基于拓扑网络研究海州湾食物网结构与复杂性

针对食物网结构与复杂性的研究有助于深入解析食物网的功能、营养动力和能量转化过程。本文根据2011年3?12月在海州湾及其邻近海域进行的5个航次的渔业资源底拖网调查资料以及胃含物分析数据,基于11个拓扑网络指数,构建了海州湾拓扑网络,研究海州湾食物网的结构与复杂性。结果表明,本文分析的海州湾食物网物种数S为93,连接数L为1 021,每个物种的相互作用数量L/S为10.98,连接性L/S2为0.12;顶级物种、中间物种、基础物种的比例分别为29%、69%和2%;食物网的杂食性指数为87%,连接复杂性指数SC为22.20,特征路径长度ChPath为2.11,聚类系数CC为0.23。通过每个物种的相互作用数量和连接性的研究显示,L/S和L/S2的值都处在正常范围内,所以海州湾食物网的复杂性仍保持较高水平。通过物种比例、杂食性指数、连接复杂性指数、特征路径长度、聚类系数对食物网结构分析,发现海州湾食物网结构处于稳定状态,能够在一定程度上抵御外界环境的扰动,保证生态系统功能的正常运行。通过对海州湾食物网结构与复杂性的研究,将为今后海州湾食物网功能的深入研究以及海州湾渔业资源的科学管理提供重要依据。     

Optimal primary production model and parameterization in the eastern East China Sea

Integrated primary production (IPP) datasets from the eastern East China Sea (ECS) were used to validate the depth dependent and time integrated model (TIM), the empirical model (EM), and the vertically generalized production model (VGPM). Employing constant maximum chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) specific carbon fixation rate (P _opt ^B ), the original TIM could not explain measured IPP variance, while the low P _opt ^B estimated using P _opt ^B models originally embedded in the EM were responsible for original EM low estimations. The disparity between P _opt ^B expressions originally embedded in the VGPM and that observed in this study was responsible for the low accuracy of the original VGPM. After locally tuning on the P _opt ^B model, TIM and VGPM could predict well, whereas EM still gave low estimates. This was probably due to the fact that, unlike TIM and VGPM, EM employs a constant factor instead of a light dependent function in describing the depth of light-saturation primary production. The high accuracy of TIM was limited by the complexity of estimating many variable inputs. EM, as a simplest model, should be used with caution in the eastern ECS. Global VGPM with locally adjusted P _opt ^B seemed to be an effective model for estimating IPP in the eastern ECS.     

Sedimentation limits the erosion rate of a bioeroding sponge

Coral reefs are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic disturbances and consequently coral cover and complexity are declining globally. However, bioeroding sponges, which are the principal agents of internal bioerosion on many coral reefs, are increasing in abundance on some degraded reefs, tipping them towards net carbonate erosion. The aim of this study was to identify the environmental factors that drive the erosion rates of the common Indonesian bioeroding sponge Spheciospongia cf. vagabunda . Sponge explants were attached to limestone blocks and deployed across seven sites characterized by different environmental conditions in the UNESCO Wakatobi Biosphere Reserve in Indonesia. Average bioerosion rates were 12.0 kg m^?2 sponge tissue year^?1 (±0.87 SE ), and were negatively correlated with depth of settled sediment (r  = ?.717, p  < .01) and showed weak positive correlation with water movement (r  = .485, p  = .012). Our results suggest that although bioeroding sponges may generally benefit from coral reef degradation, bioerosion rates may be reduced on reefs that are impacted by high sedimentation, which is a common regional stressor in the South‐East Asian Indo‐Pacific.     

