Spatial and seasonal differences in the fish fauna in the shallows of a large Australian estuary

Samples of fish were collected by beach seine throughout the shallow waters of the large Peel-Harvey estuarine system (south-western Australia) in the wet (June to November) and dry periods (December to May) between August 1979 and July 1981. The number of species, density and biomass declined with distance from the estuary mouth and rose with increasing temperature and salinity. Both classification and ordination distinguished the faunal composition of the saline reaches of the rivers from that of the narrow Entrance Channel and two large basins (Peel Inlet and Harvey Estuary). Classification also separated the fauna of the riverine group into wet- and dry-period components, and divided samples taken in the Entrance Channel from those in the basins. Differences between the faunal composition of the Peel Inlet and its tributary rivers were related to differences in salinity regime. The riverine fauna was subjected to much more variable and lower minimum salinities. Species characteristic of the rivers included teleosts such as Atherinosoma wallacei and Amniataba caudavittatus, which are estuarine sensu stricto in southwestern Australia, the semi-anadromous Nematalosa vlaminghi and juveniles of the marine Mugil cephalus. The species diagnostic of the wet periods in the rivers were the estuarine species A. wallacei and Favonigobius suppositus, while the dry periods were characterised by the marine species Atherinomorus ogilbyi and Sillago schomburgkii. Marine species also characterised the Entrance Channel (Favonigobius lateralis, Sillago bassensis), whereas the indicators in Peel Inlet and Harvey Estuary were Hyporhamphus regularis and Apogon rueppellii, both of which can pass through the whole of their life cycle in estuarine as well as marine environments.     

Ecological responses to reductions in freshwater supply and quality in South Africa’s estuaries: lessons for management and conservation

Fresh water, a fundamental element of all estuarine ecosystems, is South Africa’s most limited natural resource. Recent projections indicate that by the year 2020 the country will be utilizing all its exploitable freshwater sources. Steeply increasing demands by a rapidly growing population on this limited commodity have already resulted in a severe reduction of water supplies to natural users such as estuaries — this trend is predicted to increase in the future. Concurrent with excessive water abstraction, poor land husbandry (e.g. soil erosion) in many catchment basins and pollution (e.g. salinization) in return flows have led to a serious deterioration in water quality. In contrast, a review of estuarine responses to varying flow regimes stresses the strong dependence of local systems on riverine fresh water inputs of adequate quantity and quality. Freshwater dependence is i.a. expressed in: flooding events that scour accumulated sediments, riverine nutrient input to drive estuarine phyto- and zooplankton production, axial salinity gradients that increase habitat and species diversity, and maintenance of open tidal inlets that prevent salinity and temperature extremes and facilitate larval exchange, fish migrations and tidal flushing of salt marshes. Thus, estuarine conservation will have to encompass management of rivers and watersheds and play an increasingly political role in decision processes concerning water allocations among ‘human’ and ‘natural’ users.     

The degradation of plastic litter in rivers: Implications for beaches

Polythene sheeting is a major litter component on estuarine beaches and river banks. Sanitary towel backing strips, which are one of the commonest items of sewage related debris found on beaches, enter the riverine system via combined sewer overflows. Investigations on these items, positioned at natural riverine stranding levels, showed that after an initial rapid breakdown little further loss of tensile strength occurred. Experiments carried out on backing strips, buried in the bank suspended from a tree and tethered to the bank, showed significant change. Buried samples retained the greatest tensile strength retention, dropping no lower than 90 %, the other samples showed similar retention rates at 80%. The difference is probably due to photodegradation as biodegradation effects were minimal. Probably, the longevity of such plastics is a major reason for their abundance and widespread distribution both on river banks and beaches.     

Modelling semi-aquatic vertebrates’ distribution at the drainage basin scale: The case of the otter Lutra lutra in Italy

Modelling habitat suitability of semi-aquatic vertebrates for large scale conservation purposes is a particularly challenging task, due to the fine-scale linearity of riverine habitats, and to the ecological continuum represented by the riparian and the aquatic ecosystems, on one side, and by a river and its tributaries, on the other.     

