Assessment of spatial distribution and cysts resources of Artemia in late autumn in Dangxiong Co salt lake

Based on the vertically interval sampling in 25 sampling sites in Dangxiong Co salt lake in 2011, a preliminary investigation on population spatial distribution and cysts resources of Artemia in the lake has been conducted. The study achieves four new progresses. First, the average density of Artemia and Artemia cysts in the lake is 4.157 × 10³ ind. m⁻² and 8.069 × 10⁴ ind. m⁻², respectively. Among Artemia, the adults account for 60.31%; Second, different from other salt lakes in horizontal distribution, the Artemia population mainly distributes in the open water, only a little in the shallow water, and there is no distribution in the longshore area in the north part and the estuary region; Third, in vertical distribution, 44.24% of individuals intensively distribute in the upper water layer within 2.0 m, especially 0–0.2 m, where the average density of Artemia and cysts are maximum (129.488 ind. L⁻¹ and 5.728 ind. L⁻¹, respectively). A decrease of distribution density is accompanied by an increase of water depth basically, the percentage of Artemia and cysts decrease to 0.68% and 4.60%, respectively; Fourth, the cysts resources of 14.96 t in the lake are assessed using contour map. 66.35% of them distributed in 0.0–2.0 m water layer and 49.06% concentrate in the 18.21% areas of the central water; Fifth, quantity of cysts suitable for development in the lake is 2.399 ± 0.320 t, with an upper limit of 0.879 t. The study can provide a reference for the sustainable development and exploitation of Artemia in Dangxiong Co salt lake.     

Phenotypic plasticity in Phragmites australis as a functional response to water depth

We have performed investigations to see if the emergent macrophyte Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. exhibits phenotypic plasticity as a response to water depth and if such responses in biomass allocation pattern and morphology are functional responses, improving the performance of the plant. In greenhouse experiments plants were grown in deep or shallow water to evaluate plastic responses. Allometric methods were used to handle effects caused by size differences between treatments. To evaluate if phenotypic responses to water depth are functional, the relative growth rate (RGR) of plants acclimatised to shallow or deep water, respectively, were compared in deep water, and the growth of plants in fluctuating and constant water level were compared.When grown in deep (70 or 75 cm), compared to shallow (20 or 5 cm) water, plants allocated proportionally less to below-ground weight, made proportionally fewer but taller stems, and had rhizomes that were situated more superficially in the substrate. Plants acclimatised to shallow water had lower RGR than plants acclimatised to deep water, when they were grown in deep water, and plants in constant water depth (40 cm) grew faster than plants in fluctuating water depth (15/65 cm). In an additional field study, the rhizomes were situated superficially in the sediment in deep, compared to shallow water.We have shown that P. australis acclimatises to deep water with phenotypic plasticity through allocating more resources to stem weight, and also by producing fewer but taller stems, which will act to maintain a positive carbon balance and an effective gas exchange between aerial and below-ground parts. Furthermore, the decreased proportional allocation to below-ground parts probably results in decreased nutrient absorption, decreased anchorage in the sediment and decreased carbohydrate reserves. Thus, in deep water, plants have an increased risk of becoming uprooted and experience decreased growth and dispersal rates.     

Interference between the macroalga Caulerpa prolifera and the seagrass Halodule wrightii

A field experiment was conducted to examine interactions between the seagrass Halodule wrightii and the macroalga Caulerpa prolifera in the Indian River Lagoon, FL, USA, and further if the outcome of the interactions between the two species was influenced by water depth. The experiment involved the manipulation of neighbor presence in plots established at the shallowest (50 cm) and deepest (80 cm) depths at which the two species co-existed at adequate densities to perform removal experiments. Shoot and frond densities were measured at the beginning (April), middle (July) and end (October) of the 6-month growing season, and above- and below-ground biomass values were determined at the end of the experiment (October). In the middle of the growing season H. wrightii had higher shoot densities and greater biomass in plots where C. prolifera had been removed at both water depths. This same pattern in shoot density and biomass for H. wrightii also occurred at the end of the growing season at the 80 cm depth. C. prolifera occurred at higher densities and greater biomass in the 80 cm depth range, but was generally unaffected by the presence of H. wrightii at either depth.     

