2013 Vol. 32, No. 2
Display Method:
2013, 32(2): 1-11.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-013-0272-x
Abstract:
The retrieval of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) distribution by remote sensing is mainly based on the empirical relationship of DOC concentration and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) concentration in many literatures. To investigate the nature of this relationship, the distributions and mixing behaviors of DOC and CDOM are reviewed in the world's major estuaries and bays. It is found that, generally, the CDOM concentration is well correlated with the salinity in most estuaries, while DOC usually shows a nonconservative behavior which leads to a weak correlation between the DOC concentration and the CDOM concentration. To establish a good satellite reversion of the DOC concentration, the East China Sea(ECS) was taken as an example, and the mixing behavior of DOC and CDOM as well as the influence of biogeochemical processes were analyzed except for the physical mixing process with the data from late autumn (November, 2010) and winter (December, 2009) cruises. In the two ECS cruises, the CDOM concentration was found to be tightly correlated with the salinity, influenced little by the photochemical or biological processes. The data from the winter cruise show that DOC followed a conservative mixing along the salinity gradient, while in the late autumn cruise it was significantly affected by the biological activities, resulting in a poor correlation between the DOC and the CDOM. Accordingly, an improved DOC algorithm (CSDM) was proposed:when the biological influence was significant (Chl a greater than 0.8 μg/dm3), DOC was retrieved by the conservative and biological model, and if the conservative mixing was dominant (Chl a less than 0.8 μg/dm3), the direct DOC concentration and CDOM concentration relationship was used. Based on the proposed algorithm, a reasonable DOC distribution for the ECS from satellite was obtained in this study, and the proposed method can be applied to the other large river-dominant marginal sea.
The retrieval of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) distribution by remote sensing is mainly based on the empirical relationship of DOC concentration and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) concentration in many literatures. To investigate the nature of this relationship, the distributions and mixing behaviors of DOC and CDOM are reviewed in the world's major estuaries and bays. It is found that, generally, the CDOM concentration is well correlated with the salinity in most estuaries, while DOC usually shows a nonconservative behavior which leads to a weak correlation between the DOC concentration and the CDOM concentration. To establish a good satellite reversion of the DOC concentration, the East China Sea(ECS) was taken as an example, and the mixing behavior of DOC and CDOM as well as the influence of biogeochemical processes were analyzed except for the physical mixing process with the data from late autumn (November, 2010) and winter (December, 2009) cruises. In the two ECS cruises, the CDOM concentration was found to be tightly correlated with the salinity, influenced little by the photochemical or biological processes. The data from the winter cruise show that DOC followed a conservative mixing along the salinity gradient, while in the late autumn cruise it was significantly affected by the biological activities, resulting in a poor correlation between the DOC and the CDOM. Accordingly, an improved DOC algorithm (CSDM) was proposed:when the biological influence was significant (Chl a greater than 0.8 μg/dm3), DOC was retrieved by the conservative and biological model, and if the conservative mixing was dominant (Chl a less than 0.8 μg/dm3), the direct DOC concentration and CDOM concentration relationship was used. Based on the proposed algorithm, a reasonable DOC distribution for the ECS from satellite was obtained in this study, and the proposed method can be applied to the other large river-dominant marginal sea.
2013, 32(2): 12-17.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-013-0270-z
Abstract:
This study reports the occurrence of anhydrite in hydrothermally altered pillow basalt (12°50.55'N, 103°57.62'W, water depth 2 480 m), which may have been produced in the basalt during seawater-basalt interaction in the laboratory. The existence of anhydrite in the altered basalt indicates extensive hightemperature hydrothermal alteration at the surface of seafloor pillow basalt. Microprobe analysis shows significant chemical zoning in the hydrothermally altered pillow basalt, in which Ca, Si and Al contents decrease and P, Fe, Mn, Cr and S contents increase from fresh basalt to altered basalt. The negative correlation between Rb-Sr and Li-Sr, and negative correlation between Li-Ca and Rb-Ca in the high-temperature vent fluids show that these fluids underwent anhydrite precipitation before fluid jetting due to mixing with seawater in the sub-seafloor. Based on these observations, we show that not all Ca in the anhydrite comes from basalt in the reaction zone, and that the basalts on the seafloor or in the upflow zone may also provide Ca for anhydrite.
