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1.
In this study, we examine the distribution and carbon stable isotope signature of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and humic substances (HS) along a salinity gradient in the Altamaha and Satilla River estuaries. The maximum DOC concentrations in the Altamaha and Satilla were 10 and 29 mg C l−1, respectively, though concentrations were similar at the mouth of both estuaries. There was a decrease in HS content of DOC from 50 to 80% at the head of the estuaries to 10% at salinities higher than 30‰. The δ13C DOC varied between −25.5 and −19‰ and between −27 and −21‰ in the Altamaha and Satilla estuaries, respectively. The tendency towards more depleted δ13C DOC in the Satilla, especially in the lower salinity portion of this estuary, suggests greater terrestrial inputs in the Satilla than in the Altamaha. Seasonal fluctuations were observed in the form of increased (two to three times) range in DOC concentration, heavier δ13C DOC and increased proportion of estuarine–marine-derived DOC (average enrichment of δ13C DOC from +1 to +2) during low river flow (July–October). The δ13C HS in both rivers showed a similar trend, but was consistently more depleted than DOC, with an average range from −28 to −24.5‰. This suggests that HS have larger proportions of terrestrial components (a maximum of >60% at the mouth of the estuary) than DOC. The less depleted δ13C values of DOC in comparison with HS indicate a different source for the non-humic (non-HS) component of DOC (range in δ13C non-HS, −22 to −16‰). That source could either be the decomposition of detrital material derived from saltmarsh environments or microalgal-derived DOC of estuarine or marine origins.  相似文献   

2.
Sinking particles were analyzed for their nitrogen isotopic ratio δ15N) of total particulate nitrogen (PN), stable carbon isotopic ratio (δ13C) and radioactive isotopic ratio (δ14C) of total particulate organic carbon (POC), at three different latitudinal (temperate, subpolar and equatorial) and geomorphological (trench, proximal abyssal plain and distal abyssal plain) sites in the western North Pacific Ocean using year-long time series sediment trap systems, to clarify the common vertical trends of the isotopic signals in deep water columns. Although the δ15N and δ13C values of sinking particulate organic matter (POM) were partly affected by the resuspension of sedimentary POM from the sea floor, especially in the trench, the changes in δ15N and δ13C values owing to the resuspension could be corrected by calculation of the isotopic mass balance from δ14C of sinking POC. After this correction, common downward decreasing trends in δ15N and δ13C values were obtained in the deep water columns, irrespective of the latitudes and depths. These coincidental isotopic signals between δ15N and δ13C values provide new constraints for the decomposition process of sinking POM, such as the preferential degradation of 15N- and 13C-rich compounds and the successive re-formation of the sinking particles by higher trophic level organisms in the deep water column.  相似文献   

3.
Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios of particulate organic matter (POM) were studied approximately weekly during spring and summer 2003 and 2004 in the Gulf of Trieste (northern Adriatic Sea) in order to track the temporal variations and differences between two years. In parallel, particulate organic carbon (POC) and particulate nitrogen (PN), phytoplankton biomass (chlorophyll a), and N and P nutrients were monitored. All studied parameters, especially N and P nutrients and chlorophyll a, showed higher concentrations and larger variability in spring 2004. As a consequence the macroaggregates were produced in late spring 2004. The C and N isotope composition of POM was not directly linked to phytoplankton biomass dynamics. The δ13CPOC values covaried with temperature. In 2004, δ13CPOC variations followed the δ15NPN values as well as the δ13CDIC values which were probably more dependent on the photosynthetic use of 12C. Variations in δ15NPOM values were most probably the consequence of variations in N nutrient sources used in phytoplankton assimilation. The significant correlation between δ15NPN values and nitrate concentrations in 2004 implies intense nitrate assimilation in the presence of higher nitrate concentration. This suggests nitrate as the key nutrient in the »new primary production«, later producing macroaggregates with a mean δ13C and δ15N values of − 19‰ and 5‰, respectively. A low fractionation factor ε, < 1‰, lower than that reported in other marine and lacustrine systems, was found probably to be a consequence of distinct phytoplankton species, i.e. several classes of autotrophic nanoflagellates, and specific growth conditions present in the Gulf of Trieste. The tentative use of C isotope composition of POM revealed a higher contribution of allochthonous organic matter in 2004 compared to 2003 due to higher riverine inflow.  相似文献   

