A review of marine pollution issues in the Caribbean

Marine pollution and coastal degradation have become serious development issues in the Caribbean. Early evidence of marine pollution was mainly anecdotal, but within the last 10--15 years, work conducted by universities and research institutions in the Region has provided the beginnings of a database that identifies several common marine pollution problems. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) and the Pan American World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) have also been instrumental in co-ordinating several marine pollution studies. In the English-speaking Caribbean, the University of the West Indies, the Institute of Marine Affairs in Trinidad and Tobago, and the Caribbean Environmental Health Institute located in St Lucia, have taken a lead role in identifying marine pollution problems in their Sub-Region. For the Wider Caribbean a database for petroleum pollution and marine debris has been developed. Land-based sources of marine pollution have been identified as a major problem, with several hot spots identified in mainland countries and in some of the larger industrialised islands. Organic and nutrient pollution, particularly from sewage, is most widespread and is possibly the most serious marine pollution problem in the Caribbean. A lack of capital investment funds to install the appropriate infrastructure to deal with sewage and other liquid effluents is a major stumbling block to solving the problem of marine pollution in the Caribbean. Other factors include political will and administrative and legal structures to regulate human development activities.     

入侵种喜旱莲子草对土壤养分的表型可塑性反应

对外来入侵种喜旱莲子草（Alternanthera philoxeroides（Mart．）Griseb．）在不同土壤氮养分处理中的表型可塑性反应进行了研究。结果表明：土壤中氮养分水平对喜旱莲子草克隆生长有显著影响，如分枝强度、苇节长度随氮含量升高均有不同程度的增加；氮养分最高的处理中根系生物量投资最小，而茎、叶生物量投资最大，对照处理中则表现山根冠比最大。研究结果表明，在不同土壤养分条件下，喜旱莲子草不同表型结构有可能同时对环境选择作出反应，在种群生存与维持、生长、繁殖等功能方面实现种群个体各器官生物量投资的优化配置来适应多样化的环境，以增强其入侵能力，     

怀来盆地弃耕地自然恢复过程中土壤养分动态

研究了怀来盆地丘陵区弃耕地自然恢复过程中土壤养分的变化规律。采取空间代替时间的方法,确定了代表弃耕地初期阶段、草地阶段和灌丛地阶段的3种样地,通过分层取样测定了土壤有机质、全量养分和速效养分含量。结果表明,全量养分对生态系统恢复的响应与其相应的速效养分明显不同。随着弃耕地的恢复,土壤有机质有明显增加的趋势,P循环和K循环由物质控制向生物控制转换,但速效P在恢复初期增加缓慢。速效N由于耕种期施肥的影响表现出先降低而后增加的特点。全量养分中,只有全N在弃耕地自然恢复中有增加的趋势。灌丛可以在更深的层次上影响土壤养分。植被的恢复与土壤肥力的提高密切相关,这种作用随着植被的恢复而不断增强。     

河流营养物参照状态的建立方法研究进展

建立营养物参照状态是河流水污染控制的关键问题之一。系统论述了参照状态的各种内涵,重点分析了国外建立河流营养物参照状态的各种方法及优缺点,并分析了其在中国的适用性。最后,提出了河流营养物参照状态的进一步研究的重点。参照状态根据允许人类活动影响的程度可有多种含义:最小干扰状态、历史状态、最少干扰状态和最佳可达成状态。其中,最少干扰状态和最佳可达成状态在现实管理中具有一定程度的可操作性。参照河流百分比法是建立营养物参照状态的首选方法,但中国水环境污染形势严峻,参照点变得越来越少。当参照点不存在时,一般河流百分比法是参照河流百分比法的替代方法,然而一般河流百分比法和参照河流百分比法的匹配性关系并不完全保持一致。由于栖息地退化等因素对生物完整性的影响程度可能比营养物浓度更大,生物响应法在实际应用中是非常困难的。流域模型法虽然有众多优点,但是数据要求较高,并且常用流域模型的机理与中国有较大差距,在中国应用的结果具有较大的不确定性。综合考虑中国水环境污染现状和数据要求,以多元线性回归模型为代表的简易模型方法在中国应有最大的适用性。然而,环境因素与营养物质间的关系往往都是非线性的,今后应着重研究建立河流营养物参照状态的多元非线性回归模型方法。此外,还应加强季风河流营养物参照状态的季节性差异与年际差异研究,并在全国层面上根据自然因素划分适当规模的生态区,分区确定各生态区的河流营养物参照状态。     

RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN LAND USES AND RAINWATER QUALITY IN A SOUTHCENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA WATERSHED1

ABSTRACT: Spatial and temporal variability in rainfall concentrations of nutrients, major ions, and herbicides was monitored at 7 locations in or near the Conodoguinet Creek watershed in south-central Pennsylvania from 1991.1993. Results were used to (1) compare precipitation quality in forested, agricultural and urban areas, and (2) assess the practicality of using volunteer citizen monitoring in such a study. As indicated in previous studies, sulfate and nitrogen concentrations in precipitation were linked to sample pH. Concentrations of major ions in precipitation appeared to relate more to regional influences rather than local influences. However, concentrations of herbicides in precipitation may have been influenced by both regional and local use which caused compounds like atrazine, deethylatrazine, propazine, simazine, metolachior, alachlor, ametryn, and prometon to be present in detectable concentrations in rainfall. Seasonality was evident in nitrogen, sulfate, pH, and herbicide data and was suggested in calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, orthophosphate, and chloride data. Agricultural weed control activities were probably responsible for the seasonal pattern in pesticide data which peaked in May and June. Tropical storm Danielle may have caused the apparent seasonal patterns for the other nine parameters. This storm did not follow the typical west to east movement pattern and consequently produced rainfall of relative high quality. A variety of quality assurance checks indicated that trained volunteer citizen monitors were successful participants in this intensive and extensive scientific study, collecting good quality samples in a timely manner. Without this kind of volunteer help, it is extremely difficult to complete studies that require sampling in response to natural events such as rainfall.     

A PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF ANIMAL MANURE DISTRIBUTION IN MICHIGAN FOR NUTRIENT UTILIZATION1

ABSTRACT: Proper management of animal manure is crucial to the viability of the U.S. animal industry and the quality of the environment. This paper analyzes the animal manure distribution in Michigan, identifies counties with high potential for land application of manure nutrients, and proposes a manure distribution prototype model for transporting surplus manure beyond individual farms for nutrient utilization. Tabulations of animal numbers by county and by 5-digit zip code are used to identify areas with greater potential for land application of manure nutrients. Distribution of the manure nutrients from surplus areas to the nutrient utilization areas is explored in a selected watershed by taking into account manure nutrient value, soil nutrient content, crop nutrient needs, topography and hydrography. The results indicate that by appropriate planning and collaboration transport of the excessive animal manure to suitable crop fields is an appealing alternative to utilize the manure nutrients while minimizing the adverse environmental impact. Further studies are needed to determine the necessary economic and institutional programs to implement the export of the manure at the regional level.     

Environmental impacts of coastal aquaculture in eastern mediterranean bays the case of astakos gulf,Greece

GOAL, SCOPE AND BACKGROUND: Over the last decade Greece has become a leading country in the EU as concerns the cage farming of seabream and seabass. A strong debate has risen, however, about the environmental impacts of aquacultures in the coastal areas. The present paper deals with this problem and it is based on measurements of physico-chemical parameters in the water column, particulate matter and sediments in the area of Astakos Gulf, a coastal embayment in western Greece where three big fish farms are currently operating. METHODS: Water samples were collected by using Hydro-Bios sampling bottles, whereas a prototype sediment trap was installed under a fish cage for the collection of particulate matter. Temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH and salinity were measured in situ using portable equipment. Nutrients were determined by standard spectrophotometric methods. Trace metals were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Dissolved organic carbon was determined by a Shimadzu 5000A carbon analyzer, whereas organic carbon in sediments was determined titrimetrically. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: No clear eutrophication incidents have been identified, although the water column near the fish farms was enriched in nutrients and organic carbon. A sludge 'blanket' covers considerable parts of the seabed and is enriched in colloidal organic carbon and trace metals (Cd, Cu, Fe and Zn) that come from unused fish food. The biodegradation of this sludge leads to the development of anoxic conditions followed by the formation of undesirable gases, precipitation or remobilization of metals and the extinction of benthic fauna. CONCLUSION: The operation of fish farms at the coastal area of Astakos Gulf, and probably in similar Mediterranean gulfs, affects the marine environment, particularly in the vicinity of the cages. The most significant influence concerns the near-bottom water layer. The environmental impacts depend on the amount of food given to fishes, the mode of feeding, the fish density in cages, the annual production and the years of unit operation. The hydrology and the geomorphology of the area are also critical factors for its environmental quality. RECOMMENDATION AND OUTLOOK: The success of the fish-farming sector in the Mediterranean is accompanied by environmental and, in some extents, by social and marketing problems. These problems, derived from the rapid development of fish farming, can be solved only through an integrated management, using methods such as environmental impact assessment, risk assessment, economic evaluation, vulnerability assessments, resource accounting, cost-benefit analysis and outcome-based monitoring.     

