Localities In Norway Research Articles

New records of the Testate Amoebae from Norway

A total of 8 samples consisting of moss, liverwort and sediments were analysed from three localities in Norway. The first locality - A (4 samples) is situated in northern Norway approximately 100 km south of Narvik, the second - B (3 samples) and third - C (1 sample) localities are situated in southern Norway. Samples were taken from brooks and surrounding area, and in one case from the sediment of the lake Finsevatnet. In total, we identified 59 taxa, of these 39 taxa were found in locality A, 43 taxa were found in locality B and 34 taxa were found in locality C. The highest abundance of taxa was found in the genera Centropyxis and Difflugia. Eleven taxa were recorded for the first time not only in Norway but in the whole subarctic area of northern Europe.

A new species of the genus Atractides Koch, 1837 from Montenegro (Acari: Hydrachnidia: Hygrobatidae), separated from A. nodipalpis (Thor, 1899), one of the most common water mite species in running waters in Europe

A new species of water mite from Montenegro, i.e. Atractides milosevici sp. nov., is described, using morphological data and DNA barcodes. Morphologically, the new species is closely related to A. nodipalpis sensu Gerecke, 2003 but differs in its distinct COI barcode sequence, as well as details of the terminal segments of the first legs. Morphological examination of specimens of A. nodipalpis from the Netherlands which belong to the same BIN (BOLD:ACA0209) as the specimens of the nominal species collected near its type locality in Norway reveals that the latter, one of the most common water mite species in running waters in Europe, can be identified by the shape of male genital plate with a distinct anteromedial peg-like fissure. A redescription is given of Atractides nodipalpis (Thor, 1899) based on material from the Netherlands.

Linked seasonality between a phoretic mite and its moth fly host (Parasitiformes: Mesostigmata and Diptera: Psychodidae)

Phoresy is a widespread phenomenon in mites. It allows mesostigmatid mites that are associated with ephemeral habitats such as mammal dung to travel fast on larger animals that can detect a proper habitat from a greater distance. To address the gap in knowledge on phoresy in these mites, we examined host specificity in phoretic Mesostigmata associated with psychodid species and studied temporal dynamics to see if phoretic life cycles are synchronized with the host life cycle. Using a field collection of more than 2500 moth flies (Psychodidae) from eight localities in Norway, we found three out of 29 species carrying phoretic mites of two species: deutonymphs of Trachygamasus ambulacralis were phoretic on female Psychoda phalaenoides and both sexes of Psychoda grisescens, and adults of Iphidozercon gibbus were phoretic on females of Psychoda satchelli. All flies were species with larval development in vertebrate dung. Abundances of P. phalaenoides and T. ambulacralis were highly correlated, probably due to the two species exhibiting similar seasonal variations in abundance; both were significantly seasonal with a peak in August and September. Thus, T. ambulacralis infestation levels on P. phalaenoides appeared similar throughout the season. We discuss the implications for the life histories of the mites in question. Trachygamasus ambulacralis is first time recorded from Norway.

Elaphomyces section Elaphomyces (Eurotiales, Ascomycota) - taxonomy and phylogeny of North European taxa, with the introduction of three new species.

The North European species of Elaphomyces section Elaphomyces (Eurotiales, Pezizomycotina) are studied. Three new species, E. citrinopapillatus, E. pusillus, and E. roseoviolaceus are introduced and verified by morphology and sequence data from ITS, nuclear LSU, mitochondrial SSU, and β-tubulin. A lectotype for Elaphomyces granulatus is selected. Elaphomyces granulatus and E. muricatus are epitypified with sequenced material from the Femsjö region in South Sweden. Elaphomyces striatosporus is epitypified with sequenced material from the vicinity of the type locality in Norway. A key to all species of Elaphomyces occurring in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden is provided.

Low genetic variation of invasive Fallopia spp. in their northernmost European distribution range.

