Increase In DOC Research Articles

The effects of forest clearance for peatland restoration on water quality

Recognition of the importance of peatlands has led to increased efforts to protect and restore these environments but there are concerns about the impact of restoration on water quality, particularly in terms of sediment delivery, nutrient transport and carbon losses. In this study we present the results of almost 10 years of water quality monitoring in 3 catchments at a lowland raised bog that was afforested with conifers in the 1960s and 1970s and cleared over the 2010s.Phosphate concentrations increased after clearfelling with the main peaks seen in the summer after forest clearance; the use of low ground impact harvesting methods, removal of forest residues and especially phased felling tempered phosphate losses. Annual mean phosphate concentrations returned to pre-felling levels 3–5 years after felling finished. Nitrate concentrations increased slightly from baseline levels during and after felling. DOC concentrations increased at two sites with mean annual concentrations still elevated at one site after 4 years; little increase in DOC was recorded with phased felling. Colour levels increased and remain elevated at all sites relative to pre-felling. In only one stream, pH increased improving the WFD water body status from ‘poor’ to ‘high’ in the space of 3 years.Our results show that forest clearance for peatland restoration can impact negatively upon water quality due to phosphate, DOC, colour and suspended sediment releases. The mechanisms by which the releases occur require further investigation but are thought to be driven by nutrient leaching from forest residues, soil disturbance by machine trafficking and indirect effects of forest clearance, such as water table rise following cessation of forest water use. Climatic effects also play a significant role, particularly drying-rewetting cycles and periods of extended drought. To prevent negative impacts, phased felling and less intensive forest harvesting techniques should be employed.

Optimization Of Machining Parameters In Cnc Turning Of En45 By Taguchi’s Orthogonal Array Experiments

In this Study, Taguchi method and regression analysis has been used to optimize the machining parameters during the CNC turning of EN-45 spring steel by plain carbide cutting tool. Experiments were designed and conducted by L18- orthogonal array. The surface roughness and material removal rate were optimized by considering cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut as machining parameters. The ANOVA was obtained using Minitab 18 statistical software. A comparison between dry and wet machining is done after the ANOVA and regression analysis. For Surface Roughness, the speed and feed was directly proportional while DOC is inversely proportional. i.e.; with increase in DOC, Ra decreases. In case of MRR all three parameters were found to be proportional, i.e.; with increase in speed, feed and DOC the MRR increased.

In the path of the Hurricane: impact of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee on watershed hydrology and biogeochemistry from North Carolina to Maine, USA

Although many climate predictions suggest that the frequency and intensity of large storm events might increase in the coming decades, few studies document the full impact of such events along their path. Here, we synthesize information on the impact of Hurricane Irene (formed August 21 2011) and Tropical Storm Lee (formed August 30, 2011) on erosion and sediment transport, lake metabolism, riparian hydrology and biogeochemistry, and stream water quality, from North Carolina to Maine. In almost all cases, these storms generated unprecedented changes in water quality (concentrations, loads), from tenfold increases in DOC and 100-fold increases in POC in Maryland, to 100-fold increases in TSS concentrations in Pennsylvania. Overbank flooding and up to 200-year streamflow events were recorded in New York and Vermont. In many cases, particulate loads (e.g. POC, PP, TSS) occurring during Irene and Lee represented more than 30% of the annual load. The dominance of particulate exports over solutes during Irene and Lee is consistent with the mobilization of normally immobile sediment pools, and massive erosion as reported at many locations across the Northeastern US. Several studies reported long lasting (> 1 year) effects of Irene and Lee on cyanobacterial blooms, erosion, or stream suspended sediment concentrations. However, this review also highlighted the lack of a consistent strategy in terms of methods, and measured water quality parameters. This strongly hinders our ability to fully assess the large-scale impact of such events on our environment, and ultimately their impact on our economy and society.