An analysis of the trophic network of a macrotidal estuary: the Seine Estuary (Eastern Channel, Normandy, France)

A steady state, mass balance, trophic network has been constructed to illustrate the flow of energy in the Seine Estuary by using Network Analysis and Ecopath methods. This ecosystem shows 15 compartments from primary producers to the top consumers (fish and birds). This study has been compared with other ecosystems of comparable nature located in North America (Narragansett, Chesapeake, Delaware Bays), Europe (Ems Estuary, Dublin Bay and Bay of Somme), and South Africa (Swartkops Estuary) in which analysis of trophic network has been applied with similar methods.The Seine Estuary shows values of some global parameters and indices either close to large North American bays and a South African estuary characterised by the complexity of their trophic network, or values near European bays and estuaries, or else remain typical of the Seine estuary. All of this reflects specific functioning of the Seine Estuary which can be explained by the analysis of the dominant food web. In the upstream sector an important pelagic food web was found correlated with highest primary production, especially planktonic, which is rapidly consumed by an abundant zooplankton and suprabenthos (Mysidacae and Decapoda Crustacea). This reveals the dominant consumer role of this sector. The external fluvial inputs (277.80 gC m⁻² y⁻¹) are transferred to the downstream sector which produces the major export (548.43 gC m⁻² y⁻¹), in parallel with the low consumption and efficiency of dominant benthos component from its bentho-pelagic food web. This reflects the dominant exporter role of this sector.In the Seine Estuary low values of detritivory index D/H (2.52), recycling index FCI (16.1%) and connectance (0.24) were found associated with high values of P/B ratio (38.2%), sum of exports (548.43 gC m⁻² y⁻¹) and the great difference between ratio of ascendency to capacity development A/C and internal ratio A_i/C_i. This shows the lack of a dominant resource as in Delaware Bay, that the state of development is different from a mature ecosystem, and the dependance on external connections similar to the Bay of Somme, another ecosystem of Eastern Channel, France.     

Transverse mixing and surface heat exchange in the Waikato River: A comparison of two models

Abstract

Two mathematical models of different complexity were used to study transverse dispersion and surface heat transfer in the lower Waikato River. A simple analytical streamtube model (HPLUME) gave adequate temperature predictions in a reach where the channel was fairly regular but performed poorly where there were extensive shallows. In the latter reach, a two‐dimensional numerical model (SYSTEM21) gave good temperature and flow predictions once properly calibrated. Model calibration proved to be difficult in the Waikato River because the natural river temperature varied significantly along the channel. A search method was developed to estimate both the transverse dispersion and surface heat exchange coefficients from measured plume temperature profiles based on the observation that transverse variations in natural temperature were small. This method was used to calibrate SYSTEM21 in two separate reaches. Coefficient estimates were sensitive to measurement errors and slight departures in homogeneity of natural temperature and it would be desirable to corroborate the estimates of E_z using dye tests. In the upper reach, the average transverse dispersion coefficient was E_z/hu? = 1 which is high but within the range of published values. A sharp bend and buoyant spreading contributed to the high E_z value. E_z increased with river flow because both h and u? increase with flow. In the lower reach, E_z/hu? = 0.1 which is lower than expected but islands may have affected the model calibration. The surface heat exchange coefficient averaged K = 84–167 W m^?2 s^?1 °C^?1 which falls within the range of published values. No significant relationship could be found between surface heat exchange coefficient and meteorological variables.     

Size-dependent distribution, abundance and diurnal rhythmicity patterns in the short-spined sea urchin Anthocidaris crassispina

Little is known about the ecology and behaviour of the sea urchin Anthocidaris crassispina, particularly in relation to changes in its surrounding environment. In Cape d'Aguilar Marine Reserve, Hong Kong Island, urchins ranged from a high abundance of 16 ind m⁻² on steeply inclined rocky outcrops, which were exposed to strong onshore waves surges, to a complete absence on gravel and sandy substrata. Using a generalized additive model (GAM) the abundance and spatial extent of A. crassispina was predicted within the Bay. Predictions were strongly associated with the surface complexity of the habitat. On steep rocky slopes A. crassispina exhibited a size-dependent gradient where the mean test diameter increased in a down-shore direction as water depth increased. Since the mechanisms for maintaining this size-dependent distribution are unknown, a translocation experiment was conducted on two different size-classes of urchins. Following translocation, both large and small size-classes of A. crassispina were able to re-establish their original size-gradient within 3–5 days. Size-dependent distribution in A. crassispina may indicate resource partitioning, although the influence of hydrodynamic conditions on test size may also mediate this segregation. Anthocidaris crassispina was predominately nocturnal with almost 100% of the population moving between dusk and dawn. Locomotory activity patterns of urchins were strongly correlated with changes in seawater depth and changes in the direction of water-flow during tidal cycles. Anthocidaris crassispina exhibited an endogenously controlled locomotory activity pattern that was synchronized with changes in the tidal cycle, and which remained free-running for 13 h under constant laboratory conditions.     

