Enhanced primary production and nutrient regeneration within aggregated marine diatoms

Blooms of chain-forming diatoms often terminate with the mass flocculation and subsequent settlement of cells from the nutrient-depleted euphotic zone. While mass diatom aggregation has been suggested as an adaptive mechanism for placing resting spores in the deep sea, we hypothesized that aggregation may confer an immediate adaptive advantage to the associated diatoms as well. We tested this hypothesis by comparing the photosynthetic activity, pigment composition and nutrient-uptake rates of aggregated and suspended diatoms over time. Diatom aggregates were collected by SCUBA divers in the Santa Barbara Channel (34°23N; 119°50W) on 4 March 1987 and monitored for 9 d in the laboratory. Diatom aggregates sustained chlorophyll a-specific primary production rates two to nine times higher than those of freely suspended diatoms from the surrounding seawater. The timing of maximum productivity was strongly correlated with the appearance of remineralized ammonia within the aggregates. Chlorophyll a-specific nitrate-uptake rates were routinely three to nine times lower in diatom aggregates than in the surrounding seawater. Primary production and pigment concentrations of diatom aggregates aged in situ displayed changes similar to those observed in the laboratory. These results suggest that diatoms associated with aggregates maintain higher photosynthetic rates than freely suspended diatoms by efficiently exploiting remineralized ammonia within the aggregate microenvironment, in preference to external nitrate sources. The enhanced nutrient environment within aggregates may be important for understanding the adaptive significance of the mass flocculation of diatom blooms.     

Effect of temperature on nitrite excretion by three marine diatoms during nitrate uptake

Nitrite excretion during nitrate uptake by three nitrate-limited diatoms was measured at different temperatures. Phaeodactylum tricornutum Bohlin and Chaetoceros affinis Lauder Hustedt excreted nitrite over the whole range of physiological temperatures, whereas Thalassiosira pseudonana Hasle and Heimdal (Clone 13-1) excreted nitrite only at 25°C. Parallel to growth and nitrate-uptake rates, excretion rates increased exponentially with temperature, attaining a maximum between 20° and 25°C (optimum temperature range). At the end of nitrate uptake, when the nitrate concentration in the culture medium had decreased below 1 M, nitrite was reabsorbed at all temperatures, except when cells were in the dark or at very low light intensity. Nitrite uptake was also inhibited by the presence of nitrate in the medium. These results are discussed in relation to the formation and position of the maximum layer of primary nitrite in the thermocline, below the maximum layer of chlorophyll in stratified oceanic areas.     

Pb超富集植物对营养元素N、P、K的响应

利用富集重金属或对重金属具有耐性的植物修复重金属污染土壤，是治理土壤重金属污染的新途径。本研究通过温室土培方法，研究了营养元素N、P、K对3种Pb超富集植物绿叶苋菜、紫穗槐和羽叶鬼针草生长发育及Pb吸收的影响。结果表明，少量的N和K会促进富集植物叶片叶绿素值和干质量的增加，促进植物对Pb的吸收；随着N和K水平的增加，虽然叶绿素值和干质量一直在增加，但植物对Pb的吸收能力降低；K对植株Pb的吸收能力的抑制作用不如N显著。土壤供P会降低植物对Pb的吸收，且下降极显著。少量的N、P、K均使富集植物中的Pb迁移总量增加，高质量分数时则抑制。但K的抑制作用不如N及P的显著。     

Effects of cadmium on nutrient uptake and translocation by Indian Mustard

Plants that hyperaccumulate metals are ideal subjects for studying the mechanisms of metal and mineral nutrient uptake in the plant kingdom. Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea) has been shown to accumulate moderate levels of Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni, Zn, and Cu. In this experiment, 10 levels of Cd concentration treatments were imposed by adding 10-190 mg Cd kg(-1) to the soils as cadmium nitrate [Cd(NO3)2]. The effect of Cd on phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and the micronutrients iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in B. juncea was studied. Plant growth was affected negatively by Cd, root biomass decreased significantly at 170 mg Cd kg(-1) dry weight soils treatment. Cadmium accumulation both in shoots and roots increased with increasing soil Cd treatments. The highest concentration of Cd was up to 300 mg kg(-1) d.w. in the roots and 160 mg kg(-1) d.w. in the shoots. The nutrients mainly affected by Cd were P, K, Ca, Fe, and Zn in the roots, and P, K, Ca, and Cu in the shoots. K and P concentrations in roots increased significantly when Cd was added at 170 mg kg(-1), and this was almost the same level at which root growth was inhibited. Zn concentrations in roots decreased significantly when added Cd concentration was increased from 50 to 110 mg kg(-1), then remained constant with Cd treatments from 110 to 190 mg kg(-1). However, Zn concentrations in the shoots seemed less affected by Cd. It is possible that Zn uptake was affected by the Cd but not the translocation of Zn within the plant. Ca and Mg accumulation in roots and shoots showed similar trends. This result indicates that Ca and Mg uptake is a non-specific process.     

