Ecological and human health risk assessment of heavy metal contamination in soil of a municipal solid waste dump in Uyo,Nigeria

The study assessed the levels of some heavy metals in soils in the vicinity of a municipal solid waste dumpsite with a view to providing information on the extent of contamination, ecological risk of metals in the soils and human health risk to the residents in Uyo. Soil samples were collected in rainy and dry seasons and analyzed for metals (Pb, Cd, Zn, Mn, Cr, Ni and Fe) using atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentrations of heavy metals (mg/kg) at the dumpsite in rainy season were Pb (9.90), Zn (137), Ni (12.56), Cr (3.60), Cd (9.05) and Mn (94.00), while in dry season, the concentrations were Pb (11.80), Zn (146), Ni (11.82), Cr (4.05), Cd (12.20) and Mn (91.20). The concentrations of metals in the studied sites were higher than that of the control site (P < 0.05). Pollution indices studies revealed that soil samples from dumpsite and distances from 10 and 20 m east of the dumpsite were highly polluted with cadmium. Ecological risk assessment carried out showed that cadmium contributed 98–99 % of the total potentially ecological risk. No probable health risk was observed as the total hazard index of all the metals was less than one. However, children were found to be more susceptible to heavy metal contamination than adult.     

Heavy metal contamination and human health risk assessment in drinking water from shallow groundwater wells in an agricultural area in Ubon Ratchathani province, Thailand

Most local people in the agricultural areas of Hua-ruea sub-district, Ubon Ratchathani province (Thailand), generally consume shallow groundwater from farm wells. This study aimed to assess the health risk related to heavy metal contamination in that groundwater. Samples were randomly collected from 12 wells twice in each of the rainy and the dry seasons and were analyzed by inductive coupled plasma spectrometry-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The concentration of detected metals in each well and the overall mean were below the acceptable groundwater standard limits for As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni and Zn, but Pb levels were higher in four wells with an overall average Pb concentration of 16.66 ± 18.52 μg/l. Exposure questionnaires, completed by face-to-face interviews with 100 local people who drink groundwater from farm wells, were used to evaluate the hazard quotients (HQs) and hazard indices (HIs). The HQs for non-carcinogenic risk for As, Cu, Zn and Pb, with a range of 0.004–2.901, 0.053–54.818, 0.003–6.399 and 0.007–26.80, respectively, and the HI values (range from 0.10 to 88.21) exceeded acceptable limits in 58 % of the wells. The HI results were higher than one for groundwater wells located in intensively cultivated chili fields. The highest cancer risk found was 2.6 × 10^?6 for As in well no. 11. This study suggested that people living in warmer climates are more susceptible to and at greater risk of groundwater contamination because of their increased daily drinking water intake. This may lead to an increased number of cases of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health defects among local people exposed to heavy metals by drinking the groundwater.     

Platinum in PM2.5 of the metropolitan area of Mexico City

The increase in platinum (Pt) in the airborne particulate matter with size ≤2.5 µm (PM_2.5) in urban environments may be interpreted as result of the abrasion and deterioration of automobile catalyst. Nowadays, about four million vehicles in Mexico City use catalytic converters, which means that their impact should be considered. In order to evaluate the contribution of Pt to environmental pollution of the metropolitan area of Mexico City (MAMC), airborne PM_2.5 was collected at five different sites in the urban area (NW, NE, C, SW, SE) in 2011 during April (dry-warm season), August (rainy season) and December (dry-cold season). Analytical determinations were carried out using a ICP-MS with a collision cell and kinetic energy discrimination. The analytical and instrument performance was evaluated with standard road dust reference material (BCR-723). Median Pt concentration in the analyzed particulate was is 38.4 pg m^?3 (minimal value 1 pg m^?3 maximal value 79 pg m^?3). Obtained Pt concentrations are higher than those reported for other urban areas. Spatial variation shows that SW had Pt concentration significantly higher than NW and C only. Seasonal variation shows that Pt median was higher in rainy season than in both dry seasons. A comparison of these results with previously reported data of PM₁₀ from 1991 and 2003 in the same studied area shows a worrying increase in the concentration of Pt in the air environment of MAMC.     

