Source Of Allochthonous Organic Matter Research Articles

Assessing the Role of Photochemistry in Driving the Composition of Dissolved Organic Matter in Glacier Runoff

AbstractDissolved organic matter (DOM) in glacier runoff is aliphatic‐rich, yet studies have proposed that DOM originates mainly from allochthonous, aromatic, and often aged material. Allochthonous organic matter (OM) is exposed to ultraviolet radiation both in atmospheric transport and post‐deposition on the glacier surface. Thus, we evaluate photochemistry as a mechanism to account for the compositional disconnect between allochthonous OM sources and glacier runoff DOM composition. Six endmember OM sources (including soils and diesel particulate matter) were leached and photo‐irradiated for 28 days in a solar simulator, until >90% of initial chromophoric DOM was removed. Ultrahigh‐resolution mass spectrometry was used to compare the molecular composition of endmember leachates pre‐ and post‐irradiation to DOM in supraglacial and bulk runoff from the Greenland Ice Sheet and Juneau Icefield (Alaska), respectively. Photo‐irradiation drove molecular level convergence between the initially aromatic‐rich leachates and aromatic‐poor glacial samples, selectively removing aromatic compounds (−80 ± 19% relative abundance) and producing aliphatics (+75 ± 35% relative abundance). Molecular level glacier runoff DOM composition was statistically indistinguishable to post‐irradiation leachates. Bray‐Curtis analysis showed substantial similarity in the molecular formulae present between glacier samples and post‐irradiation leachates. Post‐irradiation leachates contained 84 ± 7.4% of the molecular formulae, including 72 ± 17% of the aliphatic formulae, detected in glacier samples. Our findings suggest that photodegradation, either in transit to or on glacier surfaces, could provide a mechanistic pathway to account for the disconnect between proposed aromatic, aged sources of OM and the aliphatic‐rich fingerprint of glacial DOM.

Integrating ecosystem metabolism and consumer allochthony reveals nonlinear drivers in lake organic matter processing

AbstractLakes process both terrestrial and aquatic organic matter, and the relative contribution from each source is often measured via ecosystem metabolism and terrestrial resource use in the food web (i.e., consumer allochthony). Yet, ecosystem metabolism and consumer allochthony are rarely considered together, despite possible interactions and potential for them to respond to the same lake characteristics. In this study, we compiled global datasets of lake gross primary production (GPP), ecosystem respiration (ER), and zooplankton allochthony to compare the strength and shape of relationships with physicochemical characteristics across a broad set of lakes. GPP was positively related to total phosphorus (TP) in lakes with intermediate TP concentrations (11–75 μg L−1) and was highest in lakes with intermediate dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations. While ER and GPP were strongly positively correlated, decoupling occurred at high DOC concentrations. Lastly, allochthony had a unimodal relationship with TP and related variably to DOC. By integrating metabolism and allochthony, we identified similar change points in GPP and zooplankton allochthony at intermediate DOC (4.5–10 mg L−1) and TP (8–20 μg L−1) concentrations, indicating that allochthony and GPP may be coupled and inversely related. The ratio of DOC:nutrients also helped to identify conditions where lake organic matter processing responded more to autochthonous or allochthonous organic matter sources. As lakes globally face eutrophication and browning, predicting how lake organic matter processing will respond requires an updated paradigm that incorporates nonlinear dynamics and interactions.

Arsenic in the lower drainage basin of the Paraíba do Sul River (Southeast Brazil): dynamics between the water column and sediment.

The presence of arsenic (As) in the sediment and the particulate and dissolved fractions of the water column determines its behavior and bioavailability. The main geochemical parameters responsible for As mobility are organic matter and oxide-forming metals such as Fe. The As distribution and its concentration were evaluated in the dissolved fraction, suspended particulate matter (SPM) and sediment of the lower Paraíba do Sul River (PSR), its main tributaries (Muriaé, Pomba, and Dois Rios rivers), and flooded and estuarine areas. As was not detected in the dissolved fraction. The river flow influenced the As concentration in the SPM, which was higher in the dry season than in the rainy season (2.6 ± 0.69 and 1.98 ± 0.29 mg kg-1, respectively). The Fe oxyhydroxides, organic carbon, and surface area measured in the sediment were positively related with As concentration (R2 = 0.11, 0.34, and 0.30; p < 0.05). The highest As concentrations in the sediment occurred in the secondary estuary and flooded areas (5.16 ± 4.78 and 1.23 ± 0.44 mg kg-1, respectively), in which finer granulometric fractions (silt and clay) predominated (64% and 71%, respectively), in addition to greater surface area. The measurement of stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) and atomic ratio (C:N)a indicated the existence of a combination of autochthonous and allochthonous sources of organic matter composing the SPM. In general, the As concentrations in the sediment and SPM were low, with values below that permitted by Brazilian regulations (5.9 mg kg-1), which suggests that the As sources in the lower basin of the PSR are diffuse and natural.