Reductions in photosynthetic carbon uptake in epiphytic diatoms by water-soluble extracts of leaves of Zostera marina

A water-soluble fraction of green leaves of Zostera marina L. decreased carbon uptake rates in diatoms found as epiphytes at Roberts Bank (Lat 49°2N; Long. 123°8W) on the west coast of Canada. Extract concentrations of 11 to 1 g dry leaf ml^-1, added immediately before ¹⁴C-uptake was measured over a 3-h period, reduced uptake to 36 to 80% of controls, respectively. A lower concentration (0.6 g dry leaf ml^-1) reduced uptake significantly in only one of four cultures. Addition of the whole extract 3 d before carbon uptake was measured or in one-third doses, 0, 1, and 2 d before, resulted in inhibition similar to that observed when the whole extract was added immediately before the ¹⁴C.     

Modeling compensated root water and nutrient uptake

Plant root water and nutrient uptake is one of the most important processes in subsurface unsaturated flow and transport modeling, as root uptake controls actual plant evapotranspiration, water recharge and nutrient leaching to the groundwater, and exerts a major influence on predictions of global climate models. In general, unsaturated models describe root uptake relatively simple. For example, root water uptake is mostly uncompensated and nutrient uptake is simulated assuming that all uptake is passive, through the water uptake pathway only. We present a new compensated root water and nutrient uptake model, implemented in HYDRUS. The so-called root adaptability factor represents a threshold value above which reduced root water or nutrient uptake in water- or nutrient-stressed parts of the root zone is fully compensated for by increased uptake in other soil regions that are less stressed. Using a critical value of the water stress index, water uptake compensation is proportional to the water stress response function. Total root nutrient uptake is determined from the total of active and passive nutrient uptake. The partitioning between passive and active uptake is controlled by the a priori defined concentration value c_max. Passive nutrient uptake is simulated by multiplying root water uptake with the dissolved nutrient concentration, for soil solution concentration values below c_max. Passive nutrient uptake is thus zero when c_max is equal to zero. As the active nutrient uptake is obtained from the difference between plant nutrient demand and passive nutrient uptake (using Michaelis–Menten kinetics), the presented model thus implies that reduced passive nutrient uptake is compensated for by active nutrient uptake. In addition, the proposed root uptake model includes compensation for active nutrient uptake, in a similar way as used for root water uptake. The proposed root water and nutrient uptake model is demonstrated by several hypothetical examples, for plants supplied by water due to capillary rise from groundwater and surface drip irrigation.     

In situ water motion and nutrient uptake by the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera

Rates of NO ₃ ^- uptake by individual blades of Macrocystis pyrifera (L.) C. Agardh were measured at different flow rates in the laboratory. Dissolution rates of hemispherical, plaster buttons attached to the blade surface provided a relative measure of flow rates over blades used in uptake experiments and also over intact blades of adult kelp plants in situ (Laguna Beach, California, USA; 1981). Laboratory results indicated that uptake was saturated at a flow rate equivalent to 2.5 cm s^-1 current velocity. Flow rates over intact blades in situ always exceeded this uptake saturation level. Wave surge and movement of plant surfaces relative to the surrounding water provided sufficient flow to saturate uptake, even in a dense kelp canopy during low-current and calm sea-state conditions.     

