Fate of particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the river-influenced continental margin of the northern Gulf of Mexico.

This study utilizes suspended particles and seafloor sediments collected from the northern Gulf of Mexico (GOM) continental margin to study the fate, transport, residence times and accumulation rates of particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Total particulate-PAHs and particulate organic carbon (POC) varied between 0.9 and 7.0 ng/L, and 4-131 µg/L, respectively. Particulate-PAHs were positively correlated with POC, while both particulate-PAHs and POC were negatively correlated with salinity (P-value < 0.05). These results show that the river-derived particle influx and associated POC are important vectors for transport and fate of particulate-PAHs in the river-dominated northern GOM continental ecosystems. The composition of underlying seafloor sediment-PAHs were not correlated to the water column particulate-PAHs, which is attributed to re-mineralization, sediment resuspension/redistribution and different timescales of comparison. The 210Pb-derived residence time of particles and associated particulate-PAHs in water column varied between 2 and 39 days. Residence times of particulate-PAHs were significantly correlated with seafloor sediment-PAHs accumulation rates, shorter water column residence times leading to higher PAHs accumulation rates.

Macroaggregation and soil organic carbon restoration in a highly weathered Brazilian Oxisol after two decades under no-till.

Conclusions based on studies of the impacts of soil organic carbon (SOC) fractions and soil texture on macroaggregation and SOC stabilization in long-term (>20years) no-till (NT) fields remain debatable. This study was based on the hypothesis that the amount and frequency of biomass-C input associated with NT can be a pathway to formation of macroaggregates and to SOC buildup. The objectives were to: 1) assess the macroaggregate distribution (proportional mass, class mass) and the SOC and particulate organic carbon (POC) stocks of extra-large (8-19mm), large (2-8mm) and small (0.25-2mm) macroaggregate size classes managed for two decades by NT, and 2) assess the recovery of SOC stocks in extra-large macroaggregates compared to adjacent native vegetation (Andropogon sp., Aristida sp., Paspalum sp., and Panicum sp.). The crop rotation systems were: soybean (Glycine max L.), maize (Zea mays L.) and beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in summer; and black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb), white oat (Avena sativa), vetch (Vicia sativa L.), black oat.+vetch (Avena strigosa Schreb+vetch) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in winter. The experimental was laid out as 2×2 randomized block factorial with 12 replicates of a NT experiment established in 1997 on two highly weathered Oxisols. The factors comprised of: (a) two soil textural types: clay loam and sandy clay, and (b) two sampling depths: 0-5 and 5-20cm. The three classes of macroaggregates were obtained by wet sieving, and the SOC content was determined by the dry combustion method. The extra-large macroaggregate classes in 0-20cm depth for sandy clay (SdC) and clay loam (CL) Oxisol represented 75.2 and 72.4% of proportional mass, respectively. The SOC and POC stocks among macroaggregate classes in 0-5 and 5-20cm depths decreased in the order: 8-19mm>2-8mm ≈ 0.25-2mm. The SdC plots under soybean/maize at 3:1 ratio recovered 58.3%, while those at 1:1 ratio (high maize frequency) in CL recovered 73.1% of SOC stock in the extra-large macroaggregates compared with the same under native vegetation for 0-20cm depth. Thus, partial restoration of the SOC stock in original extra-large macroaggregate confirms the hypothesis that NT through higher maize cultivation frequency can be a pathway to fomation of macroaggregates and SOC buildup.

Assessment of surf zone environmental variables in a southwestern Atlantic sandy beach (Monte Hermoso, Argentina).

