VARIABILITY OF DISSOLVED ORGANIC MATTER IN NORTHERN ADRIATIC COASTAL WATERS

The results obtained in the four seasonal cruises planned in the PRISMA II project are reported. These concern dissolved and colloidal organic carbon, free amino acids and total dissolved carbohydrates and heterotrophic activity. Main factors controlling organic matter degradation, resulting from laboratory tests not planned in the above project, are also discussed. Dissolved organic matter shows seasonal accumulation, which may be markedly different from year to year, and large contributions by colloidal and saccharide components. Heterotrophic activities play an important role in the carbon cycle, although laboratory runs highlight limitations caused by aging of organic matter and phosphorus deficiency.     

Isolation and Chemical Characterization of Dissolved and Colloidal Organic Matter

An overview of the methods used for the isolation and characterization of organic matter in natural waters is presented. Commonly used techniques for the concentration and isolation of organic matter from water, such as preparative chromatography, ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis, and the methods used to analyze the organic matter obtained by these methods are reviewed. the development of methods to obtain organic matter that is associated with fractions of the dissolved organic carbon other than humic substances, such as organic bases, hydrophilic organic acids and colloidal organic matter are discussed. Methods specifically used to study dissolved organic nitrogen and dissolved organic phosphorous are also discussed.     

Isolation and Chemical Characterization of Dissolved and Colloidal Organic Matter

An overview of the methods used for the isolation and characterization of organic matter in natural waters is presented. Commonly used techniques for the concentration and isolation of organic matter from water, such as preparative chromatography, ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis, and the methods used to analyze the organic matter obtained by these methods are reviewed. the development of methods to obtain organic matter that is associated with fractions of the dissolved organic carbon other than humic substances, such as organic bases, hydrophilic organic acids and colloidal organic matter are discussed. Methods specifically used to study dissolved organic nitrogen and dissolved organic phosphorous are also discussed.     

Organic and Inorganic Characterization of Marine Colloids

Isolates of the organic matter in the particulate, colloidal and dissolved states were obtained by tangential flow ultrafiltration through 0.40 μm polycarbonate and ∼ 1 nm (1000 NMWL*) regenerated cellulose membranes and by solid-liquid reverse phase extraction techniques. the material was analyzed qualitatively by mass spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection of labelled primary amines and amino acids, and inductively coupled plasma/mass spectroscopy. All three states are characterized by similar organic chemistries. the marine colloidal state in coastal waters off the Californian coast contains primarily carbohydrates, fatty acids, minor amounts of proteinaceous compounds and electropositive elements including aluminium and iron. Aromatic molecules and olefinic functional groups are in low concentration. the colloidal state differs qualitatively from the particulate and dissolved states. Yet all three could be derived, with degradation, from algal or macroalgal surface components.     

Organic and Inorganic Characterization of Marine Colloids

Abstract

Isolates of the organic matter in the particulate, colloidal and dissolved states were obtained by tangential flow ultrafiltration through 0.40 μm polycarbonate and ～ 1 nm (1000 NMWL?) regenerated cellulose membranes and by solid-liquid reverse phase extraction techniques. the material was analyzed qualitatively by mass spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection of labelled primary amines and amino acids, and inductively coupled plasma/mass spectroscopy. All three states are characterized by similar organic chemistries. the marine colloidal state in coastal waters off the Californian coast contains primarily carbohydrates, fatty acids, minor amounts of proteinaceous compounds and electropositive elements including aluminium and iron. Aromatic molecules and olefinic functional groups are in low concentration. the colloidal state differs qualitatively from the particulate and dissolved states. Yet all three could be derived, with degradation, from algal or macroalgal surface components.     

Seasonal Fluctuations in the Nutritional Value of Particulate Organic Matter in A Lagoon

Water samples were collected on a fortnightly basis in the lagoon of S. Gilla (Sardinia, Mediterranean Sea) in order to study seasonal nutritional fluctuations of particulate organic matter. the lagoon is characterized by high quantities of suspended matter throughout the year. Thermohaline conditions had no effect on particulate matter quantity and composition, but the quantity as well as quality of suspended particles was drastically affected by the wind, the major effecter of sediment resuspension. As a result of sediment resuspension, seston was always richer in inorganic fraction. However, throughout the year of investigation, most particulate organic carbon was quite appealing for filter feeding communities, although the best POM quality was available during phytoplankton blooming. the phytoplankton pool of suspended matter was just a small fraction of the bulk, accounting for only 13% on average of particulate organic carbon. in terms of energy available in the seston, the highest amount was stored in organic matter heterotrophic fraction, whilst the smallest was to be found in living phytoplankton.     