Towards calcareous wetland creation in flooded abandoned aggregate quarries: A 3-year field mesocosm study

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of the rehabilitation of abandoned aggregate quarries to calcareous wetlands through a growth experiment at the quarry floor. We tested the effects of planting substrate (fine screenings, coarse rock, transplanted peatball, and topsoil addition to screenings) and springtime water depth (+15, 0, and ?15 cm relative to ground surface) on the growth of Carex aquatilis over 3 years. Survival rate of the transplanted material was 100%. Minimal growth was observed after the first growing season, but by the end of the third growing season the transplanted material had added on average 80, 4, and 3 shoots in the topsoil-amended, intact peatball, and coarse rock treatments, respectively, but lost on average 4 shoots in the fine screenings treatment. The addition of topsoil significantly increased final aboveground biomass (285 ± 49 g per plot) compared to the peatball (40 ± 16 g), rock (36 ± 11 g) and screenings (35 ± 21 g) treatments, which were not significantly different. The effect of water depth did not lead to overall significant differences, as Carex aquatilis ramets were capable of growing in springtime water levels from 15 cm above to 15 cm below ground surface. Our data demonstrate that some flooded abandoned aggregate quarry floors represent suitable sites for conversion to calcareous wetlands, even with a strategy of minimum maintenance, and that wetland species are capable of growth in these largely inorganic settings.     

Linking clonal growth patterns and ecophysiology allows the prediction of meadow-scale dynamics of seagrass beds

Seagrasses are a group of 12 genera of monocotyledonous plants in four families that have successfully colonised shallow coastal seas, probably since the Cretaceous. Variations in light availability and water movement are prime environmental factors for the growth of these marine angiosperms. An overall similarity in growth form and modular clonal architecture allows the generalisation that small species have short-lived shoots with rapidly elongating rhizome axes, whilst the larger species have longer-lived shoots that do not expand rapidly with rhizomes. Annual rhizome elongation rates range between 2 cm and 4 m among species. This range in expansion capacity is correlated with rhizome diameter in an allometric fashion (y=191x^?1.5, r²=0.58, p<0.05). Rhizomes with a wider diameter also allow the storage of larger quantities of reserve carbohydrates to be mobilized during the adverse winter season at higher latitudes or for flowering. Repeated branching and the basal positioning of the meristems allow the formation and maintenance of seagrass meadows, and these are a prominent feature creating spatial heterogeneity on the sea floor down to a mean colonisation depth of 15.1±1.3 m (median 8 m, range 0.7–90 m, n=150). Spatial complexity is highest in multi-species seagrass beds, such as those of the Indo-Pacific region and Australia. Seagrass beds function as important coastal filters for nutrients and pollutants and display high carbon sequestration rates. Due to the recalcitrant nature of seagrass detritus, it forms a disproportionally high contribution (12%, but only 1% of productivity) to the carbon stored in ocean sediments. The services provided by these ecosystems to human society range from water quality improvement via nursery and feeding grounds for economically important fish to storm buffering and recreative amenity.     

Factors influencing the return of submerged plants to a clear-water,shallow temperate lake

Lack of submerged vegetation was studied in a small, shallow, alkaline, clear-water lake with high nitrate concentration (mean 9 mg NO₃–N L⁻¹) and profuse filamentous green algae (FGA) (mainly Spirogyra sp.). A laboratory microcosm and two lake enclosure experiments were carried out using Elodea nuttallii (Planchon) St John. E. nuttallii grew about 1.7 times as well in sediment from its place of origin compared with sediment from the lake. Differential water quality had no effect, and neither sediment nor water prevented growth in the lake. Nutrient addition reduced plant growth by more than 55% because of shading from epiphytic filamentous green algae (shoot dry weight versus epiphytic algal dry weight, r = −0.491, P < 0.05). Transplanted Elodea plants grew better in enclosures in the lake than in laboratory conditions with lake water and sediment (P < 0.001, t-test). Rare Elodea individuals in the lake indicate the presence of plant propagules in the lake sediment, but excessive growth of filamentous green algae (summer mean 3.2 g dry weight m⁻²) significantly hamperd plant growth (shoot length reduced from 29 ± S.E.M. 1 to 25 ± 1 cm) and bird herbivory significantly reduced survival (from 82 ± 7 to 40 ± 6%) and shoot growth (from 78 ± 6 to 18 ± 5 cm) and thus eliminates establishment of even modest plant beds. Fish disturbance and sediment stability were not important. Restoration of submerged plants may require reduction of nitrate input, control of filamentous green algae and protection from birds.     

