Holocene vegetation history of the Sahel: pollen, sedimentological and geochemical data from Jikariya Lake, north-eastern Nigeria

Aim This study aims to separate regional and local controls on Holocene vegetation development and examine how well pollen records reflect climate change in a semi‐arid region. The relative importance of climate and human activity as agents of vegetation change in the Sahel during the late Holocene is also considered. Location Jikariya Lake, an inter‐dune depression in the Manga Grasslands of north‐eastern Nigeria. Methods Pollen and charcoal were used to provide a record of Holocene vegetation history. Palaeoclimate and hydrological changes were reconstructed from sedimentary and geochemical data. Regional and local influences were separated by comparing the evidence obtained from Jikariya Lake with previously published data from the Manga Grasslands. Results The Manga Grasslands experienced a prolonged wet period during the early and mid‐Holocene, during which swamp forest vegetation with Guinean affinities (Alchornea, Syzygium, Uapaca) occupied the inter‐dune depressions. However, variation in the pollen records between sites suggests that their establishment was dependent on conditions being locally favourable, rather than being directly coupled to regional climate. The pollen records from the Manga Grasslands are more consistent in suggesting the colonization of the dunefields by trees associated with Sudanian savanna (Combretaceae, Detarium) c. 8700 cal. yr bp . The Jikariya Lake pollen data are in accordance with the sedimentological and geochemical data from the region in indicating that the onset of arid conditions occurred progressively during the late Holocene (from c. 4700 cal. yr bp ). Abrupt changes in pollen stratigraphy, recorded at other Manga Grasslands sites 3500 cal. yr bp , appear to be the product of the local passing of ecological thresholds. The dunefield vegetation (Sahelian savanna) appears to have been resilient to (or at least palynologically silent regarding) to the climatic variability of the late Holocene. Main conclusions While climate appears to have been the primary control on vegetation development in the Manga Grasslands during the Holocene, local conditions (particularly depression size and sand influx) had a strong influence on the timing of pollen stratigraphic changes. Anthropogenic influences are difficult to detect, even during the late Holocene.     

Development of a RIVPACS-type predictive model for bioassessment of wadeable streams in Wyoming

RIVPACS models produce a community-level measure of biological condition known as O/E, which is derived from a comparison of the observed (O) biota with those expected (E) to occur in the absence of anthropogenic stress. We used benthic macroinvertebrate and environmental data collected at 925 stream monitoring stations, from 1993 to 2001, to develop, validate, and apply a RIVPACS model to assess the biological condition of wadeable streams in Wyoming. From this dataset, 296 samples were identified as reference, 157 of which were used to calibrate the model, 46 to validate it, and 93 to examine temporal variability in reference site O/E-values. We used cluster analyses to group the model development reference sites into biologically similar classes of streams and multiple discriminant function analysis to determine which environmental variables best discriminated among reference groups. A suite of 14 categorical and continuous environmental variables best discriminated among 15 reference groups and explained a large proportion of the natural variability in biota within the reference dataset. Eleven of the predictor variables were derived from GIS. As expected, mean O/E-values for reference sites used in model development and validation were near unity and statistically similar. Temporal variability in O/E-values for reference sites was low. Test site values ranged from 0 to 1.45 (mean = 0.73). The model was accurate in both space and time and precise enough (S.D. of O/E-values for calibration data = 0.17) to detect modest alteration in biota associated with anthropogenic stressors. Our model was comparable in performance to other RIVPACS models developed in the United States and can produce effective assessments of biological condition over a broad, ecologically diverse region. We also provide convincing evidence that RIVPACS models can be developed primarily with GIS-based predictor variables. This framework not only simplifies the extraction of predictor variable information while potentially reducing expenditures of time and money in the collection of predictor variable information, but opens the door for development and/or application of RIVPACS models in regions where there is a paucity of local-scale, abiotic information.     

