Vertical distribution,population structure and life cycles of four oncaeid copepods in the Oyashio region,western subarctic Pacific

Vertical distribution and population structure of four dominant oncaeid copepods (Triconia borealis, Triconia canadensis, Oncaea grossa and Oncaea parila) were investigated in the Oyashio region, western subarctic Pacific. Seasonal samples were collected with 0.06 mm mesh nets from five discrete layers between the surface and 2,000 m depth at seven occasions (March, May, June, August and October 2002, December 2003 and February 2004). The depth of occurrence of major populations of each species differed by species; the surface–250 m for T. borealis, 250–1,000 m for T. canadensis, 250–500 m for O. grossa and 500–1,000 m for O. parila. The ontogenetic vertical migration characterized by deeper occurrence of early and late copepodid stages, and shallower occurrence of middle copepodid stages was observed in T. canadensis and O. parila. Of the four oncaeid copepods, almost all copepodid stages occurred throughout the study period, suggesting that their reproduction continues throughout the year in the region. Nevertheless, a clear developmental sequence of stage-to-stage was traced for T. canadensis and O. grossa copepodids, implying their generation time to be 1 year. For T. borealis and O. parila copepodids, no clear seasonal succession was observed thus estimation of their generation time was uncertain. The present comprehensive results of vertical distribution and life cycle features for T. borealis, T. canadensis, O. grossa and O. parila are compared with the few published data on oncaeid species distributing in high latitude seas.     

The effect of laboratory conditions on the extrapolation of experimental measurements to the ecology of marine zooplankton VI. Changes in physiological activities and biochemical components of Acetes sibogae australis and Acartia australis after capture

An investigation was made into the possible causes for the decline of physiological activities in Acetes sibogae australis Colefax and Acartia australis Farran during their maintenance for a period of 2 d following capture. Physiological activities comprising respiration, electron transport system (ETS) activity and excretion of ammonia and phosphate, and the biochemical components protein, RNA, ATP and adenylate energy charge (EC) were measured. Excluding fluctuation in the ammonia excretion rate, physiological rates and biochemical components decreased on an individual basis with time after capture for both species for this period. These decreases were generally moderated if expressed on a protein basis. Notwithstanding these changes, the adenylate EC of both species was constant at the normal level. From the results of stable EC and other physiological and biochemical consequences, it was concluded that food shortage rather than capture stress was the major factor contributing to decreases in the various physiological and biochemical properties of the two zooplankton species studied.     

Organotin compounds and polychlorinated biphenyls of livers in squid collected from coastal waters and open oceans

The current status of global marine pollution by TBT (tributyltin), TPT (triphenyltin) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) was examined by determining their concentrations in squid livers. TBT and TPT concentrations in squid livers were higher in coastal waters than in open oceans. The highest values of TBT and TPT of 279 and 519 ng g(-1), respectively, were detected off Japan. TBT concentrations were higher in the northern hemisphere than those of the southern hemisphere organisms. TPT was not detected in squid livers collected in the southern hemisphere. The variation in TBT and TPT concentrations between the northern and the southern hemisphere was greater than those recognized for PCBs distribution in the world oceans. This global distribution pattern of TBT, TPT and PCB seemed to reflect their usage (amount, period and manner of utilization). Approximate TBT concentrations in seawater estimated from bioaccumulation factor in the squid liver were 0.1-5.8 ng litre(-1) in waters around Japan, tr-0.8 ng litre(-1) in oceanic waters in the northern hemisphere, and tr-0.4 ng litre(-1) in the southern hemisphere oceans.     

Studies on photochemistry of aromatic hydrocarbons V: Photochemical reaction of chlorobenzene with nitrogen oxides in air

The investigations on the photochemical reaction of chlorobenzene with nitrogen oxides in air were carried out using the reaction vessels made of Pyrex glass and quartz, respectively. The irradiation of chlorobenzene in the Pyrex glass vessel gave m-chloronitrobenzene, 2-chloro-6-nitrophenol, 2-chloro-4-nitrophenol and 4-chloro-2-nitrophenol, while the irradiation of chlorobenzene in the quartz vessel resulted in m-chloronitrobenzene, p-nitrophenol, 2-chloro-4-nitrophenol, 3-chloro-2-nitrophenol, 3-chloro-6-nitrophenol and 3-chloro-4-nitrophenol.The formation mechanism of these chloronitrophenols was considered using the theory of the nitro-nitrite rearrangement of chloronitrobenzenes.     