Abundance and distribution of toxic Alexandrium tamarense resting cysts in the sediments of the Chukchi Sea and the eastern Bering Sea

Abundance and distribution of the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense species complex resting cyst were investigated in the eastern Bering Sea and the Chukchi Sea for the first time. Sediment samples (top 0–3 cm depth) were collected from the continental shelf of the eastern Bering Sea (17 stations) and the Chukchi Sea (13 stations) together with a long core sample (top 0–21 cm depth) from one station in the Chukchi Sea during 2009–2012. The cysts were enumerated using the primuline staining method. Species identification of the cysts was carried out with multiplex PCR assay and the plate morphology of vegetative cells germinated from cysts in the both areas. Alexandrium cysts were widely detected in the both areas, ranging from not detected (<1 cysts cm⁻³) to 835 cysts cm⁻³ wet sediment in the eastern Bering Sea and from not detected (<1 cysts cm⁻³) to 10,600 cysts cm⁻³ in the Chukchi Sea, and all isolated cysts were genetically and morphologically identified as the North American clade A. tamarense. Their cysts were mainly distributed in the shallow continental shelf where the water depth was less than 100 m in both areas. The cysts were detected from the deep layer (18–21 cm depth of sediment core) of the long core sample. The present study confirmed the abundant existence of A. tamarense with wide range of distribution in these areas. This fact suggests that A. tamarense vegetative cells have appeared in the water column in the both areas. Furthermore, these abundant cyst depositions indicate that this species originally distributed in the Arctic and subarctic regions and well adapted to the environments in the marginal ice zone.     

Leaf growth and population dynamics of intertidal Zostera japonica on the western coast of Korea

Leaf production and population dynamics of Zostera japonica were examined at three elevations of an intertidal transect in Seungbongdo Island on the western coast of Korea. Morphometrics, shoot density, biomass, leaf production, reproductive effort and environmental factors were monitored from October 2001 to October 2002. Z. japonica grew well in the lower intertidal zone from 0.2 to 1.0 m above mean chart datum. The upper station (St. 1) exhibited a finer sediment grain size and richer organic content than the middle (St. 2) and lower stations (St. 3). The size of shoots and leaves was significantly greater at St. 1 than at St. 3, whereas the rhizome internodes were longer at St. 3. Despite differences in morphological characteristics among three stations, seagrass biomass and shoot density were not significantly different among study sites. Shoot density, biomass, morphometrics and leaf productivity exhibited clear seasonal variations, which varied along with seasonal changes of water and air temperature. Leaf productivity measured by the clip and reharvest method was highest in September (4.3 g DW m⁻² d⁻¹) and lowest in February (0.2 g DW m⁻² d⁻¹). Reproductive shoots rapidly increased to maximum density along with the high water temperature in July to September. In the intertidal zone, Z. japonica exhibited faster vegetative growth on muddy sand than on sand, probably due to the difference in nutrient supply. The seasonal changes of water and air temperature were considered to play an important role in the seasonal leaf growth of Z. japonica.     

The seed bank in a subtropical freshwater marsh: implications for wetland restoration

Seed bank samples were collected from Huli Marsh, a subtropical shallow water mountainous marsh in Hunan Province, South China. Core samples were divided into upper and lower layers (each 5 cm in depth) and allowed to germinate in three water levels (0, 5 and 10 cm) over a 4-month period. A total of 51 species germinated and the mean density was 9211 ± 7188 seedlings m⁻². In the top 5 cm 41 species and 5747 ± 5111 seedlings m⁻² germinated, whereas 40 species and 3464 ± 3363 seedlings m⁻² did so from 5–10 cm. Germinated seedling density was significantly higher in the upper layer, largely due to differences in eight species. With increasing experimental water depth, less seedlings germinated: respectively, 9788 ± 7157 m⁻², 2050 ± 2412 m⁻² and 1978 ± 2616 m⁻², of 44, 21 and 19 species, submerged under 0, 5 or 10 cm. Seven species could emerge only in 0 water level. Vallisneria natans occurred only in 5 cm water, whereas Ottelia alismoides occurred in 10 cm water. In the vegetation survey of the marsh, 25 species were recorded, which was less than half of the species recorded in the seed bank. The top 10 dominants in the standing vegetation, accounting for 89% of vegetation abundance, represented only 10% in the seed bank. Twenty germinated species that also occurred in the standing vegetation accounted for 56% of the total seed bank. Our observed number of species germinating from a Chinese wetland seed bank is within the range observed elsewhere in the northern hemisphere (15–113 species).     