河流有机质生物地球化学研究进展

探讨了近年来河流中有机质的生物地球化学研究状况。大多数河流有机质的来源主要是外源即流域侵蚀而来的,经过河流的新陈代谢过程,把河流中的悬浮物分解为不同类型的有机质。在有机质分解过程中由于外部条件的差异,形成粒径大小不同的颗粒物和溶解有机质、无机质等。河流水体中的溶解有机碳(DOC)在全球不同纬度、不同区域,其含量差异较大,但目前对其生物地球化学控制的量级缺乏足够的理解和认识。另外碳氮同位素及其比值在当前的河流有机质生物地球化学研究中仍起着非常重要的示踪作用。     

Processes Influencing Dissolved Organic Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Sulphur in Soils

The influence of different plant and soil processes on the concentrations of soluble organic forms of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur in soil and drainage waters is reviewed. Current knowledge about soluble organic matter is restricted mainly to dissolved organic carbon. Comparable information about soluble organic nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur in processes such as eutrophication, plant uptake and decomposition is limited. Data are presented to highlight the potential sources of soluble organic components together with a discussion of their likely fate within the soil profile. the implications of changes in land use and management practices on dissolved organic matter are discussed.     

Modeling the seasonal autochthonous sources of dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen in the upper Chesapeake Bay

In this paper we investigate the seasonal autochthonous sources of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nitrogen (DON) in the euphotic zone at a station in the upper Chesapeake Bay using a new mass-based ecosystem model. Important features of the model are: (1) carbon and nitrogen are incorporated by means of a set of fixed and varying C:N ratios; (2) dissolved organic matter (DOM) is separated into labile, semi-labile, and refractory pools for both C and N; (3) the production and consumption of DOM is treated in detail; and (4) seasonal observations of light, temperature, nutrients, and surface layer circulation are used to physically force the model. The model reasonably reproduces the mean observed seasonal concentrations of nutrients, DOM, plankton biomass, and chlorophyll a. The results suggest that estuarine DOM production is intricately tied to the biomass concentration, ratio, and productivity of phytoplankton, zooplankton, viruses, and bacteria. During peak spring productivity phytoplankton exudation and zooplankton sloppy feeding are the most important autochthonous sources of DOM. In the summer when productivity peaks again, autochthonous sources of DOM are more diverse and, in addition to phytoplankton exudation, important ones include viral lysis and the decay of detritus. The potential importance of viral decay as a source of bioavailable DOM from within the bulk DOM pool is also discussed. The results also highlight the importance of some poorly constrained processes and parameters. Some potential improvements and remedies are suggested. Sensitivity studies on selected parameters are also reported and discussed.     

Exudation of dissolved organic carbon by brown algae

The release via exudation of dissolved organic carbon by Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jol. was investigated under laboratory conditions. In contrast to results previously reported by Sieburth (1969), continuous release of organic matter was found with only 1 specimen out of 21 tested either in stagnant sea water or in sea water flowing through the system. The holdfast of the plants was found to release relatively large amounts of organic material; however, this release lasted only for short periods, and was most probably due to damage caused by removing the plants from their substrate. The possible reasons for the failure to detect exudation are discussed. With Fucus vesiculosus L., no reliable results could be obtained, most probably due to particulate matter sloughing off the plants during the washings and during the experiments under conditions of photosynthesis.     

土地利用方式对土壤碳库影响的敏感性评价指标

综述了目前国内外在监测土地利用方式对土壤有机碳动态的影响时所采用的一些敏感性指标：微生物量碳和微生物商、CO2通量和qCO2、轻组有机质和颗粒态有机质、溶解态有机碳(DOC)。大量的研究表明，与土壤有机碳相比，微生物量碳库的周转率更大，周转时间更短，在土壤总有机碳变化可检测之前，土壤微生物部分的变化可能被检测到，是土壤碳动态的敏感性指标。轻组和颗粒态有机质是自然土壤肥力的决定因素，也是土地管理方式影响最明显的部分，对于准确评价土地利用变化对土壤碳过程的影响具有重要意义。CO2，通量和qCO2，可以综合反映土壤微生物的活性、利用土壤有机碳的效率及土壤中碳的代谢作用等，也是土壤碳动态的敏感性指标。DOC通量比全球植物和大气间碳交换量小1-2个数量级，所以生物圈碳平衡的很小变化会导致DOC的巨大变化，DOC浓度和通量是土壤温度和湿度变化的敏感指标。     

Leaching of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from dead leaves,formation of flakes from DOC,and feeding on flakes by crustaceans in mangroves

Organic matter was released into sea water from dead mangrove leaves, under both biotic and abiotic conditions. Particulate matter (flakes) formed in the leachates under both conditions. Flakes cultured in the laboratory and flakes obtained from natural environments were colonized by microbial organisms and were utilized as food by copepods, amphipods, isopods, crabs and shrimps. This suggests an alternative pathway of energy transfer to that in the classical plant-grazer-carnivore communities. Since the leaching of organic matter from plant material and the formation of particulate matter from dissolved organic carbon are faster than the grazing of fallen leaves by metazoans, the alternative pathway may result in a faster rate of energy transfer from vascular plants to higher trophic levels than is found in grazer communities.     