Ecology of Nematodes in the Mediterranean Seagrass Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile 1. General Part and Faunistics of the Nematode Community

Abstract. The nematode fauna of the phytal region of a stand of the Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile was studied in a shallow subtidal location (5 m) at the island of Ischia (Gulf of Naples, Italy). During a one year's growth-cycle of the seagrass, abundance and faunal composition of the nematode community were investigated in a stratified sampling survey. Ninety seven species of nematodes were found. Nematode density and biomass ranged from 1.3 · 10⁵ indiv. · m^-2 (0.02g dwt · m^-2) in winter to 5.5 · 10⁵ indiv. · m^-2 (0.08 g dwt · m^-2) in early autumn. Density and biomass of nematodes were much lower and showed more marked seasonal fluctuations in the leaf strata than in the stem stratum of the seagrass. Diversity and seasonal homogeneity (expressed with Riedl 's index) were much lower in the two leaf strata (25–36 species, 29.6 ho%) than in the stem stratum (60–70 species, 42.5 ho%). The nematode community of the leaf stratum can be characterized as a Chromadora nudicapitata – Monhystrella sp. –Symplocostoma tenuicolle– community and is clearly set off from the stem stratum community (9.2% Riedl 's ho%), which is characterized as a Molgolaimus sp. 1 –Epsilonema sp. 1 –Chromadora nudicapitata– community. In the seasonal succession, the leaf stratum fauna shifts from a chromadorid-dominated community (from winter to summer) to a monhysterid-dominated community in early autumn. The stem stratum fauna shifts from a epsilonematid-dominated fauna in winter to a molgolaimid-dominated fauna in summer and early autumn. The distribution of nematode size classes showed a clear selection toward small animals (< 1 mm lenght), although marked seasonal fluctuations in size class distribution were observed. A modified approach for describing the trophic structure of the nematode fauna is presented. The observed abundance patterns and changes of community composition are discussed in relation to the development of habitat complexity and in relation to trophic conditions in the scagrass stand according to the seasonal growth rhythm of the plants and their aufwuchs-community.     

Baroclinic Buoyancy-Inertia Joint Stability Parameter

At present, the barotropic buoyant stability parameter has been derived from a vertical virtual displacement of a water parcel. The barotropic inertial stability parameter in the eccentrically cyclogeostrophic, basic current field was derived in 2003 from a horizontal cross-stream virtual displacement of a parcel. By expressing acceleration of a parcel due to a virtual displacement, which is arbitrarily sloping within a vertical section across the basic current, in terms of natural coordinates, we derived the vertical component of baroclinic buoyant stability parameter B ₂ ², the horizontal component of baroclinic inertial stability parameter I ₂ ², the baroclinic joint stability parameter J ², its buoyant component B ² and its inertial component I ². B ² is far greater than I ₂ ², and when neglecting relative vorticity except for vertical shear, a downward convex curve of J ² plotted against the slope of a virtual displacement follows a trend of B ² curve. If a parcel displaces along a horizontal surface or an isopycnal surface, however, B ² vanishes, and J ² becomes equal to I ². Actual parcel is apt to displace not only along the bottom slope, but also along the sea surface and an isopycnal interfacial surface, which is approximately equivalent to an isentropic surface, preferred by lateral mixing and exchange of momentum. Such actual displacement makes B ² vanishing, and grants I ² an important role. The present analysis of I ² examining effects due to curvature and horizontal and vertical shear vorticities are useful in deepening our understanding of baroclinic instability in actual oceanic streams.     