The aim of this study was to investigate the temporal dynamics (monthly/tidal) of water temperature, salinity, chlorophyll-a (chlo-a), suspended particulate matter (SPM), particulate organic carbon (POC), and dissolved nutrients in the surf zone of Monte Hermoso sandy beach, Argentina. We also aimed to understand the underlying mechanisms responsible for the observed variability. Sampling was carried out approximately monthly (September 2009-November 2010), and all samples were collected in a fixed station during high and low tide. Water temperature showed a clear seasonal variability (July: 9 °C-December: 26.5 °C) and a thermal amplitude of 17.5 °C. Salinity ranged from 33 to 37, without a pronounced seasonality. SPM (10-223 mg L(-1)) and POC concentrations (399-6445 mg C m(-3)) were high in surf zone waters. Chlo-a (0.05-9.16 µg L(-1)) was low and did not evidence the occurrence of surf diatom accumulations. Dissolved nutrient concentration was quite fluctuating. None of the variables seemed to be affected by tidal stage. The results showed how fluctuating the physico-chemical and biological variables can be in this particular system. The observed variability can be related with local beach conditions but also with regional processes. The study area is highly influenced by a neighbor estuary and as a consequence, could be vulnerable to their seasonal and inter-annual dynamics. All of these characteristics must be considered for further studies and planning of the uses of natural resources and should be taken into account in any environmental monitoring program conducted in a similar beach system.

The size distribution of organic carbon in headwater streams in the Amazon basin.

Despite the strong representativeness of streams in the Amazon basin, their role in the accumulation of coarse particulate organic carbon (CPOC), fine particulate organic carbon (FPOC), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in transport, an important energy source in these environments, is poorly known. It is known that the arboreal vegetation in the Amazon basin is influenced by soil fertility and rainfall gradients, but would these gradients promote local differences in organic matter in headwater streams? To answer this question, 14 low-order streams were selected within these gradients along the Amazon basin, with extensions that varied between 4 and 8 km. The efficiency of the transformation of particulate into dissolved carbon fractions was assessed for each stream. The mean monthly benthic organic matter storage ranged between 1.58 and 9.40 t ha(-1) month(-1). In all locations, CPOC was the most abundant fraction in biomass, followed by FPOC and DOC. Rainfall and soil fertility influenced the distribution of the C fraction (p = 0.01), showing differentiated particulate organic carbon (POC) storage and DOC transportation along the basin. Furthermore, the results revealed that carbon quantification at the basin level could be underestimated, ultimately influencing the global carbon calculations for the region. This is especially due to the fact that the majority of studies consider only fine particulate organic matter and dissolved organic matter, which represent less than 50 % of the stored and transported carbon in streambeds.

Atributos físicos e químicos do solo em sistemas de consórcio e sucessão de lavoura, pastagem e silvipastoril em Santa Teresa, ES / Physical and chemical attributes in systems of the consortium and succession of crops, pasture and silvopastoral in Santa Teresa, Espírito Santo State, Brazil

O uso de sistemas com integração de floresta e pastagem promove alterações favoráveis nos atributos edáficos quando comparados com sistemas somente com pastagens ou lavouras. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar atributos físicos e químicos de solos sob diferentes sistemas de uso em Santa Teresa, ES. Os sistemas foram: lavoura com 15 a 20 anos sob preparo convencional do solo, pastagem nativa de capim colonião (Panicum maximum) com 40 anos e cultivo de eucalipto consorciado com capim colonião em sistema silvipastoril, implantado há cinco anos. As amostras foram coletadas nas profundidades de 0-5, 5-10 e 10-20 cm e foram quantificados a densidade do solo (Ds), volume total de poros (VTP), diâmetro médio ponderado dos agregados (DMP), carbono orgânico total e fracionamento granulométrico, químico e oxidável da matéria orgânica. O sistema silvipastoril apresentou os maiores valores de VTP, carbono das frações húmicas e carbono oxidável (fração F1) em relação às áreas de lavoura e pastagem, sendo que a área de lavoura mostrou os menores valores de DMP, carbono orgânico particulado (COp) e carbono da fração humina (CHUM). Por meio dos atributos físicos ­ Ds, VTP e DMP ­ e químicos ­ COp, carbono das frações húmicas e carbono oxidável (F1, F2 e F3) ­ foi possível evidenciar diferenças entre os sistemas de uso avaliados. O sistema silvipastoril aumentou o VTP (0-5 e 10-20 cm), a agregação do solo (DMP), os teores de COp (10-20 cm), carbono das frações húmicas (10-20 cm) e carbono oxidável (fração F1, 0-20 cm; fração F2, 10-20 cm) em comparação a área de lavoura. Em relação à área de pastagem, o sistema silvipastoril aumentou o VTP (0-5 e 10-20 cm), o DMP e diminuiu a Ds (10-20 cm), assim como também aumentou os teores de carbono das frações húmicas (10-20 cm) e carbono oxidável (F1, 0-10 cm). A introdução de florestas de eucalipto consorciado com pastagem nativa de Panicum maximum favorece o aumento do VTP e das frações da matéria orgânica do solo (frações húmicas e carbono oxidável - fração F1) em relação às áreas de pastagem nativa e lavoura.