An improved technique for the determination of organic phosphorus in sediments and soils by 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Knowledge of organic phosphorus (P) species quantity and distribution in sediments and soils is needed to determine the potential for aquatic and terrestrial organism growth. This can be achieved with ³¹P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), but resolving peaks within spectra can be problematic because of broadening via paramagnetics, which can cause peaks to overlap. We compared ³¹P NMR spectra of NaOH-EDTA extracts of three sediments and three soils to those that had first been pre-treated with Ca-EDTA-dithionite to remove Fe and Mn, paramagnetics that cause broadening of peaks, but leave organic P alone. Broadening of peaks in Ca-EDTA-dithionite pre-treated samples decreased by 46% and revealed peaks that were hidden compared to untreated samples. The spectrum of one pre-treated soil was similar if not better than the same soil that had received pre-treatment with Chelex resin (also to remove paramagnetics). Therefore, pre-treatment with Ca-EDTA-dithionite is recommended as a simple and cost-effective method for improving organic P idenTIFication and determination in subsequent NaOH-EDTA extracts of sediments and soils rich in Fe and Mn.     

Effects of river-flow regulation on anuran occupancy and abundance in riparian zones

The natural flow regimes of rivers worldwide have been heavily altered through anthropogenic activities, and dams in particular have a pervasive effect on riverine ecosystems. Flow-regulation effects of dams negatively affect species diversity and abundance of a variety of aquatic animals, including invertebrates and fishes. However, the effects on semiaquatic animals are relatively unknown. We conducted anuran calling surveys at 42 study locations along the Broad and Pacolet Rivers in South Carolina to address the potential effects of flow regulation by damming on anuran occupancy and abundance. We estimated occupancy and abundance with Program PRESENCE. Models incorporated distance upstream and downstream from the nearest dam as covariates and urbanization pressure as an alternative stressor. Distance from dam was associated with occupancy of 2 of the 9 anuran species in our analyses and with abundance of 6 species. In all cases, distance downstream from nearest dam was a better predictor of occupancy and abundance than distance upstream from nearest dam. For all but one species, distance downstream from nearest dam was positively correlated with both occupancy and abundance. Reduced occupancy and abundance of anurans likely resulted from downstream alterations in flow regime associated with damming, which can lead to reduced area of riparian wetlands that serve as anuran breeding habitat. Our results showed that damming has a strong negative effect on multiple anuran species across large spatial extents and suggest that flow regulation can affect semiaquatic animals occupying riparian zones.     

Bryophyte responses to microclimatic edge effects across riparian buffers.

Although riparian buffers are an important aspect of forest management in the boreal forest of Canada, little is known about the habitat conditions within buffers, due in part to complex edge effects in response to both the upland clearcut and the stream. We investigated microclimatic conditions and bryophyte growth and vitality in seven locations between the stream edge and 60 m into the upland undisturbed conifer forests and at the clearcut sites with riparian buffer 30 km northwest of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. We hypothesized that the growth and vitality of a pleurocarpous moss, Hylocomium splendens, and an acrocarpous moss, Polytrichum commune, would be directly related to the microclimatic gradients detected. We further hypothesized that sensitivity of the bryophytes to environmental factors will vary depending on their life form type, i.e., pleurocarpous moss will respond differently than the acrocarpous moss. Both bryophyte species were transplanted in pots and placed at 10-m intervals along 60-m transects perpendicular to the stream across the buffer and undisturbed sites. Bryophyte growth, cover, and vitality, as well as microclimatic parameters and plant cover, were measured over the summer in 2003. The riparian buffers were simultaneously affected by microclimatic gradients extending from both the clearcut edge and the riparian-upland ecotonal edge. Both bryophyte species responded to changes in the microclimatic conditions. However, vapor pressure deficit (VPD) was the most important factor influencing the growth of H. splendens, whereas for P. commune growth soil moisture was most important. Our study confirms earlier findings that interior forest bryophytes such as H. splendens can be used as indicators to monitor edge effects and biodiversity recovery following forest harvesting. We demonstrate that growth and vitality of these bryophytes reflect the prevailing near-ground microclimatic conditions at the forest edges. Abundance estimates of such bryophytes can be used to determine the depth of edge effects across both ecotonal edges (e.g., riparian-upland forest edge) and anthropogenically created edges (e.g., clearcut edge). Forest management practices must consider depth of edge in determining the appropriate width of riparian buffers that would be necessary to sustain biodiversity and associated values at the land/water interface.     