Seasonal variation and diversity of rotifers in Ehoma lake, Nigeria

The zooplankton and physicochemistry of Ehoma lake were studied from March 2005 to August 2006 in order to evaluate seasonal trend in species composition and abundance in relation to water quality. Forty two (42) species of rotifers dominated by Keratella tropica tropica were encountered. Species richness declined by nearly 50% from dry season values during the rainy season. Species richness was higher in the littoral zone during the dry season, the reverse was the case during the rainy season. Species abundance followed similar trend as species richness. Abundance was closely associated with dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand and width of the lake and these in turn varied significantly between seasons. Shannon-Weaver diversity varied from 2.2 to 3.8 bit ind(-1) and significantly between seasons (p<0.05). Anuraeopsis navicula navicula and Euchlanis dilatata dilatata Ehrenbreg were the only species gained during the flood periods.     

Arsenic contamination: a potential hazard to the affected areas of West Bengal, India

Arsenic contamination in groundwater is becoming more and more a worldwide problem. Nearing 50 million of people are at health risk from arsenic contamination at Ganga–Meghna–Bramhaputra basin. The experimental results of the five blocks under Malda district of West Bengal, India, showed that the arsenic concentration in groundwater (0.41–1.01 mg/l) was higher than the permissible limit for drinking water (0.01 mg/l) (WHO) and FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) permissible limit for irrigation water (0.10 mg/l). The soil arsenic level (13.12 mg/kg) crossed the global average (10.0 mg/kg), but within the maximum acceptable limit for agricultural soil (20.0 mg/kg) recommended by the European Union. The total arsenic concentration on food crops varied from 0.000 to 1.464 mg/kg of dry weight. The highest mean arsenic concentration was found in potato (0.456 mg/kg), followed by rice grain (0.429 mg/kg). The total mean arsenic content (milligrams per kg dry weight) in cereals ranged from 0.121 to 0.429 mg/kg, in pulses and oilseeds ranged from 0.076 to 0.168 mg/kg, in tuber crops ranged from 0.243 to 0.456 mg/kg, in spices ranged from 0.031 to 0.175 mg/kg, in fruits ranged from 0.021 to 0.145 mg/kg and in vegetables ranged from 0.032 to 0.411 mg/kg, respectively. Hence, arsenic accumulation in cereals, pulses, oilseed, vegetables, spices, cole crop and fruits crop might not be safe in future without any sustainable mitigation strategies to avert the potential arsenic toxicity on the human health in the contaminated areas.     

Geochemical distribution of trace element concentrations in the vicinity of Boroo gold mine,Selenge Province,Mongolia

The environmental impacts of Boroo gold mine project in Mongolia was evaluated by chemical characterization of trace element concentrations in water, soils and tailing dam sediment samples. The results showed that concentrations of B, Cd, Ni and Se in the water samples were within the accepted levels of the Mongolia water quality standard (MNS4586: 1998). However, the concentrations of Al, As, Cu, Mn, Fe, Pb, U and Zn were higher than the maximum allowable concentration especially in the monitoring and heap leach wells. The average concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in the tailing dam sediment were 4419, 58.5, 56.0, 4.8, 20.6 and 25.7 mg/kg, respectively. Generally, arsenic and heavy metals in the soil samples were within the acceptable concentrations of the soil standard of Mongolia (MNS 5850: 2008). The chemical characterization of As solid phase in tailing dam sediment showed that the majority of As were found in the residual fraction comprising about 74% of total As. Assessing the potential risk to humans, simple bioavailability extraction test was used to estimate bioavailability of arsenic and heavy metals, and the concentrations extracted from tailing dam sediment were; 288.2 mg/kg As, 7.2 mg/kg Cd, 41.1 mg/kg Cu, 13.5 mg/kg Pb, 4.7 mg/kg Ni and 23.5 mg/kg Zn, respectively. From these results, the Boroo gold mine project has presently not significantly impacted the environment, but there is a high probability that it may act as a source of future contamination.     

