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.     

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

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

Indoor and outdoor household dust contamination in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

Despite some progress in reducing the average lead level in the USA, the streets of Cincinnati, Ohio, are still contaminated by heavy metals. High levels of heavy metals will have significant unequivocal ecological impacts and pose a potential health hazard. This study evaluates the level of heavy- metal contamination in household dust and examines its relationships with the external environment. Samples of outdoor and indoor dust were collected from middle-income residential homes in the Greater Cincinnati Metropolitan District and the metal content was analysed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometry. Results showed that the mean levels of lead in outdoor and indoor dusts are 650 g g-1 and 377 g g-1 and the copper levels are 253 g g-1 and 510 g g-1, respectively. The median levels are 156 g g-1 and 139 g g-1 for outdoor and indoor lead dusts and 35 g g-1 and 124 g g-1 for outdoor and indoor copper dusts. The degree of contamination may be ascribable to the age of the dwelling unit and the neighbourhood, the time when the unit was last painted, the presence of pets and the type of space heating. In addition, car exhausts seems to be a possible source of contamination.     

Effect of heavy metals (Zn,Hg, Cu,Cd, Pb,Ni) on the length growth of Mytilus edulis

The shortterm (10–22 d) effect of Zn, Hg, Cu, Cd, Pb, and Ni on the length growth of Mytilus edulis is studied. Significant reductions of growth rate was found at 0.3 g Hgl^-1, 3 g Cul^-1, 10 g Znl^-1, and 10 g Cdl^-1 added to the local sea water, while concentrations of up to 200 gl^-1 of Pb and Ni had no effect on the growth. With exposure to Cu and Zn, there was a linear reduction in growth rate with increasing metal concentration up to about 6 g Cul^-1 and 100 g Znl^-1. Above these levels, growth stopped with Cu, while with Zn it was stabilized at about 20% of control growth. When Hg and Cd were added, a curvilinear relationship between growth and metal concentration is indicated. With Hg, growth rate is nearly zero above 3–4 g Hgl^-1, while the growth rate was 50% of control after 10 d of exposure to 100 g Cdl^-1. At 2 g Cdl^-1 there was a significant stimulation of length increase. Observed EC₅₀-values for growth were 0.3–0.4 g Hgl^-1, 3–4 g Cul^-1, 60 g Znl^-1, and 100 g Cdl^-1.     

The evolution of cheating and selfish behavior

Summary We examine the necessary conditions for the spread of genes that determine selfish and cheating behaviors and the rate of spread of these genes through structured populations, in order to address the question of the invadability of altruistic systems by anti-social mutations. We find that, although cheaters always have a higher relative fitness than altruists within groups, population structures which permit the evolution of altruism also preclude invasion by anti-social mutations. These results are related to a discussion by Hamilton (1971) concerning the limits to the evolution of altruistic and selfish behaviors.     

Uptake of cadmium by the eelgrassZostera marina

The uptake of cadmium by the shoots ofZostera marina L. (eelgrass) was examined in the laboratory. Experiments were carried out in experimental chambers which allowed the separation of the leaves from the root-rhizome portions of intact shoots. Cadmium uptake by the root-rhizome portions over 24 h was directly related to substrate cadmium concentration (1.0, 5.0 and 10.0 g Cd ml^-1) and varied from 6.5 to 30.0 g Cd g^-1. Cadmium uptake by the root-rhizomes and the leaves in a substrate concentration of 1 g Cd ml^-1 was also related to exposure times (24, 48 and 72 h). Maximum uptake by the root-rhizomes and the leaves was observed after 72 h at a substrate concentration of 1 g Cd ml^-1 and was equivalent to 48 and 94 g Cd g^-1, respectively. Translocation of cadmium from the leaves to the root-rhizomes was observed after 24 h, and at the end of 72 h was equivalent to 27% of the total leaf uptake. No cadmium movement from the root-rhizomes to the leaves was detected.     