Production of Surface Active Organic Material and Reduced Sulfur Species During the Growth of Marine Diatom Cylindrotheca closterium

Electrochemical methods at the mercury electrode were used for monitoring production of surface active substances (SAS) and reduced sulfur species (RSS) during growth of marine diatom Cylindrotheca closterium isolated from the Adriatic Sea in the laboratory conditions. In the same culture samples, production of particulate and dissolved organic carbon (POC, DOC) was followed by high temperature catalytic oxidation method (HTCO). The culture growth curve obtained by microscopically counted phytoplankton cells showed an exponential growth phase that lasted 10 days, transition phase until 14 days and stationary phase until 21 days. In these time periods twofold increase of SAS and DOC was followed, while POC increased 41 times. Detail analyses of a.c. out of phase voltammetric curves recorded in original and in acidified phytoplankton culture samples indicate transformation of organic material during growth, from more anionic (negatively charged) to less anionic polymeric surface active material. In culture samples presence of non-volatile RSS were confirmed.

Evaluating the biosafety of conventional and O3-BAC process and its relationship with NOM characteristics

ABSTRACTIt is the priority to guarantee biosafety for drinking water treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of widely applied conventional and ozone-biological activated carbon (O3-BAC) advanced treatment technology on biosafety of drinking water. The items, including assimilable organic carbon (AOC), biodegradable dissolved organic carbon (BDOC), heterotrophic plate counts (HPCs) and the microorganism community structures, were used to evaluate the biosafety. Moreover, their relationships with molecular weights (MWs) and fluorescence intensity of dissolved organic matter were investigated. The results indicated that the technology provided a considerable gain in potable water quality by decreasing dissolved organic carbon (DOC, from 5.05 to 1.71 mg/L), AOC (from 298 to 131 μg/L), BDOC (from 1.39 to 0.24 mg/L) and HPCs (from 275 to 10 CFU/mL). Ozone brought an increase in DOC with low MW <1 kDa, which accompanies with an increase in AOC/BDOC concentration, which could be reduced effectively by subsequent BAC process. The formation of AOC/BDOC was closely related to DOC with low MWs and aromatic protein. Bacteria could be released from BAC filter, resulting in an increase in HPC and the presence of pathogenic bacteria in effluent, while the post sand filter could further guarantee the biosafety of finished water.

Effects of biocrust on soil erosion and organic carbon losses under natural rainfall

Land degradation by erosion is especially important in drylands, which are among the most vulnerable to disturbance by human activity or climate change. Biocrusts are an essential surface component of these ecosystems and one of the most important contributors to surface resistance and stability, and therefore, keeping soil fertile in these nutrient-limited-environments. Loss of biocrusts can result in increased sediment losses and subsequent loss of soil organic carbon (SOC) and other soil resources, which are vital for vegetation and general ecosystem functioning. Despite their importance, the consequences of biocrust loss on sediment and SOC losses in drylands have been poorly analysed. In this study, we examined the influence of two biocrust types (cyanobacteria and lichen-dominated biocrusts) and biocrust removal on runoff and sediment yield, from natural rainfall during one hydrological year in a semiarid badlands catchment (Tabernas, SE Spain). The influence of biocrust type and biocrust removal on SOC losses from water erosion (dissolved and sediment organic carbon losses, DOC and SdOC, respectively) was also analysed. Our results show that sediment yield significantly increased after biocrust removal, especially during the first rain after biocrust removal, when particles were left directly exposed to raindrop impact and easily washed away by runoff. Annual sediment yield was 465, 75 and 24gm−2 in biocrust-removed, cyanobacteria-covered and lichen-covered soil, respectively, and the first event represented 87% of annual sediment losses on biocrust-removed plots. Biocrust removal was accompanied by a significant increase in both DOC and SdOC mobilisation. Total organic carbon (TOC) mobilisation was the highest in soils where the biocrust had been removed and decreased as the biocrust was more developed. Annual TOC mobilisation was 10.2, 3.0 and 1.4gm−2 in biocrust-removed, cyanobacteria-covered and lichen-covered soil, respectively. TOC mobilisation was mainly driven by sediments and thus, 89% of annual TOC mobilisation occurred during the first rain after biocrust removal. The high sediment and SOC losses recorded after biocrust removal emphasize the importance of biocrust conservation for avoiding the loss of soil resources and maintaining fertility in interplant soils in drylands.