Airborne bacteria associated with particulate matter from a highly urbanised metropolis: A potential risk to the population’s health

• The airborne bacteria of Mexico City are representative of urban environments. • Particle material<10 µm influenced the type and quantity of airborne bacteria. • The diversity and richness of bacteria were higher in the rainy season. • The emission & transport of airborne bacteria determine the atmosphere’s microbiome. • Bacterias as Kocuria, Paracoccus, and Staphylococcus were in the air of Mexico City. Bacteria in the air present patterns in space and time produced by different sources and environmental factors. Few studies have focused on the link between airborne pathogenic bacteria in densely populated cities, and the risk to the population’s health. Bacteria associated with particulate matter (PM) were monitored from the air of Mexico City (Mexico). We employed a metagenomic approach to characterise bacteria using the 16S rRNA gene. Airborne bacteria sampling was carried out in the north, centre, and south of Mexico City, with different urbanisation rates, during 2017. Bacteria added to the particles were sampled using high-volume PM₁₀ samplers. To ascertain significant differences in bacterial diversity between zones and seasons, the Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon tests were done on alpha diversity parameters. Sixty-three air samples were collected, and DNA was sequenced using next-generation sequencing. The results indicated that the bacterial phyla in the north and south of the city were Firmicutes, Cyanobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria, while in the central zone there were more Actinobacteria. There were no differences in the alpha diversity indices between the sampled areas. According to the OTUs, the richness of bacteria was higher in the central zone. Alpha diversity was higher in the rainy season than in the dry season; the Shannon index and the OTUs observed were higher in the central zone in the dry season. Pathogenic bacteria such as Kocuria, Paracoccus, and Micrococcus predominated in both seasonal times, while Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, and Nocardioides were found during the rainy season, with a presence in the central zone.     

Seasonal variations in physicochemical characteristics and cyanobacterial diversity of a lake in Northern India

Physicochemical analyses and cyanobacterial diversity of Ramgarh Lake water were performed at five sampling sites during winter, summer, and monsoon seasons. Higher load of solids, carbon, and nutrients were persistent throughout the analysis that indicates the conversion of lake from oligotrophic to eutrophic nature. High nutrients load enhanced cyanobacterial biomass, while low nutrients load produced relatively less biomass. The physicochemical parameters of water samples revealed minimum 2.9 mg L^?1 dissolved oxygen (DO) at site-1 during summer, while maximum (5.6 mg L^?1) at site-4 in monsoon season. Maximum biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) (40 mg L^?1) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) (126 mg L^?1) were recorded at site-1 during summer, whereas minimum BOD (18 mg L^?1) and COD (52 mg L^?1) were evident at site-3 in monsoon season. Minimum concentration of nitrate (0.72 mg L^?1) was recorded at site-3 in summer, whereas maximum 2.7 mg L^?1 was present at site-5 in winter season. The phosphate concentration was maximum (0.52 mg L^?1) at site-5 in summer, and minimum (0.18 mg L^?1) was observed at site-4 in monsoon season. Cyanobacterial diversity was higher during all the seasons, and dominated by the species of Microcystis at all the five sampling sites.     

Phytoextraction potential of Sporobulus pyramidalis found in an abandoned battery industry environment in Nigeria

The levels of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Sb and V) in Sporobulus pyramidalis plant species from an abandoned battery industry environment were determined during the wet and dry seasons as follows: The ranges in metal concentrations during the wet and dry seasons were 0.002, 0.420, 0.036 and 36.10?µg?g^?1, respectively. The coefficients of variation for the metals during wet and dry seasons ranged between none to 151.724% and 13.838–214.935%, respectively. The results showed higher levels of the metals in S. pyramidalis during the dry than wet season. Results obtained from both wet and dry season when compared with background values, Federal Environmental Protection Agency and other international standards revealed that the plant species accumulated high levels of these heavy metals which was evident in concentrations exceeding maximum tolerable limits. The health implications of consuming this plant and any other plant or crop within this environment are discussed.     