β-glucanase activity in the seastar Pisaster ochraceus

Specimens of Pisaster ochraceus, an intertidal carnivorous seastar, were collected in northern Puget Sound at Post Point, near Bellingham, Washington, USA, in November 1993, and used in experimentation through September 1994. Ammonium sulfate fractions (60% precipitates) from excised pyloric caeca (digestive glands) possessed -glucanase activity directed toward such -linked substrates as carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), partially-digested cellulose (cellodextrins) and the synthetic substrate p-nitrophenyl--D-glucoside (PNDG). pH-activity and pH-stability maxima were at pH 6 and 5, respectively. No hydrolytic activity was detectable on native cellulose, native chitin or on cationic-modified celluloses such as DEAE-cellulose. Gel filtration (Sephadex G-100) of this 60% precipitate followed by DEAE-Sephadex column chromatography revealed heterogeneity of -glucanase activity, with an indication of up to 11 distinct fractions with variable activity directed toward the substrates indicated above (CMC, cellodextrins and PNDG). These fractions displayed differing ratios of hydrolytic activity on these substrates. None of the isolated fractions displayed activity toward either native cellulose or native chitin. Gut extracts from the edible mussel (Mytilus edulis), a common prey species of P. ochraceus, were shown to possess partially digested cellulose (cellodextrins). These cellodextrins were further degraded by seastar -glucanases in vitro. The digestion of the gut contents of ingested prey provides a possible adaptive explanation for the presence of -glucanase activity in a carnivore.     

13C/12C ratios and the trophic importance of algae in Florida Syringodium filiforme seagrass meadows

Over 380 stable carbon isotope (¹³C) analyses made during 1981–82 showed that Syringodium filiforme Kutz seagrass meadows in the Indian River lagoon of eastern Florida have food webs based on algal rather than seagrass carbon. Seagrasses averaging approximately-8 were isotopically distinct from algae epiphytic on seagrass blades (X=-19.3) and particulate organic matter in the water column X=-21.6. ¹³C values of most fauna ranged between-16 and-22, as would be expected if food web carbon were derived solely from algal sources. These results counter the idea that seagrass detritus is the dominant carbon source in seagrass ecosystems. Two factors that may contribute to the low apparent importance of seagrass in the study area are high algal productivities that equal or exceed S. filiforme productivity and the high rates of seagrass leaf export from meadows.     

Metabolic diversity in epibiotic microflora associated with the Pompeii wormsAlvinella pompejana andA. caudata (Polychaetae: Annelida) from deep-sea hydrothermal vents

Specimens of alvinellid polychaetes (Alvinella pompejana Desbruyères and Laubier, 1980 andA. caudata Desbruyères and Laubier, 1986) and their tubes were sampled from deep-sea hydrothermal vents at 13°N from the manned submersible Nautile during the Hydronaut cruise (October to November 1987) on the East Pacific Rise. Samples were subjected to bacterial analysis aboard the mother ship Nadir to detect bacteria involved in the nitrogen and sulphur cycles, in non-specific heterotrophic processes, and displaying resistance to selected heavy metals. Cultures were incubated at different temperatures under atmospheric and in situ (250 atm) pressures. Bacterial growth was observed in enrichment cultures for most metabolic types screened. Heavy-metal-resistant bacteria were also detected in many samples. No filamentous bacterial form was observed in the cultures. The results demonstrate a high metabolic diversity in episymbiotic flora, indicating that the worm (A. pompejana orA. caudata), its tube and its epiflora represent a complex micro-ecosystem.     

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.     

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.     

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     

Correlates of male mating success in the ruff Philomachus pugnax,a lekking shorebird

Summary Male ruffs (Philomachus pugnax), a lekking shorebird, can generally be divided into two morphs according to behavior and plumage coloration. Predominantly dark-colored, independent male ruffs defend small territories on a lek, whereas lighter colored satellite males are non-territorial and less site-faithful to a particular lek. The traits associated with the mating success of independent male ruffs were studied at two leks during two seasons on the island of Öland, Sweden in May and June of 1985 and 1987. Using multivariate analyses, three characteristics were found to be significantly related to mating success: high frequency of visits by satellites to an independent male's residence, consistency of lek attendance, and low rates of aggressive behavior. In contrast, mating success was unrelated to the degree of darkness of the independent male nuptial plumage, territory location on the lek, or rate of courtship displays. The use of multivariate analyses helped to resolve conflicting conclusions from previous studies which employed simple statistical analyses, or none at all. Experimental manipulations are suggested which will help to further determine the influence of female mate choice in this lekking system.     

