Response of benthic foraminifera to heavy metal contamination in marine sediments (Sicilian coasts,Mediterranean Sea)

To examine the suitability of benthic foraminifera and their test deformations as bioindicators of pollution in coastal marine environments, we studied foraminifera and metal concentrations in 72 marine sediment samples, collected from the inner shelf along the Sicilian coast (Gulfs of Palermo and Termini) and on the south-eastern coast of Lampedusa Island. These areas are characterised by different environmental conditions. On the basis of pollution sources and foraminiferal assemblages, we recognised different zones in the Gulf of Palermo. The most polluted zones showed high metal concentrations, and low diversity of benthic foraminifera with species typical of stressed environments. By contrast, the lowest polluted zones showed a high population density and the highest percentages of epiphytes. Epiphytes were abundant where a Posidonia oceanica meadow was present and decreased in the most polluted zones. Sediments of the Gulf of Termini and Lampedusa exhibited high percentages of benthic foraminifera typical of well-oxygenated waters and low concentrations of metals, with the exception of sites located near sewage outfalls and harbour areas. Furthermore, even though deformed tests are commonly known in natural stressed environmental conditions, this study shows that in the most polluted zones, benthic foraminifera were characterised by the highest percentages of deformed individuals.     

The influence of hydrodynamic processes on zooplankton transport and distributions in the North Western Mediterranean: Estimates from a Lagrangian model

A Lagrangian module has been developed and coupled with the 3D circulation model Symphonie to study the influence of hydrodynamic processes on zooplankton transport and distributions in the North Western Mediterranean (NWM). Individuals are released every 3 days from March to August 2001 in two initial areas: around the DYFAMED sampling station in the central Ligurian Sea and in the Rhône river plume. Then the individuals are tracked for 40 days either as passive particles or with a simple diel vertical migration (DVM) pattern. The simulations suggest strong seasonal patterns in the distributions of the individuals released around the DYFAMED sampling station. Individuals spread all over the NWM basin after 40 days but different patterns occur depending on the season, the initial depths of release and the capacity of DVM. Offshore-shelf transport only occurs in April and May with particles ending up in the Gulf of Lions (GoL) in low concentrations. In other months, the Northern Current (NC) can be considered as a barrier for particles entering the GoL from the offshore sea. A quarter to a half of passive individuals released in the Rhône river plume remain in the GoL. The rest is transported by the NC towards the Catalan Sea. Applying a simple DVM scheme does not increase the retention of particles on the shelf.     

Post-war levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in air from Serbia determined by active and passive sampling methods

For the duration of the war accident in former Yugoslavia, several industrial and military targets were burnt and damaged, resulting in a significant release of persistent organic pollutants. Locations heavily targeted in the attacks were later defined by UNEP as four “hot spots”: Kragujevac, Novi Sad, Pancevo and Bor. We analyzed concentration levels of pollutants collected in 2004 and 2005 in air samples from the city of Kragujevac, Serbia, following the war accident of 1999. Pollutants included polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT), dichloro-diphenyl-dichloroethylene (DDE), dichloro-diphenyl-dichloroethane (DDD) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). We present results obtained during air sampling campaign conducted in July 2004 by the active sampling method; and during September 2004–June 2005 by the passive sampling method. Our findings show the occurrence of residual quantities of DDT, HCH, PCBs and PAHs in air samples. High levels of PCBs are probably due to the destruction of transformers during the war accident.     

Effect Of pH on the complexation of U(II) with organic matter dissolved in resh waters

In the present work we study the effect of pH on the complexation of copper with organic matter dissolved in fresh surface waters. Samples collected in rivers of Galicia (NW of Spain) were titrated with copper solution at pH values in the range 5.5–7.5. Copper concentration was measured by DPASV technique. The complexation parameters were obtained from the simple model of 1 : 1 complex formation. The obtained values show a linear increase of the logarithm of the conditional stability constant as the pH increases.     

Dynamics of heavy-metal transfer between biotic (Cytheria chione and Cerastoderma edule) and abiotic (water and sediment) components in marine environment (Bay of Martil, Moroccan Mediterranean coast)

This study deals with the transfer of heavy metals (Hg, Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni, Ti, Zn, and Cu) between abiotic and biotic components (Cytheria chione and Cerastoderma edule) in the inshore intertidal zones of Tetouan/Martil over 2 yr of investigation (1992-1994). Analysis of the heavy-metal accumulation kinetics in Cytheria chione and Cerastoderma edule shows that their highest contents occur during the spring-summer period when an important proliferation of the plankton biomass occurs. However, the accumulation of Cd is higher during the period between winter and spring. In general, heavy-metal concentrations are higher at Cytheria chione than at Cerastoderma edule. These results, according to previous studies, suggest the presence of significant correlations and dynamic reciprocal transfer of heavy metals among seawater, sediment, and molluscs. They also suggest that the level of contamination of decreasing heavy metals follows the sequence: sediment, organisms, and water. Among the molluscs investigated, the variability of the thallium (Tl) contents is difficult to detect due to the very weak presence of this metal in the analysed tissues.     