Prokaryotic Community Composition Affected by Seasonal Changes in Physicochemical Properties of Water in Peat Bog Lakes

Based on a three-year study on the prokaryotic community composition in peat bog lakes surrounded by a floating mat of Sphagnum sp. moss in the conditions of Northeast Poland (Central Europe), we verified the relationship between 20 water parameters and main Eubacteria and Archaea phyla for specific sites: the subsurface (pelagic zone), near-bottom (benthic zone), and the Sphagnum mat (ecotone zone). Abundance and composition of the main aquatic bacteria phyla (Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Deltaproteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Cytophaga-Flavobacteria) and Archaea were associated with different combinations of physico-chemical parameters of water, and followed temporal variations of temperature, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), aromaticity, and water color. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that water acidity is a less significant predictor of bacterial activity; however, we have found Betaproteobacteria negatively correlated (r = −0.49, p = 0.01), while Actinobacteria positively correlated (r = 0.21, p = 0.05) to pH. This relation was the most significant in the ecotone zone. In the overall bacteria community structure Betaproteobacteria dominated (18.3%) regardless of site or season, except for winter when, at low temperatures and DOC concentrations, Actinobacteria increased to 22.9%. The Archaea fraction was uniform (11%) in seasons and sites and showed no specific preferences to physico-chemical predictors. Although the water parameters from the Sphagnum mat did not differ significantly from pelagic water, its role as a source of allochthonous organic matter is crucial for bacteria activity. The relations between peat bog lake attributes and seasonal changes in bacterial diversity demonstrated a distinct divergent pattern for each prokaryote. Obtaining results will provide support for any future evaluation of the effects of environmental variables on prokaryotic community structures in peat bog lakes.

Influence of invasiveAcer negundoleaf litter on benthic microbial abundance and activity in the littoral zone of a temperate river in Lithuania

Riparian forests are known as important source of allochthonous organic matter entering to water ecosystems via fallen leaves. However, leaf litter, depending on their quality, may create different conditions for benthic microorganisms functioning in littoral zone of water bodies. In order to evaluate the impact of riparian invasive Acer negundo on littoral water zone of the River Neris (Lithuania), we performed physicochemical and microbiological investigations in bottom sediments of three different sites of the river. One sampling site was close by riparian A. negundo, another close by native Alnus glutinosa location and a third zone was near the shore without riparian vegetation. Content of nutrients in the littoral sediments differed between invasive and native trees leaf litter accumulation sites, while not always significantly. The highest microbial densities as well as benthic community respiratory activity (expressed as the rate of organic carbon mineralization) occurred in A. negundo leaves accumulation site. In sediments of this site, the most intensive anaerobic terminal organic carbon mineralization process − sulfate reduction and the highest concentration of hydrogen sulfide were also observed. Differences in the intensity of mineralization processes between sites suggest that the replacement of the riparian native species such as dominant A. glutinosa by invasive A. negundo with higher biodegradability leaves may induce local changes in organic matter processing in the littoral zone of the river. The increase of littoral bioproductivity in the accumulation zone of A. negundo leaf litter can occur due to the inflow of available organic matter and its intensive mineralization.