Knowledge about the reproduction strategies of invasive species is fundamental for effective control. The invasive Fallopia taxa (Japanese knotweed s.l.) reproduce mainly clonally in Europe, and preventing spread of vegetative fragments is the most important control measure. However, high levels of genetic variation within the hybrid F. × bohemica indicate that hybridization and seed dispersal could be important. In Norway in northern Europe, it is assumed that these taxa do not reproduce sexually due to low temperatures in the autumn when the plants are flowering. The main objective of this study was to examine the genetic variation of invasive Fallopia taxa in selected areas in Norway in order to evaluate whether the taxa may reproduce by seeds in their most northerly distribution range in Europe. Fallopia stands from different localities in Norway were analyzed with respect to prevalence of taxa, and genetic variation within and between taxa was studied using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). Taxonomic identification based on morphology corresponded with identification based on simple sequence repeats (SSR) and DNA ploidy levels (8× F. japonica, 6× F. × bohemica and 4× F. sachalinensis). No genetic variation within F. japonica was detected. All F. × bohemica samples belonged to a single AFLP genotype, but one sample had a different SSR genotype. Two SSR genotypes of F. sachalinensis were also detected. Extremely low genetic variation within the invasive Fallopia taxa indicates that these taxa do not reproduce sexually in the region, suggesting that control efforts can be focused on preventing clonal spread. Climate warming may increase sexual reproduction of invasive Fallopia taxa in northern regions. The hermaphrodite F. × bohemica is a potential pollen source for the male‐sterile parental species. Targeted eradication of the hybrid can therefore reduce the risk of increased sexual reproduction under future warmer climate.

Six species in one: evidence of cryptic speciation in the Hygrobates fluviatilis complex (Acariformes, Hydrachnidia, Hygrobatidae)

Water mites of the genus Hygrobates are widely distributed in all biogeographic regions except the Antarctic. Palaearctic Hygrobates species with reticulated soft integument generally have been considered as representatives of one common and widely distributed species, Hygrobates fluviatilis Strøm, 1768. Based on partial COI sequences (DNA-barcodes) and statistical analysis of morphological data, we show that these mites belong to six distinct lineages. Two of them are widely distributed in Central Europe: Hygrobates fluviatilis here redescribed based on a neotype designated from the type locality in Norway, and a species new to science, H. arenarius Smit & Pešić. The four remaining lineages represent additional species new to science that appear to have more restricted distributions: H. corsicus Pešić & Smit (Corsica, Sardinia), H. marezaensis Pešić & Dabert (Montenegro, Albania, Croatia), H. turcicus Pešić, Esen & Dabert (Turkey), and H. persicus Pešić & Asadi (Iran, E Turkey). Statistical morphometric analysis reveals that the latter two species cannot be separated on morphological characters and should be considered true cryptic species. We provide data concerning biology and geographical distributions together with a key to all species of the complex.

Photobiont associations in co-occurring umbilicate lichens with contrasting modes of reproduction in coastal Norway

AbstractThe identity and phylogenetic placement of photobionts associated with two lichen-forming fungi,Umbilicaria spodochroaandLasallia pustulatawere examined. These lichens commonly grow together in high abundance on coastal cliffs in Norway, Sweden and Finland. The mycobiont ofU. spodochroareproduces sexually through ascospores, and must find a suitable algal partner in the environment to re-establish the lichen symbiosis.Lasallia pustulatareproduces mainly vegetatively using symbiotic propagules (isidia) containing both symbiotic partners (photobiont and mycobiont). Based on DNA sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) we detected seven haplotypes of the green-algal genusTrebouxiain 19 pairs of adjacent thalli ofU. spodochroaandL. pustulatafrom five coastal localities in Norway. As expected,U. spodochroaassociated with a higher diversity of photobionts (seven haplotypes) than the mostly asexually reproducingL. pustulata(four haplotypes). The latter was associated with the same haplotype in 15 of the 19 thalli sampled. Nine of the lichen pairs examined share the same algal haplotype, supporting the hypothesis that the mycobiont ofU. spodochroamight associate with the photobiont ‘pirated’ from the abundant isidia produced byL. pustulatathat are often scattered on the cliff surfaces. Up to six haplotypes ofTrebouxiawere found within a single sampling site, indicating a low level of specificity of both mycobionts for their algal partner. Most photobiont strains associated with species ofUmbilicariaandLasallia, including samples from this study, represent phylogenetically closely related taxa ofTrebouxiagrouped within a small number of main clades (Trebouxiasp.,T. simplex/T. jamesii, andT. incrustata+T. gigantea). Three of the photobiont haplotypes were found only inU. spodochroathalli.