This study reports the occurrence of anhydrite in hydrothermally altered pillow basalt (12°50.55'N, 103°57.62'W, water depth 2 480 m), which may have been produced in the basalt during seawater-basalt interaction in the laboratory. The existence of anhydrite in the altered basalt indicates extensive hightemperature hydrothermal alteration at the surface of seafloor pillow basalt. Microprobe analysis shows significant chemical zoning in the hydrothermally altered pillow basalt, in which Ca, Si and Al contents decrease and P, Fe, Mn, Cr and S contents increase from fresh basalt to altered basalt. The negative correlation between Rb-Sr and Li-Sr, and negative correlation between Li-Ca and Rb-Ca in the high-temperature vent fluids show that these fluids underwent anhydrite precipitation before fluid jetting due to mixing with seawater in the sub-seafloor. Based on these observations, we show that not all Ca in the anhydrite comes from basalt in the reaction zone, and that the basalts on the seafloor or in the upflow zone may also provide Ca for anhydrite.
2013, 32(2): 18-23.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-013-0273-9
Abstract:
In this short note, we report the ages of five lava samples from a segment of the Eastern Lau Spreading Center (ELSC) and three samples from the Valu Fa Ridge (VFR) in the southern Lau Basin. These samples were collected in situ from the axes and flanks of the spreading centers in the basin. These ages provide a key to better understanding the spreading mode, crustal formation and overall tectonic evolution of the basin. Except for two basaltic andesites and one andesite, the lavas analyzed are basalts. The ages of the lavas from ELSC range from (1.45±0.15) Ma to (0.74±0.04) Ma whereas those from VFR range from (0.50±0.06) Ma to (0.32±0.27) Ma, and the basalts give the oldest ages. The relatively younger ages of the VFR lavas are consistent with proposed tectonic evolution of the southern Lau Basin, i.e., VFR is a propagating extension of ELSC. The occurence of older lavas close to or on spreading axes in the southern Lau Basin implies the complex tectonic evolution of the basin. These results underscore a need for further detailed geophysical and geological studies in the southern Lau Basin, in order to better clarify the crustal accretion tectonic evolution in this area.
In this short note, we report the ages of five lava samples from a segment of the Eastern Lau Spreading Center (ELSC) and three samples from the Valu Fa Ridge (VFR) in the southern Lau Basin. These samples were collected in situ from the axes and flanks of the spreading centers in the basin. These ages provide a key to better understanding the spreading mode, crustal formation and overall tectonic evolution of the basin. Except for two basaltic andesites and one andesite, the lavas analyzed are basalts. The ages of the lavas from ELSC range from (1.45±0.15) Ma to (0.74±0.04) Ma whereas those from VFR range from (0.50±0.06) Ma to (0.32±0.27) Ma, and the basalts give the oldest ages. The relatively younger ages of the VFR lavas are consistent with proposed tectonic evolution of the southern Lau Basin, i.e., VFR is a propagating extension of ELSC. The occurence of older lavas close to or on spreading axes in the southern Lau Basin implies the complex tectonic evolution of the basin. These results underscore a need for further detailed geophysical and geological studies in the southern Lau Basin, in order to better clarify the crustal accretion tectonic evolution in this area.
