Influence of prey abundance and abiotic factors on the long-term home-range and movement dynamics of spotted grunter Pomadasys commersonnii in an intermittently open estuary

Long-term home-range and movement dynamics of spotted grunter Pomadasys commersonnii and the distribution of their dominant prey, the sandprawn Callichirus kraussi, were investigated in the intermittently open East Kleinemonde Estuary, South Africa. In addition, the effects of fish length, diel cycle, season and other abiotic factors on home range and area use were examined. Nine adult spotted grunter (326–489?mm total length) were tagged with acoustic transmitters, and their movements were studied by manual tracking on six consecutive days and nights during each of five tracking sessions from March to November 2004. In addition, movement patterns were recorded by stationary data-logging receivers. Kernel home ranges (95% utilised distribution) varied in size (mean: 76 797?m²?, range: 26 296–165 321?m²), but were all located in the lower one-third of the 3.6 km-long estuary. There was no effect of season, the diel cycle or fish length on the home-range estimates. However, the distribution of prey corresponded with the home-range distribution of tagged fish. Although sandprawn distribution was highly variable within and among transects and depth classes, sandprawns were most abundant in the lower region of the estuary, which corresponded to the home-range distribution of spotted grunter. Spatial distribution of prey appears to be a dominant factor influencing home-range parameters of this species within an intermittently open estuary.     

210Pb and 137Cs dating methods in lakes: A retrospective study

²¹⁰Pb has been used for more than two decades to provide the geochronology of annually deposited sediments and to construct pollution histories. Evidence from some lakes suggests that this radionuclide may be adequately mobile to compromise dating reliability. This study provides one test of that possibility by comparing recent measurements of ²¹⁰Pb and trace metals to ones carried out more than 20 yrs in the past. ¹³⁷Cs dating is used to confirm sediment accumulation rates in the recent cores. In the three Connecticut, USA, lakes studied, sediment accumulation rates changed abruptly to higher values between 40-50 yrs ago (increasing by factors of 2.2, 2.9, and 3.0). In all three lakes, rates calculated from ²¹⁰Pb distributions both above and below this horizon agreed, within measurement uncertainty, in recent and older cores. Furthermore, when the older data were corrected for 20 yrs of burial, the changes in slope in ²¹⁰Pb distributions occurred at the same depth in each pair of cores. The depth of sharp peaks in concentrations of trace metals also matched. In general, this evidence supports the idea that sediments in these lakes have simply been buried, without significant diagenetic remobilization of ²¹⁰Pb and trace metals . Nevertheless, some important differences were also observed. For two of the three lakes, there was a significant difference in average sediment accumulation rate during the past 33 yrs as calculated from ¹³⁷Cs and ²¹⁰Pb in the recent cores. Most potential causes for this difference can be ruled out, and it appears that one of the two nuclides is remobilized compared to the other. There were also significant differences in the total inventories of both ²¹⁰Pb and trace metals (both up to 2 ×) between recent and older cores in some cases. This may be due to dissimilar sediment focusing, since it is not known for certain whether the new cores were collected at exactly the same sites as in the past.     

Trace metals and radionuclides reveal sediment sources and accumulation rates in Jordan Cove, Connecticut

Many small estuaries are influenced by flow restrictions resulting from transportation rights-of-way and other causes. The biogeochemical functioning and history of such systems can be evaluated through study of their sediments. Ten long and six short cores were collected from the length of Jordan Cove, Connecticut, a Long Island Sound subestuary, and analyzed for stratigraphy, radionuclides (¹⁴C, ²¹⁰Pb, ²²⁶Ra, ¹³⁷Cs, and ⁶⁰Co), and metals (Ag, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Fe, and Al). For at least 3,800 yr, rising sea level has gradually inundated Jordan Cove, filling it with mud similar to that currently being deposited there. Long-term sediment accumulation in the cove averaged close to 0.1 cm yr⁻¹ over the last three millennia. Recent sediment accumulation rates decrease inland from 0.84 cm yr⁻¹ to 0.40 cm yr⁻¹, and are slightly faster than relative sea-level rise at this site (0.3 cm yr⁻¹). Similarity of depth distributions of trace metals was used to confirm relative sediment accumulation rates. ⁶⁰Co and Ag are derived from sources outside the cove and its watershed, presumably the Millstone nuclear power plant and regional contaminated sediments, respectively. The combined data suggest that Long Island Sound is an important source of sediment to the cove; a minor part of total sediment is supplied from the local watershed. Trace metal levels are strongly correlated with Fe but not with either organic matter or Al. Sediment quality has declined in the cove over the past 60 yr, but only slightly. Cu, Pb, and Zn data correlate strongly with Fe but not with either organic matter or aluminum. Ratios of Ag to Fe and to trace metals suggest that Ag in the cove is derived almost entirely from Long Island Sound. This result supports the notion that Fenormalized Ag can serve as a better tracer of some kinds of contamination than more common and abundant metals, like Cu, Pb, and Zn. *** DIRECT SUPPORT *** A01BY085 00008     