Identification of irreversible UF membrane foulants by fluorescence excitation–emission matrix coupled with parallel factor analysis

In this work, a total of nine water samples were taken from different water sources at different seasons for UF membrane fouling experiments, with the purpose to find out if there were common foulant components responsible for the irreversible membrane fouling. It was found that the increase in DOC and UV254 in raw water caused a corresponding increase in the developing rate of irreversible membrane fouling, demonstrating NOM as the major membrane foulants. Using the fluorescence excitation–emission matrices coupled with parallel factor analysis, four fluorescence components in NOM were identified, i.e. microbial-derived and terrestrial-derived humic-like substances (C1 and C3), tryptophan-like and tyrosine-like proteins (C2 and C4). The C2 exhibited a strong correlation with the irreversible fouling of UF membrane, while no correlation between C4 and irreversible membrane fouling was observed. The humic-like substances were shown to be weakly correlated to the irreversible membrane fouling. By multivariate linear regression, synergistic fouling effect was identified between the C2 and C3, but a comparison of their coefficients revealed that C2 made a considerably larger contribution to the irreversible membrane fouling than C3. The results may provide insights into the development of appropriate fouling control strategies for sustainable UF operation.

Consequences for pelagic energy mobilisation of a sudden browning episode without a clear increase in DOC concentration: a case of a boreal pristine lake

In the boreal zone, episodes of heavy rains are among the most conspicuous events disturbing aquatic ecosystems. Due to climate change they are predicted to become more frequent and intense, leading on browning of lakes. We assessed the possible effects of heavy rains to DOC concentration and water colour and resulting impacts on functioning of a headwater lake with naturally high water colour and concentration of allochthonous DOC. The weekly measurements were carried out in summers 2002–2004; the first 2 years had normal and the last year very high summer precipitation. The rains resulted in rapid increase in water colour, but not in DOC. We hypothesised that due to browning, irrespective of whether it stems from an increase in brownish DOC or other coloured substances, photosynthesis decreases, bacterial activity increases, and the lake becomes more heterotrophic. We also anticipated that due to strengthened heterotrophy, the period with apparent net autotrophy and CO2 flux onto the lake would disappear. To test our hypothesis, we measured autotrophic inorganic carbon uptake of photosynthetic organisms as well as dark fixation of inorganic carbon, community respiration and leucine uptake. Finally, we compared the results to CO2 flux measurements with an eddy covariance technique. Our hypotheses were only partly supported since there were no drastic changes in any of the metabolic processes measured. Although the lake ecosystem became slightly more heterotrophic, primary production was still occasionally higher than community respiration and the lake could act as a sink of CO2. Thus regarding metabolic processes, the ecosystem of this pristine lake was not strongly disturbed by the sudden browning episode.

Tracking ultrasonically structural changes of natural aquatic organic carbon: Chemical fractionation and spectroscopic approaches.

In this study, the structural alteration to DOC for a range of ultrasound treatments was investigated with chemical fractionation and UV-vis spectroscopic measurement. Ultrasound treatments were applied in continuous and pulsed modes at power levels of 48 and 84 W for effective treatment times of 5 and 15 min. Overall results show that the ultrasound treatments tended to degrade the hydrophobic aromatic fraction, while increasing the hydrophilic fraction to a lesser extent. The highest recorded reduction of hydrophobic DOC (17.8%) was achieved with pulse treatment of 84 W for15 min, while the highest increase in the hydrophilic DOC (10.5%) was obtained with continuous treatment at 84 W and 5 min. The optimal ultrasound treatment conditions were found to be pulse mode at high power and short treatment time, causing a minimal increase in the hydrophilic fraction of 1.3% with moderate removal of the hydrophobic fraction of 15.52%. The same treatment conditions, with longer treatment time, resulted in the highest removal of SUVA254 and SUVA280 of 17.09% and 16.93, respectively. These results indicate the potential for ultrasound treatments in DOC structural alteration. The hydrophobic fraction showed strong and significant correlations with UV absorbance at 254 and 280 nm. A254/A204 also exhibited strong and significant correlations with the hydrophobic/hydrophilic ratio. The other UV ratios (A250/A365 (E2/E3) and A254/A436) had weak and insignificant correlations with the hydrophobic/hydrophilic ratio. This confirms the applicability of UV indices as a suitable surrogate method for estimating the hydrophobic/hydrophilic structure.