外加碳源及沉水植物对沉积物各形态磷的影响

以原沉积物（处理1）和添加0.4%葡萄糖（碳源,处理2）的沉积物作为底质培养狐尾藻,采用室内模拟实验,研究了外加碳源及沉水植物对沉积物有机和无机磷形态的影响。结果表明：随着培养时间的延续,狐尾藻的生长促进了沉积物中磷的释放,其衰退增加了沉积物中磷的沉积;沉水植物对磷的不同赋存形态的影响并不相同,其中对无机磷形态中的Fe/Al-P和有机形态磷中的活性有机磷有显著的影响（p〈0.05）,而对其它形态磷的影响没有表现出统计差异;无论有无种植沉水植物,外加碳源可促进了沉积物Fe/Al-P和有机磷释放,增加了Ca-P固定;外加碳源显著提高了有机磷中活性有机磷的质量分数（p〈0.05）,降低了稳定性有机磷的质量分数,而种植沉水植物可显著降低活性有机磷质量分数。说明碳源和沉水植物对沉积物中磷形态分布有重要影响。     

Comparison of the bioavailability of Cr and Fe bound with natural colloids of different origins and sizes to two marine bivalves

Recent studies have demonstrated the significant role of colloidal microparticles or macromolecules in the biogeochemical cycling of trace metals in aquatic environments. In this study, the influences of different colloidal organic carbon (COC) concentrations, colloidal sizes and colloidal origins (estuarine vs coastal) on the bioavailability of two trace metals (Cr and Fe) to the green mussel Perna viridis and the clam Ruditapes philippinarum were examined under laboratory conditions. Natural colloids were isolated by cross-flow ultrafiltration and were radiclabeled with ⁵⁹Fe and ⁵¹Cr before being exposed to the mussels and clams. The uptake of colloid-bound Cr and Fe was compared with the uptake of low molecular weight complexed metals (<1 kDa). Both natural colloid-bound Cr and Fe were bioavailable to the green mussels and clams. The uptake of both colloidal Cr and Fe by the two bivalves was much higher than that of their counterparts in a low molecular weight fraction, implying that colloidal binding enhanced considerably the bioavailability of Cr and Fe to the bivalves. The magnitude to which Cr uptake was enhanced, due to its binding with colloids, was much greater than that of Fe. There was no significant difference in the measured dry weight concentration factor of the metals between the two COC concentrations. Similarly, the COC concentration did not influence metal uptake when all the experiments were considered together. There was generally no major difference in the metal bioavailability between the two different sizes of colloids isolated from the coastal waters (1–10 kDa and 10 kDa-0.2 μm), whereas metals bound with the larger size colloids isolated from the estuarine waters were more bioavailable than metals bound with the smaller size colloids. The bioavailability of Cr and Fe bound with the colloids from estuarine waters was generally lower than those bound with colloids from the coastal waters. This study demonstrated that the geochemical properties of colloids (origin) and the chemical properties of metals are critical in affecting the bioavailability of colloid-bound metals to marine bivalves. Published online: 21 June 2002     