Influence of habitat and host morphology on macrofaunal assemblages associated with the sponge Halichondria melanadocia in an estuarine system of the southern Gulf of Mexico

Sponges are inhabited by a wide variety of organisms and have been regarded as one of the richest biotopes in tropical seas. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of the host morphology and selected environmental conditions on macrofaunal assemblages associated with the sponge Halichondria melanadocia in an estuarine system of the southern Gulf of Mexico. This sponge exhibits different growth forms when it inhabits mangrove prop roots of Rhizophora mangle (thickly encrusting form) and adjacent seagrass beds (massive, amorphous or ramose form). From a total of 50 sponge specimens collected in each habitat, a total of eight taxa (of epi‐ and endobionts) was found associated with this sponge, with polychaetes, echinoderms and crustaceans the most abundant groups. In both morphotypes (thickly‐encrusting and massive‐ramose forms), taxon richness was positively related to sponge volume and oscular diameter. The overall mean abundance of associated fauna was also positively related to sponge volume in both morphotypes and with the oscular diameter (in the seagrass morphotype only). These findings suggest that H. melanadocia constitutes an important microhabitat for a wide variety of fauna, independent of its morphology and habitat type. However, when comparing the two morphotypes, the mangrove individuals, despite having smaller sizes, smaller oscular diameter and less structural complexity, displayed an overall mean abundance of fauna 17 times higher [0.36 ± 0.18 individuals (ind.)·ml·sponge^?1] than that recorded in the seagrass individuals (0.021 ± 0.01 ind.·ml·sponge^?1). There were also marked differences in the proportions of the major taxonomic groups; in fact, some of them were found exclusively in one morphotype. The variability recorded in the composition and abundance of associated fauna between the morphotypes seems to be influenced by differences in sponge morphology, environmental conditions (e.g. sedimentation rate and light intensity), substrate orientation and the fauna inhabiting the surrounding area.     

日本蟳酚氧化酶的分离纯化及其部分生物化学性质研究

利用离子交换层析和凝胶过滤层析等方法,从日本(Charybdis japonica)血淋巴中分离纯化出了酚氧化酶,并以L-二羟苯丙氨酸(L-DOPA)作为特异性底物对其生化性质和酶性质进行了研究。结果表明,酚氧化酶和酚氧化酶原的分子质量分别为64.5 ku和69.5 ku。以L-DOPA为底物对酚氧化酶纯品进行研究发现,其最适pH值为6.0、最适温度为40℃。对底物L-DOPA和儿茶酚的米氏常数Km值分别为3.41和7.97 mmol/L。该酶对亚硫酸钠、苯硫脲极为敏感,对硫脲、苯甲酸非常敏感,表明该酶很可能是一种儿茶酚酶型的酶。此外,EDTA,DETC,Zn2 ,Mg2 和Cu2 均能显著抑制该酶活性,且10 mmol/L Cu2 能有效地回复该酶被DETC所抑制的酶活性,表明该酶确为一种Cu-金属酶。     

DNA Repair in fish from polluted estuaries

A cancer-resistant fish, the mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus, was assayed for its ability to repair damage to its genome caused by an alkylating agent. Although DNA may be alkylated at several sites, the persistence of O⁶-alkylguanine has been correlated with carcinogenesis. O⁶-alkylguanine, if not repaired before the next round of replication, can lead to base transition mutations. The DNA repair protein, O⁶-alkylguanine transferase (O⁶-AGT), removes alkyl groups from the O⁶ position of guanine.Populations from polluted and relatively pristine estuaries were compared. O⁶-AGT activity was assayed by incubating extracts of liver from feral fish with previously methylated calf thymus DNA. After incubation, the DNA was depurinated by acid hydrolysis and the O⁶-methylguanine (O⁶-MeG) was separated and quantified by HPLC. Activity was measured by the reduction of O⁶-MeG in the incubated sample as compared to controls.Both populations demonstrated O⁶-AGT activity in their livers. Both had activity levels which were not as high as those seen in mammals. The reference population had O⁶-AGT levels inversely correlated with size, which is expected since younger fish have more DNA synthesis in their livers. The polluted population did not have a significant correlation with size, and generally exhibited less activity than the reference population. The lower O⁶-AGT activity in the polluted population suggests an environmental impact, and does not answer the question as to why this species is cancer resistant.     