2013, 32(2): 24-34.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-013-0274-8
Abstract:
The North Branch, separated by the Chongming Island, was once the main channel in the estuary of the Changjiang River. Reclamation and a decrease in runoff to the North Branch had led to the narrowing and shallowing of the channel. The Yuantuojiao Point is located at the intersecting point connecting the North Branch of the Changjiang River and the Jiangsu coastline. Erosion cliffs are developed between the typical silty-muddy tidal flat and the salt marsh occupied by Spartina alterniflorea, and this has changed rapidly over the past few years. The sediment grain size analysis results of the surficial and two core samples indicate that the Yuantuojiao Point tidal flat experienced continuous accretional processes. Based upon 137Cs analysis results of the YT and YY Cores sampled from the tidal flat at the Yuantuojiao Point, the average sedimentation rate of the YT Core was 2.30 cm/a from 1963 to 2007, and 2.38 cm/a from 1954 to 2007 for the YY Core. The sedimentation rates of both core locations have declined since the 1960s corresponding to the seaward reclamation at the Yuantuojiao Point. The average sedimentation rates at the Yuantuojiao Point were similar to that of the silty-muddy tidal flat at the northern Jiangsu coast, but lower than that of the south of the Changjiang River Estuary. According to field morphological investigations from 2006 to 2008 on the salt marsh at the Yuantuojiao Point, cliffs retreated markedly by storm surges and disappeared gradually because of the rapid sedimentation on the silty-muddy tidal flat. The maximum annual retreat reached 10 m. The recent sedimentation and morphological changes of the Yuantuojiao Point tidal flat not only displayed the retreat of the salt marsh and the disappearance of cliffs, but also was accompanied by rapid sedimentation of the silty-muddy tidal flat and the salt marsh, indicating the responses to the tidal currents, storm surges, Spartina alterniflorea trapping sediments and large-scale reclamation. The sediment grain size and their trends, southward coastal flow, and sandspits of the longshore bars suggest that the main sediment source at the Yuantuoijao Point, estuary of the North Branch was possibly from the Changjiang River before 1958, since then, it has been from the south of the submarine radial sand ridges of the southern Huanghai Sea (Yellow Sea).
The North Branch, separated by the Chongming Island, was once the main channel in the estuary of the Changjiang River. Reclamation and a decrease in runoff to the North Branch had led to the narrowing and shallowing of the channel. The Yuantuojiao Point is located at the intersecting point connecting the North Branch of the Changjiang River and the Jiangsu coastline. Erosion cliffs are developed between the typical silty-muddy tidal flat and the salt marsh occupied by Spartina alterniflorea, and this has changed rapidly over the past few years. The sediment grain size analysis results of the surficial and two core samples indicate that the Yuantuojiao Point tidal flat experienced continuous accretional processes. Based upon 137Cs analysis results of the YT and YY Cores sampled from the tidal flat at the Yuantuojiao Point, the average sedimentation rate of the YT Core was 2.30 cm/a from 1963 to 2007, and 2.38 cm/a from 1954 to 2007 for the YY Core. The sedimentation rates of both core locations have declined since the 1960s corresponding to the seaward reclamation at the Yuantuojiao Point. The average sedimentation rates at the Yuantuojiao Point were similar to that of the silty-muddy tidal flat at the northern Jiangsu coast, but lower than that of the south of the Changjiang River Estuary. According to field morphological investigations from 2006 to 2008 on the salt marsh at the Yuantuojiao Point, cliffs retreated markedly by storm surges and disappeared gradually because of the rapid sedimentation on the silty-muddy tidal flat. The maximum annual retreat reached 10 m. The recent sedimentation and morphological changes of the Yuantuojiao Point tidal flat not only displayed the retreat of the salt marsh and the disappearance of cliffs, but also was accompanied by rapid sedimentation of the silty-muddy tidal flat and the salt marsh, indicating the responses to the tidal currents, storm surges, Spartina alterniflorea trapping sediments and large-scale reclamation. The sediment grain size and their trends, southward coastal flow, and sandspits of the longshore bars suggest that the main sediment source at the Yuantuoijao Point, estuary of the North Branch was possibly from the Changjiang River before 1958, since then, it has been from the south of the submarine radial sand ridges of the southern Huanghai Sea (Yellow Sea).