Spatial distribution and temporal trends of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water and sediment from Songhua River, China

The spatial and temporal distributions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Songhua River, Harbin, China, were investigated. Seventy-seven samples, 42 water and 35 sediment samples, were collected in April and October of 2007 and January of 2008. The concentrations of total PAHs in water ranged from 163.54 to 2,746.25 ng/L with the average value of 934.62 ng/L, which were predominated by 2- and 3-ring PAHs. The concentrations of total 16 PAHs in sediment ranged from 68.25 to 654.15 ng/g dw with the average value of 234.15 ng/g dw, which were predominated by 4-, 5- and 6-ring PAHs. Statistical analysis of the PAH concentrations shown that the highest concentrations of the total PAHs were found during rainy season (October of 2007) and the lowest during snowy season (January of 2008). Ratios of specific PAH compounds, including fluoranthene/(fluoranthene + pyrene) (Flu/(Flu + Pyr)) and phenanthrene/(phenanthrene + anthracene) (An/(Ant + PhA)), were calculated to evaluate the possible sources of PAH contaminations. These ratios reflected pyrolytic inputs of PAHs in Songhua River water and a mixed pattern of pyrolytic and petrogenic inputs of PAHs in the Songhua River sediments. Ecotoxicological risk levels calculated for PAHs suggested that there were individual PAHs, which can less frequently cause biological impairment in some samples, but no samples had constituents that may frequently cause biological impairment. Total toxic benzo[a]pyrene equivalent of ΣcPAHs varied from 10.03 to 29.7 ng/g dw and from 0.36 to 1.92 ng/g dw for total toxic tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin equivalent. The level of PAHs indicated a low toxicological risk to this area.     

Occurrence and health risk assessment of trace heavy metals via groundwater in Shizhuyuan Polymetallic Mine in Chenzhou City,China

The Shizhuyuan Polymetallic Mine in Chen-zhou City is an important multi-metal deposit in China. After a dam accident in 1985, there are still a number of mining plants, smelters and tailing ponds in this area. These had the potential to pollute the surrounding groundwater. In this study, groundwater samples were collected from 20 residents’ wells in this area during both dry and wet seasons. In particular, this study focused on the exposure and the health risk assessment of trace heavy metal in groundwater. Multiple statistical analysis and fuzzy comprehensive method were employed to reveal the distribution characteristics of heavy metal and to assess the groundwater quality. Results indicated that Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Ba, Hg and Pb were widespread with low exposure levels. There were 19 wells with low level exposure and one well with a moderate level exposure in the dry season. All of the wells were in low level exposure during the wet season. As and Mn exhibited potential non-carcinogenic concern, because their maximum hazard quotient (HQ) was higher than 1.0. This may cause adverse health effect on adults in dry season or on children in both seasons. Only As, showed that the maximum carcinogenic risk was more than 10⁻⁴, suggesting a high cancer risk for children in both dry and wet seasons. Therefore, analysis and reduction the concentrations of As and Mn in groundwater are needed in order to protect the health of residents and especially children in the area.     

Monitoring the occurrence and distribution of selected organophosphates and carbamate pesticide residues in the ecosystem of Lake Naivasha,Kenya

Although use of pesticides is critical in agricultural production, their residues present a potential risk to non-target organisms and lower the quality of surface water. In Kenya for instance, widespread use of pesticides in the catchment of Lake Naivasha, has raised concern over the years due to possible pollution of the lake through discharge of runoff from agricultural fields. In this study, sediment, water, and fish samples were analyzed for selected pesticide residue contamination. Chlorpyrifos-ethyl (CPF) was detected in the range of 2.6–24.9 ng/ml and 6.8–35.8 ng/g dry weight (dw) in water and sediment, respectively. Meanwhile, diazinon was detected in the range of below detection limit (bdl) to 33.3 ng/ml and bdl to 9.3 ng/g dw in water and sediment, respectively. CPF was detected in fish tissues (Niloticus leucosticus) in the range of bdl to 8.9 ng/g dw with diazinon and carbofuran not detected in any fish sample. A significant difference was observed between different seasons with wet season recording higher levels. Concentrations detected varied seasonally and on average exceeded the maximum criterion set by European Union. Therefore, data generated in this study are useful in environmental risk assessment and as a baseline in formulation of mitigation measures to protect the lake from pesticides residues pollution.     