威海荣成桑沟湾海域海草床分布现状及其生态特征

海草床是生物圈最高产的生态系统之一,在氮捕获、碳封存、水质净化及维持生物多样性等方面发挥关键作用。2016年8月通过对威海荣成桑沟湾海域的现场调查,发现分布总面积约为471.72 ha的海草床,种类为鳗草（Zostera marina）、红纤维虾形草（Phyllospadix iwatensis）、日本鳗草（Zostera japonica）和丛生鳗草（Zostera caespitosa）,分布面积分别为395.33 ha、37.28 ha、32.74 ha和6.37 ha。鳗草分布范围较广,平均茎枝密度817.0±27.6 shoots/m²,平均生物量646.6±41.8 g DW/m²;红纤维虾形草主要分布于桑沟湾北部养殖池和南部楮岛海域,平均茎枝密度2 649.0±29.8 shoots/m²,平均生物量2 381.3±27.3 g DW/m²;日本鳗草主要分布于桑沟湾西部八亩地海域,平均茎枝密度506.0±26.2 shoots/m²,平均生物量118.3±12.5 g DW/m²;丛生鳗草主要分布于桑沟湾南部楮岛海域,其平均密度为513.0±17.9 shoots/m²,平均生物量为479.1±28.1 g DW/m²。结合历史资料,发现桑沟湾海域海草床严重退化,分析了海草床的退化原因并提出了相应的建议和对策,以期为海草资源及滨海生境修复提供参考。     

织锦巴菲蛤(Paphia textile)过氧化氢酶基因cDNA全长克隆、序列同源分析与组织表达

Catalase is an important antioxidant protein that can protect organisms against various forms of oxidative damage by eliminating hydrogen peroxide. In this study, the catalase c DNA of Paphia textile(Pt CAT) was cloned using RTPCR and rapid amplification of c DNA ends(RACE). Pt CAT is 1 921 bp long and consists of a 5′-UTR of 50 bp, a 3′-UTR of 349 bp, and an ORF of 1 542 bp that encodes 513 amino acids with a molecular weight of 58.4 k D and an estimated isoelectric point of 8.2. Sequence alignment indicated that Pt CAT contained a highly conserved catalytic signature motif(~(61)FNRERIPERVVHAKGAG~(77)), a proximal heme-ligand signature sequence(~(352)RLFSYSDP~(359)), and three catalytic amino acid residues(H~(72), N~(145), and Y~(356)). Pt CAT also contains two putative N-glycosylation sites(~(34)NKT~(36) and ~(437)NFT~(439)) and a peroxisome-targeting signal(~(511)AQL~(513)). Furthermore, Pt CAT shares 53%–88% identity and 29%–89% similarity with other catalase amino acid sequences. Pt CAT m RNA was present in all tested organs, including the heart, digestive gland, adductor muscle, gonad, gill, and mantle, but its expression was highest in the digestive gland. High-temperature-induced stress produced two expression patterns of Pt CAT m RNA: first, an initial up-regulation followed by a down-regulation in the heart, digestive gland, and gonad and, second, consistent down-regulation in all other organs. These results demonstrate that Pt CAT is a typical member of the catalase family and might be involved in the responses to harmful environmental factors.     

Assessment of spatial variation in carbon utilization by benthic and pelagic invertebrates in a temperate South African estuary using stable isotope signatures

Stable isotope analyses (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) were used to evaluate the spatial variations in carbon flow from primary producers to consumers at two sites in the temperate and permanently open Kariega Estuary on the southeastern coast of South Africa during October 2005 and February 2006. One site was located opposite a salt marsh while the second was upstream of the marsh. Except for significantly enriched δ¹³C values of Zostera capensis and surface sediments near the salt marsh, the δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N signatures of the producers were similar between sites. The invertebrates were clustered into groups roughly corresponding to the predominant feeding modes. The suspension feeders showed δ¹³C values closest to the seston, whereas the deposit feeders, detritivores and scavengers/predators had more enriched δ¹³C values reflecting primary carbon sources that were likely a combination of seston, Spartina maritima and Z. capensis at the upstream site, with an increased influence of benthic algae and Z. capensis at the salt marsh site. The δ¹⁵N signatures of the consumers showed a stepwise continuum rather than distinct levels of fractionation, indicating highly complex trophic linkages and significant dietary overlap among the species. Consumers exhibited significantly enriched δ¹³C values at the salt marsh site, an effect that was attributed to enriched Z. capensis detritus in this region in addition to increased phytoplankton biomass in their diets compared with invertebrates living upstream. The data reinforce the concept that between-site variations in the stable isotope ratios of consumers can result not only from dietary shifts, but also from alterations in the isotope ratios of primary producers.     

