Arsenic tissue concentration of immature mice one hour after oral exposure to gold mine tailings

A potentially high bioavailability of arsenic in gold mine tailings from a site in northern California has been suggested by solubility studies. To help address this issue, an in vivo dosing study was conducted using 12dayold Swiss Webster mouse pups (n=8/group). A sample of sizefractionated mine tailings from the site (<20m particle size, 691g g^–1 arsenic) was prepared as an aqueous suspension and administered by gavage in a volume that provided 4mg As/kg body weight. The control group received the same volume of a commercial soil (1g g^–1 As) of similar particle size (<60m). No mortality or toxic signs were noted in either group. Tissue samples were collected 1h after gavage, freezedried, microwavedigested and analysed for arsenic by ICP/MS (detection limit 2ng As g^–1 dry weight). Arsenic concentrations (ng As g^–1 dry weight) in tissues from the pups who received mine tailings were significantly higher than in control tissues. The mean elevation in arsenic concentration was highest in the liver (3364% of control, p<0.0001), followed by blood (818 of control, p<0.0001), skin (207% of control, p=0.07), and brain (143% of control, p<0.0001). The carcass arsenic concentration (excluding the GI tract, liver, brain and skin) was 138 of control (p=0.02). The data indicate uptake of arsenic from weathered mine tailings by the immature mouse pups after oral exposure.     

Growth and survival of Mytilus edulis larvae exposed to low levels of dibutyltin and tributyltin

Two studies were conducted to observe effects of dibutyltin (DBT) and tributyltin (TBT) on larvae of Mytilus edulis for an exposure period of 25 d. Endpoints for evaluation were shell growth and mortality measured at 33 d. Larvae were cultured in a new laboratory assay chamber in a recirculating static test. The control, 2, 20, and 200 g/l DBT-treated populations had mean shell lengths of 527, 523, 417, and 180 m, respectively. Survival was 1% for the 200 g/l DBT-treated population, but ranged from 73 to 83% for controls, 2, and 20 g/l treatments. The no-observed-effect concentration (NOEC) was 2 g/l for DBT, while the lowest-observed-effect concentration (LOEC) was 20 g/l. The chronic toxicity value was 6.3 g/l. In the TBT bioassay, mean shell lengths for the control, 0.006, 0.050, and 0.130 g/l-treated populations were 565, 437, 385, and 292 m, respectively. Control survival was 74%, whereas TBT-treated populations survival ranged from 52 to 58%. The NOEC for TBT was 0.006 g/l TBT and the LOEC was 0.050. A chronic toxicity value of 0.017 g/l was calculated. The results of this study indicated that the toxicity of DBT was less than that of TBT. It was concluded that shell length was inversely related to exposure level in both DBT and TBT bioassays. In this study, we have observed TBT effects at lower exposure levels in the laboratory than previously reported, and also report the first data for DBT effects on mussel larvae.     

Size composition of particulate organic matter in the lagoon of Tikehau atoll (Tuamotu archipelago)

Suspended particulate matter was comprehensively investigated from 6 to 17 April 1986 in the lagoon of Tikehau atoll (15°00S; 148°10W). Dry weight (DW), particulate organic carbon (POC), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and chlorophyll a were measured for five size-classes (0.2 to 0.8 m, 0.8 to 3 m, 3 to 35 m, 35 to 200 m, and 200 to 2000 m). Taxa were identified and counted for the whole plankton (both autotrophic and heterotrophic). Particles <3 m accounted for 81% of the total POC (192 mg m^-3), and detritus comprised 82% of the total POM. Phytoplankton (cyanobacteria plus algae) accounted for 35% of the living carbon, 75% of which consisted of heterotrophic bacteria and cyanobacteria. The zooplankton biomass was composed of 31% nano-, 26% micro-, and 43% mesoplankton.     