4.
Microfossil analysis (e.g. diatoms, foraminifera and pollen) represents the cornerstone of Holocene relative sea-level (RSL) reconstruction because their distribution in the contemporary inter-tidal zone is principally controlled by ground elevation within the tidal frame. A combination of poor microfossil preservation and a limited range in the sediment record may severely restrict the accuracy of resulting RSL reconstructions. Organic δ13C and C/N analysis of inter-tidal sediments have shown some potential as coastal palaeoenvironmental proxies. Here we assess their viability for reconstructing RSL change by examining patterns of organic δ13C and C/N values in a modern estuarine environment. δ13C and C/N analysis of bulk organic inter-tidal sediments and vegetation, as well as suspended and bedload organic sediments of the Mersey Estuary, U.K., demonstrate that the two main sources of organic carbon to surface saltmarsh sediments (terrestrial vegetation and tidal-derived particulate organic matter) have distinctive δ13C and C/N signatures. The resulting relationship between ground elevation within the tidal frame and surface sediment δ13C and C/N is unaffected by decompositional changes. The potential of this technique for RSL reconstruction is demonstrated by the analysis of part of an early Holocene sediment core from the Mersey Estuary. Organic δ13C and C/N analysis is less time consuming than microfossil analysis and is likely to provide continuous records of RSL change.  相似文献   

5.
Tangential-flow ultrafiltration was used to isolate particulate and high-molecular-weight dissolved material from seawater collected at various depths and geographic regions of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Ultrafiltration proved to be a relatively fast and efficient method for the isolation of hundreds of milligrams of material. Optical and electron microscopy of the isolated materials revealed that relatively fragile materials were recovered intact. Depth-weighted results of the size distribution of organic matter in seawater indicated that ˜ 75% of marine organic carbon was low-molecular-weight (LMW) dissolved organic carbon (< 1 nm), ˜ 24% was high-molecular-weight (HMW) dissolved organic carbon (1–100 nm), and ˜ 1% was particulate organic carbon (> 100 nm). The distribution of carbon in surface water was shifted to greater relative abundances of larger size fractions, suggesting a diagenetic sequence from macromolecular material to small refractory molecules. The average C:N ratios of particulate organic matter (POM) and HMW dissolved organic matter (DOM) were 7.7 and 16.7, respectively. Differences in C:N ratios between POM and HMW DOM were large and invariant with depth and geographic region, indicating that the aggregation of HMW DOM to form POM must be of minor significance to overall carbon dynamics. The stable carbon isotope composition (δ13C) of POM averaged −22.7%. in surface water and −25.2%. in subsurface water. Several possible explanations for the observed isotopic shift with depth were explored, but we were unable to discern the cause. The δ13C of HMW DOM samples was relatively constant and averaged −21.7%., indicating a predominantly marine origin for this material. The δ15N values of POM were highly variable (5.8–15.4%.), and the availability of nitrate in surface waters appeared to be the major factor influencing δ15N values in the equatorial Pacific. In the upwelling region nitrate concentrations were relatively high and δ15N values of POM were low, whereas to the north and south of the upwelling nitrate concentrations were low and δ15N values were high. The δ15N values of HMW DOM reflected the same trends observed in the POM fraction and provided the first such evidence for biological cycling of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON). Using the observed δ15N values and an estimate of meridional advection velocity, we estimated a turnover time of 0.3 to 0.5% day−1 for HMW DON. These results suggest a major role for DON in the upper ocean nitrogen cycle.  相似文献   