Release of photoassimilated carbon as dissolved organic matter by marine phytoplankton

The release of photoassimilated carbon as dissolved organic matter was studied in situ in oligotrophic and eutrophic marine waters and in axenic laboratory cultures. Percentage extracellular release (PER), integrated for the trophogenic zone, ranged from 6 to 12% in eutrophic waters and from 17 to 27% in oligotrophic seas. Most of the algal cultures released low amounts of dissolved organic matter (5%) during exponential growth. The highest levels of PER were observed in surface and deep samples, possibly as a result of elevated photorespiration and senescent cells. The generally lower values for extracellular release reported in this work as compared to other studies may be partly due to improved experimental techniques which minimized previously encountered artifacts.     

Origin and Distribution of Suspended Organic Matter As Inferred From Carbon Isotope Composition in A Mediterranean Semi-Enclosed Marine System

The origin and distribution of suspended organic matter, the trophic features and the stable carbon isotopic composition of particulate organic carbon (POC) were studied monthly in a Western Mediterranean semi-enclosed basin. Sampling stations were selected as a function of wind-exposure and the degree of vegetation cover and then compared with an adjacent unvegetated site. the predominant vegetation was seagrass (Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa) and Caulerpa prolifera. Water samples were analyzed for total suspended matter (inorganic and organic fractions), photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll-a and phaeopigments), dissolved organic carbon, particulate organic carbon and their isotopic composition. Temperature and salinity were also measured at the same sampling sites within range of Mediterranean limits. the suspended organic matter concentration was 1.77 ± 1.55 mg l^-1; the chlorophyll-a concentration was low (0.35 ± 0.24 μg l^-1); the disolved organic carbon concentration was 2,140 ± 2,010 μg l^-1; the particulate organic carbon concentration was 212 ± 106 μg l^-1 and the isotopic composition was 18.77 ± 2.51%_°. There were significant temporal differences except for phaeopigments, POC and its POC isotopic composition, and there were no spatial differences other than for δ¹³C. This picture highlighted a general seasonal trend and trophical features similar to adjacent sea.

Spatial differences in δ¹³C showed that the source of suspended organic matter was different between stations as that between sources and wind-hydrodynamic constraints. In     

Influences of suspended particles on the runoff of pesticides from an agricultural field at Askim, SE-Norway

Field and laboratory experiments were conducted to study the loss of particles from agricultural fields, and the role of suspended particles in carrying pesticides in surface runoff and drainage water. Propiconazole, a widely used fungicide was applied to experimental fields located at Askim, SE-Norway. Samples from surface runoff and drainage water were collected and analyzed for sediment mass, pesticides, particulate and dissolved organic carbon through a whole year. The surface soil and the runoff material were characterized by its particle size distribution, organic carbon content in size fractions and its ability to bind propiconazole. The results show that (1) particle runoff mostly occurred during the rainfall event shortly after harrowing in autumn. The highest particle concentration observed in the surface runoff water was 4600 mg l(-1), and in the drainage water 1130 mg l(-1); (2) the erosion of surface soil is size selective. The runoff sediment contained finer particle/aggregates rich in organic matter compared to its original surface soil; (3) the distribution coefficient (Kd) of propiconazole was significantly higher in the runoff sediment than in the parent soil. According to our calculation, particle-bound propiconazole can represent up to 23% of the total amount of propiconazole in a water sample with a sediment concentration of 7600 mg l(-1), which will significantly influence the transport behavior of the pesticide.     

Origin and Distribution of Suspended Organic Matter As Inferred From Carbon Isotope Composition in A Mediterranean Semi-Enclosed Marine System

Abstract

The origin and distribution of suspended organic matter, the trophic features and the stable carbon isotopic composition of particulate organic carbon (POC) were studied monthly in a Western Mediterranean semi-enclosed basin. Sampling stations were selected as a function of wind-exposure and the degree of vegetation cover and then compared with an adjacent unvegetated site. the predominant vegetation was seagrass (Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa) and Caulerpa prolifera. Water samples were analyzed for total suspended matter (inorganic and organic fractions), photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll-a and phaeopigments), dissolved organic carbon, particulate organic carbon and their isotopic composition. Temperature and salinity were also measured at the same sampling sites within range of Mediterranean limits. the suspended organic matter concentration was 1.77 ± 1.55 mg l^?1; the chlorophyll-a concentration was low (0.35 ± 0.24 μg l^?1); the disolved organic carbon concentration was 2,140 ± 2,010 μg l^?1; the particulate organic carbon concentration was 212 ± 106 μg l^?1 and the isotopic composition was 18.77 ± 2.51%_°. There were significant temporal differences except for phaeopigments, POC and its POC isotopic composition, and there were no spatial differences other than for δ¹³C. This picture highlighted a general seasonal trend and trophical features similar to adjacent sea.

