Grazing and ingestion rates of nauplii,copepodids and adults of the marine planktonic copepod Calanus helgolandicus

The average grazing and ingestion rates of all stages of the marine planktonic copepod Calanus helgolandicus (Calanoida) from nauplius stage IV to adults were measured experimentally at 15°C in agitated cultures. The chain-forming diatom Lauderia borealis and the unarmoured dinoflagellate Gymnodinium splendens were offered as food. The food concentrations were close to natural conditions and ranged from 36 to 101 g of organic carbon per liter. The medium body weights expressed in g of organic carbon of almost all larval stages raised at 49 g C/1 were identical with the weight of the same stages caught in the Pacific Ocean off La Jolla, California, USA. In a log-log system, grazing and ingestion rates increased almost linearly with increasing body weight. Grazing rates ranged from 4 to 21 ml/day/nauplius stage IV to 286 ml to 773 ml/day/female. Ingestion rates increased from 0.2 g to 0.8 g C/day/nauplius stage IV to 18 g to 69 g C/day/female. Grazing and ingestion rates per unit body weight decreased gradually with increasing body weight. The daily ingested amount of food decreased from 292 to 481% of the body weight (g C) of nauplius stage V to 28–85% of the body weight of adult females. Grazing and ingestion performances of all stages increased with increasing particle size. Grazing rates decreased and ingestion rates increased with increasing food concentrations. The published data on food intake of the different age groups of C. helgolandicus show that the young stages of herbivorous planktonic copepods can play a major part in the consumption of phytoplankton in the sea due to their high grazing and ingestion rates.     

Distribution and structure of heterotrophic protist communities in the northeast equatorial Pacific Ocean

The distribution and structure of heterotrophic protist communities and size-fractionated chlorophyll a were studied during the Korea Deep Ocean Study 98 (KODOS 98) research expedition (July 1998) in the northeast equatorial Pacific Ocean (5–11°N). Areas of convergence and divergence formed at the boundaries of the South Equatorial Current (SEC), North Equatorial Current (NEC), and North Equatorial Counter Current (NECC) during the expedition. Water column physicochemical characteristics significantly influenced the size structure of heterotrophic protist communities. Intense vertical mixing and high nutrient and chlorophyll a concentrations characterized SEC and NECC areas, which were affected by converging and diverging water masses, respectively. Nanophytoplankton dominated in SEC and NECC areas; both areas also had relatively high heterotrophic protist biomasses (average 743 µg C m^–2). NEC areas were characterized by a stratified vertical structure, low nutrient and chlorophyll a concentrations, and picophytoplankton dominance. The heterotrophic protist biomass in NEC areas averaged 414 µg C m^–2; nanoprotists (<20 µm) dominated the community. The nanoprotist biomass comprised 49–54% of the total heterotrophic protist biomass in SEC/NECC areas and 67–72% in NEC areas. The biomass of heterotrophic protists was higher in SEC/NECC areas than in NEC areas, but the relative importance of nanoprotists was greater in NEC areas than in SEC/NECC areas. Heterotrophic dinoflagellates were dominant components of the <20 µm and >20 µm size classes in both water columns. The biomass of heterotrophic protists significantly correlated with the net-, nano-, and picophytoplankton biomass in SEC/NECC areas and with the nano- and picophytoplankton biomass in NEC areas. Heterotrophic protists and phytoplankton also showed strong positive correlation in the study area. The size structure of the phytoplankton biomass coincided with that of heterotrophic protists; the heterotrophic protist biomass positively correlated with the protists prey source. These relationships suggest that the community structure of heterotrophic protists and the microbial food web depended on size classes within the phytoplankton biomass. Microzooplankton grazing and phytoplankton growth rates were higher in SEC/NECC areas than in NEC areas. In contrast, the potential primary production grazed by microzooplankton was relatively high in NEC areas (127.3%) compared with SEC/NECC areas (94.6%). Our results indicate that the relative importance and size structure of heterotrophic protists might vary according to two distinct water column structures.Communicated by T. Ikeda, Hakodate     