Molecular insights into the microbial formation of marine dissolved organic matter: recalcitrant or labile?

Abstract. The degradation of marine dissolved organic matter (DOM) is an important control variable in the global carbon cycle. For our understanding of the kinetics of organic matter cycling in the ocean, it is crucial to achieve a mechanistic and molecular understanding of its transformation processes. A long-term microbial experiment was performed to follow the production of non-labile DOM by marine bacteria. Two different glucose concentrations and dissolved algal exudates were used as substrates. We monitored the bacterial abundance, concentrations of dissolved and particulate organic carbon (DOC, POC), nutrients, amino acids and transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) for 2 years. The molecular characterization of extracted DOM was performed by ultrahigh resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) after 70 days and after ∼2 years of incubation. Although glucose quickly degraded, a non-labile DOC background (5–9% of the initial DOC) was generated in the glucose incubations. Only 20% of the organic carbon from the algal exudate degraded within the 2 years of incubation. The degradation rates for the non-labile DOC background in the different treatments varied between 1 and 11 μmol DOC L−1 year−1. Transparent exopolymer particles, which are released by microorganisms, were produced during glucose degradation but decreased back to half of the maximum concentration within less than 3 weeks (degradation rate: 25 μg xanthan gum equivalents L−1 d−1) and were below detection in all treatments after 2 years. Additional glucose was added after 2 years to test whether labile substrate can promote the degradation of background DOC (co-metabolism; priming effect). A priming effect was not observed but the glucose addition led to a slight increase of background DOC. The molecular analysis demonstrated that DOM generated during glucose degradation differed appreciably from DOM transformed during the degradation of the algal exudates. Our results led to several conclusions: (i) based on our experimental setup, higher substrate concentration resulted in a higher concentration of non-labile DOC; (ii) TEP, generated by bacteria, degrade rapidly, thus limiting their potential contribution to carbon sequestration; (iii) the molecular signatures of DOM derived from algal exudates and glucose after 70 days of incubation differed strongly from refractory DOM. After 2 years, however, the molecular patterns of DOM in glucose incubations were more similar to deep ocean DOM whereas the degraded exudate was still different.

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.

Study on the Cutting Force in Ultrasonic Elliptical Vibration Cutting of Hardened Stainless Steel

Hardened stainless steels are materials widely used in the field of aviation and spaceflight. Machining of this materials with conventional cutting (CC) method is a real challenge compared to other difficult-to-cut materials. Ultrasonic elliptical vibration cutting (UEVC) method is a novel and non-conventional cutting technique which has been successfully applied to machine such intractable materials for the last decade. However, few studies have been conducted on the cutting force in ultrasonic elliptical vibration cutting of hardened materials. This paper presents an experimental study on cutting force in UEVC of hardened stainless steels using cemented carbide tools. Experiments have been carried out to investigate the effect of cutting parameters in the UEVC method in terms of cutting force, while cutting hardened stainless steels. The tests have revealed that the average thrust force,principal force and feed force drop to 3%,10% and 90% of CC value for UEVC of hardened stainless steels. The ratio between the CC force and the UEVC force decrease with the increase of DOC and cutting speed.