The use of integrated systems of forest and grassland promotes favorable changes in soil attributes when compared to systems using only ground with pastures and crops. This study aimed to evaluate some physical and chemical attributes of soils under different land use systems in the Santa Teresa, ES. Were evaluated the systems: crops with 15 to 20 years under conventional tillage system; native pasture of grasses (Panicum maximum) with 40 years; and cultivation eucalyptus intercropped with grasses (Panicum maximum) in silvopastoral system, established five years ago. Samples were collected at depths of 0-5, 5-10 and 10-20 cm. We quantified soil density (BD), total pore volume (TPV), mean weight diameter of aggregates (MWD), total organic carbon and granulometric, chemical and oxidizable fractionation of organic matter. The silvopastoral system had higher TPV, oxidizable carbon (fraction F1) and humic fractions relative areas of crops and pasture. In the area of crops there were lower values of MWD, particulate organic carbon (POC) and carbon in the humin fraction (C-HUM). Through the physical attributes (BS, TPV and MWD) and chemical attributes (POC, carbon in the humic fractions and oxidizable carbon fractions (F1, F2 and F3) was possible to show differences between the systems evaluated. The silvopastoral system increased the TPV (0-5 and 10-20 cm), soil aggregation (MWD), the levels of POC (10-20 cm), humic fractions carbon (10-20 cm) and oxidizable carbon (F1, 0-20 cm; F2, 10-20 cm) compared to the crops area. Regarding the pasture area, the silvopastoral system increased the TVP (0-5 and 10-20 cm ), the MWD and decreased Ds values ( 10-20 cm), as well as increased content of humic fractions carbon (10-20 cm) and oxidized carbon (F1, 0-10 cm).The introduction of eucalyptus forests in the form of a consortium with native pasture of Panicum maximum favors increased of the TPV, and soil organic matter fractions (humic fractions and oxidizable carbon (F1 fraction)) in relation to native pasture and crops systems.

Frações granulométricas e oxidáveis de matéria orgânica sob diferentes sistemas de uso do solo, no Paraná, Brasil / Granulometric and oxidizable fractions of organic matter under different land use systems in the state of Paraná, Brazil

Neste estudo objetivou-se quantificar o carbono orgânico total (COT), o carbono das frações granulométricas e oxidáveis da matéria orgânica do solo (MOS) em áreas sob diferentes sistemas de uso do solo, em Marmeleiro-PR. Foram coletadas amostras de terra nas camadas de 0-5, 5-10, 10-20 e 20-40 cm, sendo nestas quantificados os teores de COT, carbono orgânico particulado (COp), carbono orgânico associado aos minerais (COam) e o carbono das frações oxidáveis (F1, F2, F3, F4 e F1/F4). O sistema de semeadura direta (SSD) apresentou maiores valores de COT (0-5 cm) e o sistema de plantio convencional (SPC), os menores (0-5 e 5-10 cm). O SSD e a área de pastagem apresentaram maiores teores de COp (0-5 cm). No SPC verificaram-se os menores teores de COp em superfície e maiores em profundidade. Os menores teores de carbono das frações oxidáveis foram encontrados no SPC (0-10 cm). O SSD aumenta os teores de COT, COp e carbono oxidável (F1 e F4) na camada superficial quando comparado com o SPC. Este acarreta em teores de COT iguais aos da área de SSD em profundidade e ocasiona a diminuição dos teores de COam e do carbono oxidável da fração F4 em todas as profundidades avaliadas. Por meio da relação F1/F4 pode-se inferir que o SPC desfavorece o equilíbrio das frações F1 e F4, enquanto o SSD acarreta em valores similares aos das áreas sem interferência antrópica. As frações granulométricas e oxidáveis da MOS são eficientes para identificar mudanças ocasionadas no solo pelo manejo.