杭州城市及其边缘区湿地磷化学特征的研究

对杭州城市及其边缘区湿地土壤的磷形态组成、固磷能力和释放潜力等方面进行了初步的研究。结果表明,杭州城市及边缘地区的湿地由于受人类影响的不同及所处环境的差异,性质已有很大的分异。城区的西湖、水塘和河流底泥中磷的积累、磷的饱和度和零吸附磷平衡浓度均明显高于城市边缘地区的湿地;湿地土壤中的磷主要呈不稳定、或亚稳定态,可提取态磷约占总磷的80%,62%的湿地土壤磷饱和度在25%以上。最大磷吸附量的大小主要与湿地中无定形氧化铁、铝含量有关。零吸附时磷的浓度(EPC)较高,在0.10~2.48mg·L-1之间,具有较强的释放潜力。半透膜渗析法测得的磷释放量与磷积累呈正相关,但当磷饱和度超过25%时,其磷释放量显著增加。研究表明杭州市及其边缘区湿地土壤磷已普遍达到较高水平,这在一定程度上影响磷净化功能的正常发挥。     

Distribution and behaviour of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in subtropical river estuary,Okinawa, Japan

Surface water samples were collected along the salinity gradient of Manko estuary in Okinawa, Japan, between January and November 2012, to examine spatial and temporal variability in the distribution, composition, behaviour, and sources of particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Concentrations of total particulate PAHs ranged from 169.7?ng?g^?1 at riverine station (N1) in November 2012 to 922?ng?g^?1 at another riverine station (K3) in May 2012. Based on observed environmental behaviour, particularly relationships to organic matter, the PAHs appear divisible into two groups: group I (low molecular weight) PAHs were characterised by low particles affinity and strong correlations with a pool of autochthonous organic matter (e.g. high concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids), reflecting processes controlling their delivery to the estuary; and, in contrast, group II (high molecular weight) PAHs were characterised by high particles affinity and exhibited estuarine distribution primarily controlled by suspended solid load and inputs from terrigenous sources through river inflows. This relationship, coupled with isomer ratios indicative of combined mixed sources from petroleum and petroleum combustions, indicates that terrestrial run-off is the dominant mode of delivery of particulate PAHs in the estuary. The relationships between distinct groups of PAHs and lipid biomarkers demonstrated in this study suggest that very specific pools of particulate organic matter, as opposed to concentrations of particulate organic carbon alone, can be important in the transport and fate of hydrophobic contaminants.     

Population dynamics of vibrio species in the river Narmada at Jabalpur

Several studies on the presence and ecology of various Vibrio sp have been reported in coastal and estuarine waters throughout the world, but there is trifling information available on the distribution of this organism of colossal pathogenic potential in the fresh water riverine environment. Thus, we conducted a multiyearenvironmental study to scrutinize the occurrence of members of genus Vibrio in the largest west flowing river of the Indian subcontinent, which is also the largest river of central India, the Narmada. Statistical analysis was done to reveal major environmental factors controlling the presence of Vibrio sp in the river Narmada. Monthly field samplings were conducted between January 2002 and December 2003 at four different sites in Jabalpur (MP), India. At each site, water samples were taken and physicochemical and bacteriological parameters were measured. The identity of the isolates was confirmed by employing 16S rRNA analysis. The organisms were found to be widely distributed in the river with regular seasonal variations. The density of Vibrio was found to be correlated with temperature, coliforms and other heterotrophic bacteria. Water temperature accounted for most of the variability in the concentration of Vibrio spAs typical fecal pollution indicators may not access public health risk from potential pathogens such as vibrios, hence special monitoring programme for vibrios may adequately be included in the water quality management.     

Responses of phytoplankton and periphytic diatoms to environmental factors in a tropical riverine reservoir北大核心CSCD