Movement patterns of an endangered fishery species,Lithognathus lithognathus (Sparidae), and the role of no-take marine protected areas as a management tool

Understanding movement behaviour is essential for effective management of fishery species. Dart tags were used to study coastal movement patterns of white steenbras Lithognathus lithognathus, an overexploited seabream (Sparidae) in South Africa. In total, 6 962 fish (190–1 080 mm fork length) were tagged throughout the species’ distributional range, in four long-term fish-tagging programmes. The predominant behaviour recorded was residency, with relatively short-ranging movements. More than 60% of the 351 recaptured fish were recaptured within 1 km of their tagging site, some of which were at liberty in excess of three years. Most of the juveniles (93.9%), subadults (71.7%) and adults (64.0%) were recaptured within 10 km. Occasional long-distance movements of up to 800 km were recorded. Recapture distances were positively, but weakly, correlated with fish fork length (n = 257 fish measured at recapture; r² = 0.166, p < 0.001). Low levels of connectivity among coastal areas suggest that large-scale annual spawning migrations, as previously hypothesised for this species, are unlikely, which raises the possibility of multiple spawning sites. Seventy-seven percent of L. lithognathus tagged within three marine protected areas (MPAs) were recaptured within the same MPA, suggesting that area closures provide protection for L. lithognathus through the post-estuarine juvenile, subadult and adult life stages. We confirm that the country’s current network of coastal MPAs plays a vital role in sustaining this species, and suggest that additional closures, or otherwise substantial reductions in catch rates, are necessary for the species’ recovery.     

Estuarine and coastal connectivity of an estuarine-dependent fishery species,Pomadasys commersonnii (Haemulidae)

Understanding the level of connectivity between estuarine and coastal waters is essential for appropriate management of estuarine-associated taxa. Most studies have focused on the role of a single estuary, while limited research exists on the importance of multiple estuaries to individuals of estuarine-associated species. This study used acoustic telemetry to assess the usage of multiple estuaries and coastal waters by the estuarine-dependent spotted grunter Pomadasys commersonnii. Twenty-six adult fish were tagged with acoustic transmitters in the Kariega and Bushmans estuaries, South Africa, and their movements along a 300-km stretch of Indian Ocean coastline were monitored for up to 17 months. Tagged individuals spent most of their time in the estuary where they were tagged (55% and 85% for fish tagged in the two estuaries, respectively), followed by time in the sea (30% and 15%) and in other estuaries (15% and <1%). The mean durations of sea trips for fish tagged in the Kariega Estuary or Bushmans Estuary, respectively, were 25 days (range 3–55) and 12 days (range 2–22). Of the fish that went to sea, 93% from the Kariega Estuary and 60% from the Bushmans Estuary visited other estuaries. Most visits were undertaken to the Swartkops, Bushmans and Kowie estuaries, although the longest durations were spent in the Sundays Estuary. Individuals moved to estuaries up to 130 km away. The total distance travelled between estuaries by an individual during the study was ～529 km, with means of 201 and 184 km, respectively, for fish tagged in the Kariega and Bushmans estuaries. Despite covering large distances between estuaries, individuals often returned to their tagging estuary. Residency in their tagging estuary, combined with frequent visits to a neighbouring estuary, highlights the importance of estuarine habitats for this popular fish species, even after reaching maturity.     

塔里木柯坪地区库普库兹曼组玄武岩锆石LA-ICPMS年代学、Hf同位素特征及其意义

塔里木盆地广泛发育有二叠纪玄武岩,产于库普库兹曼组和开派兹雷克组中。本文对库普库兹曼组玄武岩进行锆石LA-ICPMSU-Pb精确定年,并首次进行该区玄武岩锆石的铪(Hf)同位素分析。库普库兹曼组底部玄武岩的锆石LA-ICPMSU-Pb加权平均年龄为291.9±2.2Ma(MSWD=0.30,n=17),说明玄武岩为早二叠世岩浆活动产物,该年龄值指示了塔里木大火成岩省二叠纪基性岩浆活动的下限年龄;库普库兹曼组顶部玄武岩获得了293.9±4.6Ma的锆石年龄,与底部锆石年龄在误差范围内基本一致,指示了库普库兹曼组玄武质岩浆活动的时间较为短暂,291.9±2.2Ma可以代表塔里木盆地二叠纪普库兹曼组玄武岩的成岩时代。库普库兹曼组玄武岩中存在大量继承性或捕获的老年龄锆石,指示玄武岩浆在上升过程中与地壳物质发生了混染作用。锆石原位微量、稀土元素分析显示,库普库兹曼组玄武岩锆石具有典型岩浆结晶的基性岩锆石特征,且没有发生明显的后期改造作用。库普库兹曼组玄武岩锆石εHf(t)同位素值在-4.84～-0.65之间,具富集岩石圈地幔源区特征,指示了塔里木大火成岩省二叠纪基性岩浆岩源于富集岩石圈地幔,其地幔源区性质明显不同于新疆北部准噶尔地区同时代A型花岗岩的地幔源区。     