2013, 32(2): 35-41.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-013-0275-7
Abstract:
CO2 fixation pathway of Caminibacter profundus, a chemolithoautotrophic ε-Proteobacteria from deep-sea hydrothermal vent, was determined and characterized by genetic and enzymatic analyses. Gene expression of key enzymes for CO2 fixation in response to salinity, pH and O2 in Medium 829 were also investigated. The results demonstrate that C. profundus contained aclB, porA and oorA, the genes encoding key enzymes of reductive tricarboxylic acid (rTCA) cycle. However, genes fragments of cbbL and cbbM encoding key enzyme of Calvin cycle were not recovered. Key enzymatic activities of ATP citrate lyase (ACL), pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (POR) and 2-oxoglutarate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (OOR) were also present in C. profundus. The combination of genetic and enzymatic analyses confirm that C. profundus adopted rTCA cycle for carbon assimilation. The results of aclB and oorA relative expressions of C. profundus demonstrate that the ranges of environmental factors for high genes expression were sea salt 3.0%-5.0% (optimum 3.0%), pH 5.0-6.5(optimum pH 6.5), anaerobic to microaerobic conditions (optimum 1.0% O2). Gene expression patterns under different conditions show similar patterns with bacterial growth, revealing that key rTCA cycle genes provided molecular basis for bacterial growth and propagation. Our results suggest that C. profundus could regulate key genes of rTCA cycle for carbon assimilation and energy metabolism in response to environmental fluctuations in hydrothermal vent.
CO2 fixation pathway of Caminibacter profundus, a chemolithoautotrophic ε-Proteobacteria from deep-sea hydrothermal vent, was determined and characterized by genetic and enzymatic analyses. Gene expression of key enzymes for CO2 fixation in response to salinity, pH and O2 in Medium 829 were also investigated. The results demonstrate that C. profundus contained aclB, porA and oorA, the genes encoding key enzymes of reductive tricarboxylic acid (rTCA) cycle. However, genes fragments of cbbL and cbbM encoding key enzyme of Calvin cycle were not recovered. Key enzymatic activities of ATP citrate lyase (ACL), pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (POR) and 2-oxoglutarate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (OOR) were also present in C. profundus. The combination of genetic and enzymatic analyses confirm that C. profundus adopted rTCA cycle for carbon assimilation. The results of aclB and oorA relative expressions of C. profundus demonstrate that the ranges of environmental factors for high genes expression were sea salt 3.0%-5.0% (optimum 3.0%), pH 5.0-6.5(optimum pH 6.5), anaerobic to microaerobic conditions (optimum 1.0% O2). Gene expression patterns under different conditions show similar patterns with bacterial growth, revealing that key rTCA cycle genes provided molecular basis for bacterial growth and propagation. Our results suggest that C. profundus could regulate key genes of rTCA cycle for carbon assimilation and energy metabolism in response to environmental fluctuations in hydrothermal vent.
2013, 32(2): 42-51.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-013-0276-6
Abstract:
The aim of this study is to investigate microbial structures and diversities in five active hydrothermal fields' sediments along the Eastern Lau Spreading Centre (ELSC) in the Lau Basin (southwest Pacific). Microbial communities were surveyed by denatured gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and clone library analysis of 16S rRNA genes. The differences in microbial community structures among sediment samples from the five deep-sea hydrothermal sites were revealed by DGGE profiles. Cluster analysis of DGGE profiles separated the five hydrothermal samples into two groups. Four different 16S rRNA gene clone libraries, representing two selected hydrothermal samples (19-4TVG8 and 19-4TVG11), were constructed. Twenty-three and 32 phylotypes were identified from 166 and 160 bacterial clones respectively, including Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Nitrospirae and Planctomycetes. The phylum Proteobacteria is dominant in both bacterial libraries with a predominance of Gamma-Proteobacteria. A total of 31 and 25 phylotypes were obtained from 160 and 130 archaeal clones respectively, including Miscellaneous Crenarchaeotic Group, Marine Group I and Ⅲ, Marine Benthic Group E, Terrestrial Hot Spring Crenarchaeota and Deep-sea Hydrothermal Vent Euryarchaeota. These results show a variety of clones related to those involved in sulfur cycling, suggesting that the cycling and utilization of sulfur compounds may extensively occur in the Lau Basin deep-sea hydrothermal ecosystem.