Abundance and biomass of planktonic ciliates in the sea area around Zhangzi Island,Northern Yellow Sea

We investigated the abundance and biomass of planktonic ciliates in the sea area around Zhangzi Island, Northern Yellow Sea, from July 2009 to June 2010. Ciliates were sampled monthly from surface to bottom with a 10 m depth interval at 13 sample stations along three transects. A 1 L sample of water from each depth was collected with a 2.5 L Niskin water sampler and fixed in 1% acid Lugol’s iodine solution. Water samples were pre-concentrated using the Utermöhl method and observed using an Olympus IX51 inverted microscope at 100× or 200x. The dimensions of the ciliates were measured and the cell volume of each species was estimated using appropriate geometric shapes. The carbon:volume ratio used to calculate biomass was 0.19 pg C/μm³. Abundance and biomass of the ciliate in water column were calculated as the integral of the abundance and biomass from bottom to surface, respectively. The classification of tintinnids was based on taxonomic literature. The average abundance of non-loricate ciliates was 3066 ± 2805 ind/L, ranging from 165 ind/L (50 m depth of St. B6 in July) to 26,595 ind/L (surface of St. C1 in September). The average biomass of non-loricate ciliates was 2.88 ± 2.68 μg C/L, ranging from 0.05 μg C/L (10 m depth of St. A6 in July) to 20.51 μg C/L (surface of St. A5 in August). The average tintinnid abundance was 142 ± 273 ind/L, ranging from 0 ind/L (monthly) to 2756 ind/L (surface of St. A1 in July). The average tintinnid biomass was 0.84 ± 2.19 μg C/L, ranging from 0.00 μg C/L (every month) to 37.64 μg C/L (20 m depth of St. C5 in July). The results showed that the average abundance of total ciliates was 3208 ± 2828 ind/L, ranging from 166 ind/L (10 m depth of St. A6 in July) to 26,625 ind/L (surface of St. C1 in September); the average biomass of total ciliates was 3.73 ± 3.55 μg C/L, ranging from 0.05 μg C/L (10 m depth of St. A6 in July) to 38.29 μg C/L (20 m depth of St. C5 in July). Abundance and biomass were vertically homogeneous in February, November and December, but decreased dramatically from the surface down to the bottom in other months. 23 tintinnid species were identified, 12 of which were in genus Tintinnopsis. Tintinnid species were more abundant in February, July and August. Tintinnids occupied 6.6 ± 10.2% and 19.7 ± 23.3% of the total ciliate abundance and biomass, respectively, which increased during the warm season and at coastal stations, and decreased during the cold season and at offshore stations. Large non-loricate ciliate species were prevalent in spring, while smaller species dominated in summer and autumn. The average abundance of total ciliates in water column was 132 ± 72 × 10⁶ ind/m², with increases during spring and autumn. The average biomass of total ciliates in water column was 152.57 ± 93.10 mg C/m², with increases during spring and summer. The average abundance and biomass of total ciliates in water column were greater at offshore stations than at coastal stations during spring and autumn, and were lower during summer and winter. Non-loricate ciliates, tintinnids and total ciliates showed significant positive correlation with temperature and significant negative correlation with salinity (p < 0.01). Non-loricate ciliates and total ciliates showed significant positive correlation with Chl a concentration (p < 0.01); however, relationship between Chl a concentration and tintinnids was not significant.     