Functional feeding morphology of the euphausiid Nyctiphanes australis

The structure of the feeding basket, mandible and stomach armature of the krill Nyctiphanes australis (G. O. Sars, 1883) was examined by scanning electron microscope with the aim of predicting its diet. N. australis were collected during February 1986 and October 1986 to February 1987 in Otago Harbour, New Zealand (45° 50 S; 170° 37 E). Predictions based on the functional morphology were tested by examining stomach contents with SEM. Intersetule distances of the feeding basket (1 to 7.5 m) are finer than in other krill species, suggesting that N. australis can efficiently collect nanoplankton-sized particles (2 to 20 m). The mandibular edge index (0.74) matched the edge index of Meganyctiphanes norvegica. This indicates, in contrast to the fine feeding-basket setulation, that N. australis has a mandible resembling that of predominantly carnivorous krill species. The ratio of mandibular palp length to mandible width is 3.2±0.2, or relatively longer than the elongate palp thought to be indicative of herbivorous habit in Euphausia superba. The fine structure of the molar shows specialized surfaces which differ from those of other krill species. The internal armature of the stomach is heavily spinose, as is common in krill of herbivorous habit. Layers of various-shaped spines at differing densities were observed. The functional morphology suggests that N. australis is an opportunistic omnivore. The stomach contents tentatively support this prediction, containing fragments of phytoplankton and detrital material. However, stomach contents were generally amorphous, making identification of dietary components in the field difficult.     

Size classes and major taxonomic groups of phytoplankton at two locations in the subarctic pacific ocean in May and August, 1984

In order to assess the relative importance of the pico- and nanoplankton fractions, the composition of entire phytoplankton communities at Weathership Station P (50°N; 145°W) and at 53°N; 145°W were studied in May and August, 1984, using epifluorescence, scanning electron, and inverted light microscopy. The biomass of major taxa within five size classes was estimated from cell volume and cell concentration. For both months, approximately twothirds of the total phytoplankton carbon were contributed by cells<5 m. In May, 16% of plant biomass was contributed by cells<2 m, and in August 39%. (In both months 90% of plant carbon<2 m was contributed by the bluegreen coccoid Synechococcus spp.) Cells 2 to 5 m contributed about 39% to total plant carbon; they were mostly flagellates in May and nonmotile coccoids in August. The remaining one-third of algal carbon was composed of dinoflagellates, cryptomonads, other flagellates and diatoms, all >5 m. Very little difference between taxa was observed with respect to vertical stratification. Small taxonomic changes were observed in the community between May and August, and within each month.Contribution No. 1694 of the School of Oceanography, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA     

Paralytic shellfish poison in Spisula solidissima: Anatomical location and ozone detoxification

The surf clam Spisula solidissima, when exposed to a northern bloom of the toxic dinoflagellate Gonyaulax tamarensis, concentrates paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) and retains it for periods of over 1 year. The purpose of this investigation was to identify those tissues in which S. solidissima concentrates PSP and to examine the efficacy of ozone gas in PSP detoxification. Various levels of the toxin were found in every untreated tissue examined: the mantle and gill containing high concentrations (>1600 g/100 g tissue); the visceral mass, siphon, and foot showing less toxicity (1100 to 200 g/100 g tissue); and the adductor muscle yielding a level of toxin considered safe for human consumption (<60 g/100 g tissue). Toxic clams exposed to ozonized seawater for 2 weeks exhibited rapid detoxification in all tissues examined.This work was supported, in part, by a grant from the Massachusetts Science and Technology Foundation, Wakefield, Massachusetts 01880, USA.     

Determination of average individual dry weights and ash-free dry weights in different sieve fractions of marine meiofauna

Individual dry weights and ash-free dry weights for different meiofauna taxa from two soft bottom localities (31 and 117 m depth) in Gullmar Fjord on the Swedish west coast were determined. Samples from August 1980 and February 1981 of about 100 to 600 formalin-preserved specimens of each of the different taxa from each of four sieve fractions were weighed on a microbalance. Individual dry weights ranging from 0.12 g (nematodes in the 0.040-mm fraction) to 172 g (polythalamous, arenaceous Foraminifera in the 0.500-mm fraction) and ash-free dry weights ranging from 0.10 g (nematodes in the 0.040-mm fraction) to 37 g (polychaetes in the 0.500-mm fraction) were obtained. Great similarities were noted between corresponding values from the two stations as well as between summer and winter values. The percentage of organic matter, determined by ashing, in the body weight differed greatly among taxa. Some standard individual dry weight and ash-free dry weight values, to be used for re-calculation of abundance values into biomass, are presented.     