A numerical model of wave- and current-driven nutrient uptake by coral reef communities

We developed a numerical model capable of simulating the spatial zonation of nutrient uptake in coral reef systems driven by hydrodynamic forcing (both from waves and currents). Relationships between nutrient uptake and bed stress derived from flume and field studies were added to a four-component biogeochemical model embedded within a three-dimensional (3-D) hydrodynamic ocean model coupled to a numerical wave model. The performance of the resulting coupled physical-biogeochemical model was first evaluated in an idealized one-dimensional (1-D) channel for both a pure current and a combined wave-current flow. Waves in the channel were represented by an oscillatory flow with constant amplitude and frequency. The simulated nutrient concentrations were in good agreement with the analytical solution for nutrient depletion along a uniform channel, as well as with existing observations of phosphate uptake across a real reef flat. We then applied this integrated model to investigate more complex two-dimensional (2-D) nutrient dynamics, firstly to an idealized coral reef-lagoon morphology, and secondly to a realistic section of Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, where nutrients were advected into the domain via alongshore coastal currents. Both the idealized reef and Ningaloo Reef simulations showed similar patterns of maximum uptake rates on the shallow forereef and reef crest, and with nutrient concentration decreasing as water flowed over the reef flat. As a result of the cumulative outflow of nutrient-depleted water exiting the reef channels and then being advected down the coast by alongshore currents, both reef simulations exhibited substantial alongshore variation in nutrient concentrations. The coupled models successfully reproduced the observed spatial-variability in nitrate concentration across the Ningaloo Reef system.     

Comparisons of nutrient uptake rates for Baltic macroalgae with different thallus morphologies

In-situ experiments were performed during different seasons to determine uptake rates of PO _3- ⁴ , NH ₊ ⁴ and NO _- ³ within ecologically representative ranges of nutrient concentrations, of dominant macroalgae in the Baltic Sea. Uptake rates were governed by nutrient concentrations, water temperature and thallus morphology, but not by the phylogenetic affinity of the species. Nitrogen uptake rates were always higher than those of phosphorus at the same concentrations, and NH ₊ ⁴ –N uptake rates exceeded those of NO _- ³ –N. The lowest uptake rates occurred among the late successional, long-lived, coarse species with low surface: volume ratios (Fucus vesiculosus, Furcellaria lumbricalis andPhyllophora truncata). The highest uptake rates were measured for short-lived, opportunistic algae, filamentous or with numerous hairs, (Cladophora glomerata, Enteromorpha ahlneriana, Scytosiphon lomentaria, Dictyosiphon foeniculaceus andCeramium tenuicorne). The latter group also had the highest V_max:k_max ratios, which indicates a more competitive advantage for nutrient uptake at low concentrations.     

Chlorophyll a fluorescence in marine centric diatoms: Responses of chloroplasts to light and nutrient stress

Observations at sea of large variations in the cellular fluorescence of phytoplankton prompted a study of the fluorescence responses in marine diatoms to light and nutrient stress. When older cultures of Lauderia borealis were exposed to intense light, the in vivo fluorescence of chlorophyll a declined within the first 2 min of exposure. This initial response to light stress appeared to be correlated with a contraction of the chloroplasts. Continued exposure led to a second decline in fluorescence, which required 30 to 60 min for completion. A movement of chloroplasts to the valvar ends of the cell caused this secondary response. Both the contraction and intracellular movement of chloroplasts appeared to be related to both photoinhibition of photosynthesis and diel fluctuations in cellular fluorescence. An investigation of continuous cultures of Cyclotella nana showed that in vivo chlorophyll a fluoresced more strongly in nitrogen-starved cells than in enriched ones. Photoinhibition of cellular fluorescence also increased with the cell's state of nitrogen deficiency.     

柠檬酸对土壤养分的活化及对作物吸收Fe、P的影响

土壤pH值是影响石灰性土壤Fe、Zn、Mn等微量元素有效性的重要因素，利用土壤培养法，研究了不同浓度柠檬酸溶液对石灰性土壤的pH值以及对P、Fe、Mn、Zn等元素的活化效应。结果表明，浓度高于0．001mol／L的柠檬酸溶液培养土壤，可降低土壤pH值，增加土壤有效P、Fe、Mn、Zn等元素的质量分数。培养24h后，P、Fe、Mn、Zn等有效养分质量分数最高，随着培养时间的延长，有效养分的质量分数下降，活化效果减弱，土壤表现出一定的钝化效应。利用盆栽模拟滴灌施肥条件，柠檬酸溶液处理可显著促进花生、菜豆植株的生长，叶片SPAD读数增加，并提高植株对P、Fe元素的吸收量，因此滴灌施肥条件下，可考虑使用柠檬酸增加石灰性土壤根区微量元素的有效性。     