Factors controlling macrophyte distribution in large shallow Lake Võrtsjärv

We investigated the dependence of macrophyte parameters (distribution depth, width of the reed belt, density and length of shoots) on a number of abiotic factors (wind patterns, nutrient loading, slope of the littoral, granulometric sediment composition) in a large, shallow, and eutrophic Lake Võrtsjärv (270 km², average depth 2.8 m) in Estonia in 1997. The macrophytes colonized 19% of the lake area, whilst 95% was potentially suitable by depth. The most affected were the floating-leaved plants that colonized the smallest percentage (6%) of areas suitable for them with regard to depth. Factor analysis revealed a strong polarisation of the lake's vegetation both in west–east and north–south direction caused by (1) dominating westerly and south-westerly winds, (2) the shape of the lake narrowing down from north to south, and (3) concentration of bigger inflows at the west and south shores of the lake. The eutrophication process caused the disappearance of several species, on one hand, and the extension of the distribution areas of other species, on the other hand. Myriophyllum spicatum L. has become the dominating species among the submerged plants, replacing the earlier dominant, Potamogeton perfoliatus L.     

Waterfowl grazing effects on submerged macrophytes in a shallow mediterranean lake

Waterfowl exclusion cages were set up in Sentiz Lake, an eutrophic shallow lake in León (NW of Spain) in order to determine the role of waterfowl herbivory on macrophyte biomass and species composition. Total macrophyte biomass was high during the study (250 g DW m⁻² in summer). The macrophyte community was mainly formed by Myriophyllum alterniflorum (95% cover), Ceratophyllum demersum (5%) and Potamogeton gramineus (<0.5%). High densities of co-occurring coots (Fulica atra; 24 ind/ha) and ducks (Anas penelope, A. strepera and A. platyrhynchos; 18 ind/ha) did not have a significant effect on macrophyte biomass in the lake. There were no statistical differences between total biomass inside and outside the exclosures, although plant biomass reached a higher value inside the cages than in the lake. Biomass species composition was significantly different inside and outside exclosures; C. demersum was more abundant in the cages than in the lake. P. gramineus, almost absent in the lake, became co-dominant with M. alterniflorum in some exclosures. The detailed study of M. alterniflorum flower buds in summer showed significant herbivory by coots. Flower bud abundance was lower in the lake (35% lower in June; 85% lower in July) than under waterfowl exclusion. The effect of waterfowl on macrophyte biomass in Mediterranean wetlands seems to be negligible as compared to effects identified in northern European lakes. Apart from an important role in dispersal, waterfowl in Mediterranean areas have a strong qualitative effect on the structure of plant communities by selecting most palatable species or their reproductive structures.     

Modelling competitive ability of Neotropical savanna grasses: Simulation of shading and drought impacts on biomass production

In this paper, we develop a technique to model the spatial distribution of shoots along vertical and horizontal dimensions of a plant community. We use it to simulate the growth of a tropical savanna near the city of Barinas, Venezuela, to explore the responses of the peak biomass of a plant community to a range of 10-50% reduction of rainfall. We selected three dominant grass species: Elyonurus adustus, Leptocoryphium lanatum, and Andropogon semiberbis in a 4 × 7 m study plot. We estimate parameters values from data measured in the field. The number of shoots for each plant is obtained according to soil water availability and distributed vertically by 10 cm levels using a transition matrix. Convolution allows calculation of leaf area index for each cell and vertical level, which is then used to calculate light attenuation and thus the proportion of shaded shoots in each cell and level. With this information, maximum evapotranspiration is determined to calculate soil moisture using daily rain time series. Biomass is calculated for all species based on shoot biomass measured in the field and fire is simulated by removing a fraction of the shoots segments of all species. Modeled biomass fits reasonably well to field data.The model predicts significant differences in the response of each species to drought. A. semiberbis was the most drought resistant of the three species, whereas L. lanatum was the least, and E. adustus was intermediate, in agreement with observations in the literature. Our model suggests that drought resistance increases with the biomass/transpiration ratio for the species considered.     

Chara hispida beds as a sink of nitrogen: Evidence from growth,nitrogen uptake and decomposition