Heavy metal removal efficiencies in a river–marsh system estimated from patterns of metal accumulation in sediments

Estuaries have long been thought to be effective traps for river-borne contaminants; however, accurately predicting removal efficiencies remains problematic. In the Quinnipiac River, CT, marsh system, patterns of metal accumulation (Ag, Cd, Cu, Pb) in sediments were used to estimate heavy metal removal efficiencies. Linear and multivariate regression models were fit to sediment metal concentrations to estimate removal curves and surfaces, which avoided the large temporal variability commonly encountered when using direct water column measurements. Second order regressions normalized to the shortest distance to the river channel were found to have the best fit (r>0.67) with the lowest standard error (<32%). The heavy metal removal efficiencies estimated by comparing total metal accumulation in marsh sediments with riverine flux were Ag=21%, Cd=6%, Cu=14%, and Pb=17%, which are comparable to the maximum removal efficiency of riverine suspended particulate matter (28%).     

东喜马拉雅构造结南迦巴瓦群高压麻粒岩中含石榴石花岗岩脉锆石SHRIMP U-Pb定年及其与折返作用

东喜马拉雅构造结核部的南迦巴瓦群是经历了高压麻粒岩相峰期变质、角闪岩相退变质和强烈混合岩化作用形成的以含有高压麻粒岩透镜体或夹层为特色的变质岩组合。地质地球化学研究表明产于退变质高压麻粒岩中的含石榴石花岗岩脉具有高钾、富铝、轻稀土强烈富集、分馏程度很高、重稀土相对亏损、Eu强烈亏损、大离子亲石元素及放射性元素相对原始地幔值强烈富集、Rb/Sr1.4的特征。利用花岗岩的主要成分及锆的含量估算的岩浆初始温度为792～801℃,略低于南迦巴瓦群的峰期变质温度850℃。锆石SHRIMPU-Pb定年结果显示锆石核部年龄集中在519～525Ma之间,揭示出印度地块经历泛非期构造运动改造的痕迹。锆石边部主要存在39～44Ma、24～25Ma和7.3Ma三个年龄段,前者代表了花岗岩浆的侵位时代,第二个年龄段是对MCT和STDS构造热事件改造的反映,后者揭示出构造-浅表反馈作用的信息。说明含石榴石花岗岩脉是在南迦巴瓦群折返过程中近等温降压条件下地壳岩石发生"干"深熔作用形成的高钾过铝质钙碱性花岗岩,以及南迦巴瓦群在经历峰期变质作用后很快就开始折返,并在后碰撞过程中经历了藏南拆离系(STDS)和主中央冲断带(MCT)构造事件及后期构造-浅表反馈作用的影响。     

Metal–organic complexation in the marine environment

We discuss the voltammetric methods that are used to assess metal–organic complexation in seawater. These consist of titration methods using anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) and cathodic stripping voltammetry competitive ligand experiments (CSV-CLE). These approaches and a kinetic approach using CSV-CLE give similar information on the amount of excess ligand to metal in a sample and the conditional metal ligand stability constant for the excess ligand bound to the metal. CSV-CLE data using different ligands to measure Fe(III) organic complexes are similar. All these methods give conditional stability constants for which the side reaction coefficient for the metal can be corrected but not that for the ligand. Another approach, pseudovoltammetry, provides information on the actual metal–ligand complex(es) in a sample by doing ASV experiments where the deposition potential is varied more negatively in order to destroy the metal–ligand complex. This latter approach gives concentration information on each actual ligand bound to the metal as well as the thermodynamic stability constant of each complex in solution when compared to known metal–ligand complexes. In this case the side reaction coefficients for the metal and ligand are corrected. Thus, this method may not give identical information to the titration methods because the excess ligand in the sample may not be identical to some of the actual ligands binding the metal in the sample.     

Metal-organic complexation in the marine environment

We discuss the voltammetric methods that are used to assess metal-organic complexation in seawater. These consist of titration methods using anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) and cathodic stripping voltammetry competitive ligand experiments (CSV-CLE). These approaches and a kinetic approach using CSV-CLE give similar information on the amount of excess ligand to metal in a sample and the conditional metal ligand stability constant for the excess ligand bound to the metal. CSV-CLE data using different ligands to measure Fe(III) organic complexes are similar. All these methods give conditional stability constants for which the side reaction coefficient for the metal can be corrected but not that for the ligand. Another approach, pseudovoltammetry, provides information on the actual metal-ligand complex(es) in a sample by doing ASV experiments where the deposition potential is varied more negatively in order to destroy the metal-ligand complex. This latter approach gives concentration information on each actual ligand bound to the metal as well as the thermodynamic stability constant of each complex in solution when compared to known metal-ligand complexes. In this case the side reaction coefficients for the metal and ligand are corrected. Thus, this method may not give identical information to the titration methods because the excess ligand in the sample may not be identical to some of the actual ligands binding the metal in the sample.