Inter-mineral Mg isotope fractionation during hydrothermal ultramafic rock alteration – Implications for the global Mg-cycle

Both riverine and ocean waters are enriched in 24Mg compared to the homogeneous chondritic Mg isotopic composition of the Earth's mantle requiring a fractionation step that is generally attributed to low temperature continental crust weathering. Here we present new observations that indicate that this 24Mg enrichment of surface waters may originate from Mg isotope fractionation during the hydrothermal alteration of primary silicate minerals. Mineral separates of hydrothermally altered ultramafic rocks were collected from three different localities in Norway. Coexisting olivine and serpentine exhibit invariant Mg isotope ratios suggesting that serpentinization does not fractionate Mg isotopes. In contrast, carbonation results in significant inter-mineral Mg isotope fractionation between the antigorite, magnesite, and talc. The carbonation of the natural samples is constrained by O isotope thermometry at ∼275 °C and hence closes the temperature gap between previous investigations of the natural distribution of Mg isotopes during surface weathering and magmatic processes. The precursor antigorite has an isotopic composition of δ26Mg (DSM-3)=−0.11±0.05‰, whereas the talc is enriched in 26Mg with mean δMg26=0.17±0.08‰ and the magnesite is depleted in 26Mg with mean δMg26=−0.95±0.15‰. As carbonate minerals dissolve faster than silicate minerals, the chemical weathering of carbonated ultramafic and by analogy mafic rocks on the continents will yield isotopically lighter Mg to natural surface waters consistent with field observations. Moreover, the Mg fractionation observed in this study suggests that sub-seafloor hydrothermal carbonation may be a significant contribution to the Mg isotopic composition of ocean water.

Ecology and distribution ofFrullania bolanderiin Europe

Frullania bolanderi is in Europe known from Norway, Sweden and Russia only. The ecology of F. bolanderi in 16 Norwegian localities is described in some detail, while its ecology in Sweden and Russia is given from literature. Frullania bolanderi has a wide ecological amplitude growing on many different trees, often in shady ravines near streams and rivers, but sometimes in only slightly undulating forest, more rarely in an open landscape with scattered trees only. At the beginning of the year 2000 Frullania bolanderi was known from one locality in Sweden, three localities in Norway and about five localities in European Russia. However, during the years 2000–2013 numerous new localities were discovered and this hepatic is now known from about 150 localities in Norway [but only about 60 if merely localities more than 1 km apart are considered], three in Sweden and about 25 in European Russia. In the past F. bolanderi was considered as strongly endangered (EN) or critically endangered (CR) in Norway and Sweden, but the many new records have resulted in it being downgraded to a lower conservation category in Norway, i.e. vulnerable (VU) according to the newest Norwegian redlist. The plant is also a member of the European redlist, but should perhaps be removed from this list.

