Microphytobenthic biomass and species composition in intertidal flats of the Nakdong River estuary, Korea

Intertidal microphytobenthos (MPB) were investigated monthly from August 2006 to March 2008 at four different sites in the sand flats of Nakdong River estuary, Korea. Samples of surface sediment (ca. 1 cm) were collected, and chlorophyll a was extracted as biomass estimation. Species identification and enumeration were carried out by light microscopy, assisted where necessary by scanning electronic microscopy. Biomass varied between 0.47 and 16.58 μg cm⁻³, abundance changed from 5.25 to 414.75 × 10³ cells cm⁻³, while the Shannon diversity indexes ranged between 0.69 and 2.35 H′. Thirty-nine MPB taxa were identified, primarily composed of epipelic diatoms, among which Amphora and Navicula were the most abundant genera. Based on the biomass, abundance, species composition and their dynamics, MPB assemblages of sampling sites were grouped into three distinct communities corresponding to their sediment composition characteristics. Multivariate correlation analysis revealed that biomass was positively related to mud and very fine sand, negatively related to fine and medium sand, but not significantly related to environmental factors such as pore water nutrients, light intensity and salinity, which fluctuated rapidly during emersion period. Cluster analysis corroborated the division of MPB communities according to site types on seasonal scales, and also showed seasonality between sites by cluster of all summer groups. Principal component analysis identified that variability in species composition was significantly affected by mud, very fine sand, fine sand, light intensity, and sediment temperature. This study suggests that sediment composition plays an important role in the functioning of intertidal MPB communities in estuarine ecosystems.     

Pathways of organic matter through food webs of diverse habitats in the regulated Nakdong River estuary (Korea)

The benthic macroinvertebrates of the Nakdong River estuary were sampled at three different habitats: two salt marsh (Scirpus triqueter and Phragmites australis) beds and a bare intertidal flat. Fishes were sampled in the main channel. The trophic importance of marsh vascular plants, microphytobenthos, and riverine and channel particulate organic matter to macroinvertebrate and fish production was studied using stable carbon and nitrogen isotope tracers. There was a dramatic change in coverage of macrophytes (salt marshes and seagrass) after the construction of an estuarine barrage in 1987 in the Nakdong River estuary, with the S. triqueter bed increasing, the P. australis bed decreasing, and Zostera marina habitats being nearly lost. Although the invertebrate δ¹³C were within a narrower range than those of the primary producers, the values varied considerably among consumers in these habitats. However, the isotope signatures of consumers showed similarities among different habitats. Cluster analysis based on their isotopic similarity suggested that the isotope variability among species was related more to functional feeding groups than to habitats or taxonomic groups. While δ¹³C values of suspension feeders were close to that of the channel POM (mainly phytoplankton), other benthic feeders and predators had δ¹³C similar to that of microphytobenthos. Isotopic mixing model estimates suggest that algal sources, including microphytobenthos and phytoplankton, play an important role in supporting the benthic food web. Despite the huge productivity of emergent salt marshes, the contribution of the marsh-derived organic matter to the estuarine food webs appears to be limited to some nutrition for some invertebrates just within marsh habitats, with little on the bare intertidal flats or in the channel fish communities. Isotope signatures of the channel fishes also confirm that algal sources are important in supporting fish nutrition. Our findings suggest that benthic and pelagic microalgae made a large contribution to consumer diets, while marsh plants may not have a large role in supporting food webs in this estuarine system.     