模拟酸雨对华南典型树种生长及营养元素含量的影响

我国是世界上的第3大酸雨区,而华南地区是我国酸雨比较严重的地区之一。越来越严重的酸雨将对森林生态系统林木生长产生负面影响。本文采用盆栽试验模拟研究酸雨对华南典型树种尾叶桉和马尾松幼树生长及营养元素含量的影响。酸雨水平有4个:pH6.8(CK)、pH5、pH4和pH3。幼树生长期间观察并记录其酸雨受害症状,每隔10a测量一次树高,4个月后统计生物量、叶面积情况,并分析植株样品中的N、P、K、Ca、Mg等元素的质量分数。试验结果表明,在不同酸度酸雨的协迫下,尾叶桉和马尾松幼苗表现出不同程度的受害症状,酸度越高受害越严重。酸雨显著地抑制尾叶桉和马尾松的树高生长,降低幼苗生物量,减少叶面积生长。与对照相比,生长四个月后,pH5、pH4和pH3处理分别导致尾叶桉生物量降低10.79%、19.21%和27.25%,马尾松降低12.78%、22.98%和28.70%。尾叶桉植株内P、Mg、Ca质量分数不同程度地受到酸雨的影响,而N、K质量分数不受酸雨影响;马尾松除了P元素以外,其它元素质量分数在各个酸雨处理之间差异不显著。     

Relevance of wound-activated compounds produced by diatoms as toxins and infochemicals for benthic invertebrates

Plants evolve the production of wound-activated compounds (WACs) to reduce grazing pressure. In addition, several plant-produced WACs are recognized by various invertebrates, playing the role of infochemicals. Due to co-evolutionary processes, some invertebrates recognize plant infochemicals and use them to identify possible prey, detect the presence of predators or identify algae containing various classes of toxic metabolites. Different metabolites present in the same algae can play the role of toxins, infochemicals or both simultaneously. We investigated the infochemical activity of compounds extracted from three diatoms epiphytes of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica, by conducting choice experiments on invertebrates living in the same community or in close proximity. Furthermore, the specific toxicity of the extracts obtained from the same algae was tested on sea urchin embryos using a standard bioassay procedure, to detect the presence of toxins. The comparison of the two effects demonstrated that invertebrates are subjected to diatom wound-activated toxicants when these algae are not associated with their own habitat, but they are able to recognize volatile infochemicals derived from diatoms associated with their habitats. The specific toxicity of WACs was shown to be inversely correlated to the perceptive ability of invertebrates towards volatile compounds liberated by the same algae. Hence, when the recognition of specific algae by a given invertebrate species evolves, their detrimental effects on the receiving organism may be lost.     

In-situ measurements of nitrogenous nutrient uptake by kelp (Ecklonia maxima) and phytoplankton in a nitrate-rich upwelling environment

Nitrogen uptake by the kelp Ecklonia maxima Osbeck and phytoplankton was examined under different conditions of nutrient availability in a kelp bed off the Cape of Good Hope by measuring nutrient depletion in large plastic bags by the kelp and ¹⁵N uptake by phytoplankton. E. maxima took up nitrate and ammonia, but not urea, and showed only a weak preference for reduced nitrogen. Phytoplankton absorbed all three forms of nitrogen available, with a preference for ammonia and urea. Ambient nitrate concentration exhibited a marked and rapid decrease with northerly winds and an increase in response to offshore southerly winds. Nitrogen uptake by E. maxima was linearly related to ambient concentration and did not saturate even at nitrate concentrations >20g-at N l^-1, resulting in a significantly higher tissue nitrogen content under upwelling conditions. Nitrate imported by upwelling was the chief source of nitrogen utilised within the kelp bed. Locally regenerated nitrogen (ammonia and urea) was calculated to contribute only ca 4% of total nitrogen uptake during upwelling and 30% during the relaxation or downwelling phase.     

Nutrient kinetics modeled from time series of substrate depletion and growth: dissolved silicate uptake of Baltic Sea spring diatoms

We estimated silicate uptake kinetics for 8 spring diatom species using a model based on time series measurements of the depletion of dissolved silicate (DSi) and increases in biomass. Furthermore, the carbon: nitrogen: silicate stoichiometric relationships and maximum growth rates were determined. Differences in DSi uptake kinetics and maximum growth rate were distinct among the species. All the most common diatom species (Chaetoceros wighamii, Pauliella taeniata, Skeletonema costatum and Thalassiosira baltica) were relatively lightly silicified and had variable but relatively low half-saturation constants (K _s ), indicating that they are well adapted to low DSi concentrations. The less common Diatoma tenuis and Nitzschia frigida had higher K _s values, suggesting that they are more vulnerable to DSi limitation. The much used nitrogen:silicate ratio of 1 for marine diatom biomass was too low for most of the examined species, while a ratio of 2–3 seems to be more appropriate for these Baltic Sea species.     