FERROCHIAVENNITE, A NEW BERYLLIUM SILICATE ZEOLITE FROM SYENITE PEGMATITES IN THE LARVIK PLUTONIC COMPLEX, OSLO REGION, SOUTHERN NORWAY

Ferrochiavennite is a new beryllium silicate zeolite with chemical composition close to Ca1–2FeSi5Be2O13(OH)2·2H2O. It is described from two syenite pegmatite localities in Norway: Blafjell, Langangen, Telemark, and the AS Granit larvikite quarry, Tvedalen, Vestfold. The mineral is monoclinic, P 21/ c , with a 8.759(5), b 4.864(2), c 31.258(6) A, β 90.31(6)°, V 1331.7(6) A3, and Z = 4. The crystal structure was refined to R 1 = 0.048 for 3651 observed reflections. The zeolite structure is isostructural with chiavennite, consisting of intersecting channels of nine-, six-, five-, and four-fold rings. The strongest eight reflections of the X-ray powder-diffraction pattern [ d (obs.) in A ( I ) ( hkl )] are: 15.555 (100) (002), 4.104 (29) (112, 112), 3.938 (36) (113, 113), 3.909 (60) (008), 3.820 (30) (204, 204), 3.251 (66) (017, 210, 211), 3.186 (27) (212, 212), 2.884 (64) (215, 215). The mineral is biaxial (+) with refractive indices α 1.583(1), β 1.589(1), γ 1.602(1), measured at 590 nm. 2 V (meas.) = 62(4)° from extinction curves 2 V = 76(5)°; 2 V (calc.) = 69°. The optical orientation is X ~ a , Y ~ c , and Z ~ b . The Mohs hardness is ~ 3; D (meas.) = 2.67(2) and D (calc.) = 2.709 g/cm3.

Deep sympatric mtDNA divergence in the autumnal moth (Epirrita autumnata)

Deep sympatric intraspecific divergence in mtDNA may reflect cryptic species or formerly distinct lineages in the process of remerging. Preliminary results from DNA barcoding of Scandinavian butterflies and moths showed high intraspecific sequence variation in the autumnal moth, Epirrita autumnata. In this study, specimens from different localities in Norway and some samples from Finland and Scotland, with two congeneric species as outgroups, were sequenced with mitochondrial and nuclear markers to resolve the discrepancy found between mtDNA divergence and present species-level taxonomy. We found five COI sub-clades within the E. autumnata complex, most of which were sympatric and with little geographic structure. Nuclear markers (ITS2 and Wingless) showed little variation and gave no indications that E. autumnata comprises more than one species. The samples were screened with primers for Wolbachia outer surface gene (wsp) and 12% of the samples tested positive. Two Wolbachia strains were associated with different mtDNA sub-clades within E. autumnata, which may indicate indirect selection/selective sweeps on haplotypes. Our results demonstrate that deep mtDNA divergences are not synonymous with cryptic speciation and this has important implications for the use of mtDNA in species delimitation, like in DNA barcoding.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF HEPATIC TRACE ELEMENT LEVELS IN WILD MOOSE, ROE DEER, AND REINDEER FROM NORWAY

Liver samples from 422 wild moose (Alces alces), 280 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), and 73 reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) collected by hunters in various localities in Norway, 2002-2003, were analyzed for the essential trace elements cobalt, copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), molybdenum, selenium (Se), and zinc. Significant differences in hepatic concentrations among species were found for all elements except for Mn, and considerable individual and geographic variations were seen. Roe deer had statistically significant lower Se levels (median: 0.51 μg Se/g dry weight) than did moose (0.77 μg Se/g) and reindeer (0.85 μg Se/g). Moose from two coastal municipalities with high precipitation had considerably higher Se concentrations than those from the other localities studied. Seventy-nine roe deer (28%) and 36 moose (9%) had Se concentrations below that regarded as deficient in domestic ruminants. The Se status in roe deer was lower than previously reported in Europe. Moose had a significantly higher Cu (222 μg Cu/g dw) than did roe deer (112 μg Cu/g) and reindeer (105 μg Cu/g). The Cu status of moose and roe deer in Norway are among the highest reported in Europe. However, a suboptimal Se and Cu status was found in moose from Tvedestrand, a population which has suffered from a reduced condition and productivity. The variability in trace element status among hunted cervids, with no apparent signs of deficiency or toxicity, probably reflects adaptations in these wild ruminant species to cope with this. However, subtle clinical signs and lesions are difficult to detect and further research is needed.