Evidence of massive river pollution in the tropical megacity Jakarta as indicated by faecal steroid occurrence and the seasonal flushing out into the coastal ecosystem

In the rapidly growing coastal megacities of developing and emerging countries, the implementation of new sewage treatment facilities is often not keeping pace with the enormous population growth, leading to a deterioration of the urban water resources. Only very few studies discuss faecal water contamination in these urban areas. Our study area Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, is such a megacity. We investigated chemical markers of faecal contamination in water and sediments from the rivers and canals flowing through Jakarta. Moreover, also the spatial distribution of faecal markers in Jakarta Bay, the coastal ecosystem that receives all urban river discharges, was assessed. The concentrations of the faecal steroid coprostanol in river water ranged from 0.45 to 24.2 µg L^?1, and in sediments from 0.3 to 400 µg g^?1, reflecting the problem of inadequate sewage treatment capacities in the city. The steroid distribution in Jakarta Bay in May 2013 as compared to dry season data indicates a flushing out of particle-associated pollutants from the urban rivers far offshore during the precedent rainy season, where the city experienced a severe flood. This flushing out of particle-associated pollutants during times of heavy rainfall as observed in our study is a pollutant transport mechanism that is important for all tropical coastal systems. The associated impacts on sensitive coastal habitats might become more severe in the future, as a consequence of the expected climate change effects on monsoon variability.     

Assessing seasonal variation of fluoride in groundwater for irrigation uses through hydro-geochemical and multivariate statistical approach

Since a considerable amount of fluoride (Fl) intake also takes place through the ingestion of foods that are grown in the contaminated soil and irrigated with elemental contaminated water, this may lead to higher risk from Fl-mediated toxicity. Therefore, in the present study, a systematic delineation and characterization of Fl in agricultural tube wells in Unnao District, India, were carried out to examine seasonal variations of this element using graphical and multivariate statistical approach. The results suggested that different natural hydro-geochemical processes such as weathering of silicates, carbonates, and various ion exchange processes are the key factors responsible for the geochemistry of the groundwater in addition to the alkalinity of water. Of the water sampled, 27.3% and 18.2% were contaminated with Fl exceeding the desirable limit of 1 mg/L as prescribed by Bureau of Indian Standards during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon season. Fluoride displayed a significant positive correlation during both seasons and the water type of the majority of the samples in both seasons was bicarbonate.     

Geological factors controlling occurrence and distribution of arsenic in groundwaters from the southern margin of the Duero Basin,Spain

Groundwater from springs and boreholes on the southern edge of the Cenozoic Duero Basin (DB) of Spain has concentrations of arsenic (As) which are commonly above the EC drinking-water limit of 10 μg/L and reach observed values up to 241 μg/L. Groundwater compositions within the sedimentary aquifer vary from Ca–HCO₃ type, variably affected by evaporation and agricultural pollution at shallow levels, to Na–HCO₃ compositions in deeper boreholes of the basin. Groundwater conditions are mainly oxidising, but reducing groundwaters exist in sub-basins within the aquifer, localised flow paths likely being influenced by basement structure. Arsenic concentrations are spatially variable, reaching up to 38 μg/L in springs of the Spanish Central System (SCS) basement aquifer and up to 62 μg/L in springs from the DB. Highest As concentrations are associated with the Na–HCO₃ compositions in deep boreholes (200–450 m depth) within the DB. These have high pH values (up to 9.6) which can give rise to associated elevated concentrations of V and U (up to 64 and 30 μg/L, respectively). In the deep borehole waters of the DB, oxidising flows derived from the mineralised igneous–metamorphic basement and discharging via major faults, and are considered the origin of the higher concentrations. Compositions are consistent with desorption of As and other anionic species from metal oxyhydroxides in an oxic environment. Under locally reducing conditions prevalent in some low-flow parts of the DB, an absence of detectable dissolved As is coincident with low or undetectable SO₄ concentrations, and consistent with loss via formation of authigenic sulphide minerals. Mitigation measures are needed urgently in this semi-arid region where provision of alternative sources of safe drinking water is logistically difficult and expensive.     