Carbon-isotope ratio gradients in western arctic zooplankton

Zooplankton from 87 stations in the Bering, Chukchi and Beaufort Seas sampled in 1985, 1986 and 1987 showed a geographic gradient in stable carbon-isotope ratios (¹³C). The zooplankton most depleted in ¹³C were found in the central and eastern Beaufort Sea and those most enriched were from the Bering and Chukchi Seas. Average ¹³C values ranged from-20.9 to-26.7 for copepods and from-19.4 to-25.1 for euphausiids. Euphausiids show a minimum of 1.0 enrichment relative to copepods throughout the study area. Relative biomasses of the major zooplankton taxa varied significantly across the Alaskan Beaufort Sea in October 1986, with euphausiids dominating in the west and copepods in the east. These differences in taxonomic composition affected the weighted ¹³C values for total zooplankton and may produce an even more pronounced geographic gradient in zooplankton ¹³C than that found within a single taxon. The bowhead whale Balaena mysticetus migrates between wintering areas in the Bering Sea and summering areas in the Beaufort Sea and feeds over this geographic range. The zooplankton ¹³C gradient is the probable source of ¹³C oscillations found along the baleen plates of this planktivore.     

Soil Lead at Elementary Public Schools: Comparison Between School Properties and Residential Neighbourhoods of New Orleans

Soil studies, conducted in Maryland, Minnesota and Louisiana, have described the urban pattern of lead contamination. They have shown that the highest amounts of lead cluster within the interior of the largest cities. The results of the New Orleans urban patterns of distribution of soil lead provided the basis for further study. The hypothesis was tested that elementary school properties have the same pattern of soil lead contamination as their neighbouring residential communities. Thirty New Orleans Public Elementary Schools were selected for this study. Surface samples (2.5cm or 1 inch depth) were collected from playgrounds and next to entrances of each school. Results showed that soil lead on school properties follows the same relative contamination patterns (pvalue10^–5) as soil lead on residential properties of neighbouring communities. Schools however, have significantly lower lead contamination than the neighbouring residential properties. Innercity school properties present a higher risk of soil lead exposure than mid and outercity schools. Soils next to innercity school entrances showed the highest lead, with 18.5% having concentrations over 400gg^–1. Systematic landscaping around the school entrances would significantly reduce the hazard from lead dust contaminated soils.     

Primary production in Dumbell Bay in the Arctic Ocean

Photosynthesis, chlorophyll, inorganic nutrients, and related factors were measured throughout a productive season in a small coastal inlet of the Arctic Ocean. Significant production was confined to 5 m for a very limited time period beacause of both light and nutrient limitations. Maximum chlorophyll was 8.2 mg Chl a m^-3 and maximum gross and net photosynthesis rates were 830 and 550 mg C m^-2 d^-1. Annual gross and net photosynthesis is estimated at about 12 and 9 g C m^-2 respectively. The effect of light stimulation on assimilation is described, sources of coastal zone nutrient enrichment are considered, and discrepancies between gross and net photosynthesis are discussed with reference to the growth characteristics of the phytoplankton population.Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences. Contribution No. 76008     

Concentrations of Mn,Fe, Cu,Zn and Cd in the mesopelagic decapod Systellaspis debilis from the East Atlantic Ocean

Specimens of the oceanic decapod Systellaspis debilis were collected from six sites in the East Atlantic Ocean between 1970 and 1984, and were analysed for Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn and Cd. The data confirm that there are small but significant differences in mean metal concentrations from some sites which showed no obvious pattern in relation to geographic location of the samples. As a result, ranges of site means are quoted as baseline levels for each metal (g g^-1 dry wt): 2.3 to 2.9 g Mn g^-1, 31.2 to 77.8 g Fe g^-1, 25.9 to 83.4 g Cu g^-1, 41.9 to 92.9 gZn g^-1, 11.1 to 31.8 g Cd g^-1. The concentration of cadmium in S. debilis from all sites was raised relative to cadmium concentrations reported for coastal decapods, perhaps as a result of dietary enrichment. Metal accumulation may provide useful information for understanding the complex feeding behaviour of many oceanic animals.     