Nutrition studies in the nauplius larva of Calanus pacificus (Copepoda: Calanoida)

Nauplii of Calanus pacificus were raised on a mixture of algae. Details of the mouth-parts, such as denticles, labial palps and lobes, setations and structure of the masticatory teeth were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Under the experimental conditions (15°C and 300 gC l^-1), exponential growth coefficients for the period Nauplii II–VI were 0.179 for carbon and 0.228 for nitrogen. C:N ratios dropping from 5.1 to 4.7. Growth was isochronous, each stage lasting 1.5 days. Respiratory losses were 15 to 19.6% of body carbon daily. Nauplii raised on a given alga showed higher rates of ingestion in the presence of this food, compared to nauplii switched to other algae. Minimal threshold concentrations for feeding were found, depending on the size of the food offered and ranging from 5.8 gC I^-1 for Lauderia borealis (28.7 m spherical diameter) to 47.1 gC 1^-1 for Chlamydomonas sp. (11.0 m). Unlike the Copepodite I stage, Nauplii II–VI larvae were not able to ingest small cells such as Isochrysis galbana (4.3 m), or very large ones such as Ditylum brightwellii (47.5 m) at more than maintenance rations. Below the critical concentration for maximal feeding, ingestion was clearly dependent on size of the cells offered, but the size-dependent relationship was different for diatoms and non-diatoms. Filtering rates increased from a threshold concentration to a maximal rate at about 50 gC 1^-1, and decreased at higher concentrations. Critical concentrations ranged from 125 gC 1^-1 for L. borealis to 1000 gC 1^-1 for Chlamydomonas sp. Maximal daily rations ranged between 100 and 150% of body carbon.     

The distribution of herbivorous fishes on the Great Barrier Reef

The composition and functionality of ecologically important herbivorous fish assemblages were examined throughout much of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Diversity and abundance of surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), parrotfishes (Labridae) and rabbitfishes (Siganidae) were strongly associated with position on the continental shelf, whilst effects of latitude were weaker and inconsistent. Species distributions varied considerably amongst taxonomic groups; parrotfishes were mostly widespread whilst distributions of surgeonfishes were often restricted. Most inshore environments supported depauperate herbivore assemblages dominated by different taxa and functional groups compared with assemblages in offshore environments. There were also strong cross-shelf transitions in the main taxa performing each functional role. Overall, this study show that the functional contributions of herbivorous fish assemblages to important ecosystem processes and the contributing taxa vary considerably amongst different GBR environments. Additionally, the two most numerically dominant herbivores actively select detritus, not algae, supporting increasing evidence for the importance of detritus in coral reef ecology.     

Patterns of micro- and meiofaunal abundance in marine sediments,measured with the adenosine triphosphate assay

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) measurements are used to determine vertical and seasonal distributions of microorganisms and meiofauna in sediments from a 14 m-deep mud bottom in central Long Island Sound on 12 sampling dates from April 1975 to October 1976. Below the topmost 1 cm of sediment, ATP measurements can be useful in estimating and comparing standing stocks of microorganisms and meiofauna. In the top 1 cm, however, large quantities of newly settled bivalves (Yoldia limatula, Nucula annulata, and Mulinia lateralis) and juvenile polychaetes (Owenia fusiformis) in summer and fall months account for total ATP concentrations. The ATP content of individual meiofauna ranges from 1.97 ng individual copepod nauplius^-1 to 190.7±60 ng individual M. lateralis ^-1. In general, the total ATP content of individual polychaetes and bivalves is much higher than that of individuals of other groups. However, on a mg ATP per g wet or dry tissue basis, the ATP content of micro- and meiofaunal taxa are not significantly different. In addition to providing a means for comparing micro- and meiofaunal standing stocks, ATP measurements permit examination of the relative contribution of different meiofauna to the total living biomass of meiofauna in sediments. Total sediment ATP concentrations are greatest in the top 1 cm at all seasons, and decrease with increasing depth in the sediment. Annual concentrations in the topmost centimeter average 4.22 g g dry sediment^-1 and range seasonally from 1.09 to 7.64 g g dry sediment^-1. At a depth of 10 cm, values average 0.16 and range from 0.019 to 0.35 g g dry sediment^-1. High ATP concentrations in surface sediment reflect high concentrations of microorganisms and meiofauna at the sediment-water interface. The top 2 cm of sediment contain 71% of all meiofauna, with 41% occurring in the topmost cm. In general, densities are lowest in the winter and highest during the spring and summer, averaging 490 individuals 10 cm^-2, and varying from 87 to 1366 individuals 10 cm^-2. Because of wide variation in recruitment patterns of the benthos in Long Island Sound, the extremes of the range in meiofaunal densities can be observed in the same month in two different years. In order to monitor and compare standing stocks of organisms less than 1 mm in size in sediments, the ATP assay can save hours of processing time compared with alternate methods such as direct counts.     