Dynamics of particulate organic matter in a coastal system characterized by the occurrence of marine mucilage – A stable isotope study

In coastal systems, particulate organic matter (POM) originates from various autochthonous and allochthonous organic matter sources. Also, some coastal systems are characterized by the occurrence of large amounts of mucilaginous material of biologic origin (i.e. phytoplankton, bacteria), which aggregates and potentially traps other organisms and particles present in the water column. This study focuses on POM origin and spatio-temporal dynamics in the South-East coast of the Bay of Biscay, an area subject to mucilage occurrence. In order to investigate POM quantitative and qualitative (C and N elemental and isotopic ratios) characteristics, sampling was performed over an annual cycle at two sites experiencing different mucilage occurrence and river influence. Contribution of phytoplankton, terrestrial POM and anthropogenic POM to coastal-POM composition was calculated using a three-sources mixing model. Overall, phytoplankton dominated the coastal-POM composition at all seasons, sites and most of the depths (71.6±24.2%). Terrestrial-POM contribution was moderate (22.7±21.8%) and anthropogenic-POM contribution was usually negligible (5.7±7.4%). Both sites mainly exhibited similar vertical and temporal variations in terms of POM origin and dynamics: terrestrial-POM contribution increased with depth and was higher in winter at all depths and in autumn in bottom waters, compared to other seasons. The main differences between both sites were related to the vertical dynamics of the terrestrial contribution to the coastal POM. Horizontal, vertical and temporal variation of POM composition was linked to processes driving the sedimentary hydrodynamics: the river flow, the direction of the river plume and events of sediment resuspension/deposition. During the study period, the mucilage occurred only as flocs (small aggregates). The mucilage was of autochthonous origin and did not trap detectable amount of allochthonous material.

Influence of organic matter from urban effluents on trace metal speciation and bioavailability in river under strong urban pressure

In aquatic systems, dissolved organic matter (DOM) constitutes a key component of the carbon cycle controlling the transport, speciation, bioavailability and toxicity of trace metals. In this work, we study the spatio-temporal variability of the MO in terms of both quality and quantity from upstream to downstream the Parisian conurbation. Urban discharges which are the main source of allochthonous organic matter into the Seine at low water periods were also investigated. The DOM collected was fractionated according to polarity criteria into five fractions: hydrophobic, transphilic, hydrophilic acid, hydrophilic basic and hydrophilic neutral. Due to urban discharges a strong enrichment in the hydrophilic (HPI) fraction was observed for downstream sites. This hydrophilic fraction presented stronger binding capacities for copper than hydrophobic fraction from less urbanized site (upstream from Paris) and than Suwannee river fulvic acid (SRFA). Furthermore, biotests highlighted a significant copper bioavailability decrease in presence of hydrophilic DOM.

Influence of organic matter from urban effluents on trace metal speciation and bioavailability in river under strong urban pressure

In aquatic systems, dissolved organic matter (DOM) constitutes a key component of the carbon cycle controlling the transport, speciation, bioavailability and toxicity of trace metals. In this work, we study the spatio-temporal variability of the MO in terms of both quality and quantity from upstream to downstream the Parisian conurbation. Urban discharges which are the main source of allochthonous organic matter into the Seine at low water periods were also investigated. The DOM collected was fractionated according to polarity criteria into five fractions: hydrophobic, transphilic, hydrophilic acid, hydrophilic basic and hydrophilic neutral. Due to urban discharges a strong enrichment in the hydrophilic (HPI) fraction was observed for downstream sites. This hydrophilic fraction presented stronger binding capacities for copper than hydrophobic fraction from less urbanized site (upstream from Paris) and than Suwannee river fulvic acid (SRFA). Furthermore, biotests highlighted a significant copper bioavailability decrease in presence of hydrophilic DOM.

Trophic structure of vermetid reef community: High trophic diversity at small spatial scales

Stable isotopes were used to investigate contributions of autochthonous (i.e. benthic: epilithon and macroalgae) and allochthonous (i.e. pelagic: phytoplankton) organic matter sources to the diet of suspension-feeders, grazers and predators associated to small reef-pools (cuvettes) created by the reef-building species Dendropoma petraeum in the north-western coast of Sicily (Italy). Contributions of potential food sources were calculated using Bayesian mixing-models and integrated to a multivariate approach to highlight the diversity of C and N pathways within Dendropoma cuvettes. Both pelagic and benthic organic matter sources were exploited by benthic consumers, although clear differences were revealed in the various species depending on their feeding strategy. Three different trophic pathways were identified: one based mainly on phytoplankton, one based mainly on macroalgae and a third one mainly on epilithon. Suspension-feeders seemed to rely mainly on allochthonous organic matter sources, while grazers showed a wider diet spectrum. Predators revealed a high specialization in each of the three food chains and showed a distinct reliance on organic matter originated from benthic or pelagic sources. Stable isotopes evidenced here a marked differentiation of the trophic niche within the cuvette-associated community, which allows minimizing competition in very space-limited conditions.