6.
The reaction pathways of nitrogen and carbon in the Framvaren Fjord (Norway) were studied through stable isotope analysis (δ15N and δ13C) of dissolved inorganic and particulate organic matter (POM). The variations in the isotopic compositions of the various C and N pools within the water column were use to evaluate the historical deposition of material to the sediments. The high δ15N-NH4+ at the O2/H2S interface, as a consequence of microbial uptake between 19 and 25 m, results in extremely depleted δ15N-particulate nitrogen (PN) of approximately 1‰ within the particulate maximum at approximately 19 m. The carbon isotopic distribution of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and particulate organic carbon (POC) within the interface suggests that the distinct microbial flora (Chromatium sp. and Chlorobium sp.) fractionate inorganic carbon to different degrees. The extremely light δ13C-POC within the interface (−31‰) appears to be a result of carbon uptake by Chromatium sp. while δ13C-POC of −12‰ is more indicative of Chlorobium sp. Nitrogen isotopic mass balance calculations suggested that approximately 75% of the material sinking to the sediments was derived from the dense particulate maximum between 19 and 25 m. The sediment distribution of nitrogen isotopes varied from 2‰ at the surface to approximately 6‰ at 30 cm. The nitrogen isotopic variations with depth may be an indicator of the depth or position of the O2/H2S interface in the fjord. Low sediment δ15N indicated that the interface was within the photic zone of the water column, while more enriched values suggested that the interface was lower in the water column potentially allowing for less fractionation during biological incorporation of dissolved inorganic nitrogen. Results indicate that the dense layers of photo-autotrophic bacteria in the upper water column impart unique carbon and nitrogen isotopic signals that help follow processes within the water column and deposition to the sediments.  相似文献   

7.
Organic carbon (C) and total nitrogen (N) contents and corresponding isotope ratios were determined in surficial sediment (0–3 cm) at 94 stations ranging from 21 to 1995 m water depth off Tokachi, Hokkaido, Japan, to elucidate the distribution and source of sedimentary organic matter. Suspended particulate organic matter (POM) in the seawater and suspended POM and sediment in the Tokachi River were also examined. δ13C, δ15N and C / N ratios of the samples in the Tokachi River suggest that the spring snowmelt is an important process for the transport of terrestrial organic matter to the coastal waters. δ13C values of suspended POM in the surface seawater were higher in May and November than in August, while δ15N values of the POM were higher in May and August than in November. These changes are attributed to seasonal changes in phytoplankton growth rate and nitrate availability. δ13C and δ15N values in the sediments off Tokachi were lowest near the Tokachi River mouth, and increased offshore to constant values that persisted from 134 to 1995 m water depth. The spatial variation in C / N ratios in the sediment mirrored those of δ13C and δ15N. Comparison of δ13C, δ15N and C / N ratios in the sediments off Tokachi with those in the Tokachi River and seawater indicates that about half of the organic matter in the sediment was of terrestrial origin near the Tokachi River mouth, and the sedimentary organic matter from 134 to 1995 m water depth was of marine origin. The organic C content in the sediment was high near the Tokachi River mouth, and also around 1000 m water depth. The C content was significantly correlated with silt plus clay content, with different regression lines for those stations shallower and deeper than 134 m, owing to several stations of higher C content with the elevated C / N ratio on the inner shelf. These results suggest that transport and deposition of organic-rich fine sediment particles by hydrodynamic processes were major factors controlling C content off Tokachi. In addition, the supply of a fraction of terrestrial organic matter with high C / N probably also affected C content on the inner shelf.  相似文献   

8.
The C/N and stable C and N isotope ratios (δ13C, δ15N) of sedimentary and suspended particulate matter were determined in the Schelde Estuary. Suspended matter was divided into 2 to 5 size fractions by centrifugation. Four major pools of organic matter were recognized: riverine, estuarine, marine and terrestrial materials. Terrestrial organic matter (δ13C≈−26‰, δ15N≈3.5‰, C/N≈21) is important for the sedimentary pool, but suspended matter is dominated by the marine (δ13C≈−18‰, δ15N≈9‰, C/N≈8), riverine (δ13C≈−30‰, δ15N≈9‰, C/N≈7.5) and estuarine (δ13C≈−29‰, δ15N≈15‰, C/N≈8) end-members. In the upper estuary, the suspended matter size fractions vary systematically in their carbon and nitrogen biogeochemistry, with the small particles having low C/N ratios, depleted δ13C and enriched δ15N values relative to large particles. Moreover, sedimentary and suspended matter differ significantly in terms of C/N ratios (17 vs. 8.9), δ13C (−26.3 vs. −28.9‰) and δ15N (+6.9 vs. 12.0‰). In the lower estuary, suspended matter fractions are similar and sedimentary and suspended organic matter differ only in terms of δ13C (−23.5 vs. −20.1‰). Our data indicate that autochthonous organic matter contributes significantly to the total suspended matter and that the suspended organic matter composition cannot be explained in terms of conservative mixing of riverine and terrestrial sources on the one hand and marine sources on the other hand.  相似文献   

