In situ characterization of phytoplankton from vertical profiles of fluorescence emission spectra

Vertical profiling of the upper ocean with a laser/fiber optic fluorometer enabled the determination of fluorescence emission spectra of photosynthetic pigments over small vertical scales. Simultaneous acquisition of phycoerythrin (PE) and chlorophyll (chl) emission spectra allowed in situ differentiation between PE-containing cells (cryptomonads and cyanobacteria) and other chl-containing autotrophs. Further, fluorescence spectral peak shifts associated with different species of PE-containing cells resulted in even finer scale in situ taxonomic differentiation. We found that the phycoerythrin fluorescence emission maxima shifted from 578 nm near the surface, to 585 m at the base of the shallow thermocline (30% light level), and to 590 nm below the thermocline at the base of the euphotic zone (1% light level). These shifts in peak emission coincided with a taxonomic change in the PE-containing cells (as determined from analysis of discrete bottle samples) from a greater proportion of Synechococcus spp. in the upper water column to a greater proportion of cryptomonads at the base of the euphotic zone. These results indicate that the composition of the phytoplankton assemblage may be assessed in situ without sample collection.     

Age determination and growth of the bonnethead shark Sphyrna tiburo: a comparison of two populations

From July 1982 to December 1986, a study of the age and growth of the bonnethead shark Sphyrna tiburo was conducted in Tampa and Florida Bays, Florida, USA. Tetracycline-injected sharks held in captivity and, to a lesser extent, tagged, released and recaptured, were utilized for validating the annual nature of the rings (herein defined as the narrow, translucent regions) appearing on vertebral centra. The technique was validated for all age groups (0 to 6+yr) included in the study. Marginal increment analysis likewise suggested annual ring formation. The rings formed during the winter, when water temperatures were lowest. Using the vertebral ring aging-technique, von Bertalanffy growth curves for males and females from both tampa and Florida Bays were constructed. Growth of sharks born and held in captivity demonstrated that the male and female growth curves diverge after 1 yr and that mean sizes at age are statistically distinct after 2 yr. In both populations, females grew to larger sizes tha males and apparently are longer-lived. Reproductively mature females from Tampa Bay were significantly larger than those from Florida Bay.     

Relation between heavy metal concentrations in salt marsh plants and soil

The aim of the research reported here was to investigate the relation between heavy metal concentrations in salt marsh plants, extractability of the metals from soil and some soil characteristics. In April 1987, Spartina anglica and Aster tripolium plants and soil were collected from four salt marshes along the Dutch coast. The redox potential of the soil between the roots of the plants and at bare sites was measured. Soil samples were oven-dried and analyzed for chloride concentration, pH, fraction of soil particles smaller than 63 microm (f < 63 microm), loss on ignition (LOI) and ammonium acetate and hydrochloric acid extractable Cd, Cu and Zn concentrations. The roots and shoots of the plants were analyzed for Cd, Cu and Zn. Because drying of the soil prior to chemical analysis might have changed the chemical speciation of the metals, and therefore the outcome of the ammonium acetate extraction, a second survey was performed in October 1990. In this survey A. tripolium plants and soil were collected from two salt marshes. Fresh and matched oven-dried soil samples were analyzed for water, ammonium acetate and diethylene triaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) extractable Cd, Cu and Zn concentrations. The soil samples were also analyzed for f < 63 microm, LOI and total (HNO(3)/HCl digestion) metal concentrations. Soil metal concentrations were correlated with LOI. Drying prior to analysis of the soil had a significant effect on the extractability of the metals with water, ammonium acetate or DTPA. Plant metal concentrations significantly correlated only with some extractable metal concentrations determined in dried soil samples. However, these correlations were not consistently better than with total metal concentrations in the soil. It was concluded that extractions of metals from soil with water, ammonium acetate or DTPA are not better predictors for metal concentrations in salt marsh plants than total metal concentrations, and that a major part of the variation in metal concentrations in the plants cannot be explained by variation in soil composition.     