Effect of daylight variations on the energy budgets of shallow-water corals

Energy budgets were determined for small pieces (nubbins) of the coralsPocillopora damicornis, Montipora verrucosa andPorites lobata living at a water depth of 3 m on the fringing reef of Coconut Island, Kaneohe, Hawaii. The budgets were determined for three different types of day: an ideal day with no cloud and an in situ daily integrated irradiance at 3 m of 14.385 E m^–2 d^–1; a normal day with sporadic cloud cover and daily irradiance of 11.915 E m^–2 d^–1; and an overcast day with daily irradiance of 6.128 E m^–2 d^–1. On the ideal day, the energy fixed in photosynthesis was more than that required for respiration and growth of both zooxanthellae and animal components of the association, and there was a predicted loss of between 19.3 and 32.4% of the energy fixed. On a normal day, the total photosynthetic energy fixation was lower and the excess was between 12.1 and 27.9% of the energy fixed. On the overcast day, however, in bothPocillopora damicornis andPorites lobata energy expenditure exceeded photosynthetic energy fixation and the budget was in deficit. Estimates of rate of mucus secretion on an overcast day were derived and, when incorporated into the energy budget, it was predicted that all three species would have a deficit budget, necessitating the catabolism of lipid reserves. From published values for lipid storage in these species it was calculated that the reserves would last from 28 d inPocillopora damicornis to 114 d inM. verrucosa. A model is suggested in which corals draw upon their extensive lipid stores on days of sub-optimal light, replenishing the reserves again when daily light levels are high, and finally excreting the excess energy fixed, as mucus-lipid when the lipid stores are replete.     

Aqua regia extractable trace elements in surface soils of venezuela

Surface soils (0–15 cm) were sampled at 10–20 km intervals along two transects in Venezuela. One (1162 km, 70 samples) ran west to east parallel with the Caribbean coastline, the other (920 km, 92 samples) ran south to north from the frontier with Brazil to the Caribbean shore. Sampling took place in both a wet and a dry season. Trace metals were extracted from dried, sieved (<2 mm) soil with boiling aqua regia followed by analysis by ICP or flame AAS. Metal values did not differ significantly between the two seasons and dates were averaged. Geometric mean values for the west–east transect were: Cr=41.5, Cu 17.9, Cs 3.6, Li=13.9, Mn=294, Ni=21.3, Pb=17.4, Sr=39.4, V=60.4 and Zn = 83.7g g^–1, respectively. Similarly, for the south–north transect Cr=21.3, Cu=4.3, Cs=1.1, Li=2.0, Mn=55.7, Ni=4.4, Pb=6.1, Sr=13.3, V=28.2 and Zn=16.7g g^–1, respectively. A classification of samples by lithology showed surface soil composition to be related to rock composition. Metal values were low in the soils in the south of the country, in the Guyana highlands (Gran Sabana). Low Zn contents were prevalent. Lead contents were affected by roadside fallout from vehicles using leaded petrol except that high Pb contents of soils in the Gran Sabana were of more complex origin.     

Primary productivity and sizes of pools of organic carbon in the mixed layer of the ocean

We estimated primary productivity and distributions of carbon in the phytoplankton, micro-zooplankton, and suspended and dissolved matter in various areas of the World Ocean to increase our information about the organic carbon cycle in the surface layer of the sea. Primary productivity ranged from about 0.1 gC m^–2 day^–1 in the Gulf of Mexico to 9 gC m^–2 day^–1 in nutrient-rich water off Peru. Phytoplankton carbon ranged from less than 10 g/l in the former to 750 g/l in the latter and in nutrient-rich water off southwest Africa. Micro-zooplankton carbon usually was less than 50 g/l in all waters, and was dominated by ciliates, copepodids, and copepod nauplii in all areas. Concentrations of particulate carbon ranged from 12 g/l off the east coast of South America to 850 g/l off southwest Africa. Concentrations of dissolved organic carbon varied between 0.5 and 1.5 mg/l in all areas except off Peru, where maximum values of 4.5 mg/l were observed. Turnover rates of carbon by small standing crops of micro-flagellates (1 to 5 longest dimension) and dinoflagellates in nutrient-poor waters were lower than those by large standing crops of diatoms and micro-flagellates in nutrient-rich waters. Concentrations of phytoplankton usually accounted for 20 to 55% and micro-zooplankton for 2 to 30% of the particulate carbon in the surface layer of the sea. Concentrations of dissolved organic carbon were not related to concentrations of particulate carbon in most waters except off Peru, where they appear to be directly related.     