Sediment toxicity testing in two areas of concern of the Laurentian Great Lakes: Toronto (Ontario) and Toledo (Ohio) Harbours

The impact of elutriated sediment-associated contaminants from Toronto and Toledo Harbours on ultraplankton (5–20 µm) and microplankton/netplankton (> 20 µm) carbon assimilation rates was determined using Algal Fractionation Bioassays (AFBs). All of the Toronto elutriate caused significant inhibition of ultraplankton carbon assimilation. The Toronto Site 2 elutriate caused the greatest significant inhibition (38 percent, p < 0.001) with a 20 percent dose of standard elutriate. Similarly, all Toledo elutriates caused significant inhibition of ultraplankton productivity. Toledo Site 2 elutriate was the most toxic with the 20 percent elutriate dose (35 percent, p < 0.001).The treatment of elutriates with Chelex-100 resin was used to remove dissolved free metal ions which, in some samples, resulted in the recovery of ¹⁴C assimilation. This was attributed to the elimination of the toxic effects of dissolved metals removed by the Chelex treatment. Residual toxicity after the Chelex treatment was ascribed to the high PCB levels observed in the sediment samples taken from both harbours and possibly to other organic contaminants. Due to the extreme sensitivity of the technique, an EC25 is proposed as an early warning indicator for applied use by regulatory agencies. Our procedure has been included amongst a battery of tests recommended by the International Joint Commission for monitoring areas of concern in the Laurentian Great Lakes.     

Reproductive biology of the endemic goby, Lentipes concolor, from Makamaka'ole Stream, Maui and Waikolu Stream, Moloka'i

Constant pressure in Hawai'i to use limited freshwater resources has resulted in increasing concern for the future of the native stream fauna. Hawaiian freshwater gobies have an amphidromous life cycle with a marine larva period and require streams which flow continuously to the ocean for the critical reproductive periods and during recruitment. As such, the stream fauna is particularly sensitive to any anthropogenic perturbations which disrupt the continuity of stream flows. The objective of this 2-year study was to compare the life cycles of the goby, Lentipes concolor, from a heavily diverted stream on Moloka'i and a relatively undisturbed stream on Maui. In Makamaka'ole Stream, Maui, the population of L. concolor was reproductively active all year with females potentially spawning 2–3 times annually. The timing of spawning did not occur consistently during the wet or dry season but coincided with high stream flow conditions regardless of time-of-year. In Waikolu Stream, Moloka'i, the reproductive pattern was more variable with the number of reproductively active females ranging from 0% to 100%. In general the number of eggs was greater and egg size smaller for female L. concolor in Waikolu Stream than in Makamaka'ole Stream. However, female reproductive condition of L. concolor from Maui was consistently higher than from fish on Moloka'i. Reproduction of L. concolor in Makamaka'ole Stream was correlated with the seasonal pattern of flow rates with peaks in female reproductive condition associated with periods of elevated discharge. No correlation between reproduction and discharge occurred in Waikolu Stream. There were considerable differences between the magnitude of discharge in the two streams. Waikolu Stream experienced prolonged periods of extremely low flows which have become common since the Moloka'i Irrigation System began diverting water from the stream in 1960. In Makamaka'ole Stream, L. concolor was capable of reproducing throughout the year and adjusting fecundity in response to stream flow conditions. In contrast, the population in Waikolu Stream appeared to have a ‘boom or bust’ reproductive pattern; the population had reduced or no reproduction when stream flow conditions reached extreme low levels, but the population succesfully reproduced during higher flow months. The diversion structure in Waikolu Stream has dampened the natural seasonal discharge cycle, exacerbated natural low flow conditions, and increased the likelihood of prolonged periods of extremely low flow. Stream management practices in the Hawaiian Islands must take into account the complex life cycles and sensitivity to variable stream flow conditions of the native fauna. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Biotic index for sediment quality assessment of watercourses in Flanders, Belgium

Today, assessment of freshwater sediments in Flanders is based on the TRIAD approach in which physical-chemical, biological and ecotoxicological data are combined. No prior experience existing in Flanders with the biological assessment of the sediment quality, several biotic indices were compared on a first set of 80 samples taken in different types of lowland watercourses. This information resulted in a first selection of suitable indices consisting of a newly created Biotic Sediment Index (BSI) and the Percentage Mentum Deformities in Chironomus (Diptera, Chironomidae larvae). The starting point of the BSI was the Belgian Biotic Index (BBI) based on a combination of the taxa diversity and the presence or absence of specific indicator groups. For the refinement of the BSI, a new set of data related to the benthic macroinvertebrate communities sampled by means of a grab in more than 400 sites was collected. Community analysis by means of multivariate techniques, combining biological information with physical-chemical and ecotoxicological data was the basis for this further refinement and the scientific foundation of the original BSI. Major amendments relate to the scores assigned to the indicator groups. This refined BSI is representative for the degree of pollution, unbiased by the type of sediment and the origin of the river basin. Like the BBI, the BSI scores can vary between 10 (excellent sediment quality) and 0 (very bad sediment quality). The index values can be converted into 4 quality classes to be represented by means of a colour code.     

