Studies on metal content in the brown seaweed, Fucus vesiculosus, from the Archipelago of Stockholm

Concentrations of eleven metals (Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn) were determined in the brown seaweed Fucus vesiculosus collected from the Archipelago of Stockholm. Several factors which influence the metal content in the seaweed have been studied, including errors caused by epiphytes, sea exposure and differences depending on which part of the seaweed is analysed. It is concluded that, if all these factors are considered, Fucus vesiculosus plants are excellent bio-indicators of metal pollution. This is also demonstrated by a significant increase in metal content in transplanted Fucus vesiculosus near the city of Stockholm. The results from this investigation also indicate increasing metal concentrations, especially Cd, in samples from the northern parts of the Archipelago and the reason for this is discussed.     

Exuviaella cordata red tide in Bulgarian coastal waters (May to June 1986)

The structure and some functional characteristics of the plankton community at the time of aExuviaella cordata red tide were investigated in Burgas Bay, Bulgaria, in May and June 1986. Characteristics of main plankton components (phyto-, bacterio-, nanoheterotrophic plankton, ciliates and mesoplankton) in the bloom area are presented. Development of theE. cordata bloom was determined by abiotic conditions among which eutrophication and salinity decrease caused the patchy character of its rapid development. Attainment of maximum red tide (ca. 1x10⁹ cells l^-1; 1x10³ g m^-3) from background (500 to 800x10³ cells l^-1; 600 mg m^-3) took 3 to 7d. Growth rate () during that period was 1.2 to 2.2 doublings per day. A sharp bloom decline (3 to 4d) was caused by parasitic flagellates destroying the alga's chloroplast. Diel biomass losses due to grazing remained below 5%. Metabolites and degradation products ofE. cordata revealed no pronounced toxic effects on the other components of the planktonic community. The rapid bloom degradation due to the effects of parasitic flagellates indicates the high potential of ecosystem self-regulation.     

APPLICATION OF ADVANCES IN FLOOD FREQUENCY ANALYSIS1

ABSTRACT: Flood frequency analyses are frequently being made using widely available computer programs. Serious errors can result from blind acceptance of such results. Visual interpretation of observed flood series can be used for evaluation on frequency paper with compatible scales. Such frequency papers are presented in the paper. In ephemeral streams, more infrequent floods may constitute a separate set from the more frequent floods because (a) runoff producing storms cover only a portion of the contributing area, (b) transmission losses in the normally dry streambed may reduce the peak flow, and (c) some runoff may be stored in stock water ponds which therefore leads to partial area runoff. The Cunnane plotting position used in this paper is superior to the more widely used Weibull equation, having a mathematically sound basis for locating observed floods on an assumed probability.     

USE OF X-RAY FLUORESCENCE TO DETERMINE TRACE METALS IN WATER RESOURCES1

ABSTRACT. The X-ray fluorescence method was used to analyze trace metals collected in particulate form on filter papers and from the ionic state by ion exchange filter papers. The samples were prepared by allowing water to pass through these filter papers. The procedures necessary for using the X-ray fluorescence method are described. A number of samples were taken from the Great Miami River in Dayton, Ohio over one year showing the presence of the following metals, Ca, Ti, Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn, Sr, and Cd. Elements in the periodic table between Ti and Cs were detectable to a sensitivity limit of the order of 30 ppb for metals in the particulate form and 0.4 ppm for metals in the ionic form.