Lead and cadmium in urban allotment and garden soils and vegetables in the United Kingdom

In order to assess the intake of lead and cadmium by consumers of home grown vegetables in urban areas, replicated experimental plots of uniform size, comprising summer and winter crops, were established in 94 gardens and allotments in nine towns and cities in England.The geometric mean lead and cadmium concentrations for the soils (n = 94) were 217 g g^–1 (ranging from 27 to 1,676 g g^–1) and 0.53 g g^–1 (<0.2–5.9 g g^–1), respectively. Compared with agricultural soils, the garden and allotment soils contained elevated levels of lead but not cadmium.Lead concentrations in the vegetables ranged from <0.25 g g^–1 to 16.7 g g^–1 dry weight and cadmium concentrations ranged from <0.025 g g^–1 to 10.4 g g^–1 dry weight. Lead concentrations were higher than reported background levels, although <1% exceeded the statutory limit for saleable food in the UK (1 g g^–1 fresh weight). Cadmium concentrations were generally similar to background levels.     

Isotopic characterization of atmospheric nitrogen inputs as sources of enhanced primary production in coastal Atlantic Ocean waters

Current estimates indicate that atmospheric nitrogen deposition is responsible for 26 to over 70% of new nitrogen (N) input to North Carolina estuaries and coastal waters. Concentrations of N in coastal rainfall events in a 2-yr period (August 1990 to 1992) ranged from 0.7 to 144 M for NO ₃ ^- and 0.5 to 164 M for NH ₄ ⁺ . The ¹⁵N values of the NO ₃ ^- and the NH ₄ ⁺ were determined in 15 rain events. NH₄ ⁺ values averaged-3.13 (range:-12.5 to+3.6), while NO ₃ ^- plus dissolved organic N fractions had an average ¹⁵N of+1.0 (range:-2.0 to+4.7). The uptake of this isotopically light N into particulate N, in parallel with primary productivity and biomass (as chlorophyll a) determinetions, was examined in microcosm and mesocosm bioassays. As phytoplankton productivity and biomass increased with added rainwater N, the ¹⁵N of particulate N decreased. To investigate the effects of significant atmospheric N loading with stable isotope tracers, we measured the ¹⁵N of the>1 m fraction from surrounding coastal waters. Owing to the episodic nature of atmospheric deposition and the great variation in N loading with each event, a simple assessment of the atmospheric contribution was not possible. During a period in which rainfall inputs were significant and frequent (August 1992), ¹⁵N values were several more negative than during periods of drought (Fall 1990). These experiments and observations emphasize the contribution of atmospheric nitrogen deposition to new production in coastal waters.     

Environmental Geochemistry of Soils and Waters of Susaki Area, Korinthos, Greece

Soil and water samples were collected from the Susaki area of Korinthos and analysed for heavy metals in order to evaluate their environmental impact. The geology of the studied area includes ultrabasic rocks and Neogene and Quaternary deposits whereas magnesite veins are found within the ultrabasic rocks. In the north part of the studied area post volcanic emissions of H₂S, CO₂ and H₂O vapor continue to the present day. All the samples were analysed for heavy metals by the ICP method. The element ranges (in g g^–1) for soil samples are: Cu 11–63, Pb 5–256, Zn 21–604, Ni 183–2665, Co 12–124, Mn 456–1434, As 5–104, Sr 44–730, V 21–84, Cr 163–2346, Ba 48–218, Zr 3–41, Y 3–13. The metals Pb, Zn, Ni, Co, Cr, Fe, Cu, Mn, As and Sr are enriched in the Susaki soils. The element ranges for water samples are: Cu 65–103ppb, Pb<10ppb, Zn<5ppb, Ni 21–163ppb, Co 2–12ppb, As<30ppb, Cr<20ppb, Ba 36–785ppb, Sb<10ppb, W<10ppb, Bi<30ppb, Mn 0.0–0.9 g g^–1, Fe 0.01–0.22 g g^–1, Na 843–3076 g g^–1, K 98–278 g g^–1, Si 39–65 g g^–1, P 0.1–0.2 g g^–1. There is a natural pollution of soils with elevated concentrations of Ni, Co, Mn, Fe and Cr due to the presence of ultrabasic rocks. Another natural case of As pollution of soils is due to the volcanic activity and the geothermal field in the area. The geochemical data of ground waters and also the ¹⁸, D data showed a mixing in different proportions between sea water and meteoric water.     