This study aimed to quantify the total organic carbon (TOC), granulometric and oxidizable carbon fractions of soil organic carbon (SOM) in areas under different land use in Marmeleiro, Paraná State, Brazil. We collected soil samples in the 0-5, 5-10, 10-20 and 20-40 cm, and being these quantified to TOC, particulate organic carbon (POC), organic carbon associated minerals (OCam) and carbon fractions oxidizable (F1, F2, F3, F4 and F1/F4). The notillage system (NTS) had higher TOC values (0-5 cm) and the conventional tillage system (CTS), the lowest (0-5 and 5-10 cm). The NTS and the grazing area had higher concentrations of POC (0-5 cm). In the CTS there were the lowest levels of POC in surface and greater depth. The lower carbon content of oxidizable fractions were found in the CTS (0-10 cm). The NTS increase the TOC, and POC oxidisable carbon (F1, F4) in the surface layer when compared to the CTS. This leads to TOC area equal to the NTS in depth and leads to decreased amounts of carbon and OCam oxidizable fraction F4 in all experiments. Through the F1/F4 ratio can be inferred that the CTS disfavors the balance of fractions F1 and F4, while the NTS leads to values similar to those in areas without human interference. The granulometric and oxidizable fractions of SOM are efficient to identify changes in soil caused by management.

Kinetics of the aerobic decomposition of Talauma ovata and Saccharum officinarum / Cinéticas da decomposição aeróbia de Talauma ovata e Saccharum officinarum

The aim of this study is to evaluate the kinetics of aerobic decomposition of Saccharum officinarum and Talauma ovata leaves. For each species, decomposition chambers (leaves and water) were set up, which were maintained under controlled conditions. Each sampling day (1, 7, 15, 30, 39, 58, 72 and 90 days), the concentrations of total organic carbon, pH and electrical conductivity (EC) were determined in the dissolved fraction, while the mass and cell wall fractions (CWF) were determined in the particulate fraction. The pH stabilization of the chambers with T. ovata and S. officinarum leaves occurred in alkaline (ca. 8 - 8.5) and close to the neutrality (ca. 7 - 7.5) environment, respectively. The EC values were on average 1.6 times higher in incubations with T. ovata leaves. The mass loss did not differ between the species (mean = 53.85%), however the decay coefficient was higher for S. officinarum (k4 = 0.007 day-1) than for T. ovata (k4 = 0.005 day-1) leaves. The CWF mass loss (mean = 50.16%) and their coefficient (0.0090 day-1) were similar. S. officinarum decomposed faster due to its high concentrations of energetic compounds of interest to the microbiota. The slower decomposition of T. ovata may have occurred due to the presence of secondary compounds with negative effects to the microorganisms.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as cinéticas da decomposição aeróbia de folhas de Talauma ovata e Saccharum officinarum. Para cada espécie foram montadas câmaras de decomposição (folhas e água) que foram mantidas sob condições controladas. A cada dia amostral (1, 7, 15, 30, 39, 58, 72 e 90 dias), as concentrações de carbono orgânico total, pH e condutividade elétrica (CE) foram determinadas na fração dissolvida, enquanto a massa e as frações de parede celular (FPC) foram determinadas na fração particulada. A estabilização do pH das câmaras com folhas de T. ovata e S. officinarum ocorreram em meio básico (ca. 8 - 8,5) e próximo à neutralidade (ca. 7 - 7,5), respectivamente. Os valores de CE foram em média 1,6 vezes maiores nas incubações com folhas de T. ovata. A perda de massa não diferiu entre as espécies (média = 53,85%). No entanto, o coeficiente de decaimento foi maior para as folhas de S. officinarum (k4 = 0,007 dia-1) que para T. ovata (k4 = 0,005 dia-1). As perdas de massa da FPC (média = 50,16%) e seus respectivos coeficientes (0,0090 dia-1) foram similares. S. officinarum decompôs mais rapidamente devido às elevadas concentrações de compostos energéticos de interesse para a microbiota. A decomposição mais lenta de T. ovata pode ter ocorrido pela presença de compostos secundários com efeitos negativos sobre os micro-organismos.