Effects of population density and cadmium toxicity on growth and survival of blowflies

The blowfly Lucilia sericata has been reared on artificial diets containing from 0 to 200 mg Cd kg(-1) at population densities ranging from 8 larvae per 4-g diet to 8 larvae per 32-g diet. Peak larval weight, development period, pupal weight, adult-emergence weight, and fecundity were measured. Larvae of blowflies respond to food deprivation by a reduction in larval weight and subsequent pupal and adult size. Contaminating the food supply with cadmium produced similar additive effects, reduced the growth rate, and increased the age of pupation. The results are of importance in determining the effects of environmental pollutants on population dynamics.     

Constraints on group size in primates and carnivores: population density and day-range as assays of exploitation competition

Summary We hypothesise that foraging group size (FGS) and population group size (PGS) in primates and carnivores are related to quantifiable variables indexing the intensity of exploitative competition. Group size is predicted to increase with both food density and travel capabilities, as estimated by the constraint-free day-range (DR_s), i.e. the day-range of a solitary individual uninfluenced by competition from conspecifics. We test this exploitation competition hypothesis among primates and carnivores, using data on populations, species and genera. Food density was indexed by population density. Where DR_s could be estimated by regression it was found to be correlated with observed day-range (DR_m). DR_s was therefore indexed by DR_m in all species. Population density and DR_m were associated with each other, but in a multiple regression each variable contributed independently to explaining variation in group size. PGS was predicted better than FGS, but regressions involving either measure of group size were significant in all analyses. The multiple regression analyses were validated by the method of linear contrasts, which accounts for possible lack of independence among taxa. We conclude that species differences in group size are influenced by both food density and DR_s. This suggests that variation in the intensity of exploitation competition is partly responsible for differences in group size.Correspondence to: R.W. Wrangham     

POLITICAL ECONOMICS OF OFFSHORE OIL

The exploration of offshore areas for hydrocarbons has involved new technical and economic considerations and has posed new problems, not the least of which has been the changing relationship between companies and governments. In this article, the authors present an analysis of the different perspectives and policies which emanate from national governments on the one hand and from transnational oil companies on the other. The issues examined include the considerations involved in establishing exploration legislation, post-discovery problems, the impact on revenues of increased production, the interests of companies in developing fields and the overall economic environment within which decisions have to be agreed.     

Some epidemiologic features of disasters in guatemala

Epidemiological procedures can be organised under disaster conditions by means of a simple surveillance system and with few personnel.
In the aftermath of the 4 February 1976 earthquake in Guatemala, an information system was organized by which the requisite information for decision-making was obtained with adequate speed and promptness.
The initial epidemiologic informution was based on reports collected during the early days on symptoms observed at hospitals and health centers and in localities and villages in the stricken area.
At a second, post-emergency stage a more elaborate surveillance system was instituted to provide guidance in the investigntwn of outbreaks, evaluate the health activities and establish basic criteria for preventive and control measures.     

Quality control in low-level radionuclide analysis. Results of recent intercomparisons and programmes for 1979/80 of the international atomic energy agency

The results of recent IAEA intercomparison programs are reviewed.     

Traceability,quality assurance,and standards

The development of traceability in low-level radioactivity measurements is discussed. The role that the development of large quantities of natural matrix standards can play is also discussed.     

Who cleans up the oil? A microeconomic study

Although oil spill cleanup requirements have existed in the United States for years, recent increases in oil imports and marine transportation of petroleum products as well as growing environmental concern have exposed a new industry, the Oil Spill Cleanup Industry. This paper explores some of the microeconomic aspects of this industry which has come under increased scrutiny by the general public, big business, and the federal government.In addition to a brief history and definition, several basic questions about the economic viability of the oil spill cleanup industry are raised and explored, and the impact on the industry of cleanup from government sources is examined, both from the perspective of present operations and from apparent future increases in federal participation. The primary dilemma facing the industry, that of providing continued and immediate supply while confronted with stochastic demand, is discussed. The effects of the large spill on the industry both in terms of revenue and ability to meet cleanup requirements is also considered.Information for the paper is drawn from past and continuing involvement in the U.S. Coast Guard's Marine Environmental Protection Program by both authors. The statistical evidence presented here was compiled through personal interviews and from two computerized Coast Guard information systems; PIRS (the Pollution Incident Reporting System), and SKIM (the Spill Cleanup Equipment Inventory System).