围涂对长江口北支河势影响分析

上世纪五十年代以来长江口北支的大量资料表明,围涂对长江口北支河势影响巨大。北支的洲滩圈围打破了原有的自然平衡状态,改变了平面形态、水流条件以及大幅度地减少了河槽容积,加剧了河床演变,引发了涌潮和航道淤塞,上世纪九十年代后的围涂促使北支向缩窄方向发展。研究围涂对长江口北支河势的影响,将对该地区水土资源的可持续利用和经济的可持续发展具有重要意义。     

Use of a high-resolution profiling sonar and a towed video camera to map a Zostera marina bed,Solent, UK

Seagrasses are flowering plants that develop into extensive underwater meadows and play a key role in the coastal ecosystem. In the last few years, several techniques have been developed to map and monitor seagrass beds in order to protect them. Here, we present the results of a survey using a profiling sonar, the Sediment Imager Sonar (SIS) and a towed video sledge to study a Zostera marina bed in the Solent, southern UK. The survey aimed to test the instruments for seagrass detection and to describe the area for the first time.     

Myrionecta rubra (Mesodinium rubrum) bloom initiation in the Columbia River estuary

To better understand the development of the annually recurring late summer red water blooms of the phototrophic ciliate Myrionecta rubra in the Columbia River estuary we examined its standing stocks and measured its growth rates both in the estuary main channels and in Baker Bay, a peripheral embayment situated near the river mouth. Data collected during two summers show a biphasic development of M. rubra blooms, with an initial phase when the protist was only detected in Baker Bay, followed by an established phase when red waters were observed throughout the lower estuary. Ilwaco harbor (Baker Bay’s seaward-end) is at least one of the locations where the bloom starts since M. rubra was detected there at concentrations >100s cell L⁻¹ before Chinook harbor (Baker Bay’s upriver-end) or the estuary main channels. In 2010, this initial phase lasted about 1.5 months, spanning the neap tide of early July to the beginning of the neap tide of mid-August. While high growth rates were measured in Ilwaco harbor during the initial phase (1.2–3.1 d⁻¹) and in the estuary main channels in both surface red (0.7 d⁻¹) and adjacent non-red (1.1 d⁻¹) waters during the established period, growth of the ciliate was not detected in Ilwaco harbor during this second phase. Growth rate data obtained during the established bloom phase also suggest that M. rubra cells in the estuary mostly divide during the daytime and that red water patches might experience self-shading.     

闽江河口表层沉积物重矿物特征与物源示踪

对闽江河口近岸海域的230个表层沉积物样品和闽江20个表层沉积物样品进行重矿物分析,系统地研究了重矿物的分布特征及其物源指示。研究区共鉴定出重矿物27种,主要以普通角闪石、绿帘石、磁铁矿和黑云母为主。根据重矿物组合分布特征,将研究区分为两个矿物组合区,并划分为3个矿物组合亚区。闽江口近岸沉积区(Ⅰ-1区)矿物组合为普通角闪石-磁铁矿-绿帘石,受闽江物质影响很大;近岸混合沉积区(Ⅰ-2区)矿物组合为普通角闪石-磁铁矿-黑云母-绿帘石,受浙闽沿岸流携带物质和闽江物质共同影响沉积形成,闽江物质影响明显减弱;残留沉积区(Ⅱ区)矿物组合为普通角闪石-绿帘石-磁铁矿,主要为受后期改造的晚更新世海侵边界层。     

中国温带海域新发现较大面积(大于50ha)的海草床:Ⅰ黄河河口区罕见大面积日本鳗草海草床

日本鳗草(Zostera japonica)原是中国沿海潮间带较为常见的海草种类,近些年来随着生境的破坏其分布面积急遽下降,较大面积连续分布的海草床已经非常少见。2015年5月和8月,在山东黄河河口区发现了超过1000 ha几乎连续分布的日本鳗草海草床,与互花米草生境相邻,形成独特的生态景观。对日本鳗草生物量和种群补充等基本生物学指标也进行了调查。该发现极大丰富了中国海草数据库,并为日本鳗草的深入研究及保护提供了得天独厚的实验基地。     