Quantitative evidence concerning the stabilization of sediments by marine benthic diatoms

Six species of benthic diatoms and a natural benthic diatom community were cultured in flasks on a variety of sediments. Diatom species which secreted large quantities of mucilage were effective sediment stabilizers. These mucilage-secreting species significantly reduced resuspension and retarded laminar flow of the sediments when the culture flasks were agitated. Diatom species which secreted little or no mucilage were not effective sediment stabilizers. These non-mucilage-secreting species did not significantly effect resuspension or laminar flow of the sediments when the culture flasks were agitated. A sediment stabilizing mechanism based on the secretion of mucilage by pennate benthic diatoms is proposed. The effect such a process may have on distributional patterns of benthic invertebrates in areas where extensive diatom or other microalgal films occur is discussed.This work was supported by the Belle W. Baruch Foundation, and is Contribution No. 68 of the Belle W. Baruch Institute for Marine Biology and Coastal Research.     

镉胁迫对龙葵幼苗光合特性和营养元素吸收的影响

采用模拟镉污染土壤培养法研究了镉对龙葵(Solarium nigrum L)幼苗光合特性及营养元素吸收的影响.结果表明:镉处理显著降低龙葵幼苗叶片色素含量.T1-T4镉处理下,龙葵叶绿素a、叶绿素b和类胡萝卜素含量的降幅分别为4.53%～32.39%、5.12%～29.89%和4.54%～19.82%0随镉处理浓度的增加,龙葵幼苗叶片净光合速率(Pn)、气孔导度(Gs)和蒸腾速率(Tr)均呈下降趋势,T1-T4镉处理下,分别较对照(CK)下降6.01%～61.71%、17.94%～55.32%和17.68%～68.10%,而胞间CO2浓度(Ci)则增加8.19%～30.04%.同时,可变荧光和最大荧光之比(Fv/Fm)显著降低.镉处理还导致龙葵植株营养元素吸收紊乱.镉促进龙葵叶片和根系K吸收,对Na吸收影响不显著.同时,镉促进根系Mg吸收,但抑制其向地上部转运.低浓度镉处理促进叶片Ca吸收.龙葵根、茎、叶Zn含量随镉处理浓度的提高均表现为低促高抑.根系Cu吸收随镉浓度提高而增加,叶片先增后降,各器官Fe含量随镉浓度提高逐渐降低,而根系Mn含量受镉抑制.     

Short-term influence of nutrient availability on the uptake and translocation of phenanthrene in mangrove seedlings

Abstract

The uptake and distribution of phenanthrene, a typical polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, in plant tissues of Aegiceras corniculatum and Avicennia marina and the relationship with nutrient (nitrate, ammonium, and soluble reactive phosphorus) availability were investigated. After 12?h of exposure, enhancements in the concentration of nitrate and soluble reactive phosphorus markedly decreased the residual level of phenanthrene in roots, while the addition of ammonium significantly increased the residual concentration. Due to the similar enzymatic degradation potential between treatment groups, the variation of phenanthrene concentration in mangrove roots may result from the H⁺/phenanthrene cotransport at the root surface that was influenced by nutrient uptake. Moreover, both nitrate and soluble reactive phosphorus amendments significantly increased translocation of phenanthrene from roots to leaves, which likely resulted from the change of hydraulic conductivity in mangrove plants triggered by different nutrient availability.     

生物炭对玉米苗期生长、养分吸收及土壤化学性状的影响

采用田间盆栽试验,研究了生物炭（biochar）对玉米（Gramineae）苗期生长（60 d）及土壤化学性质的影响。结果表明,在玉米苗期的前33 d,生物炭（48 t.hm-2）对玉米株高的生长有显著抑制作用,但随着玉米的生长发育,生物炭的抑制作用逐渐消失。收获时（播种后60 d）,生物炭对玉米植株干质量,N、P养分的吸收量没有显著影响;生物炭（12、48 t.hm-2）能显著提高土壤全N、有机碳质量分数,但对土壤全P、有效P、pH值没有显著影响。土壤全N、有机碳质量分数与生物炭用量（0、2.4、12、48 t.hm-2）为显著正相关（n=12,p〈0.01）。