Zooplankton responses to hydrological and trophic variability in a Mediterranean coastal ecosystem (Lesina Lagoon,South Adriatic Sea)

Spatial and temporal variability in zooplankton was studied at eight stations located in the Lesina Lagoon (South Adriatic Sea) Salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll a (in the lagoon) at these stations were also assessed. The zooplankton community was characterised by clear seasonal oscillations and mostly represented by copepods and their larvae. The dominant copepod species were Calanipeda aquaedulcis and Acartia tonsa, which exhibited spatial–temporal segregation in the lagoon. C. aquaedulcis copepodites seemed to be better adapted to oligotrophic and oligohaline conditions compared with the A. tonsa population. The invasive species A. tonsa has completely replaced the formerly abundant Acartia margalefi. A positive correlation was found between abundances, total species numbers and trophic state. An increasing abundance trend was shown from the lagoon towards the sea. The highest diversity indices were recorded at the two channel inlets, during high tide due to the absence of a clear dominance of one or more coastal species and the co-occurrence of species of lagoon and marine origin.     

Effect of environmental forcing on the fate of nutrients, dissolved organic matter and heavy metals released by a coastal wastewater pipeline

Discharges of nutrients, urea, dissolved organic matter and heavy metals by a sewage underwater pipeline are analysed in comparison to environmental conditions in a shallow coastal zone. Variable thermo-haline stratifications of the water column and currents in upper (2.62-34.97 cm s^-1) and deeper (0.83-10.91 cm s^-1) layers drive vertical diffusion and lateral transport of wastewaters. Loads of reactive phosphorus (0.13 tons d^-1) and ammonium (1.62 tons d^-1) by the pipeline are not negligible compared to the major river loads in the gulf. High concentrations of urea (≤11.51 μmol N dm^-3) were found in the area of wastewater release. Ammonium uptake (6.14-534 nmol N dm^-3 h^-1) strongly exceeded nitrate uptake (0.19-138 nmol N dm^-3 h^-1), indicating that discharges of ammonium by the pipeline are actively assimilated by plankton community even at low levels of light. Distribution of Zn (≤27.7 ppb), Cu (≤25.6 ppb), Cd (≤0.80 ppb) and Pb (≤13.5 ppb) in the water column and the measurement of their complex-forming capacity in seawater did not indicate a persistent perturbation of the pelagic environment due to heavy metals.     

Important organic matter sources and trophic pathways for the nutrition of Hilsa kelee (Cuvier, 1829) and Valamugil buchanani (Bleeker, 1853) in Pangani macro-tidal estuary,Tanzania

The study investigated the spatial variation in the main sources of organic matter (OM) and trophic pathways for zooplanktivorous Hilsa kelee and phytodetritivorous Valamugil buchanani in fresh-water-influenced zone versus sea-water-dominated zone of Pangani estuary. The findings indicated significant inter-specific variations in δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values (ANOVA, F?≥?84.3, p?F?≥?9.4, p?=?0.001) in both estuarine zones. Results also showed significant zonal-intraspecific variations in stable isotopes (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N), FA profile and marginal differences in diet for the V. buchanani while no considerable differences were observed for H. kelee from two estuarine zones. The isotope mixing models and FA biomarkers revealed that the most important carbon sources to the nutrition of H. kelee were derived from microphytobenthos, macro-algae and sea grasses transferred through phytoplankton and detrital trophic pathways. In contrast, C₃ terrestrial plants and microphytobenthos were the main carbon source to the diet of V. buchanani; and were transferred via the benthic and detrital trophic pathways. Therefore, both terrestrial and in-situ OM sources were the main trophic resources base fuelling the planktonic and benthic food webs in Pangani estuary.     

Effect of iron and dissolved silica on primmorphs of Petrosia ficiformis (Poiret, 1789)

The suitability of the primmorphs system as a good model for biotechnological applications led researchers on primmorphs to look for a medium to stimulate cell proliferation and therefore growth of aggregates. Recent efforts have focused on the use of Fe⁺³ and Si that, supplemented to cell culture medium, were found to be promising for growth and morphogenesis of the sponge Suberites domuncula. In this work, we analysed the effect of iron and dissolved silica on primmorphs of Petrosia ficiformis, by testing them at different concentrations in successive experiments. The purpose of these experiments was to test their effect on primmorphs and individuate their optimal concentration for this species. Our results suggest a negative effect of iron on primmorphs of P. ficiformis and a positive effect of silica on primmorphs size and spiculogenesis at a concentration of 120 μM.     