Riverine reservoirs have a short water retention time, which is ecologically more similar to that of rivers. Generally, phytoplankton-based approaches are used for lakes and periphytic diatom-based approach for rivers. To understand the differences in the responses of phytoplankton and periphytic diatoms to environmental variables for riverine reservoirs, we collected periphytic diatom samples on artificial substrata as well as phytoplankton samples from a tropical reservoir with a resident time less than 10 days. Our results showed that 131 phytoplankton species and 138 periphytic diatoms were detected; the variation of phytoplankton community was mainly reflected by the dominant species with a strong response to the environmental variables at a time scale, whereas the variation of periphytic diatom community was noted in both the species composition and the dominant species, with a strong response at spatial-temporal scales. The multivariate regression analysis and redundancy analysis showed that environmental factors have higher explanations for the variance of the periphytic diatom community (R2 = 0.27). Temperature was the key explanatory variable for phytoplankton, planktonic diatoms and periphytic diatoms (P < 0.01). However, dissolved oxygen and nitrate were also detected as significant explanatory factors associated with periphytic diatom community (P < 0.01). Thus, the periphytic diatoms were concluded to be more sensitive to environmental change and were associated with more environmental variables than phytoplankton. Periphytic diatoms appear to provide more ecological information than phytoplankton for riverine reservoirs. © 2018 Science Press. All rights reserved.     

A test for phylogenetic constraints on behavioral adaptation in a spider system

Summary A population of a desert spider species (Agelenopsis aperta) that is located in an unusually favorable thermal and feeding environment (AZ riparian), fails to exhibit territorial, foraging and antipredatory behaviors that are appropriate to its environment. Study of the behavior of this spider species is extended to another population that occupies a similar environment but where there is not potential gene flow from individuals occupying more arid habitats (TX riparian). The two populations are shown to experience similar prey availabilities and predation pressures when compared to a third more arid population (NM desert grassland). Analyses of the relevant behavior patterns demonstrate that the TX riparian population is well-adjusted to the ameliorated conditions. Thus, phylogenetic constraints do not appear to underlie the observed maladaptive behavior of the AZ riparian population and credibility is given to potential gene flow influences.     

河岸缓冲带对氮磷的截留转化及其生态恢复研究进展

河岸缓冲带是河岸生态系统的重要组成部分,对农业非点源污染物起到有效的截留转化作用。对河岸缓冲带的定义、生态结构特性和功能,河岸缓冲带对氮和磷的截留转化作用以及河岸缓冲带的生态修复现状进行了综合评述。结果表明：草地和森林类型河岸缓冲带均能有效地控制氮和磷向水体中迁移;河岸缓冲带的宽度、水文特征、土壤性质、季节变化以及人为活动等是影响其截留效率的因素;加强退化河岸缓冲带的恢复重建工程,可以保证河岸生态系统的健康。针对目前研究中的不足,提出今后的研究方向,认为应进行长期的大尺度的野外实践研究,并从生态学的角度出发,建立合理的河岸缓冲带健康指标,为退化河岸缓冲带恢复重建提供科学依据。     

Influence of water circulation rate on in situ measurements of benthic community respiration

The relationship between water circulation rate and benthic community respiration was investigated using in situ chambers fitted with variable speed pumps. A strong, positive relationship was exhibited for three estuarine study sites which represented a broad spectrum of sediment characteristics. Both aerobic respiration (65–90% of the total sediment oxygen demand, SOD) and chemical oxygen demand, COD (10–35%) increased with stirring of the overlying waters at velocities up to 20 cm s^-1. Contrary to the notion that COD accounts for any increase in SOD at velocities which initiate sediment resuspension, we observed that aerobic respiration was also stimulated by high velocities. We conclude that measurements of SOD in estuarine environments should be made using water circulation rates which attempt to mimic the natural environment, and that COD cannot be assumed unimportant and should be measured directly.Supported by National Science Foundation Grant SMI 78-03130, Md. Dept. of Natural Resources, MPPSP P2-72-02 (B)Contribution No. 1137, Center for Environmental and Estuarine Studies of the University of Maryland     