Nutrient enrichment and the ultrastructure of zooxanthellae from the giant clam Tridacna maxima

The separate and combined effects of ammonium (10M) and phosphate (2M) on the ultrastructure of zooxanthellae (Symbiodinium sp.) from giant clams, Tridacna maxima, were examined in the field. Nitrogen addition significantly changed the ultrastructure of the zooxanthellae inhabiting the clams. After 9 mo exposure, the cross-sectional area of zooxanthellae from N-treated clams was significantly lower than that from other treatments [N=39.3 m²; C=47.9 m²; P=43.2m²; N+P=44.5 m²; (P=0.001)]. There was also a significant decrease in the size of starch bodies, especially around the pyrenoid of the zooxanthellae from N and N+P treatments [N=1.2 m²; C=2.0 m²; P=1.8 m²; N+P=1.2 m²; (P=2.08E-11)]. This presumably occurs as a result of the mobilization of organic carbon stores in response to stimulated amino acid synthesis under enriched nutrient conditions. These data strongly suggest that the symbiotic zooxanthellae of clams are limited to some extent by the availability of inorganic nitrogen, and that relatively minor changes to the nutrient loading of the water column can have substantial effects on the biochemistry of symbioses such as that which exists between clams and zooxanthellae.     

Photoinhibition at low quantum flux densities in a marine dinoflagellate (Amphidinium carterae)

Growth and photosynthetic properties of the marine dinoflagellate Amphidinium carterae Hulbert were examined under continuous illumination in batch cultures at four different irradiances between 2 and 150 E m^-2 s^-1. The slope of both cell- and Chl a-based photosynthesis versus the irradiance curves was greatest for cells grown at 15 E m^-2 s^-1. The relative Chl a values cell^-1 were 1, 1.5 and 2 for cultures grown at 150, 80 and 15 E m^-2 s^-1, respectively. A low-temperature (-196°C) fluorescence technique was used to examine cells for photoinhibiton. Photoinhibition was greatest for cells grown at 150 E m^-2 s^-1. However, significant photoinhibition of this species was noted even at 80 E m^-2 s^-1. No significant difference in the fluorescence pattern was found between cells grown at 2 and 15 E m^-2 s^-1. Time course studies indicate that photoinhibition may occur within 2 h following exposure to 350 E m^-2 s^-1 in cells grown at 15 E m^-2 s^-1 and is reversible when light levels are lowered within 4 h. The ecological significance of phytoplankton unable to cope with excess photosynthetic excitation energy is discussed.     

An apparatus for automatic counting and controlling density of pelagic food particles in cultures of marine organisms

A particle control system is described for automatic collection of samples, and determination and control of the density of particles in marine suspensions. Densities are determined electronically, allowing colourless microorganisms to be detected. Computer operated magnetic valves allow multiple cultures to be sampled, measured and fed, using compressed air and a vacuum pump. Conditions and variables, determined in the software, enable flexible adjustment to specific culture conditions. The system was applied in the cultivation of the copepod Acartia clausi Giesbrecht, using a 95 m orifice with a particle size range of 8 to 32 m. Some results are given of monitoring and controlling the density of heterotrophic flagellates as food in the copepod cultures at different conditions of temperature and autotrophic food.     

Bioavailable iron species in seawater measured by macroalga (Laminaria japonica) uptake

The bioavailability of iron in seawater filtered through a 0.025-m filter was investigated using ⁵⁹Fe-labeled iron uptake by the macroalga Laminaria japonica (Areschoug: Phaeophyta) (collected in the northern Japan Sea 1993) as an assay. About 80% of the iron in the 0.025-m filtered coastal seawater was soluble and/or small colloidal organically bound iron, associated with natural organic ligands forming complexes with ferric ion. After decomposition of the organic matter by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, 55% of the iron addition [or 0.6 nM, nearly the concentration of Fe(OH) ₂ ⁺ in equilibrium with amorphous hydrous ferric oxide in seawater at pH 8.0] in the 0.025-m filtered coastal seawater was taken up by the macroalga. Since the iron concentrations in the 0.025-m filtered coastal seawater are 0.1 to 2.0 nM and only 0.6 nM of the iron is likely available to biota over 1 to 2 d, we suggest that only small amounts of bioavailable iron exist in coastal seawater not affected by inflow from land and that a significant fraction of dissolved (<0.025 ) iron occurs in forms, such as organic iron complexes, other than the simple hydroxo-complex species predicted by thermodynamic models.     