Kelp forests in False Bay: urchins vs macroalgae in South Africa’s southwest coast biogeographical transition zone

Kelp forests along South Africa's southwest coast occur in a region of biogeographical overlap. Commonly referred to as transition-zone kelp forests, these dynamic ecosystems are particularly susceptible to grazing from species such as urchins. This study explores relationships between urchins and macroalgae in transition-zone kelp forests along the western side of False Bay. Six kelp forests in this region were sampled. At each site, the urchin Parechinus angulosus and kelp Ecklonia maxima were counted, percentage cover of understorey algae was recorded, and drift algae were collected. Despite variability in urchin and algal cover across sites, kelps generally increased from north to south, while urchins did the opposite. Urchins were negatively associated with macroalgae, although this relationship was weak. A localised threshold of 50 urchins m^–2 was identified, above which kelp density failed to increase above 10 m^–2 and percentage cover of understorey algae usually remained below 20%. Surprisingly, no relationship was discovered between drift algae and attached algae. The findings highlight the complexity of these cool-water environments. To better understand the role of urchins in this system, particularly under changing climate trends, experimental research into the feeding behaviour and possible effects of urchins on attached algae in the presence/absence of drift algae is advised.     

2014年春季渤海浮游植物群落结构

基于2014年春季在渤海进行的水文、化学和生物方面的综合大面调查,研究了渤海浮游植物群落的结构特征,并结合文献资料,分析影响浮游植物群落结构形成的原因。结果显示：2014年渤海春季共鉴定浮游植物3门29属50种,以硅藻为主,还有少数甲藻和金藻。其中,硅藻门中圆筛藻属的种类最多,共12种,其次为角毛藻属,共5种。浮游植物总细胞丰度介于1.08×10⁴~181.09×10⁴个/m³,平均为25.47×10⁴个/m³。硅藻与甲藻细胞丰度比值为12：1,硅藻在物种数量和细胞丰度上均占有绝对优势,为渤海浮游植物的主要类群。浮游植物优势种主要为密联角毛藻（Chaetoceros densus）、斯氏几内亚藻（Guinardia striata）、具槽帕拉藻（Paralia sulcata）和夜光藻（Noctiluca scintillans）。渤海春季浮游植物群落多样性水平较低,且分布不均。渤海中部和渤海海峡海域由于单一优势种过量繁殖导致群落稳定性较差。与历史同期资料对比,渤海海域浮游植物群落出现明显的物种演替现象,角毛藻的优势地位显著性下降,斯氏几内亚藻首次在渤海大面调查中被记录为优势种。本研究为今后渤海环境生态系统和渔业资源变动的研究提供重要基础资料和参考依据。     

Sulfur stable isotopes indicate the source of sinking materials in a coastal bay: Otsuchi Bay,Sanriku, Japan

Through 2004 and 2005, δ ³⁴S of sinking material from Otsuchi Bay was measured at the center and rocky shore of the bay. At the center of the bay δ ³⁴S was high (18∼21‰) in the material collected from April to November. However, δ ³⁴S was low (9∼14‰) in the material collected from December to March. The increase in δ ³⁴S in April was attributed to an increase in phytoplankton biomass because marine phytoplanktonic δ ³⁴S is high. When δ ³⁴S of sinking material was low, input of riverine material or bottom sediment resuspension were considered as the probable causes, because their δ ³⁴S is low. Marine sulfur was always high (more than 70%) at both stations. The difference between the δ ³⁴S of sinking material collected from the different sampling stations indicates that marine macroalgae contribute to sinking material near the shore when phytoplankton is scarce. In conclusion, the relative influence of different material sources to sinking materials could be successfully estimated using δ ³⁴S.     