太湖典型河网区地表水与沉积物氮、磷和重金属含量空间分异

将无锡城乡交错区河网分为城镇生活区水巷、工业区主河道、农业区主河道、农业区支流和鱼塘5种类型区.通过秋季(旱季)和夏季(雨季)2次采样,研究氮、磷和Cu、Zn、Pb、Cr、Cd在地表水和沉积物中的含量及其空间变化.结果表明:(1)城乡交错区地表水氮、磷来源于生活污染和工业污染的比例大于农田,同时具有来源分散、污染面广的特征.(2)由于城镇地表径流和工业活动影响,各类型区地表水重金属含量均有不同程度提高.但地表水重金属主要沿主河道迁移,旱季和雨季主河道重金属含量均大于农业区支流,而且随着与城镇距离增加,主河道沉积物重金属含量迅速降低,重金属污染影响范围较小.(3)与重金属相比,地表水氮、磷污染仍是太湖水网区主要的环境问题.但城镇及其周围河流沉积物中富集的重金属含量很高,其潜在环境风险不容忽视.     

粤北2座饮用水源地水库的富营养化与浮游植物群落动态

粤北地区的水库以山地型水库为主,其中有不少担负着饮用水源的功能。为了解粤北地区水源地水库的富营养化状态与浮游植物种群的动态变化,于2011年的枯水期（2―3月）和丰水期（6―7月）对花山和白水礤2座中型水库进行了采样调查,对水库的营养盐和浮游植物种群进行了分析。结果表明：2座水库均为贫营养型;浮游植物在枯水期和丰水期的种类变化不大,共鉴定出的浮游植物6门37种（属）,以硅藻为主要优势种群,优势种为小环藻（Cyclotella sp.）和颗粒直链藻（Melosira granulata）。同时,枯水期和丰水期2座水库浮游植物的丰度和生物量都比较低,其值分别为0.65×106～1.95×106cells.L-1、0.11 mg.L-1和0.73×106～8.9×106cells.L-1、0.05～0.50 mg.L-1。在浮游植物种群动态中,2座水库浮游植物丰度和生物量的季节变化主要表现为硅藻丰度和生物量的变化,低浓度的氮、磷营养盐限制是影响这2座贫营养水库浮游植物动态变化主要因素。     

Bioaccumulation and regional distribution of trace metals in fish of the Tibetan Plateau

There are limited data on trace metals in the fishes of the Tibetan Plateau. In this study, 62 fish samples were collected from six alpine lakes and a river to investigate the levels and spatial variations of trace metals across the Tibetan Plateau. The concentrations of nine trace elements in fish samples were measured using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer after microwave digestion. Results showed the metal concentrations in the fish muscles had the following ranges: Cr 0.09–0.74 mg/kg, Mn 0.38–4.49 mg/kg, Ni 0.06–0.91 mg/kg, Cu 1.00–32.2 mg/kg, Zn 13.1–102.5 mg/kg, As 0.12–3.10 mg/kg, Pb 0.46–3.22 mg/kg, Ba 0.60–4.93 mg/kg, and Se 0.77–9.38 mg/kg on a dry weight basis, respectively. All the lake-averaged metal concentrations in the fish muscle were below the maximum permissible levels set by the Chinese food health criterion (GB2762-2012). The results were analyzed by multivariate statistical techniques to identify the major factors explaining the variance of metal concentrations in the alpine lakes. This work provides baseline data on metal pollution in common fish species of the Tibetan Plateau, contributing to the effective evaluation of both the environmental quality and health status of organisms in the aquatic ecosystem.     