Geographical variation in host plant utilization in the comma butterfly: the roles of time constraints and plant phenology

What is the role of time-constraints in determining geographical variation in the resource use of organisms? One hypothesis concerning phytophagous insects predicts a local narrowing of host plant range at localities where a short development time is important (because an additional generation per season is only just possible), with increased specialization on host plants permitting fast development. To test this hypothesis, populations of the polyphagous comma butterfly (Nymphalidae: Polygonia c-album) from five European areas (localities in Norway, Sweden, England, Belgium and Spain) were sampled and the preferences of laboratory-reared female butterflies were investigated, by a choice test between Salix caprea and the fastest host Urtica dioica. The results suggest that females of both of two northern univoltine populations (time-stressed from Norway and time-relaxed from Sweden) accept the slow host S. caprea to a higher degree than females of more southern populations with partial additional generations (time-stressed). We thus found partial support for the tested hypothesis, but also conflicting results that cast doubt on its broad generality. Moreover, a split-brood investigation on Swedish stock demonstrated that larval performance is similar on S. caprea and U. dioica early in the summer, but that later in the season S. caprea is a much inferior host. This is reflected by a seasonal trend towards specialization on U. dioica and also provides a simpler explanation than the time-constraints theory for avoidance of S. caprea (and other woody hosts) in areas with two or more generations of insects per year, illustrating the importance of plant phenology as a constraint on resource use in phytophagous insects. Absolute and relative larval performance on the two hosts varied little among populations across Europe, but lower survival on S. caprea in the populations most specialized on U. dioica and related plants may be indicative of performance trade-offs.

Phylogenetic analysis of the SSU rRNA gene from the piscine diplomonad Spironucleus torosus (Diplomonadida: Hexamitinae)

Previous studies have recorded Spironucleus torosus Poynton et Morrison, 1990 from several species of gadoid fishes, including the only freshwater gadoid, the burbot Lota lota (L.). Two morphologically different isolates of S. torosus have been described (elongate and pyriform). Both have been found in saltwater, while only the elongate has been found in freshwater. To address the conspecificity of the two morphs of S. torosus, and to identify the source of S. torosus in burbot in Norway, we have sequenced the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene from 43 isolates of S. torosus from six species of gadoid fishes sampled at 15 localities in Norway, Sweden and the Baltic Sea. Phylogenetic analyses of the SSU rRNA gene sequence data recovered two major clades, one containing mainly isolates from burbot, while the other contained isolates from marine gadoid fishes only. The genetic distance (based on 25 nucleotide substitutions in 789 base pairs) separating the two assemblages was not large enough to consider the two groups separate species. Spironucleus torosus isolated from burbot displayed limited genetic variation in the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene along the post-Pleistocene migration route of its host. The present study is the first report of S. torosus in tusk Brosme brosme (Ascanius), whiting Merlangius merlangus (L.), and fourbeard rockling Enchelyopus cimbrius (L.).