Environmental Accumulation of Airborne Fluorides in Romania

The nature and extent of pollution from an aluminium smelter and a fertiliser factory in Romania were studied. These are large industrial complexes, and both types of industry are known to release fluorides into the atmosphere. In grass samples collected from around the aluminium smelter, the maximum fluoride levels were found to be 4023mgkg^–1 and 162mgkg^–1 in unwashed and washed grass samples respectively, and 89mgkg^–1 in soils. For the fertiliser factory, the maximum levels in washed grasses were found to be 207mgkg^–1, and 11mgkg^–1 in the soils. In both locations, these maximum values were obtained in samples collected from within 200m of the factory limits, and compare with regional background levels of less than 10mgkg^–1 for grasses and 2mgkg^–1 for soils. The high fluoride levels of fluoride in the grasses are sufficient to give cause for concern for the effects that these could have on the local population and on grazing animals.     

Effect of inhibitors of carbonic anhydrase activity on photosynthesis in the red alga Soliera filiformis (Gigartinales: Rhodophyta)

The effect of light intensity, pH and carbonic anhydrase (CA) inhibitors on photosynthesis of the red marine macroalgae Solieria filiformis (Kützing) Gabrielson, collected from Taliarte (Gran Canaria, Canary Islands) in 1991, has been investigated. Plants taken from the sea (wild phenotype) developed spherical morphology (ball phenotype) after 2 mo culture in aerated tanks. The photosynthetic oxygen evolution in the wild phenotype was saturated at 100 mol photons m^-2s^-1, while the ball phenotype displayed saturation at 200 mol photons m^-2s^-1. The inhibitors of total CA activity (6-ethoxizolamide) and extracellular CA activity (dextran-bound sulfonamide) inhibited photosynthesis at pH 8.2, to 90 and 50% respectively, in both phenotypes. No inhibition of the photosynthetic oxygen evolution was detected at pH 6.5. CA activity was associated with both supernatant and pellet fractions of crude extracts of S. filiformis. The rate of alkalization of the medium by the algae was dependent on light intensity. We suggest that carbon dioxide is the general form of inorganic carbon transported across the plasmamembrane in S. filiformis. HCO₃ transport into the cell takes place simultaneously by an indirect mechanism (dehydration to CO₂ catalyzed by CAext) and by direct uptake. Extracellular (CAext) and intracellular (CAint) CAs are involved in the mechanisms of inorganic carbon assimilation by S. filiformis.     

Temporal variation and distribution of trace metals in freshwater and fish from Calabar River, S.E. Nigeria

An investigation on the abundance and distribution of trace metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Cr, Cd and Pb) in water, and nine species of fish samples from Calabar river was carried out in 1992. The concentrations of iron (6000–7240gl^–1), zinc (4910–7230gl^–1), and cadmium (3–7gl^–1) showed moderate pollution while those of copper (420–630gl^–1), manganese (23–48gl^–1), chromium (<10–20gl^–1) and lead (<1–10gl^–1) in water were well below WHO permissible levels. Significant seasonal changes (0.001p0.25) were obtained for iron, copper, zinc, manganese and cadmium in water. Furthermore, iron, zinc and cadmium showed statistically significant spatial changes (0.005p0.10). Of the nine fish species studied, no statistically significant relationship between body weight and the concentrations of the metals was observed. The concentrations of the metals per mean total body weight apparently decreases in the order Fe>Zn>Cu>Mn>Pb>Cd=Cr and were within the limits that were safe for consumption.     

Amino acid uptake and respiration by marine heterotrophs

The concentration and turnover of dissolved free amino acids were measured in samples from 25 and 100 m on three occasions at a station 6 miles off the California (USA) coast. Individual amino acid concentrations varied from undetectable (<0.05 g/l) to 3 g/l, the total amino acid concentration from 1.8 to 8.5 g/l. The greater concentration of total amino acids was always found at 25 m. The predominant amino acids were serine, lysine, aspartate, glutamate and alanine; reliable analyses could not be made for glycine because of a high blank. For the 10 individual amino acids studied, the rate of heterotrophic turnover ranged from undetectable to 1.2 g/l day^-1; serine, aspartate, alanine and glutamate showed the highest rates. In samples from 25 m, the rates were 15 to 20 times higher than those taken from 100 m. The total calculated flux of the amino acids studied varied from 0.015 to 3.2 g/l day^-1 and amounted to 1–10% of photosynthetic carbon dioxide fixation.     