The impact of several chemical poisons on the absorbing 45Ca by the Arca granosa

The impact of several chemical poisons on the Arca granosa absorbing 45Ca was studied. The results showed that the absorption of 45Ca in the blood and the soft tissue by Arca granosa was inhibited by the inorganic compounds of Cu, Zn, Pd, Cd, Hg and so on, among which the inhibition of Cd was the strongest, next was that of Cu and Hg. But the inhibition of the absorption of 45Ca in the shell of Arca granosa was little. The impact of three kinds of energy metabolism inhibitory substances on the absorption of 45Ca by the Area granosa showed that the absorption was an active transfer process.     

Reynolds number dependence of mixing in a lock-exchange system from direct numerical and large eddy simulations

Turbulent mixing of water masses of different temperatures and salinities is an important process for both coastal and large-scale ocean circulation. It is, however, difficult to capture computationally. One of the reasons is that mixing in the ocean occurs at a wide range of complexity, with the Reynolds number reaching , or even higher.In this study, we continue to investigate whether large eddy simulation (LES) can be a reliable computational tool for stratified mixing in turbulent oceanic flows. LES is attractive because it can be times faster than a direct numerical simulation (DNS) of stratified mixing in turbulent flows. Before using the LES methodology to compute mixing in realistic oceanic flows, however, a careful assessment of the LES sensitivity with respect to Re needs to be performed first. The main objectives of this study are: (i) to investigate the performance of different LES models at high Re, such as those encountered in oceanic flows; and (ii) to study how mixing varies as a function of Re. To this end, as a benchmark we use the lock-exchange problem, which is described by unambigous and simple initial and boundary conditions. The background potential energy, which accurately quantifies irreversible mixing in an enclosed system, is used as the main criterion in a posteriori testing of LES.This study has two main achievements. The first is that we investigate the accuracy of six combinations of two different classes of LES models, namely eddy-viscosity and approximate deconvolution types, for 3×10³Re3×10⁴, for which DNS data is computed. We find that all LES models almost always provide significantly more accurate results than cases without LES models. Nevertheless, no single LES model that is persistently superior to others over this Re range could be identified. Then, an ensemble of the four best performing LES models is selected in order to estimate mixing taking place in this system at Re=10⁵ and 10⁶, for which DNS is presently not feasible. Thus the second achievement of this study is to quantify mixing taking place in this system over an Re range that changes by three orders of magnitude. We find that the background potential energy increases by about 67% when Re is increased from Re=10³ to Re=10⁶, within the computation period, with the most significant increase taking place from Re=3×10³ to Re=10⁵.     

Biokinetics of selected heavy metals and radionuclides in two marine macrophytes: the seagrass Posidonia oceanica and the alga Caulerpa taxifolia

Uptake and loss kinetics of Zn, Ag, Cd, ¹³⁴Cs, and ²⁴¹Am by shoots of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica and fronds of the green alga Caulerpa taxifolia were determined in controlled laboratory radiotracer experiments using low contaminant concentrations. The two species accumulated most of the elements efficiently. The only exceptions were ¹³⁴Cs in both P. oceanica and C. taxifolia and Cd in C. Taxifolia (concentration factors 6.4). Steady state in uptake was reached in C. taxifolia for each element except Ag. In P. oceanica, steady state was noted for the uptake of Ag and ¹³⁴Cs whereas Zn, Cd, and ²⁴¹Am were linearly accumulated during the course of the experiment (15 d). With respect to relative metal bioavailability, the different compartments of P. oceanica shoots were generally ranked in the order: leaf epiphytes > adult LEAVES = intermediate leaves > leaf sheaths. The long-lived component of the loss kinetics for each element in P. oceanica was characterized by a relatively short biological half-life (T_b1/2 28 d). However, observations for the individual compartments indicated that adult leaves had a high retention capacity for Ag and ¹³⁴Cs, with virtually 100% retained after 21 d in uncontaminated sea water. In C. taxifolia, the long-lived component of the loss kinetics for each element was characterized by a T_b1/2 value that was not significantly different from infinity, an observation which suggests that a substantial fraction of the metal or radionuclide incorporated during a contamination event would be irreversibly bound by this algal species.