福建省漳江口表层沉积物中滴滴涕的残留特征

采用GC-ECD方法分析了漳江口表层沉积物样品中滴滴涕（DDTs）的残留量,并对其来源和生态风险进行了分析与评价。结果表明,沉积物中DDTs的残留量平均为16.4 ng·g^-1,其4种异构体p,p′-DDE,p,p′-DDD,o,p′-DDT,p,p′-DDT的平均残留量分别是4.12ng·g^-1,9.54 ng·g^-1,0.529 ng·g^-1和2.26 ng·g^-1。DDTs沿漳江呈波浪型分布,至佳洲岛分流前DDTs的残留比较高。组成特征显示DDTs主要为环境中的早期残留,且多为厌氧性生物降解,而在Z9站（江心岛后）近期可能有新的DDTs输入。与其它地区相比,漳江口表层沉积物中的DDTs残留属于中等水平。生态风险评价结果显示,86.7%的样品DDTs含量超过风险评估低值（ERL）,13.3%样品的含量超过风险评估中值（ERM）,说明存在较高的生态风险,对生态环境已造成一定的危害,必须引起重视。     

长江口大型工程对河口生境破碎化影响的初步研究

通过对工程海域26个站位的调查采样,研究分析了长江口深水航道治理一期工程对河口生境破碎化的影响。结果表明,工程已对长江河口区局部海域水体和底栖生境破碎化产生了明显影响,而对工程海域小尺度海洋水团、底栖生境和渔业资源生境的破碎化影响最大,造成局部小尺度海洋水团改变,部分渔业资源种类洄游通道、产卵场、肥育场、渔场生境破碎化。建议建立长江口生态特别保护区,加强对河口大型工程综合影响研究与生态修复,加强河口生态系统管理与执法力度,为长江口沿岸城市社会经济的可持续健康发展提供良好的海洋生态环境基础。     

Temporal variation in the vertical distribution of microphytobenthos in intertidal flats of the Nakdong River estuary,Korea

The vertical distribution of microphytobenthos (MPB) was investigated in intertidal flats of the Nakdong River estuary over different temporal periods. The MPB biomass were measured as chlorophyll a concentration in the sediment, and monitored at two different depth scales. From August 2006 to August 2007, monthly sampling was carried out at four sites to a depth of 10 cm. The vertical distribution exhibited an exponential decline with depth and the slope was closely related to sediment composition and MPB biomass in the surface sediment. The two slightly muddy sand (5–25% mud, <63 μm) sites presented similar trends of seasonal variation to a sediment depth of 10 cm, and no statistical difference was observed in their initial values and the slope of the exponential curves applied to each data set. The site with higher mud content also had higher surface biomass, and the fitted exponential curve had a larger slope than sites with more sand content. The seasonal variations of phaeo-pigments compared to chlorophyll a revealed higher grazing stress on the MPB in summer at the three slightly muddy sand sites, and low grazing stress all year around at the sand (<5% mud) site. In January, April and October 2007, and January 2008, diurnal sampling was conducted at hourly intervals at one slightly muddy sand site. The investigation in January 2007 which was conducted at 1 cm intervals to a depth of 10 cm sediment showed the migration mainly existed in the upper 1 cm. The other diurnal sampling was undertaken to a 1 cm depth at 0.5 mm intervals. An evident migratory rhythm was present, with migration up to the surface during daytime emersion and down into deeper sediment during night and high tide submersion. Migrating cells could reach sediments as deep as 6 or even 10 mm. When the visible thick biofilms formed, the migratory rhythm changed by keeping higher biomass at the surface even at night and during high tide submersion. Generally, the MPB surface biomass was an important factor in structuring the MPB vertical distribution. The vertical distribution to depths of 10 cm was closely related to the sediment composition over the long term, while the MPB migration influenced the vertical distribution over the short term in the top 1 cm of the sediment.     