Speciation and bioaccessibility of lead and cadmium in soil treated with metal-enriched Indian mustard leaves

Indian mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.) has shown good potential for the phytoremediation of soil contaminated with heavy metals. However, there is little information about the speciation and bioaccessibility of heavy metals in soil during the decomposition of metal-rich Indian mustard leaves. Incubation experiments (1-, 3-, and 6-month) were carried out in Beijing and Hunan soil with metal-rich Indian mustard leaves addition (1% and 3%) and the effects of mustard leaves addition on the speciation and bioaccessibility of heavy metals were studied. The results showed that the addition of mustard leaves led to significant increases in pH and DOC in the Hunan soil. Both 1% and 3% of mustard leaf amendment caused the percentage of the exchangeable (F1), precipitated with carbonates (F2), bound to Fe/Mn oxides (F3) and bound to organic matter (F4) fractions of Pb and Cd to increase dramatically, while the percentage of the residual fraction (F5) of Cd and Pb significantly dropped in both Beijing and Hunan soils. Mustard leaf addition caused the bioaccessibility of Pb to decrease in the gastric phase, whereas the values increased in the small intestinal phase. The Cd bioaccessibility increased with mustard leaf addition in both the gastric and small intestinal phases. In conclusion, the metal-enriched mustard leaves addition induces Pb and Cd concentrations and their mobility increasing in the Beijing and Hunan soils. Therefore, heavy metal risk in metal-enriched plant leaves should be considered in phytoremediation system in which heavy metal might be brought back to soil and changed over time.

Land management as a factor controlling dissolved organic carbon release from upland peat soils 2: Changes in DOC productivity over four decades

Increasing DOC concentrations in surface waters have been observed across parts of Europe and North America over the past few decades. Most proposed explanations for these widespread trends invoke climate change or reductions in sulphate deposition. However, these factors do not seem apposite to explain either the fine-scale (within kilometres) or regional-scale spatial variation in DOC concentrations observed across the UK. We have reconstructed DOC concentrations and land use for one North Pennine and five South Pennine catchments (UK), located in three discrete areas, over the last four decades. Rainfall, temperature and sulphate deposition data, where available, were also collated and the potential influence of these factors on surface water DOC concentrations was assessed. Four of the six catchments examined showed highly significant ( p < 0.001) increases (53–92%) in humic coloured DOC (hDOC) concentrations in drainage waters over the period 1990–2005. Changes in temperature and sulphate deposition may explain 20–30% of this trend in these four catchments. However, the rapid expansion of new moorland burn on blanket peat can explain a far greater degree (> 80%) of the change in hDOC. Far smaller increases in hDOC (10–18%) were identified for the two remaining catchments. These two sites experienced similar changes in sulphur deposition and temperature to those that had seen largest increases in DOC, but contained little or no moorland burn management on blanket peat. This study shows that regional-scale factors undoubtedly underlie some of the recent observed increases in drainage humic coloured DOC. However, changes in land management, in this case the extensive use of fire management on blanket peat, are a far more important driver of increased hDOC release from upland catchments in some parts of the UK. It suggests that the recent rapid increase in the use of burning on blanket peat moorland has implications for ecosystem services and carbon budgets.

Carbon chemistry and groundwater dynamics at natural analogue site Ruprechtov, Czech Republic: Insights from environmental isotopes

Hydrological, geochemical and environmental isotope data from groundwater wells at Ruprechtov natural analogue site were evaluated to characterize the flow pattern and C chemistry in the system. The results show that water flow in the Tertiary sediments is restricted to 1–2 m thick zones in the so-called clay/lignite horizon with two different infiltration areas in the outcropping granites in the western and south-western part of the investigated area. Generally the flow system is separated from the underlying granite by a kaolin layer up to several tens of metres thick. Differences in stable isotope signatures in the northern part of the site indicate very local connections of both flow systems via fault zones. The observed increase of δ13C values and decrease of 14C activities in dissolved inorganic C during evolution of the groundwater from the infiltration area to the clay/lignite horizon was modelled using simple open- and closed-system models as well as an inverse geochemical model (NETPATH), which included changes in other geochemical parameters. The results from both types of models provided some insights into timescales of groundwater flow, but mainly revealed that additional sources of C are active in the system. These are very likely biodegradation of dissolved and sedimentary organic C (DOC and SOC) as well as the influx of endogenous CO2. The occurrence of microbial degradation of SOC in the clay/lignite layers is indicated by the increase of biogenic DIC, DOC, and phosphate concentrations. The impact of microbial SO4 reduction on this process is confirmed by an increase of δ34S values in dissolved SO42- from the infiltration area to the clay/lignite horizon with an enrichment factor of 11‰. The very low DOC concentrations of 1–5 mg C/L in the clay/lignite horizon with an organic matter content up to 50% C is probably caused by very low availability of organic matter to the processes of degradation and DOC release, demonstrated by extraction experiments with SOC.