海州湾海洋牧场的长期环境效应研究

为探讨海州湾海洋牧场的长期环境效应,调查了2010~2015年牧场区和对照区沉积物总氮（TP）、总磷（TN）、水体活性磷酸盐（PO₄^3--P）、总溶解无机氮（DIN）含量,浮游植物和底栖动物的生物量.结果表明：人工鱼礁和贻贝、藻类的养殖造成了牧场区沉积物TN的累积,由2010年的266.62mg/kg增加至2015年的596.21mg/kg.浮游植物的高丰度加快了牧场区和对照区沉积物生物有效性磷的释放,造成TP含量呈减小趋势.牧场区由2010年的547.26mg/kg下降至2015年的317.25mg/kg,对照区由2010年的438.21mg/kg下降至2015年的342.97mg/kg.TP含量的空间分布由牧场区（547.26mg/kg） > 对照区（438.21mg/kg）转变为牧场区（317.25mg/kg） < 对照区（342.97mg/kg）.底栖动物对沉积物-水界面的营养盐交换通量的贡献较低,不是TP、TN变化的主导因素.牧场区DIN含量更易受到沉积物TN的影响,对照区PO₄^3--P的含量变化与TP保持了一致性.高溶解氧环境和高TN含量为牧场区提供了内源性的NH₄⁺-N.牧场区的N/P更接近最适值,海州湾海洋牧场建设取得了一定的生态修复效果.     

藻源性黑水团环境效应:对水-沉积物界面氮磷变化的驱动作用

利用自制的静态模拟实验装置,通过连续抽取间隙水来研究藻细胞沉降在沉积物表面后对水-沉积物界面处的N、P变化的驱动作用及影响效果.结果表明,藻细胞沉降后,在50 min内就完全消耗掉水-沉积物界面处的溶解氧,同时水体出现严重的发黑、发臭现象;形成的厌氧、强还原环境,使得死亡的藻细胞在界面处发生强烈的厌氧矿化作用,界面处的水溶性PO34--P、NH 4+-N在实验的第2 d开始向上覆水中扩散,含量不断增加.至实验结束时(实验第8 d),界面处PO34--P、NH 4+-N的含量分别达到4.00 mg/L、39.45 mg/L,分别为同期对照实验样柱中的10倍和241倍(对照样柱中的PO43--P、NH 4+-N的含量分别为0.42 mg/L、0.16 mg/L).藻细胞的厌氧矿化加剧了氮磷营养盐向上覆水的扩散,在加重水体营养盐含量的同时,也为藻华的再次发生提供了物质基础.     

Aquatic Plant and Dissolved Oxygen Changes in a Reference‐Condition Prairie Stream Subjected to Experimental Nutrient Enrichments

Effects of controlled nutrient additions on a prairie stream were studied using a before‐after‐control‐impact paired design. The site is in a reference condition with low soluble nitrate (NO₃) and phosphate (soluble reactive phosphorus [SRP]) in summer (3 μg NO₃‐N/L, 4 μg SRP/L). Nutrients were added to two reaches over the growing season at two levels (Low Dose — 39 μg NO₃‐N/L and 4.4 SRP/L; High Dose — 119 μg NO₃‐N/L and 15.6 μg SRP/L). Continuously measured dissolved oxygen (DO) and changes in aquatic flora were compared to an upstream Control. Enrichment led microalgae and filamentous algae to increase in density, areal coverage, and thickness, and the magnitude of the changes were largely concordant with dosing (more in the High Dose); algal growth also suppressed macrophytes in the High Dose. Enrichment caused significant increases in diel DO swings whose magnitudes were consistent with dosing level. In the High Dose, benthic algae flourished in the growing season and then senesced en masse in fall. The decomposing algae led DO to crash (ca. 0 mg/L on the bottom), but DO impacts were out‐of‐sync with peak algal growth and photosynthesis, which occurred weeks earlier. This finding provides a plausible explanation as to why high DO delta in streams impacts aquatic life even when concurrently measured DO is not low. When DO crashed, DO was longitudinally patchy, some areas having low DO near the bottom, others near saturation. Geomorphology and exposure to wind may have caused this pattern.