Organochlorine pesticides in lacustrine sediments and tilapias of Metztitlan, Hidalgo, Mexico

The organochlorine pesticides (OP) are very stable molecules, due to this stability; they are very resistant in the environment and highly related to fat tissues with a wide diffusion property and an average time life higher then 10 years. We studied sediments (November 2001, April and June 2002) and organisms collected in April and July (2002) from the lacustric zone of Metzitlán, Hidalgo, Mexico. The analysis was performed according to UNEP/IAEA (1982) (sediments) and UNEP/FAO/IOC/IAEA (1986) (organisms) methods. Three chemical families of organochlorine pesticides were identified and analyzed to determine posible toxicological risk. The principal organochlorine compounds found in sediments were g-HCH, d-HCH, p,p’-DDT and the endosulfan sulfate; these xenobiotics come from agriculture lands near the river and lake, used intensively, and most probably carried by the rain and rain flows into the main water body. In the tilapias tissue, p,p’-DDD y d-HCH were detected. The average concentrations of organochlorine pesticides in sediments were within the internacional limits for freshwater benthonic fauna, although lindane (g-HCH) was near the limit. The fish were above the criteria established in the local legislation (NOM-027-SSA1-1993 y NOM-028-SSA1-1993). Rev. Biol. Trop. 56 (3): 1381-1390. Epub 2008 September 30.

El presente trabajo se llevó a cabo en la cuenca lacustre de Metztitlán, Hgo. Se realizaron tres colectas de sedimentos recientes en noviembre (2001), abril y julio (2002) y dos colectas para organismos en abril y julio (2002). Los análisis se hicieron siguiendo la metodología para sedimentos propuesta por UNEP/IAEA (1982) y para tejido de organismos por UNEP/FAO/IOC/IAEA (1986). Se identificaron y cuantificaron tres familias químicas de plaguicidas organoclorados, para determinar el posible riesgo toxicológico de los sedimentos y de organismos en capturas comerciales. Los principales compuestos clorados en sedimentos fueron el g-HCH, d-HCH, p,p’-DDT y el sulfato de endosulfán; estos xenobióticos provienen de las zonas de cultivos aledañas al río y al lago, con un uso intensivo, probablemente transportados por lluvias y descargas fluviales hacia el cuerpo lacustre y en el tejido de organismos se detectaron principalmente el p,p’-DDD y d-HCH. Las concentraciones promedio de plaguicidas clorados en sedimentos no rebasaron los límites establecidos en los criterios de calidad ambiental internacionales para provocar efectos nocivos en la biota bentónica de los sistemas dulceacuícolas, aunque de manera puntual el lindano (g-HCH) registró niveles cercanos a dichos límites. Las tilapias rebasaron los criterios existentes en las Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (NOM-027-SSA1-1993 y NOM-028SSA1-1993).

Dial organic carbon fluctuations in a mangrove tidal creek in Sepetiba bay, Southeast Brazil

The carbon (C) concentration and flux, as dissolved organic carbon (DOC), particulate organic carbon (POC) and macrodetritus (MD), were quantified through 4 tidal cycles in a mangrove tidal creek in Southeastern Brazil. DOC was the major fraction of the total C concentration, accounting for 68 and 61 percent of the total C concentration during ebb and flood periods respectively. Concentrations of DOC (Ebb = 3,41 ± 0,57 mgC.L-1 and Flood = 3,55 ± 0,76 mgC.L-1) and POC (Ebb = 1,73 ± 0,99 mgC.L-1 and Flood = 1,28 ± 0,45 mgC.L-1) were relatively similar during the four tidal cycles. Macrodetritus presented a wide variation with concentration peaks probably related to external forces, such as winds, which enrich the ebb flow with leaf litter. DOC and POC fluxes depended primarily on tidal and net water fluxes, whereas MD fluxes were not. The magnitude of the DOC and POC fluxes varied with the area flooded at high tide, but not the MD fluxes. DOC was the major form of carbon export to Sepetiba Bay. During the four tidal cycles, the forest exported a total of 1,2 kg of organic carbon per ha, mostly as DOC (60 percent), followed by POC (22 percent) and MD (18 percent).