Lead Contamination of Topsoil and Vegetation in the Vicinity of a Battery Factory in Nigeria

Levels of Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni and Cd were determined in topsoil and vegetation in the vicinity of a factory manufacturing lead- batteries in Ibadan, Nigeria. The samples were collected along five transects in different directions, and varying distances up to 1000m from the factory. Soil lead levels were found to be elevated around the factory, with average levels of about 2000mgkg^–1 close to the fence that declined gradually to about 50mgkg^–1 some 750m away. Soil-lead level around a primary school located about 500m from the factory was as high as 1450mgkg^–1. Lead levels were equally elevated in the vegetation, though average levels in vegetation were slightly lower than in the soil. Cadmium concentrations in soil and vegetation, though low, were more positively correlated with lead levels than any of the other metals are with lead.     

Growth of the Atlantic surfclam,Spisula solidissima,from Georges Bank to the Delmarva Peninsula,USA

Age/shell length data for offshore surfclam, Spisula solidissima (Dillwyn, 1817), populations were used to estimate the parameters of the von Bertalanffy growth model by time period and region, from Georges Bank in the north to the Delmarva Peninsula in the south. Randomization tests were used to compare curves. We tested the a priori hypothesis that growth curves would change over time in the south (i.e., New Jersey and Delmarva) but remain constant in the north (i.e., Long Island and South New England). This hypothesis was proposed because surfclam population structure in the south had been altered by the hypoxic event of 1976, and possibly by intense, long-term commercial harvesting. Northern regions, unaffected by these factors, served as natural controls. Based on a comparison of data collected in 1980 with pooled data from 1989 and 1992, the hypothesis was supported. Both the growth coefficient (k) and maximum shell length (L ) declined between two time periods in the two southern regions, while during the same time interval, no change occurred in the two northern regions. Differences in growth between regions were often statistically significant. For example, compared with the southern regions, the growth coefficient on Georges Bank was larger, and those clams attained a smaller maximum length. In a comparison of adjacent regions from Delmarva to S. New England, k increased from south to north. This could imply faster growth in cooler water, as well as no relationship between growth and primary productivity. Alternatively, size-selective mortality, imposed by the commercial fishery, was discussed as a mechanism that might account for this unexpected pattern.     

Observations en culture sur les phases initiales de développement de Peyssonnelia squamaria

The present study attempts to determine the factors which induce spores in the genus Peyssonnelia to undergo two different forms of embryogeny. Carpospores and tetraspores of P. squamaria (Gmelin, 1768) Decaisne, 1841 were cultivated, and two types of development noted: the Dumontia type, typical of prevalently saxicolous thalli, and the Naccaria type, observed in plants growing as emi-endophytes. This is the first time that this phenomenon has been observed in the Peyssonneliaceae.

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Travail realisé par la contribution du C.N.R.     

Distribution of selected elements and PAH in freshly deposited sediments of waste water streams from Lubin district, Southwest Poland

Nine selected elements (Cu, Pb, As, Zn, Co, Ni, Cr, Cd and Fe) were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy in 15 samples from the tailings pond (Zelazny Most) and waste water streams (Moskorzynke and Rudna) in the Kupferschiefer mining district in Southwest Poland. Waste water from mining and industry enter the Zelazny Most pond. The water then flows through Moskorzynke and Rudna streams, and discharges into the River Odra. The analytic results indicate that the contamination with Cu, Pb, Zn, As, Co, Cd and Fe extend about 6km along the streams in contrast to the nonpolluted samples close the River Odra. Their concentrations reach a level, which could be toxic for plants, animals and humans. The contamination with Ni and Cr continued at least 20km along Rudna stream. Besides mechanical transport, redox conditions and C_org contents also played an important role for trace element and Fe contamination in Rudna stream. The samples with high C_org contents have also high contents of trace metals. In Moskorzynke stream the element contamination was mainly caused by mechanical transport of particles. Polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), which is abundant in Kupferschiefer, is toxic for animals and humans. The PAH concentration in the stream sediments was determined by GC and GC/MS. The results indicate that the contamination of PAH reaches 6 and 17mgkg_–1 in samples TP1 and RS6, respectively. In the other samples, the PAH contents are lower than 3mgkg_–1. Some PAH could be solved by waste water in the tailings pond and migrated to the stream sediments. Some PAH might be contained in particles which were transported mechanically from the tailings pond into stream sediments.     