Modification of the feeding behavior of marine copepods by sub-lethal concentrations of water-accommodated fuel oil

The feeding behaviors of Acartia clausi and A. tonsa were measured in samples of water containing low levels of a water-accommodated fraction of No. 2 fuel oil. The copepods fed normally at a hydrocarbon concentration of 70 g l^-1, but their feeding behavior was altered both quantitatively and qualitatively at a concentration of 250 g l^-1. Three types of response to the higher oil level were found. The first was total suppression of feeding. Both other types involved suppression of feeding on particles between 7 and 15 m diameter, but one showed no change in the ingestion of larger particles, whereas the other displayed increased feeding on particles larger than 15 m diameter. These results suggest that the species of Acartia studied use three different modes of feeding, each on a different size range of particulate material. Low-level hydrocarbon pollution affects each feeding mode differently.Contribution No. 973, Center for Environmental and Estuarine Studies of the University of Maryland     

Analysis of the effects of zinc pollution on the macro-invertebrate populations of the Afon Crafnant,North Wales

The study of the input draining from mine-waste into the Afon Crafnant, N. Wales, revealed that the most significant pollutant was zinc. The concentrations of zinc were monitored during 1978 and 1979, and spot samples were concentrated and analysed for lead, copper, cadmium, iron, cobalt, manganese and nickel. Analysis was by flame atomic absorption specto-scopy. The total zinc concentration of the input was about 4 mg Zn/l which was diluted by the Afon Crafnant to give mean annual concentrations of 213 g Zn/l and 146 g Zn/l for 1978 and 1979 respectively at a site 60 metres downstream of the input. The numbers of individuals and number of taxa in the macro-invertebrate community were reduced at these concentrations. The taxa affected werePhagocata vitta,Erpobdella octoculata, Oligochaeta,Ithytrichia lamellaris, Simuliidae,Ancylus fluviatilis andRithrogena semicolorata. Several commonly used diversity indices failed to show differences between the macro- invertebrate communities at the affected and control sites whereas a modified version of Chandler's Biotic Score (detailed in this paper) revealed both the acute effects at higher concentrations and the chronic effects at lower concentrations.     

Silicon and the ecology of marine plankton diatoms. II. Silicate-uptake kinetics in five diatom species

The variation of the rate of silicate uptake with varying silicate concentration in the medium was investigated in short-term experiments with the following marine diatom species:Skeletonema costatum, Thalassiosira pseudonana, T. decipiens, Ditylum brightwellii, andLicmophora sp. The uptake conformed to Michaelis-Menten kinetics only after a correction had been made for reactive silicate that apparently could not be utilized by the diatoms. The magnitude of this correction was in the range of 0.3 to 1.3 g-at Si/l. Mean values of the half-saturation constant of silicate uptake were calculated for the different species. The lowest value was found inS. costatum (0.80 g-at Si/l) and the highest inT. decipiens (3.37 g-at Si/l). Growth limitation by low silicate concentrations could be a cause of species succession in marine plankton-diatom blooms.     

Enhancement of chlorophyll a production in Gulf Stream surface seawater by synthetic versus natural rain

Rainwater concentrations of either ammonium or nitrate were sufficient to stimulate chlorophyll a (chl a) production in bioassay experiments using Gulf Stream surface water collected off North Carolina during the summer of 1991. Previous studies primarily examined inshore waters and did not address the impact of rainwater ammonium. An increase in chl a occurred within 1 d of the addition of synthetic rainwater (2 or 5% rainwater, 98 or 95% seawater) containing up to 10 M ammonium; this increase was followed by a decrease in chl a the following day. A similar response to nitrate addition (5% addition of 20 M nitrate rain) was observed. In separate experiments, natural rainwater having nitrate and ammonium concentrations less than those in the experimental synthetic rain yielded a greater chl a response than synthetic rain when added at similar dilutions (0.5 to 5.0% rain). The maximum dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentration in the enriched seawater in these bioassays was 1.8 M; prior to enrichment the maximum was < 0.4 M. Bioassay experiments begun 2 d after a major storm event (sustained NE winds with gusts to 13 m s^-1 and ca. 390 mol m^-2 inorganic nitrogen deposition from rain) showed a chl a increase in response to addition of natural rainwater, but not to synthetic rainwater with similar dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentration. These results suggest that phytoplankton stimulants, in addition to nitrate and ammonium, exist in natural rain but not in the synthetic rain used in these experiments.     