The aim of this study is to investigate microbial structures and diversities in five active hydrothermal fields' sediments along the Eastern Lau Spreading Centre (ELSC) in the Lau Basin (southwest Pacific). Microbial communities were surveyed by denatured gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and clone library analysis of 16S rRNA genes. The differences in microbial community structures among sediment samples from the five deep-sea hydrothermal sites were revealed by DGGE profiles. Cluster analysis of DGGE profiles separated the five hydrothermal samples into two groups. Four different 16S rRNA gene clone libraries, representing two selected hydrothermal samples (19-4TVG8 and 19-4TVG11), were constructed. Twenty-three and 32 phylotypes were identified from 166 and 160 bacterial clones respectively, including Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Nitrospirae and Planctomycetes. The phylum Proteobacteria is dominant in both bacterial libraries with a predominance of Gamma-Proteobacteria. A total of 31 and 25 phylotypes were obtained from 160 and 130 archaeal clones respectively, including Miscellaneous Crenarchaeotic Group, Marine Group I and Ⅲ, Marine Benthic Group E, Terrestrial Hot Spring Crenarchaeota and Deep-sea Hydrothermal Vent Euryarchaeota. These results show a variety of clones related to those involved in sulfur cycling, suggesting that the cycling and utilization of sulfur compounds may extensively occur in the Lau Basin deep-sea hydrothermal ecosystem.
2013, 32(2): 52-58.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-013-0261-0
Abstract:
Recombinant bacteria secreting the transmembrane-truncated region of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) envelope protein VP28 named DhpVB were constructed, using live Escherichia coli as a deliverer and a constitutive secretory expression plasmid as the expression vector. With the ability to deliver recombinant protein products outside, DhpVB could make VP28 directly interact with the shrimp when injected into shrimp. In order to test the protection potential, live DhpVB were injected into the marine shrimp Exopalamon carincauda Holthuis for three times and WSSV challenge was performed twice simultaneously at the last two injections of the bacteria. The results showed that DhpVB displayed statistically significant advantage over bacteria without VP28 after the second challenge with an average RI (Resistance index) of 0.67±0.08, compared with 0.41±0.09 of bacteria without VP28 (P <0.05). The data suggested that a quasi-immune response may exist in E. carincauda and live bacteria carrying VP28 could enhance the shrimp resistance against WSSV.
Recombinant bacteria secreting the transmembrane-truncated region of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) envelope protein VP28 named DhpVB were constructed, using live Escherichia coli as a deliverer and a constitutive secretory expression plasmid as the expression vector. With the ability to deliver recombinant protein products outside, DhpVB could make VP28 directly interact with the shrimp when injected into shrimp. In order to test the protection potential, live DhpVB were injected into the marine shrimp Exopalamon carincauda Holthuis for three times and WSSV challenge was performed twice simultaneously at the last two injections of the bacteria. The results showed that DhpVB displayed statistically significant advantage over bacteria without VP28 after the second challenge with an average RI (Resistance index) of 0.67±0.08, compared with 0.41±0.09 of bacteria without VP28 (P <0.05). The data suggested that a quasi-immune response may exist in E. carincauda and live bacteria carrying VP28 could enhance the shrimp resistance against WSSV.
2013, 32(2): 59-65.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-013-0277-5
Abstract:
Due to morphological plasticity and paucity of diagnostic morphological characters, the taxonomy of Kappaphycus gets more and more confused with the expanding of commercial cultivation. In this study, the phylogenetic relationship of 13 strains of introduced Kappaphycus species in China was defined using DNA molecular markers, such as 18S rDNA, rbcL and cox2-cox3 spacer region. The resolutions obtained by three different molecular markers were compared:both cox2-cox3 spacer region and rbcL sequences are eligible in inter-species identification of Kappaphycus, whereas cox2-cox3 spacer region is more variable than rbcL sequence. There is several basepairs' discrepancy among 18S rDNA sequences, while it is 100% identical among both cox2-cox3 spacer region and rbcL sequences of the ten strains of K. alvarezii. We suppose that 18S rDNA sequence can provide more information in biogeography study of Kappaphycus than other two DNA sequences.
