in the evolution of the reservoir siltation: (1) an initial stage (1974–1977) typified by northward progradation of the longitudinal river delta of about 100 m year⁻¹ and an eastward progradation of the transversal system delta of about 20 m year⁻¹; (2) an intermediate stage (1977–1984) in which the longitudinal river delta progradation slowed to 25 m year⁻¹ and the axial drainage became obstructed due to the considerable eastward progradation of the transversal delta; and (3) a final phase (1984–present) in which there have been few changes in the areal distribution of the deltas apart from a southeastward expansion of the transversal delta. Generally, aggradational growth patterns (vertical accretion) have dominated in this final phase. The lithology of the source area, the slope and precipitation distribution has a significant effect not only on the sediment supply, but also indirectly on the creation of accommodation space and on the evolution of stratal growth patterns.