9.
Extensive artificial waterways have replaced natural wetlands and created new estuarine habitats on the southern Queensland coast, Australia. Economically important fish species found in adjacent natural wetlands of mangrove, saltmarsh and seagrass also occur in the artificial waterways. Stable isotope analyses (δ13C, δ15N) were used to test whether the relative importance of basal sources of energy varied for foodwebs found in artificial (canals and tidal lakes) and natural waterways. None of the fish species differed in their isotope values between artificial waterways. In contrast, isotopic signatures of snub-nosed garfish (Arrhamphus sclerolepis; Hemiramphidae) varied greatly between natural and artificial waterways, having highly enriched δ13C values (−10.5‰) in natural wetlands, demonstrating reliance on seagrass (−11.4‰), and significantly less enriched values (−19.0‰) in artificial waterways, consistent with either local algal sources (−19.8 to −20.4‰) or a mixture of seagrass and other less enriched autotrophs from adjacent natural wetlands. Isotopic signatures of sand whiting (Sillago ciliata; Sillaginidae) were also significantly more enriched in natural (−18.2‰) than artificial (−21.0‰) habitats, but means were not far enough apart to distinguish between different sources of nutrition. δ13C values of yellowfin bream (Acanthopagrus australis; Sparidae) did not differ between artificial and natural habitats (about −20‰ in both). δ15N values of fish varied among habitats only for A. sclerolepis, which in artificial waterways had values enriched by 2‰ over those in natural waterways. This was consistent with a shift from seagrass (relatively depleted δ15N) as a source in natural habitat to algal sources (relatively enriched δ15N) in artificial habitats. This study provides some of the first evidence that at least some fish species rely on different autotrophs in artificial waterways than in adjacent natural wetlands.  相似文献   

10.
Fauna species living in seagrass meadows depend on different food sources, with seagrasses often being marginally important for higher trophic levels. To determine the food web of a mixed-species tropical seagrass meadow in Sulawesi, Indonesia, we analyzed the stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) signatures of primary producers, particulate organic matter (POM) and fauna species. In addition invertebrates, both infauna and macrobenthic, and fish densities were examined to identify the important species in the meadow. The aims of this study were to identify the main food sources of fauna species by comparing isotopic signatures of different primary producers and fauna, and to estimate qualitatively the importance of seagrass material in the food web. Phytoplankton and water column POM were the most depleted primary food sources for δ13C (range −23.1 to −19.6‰), but no fauna species depended only on these sources for carbon. Epiphytes and Sargassum sp. had intermediate δ13C values (−14.2 to −11.9‰). Sea urchins, gastropods and certain fish species were the main species assimilating this material. Seagrasses and sedimentary POM had the least depleted values (−11.5 to −5.7‰). Between the five seagrass species significant differences in δ13C were measured. The small species Halophila ovalis and Halodule uninervis were most depleted, the largest species Enhalus acoroides was least depleted, while Thalassia hemprichii and Cymodocea rotundata had intermediate values. Fourteen fauna species, accounting for 10% of the total fauna density, were shown to assimilate predominantly (>50%) seagrass material, either directly or indirectly by feeding on seagrass consumers. These species ranged from amphipods up to the benthic top predator Taeniura lymma. Besides these species, about half of the 55 fauna species analyzed had δ13C values higher than the least depleted non-seagrass source, indicating they depended at least partly for their food on seagrass material. This study shows that seagrass material is consumed by a large number of fauna species and is important for a large portion of the food web in tropical seagrass meadows.  相似文献   