The distribution of heavy metals in deposited urban dusts and sediments, Coventry, England

Samples of urban dusts and sediments have been collected and categorised into three compartment those which act mainly as sources, those undergoing transport and those which have been deposited. The sediments were fractionated into <63m to match similar sized lacustrine sediments and <2mm to represent natural and anthropogenic fluvially transported sediments. Preliminary results of total heavy metals analysis show that the <2mm fraction of the source group exhibits the greatest variabilty in metal concentrations. Overall, however, the <63m fraction dominates regardless of compartment. Some heavy metal concentrations decrease through the sourcetransportdeposit process, possibly due to selective onward transport of finer material or other anthropogenic processes unique to the urban environment (e.g. street cleansing). Sitespecificity is indicated in a comparison with other similar studies.     

Spermatozoon structure of some North American prosobranchs from the families Lottiidae (Patellogastropoda) and Fissurellidae (Archaeogastropoda)

The spermatozoa of four species of the patellogastropod family Lottiidae (Lottia pelta, L. digitalis, L. strigatella, Tectura scutum) and one species of the archaeogastropod family Fissurellidae (Diodora aspera) were examined in 1990 using transmission electron microscopy. All have primitive or ect-aquasperm, typical of invertebrates using external fertilization. Sperm of the lottiid limpets are characterized by a 5 to 9 m-long head composed of a conical acrosome which constitutes >50% of the head length, and a cylindrical nucleus. The acrosome of all species of lottiids is differentiated internally, and has a posterior invagination 0.9 to 1 m in depth, into which an elongate acrosomal lobe protrudes. Between the posterior acrosomal lobe and the nucleus, the subacrosomal material is aggregated as a fibrous column. The midpiece of the sperm has a ring of 4 to 5 spherical mitochondria of 0.6 m diam, posterior to which is a collar of cytoplasm 1 m long, which sheaths the anterior portion of the axoneme. The size and morphology of the acrosome and large cytoplasmic collar clearly distinguish the spermatozoa of the Lottiidae from other families of Patellogastropoda. The sperm of D. aspera (Fissurellidae) is typical of the family of archaeogastropod; the head has a length to breadth ratio of 4:1, and the cylindrical nucleus is capped by a small acrosome, <25% of the total head length, which is deeply invaginated.     

Seston composition of the bottom waters of Great Lameshur Bay,St. John,US Virgin Islands

Seston composition [particulate organic carbon (POC), particulate nitrogen (PN), phyto- and microzooplankton numbers and biomass] was investigated in the bottom waters of Great Lameshur Bay, St. John, Virgin Islands (USA), in October, 1970 during Tektite II Mission 17–50. Mean values of 67.4 g POC · I^-1 and 7.2 g PN · I^-1 were determined. A mean phytoplankton carbon content of 42.2 g · I^-1 and zooplankton carbon content of 5.5 g · I^-1 were calculated from counts. The phytoplankton consisted mainly of dinoflagellates 71.2% phytoplankton carbon. Copepods were the dominant zooplankters (61.8% zooplankton carbon), followed by larvaceans (30.9% zooplankton carbon). Organic carbon content of counted zooplankton faecal pellets ranged between 0.4 and 1.6 g · I^-1, and amounted probably to about 15% of the total zooplankton carbon value. Plankton and detritus components as possible food for coral-reef animals are discussed. The ratio carbon: nitrogen of suspended particles is compared to that of sedimented matter.