Due to morphological plasticity and paucity of diagnostic morphological characters, the taxonomy of Kappaphycus gets more and more confused with the expanding of commercial cultivation. In this study, the phylogenetic relationship of 13 strains of introduced Kappaphycus species in China was defined using DNA molecular markers, such as 18S rDNA, rbcL and cox2-cox3 spacer region. The resolutions obtained by three different molecular markers were compared:both cox2-cox3 spacer region and rbcL sequences are eligible in inter-species identification of Kappaphycus, whereas cox2-cox3 spacer region is more variable than rbcL sequence. There is several basepairs' discrepancy among 18S rDNA sequences, while it is 100% identical among both cox2-cox3 spacer region and rbcL sequences of the ten strains of K. alvarezii. We suppose that 18S rDNA sequence can provide more information in biogeography study of Kappaphycus than other two DNA sequences.
2013, 32(2): 66-75.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-013-0278-4
Abstract:
Harmful algal blooms recently have been under the spotlight throughout the world, because of their negative impact on the marine environment, aquaculture, fisheries as well as public health. The development of methods for rapid and precise identification and quantification of causative species is essential for the warning and monitoring of blooms, among which the techniques based on taxonomic probes are the most favored. In this study, two harmful algae, i.e., Prorocentrum minimum and Karenia mikimotoi were taken into consideration. The partial large subunit rDNA (D1-D2) of both species were firstly PCR-amplified, cloned and sequenced. The obtained sequences were then introduced to carry out alignment analysis for gene specific regions. Three respective candidate probes for each species were designed and used to screen the optimal probe by performing fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) tests. The results showed that the probes Pmin0443 and Kmik0602 displayed the best hybridization for P. minimum and K. mikimotoi, respectively. Both the specific (taxonomic) (Pmin0443 and Kmik0602) and the control probes (UniC0512 and UniR0499) were used for cross-reactivity tests with other microalgae in our laboratory. The probes Pmin0443 and Kmik0602 are specific and could be served as taxonomic probes introduced into the techniques targeting rRNA, such as FISH, sandwich hybridization, and DNA-microarray assay of P. minimum and K. mikimotoi in the future. Finally, FISH analyses with both probes were performed on the simulated field samples. The probes could hybridize exclusively with the target cells well, and no significant difference (p >0.05) was observed in the cell densities of the samples determined by FISH and light microscopy (LM). All suggest that the probes are specific and could be introduced into FISH for the monitoring of both harmful algae.
Harmful algal blooms recently have been under the spotlight throughout the world, because of their negative impact on the marine environment, aquaculture, fisheries as well as public health. The development of methods for rapid and precise identification and quantification of causative species is essential for the warning and monitoring of blooms, among which the techniques based on taxonomic probes are the most favored. In this study, two harmful algae, i.e., Prorocentrum minimum and Karenia mikimotoi were taken into consideration. The partial large subunit rDNA (D1-D2) of both species were firstly PCR-amplified, cloned and sequenced. The obtained sequences were then introduced to carry out alignment analysis for gene specific regions. Three respective candidate probes for each species were designed and used to screen the optimal probe by performing fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) tests. The results showed that the probes Pmin0443 and Kmik0602 displayed the best hybridization for P. minimum and K. mikimotoi, respectively. Both the specific (taxonomic) (Pmin0443 and Kmik0602) and the control probes (UniC0512 and UniR0499) were used for cross-reactivity tests with other microalgae in our laboratory. The probes Pmin0443 and Kmik0602 are specific and could be served as taxonomic probes introduced into the techniques targeting rRNA, such as FISH, sandwich hybridization, and DNA-microarray assay of P. minimum and K. mikimotoi in the future. Finally, FISH analyses with both probes were performed on the simulated field samples. The probes could hybridize exclusively with the target cells well, and no significant difference (p >0.05) was observed in the cell densities of the samples determined by FISH and light microscopy (LM). All suggest that the probes are specific and could be introduced into FISH for the monitoring of both harmful algae.