Chara hispida forms dense beds (0.78–0.95 kg DW m⁻²) in Colgada Lake. The ability of Chara meadows to act as a nitrogen source or sink was evaluated by the following methods: (1) investigating Chara growth, (2) nitrogen incorporation and decomposition laboratory experiments and (3) relating experimental results to field conditions. Sediment oospores were germinated in large aquaria and observed growth rates were 0.001 m day⁻¹ (shoot length) and 0.0002 g day⁻¹ (dry weight). Nitrogen uptake rates were determined by addition of K¹⁵NO₃ during two different periods of Chara growth and the rates were 1.21 and 3.86 μM g DW⁻¹ h⁻¹ when charophytes were 166 days old (not sexually mature) and 323 days old (sexually mature), respectively. After the uptake experiments, the same charophytes were allowed to decompose within two types of litter bags (3 mm-pore litter bags and entire, non-porous plastic litter bags). Decomposition rates of Ch. hispida were 0.016 and 0.009 day⁻¹ in perforated and non-perforated bags, respectively, and fit a negative exponential model. The nitrogen release rate, calculated as the disappearance of N content from Chara tissues, was 0.012 day⁻¹ and there were no statistically significant differences between the values from the two different bag types. The dissolved organic nitrogen concentrations in aquarium and non-perforated litter bags waters increased linearly with time due to the leaching of soluble compounds from Chara. The rate of N loss from Chara tissues, total nitrogen and dissolved organic nitrogen release rates and the decrease in initial dry weight rate were all lower than the daily rate of Chara N uptake. By extrapolating laboratory data to field situations, we determined that approximately 38% of the N taken up by charophytes in Colgada Lake during the growth period is retained. Given the high charophyte biomass in the lake, its ability to incorporate nitrogen, its low decomposition rate and its ability to over-winter, we conclude that Chara beds could be acting as nitrogen sinks in this ecosystem.     

Leaf growth and population dynamics of intertidal Zostera japonica on the western coast of Korea

Leaf production and population dynamics of Zostera japonica were examined at three elevations of an intertidal transect in Seungbongdo Island on the western coast of Korea. Morphometrics, shoot density, biomass, leaf production, reproductive effort and environmental factors were monitored from October 2001 to October 2002. Z. japonica grew well in the lower intertidal zone from 0.2 to 1.0 m above mean chart datum. The upper station (St. 1) exhibited a finer sediment grain size and richer organic content than the middle (St. 2) and lower stations (St. 3). The size of shoots and leaves was significantly greater at St. 1 than at St. 3, whereas the rhizome internodes were longer at St. 3. Despite differences in morphological characteristics among three stations, seagrass biomass and shoot density were not significantly different among study sites. Shoot density, biomass, morphometrics and leaf productivity exhibited clear seasonal variations, which varied along with seasonal changes of water and air temperature. Leaf productivity measured by the clip and reharvest method was highest in September (4.3 g DW m⁻² d⁻¹) and lowest in February (0.2 g DW m⁻² d⁻¹). Reproductive shoots rapidly increased to maximum density along with the high water temperature in July to September. In the intertidal zone, Z. japonica exhibited faster vegetative growth on muddy sand than on sand, probably due to the difference in nutrient supply. The seasonal changes of water and air temperature were considered to play an important role in the seasonal leaf growth of Z. japonica.     

Treatment of high-strength wastewater in tropical vertical flow constructed wetlands planted with Typha angustifolia and Cyperus involucratus

The ability of vertical flow (VF) constructed wetland systems to treat high-strength (ca. 300 mg L^?1 of COD and ca. 300 mg L^?1 total-nitrogen) wastewater under tropical climatic conditions was studied during a 5-month period. Nine 0.8-m diameter experimental VF units (depth 0.6 m) were used: three units were planted with Typha angustifolia L., another three units were planted with Cyperus involucratus Rottb and three units were unplanted. Each set of units were operated at hydraulic loading rates (HLRs) of 20, 50 and 80 mm d^?1. Cyperus produced more shoots and biomass than the Typha, which was probably stressed because of lack of water. The high evapotranspirative water loss from the Cyperus systems resulted in higher effluent concentrations of COD and total-P, but the mass removal of COD did not differ significantly between planted and unplanted systems. Average mass removal rates of COD, TKN and total-P at a HLR of 80 mm d^?1 were 17.8, 15.4 and 0.69 g m^?2 d^?1. The first-order removal rate constants at a HLR of 80 mm d^?1 for COD, TKN and total-P were 49.8, 30.1 and 13.5 m year^?1, respectively, which is in the higher range of k-values reported in the literature. The oxygen transfer rates were ca. 80 g m^?2 d^?1 in the planted systems as opposed to ca. 60 g m^?2 d^?1 in the unplanted systems. The number of Nitrosomonas was two to three orders of magnitude higher in the planted systems compared to the unplanted systems. Planted systems thus had significantly higher removal rates of nitrogen and phosphorus, higher oxygen transfer rates, and higher quantities of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria. None of the systems did, however, fully nitrify the wastewater, even at low loading rates. The vertical filters did not provide sufficient contact time between the wastewater and the biofilm on the gravel medium of the filters probably because of the shallow bed depth (0.6 m) and the coarse texture of the gravel. It is concluded that vertical flow constructed wetland systems have a high capacity to treat high-strength wastewater in tropical climates. The gravel and sand matrix of the vertical filter must, however, be designed in a way so that the pulse-loaded wastewater can pass through the filter medium at a speed that will allow the water to drain before the next dose arrives whilst at the same time holding the water back long enough to allow sufficient contact with the biofilm on the filter medium.     