11.
Carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition was used to identify the main sources of carbon and describe the main trophic pathways in Deluge Inlet, a near-pristine mangrove estuary in tropical north Queensland, Australia. Producers' δ13C varied from −28.9‰ for mangroves to −18.6‰ for seagrass. Animals were also well separated in δ13C (−25.4‰ to −16.3‰ for invertebrates and −25.2‰ to −17.2‰ for fish), suggesting considerable differences in ultimate sources of carbon, from a substantial reliance on mangrove carbon to an almost exclusive reliance on seagrass. In general, invertebrates had lower δ15N than fish, indicating lower trophic levels. Among fish, δ15N values reflected well the assumed trophic levels, as species from lower trophic levels had lower δ15N than species from higher trophic levels. Trophic levels and trophic length were estimated based on δ15N of invertebrate primary consumers (6.1‰), with results suggesting a food web with four trophic levels. There was also evidence of a high level of diet overlap between fish species, as indicated by similarities in δ13C for fish species of higher trophic levels. Stable isotope data was also useful to construct a general model for this food web, where five main trophic pathways were identified: one based on both mangrove and microphytobenthos, one on plankton, two on both microphytobenthos and seagrass, and one based mainly on seagrass. This model again suggested the presence of four trophic levels, in agreement with the value calculated based on the difference in δ15N between invertebrate primary consumers and top piscivores.  相似文献   

12.
The contribution of detritus from seagrass and other primary producers to faunal production in unvegetated nearshore areas was examined primarily using stable isotopes. Fish, macroinvertebrates, meiofauna and primary producers (seagrasses, macroalgae, seston and benthic microalgae) were sampled from sites in south-western Australia. All samples were analysed for δ13C and δ15N values and fish gut contents were determined. δ13C values for seagrasses in the region were high compared to other macrophytes, ranging from 49.9 to −8.2‰ compared to −19.8 to −12.6‰ for macroalgae. The δ15N values ranged between 4.0 and 7.7‰ for the red, brown and green algae, and between 3.2 and 5.9‰ for seagrasses. Seston and benthic microalgae samples had a mean δ13C value of −12.8 and −14.0‰, respectively, and their δ15N values were comparable to the macroalgae. All invertebrate fauna had mean δ13C values considerably lower than seagrasses. However, individual samples harpacticoid copepods and polychaetes had a value as high as −11.7‰. δ15N values for consumers were higher than those of the primary producers, except for copepods and amphipods. The δ13C values for fish had a relatively small range, between −16.6 and −13.1‰, and the δ15N values of fish were elevated compared to the invertebrates and primary producers, ranging mostly between 10.0 and 12.6‰. Mixing model analysis based on δ13C values indicated that seagrass ranked low as a likely carbon source for all invertebrates other than harpacticoid copepods at a single site and some samples of polychaetes. The δ13C values for fish were similar to those of a combination of harpacticoid and calanoid copepods, amphipods and polychaetes. The consumption of harpacticoid copepods by some fish species indicates that Amphibolis and Posidonia species in south-western Australia can contribute to the food web of unvegetated nearshore areas as detritus, but brown algae is likely to make a greater contribution. At least for the time of year that was sampled, the flow of detrital seagrass material into the foodweb may be mediated by specific detrivores, in this case harpactacoid copepods, rather than by all detritivores.  相似文献   

13.
We used stable C and N isotope ratios of tissues from 29 fish species from a large subtropical lagoon in southern Brazil to examine spatial variability in isotopic composition and vertical trophic structure across freshwater and estuarine habitats. Nitrogen isotope ratios indicated a smooth gradation in trophic positions among species, with most fishes occupying the secondary and tertiary consumer level. Fish assemblages showed a significant shift in their carbon isotopic signatures between freshwater and estuarine sites. Depleted carbon signatures (from −24.7‰ to −17.8‰) were found in freshwater, whereas more enriched signatures (from −19.1‰ to −12.3‰) were obtained within the estuarine zone downstream. Based on our survey of the C3 and C4 plants and isotopic values for phytoplankton and benthic microalgae reported for ecosystems elsewhere, we hypothesized that the observed δ13C differences in the fish assemblage between freshwater and estuarine sites is due to a shift from assimilating organic matter ultimately derived from C3 freshwater marsh vegetation and phytoplankton at the freshwater site (δ13C ranging from −25‰ to −19‰), to C4 salt-marsh (e.g. Spartina) and widgeon grass (Ruppia maritima), benthic microalgae and marine phytoplankton at the estuarine sites (from −18‰ to −12‰). Our results suggested that fish assemblages are generally supported by autochthonous primary production. Freshwater fishes that likely were displaced downstream into the estuary during periods of high freshwater discharge had depleted δ13C values that were characteristic of the upper lagoon. These results suggest that spatial foodweb subsidies can occur within the lagoon.  相似文献   