长江口南港底部边界层特征的观测与分析

对长江口2002年和2003年共4个潮周期的数据进行了分析,通过流速对数剖面公式计算边界层参数,并对各个潮周期内的边界层参数的变化规律进行了分析,同时也对悬沙输送可能对垂向水流结构以及边界层参数造成的影响进行了探讨。结果表明,悬沙的时间分布特征对温度、盐度、水体密度的分布格局有重要影响,主要表现在水体的Rf值普遍较高,分层稳定。此外,悬沙也可影响边界层参数,从而对水流结构产生影响。由于水体的层化作用,使层间的摩擦阻力增大,相当于在垂向上产生不同内边界层,因而影响了流速在垂向上的变化。     

The hydrodynamic response of the York River estuary to Tropical Cyclone Isabel, 2003

Hurricane Isabel made landfall along the North Carolina coast on September 18, 2003 (UTC 17:00) and the storm surge exceeded 2.0 m in many areas of the Chesapeake Bay and in the York River estuary. River flooding occurred subsequently, and the peak river discharge reached 317 and 104 m³ s⁻¹ in the Pamunkey and Mattaponi rivers, respectively. The York River estuary experienced both storm surge and river flooding during the event and the estuary dynamics changed dramatically. This study investigates the hydrodynamics of the York River estuary in response to the storm surge and high river inflows. A three-dimensional model was used to investigate the changes of estuarine stratification, longitudinal circulation, salt flux mechanisms, and the recovery time required for the estuary to return to its naturally evolved condition without the storm. Results show that the salt flux was mainly caused by advection, which was induced by the barotropic gradient during the storm event. The net salt flux increased by a factor of 30 during the rise of the storm surge. However, the large amount of salt transported into the estuary was quickly transported out of the estuary as the barotropic gradient reversed during the descent of the storm surge. Subsequent high freshwater inflow influenced the estuarine circulation substantially. The estuary changed from a partially mixed estuary to a very stratified estuary for a prolonged period. The model results show that it will take about 4 months for the estuary to recover to its naturally evolved salinity distribution after the impacts of the storm surge and freshwater pulse.     

Spatial and temporal variations of mesozooplankton in the Pearl River estuary, China

This paper examines spatial and temporal variations of mesozooplankton abundance, biomass and community structure during three cruises of July 2002 (summer), January 2003 (winter), and April 2003 (spring) in the Pearl River estuary, China. Zooplankton abundance and biomass fluctuated widely and showed distinct heterogeneity in the Pearl River estuary. A total of 154 species were identified during three surveys. The number of zooplankton species richness was strongly linked to salinity. Hierarchical cluster analysis identified three zooplankton groups during this study. Estuarine, neritic and pelagic groups corresponded to the upper, middle and lower reaches in the Pearl River estuary. The difference among groups could be mainly ascribed to changes in the relative contributions of the dominant species. The fluctuations in the zooplankton abundance, biomass and community structure were determined by the interactive effects of freshwater inflow, tidal and coastal currents, chlorophyll a, salinity and temperature. Significant spatial variability in the distribution of zooplankton species, abundance and biomass can be ascribed to the virtual presence of a horizontal gradient in salinity.     

Ecophysiological characteristics of invasive Spartina alterniflora and native species in salt marshes of Yangtze River estuary,China

Biological invasions represent one of the significant components of global change. A comparative study of invaders and co-occurring natives is a useful approach to gaining insights into the invasiveness of exotic plants. Spartina alterniflora, a C₄ grass, is a widespread invader in the coastal wetlands in China and other regions of the world. We conducted a comparative study of S. alterniflora and native C₃ species, Phragmites australis and Scirpus mariqueter, in terms of their gas exchange and efficiencies in resource utilization. We tested the hypothesis that S. alterniflora has growth-related ecophysiological advantages over the natives in its non-native range, which result in its rapid growth and enhance its invasiveness. Photosynthesis, leaf area index (LAI), specific leaf area (SLA), and the efficiency of resource use (light, water, and nitrogen) were examined monthly for eight months in 2004. Overall, S. alterniflora had greater LAI, higher maximal net photosynthetic rate (A_max), and longer growing season than those of the native species. On average, the efficiencies of S. alterniflora in light, water, and nitrogen utilization were respectively 10.1%, 26.1%, and 33.1% higher than those of P. australis, and respectively 70.3%, 53.5%, 28.3% higher than those of S. mariqueter. However, SLA of S. alterniflora was significantly lower than those of P. australis and S. mariqueter. Although there was no general pattern in the relationship between invasiveness and plant photosynthetic types, in this study, most of the ecophysiological characteristics that gave S. alterniflora a competitive advantage in the Yangtze River estuary were associated with photosynthetic pathways. Our results offer a greater understanding of the relationship between invasiveness and plant photosynthetic type. Our results also indicate that LAI and the length of the photosynthetic season, which vary with habitats, are also important in invasion success.     