As concentrações e fluxos de carbono orgânico sob forma de carbono orgânico dissolvido (COD), carbono orgânico particulado (COP) e macrodetritos (MD) foram quantificadas durante 4 ciclos de maré em canal de maré na Floresta Experimental de Itacuruçá, Baía de Sepetiba, RJ, litoral sudeste do Brasil. COD foi a fração mais importante para a concentração total de carbono orgânico, contribuindo com 68 e 61 por cento da concentração total de C nos períodos de maré vazante e enchente, respectivamente. As concentrações de COD (vazante = 3.41 ± 0.57 mgC.L-1 e enchente = 3.55 ± 0.76 mgC.L-1) e COP (vazante = 1.73 ± 0.99 mgC.L-1 e enchente = 1.28 ± 0.45 mgC.L-1) foram similares durante os 4 ciclos de maré. A fração macrodetritos apresentou uma ampla variabilidade com máximos de concentração relacionados a fatores externos como ventos, que enriqueceram as águas de vazante com macrodetritos. A magnitude dos fluxos de COD e COP, mas não os de macrodetritos, relacionaram-se com os fluxos de água e a conseqüente área inundada pela maré. A fração COD foi a mais importante forma de exportação de carbono orgânico pelo manguezal. Durante os 4 ciclos monitorados, a floresta exportou um total de 1.2 kg de carbono orgânico, 60 por cento sob forma de COD, seguido pelo COP (22 por cento) e pela fração macrodetritos (18 por cento).

Dial organic carbon fluctuations in a mangrove tidal creek in Sepetiba bay, Southeast Brazil

The carbon (C) concentration and flux, as dissolved organic carbon (DOC), particulate organic carbon (POC) and macrodetritus (MD), were quantified through 4 tidal cycles in a mangrove tidal creek in Southeastern Brazil. DOC was the major fraction of the total C concentration, accounting for 68 and 61% of the total C concentration during ebb and flood periods respectively. Concentrations of DOC (Ebb = 3,41 ± 0,57 mgC.L-1 and Flood = 3,55 ± 0,76 mgC.L-1) and POC (Ebb = 1,73 ± 0,99 mgC.L-1 and Flood = 1,28 ± 0,45 mgC.L-1) were relatively similar during the four tidal cycles. Macrodetritus presented a wide variation with concentration peaks probably related to external forces, such as winds, which enrich the ebb flow with leaf litter. DOC and POC fluxes depended primarily on tidal and net water fluxes, whereas MD fluxes were not. The magnitude of the DOC and POC fluxes varied with the area flooded at high tide, but not the MD fluxes. DOC was the major form of carbon export to Sepetiba Bay. During the four tidal cycles, the forest exported a total of 1,2 kg of organic carbon per ha, mostly as DOC (60%), followed by POC (22%) and MD (18%).

As concentrações e fluxos de carbono orgânico sob forma de carbono orgânico dissolvido (COD), carbono orgânico particulado (COP) e macrodetritos (MD) foram quantificadas durante 4 ciclos de maré em canal de maré na Floresta Experimental de Itacuruçá, Baía de Sepetiba, RJ, litoral sudeste do Brasil. COD foi a fração mais importante para a concentração total de carbono orgânico, contribuindo com 68 e 61% da concentração total de C nos períodos de maré vazante e enchente, respectivamente. As concentrações de COD (vazante = 3.41 ± 0.57 mgC.L-1 e enchente = 3.55 ± 0.76 mgC.L-1) e COP (vazante = 1.73 ± 0.99 mgC.L-1 e enchente = 1.28 ± 0.45 mgC.L-1) foram similares durante os 4 ciclos de maré. A fração macrodetritos apresentou uma ampla variabilidade com máximos de concentração relacionados a fatores externos como ventos, que enriqueceram as águas de vazante com macrodetritos. A magnitude dos fluxos de COD e COP, mas não os de macrodetritos, relacionaram-se com os fluxos de água e a conseqüente área inundada pela maré. A fração COD foi a mais importante forma de exportação de carbono orgânico pelo manguezal. Durante os 4 ciclos monitorados, a floresta exportou um total de 1.2 kg de carbono orgânico, 60% sob forma de COD, seguido pelo COP (22%) e pela fração macrodetritos (18%).