2013, 32(2): 76-80.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-013-0279-3
Abstract:
Concentrations of total mercury (THg) and methyl mercury (MeHg) were determined for 32 surface sediments collected along the coastal line of Fujian Province and eastern Guangdong Province. The spatial distributions of THg and MeHg and their environmental impact factors were investigated. The average concentrations of THg and MeHg in the sediments were 31.5 ng/g and 0.096 ng/g, respectively. Both sediment THg and MeHg concentrations showed relatively high value in the Minjiang Estuary and the coastal areas of Quanzhou and Putian. The concentrations overall decreased as the distance to the shoreline increased. The correlations among environmental impact factors and THg, MeHg were analyzed. The sediment THg concentration was highly correlated to the concentrations of organic matter, copper, total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP), and significantly correlated to pH value of the bottom seawater and concentration of sediment sulfide. The sediment MeHg concentration was highly correlated to the concentrations of organic matter and copper, and significant correlated to the concentrations of sulfide, TN, TP and pH value of the bottom seawater.
Concentrations of total mercury (THg) and methyl mercury (MeHg) were determined for 32 surface sediments collected along the coastal line of Fujian Province and eastern Guangdong Province. The spatial distributions of THg and MeHg and their environmental impact factors were investigated. The average concentrations of THg and MeHg in the sediments were 31.5 ng/g and 0.096 ng/g, respectively. Both sediment THg and MeHg concentrations showed relatively high value in the Minjiang Estuary and the coastal areas of Quanzhou and Putian. The concentrations overall decreased as the distance to the shoreline increased. The correlations among environmental impact factors and THg, MeHg were analyzed. The sediment THg concentration was highly correlated to the concentrations of organic matter, copper, total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP), and significantly correlated to pH value of the bottom seawater and concentration of sediment sulfide. The sediment MeHg concentration was highly correlated to the concentrations of organic matter and copper, and significant correlated to the concentrations of sulfide, TN, TP and pH value of the bottom seawater.
2013, 32(2): 81-88.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-013-0280-x
Abstract:
Artificially introduced cordgrass, Spartina alterniflora, rapidly colonized the intertidal flats of the Jiangsu coast, eastern China. The epibenthos on an intertidal flat invaded by S. alterniflora were studied, to identify how local epibenthos species react to an altered environment. Epibenthic samples and surficial sediment samples were collected along a shore-normal profile in 50 quadrats at ten stations across the Spartina salt marsh; and five control quadrats for a station located on the barren sandy-mud flat. The grain size parameters of the surficial sediments show that S. alterniflora altered the grain size gradient along the profile of the intertidal zone by trapping fine-grained sediments. Spartina alterniflora could inhabit lower elevations than indigenous salt marsh vegetation, thus creating larger areas of finer surficial sediments, which was suitable for not only native epibenthic species but also species which do not exist on the barren sandy-mud flat. Correlation analyses show that the epibenthos were sensitive to sediment grain size and type, on the invaded S. alterniflora salt marsh. Further, there was an interspecific relationship affecting the distribution of epibenthos. The results show that epibenthos preferred ecological niches, within the Spartina salt marsh, even in the same sampling station.
Artificially introduced cordgrass, Spartina alterniflora, rapidly colonized the intertidal flats of the Jiangsu coast, eastern China. The epibenthos on an intertidal flat invaded by S. alterniflora were studied, to identify how local epibenthos species react to an altered environment. Epibenthic samples and surficial sediment samples were collected along a shore-normal profile in 50 quadrats at ten stations across the Spartina salt marsh; and five control quadrats for a station located on the barren sandy-mud flat. The grain size parameters of the surficial sediments show that S. alterniflora altered the grain size gradient along the profile of the intertidal zone by trapping fine-grained sediments. Spartina alterniflora could inhabit lower elevations than indigenous salt marsh vegetation, thus creating larger areas of finer surficial sediments, which was suitable for not only native epibenthic species but also species which do not exist on the barren sandy-mud flat. Correlation analyses show that the epibenthos were sensitive to sediment grain size and type, on the invaded S. alterniflora salt marsh. Further, there was an interspecific relationship affecting the distribution of epibenthos. The results show that epibenthos preferred ecological niches, within the Spartina salt marsh, even in the same sampling station.