Recent literature on lichens—205

Adams, B. J., R. D. Bardgett, E. Ayres, D. H. Wall, J. Aislabie, S. Bamforth, R. Bargagli, C. Cary, P. Cavacini, L. Connell, P. Convey, J. W. Fell, F. Frati, I. S. Hogg, K. K. Newsham, A. O’Donnell, N. Russell, R. Seppelt & M. I. Stevens. 2006. Diversity and distribution of Victoria Land biota. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 38(10): 3003–3018. [The lichens of the area are relatively well known compared to other groups, and exhibit low endemism.] Alexandrowicz, S. W. & Z. Alexandrowicz. 2006. Rocky edge and malacocoenoses of the Żurawnica Ridge (Polish Western Carpathians). Ekologia [Bratislava] 25(2): 151–165. [Calcicolous lichens briefly mentioned.] Andrade, C. A. S., N. S. Santos-Magalhaes & C. P. de Melo. 2006. Thermodynamic characterization of the prevailing molecular interactions in mixed floating monolayers of phospholipids and usnic acid. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 298(1): 145–153. [This study of usnic acid and phospholipids ‘‘ . . . can provide valuable information on how to prepare stable liposomes that could serve as carriers of US [usnic acid] for therapeutic purposes.’’] Anonymous. 2006. Lichens of the National Forests in Alaska. Alaska Region Air, Botany and Ecology Programs, USDA, U.S. Forest Service, Alaska Region Brochure R10-RG-170: 1–16. [Color brochure illustrating and briefly discussing 27 macrolichens and 3 crustose spp. Some common names such as ‘‘tundra spaghetti’’ and ‘‘fairy barf’’ differ from those in the Lichens of North America book.] Aptroot, A. 2006. Three new species of Lithothelium (Pyrenulaceae) from China and Thailand, with a revised world key and annotated list of species. Lichenologist 38(6): 541–548. [New: Lithothelium echinatum sp. nov. (Yunnan, China), L. grossum sp. nov. (Yunnan, China) & L. quadrisporum sp. nov. (Thailand), L. ferax (Mull Arg.) comb. nov., Anisomeridium concameratum (Stirt.) comb. nov. Key to 27 taxa of Lithothelium is presented.] Aragon, G., A. Garcia & R. Lopez. 2006. Aportacion al conocimiento de los liquenes rupicolas que colonizan las pedrizas del Parque Nacional de Cabaneros. Botanica Complutensis 30: 53–59. [Report of 119 saxicolous spp.; many first reports for the area.] ———, I. Martinez & R. Belinchon. 2006. Aportacion al conocimiento de los liquenes epifitos de Pinus halepensis, P. nigra, P. pinaster y P. sylvestris en la Peninsula Iberica. Botanica Complutensis 30: 61–70. [Study of 84 forests; 170 lichen taxa with discussion of substrate ecology and biogeography.] Arup, U. 2006. The status of Caloplaca havaasii. Graphis Scripta 18(2): 33–37. [Based on morphology and nrITS data, Caloplaca havaasii is a distinct species in the C. citrina/marina group and is known only from the type locality in Norway.] ———. 2006. Caloplaca sorediella Arup, a new sorediate species from western Britain. Lichenologist 38(6): 499–502. [New: Caloplaca sorediella sp. nov. from seashore rocks and plant debris or plant bases in western England, Scotland and Wales.] Aslan, A., M. Gulluce, M. Sokmen, A. Adiguzel, F. Sahin & H. Ozkan. 2006. Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the lichens Cladonia foliacea, Dermatocarpon miniatum, Evernia divaricata, Evernia prunastri, and Neofuscelia pulla. Pharmaceutical Biology 44(4): 247–252. [Polar phenolics were linked to the antioxidant effects, and antimicrobial and antifungal effects were found in some extracts, but no activity against yeasts.] Bartak, M., K. A. Solhaug, H. Vrablikova & Y. Gauslaa. 2006. Curling during desiccation protects the foliose lichen Lobaria pulmonaria against photoinhibition. Oecologia 149(4): 553–560. [Study done by chlorophyll fluorescence imaging on material from Norway.] Beard, J. S. 1997. Geography, environment and flora of Mt Mulanje, Central Africa. Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia 80: 189–191. [General overview with brief * The cumulative database for this series is available in searchable form on the World Wide Web at http://www.nhm.uio.no/botanisk/ bot-mus/lav/sok_rll.htm. I owe special thanks to Bill Buck for providing copies of papers by other authors, which were otherwise unavailable to me, and to the cooperating authors who send reprints or electronic versions of their works to me for inclusion in this series.