Organic matter dynamics and stable isotope signature as tracers of the sources of suspended sediment

Abstract. Suspended sediment (SS) and organic matter in rivers can harm brown trout Salmo trutta by affecting the health and fitness of free swimming fish and by causing siltation of the riverbed. The temporal and spatial dynamics of sediment, carbon (C), and nitrogen (N) during the brown trout spawning season in a small river of the Swiss Plateau were assessed and C isotopes as well as the C/N atomic ratio were used to distinguish autochthonous and allochthonous sources of organic matter in SS loads. The visual basic program IsoSource with 13Ctot and 15N as input isotopes was used to quantify the temporal and spatial sources of SS. Organic matter concentrations in the infiltrated and suspended sediment were highest during low flow periods with small sediment loads and lowest during high flow periods with high sediment loads. Peak values in nitrate and dissolved organic C were measured during high flow and high rainfall, probably due to leaching from pasture and arable land. The organic matter was of allochthonous sources as indicated by the C/N atomic ratio and δ13Corg. Organic matter in SS increased from up- to downstream due to an increase of pasture and arable land downstream of the river. The mean fraction of SS originating from upper watershed riverbed sediment decreased from up to downstream and increased during high flow at all measuring sites along the course of the river. During base flow conditions, the major sources of SS are pasture, forest and arable land. The latter increased during rainy and warmer winter periods, most likely because both triggered snow melt and thus erosion. The measured increase in DOC and nitrate concentrations during high flow support these modeling results. Enhanced soil erosion processes on pasture and arable land are expected with increasing heavy rain events and less snow during winter seasons due to climate change. Consequently, SS and organic matter in the river will increase, which will possibly affect brown trout negatively.

Seasonal development and differential retention of ice algae and other organic fractions in first-year Arctic sea ice

The temporal evolution of ice algae biomass, particulate and dissolved organic carbon (POC and DOC), and particulate and dissolved carbohydrates (pCHO and dCHO) was followed in land-fast, Arctic sea ice near Barrow, Alaska, USA. POC, DOC, pCHO, and dCHO were found in young ice before algal growth occurred, indicating initial allochthonous sources. In sediment-free ice, particulate organic pools (POC and pCHO) were more strongly related to ice algae biomass than the larger dissolved organic pools (DOC and dCHO). Although algae biomass peaked near the ice bottom, integrating across ice depth showed that most organic matter was found above the bottom layer. Sediment-containing ice held high organic matter concentrations, although peak ice algae biomass was lower than in sediment-free ice. Sediments incorporated in sea ice can be a source of allochthonous organic matter that is comparable to autochthonous contributions by ice algae. In late spring, much of the algae biomass in sediment-free ice was lost, in as little as 5 d. Nevertheless, large POC, DOC, pCHO, and dCHO pools remained in the ice, both near the bottom and in upper layers. Observations of natural ice cores melting in laboratory experiments demonstrated a network of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) remaining attached to the ice bottom, even as the ice structure melted away. This retained EPS may partly explain the POC and carbohydrate pools found in sea ice after the loss of algae. Differential retention of organic matter by seasonal sea ice suggests that the characteristics of material exported from the ice will change as the melt season progresses.

Temporal variability of benthic algal δ13C signatures influences assessments of carbon flows in stream food webs

Stream food web function is often assessed using carbon stable isotope assessments of the relative contribution of autochthonous and allochthonous sources of organic matter to consumer diets. As a result, variability in source signatures can strongly influence the assessment of carbon flows. To examine the implications of temporal source variability on food web interpretations, benthic algal δ13C signatures were measured over 8 weeks in five streams in subtropical Queensland, Australia. All food webs were largely driven by benthic algal carbon; however, substantial week-to-week variation in benthic algal δ13C signatures modified the calculated contributions of algae to consumer diets, with differences in autochthonous contributions of up to 11% between weeks. In addition, variable algal signatures led to many occasions in which the δ13C signatures of some consumers was beyond the range of available sources, meaning the mixing model analyses did not have a valid solution. Together, these findings suggest that temporal variability in algal δ13C signatures can strongly influence the interpretation of carbon flows in stream food webs. Future food web studies should assess the temporal variability of sources prior to sampling consumers, in order to characterise end member signatures and their relevance to consumers at the time of collection.