14.
Wind-driven cyclonic eddies are hypothesized to relieve nutrient stress and enhance primary production by the upward displacement of nutrient-rich deep waters into the euphotic zone. In this study, we measured nitrate (NO3−), particulate carbon (PC), particulate nitrogen (PN), their stable isotope compositions (δ15N-NO3−, δ13C-PC and δ15N-PN, respectively), and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) within Cyclone Opal, a mature wind-driven eddy generated in the lee of the Hawaiian Islands. Sampling occurred in March 2005 as part of the multi-disciplinary E-Flux study, approximately 4–6 weeks after eddy formation. Integrated NO3− concentrations above 110 m were 4.8 times greater inside the eddy (85.8±6.4 mmol N m−2) compared to the surrounding water column (17.8±7.8 mmol N m−2). Using N-isotope derived estimates of NO3− assimilation, we estimated that 213±59 mmol m−2 of NO3− was initially injected into the upper 110 m Cyclone Opal formation, implying that NO3− was assimilated at a rate of 3.75±0.5 mmol N m−2 d−1. This injected NO3− supported 68±19% and 66±9% of the phytoplankton N demand and export production, respectively. N isotope data suggest that 32±6% of the initial NO3− remained unassimilated. Self-shading, inefficiency in the transfer of N from dissolved to particulate export, or depletion of a specific nutrient other than N may have led to a lack of complete NO3− assimilation. Using a salt budget approach, we estimate that dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) concentrations increased from eddy formation (3.8±0.4 mmol N m−2) to the time of sampling (4.0±0.09 mmol N m−2), implying that DON accumulated at rate of 0.83±1.3 mmol N m−2 d−1, and accounted for 22±15% of the injected NO3−. Interestingly, no significant increase in suspended PN and PC, or export production was observed inside Cyclone Opal relative to the surrounding water column. A simple N budget shows that if 22±15% of the injected NO3− was shunted into the DON pool, and 32±6% is unassimilated, then 46±16% of the injected NO3− remains undocumented. Alternative loss processes within the eddy include lateral exchange of injected NO3− along isopycnal surfaces, remineralization of PN at depth, as well as microzooplankton grazing. A 9-day time series within Cyclone Opal revealed a temporal depletion in δ15N-PN, implying a rapid change in the N source. A change in NO3− assimilation, or a shift from NO3− fueled growth to assimilation of a 15N-deplete N source, may be responsible for such observations.  相似文献   

15.
The stable isotopes of organic carbon (OC) and nitrogen, contents of OC and nitrogen for roots, bark, leaves, flowers and fruits of various mangrove species from Kisakasaka (Zanzibar) and Bagamoyo (mainland Tanzania) are used to assess (1) if some mangrove species are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen, (2) if there are differences between species in the same stand and in different stands and (3) if the mangrove signature is preserved in the sediments. Mean OC stable isotope results of various plant components range from −25.9‰ to −29.1‰ suggesting that mangrove trees in the two stands follow the C3 type of photosynthetic pathway. Mean nitrogen isotope values for various plant components range from −1.5‰ to 3.2‰ suggesting atmospheric nitrogen fixation by mangrove plants, but δ15N values approaching −3‰ that are more negative than typical diazotroph biomass exclude this possibility. Mangrove species thriving further inland are enriched in 13C and 15N relative to those thriving near the shoreline owing to complete utilization of available nutrients.Sediments beneath the mangrove forest are characterized by lower C/N ratio values and enrichment in 13C and 15N relative to plant material owing to mixing of nitrogenous rich material from adjacent area. High concentration of OC is found in bark and roots, while high nitrogen concentration is found in fruits and flowers only.  相似文献   