Prolonged frost increases release of C and N from a montane heathland soil in southern Norway

Montane heathlands of southern Norway are important contributors of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) to aquatic and marine systems. Climate change may give milder winters and decreasing snow cover, producing pronounced soil temperature variations, including freeze-thaw events. A controlled experiment in the laboratory was set up to investigate the effects of freeze-thaw on C and N release. Undisturbed soil columns were subjected to different temperature regimes, including freeze-thaw cycles and one permanent frost program. Leachates after permanent frost had a significant increase in DOC, DON and NH 4-N concentrations. Slow temperature cycling with soil temperature periodically well below 0 had a similar, but far less pronounced effect on leachate composition. On the other hand, the effect of fast temperature cycling, with soil temperature periodically slightly below 0, was not significantly different from the permanent thaw treatment. Permanent frost, and to some extent slow cycling, caused a significant decrease in NO 3-N concentration, and generally gave increased levels of organic relative to inorganic C and N species. Our data suggest that at realistic temperatures, only prolonged soil frost induces pronounced effects on C and N release.

The impacts of future climate change and sulphur emission reductions on acidification recovery at Plastic Lake, Ontario

Abstract. Climate-induced drought events have a significant influence on sulphate export from forested catchments in central Ontario, subsequently delaying the recovery of surface waters from acidification. In the current study, a model chain that employed a statistical downscaling model, a hydrological model and two hydrochemical models was used to forecast the chemical recovery of Plastic Lake sub-catchment 1 (PC1) from acidification under proposed deposition reductions and the A2 emission scenario of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Any predicted recovery in stream acid neutralising capacity and pH owing to deposition reductions were clearly offset by large acid effluxes from climate-induced drought events. By 2100, ANC is predicted to show large variations ranging between 10 and −30 μmolc L−1. Similarly, predicted pH in 2100 is lower (&gt;0.05 of a pH unit) than the value simulated for 2000 (pH 4.35). Despite emission reductions, the future scenario paints a bleak picture of reacidification at PC1 to levels commensurate with those of the late 1970s. The principal process behind this reacidification is the oxidation of previously stored (reduced) sulphur compounds in wetlands during periods of low-flow (or drought), with subsequent efflux of sulphate upon re-wetting. Simulated catchment runoff under the A2 emissions scenario predictes increased intensity and frequency of low-flow events from approximately 2030 onwards. The Integrated Catchments model for Carbon indicated that stream DOC concentrations at PC1 will also increase under the future climate scenario, with temperature being the principal driver. Despite the predicted (significant) increase in DOC, pH is not predicted to further decline (beyond the climate-induced oxidation scenario), instead pH shows greater variability throughout the simulation. As echoed by many recent studies, hydrochemical models and model frameworks need to incorporate the drivers and mechanisms (at appropriate time-scales) that affect the key biogeochemical processes to reliably predict the impacts of climate change.

Reactivity, interactions and transport of trace elements, organic carbon and particulate material in a mountain range river system (Adour River, France)

The background levels, variability, partitioning and transport of eleven trace elements-Ag, Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, Zn and U-were investigated in a mountain range river system (Adour River, France). This particular river system displayed a turbulent hydrodynamic regime, characterized by flash-transient discharge conditions leading to fast shifts in suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentrations as high as two orders of magnitude (12 to 600 mg l(-1)). The distribution of SPM was accurately predicted with a "hysteresis" transport model, indicating that about 75% of the annual solids load was exported within 20 to 40 days. Dissolved and particulate concentrations of most trace elements were low compared to their concentrations in other reference river systems expect for Pb and Cr, associated with historical anthropogenic activities. Although dissolved and particulate metal concentrations were steady for most elements during low and average discharge conditions, significant changes were observed with increasing river discharge. The changes in trace element concentrations in the two compartments was found to induce a partitioning anomaly referred to as the particulate concentration effect. This anomaly was significant for Cr, Mn, Pb, Zn, Cu and organic carbon (p < 0.03). The processes driving this anomaly were possibly linked to the modification and/or increase of colloidal organic and inorganic vectors, suggested by the significant increase of DOC (p < 0.001) and dissolved Al concentrations (p < 0.05) during flood conditions. A complementary process linked to the influence of coarse particles of low complexation capacity and transported mainly during high discharge may also effect trace element concentrations. Annual metal fluxes transported by this river system were estimated using the hysteresis SPM model with consideration of these fate processes. Metals in the Adour River system are primarily exported into the Bay of Biscay (Atlantic Ocean).