Investigating the distribution and sources of organic matter in surface sediment of Coombabah Lake (Australia) using elemental, isotopic and fatty acid biomarkers

Extensive physical and biological measurements were made of the surface sediments within the shallow, semi-urbanised Coombabah Lake in southern Moreton Bay, Australia. Sediment bulk parameters (C/N ratios, δ 13C and δ 15N) and fatty acid biomarkers were used to determine distributions and sources of organic matter in the intertidal sediments. The determination of organic matter sources within coastal and estuarine settings is important in understanding the roles of organic matter as energy and nutrient sources. Spatial variability of biomarker values within the sediments were interpreted by thematic maps employing the Krigging algorithm. Grain size analysis indicated the lake was dominated by mud (<63 μm) in the southern (landward) and sand (>63 μm) in the northern (seaward) lake regions, respectively. Surface sediment organic C and N values ranged from 0.12% to 1.76% and 0.01% to 0.12% dry weight, respectively, and C/N ratios averaged 16.3±3.19%. Sedimentary δ 13C values ranged from −26.1‰ to −20.9‰, with an average value of −23.9±1.0‰. Sedimentary δ 15N values ranged from +1.7‰ to +4.8‰, with an average value of +2.8±0.8‰. Bulk sediment parameters suggested that sedimentary organic matter is provided predominantly by allochthonous sources in the form of fringing mangroves. Thirty-nine individual fatty acids were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The mean contributions of long chain fatty acids (LCFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), saturated fatty acids (SAFAs) and bacterial fatty acids (BAFAs) were, respectively, 13.9±11.4%, 7.6±4.1%, 53.6±8.6% and 18.2±4.6% of the identified fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), with BAFAs occurring in all sampled sediments. Fatty acid compositions varied throughout lake sediments, which indicated spatial differences in autochthonous and allochthonous organic matter sources, including terrestrial and planktonic (i.e. zooplankton, diatoms and other algal species) sources. The contribution of organic matter from shoreline mangroves was confirmed by the presence of LCFAs and 18:2 ω6 and 18:3 ω3, which are markers for mangroves in this ecosystem. BAFAs were identified in increased proportions in sediments adjacent to urban developments and dominated by mud. Grain size was identified as a dominant factor in the fatty acid compositions and contributing values to FAME pool. Spatial patterns of C/N ratios, δ 13C and δ 15N values, and fatty acid biomarker contributions illustrated that there is a greater contribution of autochthonous and labile organic matter to the sedimentary organic matter pool in the northern (marine entrance) sediments compared to the more allochthonous sourced organic matter of the southern region of the lake. This study details the distribution and sources of organic matter within Coombabah Lake and illustrates the usefulness of a multiple biomarker approach in discriminating organic matter sources within estuarine environments.

Restoration trajectories and food web linkages in San Francisco Bay’s estuarine marshes: a manipulative translocation experiment

We measured δ 13 C, δ 15 N and δ 34 S signatures of natural and translocated mussels Ischa- dium demissum to identify food web source differences among estuarine marshes displaying various stages of restorative development. We hypothesized that mussels inhabiting younger marshes would be more dependent on allochthonous organic matter sources, while those inhabiting mature marshes would depend on autochthonous sources. Mussels collected from an undisturbed (reference) marsh located within the Napa River estuarine complex in San Francisco Bay were translocated to a series of restoring marsh sites located within the same river system. The isotopic composition of naturally growing mussels was compared with translocated mussels, which were incubated in restoring sites for 5 and 7 mo. Measurements of δ 13 C, δ 15 N, and δ 34 S indicated differences in food web sources sup- porting I. demissum among the 4 marsh sites. A strong cage effect was detected during the initial 5 mo collection interval, indicating that translocated mussels had yet to equilibrate with their new environments. Multiple source mixing model analysis indicated that C3 emergent vascular plants and brackish phytoplankton contributed most of the organic matter consumed by I. demissum over both time periods, but that mussels collected from the downstream sites exhibited higher dependence upon vascular plant detritus. Bay produced phytoplankton contributed very little to I. demissum diets, suggesting that the pelagic waters of San Francisco Bay have less influence on marsh food web dynamics than previously anticipated. The results of this experiment show that food web pathways are strongest at intermediate scales; they can be relatively short and unique to specific marshes along the estuarine gradient, but similarities in mussel diets among marshes in close proximity to one another suggests inter-marsh exchange of organic matter. It is, therefore, likely that food webs in young restoration sites depend upon organic matter subsidies from neighboring marshes, rather than from San Francisco Bay.