Effect of iron and dissolved silica on primmorphs of Petrosia ficiformis (Poiret, 1789)

The suitability of the primmorphs system as a good model for biotechnological applications led researchers on primmorphs to look for a medium to stimulate cell proliferation and therefore growth of aggregates. Recent efforts have focused on the use of Fe⁺³ and Si that, supplemented to cell culture medium, were found to be promising for growth and morphogenesis of the sponge Suberites domuncula. In this work, we analysed the effect of iron and dissolved silica on primmorphs of Petrosia ficiformis, by testing them at different concentrations in successive experiments. The purpose of these experiments was to test their effect on primmorphs and individuate their optimal concentration for this species. Our results suggest a negative effect of iron on primmorphs of P. ficiformis and a positive effect of silica on primmorphs size and spiculogenesis at a concentration of 120 μM.     

Excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy for characterization of organic matter in membrane bioreactors: Principles,methods and applications

• Principles and methods for fluorescence EEM are systematically outlined. • Fluorophore peak/region/component and energy information can be extracted from EEM. • EEM can fingerprint the physical/chemical/biological properties of DOM in MBRs. • EEM is useful for tracking pollutant transformation and membrane retention/fouling. • Improvements are still needed to overcome limitations for further studies. The membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology is a rising star for wastewater treatment. The pollutant elimination and membrane fouling performances of MBRs are essentially related to the dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the system. Three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix (3D-EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy, a powerful tool for the rapid and sensitive characterization of DOM, has been extensively applied in MBR studies; however, only a limited portion of the EEM fingerprinting information was utilized. This paper revisits the principles and methods of fluorescence EEM, and reviews the recent progress in applying EEM to characterize DOM in MBR studies. We systematically introduced the information extracted from EEM by considering the fluorescence peak location/intensity, wavelength regional distribution, and spectral deconvolution (giving fluorescent component loadings/scores), and discussed how to use the information to interpret the chemical compositions, physiochemical properties, biological activities, membrane retention/fouling behaviors, and migration/transformation fates of DOM in MBR systems. In addition to conventional EEM indicators, novel fluorescent parameters are summarized for potential use, including quantum yield, Stokes shift, excited energy state, and fluorescence lifetime. The current limitations of EEM-based DOM characterization are also discussed, with possible measures proposed to improve applications in MBR monitoring.     

Seasonal changes of benthic bacteria in a seagrass bed (Posidonia oceanica) of the Ligurian Sea in relation to origin,composition and fate of the sediment organic matter

Variations in number and biomass of benthic bacteria were examined in the surface sediments of a Mediterranean seagrass bed [Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile] in the Gulf of Marconi (northwestern Mediterranean Sea) from 1990 to 1991. The annual dynamics of benthic bacterial density and biomass were compared to changes in elemental (organic C and total N) and biochemical (lipids, proteins, carbohydrates) composition of sediment organic matter, as well as to microphytobenthic biomass, dissolved inorganic nutrients and ATP. Bacterial densities exhibited marked seasonal variations (5.12 to 322.7x10⁸ cells g^-1 sediment dry wt) with highest values in late spring. Bacterial standing stocks (15.8 to 882.33 g C g^-1 of sediment dry wt) were high. Bacterial biomass did not correlate with organic C, total N or to specific biochemical components, but correlated significantly with chlorophyll a, ATP and porewater phosphate concentrations. There is evidence that benthic bacteria were responding to variations of algal biomass. Bacterial biomass accounted, on average, for 30% of total living carbon (calculated on the basis of the ATP concentrations) and 8.4% of total organic carbon.     

Influence of hydrodynamic conditions on the production and fate of Posidonia oceanica in a semi-enclosed shallow basin (Stagnone di Marsala, Western Sicily)

An integrated approach using hydrodynamic and transport numerical models, lepidochronology and stable isotope analysis was used to investigate how local hydrodynamic conditions influence the primary production and fate of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica in a Mediterranean semi-enclosed marine system (Stagnone di Marsala). The water mass exchange aptitude of different sectors of the basin was analysed, and data collected were used to select two sectors (colonized by Posidonia oceanica showing the lowest and highest water exchange values) for biological analyses. According to the mean dispersal coefficient differences simulated by the hydrodynamic model, growth rate and primary production of P. oceanica differed between sectors, with average values lower in the central sector where water exchange is lower than in the southern sector. Although P. oceanica coverage and primary production were higher in the southern sector, carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis suggests that the transfer of seagrass organic matter to higher trophic levels of the food web was higher in the central sector. The possibility of a link between hydrodynamism, production and fate of organic matter is proposed to explain the observed patterns.     