Trophic flexibility and opportunism in pike Esox lucius

The first comprehensive investigation of pike Esox lucius trophic ecology in a region (Ireland) where they have long been thought to be a non‐native species is presented. Diet was investigated across habitat types (lake, river and canal) through the combined methods of stable‐isotope and stomach content analyses. Variations in niche size, specialization and the timing of the ontogenetic dietary switch were examined, revealing pronounced opportunism and feeding plasticity in E. lucius, along with a high occurrence of invertivory (up to 60 cm fork length, L_F) and a concomitant delayed switch to piscivory. Furthermore, E. lucius were found to primarily prey upon the highly available non‐native roach Rutilus rutilus, which may alleviate predation pressure on brown trout Salmo trutta, highlighting the complexity of dynamic systems and the essential role of research in informing effective management.     

吉林省东部粳稻生长和产量对移栽期和温度变化的反应

以中晚熟水稻品种"吉粳811"为研究对象,于2013年和2014年在延吉市进行分期播种/移栽试验,分析了吉林省东部地区一季粳稻生长速度和产量对移栽期及温度变化的响应规律,确定该品种在研究地区的适宜播种期和移栽期,以减免低温冷害的影响。结果表明:播期/移栽期的推迟提升了生长季平均气温,水稻生长发育进程加快,有效生育期缩短,主要生长季内平均气温每升高1℃,水稻生长速率提升19%,生育期缩短5 d左右;吉林省东部地区水稻的适宜移栽温度为日均气温13.0℃,移栽过早或偏晚均导致减产;中晚熟品种水稻在4月18日前后播种、5月26日前后移栽可保证在霜前成熟,且产量高;中晚熟品种水稻移栽至成熟适宜活动积温为2280℃·d左右,活动积温每减少100℃·d,水稻产量下降1095 kg·hm~(-2)(约减产13%);积温不足导致水稻冷害发生,因而减产。     

Temporal and spatial variability in nearshore bacterioplankton communities of Lake Michigan

The spatial and temporal variability of bacterial communities were determined for the nearshore waters of Lake Michigan, an oligotrophic freshwater inland sea. A freshwater estuary and nearshore sites were compared six times during 2006 using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Bacterial composition clustered by individual site and date rather than by depth. Seven 16S rRNA gene clone libraries were constructed, yielding 2717 bacterial sequences. Spatial variability was detected among the DGGE banding patterns and supported by clone library composition. The clone libraries from deep waters and the estuary environment revealed highest overall bacterial diversity. Betaproteobacteria sequence types were the most dominant taxa, comprising 40.2–67.7% of the clone libraries. BAL 47 was the most abundant freshwater cluster of Betaproteobacteria , indicating widespread distribution of this cluster in the nearshore waters of Lake Michigan. Incertae sedis 5 and Oxalobacteraceae sequence types were prevalent in each clone library, displaying more diversity than previously described in other freshwater environments. Among the Oxalobacteraceae sequences, a globally distributed freshwater cluster was determined. The nearshore waters of Lake Michigan are a dynamic environment that experience forces similar to the coastal ocean environment and share common bacterial diversity with other freshwater habitats.     

Effect of Silt, Water and Periphyton Quality on Survival and Growth of the Mayfly Heptagenia Sulphurea

The herbivorous mayfly Heptagenia sulphurea is characteristic of rivers with stony bottoms. Records from the 20th century showed that this species had disappeared from the Common Meuse in the Netherlands, probably due to river regulation or changes in water quality. A field survey in 2003 showed that H. sulphurea was present in the Geul tributary, approximately 300 m upstream of its confluence with the Common Meuse. H. sulphurea has not recolonized the Common Meuse despite improvements in water quality over the last decades. Concentration of suspended sediments in the River Meuse, however, is still high, much higher than in the beginning of the 20th century. The presence of a silt layer may limit the return of H. sulphurea in this river by reducing availability and quality of its food. The prime objective of this study was to investigate the impact of silt on survival and growth of H. sulphurea in a laboratory experiment. Furthermore, the impact of water and periphyton quality from the Common Meuse on survival and growth of this mayfly was also investigated. Results showed that neither water quality nor cultured periphyton from the Common Meuse reduced survival and growth of H. sulphurea. The presence of a silt layer resulted in a significantly lower growth rate of the mayfly larvae. It is concluded that the silt layer reduces the accessibility of the food. Covering of food is possibly one of the main factors limiting the recolonization of H. sulphurea and probably other benthic grazers in the Common Meuse.