Influence of macrofaunal assemblages and environmental heterogeneity on microphytobenthic production in experimental systems

Despite the complexity of natural systems, heterogeneity caused by the fragmentation of habitats has seldom been considered when investigating ecosystem processes. Empirical approaches that have included the influence of heterogeneity tend to be biased towards terrestrial habitats; yet marine systems offer opportunities by virtue of their relative ease of manipulation, rapid response times and the well-understood effects of macrofauna on sediment processes. Here, the influence of heterogeneity on microphytobenthic production in synthetic estuarine assemblages is examined. Heterogeneity was created by enriching patches of sediment with detrital algae (Enteromorpha intestinalis) to provide a source of allochthonous organic matter. A gradient of species density for four numerically dominant intertidal macrofauna (Hediste diversicolor, Hydrobia ulvae, Corophium volutator, Macoma balthica) was constructed, and microphytobenthic biomass at the sediment surface was measured. Statistical analysis using generalized least squares regression indicated that heterogeneity within our system was a significant driving factor that interacted with macrofaunal density and species identity. Microphytobenthic biomass was highest in enriched patches, suggesting that nutrients were obtained locally from the sediment-water interface and not from the water column. Our findings demonstrate that organic enrichment can cause the development of heterogeneity which influences infaunal bioturbation and consequent nutrient generation, a driver of microphytobenthic production.

Coupling Nutrient Uptake and Energy Flow in Headwater Streams

Nutrient cycling and energy flow in ecosystems are tightly linked through the metabolic processes of organisms. Greater uptake of inorganic nutrients is expected to be associated with higher rates of metabolism [gross primary production (GPP) and respiration (R)], due to assimilatory demand of both autotrophs and heterotrophs. However, relationships between uptake and metabolism should vary with the relative contribution of autochthonous and allochthonous sources of organic matter. To investigate the relationship between metabolism and nutrient uptake, we used whole-stream and benthic chamber methods to measure rates of nitrate–nitrogen (NO3–N) uptake and metabolism in four headwater streams chosen to span a range of light availability and therefore differing rates of GPP and contributions of autochthonous carbon. We coupled whole-stream metabolism with measures of NO3–N uptake conducted repeatedly over the same stream reach during both day and night, as well as incubating benthic sediments under both light and dark conditions. NO3–N uptake was generally greater in daylight compared to dark conditions, and although day-night differences in whole-stream uptake were not significant, light–dark differences in benthic chambers were significant at three of the four sites. Estimates of N demand indicated that assimilation by photoautotrophs could account for the majority of NO3–N uptake at the two sites with relatively open canopies. Contrary to expectations, photoautotrophs contributed substantially to NO3–N uptake even at the two closed-canopy sites, which had low values of GPP/R and relied heavily on allochthonous carbon to fuel R.

Local production does not control the balance between plankton photosynthesis and respiration in the open Atlantic Ocean

Abstract Recent experimental data from the subtropical NE Atlantic appear to support the prevalence of net heterotrophy in unproductive pelagic ecosystems. However, the proximity of these studies to the NW African upwelling does not exclude the possibility that remote areas of the oceanic gyres are in metabolic balance. Here we present measurements of plankton gross photosynthesis (GPP) and community respiration (CR) made during a latitudinal transect (Atlantic Meridional Transect (AMT) cruise 11, 49°N–33°S) that traversed five biogeochemical provinces of the Atlantic Ocean, including both the subtropical NE Atlantic and the central part of the South Atlantic subtropical gyre. In these oligotrophic provinces, the euphotic zone average chlorophyll a concentration (0.15±0.01 and 0.16±0.02 mg m−3, respectively), the relative contribution of picoplankton (%Chla n = 3 ), while the net metabolism of the plankton community in the central S Atlantic gyre was autotrophic (0.20±0.02 mmol O2 m−3 d−1, n = 5 ). These results therefore suggest the existence of more than one type of unproductive open-ocean situation, that may be characterised by differences in the relative importance of local vs. allochthonous sources of organic matter.