Influence of hydrodynamic conditions on the production and fate of Posidonia oceanica in a semi-enclosed shallow basin (Stagnone di Marsala,Western Sicily)

An integrated approach using hydrodynamic and transport numerical models, lepidochronology and stable isotope analysis was used to investigate how local hydrodynamic conditions influence the primary production and fate of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica in a Mediterranean semi-enclosed marine system (Stagnone di Marsala). The water mass exchange aptitude of different sectors of the basin was analysed, and data collected were used to select two sectors (colonized by Posidonia oceanica showing the lowest and highest water exchange values) for biological analyses. According to the mean dispersal coefficient differences simulated by the hydrodynamic model, growth rate and primary production of P. oceanica differed between sectors, with average values lower in the central sector where water exchange is lower than in the southern sector. Although P. oceanica coverage and primary production were higher in the southern sector, carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis suggests that the transfer of seagrass organic matter to higher trophic levels of the food web was higher in the central sector. The possibility of a link between hydrodynamism, production and fate of organic matter is proposed to explain the observed patterns.     

Sediments distribution of trace metals in a coastal lagoon (Southern Sardinia,Mediterranean Sea): assessment of contamination and ecological risk

Coastal lagoons are subject to several sources of contaminations. To shade light on the contamination level of the Santa Gilla lagoon (Tyrrhenian Sea) we investigated the spatial distribution of Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn and Hg in sediments and their correlation with grain size and organic matter contents. Moreover, sediment contamination levels and the ecological risk associated with metal concentration were assessed using different abiotic indicators. The lagoon is characterised by low levels of contamination, with exceptions for Pb and Hg, whose distribution reflects the position of an old chlor-alkali plant and that of an airport. These results indicate that the restoration put in place 30 years ago have not reached the expected target and that the presence of the airport deserves further attention. In the outer section of the lagoon, where clam fishery occurs, we observed low levels of contamination suggesting that such artisanal fishery could somehow help mobilising metals. We conclude that the area exposed to Hg pollution, though tentatively restored, still suffers of a potential risk of ecosystem deterioration. We pinpoint that further investigations on the mobility, bioavailability and toxicity of metals are needed to finally address the actual impairment of the Santa Gilla lagoon.     

Effect of long-term application of corn stalks and inorganic fertilizers on fluorescence characteristics of water extractable organic matter in a meadow black soil of northeast China

ABSTRACT

Returning crop residues into fields, either alone or in combination with inorganic fertilizer, is considered as a practical way to enhance soil fertility. However, information concerning the effects of crop residues and inorganic fertilizer application on water extractable organic matter (WEOM) in soil is scarce. The aim of this study was to examine the 10-year effect of corn residue (CR) return with or without the application of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizer on the quantity and quality of WEOM in a black soil of northeast China by means of ultraviolet absorbance, fluorescence excitation--emission matrix, and derived spectroscopic indices. The application of NPK fertilizers and CR, alone or together, increased the content of total soil organic carbon (SOC), water extractable organic carbon (WEOC), and ratio of WEOC/SOC, with the sequence being NPK + CR > CR > NPK > CK. Compared with control treatment, the individual application of NPK fertilizer decreased the aromaticity of WEOM. In contrast, elevated proportion of tryptophan-like fluorophore and microbially derived fulvic acid-like components with low molecular weight was detected in the WEOM. The amendment with CR alone resulted in increase in aromaticity of WEOM and proportion of plant-derived humic acid-like component with large molecular weight, accompanied by reduced proportion of tyrosine-like compounds. For the soil with CR restoration, the application of NPK fertilizer increased aromaticity of WEOM, and large molecular weight fulvic acid-like and humic acid-like compounds were found. However, the proportions of tyrosine-like and tryptophan-like compounds were diminished. The quantitative and qualitative analysis of WEOM using fluorescence spectroscopy describes responses to be observed in long-term different fertilization strategies.     