Evaluation of Public Housing Lead Risk Assessment Data

A unique data set from lead risk assessments performed on 67 public housing developments from across the United States was made available for analyzes. The data set includes results of lead analysis from 5906 dust wipes and from 1222 soil samples. A total of 487 dwelling units in these developments, as well as associated common areas, were sampled, all by the same team of inspectors. The number of dwelling units within a development that were sampled reflected the guidelines then in force, the 1990 Interim HUD Guidelines, rather than those specified in the 1995 Guidelines. Median dust lead loadings for floors, 151gm^–2 (14gft^–2), and window sills, 936gm^–2 (87gft^–2), were much less than former HUD limits of 1076gm^–2 (100gft^–2) and 5380gm^–2 (500gft^–2), respectively and are only about one-third of the recently established limits of 431gm^–2 (40gft^–2) and 2690gm^–2 (250gft^–2). In contrast, the median lead loading for window troughs, 8560gm^–2 (795gft^–2), was almost identical to the HUD clearance limit of 8610gm^–2 (800gft^–2). There was a strong positive correlation between floor and window trough lead loading values for samples from the same dwelling units and those from common areas of the housing developments. Door threshold samples, which may reflect conditions exterior to the dwelling unit, were collected from 53 dwelling units. Median lead loading levels of these samples were more than ten times higher than those in floor samples from the same dwelling units, were about the same as window sill samples and about one-half of levels in window trough samples. Composite sample results, simulated by averaging results from four samples within a dwelling unit, revealed that in order to have the same rate of excedence of standards, the composite standards would have to be reduced, for example, from the single sample value of 1076gm^–2 (100gft^–2) to 527gm^–2 (49gft^–2) for floor samples and from the single sample value of 8610gm^–2 (800gft^–2) to 5160gm^–2 (479gft^–2) for window troughs. For this public housing data set, the portion of the units in developments containing more than 225 units which exceeded the established limit for window samples was the same when using either the full data set or a random one-half of the data set. This suggests that, for this data set, the number of dwelling units sampled was excessive . Thus, the required increase in the number of dwelling units to be sampled specified in the 1995 Guidelines for developments with more than 225 dwelling units, may not have been necessary if this data set is representative of public housing developments in the United States.     

Reproductive biology of commercially exploited deep-water royal red prawns (Haliporoides sibogae,Solenoceridae) in south-east Australia

Deep-water royal red prawns (Haliporoides sibogae de Man, 1907; Solenoceridae: Penaeidea) were sampled from commercial catches off south-east Australia between November 1988 and May 1990. Four stages of sexual development were distinguished macroscopically for each sex. For the females, histology and analysis of oocyte size were used to validate the macroscopic staging of ovaries into undeveloped, developing, early ripe and ripe. Females were larger than males, reaching a maximum size of 46 mm carapace length (CL) compared to 32 mm CL for males. Average size at sexual maturity was 30.8 mm CL for females and 25.8 mm CL for males. Females apparently breed several times in their life, whereas males probably breed only once. Individual fecundity (ranging from about 58 000 to 140 000 oocytes) was relatively low compared with other penaeids, but oocytes were larger (mean diameter=0.41 mm). Two short breeding seasons occurred per year (February to April and July to August). There was a clear size-related latitudinal distribution of the prawns, with largr prawns (spawners) being more abundant in the northern region of the fishing area, and juveniles (CL20 mm) being more abundant in the south. Most of the spawning stock probably lies outside the main fishing ground, while the fishery targets mainly prawns below the size at maturity.     

Stable isotope and biochemical fractionation in the marine pelagic food chain: the jellyfish Pelagia noctiluca and net zooplankton

In our field study we analyzed the C and H isotopic and biochemical (C, N, P, protein, lipid, carbohydrate) composition of the jellyfish Pelagia noctiluca (collected from the Gulf of Trieste in 1985 to 1986) and its presumed diet-net zooplankton. The mean ¹³C (-18.8) and D (-58.4) ratios of P. noctiluca showed enrichment in heavy isotopes relative to net zooplankton (2 for carbon and 30 for hydrogen). Both the jellyfish and net zooplankton were characterized by a linear correlation between ¹³C and D. C. N, P, protein, lipid, and carbohydrate contents of P. noctiluca were low on a dry weight basis as compared to net zooplankton. Significantly lower C:N and C:P ratios were found in jellyfish indicating a greater loss of carbon relative to nitrogen and phosphorus along the passage to a higher trophic level. Isotopic and biochemical evidence indicate that, though collected in nearshore waters, P. noctiluca depended on autochthonous marine organic matter.