Phosphorous cycling and biogeochemistry in a Venezuelan-flooded savanna

In 1970, a programme of land recuperation started in Venezuelan savannas, strongly affected by the seasonality of precipitation; therefore, a network of dykes has been built to alleviate the floods and retain water throughout the dry period. Under the dyked system, the environment has been altered, allowing a change in the herbaceous vegetation towards aquatic species and an increase in primary production. It is assumed that a considerable quantity of nutrients is lost from the ecosystem through the floodgates, a situation that could be worsened with the climate change. This contribution describes the atmospheric input and total output in stream run-off of phosphorous (P) in a flooded savanna. Internal pools of the biogeochemical cycle of P associated with terrestrial compartments are described. In the flooded savanna, a large amount of P is immobilised (29.6?kg?ha^?1) in their above ground biomass by grasses, and in soil microbial biomass. The P budget was nearly balanced, as measured losses were cancelled out by the inputs in rainfall. Soils act as a sink, retaining P coming either from precipitation or from desorption/mineralisation processes. That interruption can be maximised, and losses of P and other nutrients can be minimised with an adequate management of the floodgate.     

Urbanization and nutrient retention in freshwater riparian wetlands.

Urbanization can degrade water quality and alter watershed hydrology, with profound effects on the structure and function of both riparian wetlands (RWs) and aquatic ecosystems downstream. We used freshwater RWs in Fairfax County, Virginia, USA, as a model system to examine: (1) the effects of increasing urbanization (indexed by the percentage of impervious surface cover [%ISC] in the surrounding watershed) on nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations in surface soils and plant tissues, soil P saturation, and soil iron (Fe) chemistry; and (2) relationships between RW soil and plant nutrient chemistries vs. the physical and biotic integrity of adjacent streams. Soil total P and NaOH-extractable P (representing P bound to aluminum [Al] and Fe hydrous oxides) varied significantly but nonlinearly with % ISC (r2 = 0.69 and 0.57, respectively); a similar pattern was found for soil P saturation but not for soil total N. Relationships were best described by second-order polynomial equations. Riparian wetlands appear to receive greater P loads in moderately (8.6-13.3% ISC) than in highly (25.1-29.1% ISC) urbanized watersheds. These observations are consistent with alterations in watershed hydrology that occur with increasing urbanization, directing water and nutrient flows away from natural RWs. Significant increases in total and crystalline soil Fe (r2 = 0.57 and 0.53, respectively) and decreases in relative soil Fe crystallinity with increasing %ISC suggest the mobilization and deposition of terrestrial sediments in RWs, likely due to construction activities in the surrounding watershed. Increases in RW plant tissue nutrient concentrations and %ISC in the surrounding watershed were negatively correlated with standard indices of the physical and biotic integrity of adjacent streams. In combination, these data suggest that nutrient and sediment inputs associated with urbanization and storm-water management are important variables that affect wetland ecosystem services, such as water quality improvement, in urbanizing landscapes.     

Fluxes and Transport of Organic Carbon and Trace Metals in the Tropical Tsengwen Estuary,Southwestern Taiwan

Distributions of organic carbon and trace metals were investigated in the tropical Tsengwen river end-member and in the estuary to better understand thoroughly the riverine fluxes and estuarine transports of constituents into the sea. Experimental results indicated that riverine fluxes of organic carbon and trace metals possessed a highly temporal variability, attributed primarily to temporal variation in river water discharge and suspended load. More than 70% of annual fluxes of dissolved constituents and >90% of particulate constituents arose from river floods caused by summer typhoons. the flushing time of fresh water in the estuary varied from a half month in the dry season to a half day in the flood period. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nutrienttype metals (Cd, Cu, Zn) were conservatively transported through the estuary. Dissolved particle-reactive metals (Mn, Pb), however, were apparently transported non-conservatively through the estuary. Particulate organic carbon (POC) and trace metals (PTM) were transported non-conservatively by following the transport mode of total suspended matter (TSM) in the estuary. DOC slightly dominates the transport of organic carbon while particle-reactive PTM predominates the transport of trace metals through the estuary. Total organic carbon (TOC) in estuarine sediment was progressively enriched with ¹³C downstream, as derived by mixing the overlying TSM between terrestrial and marine end-members. Distributions of trace metals in sediment were subsequently controlled by sedimentary TOC and particle size. Based on results presented here, we believe that enrichments of trace metals in the estuary are attributed primarily to the natural processes of transport and sedimentation of fluvial TSM