Effects of a waste water treatment plant on organic matter dynamics and ecosystem functioning in a Mediterranean stream

We studied the effects of a waste water treatment plant on organic matter dynamics in Fosso Bagnatore, a Mediterranean stream near Rome (Italy). Concentrations of dissolved organic carbon and seston, along with the standing crops of coarse benthic organic matter and fine benthic organic matter, were monitored monthly during 2002 in two reaches situated upstream and downstream of a waste water treatment plant effluent. Additionally, we examined two stream functional characteristics: whole stream metabolism, which was measured from diel changes in oxygen concentrations, and nutrient removal, which was studied by experimental additions of NH4-N, NO3-N and PO4-P. The possible influence of WWTP organic matter alterations on ecosystem functioning was addressed by measuring epilithon characteristics (standing crop, C:N:P ratios and chlorophyll a content). The WWTP effluent caused an increase (several-fold) of DOC and seston concentrations, and FBOM standing crop, moreover it modified their temporal variation. Downstream of the wastewater treatment plant we detected an higher heterotrophic microbial biomass and a correspondent higher community respiration. The uptake of NH4-N, NO3-N and PO4-P was highly variable probably as consequence of the high variability of the compartments involved (e.g. DOC, FBOM, community respiration). We showed that WWTP effluent altered the organic matter dynamics of this Mediterranean-type headwater stream and that these effects were reflected in its ecosystem functioning. Because of the linkage of headwaters to downstream ecosystems and due to their significant role in landscape and catchment processes, the alterations of organic matter dynamics that we detected at a local scale may have important consequences on a broader scale.

Relationships between organic carbon and microbial components in a Tyrrhenian area (Isola del Giglio) affected by mucilages

The chemical and biological properties of the water column at a Tyrrhenian site (Isola del Giglio) were studied during a 3-year period. The results highlighted the oligotrophic features of the site, characterised by quite low concentrations of organic carbon (on average DOC 102 μmol/L and POC 9 μmol/L). Relevant bacterial biomass (on average 42.1 μg C/L) and a notable activity (in terms of frequency of dividing cells, on average more than 5%) were observed. However, remarkable changes for these parameters were seasonally recorded. The cyclic occurrence, generally during the late spring–summer period, of benthic mucilage indicated that localised distrophic processes may occur. In particular, the benthic mucilage events of 2000 and 2001 were investigated, although some comparative information was available also for 1999 and 2002. The mucilage aggregates generally showed high bacterial colonisation, which have remarkable effects on the organic matter cycle both inside the aggregates and in the surrounding seawater. During the benthic mucilage development, an increase of DOC and POC concentrations was observed (up to 129 and 18 μmol/L, respectively, in June 2000 and up to 145 and 10 μmol/L, respectively, in May and June 2001) in the water column adjacent to the bottom. However, a general decrease of the trophic value of particulate matter (in terms of C/N ratio) was also observed, especially in 2000 after the disappearance of the mucilage. The available energy and organic matter during the mucilage events led to an increased presence of bacteria in the bottom waters of the Isola del Giglio, with maximum biomass values in 2001. Similarly, the replicative activity of bacteria was higher in 2001 (frequency of dividing cells about 5% vs. 3% of 2000). The lower activity of 2000, in addition to the lower trophic value of organic matter and different environmental conditions (namely lower temperature), might be involved in the persistence of mucilage in 2000 with respect to the rapid disappearance observed in 2001.