Development of contemporary Eastern Pacific coral reefs

An overview of oceanographic conditions prevailing in the tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean suggests that the entire region is environmentally marginal for coral-reef development. The principal features of this environment are a strong, permanent, shallow thermocline and an annual north-south migration of the Intertropical Convergence resulting in wet and dry seasons. Along tropical Eastern Pacific continental margins structural coral reefs are best developed in the Gulf of Chiriquí off western Panamá. These reefs are relatively small, with reef formation taking place at a maximum depth of roughly 10 m. All of the reefs are judged to have formed since sea level approached its present height some 5,000 years ago. A study of the physical environment in the Gulf of Chiriquí revealed the following. Seasonal differences in surface temperatures were small but significant (P0.01), with the dry-season median (Md) of 28.9°C higher than the rainy season one of 28.0°C. At all times, surface-water temperatures were within the range considered optimal for coral growth. There were also significant (P<0.05) seasonal differences in the depths of the 25°, 20°, and 18°C isotherms. The first was shallowest (Md=18.5 m) during the rainy season due to vertical mixing, while the latter two were shallowest (Mds=31.5 and 33.0 m, respectively) during the dry season due to a generalized shoaling of the thermocline. All three isotherms are closely associated with the thermocline and showed remarkable variability in depth, most likely connected with internal waves. Salinities were reduced down to depths greater than 20 m and for distances of more than 50 km from the coast. Seasonal differences were slight (0.7% S) but statistically significant (P<0.01). Turbidity during the rainy season reduces the amount of light reaching the bottom at 10 m depth roughly by a factor of three compared to the dry season. Even the dry season amount is only about one half as much as would be expected to reach the same depth on the seaward reef of a Westen Pacific atoll. These conditions of cool water a short distance below the surface, reduced salinities, and high seasonal turbidity combine to make the region a poor one for coral-reef formation. The history of the Eastern Pacific coral fauna is traced from the Cretaceous to the Holocene. The present fauna is of Indo-Western Pacific origin, having become established following (1) the final closure of the connections between the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific (Pliocene), (2) movement of the northern Line Islands by sea-floor spreading into the path of the North Pacific Equatorial Countercurrent (Pliocene), and (3) the loss of all Eastern Pacific hermatypes during the Pleistocene.     

Land use change and nitrogen enrichment of a Rocky Mountain watershed.

Headwater ecosystems may have a limited threshold for retaining and removing nutrients delivered by certain types of land use. Nitrogen enrichment was studied in a Rocky Mountain watershed undergoing rapid expansion of population and residential development. Study sites were located along a 30-km transect from the headwaters of the Blue River to Lake Dillon, a major source of drinking water for Denver, Colorado. Ground water in residential areas with septic systems showed high concentrations of nitrate-N (4.96 +/- 1.22 mg/L, mean +/- SE), and approximately 40% of wells contained nitrate with delta15N values in the range of wastewater. Concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) in tributaries with residential development peaked during spring snowmelt as concentrations of DIN declined to below detection limits in undeveloped tributaries. Annual export of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) was considerably lower in residential streams, suggesting a change in forms of N with development. The seasonal delta15N of algae in residential streams was intermediate between baseline values from undeveloped streams and stream algae grown on wastewater. Between 19% and 23% of the annual N export from developed tributaries was derived from septic systems, as estimated from the delta15N of algae. This range was similar to the amount of N export above background determined independently from mass-balance estimates. From a watershed perspective, total loading of N to the Blue River catchment from septic and municipal wastewater (2 kg x ha(-1) x yr(-1)) is currently less than the amount from background atmospheric sources (3 kg x ha(-1) x yr(-1)). Nonetheless, nitrate-N concentrations exceeded limits for safe drinking water in some groundwater wells (10 mg/L), residential streams showed elevated seasonal patterns of nitrate-N concentration and ratios of DIN to total dissolved phosphorus, and seasonal minimum concentrations of nitrate-N in Lake Dillon have increased exponentially to 80 microg/L over the last decade from an initial value near zero. Results suggest that isotopic ratios in autotrophs can be used to detect and quantify increases in N enrichment associated with land use change. The biotic capacity of headwater ecosystems to assimilate increases in inorganic N from residential development may be insufficient to prevent nitrogen enrichment over considerable distances and multiple aquatic ecosystems downstream.