16.
The sources and distribution of organic matter (OM) in surface waters and sediments from Winyah Bay (South Carolina, USA) were investigated using a variety of analytical techniques, including elemental, stable isotope and organic biomarker analyses. Several locations along the estuary salinity gradient were sampled during four different periods of contrasting river discharge and tidal range. The dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations of surface waters ranged from 7 mg l−1 in the lower bay stations closest to the ocean to 20 mg l−1 in the river and upper bay samples. There was a general linear relationship between DOC concentrations and salinity in three of the four sampling periods. In contrast, particulate organic carbon (POC) concentrations were significantly lower (0.1–3 mg l−1) and showed no relationship with salinity. The high molecular weight dissolved OM (HMW DOM) isolated from selected water samples collected along the bay displayed atomic carbon:nitrogen ratios ([C/N]a) and stable carbon isotopic compositions of organic carbon (δ13COC) that ranged from 10 to 30 and from −28 to −25‰, respectively. Combined, such compositions indicate that in most HMW DOM samples, the majority of the OM originates from terrigenous sources, with smaller contributions from riverine and estuarine phytoplankton. In contrast, the [C/N]a ratios of particulate OM (POM) samples varied significantly among the collection periods, ranging from low values of 5 to high values of >20. Overall, the trends in [C/N]a ratios indicated that algal sources of POM were most important during the early and late summer, whereas terrigenous sources dominated in the winter and early spring.In Winyah Bay bottom sediments, the concentrations of the mineral-associated OM were positively correlated with sediment surface area. The [C/N]a ratios and δ13COC compositions of the bulk sedimentary OM ranged from 5 to 45 and from −28 to −23‰, respectively. These compositions were consistent with predominant contributions of terrigenous sources and lesser (but significant) inputs of freshwater, estuarine and marine phytoplankton. The highest terrigenous contents were found in sediments from the river and upper bay sites, with smaller contributions to the lower parts of the estuary. The yields of lignin-derived CuO oxidation products from Winyah Bay sediments indicated that the terrigenous OM in these samples was composed of variable mixtures of relatively fresh vascular plant detritus and moderately altered soil OM. Based on the lignin phenol compositions, most of this material appeared to be derived from angiosperm and gymnosperm vascular plant sources similar to those found in the upland coastal forests in this region. A few samples displayed lignin compositions that suggested a more significant contribution from marsh C3 grasses. However, there was no evidence of inputs of Spartina alterniflora (a C4 grass) remains from the salt marshes that surround the lower sections of Winyah Bay.  相似文献   

17.
The Arabian Sea is subject to intense seasonality resulting from biannual monsoons, which lead to associated large particulate fluxes and an abundance of organic carbon, a potential food source at the seafloor for benthic detritivores. We used the stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen alongside lipid analyses to examine potential food sources (particulate and sedimentary organic matter, POM and SOM respectively) in order to determine trophic linkages for the twelve most abundant megafaunal species (Pontocaris sp., Solenocera sp., Munidopsis aff. scobina, Actinoscyphia sp., Actinauge sp., Echinoptilum sp., Pennatula aff. grandis, Astropecten sp. Amphiura sp. Ophiura euryplax, Phormosoma placenta and Hyalinoecia sp.) at the Pakistan Margin between 140 and 1400 m water depth. This transect spans a steep gradient in oxygen concentrations and POM flux. Ranges of δ13C and δ15N values were narrow in POM and SOM (4‰ and 2‰ for δ13C and δ15N, respectively) with little evidence of temporal variability. Labile lipid compounds in SOM originating from phytoplankton did exhibit seasonal change in their concentrations at the shallowest sites, 140 and 300 m. Benthic megafauna had broad ranges in δ13C and δ15N (>10‰ and >8‰ for δ13C and δ15N, respectively) suggesting they occupy several trophic levels and utilize a variety of food sources. There is evidence for feeding niche separation between and within trophic groups. Lipid biomarkers in animal tissues indicate a mixture of food sources originating from both phytoplankton (C20:5(n-3) and C22:6(n-3)) and invertebrate prey (C20:1 and C22:1). Biomarkers originating from phytodetritus are conserved through trophic transfer to the predator/scavengers. Six species (Pontocaris sp., Solenocera sp., Actinoscyphia sp., Echinoptilum sp., Amphiura sp. and Hyalinoecia sp.) showed a significant biochemical response to the seasonal supply of food and probably adapt their trophic strategy to low food availability. Biotransformation of assimilated lipids by megafauna is evident from polyunsaturated fatty acid distributions, for example, Echinoptilum sp. converts C20:5(n-3) to C24:6(n-3).  相似文献   