Structure and luminescence characteristics of quartz from pegmatites

Samples of pegmatite quartz from several localities in Norway and Namibia were investigated by cathodoluminescence (CL) microscopy and spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements, and trace-element analysis (ICP-MS) to obtain information about their structure and luminescence characteristics. The defect structure and trace-element composition of the pegmatite quartz samples that were studied differ from those of quartz of other origin (hydrothermal, igneous and metamorphic quartz). EPR measurements reveal an almost complete lack of intrinsic lattice defects associated with O or Si vacancies (e.g., E′ center, O 3− 2 center), whereas some trace elements (Al, Ti, Ge, Li) are apparently enriched and form paramagnetic centers. The results indicate that there possibly is a redistribution of alkali ions during electron irradiation. The diamagnetic [AlO 4 /M + ] 0 center transforms into the paramagnetic [AlO 4 ] 0 center, while the compensating ions diffuse away and may be captured by the diamagnetic precursor centers of [GeO 4 ] 0 and [TiO 4 ] 0 to form paramagnetic centers ([TiO 4 /Li + ] 0 , [GeO 4 /Li + ] 0 ). These defects result in a specific luminescence behavior, which is very similar for all samples. In general, quartz from pegmatites shows homogeneous CL without growth zoning or internal structures suggesting constant physicochemical conditions during crystal growth. The CL emission is dominated by a transient bluish-green CL, which disappears after 60–100 s of electron irradiation. The two main emission bands centered at 505 nm (2.45 eV) and 390 nm (3.18 eV) are probably related to alkali-compensated, trace-element centers in the quartz structure. Other CL emission bands, which are characteristic features of igneous, metamorphic, or hydrothermal quartz (e.g., at 450 nm = 2.75 eV, 580 nm = 2.14 eV, 650 nm = 1.91 eV) are almost completely lacking. This fact indicates that the defects responsible for these CL emissions are absent in pegmatite quartz.

Chemical composition of arctic snow: concentration levels and regional distribution of major elements

At the end of the northern winter 1996/1997, 21 snow samples were collected from 17 arctic localities in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Svalbard, Russia, Alaska, Canada, Greenland and Iceland. Major element concentrations of the filtered (0.45 μm) melted snow indicate that most samples are consistent with a diluted seawater composition. Deviations from this behaviour indicate additional SO 4 2− and Cl − relative to seawater, suggesting a minor contribution from (probably local) coal combustion emissions (Alaska, Finland, Sweden, Svalbard). The samples with the highest Na and Cl − content (Canada, Russia) also have higher Na/SO 4 2− and Cl −/SO 4 2− ratios than seawater, suggesting a slight contamination from (probably local) deicing activities. Local soil or rock dust inputs in the snow are indicated by ‘excess’ Ca contents (Alaska, Svalbard, Greenland, Sweden). No overall relationship was found between pH (range: 4.6–6.1) and total or non-seasalt SO 4 2− (NSS), suggesting that acidification due to long-range transport of SO 2 pollution is not operating on an arctic-wide scale. In a few samples (Alaska, Finland, Sweden, Svalbard), a significant proportion (>50%) of SO 4 2− is non-marine in origin. Sources for this non-marine SO 4 2− need not all be found in long-range atmospheric transport and more likely sources are local industry (Finland, Sweden), road traffic (Alaska) or minor snow-scooting traffic (one Svalbard locality). A few samples from northern Europe show a relatively weak trend of decreasing pH with increasing NO 3 −.