鸭绿江口与邻近西海岸沉积记录的耦合

通过对采自鸭绿江口主汊道的5个柱状样的210Pb和137Cs测年以及粒度参数的分析,并与前期合作研究的西汊道及西岸潮滩的4个柱状样沉积物的测年和粒度研究成果进行比对,探讨了流域来水来沙、河口沉积与海岸发育之间的耦合效应及鸭绿江河口地貌演化的新证据。结果表明:鸭绿江口主汊道存在河流和潮流两种沉积作用,不同时期动力作用不同;以潮流作用为主的沉积时段,其沉积特征与西汊道及西岸潮滩的一致;主汊道沉积物的物质来源与西汊道和西岸潮滩的物质来源存在差异。鸭绿江口的主汊道、西汊道及邻近海岸的沉积记录对环境变化、人类活动、流域大洪水等事件均存在响应,响应的时间基本同步,具有耦合效应。沉积记录中存在5个明显的“事件信号”,其中1960年最为重要,是鸭绿江河口地貌发生巨变的时间。     

茅尾海钦江河口光滩时空变化过程研究

河口潮滩一般由生长于中高潮滩的植被和植被前缘光滩（裸滩）构成,光滩的时空变化直接关联潮滩冲淤及植被演替状态。本文基于Landsat 5 TM及Sentinel-2 MSI等多期遥感影像,利用随机森林分类算法与数字岸线分析系统探讨茅尾海钦江河口光滩在1986—2021年期间的变化过程。结果表明：①近40年钦江河口光滩面积总体呈现明显损失的状态,可分为1986—2002年冲淤平衡、2002—2007年快速淤积、2007—2014年急剧降低和2014—2021年缓慢淤涨4个阶段;②光滩淤积的区域主要分布于钦江沙井河口口门及内侧河槽与潮汐通道边缘,侵蚀出现在钦江沙井河口及钦江沙冲河口航道及潮沟区域;③茅尾海清淤工程是引起钦江河口光滩自2008年到2014年面积减少的直接因素,潮间带植被扩张和2015年之后大范围生蚝养殖引起的水动力减弱导致光滩向海淤涨。当前海平面上升未对光滩造成明显影响,但入海泥沙的变化一定程度上影响光滩冲淤演变。本研究可为区域河口潮滩资源的可持续高效利用提供部分理论与技术支撑。     

鸭绿江口主汊道常量元素沉积记录的特征及其意义

本文依据鸭绿江口主汊道采集的K1和K12柱状样,进行了常量元素的富集特征、相关系数、主成分分析及含量与特征参数垂向分布的讨论。研究表明:鸭绿江口属于涨潮三角洲,纳潮海湾泥质堆积区快速沉积的时间始于1960年。主汊道的沉积物具有多源性,K12柱状样受粒度控制显著,陆源碎屑为主;K1柱状样受粒度控制不显著,受海洋作用的影响较大。主汊道的沉积记录以1978年为界,分为上下2个沉积单元。主汊道的沉积物受到河口区水动力的强烈改造,与物源区的沉积物相比已经产生了很多的分异和变化。该研究通过对鸭绿江口主汊道常量元素沉积记录的分析,发现了近百年来该区域地貌演变和发育的规律,有效补充了鸭绿江口新生陆地形成过程的全貌。     