Seasonal changes of mechanisms maintaining clear water in a shallow lake with abundant Chara vegetation

The study is based on monitoring data on the seasonal variation during four (1996–1999) vegetation periods, as well as long-term summer data on submerged vegetation, nutrients, light, phytoplankton and zooplankton in Lake Krankesjön, a shallow, calcium-rich, moderately eutrophic lake in southern Sweden.The lake has been in the clear water state with abundant submerged vegetation since the end of the 1980s. Somewhat lower summer biomass of submerged macrophytes during 1997 and 1999 indicates a temporary instability of the clear water state. During these 2 years, summer transparency was about 1.2–2.1 m, while concentrations of total phosphorus and chlorophyll (Chl) a were about 26–40 and 8–18 μg l⁻¹, respectively.Summer biomass of submerged macrophytes was higher during 1996 and 1998. In both years, a distinct increase in light availability and decrease in concentrations of nutrients and chlorophyll occurred simultaneously with the development of dense Chara vegetation. Summer values for transparency were about 2.0–2.5 m, while concentrations of total phosphorus and Chl a were about 20–32 and 4–11 μg l⁻¹, respectively.Summer biomass of crustacean zooplankton was below 250 μg l⁻¹ during all 4 years. A peak abundance of Cladocera (mainly Bosmina longirostris) during May or June caused only a short-term reduction in chlorophyll concentrations that was more pronounced in 1997 than in 1996.Measured light attenuation during 1999 was closely correlated with light attenuation calculated from the amount of suspended solids, chlorophyll concentrations, and water colour. Detritus contributed most to the total amount of suspended solids, while chlorophyll was the main contributor to light attenuation.A long-term decrease of the ratios between chlorophyll and total phosphorus suggests that phytoplankton in the clear water state is limited by factors other than total phosphorus concentrations. Increased sedimentation rate, carbon limitation, allelopathy and a lower bioavailable fraction of the total amount of phosphorus are possible explanations, while nitrogen limitation and grazing from zooplankton probably are of minor importance.Possible reasons for the “instability” of the clear water state during 1997 and 1999 are discussed. Unusually high water level as well as cold and windy weather during the spring of 1996–1999 may have caused a slow and late growth of the plants and thus a temporary instability. However, a tendency for an increase in total phosphorus concentrations and sediment accumulation along the wind-protected shores during the clear water state indicate the possibility of a long-term destabilization which contradicts the alternative stable states model.     

The past and future of phytoplankton in the UK's largest lake,Lough Neagh

Lough Neagh is the largest lake in the UK and has been extensively monitored since 1974. It has suffered from considerable eutrophication and toxic algal blooms. The lake continues to endure many of the symptoms of nutrient enrichment despite improvements in nutrient management throughout the catchment, in particular a permanently dominant crop of the cyanobacterium Planktothrix agardhii. This study examines the historical changes in the Lough, and uses the PROTECH lake model to predict how the phytoplankton community may adapt in response to potential future changes in air temperature and nutrient load. PROTECH was calibrated against 2008 observations, with a restriction on the maximum simulated mixed depth to reflect the shallow nature of the lake and the addition of sediment released phosphorus throughout the mixed water column between 1 May and 1 October (with an equivalent in-lake concentration of 2.0 mg m⁻³). The historical analysis showed that phytoplankton biomass (total chlorophyll a) experienced a steady decline since the mid-1990s. During the same period the key nutrients for phytoplankton growth in the lake have shown contrasting trends, with increases in phosphorus concentrations and declines in nitrate concentrations. The modelled future scenarios which simulated a temperature increase of up to 3 °C showed a continuation of those trends, i.e. total chlorophyll a and nitrate concentrations declined in the surface water, while phosphorus concentrations increased and P. agardhii dominated. However, scenarios which simulated a 4 °C increase in air temperature showed a switch in dominance to the cyanobacteria, Dolichospermum spp. (formerly Anabaena spp.). This change was caused by a temperature related increase in growth driving nutrient consumption to a point where nitrate was limiting, allowing the nitrogen-fixing Dolichospermum spp. to gain sufficient advantage. These results suggest that in the long term, one nuisance cyanobacteria bloom may only be replaced by another unless the in-lake phosphorus concentration can be greatly reduced.     