Organohalogens and metals in marine fish and mussels and some relationships to biological variables at reference localities in Norway

The main goals of this study were to define, for the Norwegian coast, “high background” levels of micropollutants routinely monitored within the the Oslo and Paris Commission Joint Assessment and Monitoring Programme, and to reassess the present Norwegian reference levels used as the basis for a classification of environmental quality. The indicator organisms analysed as bulked/individual samples were cod ( Gadus morhua, n≈1170; n≈240 for organochlorines), dab ( Limanda limanda, n≈75), plaice ( Pleuronectes platessa, n≈55) lemon sole ( Microstomus kitt, n≈13). and blue mussels ( Mytilus edulis, n≈200) collected between 1991–2000. Based on the 90–95 percentiles of measurements at localities far from point sources, we propose for liver of cod a reference level for ΣPCB 7 (CBs 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153 and 180) of 500 μg kg −1 w.w. and further for DDE 200 μg kg −1, ΣHCHs 30 μg kg −1, HCB 20 and OCS 5 μg kg −1 w.w. In the same order the proposed reference levels for liver of dab are: 150, 60, 15, 5, and 2 μg kg −1 w.w.; and for the soft body of mussels: 3, 1, 1, 0.1 and 0.1 μg kg −1 wet weight. Reference levels of metals are 0.1 mg Hg kg −1 w.w. in fish fillet, and for Hg, Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu in mussels 0.2, 2, 3, 200 and 10 mg kg −1 d.w., respectively. Hg in fillet of cod and dab were positively correlated with length and weight. PCB levels in liver of cod and dab showed a positive but weak correlation with length, whereas no co-variation was found between PCBs and liver fat. The results of introductory recordings of polychlorinated dibenzo- p-dioxins/dibenzofurans, polychlorinated naphtalenes, Toxaphene and brominated flame retardants in liver of cod from reference sites are also presented.

MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES, YIELD AND POPULATION DEVELOPMENT OF THE NOBLE CRAYFISH ASTACUS ASTACUS IN LAKE STEINSFJORDEN

Lake Steinsfjorden is the most important noble crayfish locality in Norway. The crayfish population has been monitored annually since 1979 including data on total trapping effort, yield and population composition before and after the catching season. The harvest has ranged from 0.7-4.7 kg.ha-1. The catch per trap night decreased prior to 1991 and the yield was reduced by some 50% over the years 1987-1992 as compared to 1979-1986. This was due to removal of small crayfish, high exploitation and the establishment of dense stands of Canadian pondweed (Elodea canadensis). Baited traps catch a large fraction of crayfish < 95 mm total length minimum size. These should according to the regulations immediately be released into the lake. However, it is apparent from the size composition that release of these small crayfish was rather incomplete. In 1983, trap mesh size was increased from 17.5 mm to 21 mm to reduce the fraction of undersized crayfish in the trap catches, yet no effects of this increased mesh size on crayfish size distribution were observed. The legal season has been reduced three times during the study period. In 1983, the closing date was changed from 31 December to 15 September. In 1989 the legal season was further reduced to two weeks and finally in 1995 to 10 days. This reduced total trap effort by 45%. The shorter season allow many crayfish to moult twice instead of once between seasons and the fraction of large crayfish has thus increased and so has the catch per trap night. Canadian pondweed has established dense annual stands and thus has made large parts of the shallow areas unsuitable for crayfish, causing an overall decrease in crayfish population size and production.

No consistent effects of ozone exposure for one growth season on levels of polyamines in Picea abies

It is well known that ozone is detrimental to plants, due to its action as a strong oxidant. Polyamines have been suggested as protecting against oxidative stress, and have been reported as being induced by ozone in plants. However, there is a paucity of data on tree species exposed to ozone for an extended period under field‐like conditions. In the present investigation, mature spruce clones were exposed to ozone (200 or 400 μg m−3 air) in open‐top chambers for an entire growth season at two localities in Norway, and levels of the polyamines, putrescine, spermidine and spermine were measured. No consistent effects of ozone fumigation were found on levels of any of the polyamines; not for two clones showing visible injury (yellow needles), and not for four apparently healthy clones. Thus, there was no correlation between sensitivity or tolerance to ozone and polyamine content. However, there were significant differences in polyamine contents between clones and the two localities of exposure.