Effects of organic and inorganic fertilisation on soil nutrient dynamics in a Savannah region (DR Congo)

Very few studies have considered the residual effect of inorganic and organic fertilisation on oxisol chemistry and plant productivity while studying the response of maize to fresh fertiliser application. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of five treatments of inorganic and organic fertilisers on maize productivity and soil fertility under field conditions in a Savannah region. The trials were conducted from 2009 to 2011 and the treatments included inorganic nitrogen–phosphorus (NP), Entada abyssinica, Tithonia diversifolia, inorganic NP combined with E. abyssinica, and inorganic NP combined with T. diversifolia, and no fertilised plots. The combination of NP with T. diversifolia or E. abyssinica leaves resulted in the highest increase in grain yields during the first crop season.The positive residual effects of fertilisers on maize grain yield were strong and significant in the immediate succeeding season and decreased during the second year following fertilisation. The highest residual effect was observed in plots fertilised with E. abyssinica combined with NP, followed by T. diversifolia combined with NP, and E. abyssinica and T. diversifolia without NP, respectively. The lowest residual effect was observed in plots fertilised with inorganic NP. Analytical results revealed that total nutrients in the soil matrix are not dominantly in forms available for plant uptake. There were significant residual effects for total potassium in the site with low initial nutrient levels. The soil content of bioavailable phosphorus, nickel, zinc, copper, and cobalt was in general below detectable levels.     

Effect of waterborne boron and molybdenum on survival,growth and feed intake of Indian major carp,Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)

The effect of either boron (B) or molybdenum (Mo) on survival, growth and feed intake of Indian major carp, Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton), advanced fry was studied in two separate experiments. Survival rates of C. mrigala fry (2.78±0.14 g) following 50 days’ exposure to B at 0.01 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 8.0 mg·L ^?1 were 100% at all concentrations except 8.0 mg·L ^?1 where the survival rate 87.5±7.5%. We observed 100% survival of mrigala fry at all concentrations of Mo, 0.02 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 8.0 mg·L ^?1. Both B and Mo at 0.5 mg·L ^?1 showed significantly (p<0.05) higher growth of the fish compared with control and other concentrations. B exposure at 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mg·L ^?1 had no significant effect on growth rate, whereas at 8.0 mg B·L ^?1 growth of the fish almost ceased. Mo exposure at 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 8.0 mg·L ^?1 caused no significant effect on growth rate of the fish compared to control. Both B and Mo at all concentrations had no significant effect on feed intake of the fish compared with control, except at the highest concentration of boron (8.0 mg·L ^?1).     

Effect of calcium and magnesium on copper,cadmium, and some essential elements of Indian major carps Labeo rohita (Hamilton) and Catla catla (Hamilton) treated with copper and cadmium

The effect of calcium and magnesium either singly or in combination on accumulation of cadmium and copper in Labeo rohita (rohu) and Catla catla (catla) was investigated in this study under laboratory conditions. The investigation showed that copper accumulation in rohu exposed to 0.25 mg L^?1 of copper for 14 days reduced from 31.0 ± 0.4 mg kg^?1 at no calcium/magnesium treatment to 3.5 ± 0.2 and 2.2 ± 0.1 mg kg^?1, respectively, at 75 mg L^?1 calcium or magnesium treatment. The copper level in catla exposed to 0.20 mg L^?1 of copper for 14 days reduced from 5.7 ± 0.1 mg kg^?1 at no calcium/magnesium treatment to 3.4 ± 0.2 and 3.3 ± 0.1 mg kg^?1, respectively, at 300 mg L^?1 calcium or magnesium treatment. The cadmium accumulation in rohu exposed to 0.20 mg L^?1 of cadmium for 14 days reduced from 1.7 ± 0.1 mg kg^?1 at no magnesium treatment to 1.4 ± 0.1 mg kg^?1 at 120 mg L^?1 magnesium treatment. The cadmium accumulation in catla exposed to 0.20 mg L^?1 of cadmium for 14 days reduced from 0.8 ± 0.2 mg kg^?1 at no magnesium treatment to 0.6 ± 0.2 mg kg^?1 at 80 mg L^?1 magnesium treatment. Copper and cadmium treatments also reduced some essential microelements of rohu and catla. Both the fishes restored these elements at different levels of calcium and magnesium.     

pH、温度和水土比对酸性土壤溶液中铝离子形态分布的影响

溶液中Al3 、Al-F和有机络合态铝（Al-OM的浓度随pH降低而增加,Al3 在总单核铝中所占比例随pH的降低而增加,而Al-F络合物呈相反的变化趋势.土壤中铝的溶解度与土壤中铝氧化物的结晶形态有关,处于较高纬度地区的土壤,由于铝氧化物的结晶形态较差,在相同pH下,其铝的溶解度较大.土壤溶液中有机络合态铝的浓度随温度升高而增加,在pH不变的情况下,土壤中无机铝的溶解量随温度降低而增加.随水土比增加,土壤溶液中Al3 、Al-F络合物和Al-OM浓度减小,但按每kg土计算的铝溶解量随水土比的增加而增加.