Spatial differences in δ¹³C showed that the source of suspended organic matter was different between stations as that between sources and wind-hydrodynamic constraints. In     

On the role of bacterioplankton in the tropical ocean

The high rates of production by planktonic bacteria reported by Sorokin for the warm surface layer of the oceans cannot be reconciled with the geographic distribution of dissolved organic carbon. These rates, as well as Sorokin's figures of bacterial production and, hence, consumption of oxygen in the deep sea are too high by an order of magnitude. It is left undecided whether the principal sink for the dissolved organic matter reaching the deep sea is in the warm surface layer of the oceans, as suggested by Sorokin, or the deep sea itself.     

On detritus as a food source for pelagic filter-feeders

Data on the amount of organic detritus within the particle size fraction 1 to 150 are presented for the Western Kiel Bight. Grouped into a mixed surface layer and a stratified lower layer in accordance with the main hydrographic features of the Western Baltic Sea, the rounded-off values show a seasonal variation between 100 and 600 mg m^-3 expressed as dry weight of organic matter. The overall average for both layers is about 200 mg m^-3. Organic detritus thus comprises more than 40% of total organic matter in the above size class, which is the class most easily accessible to the relatively small filter-feeders in this area. Attempting to trace the origin of organic detritus, a positive correlation to phytoplankton standing stock was found in some cases, suggesting the predominance of autochthonous detritus. Proceeding from the assumption that pelagic filter-feeders select their food mainly by size and not by taste, it is concluded that organic detritus plays an important role as a supplementary food source, being ingested together with phytoplankton and small nonmotile heterotrophs. The nutritive value of detritus is increased by the adsorption of dissolved organic matter and above all through the subsequent colonization by bacteria, which utilize the dissolved substances. Detritus particles serving as a substratum for bacteria thus form a means whereby dissolved organic substances reenter the food chain. The ingestion of detritus by filter-feeders is, therefore, thought to be instrumental in increasing the effectivity of energy transfer from the primary to the secondary food-chain level.     

Nutrition of the temperate Australian soft coral Capnella gaboensis

We examined the ability of Capnella gaboensis Verseveldt, 1977 (Coelenterata: Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) to utilize heterotrophic food sources, and the importance of heterotrophic nutrition and photosynthesis in its diet, by using preserved material and histological sections of field-collected specimens and by means of laboratory experiments in which coral branches were fed with ¹⁴C-labelled food of different sizes. The study was conducted from April 1982 to August 1984. C. gaboensis receives nutrition from the photosynthesis of its symbiotic zooxanthellae, Symbiodinium sp., and from heterotrophic sources. Up to 10% of the algal photosynthate was translocated to the animal-host tissues. The contribution of translocated carbon from the zooxanthellae to the daily respiratory carbon requirement of the animal was estimated to be well below 50% in all seasons except in the summer of 1983–1984, indicating that the coral must rely on additional sources of nutrition (i.e., heterotrophy) for most, if not all, of the year. Field (Sydney Harbour: 33°50S; 151°15E) and laboratory observations and experiments indicated that this coral probably feeds upon zooplankton, small particulate matter and dissolved organic matter.     

The flux of particulate carbon in an estuary

The major sources and sinks of suspended particulate carbon are identified for northern Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, USA. The area of the bay under consideration was divided into two sections. The northernmost section (upper bay), from the head of the bay to the vicinity of Baltimore, was characterized by a high input of particulate carbon from upland drainage. The section from Baltimore to the mouth of the Potomac River (middle bay) was dominated by an internal supply of particulate carbon from primary production. The northernmost section was characterized by major particulate carbon losses to the bottom and to benthic respiration, with slightly less than half (43%) of the particulate carbon respired in the water column or converted to dissolved organic matter. In contrast, respiration in the water column or conversion to dissolved organic matter was responsible for the loss of about 65% of the particulate carbon in the middle section of the bay, while losses to the bottom and to benthic respiration totaled only 12%. Even though the supply of particulate carbon to the upper bay was about 1.5 times the supply to the middle bay, the loss of carbon due to biological activity (biological efficiency) in each area was similar, and amounted to about 70% of the supply of particulate carbon.The research reported here was partially supported by the University of Maryland and by the U. S. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife under Contract No. 14-16-0005-2096. Contribution No. 471 of the Natural Resources Institute, University of Maryland, USA.