18.
The stable carbon isotope composition of particulate organic carbon (POC) from plankton, sediment trap material and surface sediments from the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean were determined. Despite low and constant water temperatures, large variations in the δ13C values of plankton were measured. 13C enrichments of up to 10‰ coincided with a change in the diatom assemblage and a two-fold increase in primary production. Increased CO2 consumption as a result of rapid carbon fixation may result in diffusion limitation reducing the magnitude of the isotope fractionation. The δ13C values of plankton from sea-ice cores display a relationship with the chlorophyll a content. High ‘ice-algae’ biomass, in combination with a limited exchange with the surrounding seawater, results in values of about − 18 to − 20‰. It is assumed that these values are related to a reduced CO2 availability in the sea-ice system. In comparison with plankton, sinking krill faeces sampled by traps can be enriched by 2–5‰ in 13C (e.g. central Bransfield Strait). In contrast, the transport of particles in other faeces, diatom aggregates or chains results in minor isotope changes (e.g. Drake Passage, Powell Basin, NW Weddell Sea). A comparison between the δ13C values of sinking matter and those of surface sediments reveals that 13C enrichments of up to 3–4‰ may occur at the sediment-water boundary layer. These isotopic changes are attributed to high benthic respiration rates.  相似文献   

19.
The trophic position of Calanus finmarchicus in the Trondheim Fjord in 2004 was determined through stable isotope analyses. Wild specimens were sampled monthly in the fjord and δ13C and δ15N signatures of the developmental stages from CIII to adults were measured. There were statistically significant differences in the δ13C and δ15N signatures of three identified groups: overwintered parental generation, developing new generation and new generation preparing for overwintering. C. finmarchicus individuals raised in a laboratory on a pure algal diet (Dunaliella tertiolecta and Isochrysis galbana) provided stable isotope signatures for purely herbivorous copepods. With these signatures as comparison, the trophic position of C. finmarchicus in the Trondheim Fjord in 2004 was determined as trophic level 2.4, thus indicating omnivory under natural conditions. Additionally, our data suggest that seasonal differences in the δ13C signatures of C. finmarchicus are due to the varying lipid content of the different developmental stages.  相似文献   

20.
In order to characterize the sources and fate of organic matter (OM) in the Pichavaram estuarine-mangrove ecosystem (east coast of India), stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) ratios and molecular lignin analyses were conducted in plant litter, benthic algae, sediment, particulate matter and in a variety of benthic invertebrate species. The δ13C signature of plant litter ranges from −29.75‰ to −27.64‰ suggesting that mangrove trees follow the C3 photosynthetic pathway. Sedimentary δ13C signature (−28.92‰ to −25.34‰) demonstrates the greater influence of plant litter organic matter on sedimentary organic matter. Suspended particulate organic pool was influenced by terrestrial source and also seems to be influenced by the marine phytoplankton. Enriched signature of δ15N in surface sediments (4.66–8.01‰; avg. 6.69‰) suggesting the influence of anthropogenic nitrogen from agricultural fields and human settlements. Spatial chemical variability in availability of nitrogen and plant associated microbial interactions demonstrate variability in δ15N signature in mangrove plant litter. Two (lower and higher) trophic levels of invertebrates were identified with and observed >4‰ gradient in δ13C signal between these two trophic groups. The observed δ13C values suggest that the lower level invertebrates feed on phytoplankton and higher level organisms have a mixed source of diet, phytoplankton, sediment and particulate organic matter. Lignin phenol analyses explain that the benthic surface layer was almost free of lignin. The ratio between syringyl phenols to vanillyl phenols (S/V) is 1.14–1.32 (avg. 1.23) and cinnamyl phenols to vanillyl phenols (C/V) is 0.17–0.31 (avg. 0.24), demonstrate non-woody angiosperm tissues was the major sources of lignin to this ecosystem, while aldehyde to acid ratios (Ad/Al) describe diagenetic nature of sediment and is moderately to less degraded. A two-end-member mixing model indicate that the terrigenous OM was dominant in the estuarine zones, while in the mangrove zone terrigenous supply accounts for 60% and marine input accounts for 40%.  相似文献   

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