长江口邻近海域余流的基本特征分析

根据2005年7月、2005年11月和2006年5月在长江口及其邻近海域进行的大范围水文调查资料,深入分析该海域余流的平面分布,垂直变化,大、小潮变化,季节变化等特征。结果表明,所测区域影响余流的因素很多,有底形、斜压、径流量、风应力、底摩擦、台湾暖流、浙江沿岸流、江苏沿岸流以及各因素间的相互作用。     

Assessment of macrobenthic community function and ecological quality after reclamation in the Changjiang (Yangtze) River Estuary wetland

An ecological optimization project (semi-closed reclamation project) was implemented to control the invasion of Spartina alterniflora, and optimize the habitat of the Chongming Dongtan wetland, in the Changjiang (Yangtze) River Estuary. After project implementation, a macrobenthic ecological survey was conducted in a natural tidal flat and a semi-closed reclamation restoration area within the Chongming Dongtan wetland from 2019 to 2020. Compared with historical data before reclamation, findings showed that the groups, numbers, and species diversity of the macrobenthos increased significantly, and the ecological optimization project resulted in good ecological benefits. In addition, compared to the natural tidal flat, the number of collected macrobenthic phyla, and the macrobenthic density and biomass were significantly lower in the restoration area. Furthermore, the biodiversity index and functional redundancy of natural tidal flats were generally higher, indicating that the community composition and function of natural tidal flats were relatively more stable. Even though the species composition differed between a number of restoration areas and natural tidal flats, there was no difference in functional diversity, indicating that the effect of restoring ecological functions in restoration areas was optimal. Among them, the biodiversity and functional redundancy of Site S2 were significantly reduced, and the ecosystem function was extremely unstable. Habitat heterogeneity, vegetation community and decreasing salinity were the main factors that affected the ecological functions of macrobenthos. The ecological quality was also evaluated; the Transects N3 and N4 showed good quality. The overall ecological quality of the restoration area was generally high, but that of Site S2 was poor and that of Site S2E was merely good, which was mainly due to modifications of the ecological function of macrobenthos. It is suggested that reeds mowing and freshwater species release should be adopted in restoration areas to improve the community function and the environmental disturbance resistance of the macrobenthos.     

2011—2020年调水调沙前后黄河口海域浮游动物年间变化及影响因子

依据2011—2020年(2016年中断)黄河调水调沙工程实施前、后黄河口海域18个站位野外调查数据, 研究浮游动物种类组成和丰度变化及优势种更替, 以查明黄河口海域浮游动物的年间变动规律及调水调沙工程的影响。结果显示: 共记录浮游动物82种类(包括浮游幼体16类), 其中刺胞动物种类数最多, 共记录26种, 其次是桡足类出现23种。浮游动物种类组成的年间变化差异显著(P < 0.05), 2017年(未进行调水调沙)最低; 调水调沙前、后分别记录浮游动物69种和75种, 调水调沙前后种类数呈正相关(r=0.684, P=0.042); 调水调沙前后优势种更替率较高; 浮游动物丰度在2011—2015年较高, 2017—2020年相对较低, 调水调沙后浮游动物丰度年间变化达极显著水平(P < 0.01), 而调水调沙前后没有显著差异; 浮游动物丰度水平分布总体呈现从黄河口近岸到离岸递减趋势, 密集区位于黄河口北部近岸海域, 调水调沙后密集中心较调水调沙前向离岸海域略有推移。冗余分析表明, 对黄河口浮游动物年间变化影响较大的因子是叶绿素a浓度、溶解氧浓度和水温。研究表明: 2011—2020年调水调沙期间黄河口海域浮游动物丰度年间变动大于调水调沙前后变动, 调水调沙实施对浮游动物影响持续时间较短。