Trace amounts of nickel in belowground rhizomes of Vaccinium myrtillus L. decrease anthocyanin concentrations in aerial shoots without water stress

Nickel (Ni) may impair plant water balance through detrimental effects on the belowground level. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) plants were grown in a mesic heath forest-type soil and subjected to Ni sulphate (NiSO₄·6H₂O) concentrations of 0, 10, 50, 100 and 500 mg m⁻² during an entire growing season in northern Finland (65°N). Biomass of belowground rhizomes, and tissue water content (TWC) and anthocyanin concentrations of aerial shoots were determined from mature plants in order to study rhizospheric Ni stress, and its possible long-distance effects on aerial shoots. As the major proportion of biomass of bilberry is invested in belowground parts, it was hypothesised that Ni-induced rhizospheric disturbance causes water stress in aerial shoots and increases their anthocyanin concentrations for osmotic regulation. Uptake of Ni from the soil to the rhizome and aerial shoots was measured with X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Ni concentrations in the soil and rhizome exhibited a dose–response relationship, but the concentrations in the rhizome were about 10-fold lower (<3 mg Ni kg⁻¹) than those in the soil (<30 mg Ni kg⁻¹). Translocation of Ni from the rhizome to aerial shoots did not occur, as Ni concentrations in shoots remained at 1 mg Ni kg⁻¹. Although Ni concentrations in the rhizome were below the threshold values of Ni toxicity (i.e. 10–50 mg Ni kg⁻¹), Ni decreased the rhizome biomass. Anthocyanins decreased in aerial shoots along with the Ni accumulation in the rhizome, while TWC was unaffected. The result suggests that anthocyanins are not involved in osmotic regulation under Ni stress, since anthocyanins in aerial shoots responded to the Ni concentrations in the rhizome despite the lack of water stress.     

Environmental driving factors affecting plant biomass in natural grassland in the Loess Plateau,China

Plant biomass is a key parameter for estimating terrestrial ecosystem carbon (C) stocks, which varies greatly as a result of specific environmental conditions. Here, we tested environmental driving factors affecting plant biomass in natural grassland in the Loess Plateau, China. We found that above-ground biomass (AGB) and below-ground biomass (BGB) had a similar change trend in the order of Stipa bungeana > Leymus secalinus > Artemisia sacrorum > Artemisia scoparia, whereas shoot ratio (R/S) displayed an opposite change trend. There was a significantly positive linear relationship between the AGB and BGB, regardless of plant species (p < 0.05). Furthermore, more than 50% of the AGB were found in 20–50 cm of plant height in Compositae plants (A. sacrorum, A. scoparia), whereas over 60% of the AGB were found in 20–80 cm of plant height in Gramineae plants (S. bungeana, L. secalinus). For each plant species, more than 75% of the BGB was distributed in 0–10 cm soil depth, and 20% was distributed in 10–20 cm soil depth, while less than 5% was distributed in 20–40 cm soil depth. Further, AGB and BGB were highly affected by environmental driving factors (soil properties, plant traits, topographic properties), which were identified by the structural equation model (SEM) and the generalized additive models (GAMs). In addition, AGB was directly affected by plant traits, and BGB was directly affected by soil properties, and soil properties associated with plant traits that affected AGB and BGB through interactive effects were 9.12% and 3.59%, respectively. However, topographic properties had a weak influence on ABG and BGB (as revealed by the lowest total pathway effect). Besides, soil organic carbon (SOC), soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and plant height had a higher relative contribution to AGB and BGB. Our results indicate that environmental driving factors affect plant biomass in natural grassland in the Loess Plateau.