Distribution,growth and life cycle of the mesopelagic amphipod Primno abyssalis (Hyperiidea: Phrosinidae) in the southern Japan sea

The vertical distribution, growth, maturation, brood size and life cycle of the hyperiid amphipod Primno abyssalis (formerly P. macropa) were investigated using seasonal samples collected from Toyama Bay, southern Japan Sea, during the period June 1986 to September 1992. Over four different seasons of the year, P. abyssalis was most abundant in the 200 to 350 m strata at night and the 350 to 400 m strata during the day, indicating 100 to 150 m as the general distance of diel vertical movement. Some differences in vertical migrating behavior were noted among juveniles, adult males and females. Population-structure analysis revealed the occurrence of three cohorts aged 0+, 1+ and 2+ yr. Growth as body length in this species is linear with time. Estimated time to complete one life cycle is 1.8 to 2.5 yr for females, but only 0.8 yr for males. Maximum longevity is 2.8 yr. Instar analysis based on the segment number of pleopod rami indicated that newly hatched juveniles molt ten times to reach adult male, and four more times to reach adult female. Adult instar number was found to be only 1 for males and 5 for females. Ovigerous females occurred throughout the year, but the annual peak of release of juveniles from the female's marsupium is estimated to be arly March. Brood size was not correlated with female size, a maximum brood size of 214 eggs was recorded. The dry and ash-free dry weights of instars suggested that juveniles in the female marsupium, adult males, and older adult females are less active feeding or non-feeding stages. Except for the reduced growth rate and the occurrence of small, short-lived males, most characteristics of P. abyssalis are consistent with the present view of the life modes of mesopelagic animals, including linear growth in length, aseasonal reproduction, and smaller brood size coupled with larger eggs.     

Air Quality Standards National And International

The advantages and disadvantages of establishingworldwide air quality standards are reviewed. Inter-national standards would represent the best and mostadvanced procedures and might lead to improvementin standards in some countries where air quality isfar from adequate. International standards alsowould permit accurate comparisons of air pollutionamong countries and would provide a sound basis forcombatting pollution.     

Propagation,deposition, and suspension characteristics of constant-volume particle-driven gravity currents

Environmental Fluid Mechanics - In this laboratory study, propagation behaviour, particle deposition patterns, and suspension characteristics of non-cohesive particle-driven gravity currents formed...     

Vertical distribution, life cycle, and developmental characteristics of the mesopelagic calanoid copepod Gaidius variabilis (Aetideidae) in the Oyashio region, western North Pacific Ocean

Vertical distribution, life cycle, and developmental characteristics of the mesopelagic copepod Gaidius variabilis Brodsky in the Oyashio region were investigated by combining analyses of field copepodite populations with laboratory-rearing data of egg hatching and naupliar development. Field samplings from five discrete depths between the surface and ≤2000 m were made approximately every month for 1 year. Most populations of G. variabilis occurred between 600 and 1000 m depth. A modest degree of reversed diel vertical migration behavior and some stage-specific depth-distribution patterns were noted. All copepodite stages were observed throughout the year, suggesting a year-round spawning of G. variabilis. From a prominent abundance peak of Copepodite Stage 1 (C1) seen in June to August, together with development times of eggs and nauplii obtained in laboratory-rearing experiments, the major spawning season was extrapolated to be April to June, the phytoplankton bloom season. Tracing the peak abundance of each copepodite stage (distinguishing males and females for C4 to C6), the generation times of males and females were deduced as 2 and 1 year, respectively. All between-stage increments in terms of wet-, dry-, and ash-free dry weights were greatest in C3/C4, and least in C5/C6 for both males and females. The increments in C3/C4 and C4/C5 were greater for males than for females, reflecting a longer stage duration of the males. These weights did not increase in C5/C6 males, possibly because feeding ceased in C6 males. These results for G. variabilis are compared with those for some mesopelagic copepods previously reported from other regions. Received: 25 October 1999 / Accepted: 20 March 2000     

Global Warming: Risk Perception and Risk-Mitigating Behavior in Japan

Global warming is a major concern for the Japanese public. However, because the influence of global environmental risks, particularly global warming, is long-term and widespread, it seems difficult for the public to recognize it as a familiar and important problem that necessitates firm action. This study attempts to determine the causal structure promoting risk-mitigating behavior with regard to global warming, using Covariance Structure Analysis (CSA) with data from a survey of a subset of the Japanese population. We model the causal structure promoting risk-mitigating behavior population. There are four main stages in the process of decision-making for and values, risk perception, mitigating behavior intention, and personal environmental policies has three stages: concerns and values, risk perceptions, ectively accelerate the public’s participation in policy decisions, by translating their risk-mitigating into practical actions. Increased knowledge through improved access should improve the interaction between the public and environmental policy-makers with regard to global warming, using CSA with data from a survey of a subset of the Japanese personal actions: concerns actions. Support for andmitigating behavior intentions. Our results suggest that improved access to information concerning the risks associated with global warming in particular, and environmental issues in general, will be sufficient to effintentions for to information in Japan.