Abundance of picophytoplankton in the subsurface chlorophyll maximum layer in subtropical and tropical waters

A distinctive chlorophyll maximum was detected around 60-m depth in the western North Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea, and almost 55% of the total chlorophyll in the entire water column was found within 50 m around the subsurface chlorophyll maximum (SCM) layer. More than 70% of the chlorophyll was contained in picoplankton which passed through a 3-m Nuclepore but retained on 0.22-m Millipore filters at the SCM as well as the surface layers. By transmission electron microscopic observations, the picoplankton were identified as aChlorella-like coccoid green alga having a section size of 1.2 to 1.5 m and cyanobacteria of 0.5 to 2 m. No obvious difference in these two dominant groups was observed in the SCM and the surface samples except in numerous and heavily stacked thylakoids in the former samples.     

Electrosensory basis for individual recognition in a weakly electric, mormyrid fish, Pollimyrus adspersus (Günther, 1866)

Pollimyrus adspersus discriminates the individually variable waveforms of Electric Organ Discharges (EODs) of conspecifics of only 150–250 s duration. We examined: (1) the discrimination threshold for artificially generated EODs of similar waveform, (2) the mechanism of signal analysis (spectral vs temporal) present, by determining the discrimination between different waveforms of identical amplitude spectra, and (3) the threshold field intensity and reach of discrimination. The triphasic P. adspersus EOD waveform was artificially generated by superimposing two Gaussians, one wide, the second narrow, inverted, and of threefold amplitude. The natural variability among individual EOD waveforms was simulated by phase-shifting one Gaussian relative to the other. The symmetrical waveform where the peaks of the two Gaussians coincided was used as a reference (phase shift=0, rewarded stimulus S+). Results were: (1) in food-rewarded conditioning experiments, trained fish (N=7) detected a phase-shift in artificial EOD stimuli as low as 2 s (N=2 fish), 6 s (N=1) and 10 s (N=1). (2) All fish tested (N=3) discriminated between artificial EODs of identical amplitude spectra but different waveforms (hence, different phase spectra), demonstrating a temporal mechanism of signal analysis. (3) The maximum reach of waveform discrimination was 130 cm at 4.9 V_p-p/cm and 100 S/cm water conductivity (test signal generated at natural amplitude), that is, similar to the reach of EOD detection. Therefore, among the three kinds of electroreceptor organ present in mormyrids, we consider Knollenorgane the relevant sensory organs for EOD waveform discrimination.Communicated by J. Krause     

Background levels of soil beryllium in several countries

Beryllium and aluminium contents in uncontaminated soils from six countries are reported. The means and ranges of beryllium in the surface soils were as follows: 1.43(0.20–5.50)g g^–1 in Thailand (n=28), 0.7 (0.31–1.03) g g^–1 in Indonesia (n=12), 0.99(0.82–1.32) g g^–1 in New Zealand (n=3), 0.58(0.08-1.68)g g^–1 in Brazil (n=16), 3.52(2.49–4.97)g g^–1 in the former Yugoslavia (n=10), and 1.56(1.01–2.73) g g^–1 in the former USSR (n=8). The mean and range of beryllium contents of the surface soils in Japan (1.17(0.27–1.95)g g^–1 n=27) are situated within the values of the soils from these countries except for the Yugoslav soils derived from limestones. The mean of the mean beryllium contents of the surface soils in all these countries is 1.42 g g^–1 which will be used as a tentative average content of beryllium in uncontaminated surface soils, except for the soils derived from parent materials high in beryllium content. The beryllium contents of the subsoils were higher than those of the surface soils in New Zealand and Yugoslavia as is the case with Japan. The correlation coefficient between the contents of beryllium and aluminium in all the soil samples (n=113) including surface soils and subsoils was 0.505 (p < 0.001).