Seafloor ecosystem functioning: the importance of organic matter priming

Organic matter (OM) remineralization may be considered a key function of the benthic compartment of marine ecosystems and in this study we investigated if the input of labile organic carbon alters mineralization of indigenous sediment OM (OM priming). Using ¹³C-enriched diatoms as labile tracer carbon, we examined shallow-water sediments (surface and subsurface layers) containing organic carbon of different reactivity under oxic versus anoxic conditions. The background OM decomposition rates of the sediment used ranged from 0.08 to 0.44 μmol C ml_ws⁻¹ day⁻¹. Algal OM additions induced enhanced levels of background remineralization (priming) up to 31% and these measured excess fluxes were similar to mineralization of the added highly degradable tracer algal carbon. This suggests that OM priming may be important in marine sediments.     

The adverse health effects of biological aerosols, other aerosols, and indoor microclimate on asthmatics and nonasthmatics

Asthmatic and nonasthmatic families in a representative community population sample have been monitored over a 2-year period using daily diaries. Simultaneous micro-indoor and outdoor monitoring has been conducted in a representative sample of houses for air pollutants, pollen, fungi, algae, and climate. Macromonitoring of air pollutants and pollen was conducted simultaneously. The relationship of indoor to outdoor and micro to macro factors can be demonstrated. Acute symptoms were strongly related to age, weakly related to sex, and not related to smoking habits. The qualitative relationship of these micro and macro factors to symptoms in asthmatic and nonasthmatic families have been explored. Suspended particulate matter and pollen were related to symptoms in asthmatics and nonasthmatics. Fungi might be related to symptoms as well. The use of gas stoves is qualitatively related to symptoms. Algae and other contaminants of evaporative coolers do not appear to be important in producing symptoms. More complex statistical analyses are required to determine interactions of these factors. Distinction has to be drawn between infectious episodes, allergic episodes, nonallergic but similar episodes, and asthmatic attacks. This study demonstrates the need for further investigations in this area.     

SIMULATION AND MAPPING OF SOIL-WATER CONDITIONS IN THE GREAT PLAINS1

ABSTRACT: Soil-water conditions provide valuable insight into the hydrologic system in an area. A soil-water balance quantitatively summarizes soil-water conditions and is based on climatic, soil, and vegetation characteristics that vary spatially and temporally. Soil-water balances in the Great Plains of the central United States were simulated for 1951–1980. Results of the simulations were mean annual estimates of infiltration, runoff, actual evapotranspiration, potential recharge, and consumptive water and irrigation requirements at 152 climatic data stations. A method was developed using a geographic information system to integrate and map the simulation results on the basis of spatially variable climatic, soil, and vegetation characteristics. As an example, simulated mean annual potential recharge was mapped. Mean annual potential-recharge rates ranged from less than 0.5 inch in much of the north-central and southwestern Great Plains to more than 10 inches in parts of eastern Texas and southwestern Arkansas.     

PERCEPTION OF WATER QUALITY BY SELECT RESPONDENT GROUPINGS IN INLAND WATER-BASED RECREATIONAL ENVIRONMENTS1

ABSTRACT: This paper examines four lake environments which are paired by lake size and by trophic state, where trophic state is employed as an identifier of water quality. Two large lakes and two intermediate-sized lakes, with each pair having one oligotrophic lake and one eutrophic lake are selected for cross-sectional survey-oriented questionnaire research. This paper focuses upon one aspect of the research, namely, the perception of water quality by three user groups. The user groups examined are recreationists, cottage and homeowners, and fishermen. The groups are compared utilizing percentage response profiles and cluster level groupings. It appears from a preliminary analysis of the data that the lakes selected are viable trophic state endpoints for questionnaire analysis of respondents. Each user group surveyed does appear sensitive to select water quality parameters; where shifts in sensitivity appear within and between user groups with changes in ecological settings, as well as with factors independent of ecological settings.     

Use of Fourier transform infrared spectrometry as a continuous emission monitor

This paper describes the use of a Fourier transfer infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, integrated with a sampling system and a control software, as a continuous emission monitor (CEM) for on-line measurement of most volatile organic and some inorganic compounds from various gas emissions. The time response of the system was tested experimentally, and can be approximated by a complete mixing model. In order to validate the measurement accuracy of the system, spiking tests are suggested. This paper discusses considerations in designing the spiking test and analyzing the spiking results. Field test results show that the FTIR-CEM has a stable performance and can be applied to stack emission monitoring, process monitoring, and unknown HAPs identification in many thermal treatment processes.     

HYDROLOGIC STAGE PERIODICITY OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER BEFORE AND AFTER SYSTEMATIC CHANNEL MODIFICATIONS1

ABSTRACT: Periodic flood disturbance is a well known controlling factor of in channel and floodplain ecosystem function. However, channel manipulations during the last century have potentially altered hydrologic fluctuations, and thus ecosystem function. We examined temporal river stage hydrology, through autocorrelation analysis, at seven gauges along the Mississippi River to quantify flow periodicity and effects of systematic channel modifications on flow periodicity. Intraannual variation follows a strong one‐year cycle of six months higher flow and six months lower flow for the entire Mississippi River drainage, with precipitation as a driving force. Interannual hydrologic variation differs between the upper and lower river segments. A clear quasi‐biennial oscillation pattern was evident throughout the lower river section. The effect of channel alterations was a decreased magnitude of differences between lower and higher flows. The upper section, however, suggests a 12‐to 14‐year periodicity prior to alterations and a decreased duration of lower flow years following systematic modifications. Interannual variograms clearly depict very different temporal hydrology between the upper Mississippi River and the lower Mississippi River, suggesting the simple transfer of knowledge from one segment to the other oversimplifies the complexity of a large river system.