A qualitative and quantitative assessment of the reproductive litter from Posidonia oceanica accumulated on a sand beach following a storm

The biomass of reproductive litter from Posidonia oceanica deposited on a 3.5 km stretch of beach in the north-western Mediterranean, as a consequence of a storm in May 2004, was quantified. The damage caused by this storm to the meadow from which fruits originated was evaluated in terms of loss of seed production. Intermediate fruits (i.e., developing fruits) were the most important reproductive component, followed by immature and damaged fruits. No fully mature fruits were found. No significant differences in the average number of fruits and biomass accumulated were detected among beach sections hundreds of metres apart. Extrapolation of the results at four beach sections indicated that about 1 million fruits were deposited on the entire (3.5 km) beach. This was equivalent to the seed production potential of about 313,217 inflorescences, or a flowered area of 1500 m 2. The organic input to the beach was 224 kg ash-free dry weight (AFDM). These results suggest that storms may provide an unpredictable source of seed mortality in P. oceanica. The reproductive material produced by storms, however, may constitute an important source of allochthonous organic matter to the beach.

Organic matter and nutrients in an altered subtropical marsh system, Chiricahueto, NW Mexico

Seven sediment push-cores were extracted from Chiricahueto, a marsh affected by urban, industrial and agricultural wastes. Concentrations of total phosphorus (300–1,620 µg g–1), organic carbon (4–39 mg g–1) and total nitrogen (0.5–4.5 mg g–1) in the sediments showed an exponential decrease with depth, related to the decomposition of organic matter (OM). Between 20 and 40% of OM initially deposited is degraded at the sediment-water interface under oxic conditions. Another fraction (40–60%) of non-refractory OM is decomposed within the sediments by oxidants other than oxygen. Likewise, the preservation of OM (<20%) was estimated as burial concentrations of C, N and P linked to organic compounds. The C/N ratios, δ13C and δ15N suggested that the major source of OM to the sediments derives from marine phytoplankton. The allochthonous sources of OM were overprinted by the high flux of marine autochthonous OM. However, an indirect terrestrial influence is recognised, in which high nutrient load derived from agricultural, domestic and industrial activities promoted high productivity.

Persistence of net heterotrophy in lakes during nutrient addition and food web manipulations

Net ecosystem production (NEP) is the difference between gross primary production (GPP) and community respiration (R). We estimated in situ NEP using three independent approaches (net CO2 gas flux, net O2 gas flux, and continuous diel O2 measurements) over a 4–7 yr period in a series of small lakes in which food webs were manipulated and nutrient loadings were experimentally varied. In the absence of manipulation, these lakes were net heterotrophic according to all three approaches. NEP (NEP = GPP‐R) was consistently negative and averaged −35.5 ± 3.7 (standard error) mmol C m−2 d−1. Nutrient enrichment, in the absence of strong planktivory, tended to cause increases in estimates of both GPP and R (estimated from the continuous O2 data) but resulted in little change in the GPP/R ratio, which remained &lt;1, or NEP, which remained negative. When planktivorous fish dominated the food web, large zooplankton were rare and nutrient enrichment produced positive values of NEP by all three methods. Among lakes and years, daily values of NEP ranged from −241 to +175 mmol m−2 d−1; mean seasonal NEP was positive only under a combination of high nutrient loading and a planktivore‐dominated food web. Community R is significantly subsidized by allochthonous sources of organic matter in these lakes. Combining all lakes and years, we estimate that ~26 mmol C m−2 d−1 of allochthonous origin is respired on average. This respiration of allochthonous organic matter represents 13 to 43% of total R, and this fraction declines with increasing GPP.