Geology Reports⌕ Search

SEARCH · Geology Reports

Results for “The Conversation”

Search indexed USGS publications on groundwater, aquifers, geologic maps, mineral resources and earthquakes. Explore source records by subject and place.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 739 records · Page 41Linked to original sources
USGS2004

EXAFS study of mercury(II) sorption to Fe- and Al-(hydr)oxides: I. Effects of pH

The study of mercury sorption products in model systems using appropriate in situ molecular-scale probes can provide detailed information on the modes of sorption at mineral/water interfaces. Such studies are essential for assessing the influence of sorption processes on the transport of Hg in contaminated natural systems. Macroscopic uptake of Hg(II) on goethite (??-FeOOH), ??-alumina (??-Al2O3), and bayerite (??-Al(OH)3) as a function of pH has been combined with Hg L III-edge EXAFS spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, and bond valence analysis of possible sorption products to provide this type of information. Macroscopic uptake measurements show that Hg(II) sorbs strongly to fine-grained powders of synthetic goethite (Hg sorption density ??=0.39-0.42 ??mol/m2) and bayerite (??=0.39-0.44 ??mol/m2), while sorbing more weakly to ??-alumina (??=0.04-0.13 ??mol/m 2). EXAFS spectroscopy on the sorption samples shows that the dominant mode of Hg sorption on these phases is as monodentate and bidentate inner-sphere complexes. The mode of Hg(II) sorption to goethite was similar over the pH range 4.3-7.4, as were those of Hg(II) sorption to bayerite over the pH range 5.1-7.9. Conversion of the ??-Al2O3 sorbent to a bayerite-like phase in addition to the apparent reduction of Hg(II) to Hg(I), possibly by photoreduction during EXAFS data collection, resulted in enhanced Hg uptake from pH 5.2-7.8 and changes in the modes of sorption that correlate with the formation of the bayerite-like phase. Bond valence calculations are consistent with the sorption modes proposed from EXAFS analysis. EXAFS analysis of Hg(II) sorption products on a natural Fe oxyhydroxide precipitate and Al/Si-bearing flocculent material showed sorption products and modes of surface attachment similar to those for the model substrates, indicating that the model substrates are useful surrogates for the natural sediments. ?? 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science↗
USGS2001

Processes regulating watershed chemical export during snowmelt, fraser experimental forest, Colorado

In the Central Rocky Mountains, snowfall dominates precipitation. Airborne contaminants retained in the snowpack can affect high elevation surface water chemistry during snowmelt. At the Fraser Experimental Forest (FEF), located west of the Continental Divide in Central Colorado, snowmelt dominates the annual hydrograph, and accounts for >95% of annual stream water discharge. During the winters of 1989-1993, we measured precipitation inputs, snowpack water equivalent (SWE) and ion content, and stream water chemistry every 7-10 days along a 3150-3500 m elevation gradient in the subalpine and alpine Lexen Creek watershed. The study objectives were to (1) quantify the distribution of SWE and snowpack chemical content with elevation and aspect, (2) quantify snowmelt rates, temperature of soil, snowpack, and air with elevation and aspect, and (3) use change in upstream-downstream water chemistry during snowmelt to better define alpine and subalpine flowpaths. The SWE increased with elevation (P < 0.001) and was greater on NE aspects (P < 0.05). Subalpine soils were unfrozen. Snowmelt occurred throughout winter at low elevation (3150 m), SE aspect stations. By snowpack peak water equivalent (PWE), the snowpack lost about a third (0.24 m) of its moisture. The subalpine snowpack had warm (> - 3??C) temperatures throughout winter which resulted in significant snowpack ion loss. By snowpack PWE in mid May, the snowpack had lost almost half the cumulative precipitation H+, NH4+, and SO42- inputs and a third of the NO3- input. Windborne soil particulate inputs late in winter increased snowpack base cation content. Variation in subalpine SWE and snowpack ion content with elevation and aspect, and wind redistribution of snowfall in the alpine resulted in large year-to-year differences in the timing and magnitude of SWE, PWE, and snowpack ion content. The alpine stream water ion concentrations changed little during snowmelt indicating meltwater passed quickly through surface porous soils and was well mixed before entering the stream. Conversely, subalpine stream water chemistry was diluted during snowmelt suggesting much melt water moved to the stream as shallow subsurface lateral flow. Published by Elsevier Science B.V.

Journal of Hydrology↗
USGS1999

Quaternary glacial and deglacial Ostracoda in the thermocline of the Little Bahama Bank (NW Atlantic): Palaeoceanographic implications

We determined faunal and oceanographic changes during the last glacial and deglacial in the Providence Channel, Little Bahama Bank (LBB), using modern ocean (from LBB, Florida-Hatteras Slope and Blake Plateau, western North Atlantic) and late Quaternary (LBB) distributions of the benthic ostracode genus Krithe from the mid-depth (300-1600 m) subtropical North Atlantic Ocean. Nine species of Krithe are limited in their bathymetric distribution by warm bottom water temperatures (or a temperature-related parameter) in the thermocline of the modern Atlantic. During the last glacial interval in the northwest Providence Channel of the Little Bahama Bank five species of Krithe (K. aequabilis, K. dolichodeira, K. gr. minima, K. reversa and K. trinidadensis) migrated upslope; conversely, during the deglaciation, most Krithe species migrated downslope, re-occupying their deeper niches. These vertical species migrations are attributed to decreased glacial bottom water temperatures and perhaps increased dissolved oxygen during the last glacial and warmer water temperatures during the deglacial. Based upon thermal values of recent depth ranges of selected species of Krithe, we estimate that glacial waters cooled about 4??C (shallower than 900 m) and about 2??C (deeper than 900 m) and deglacial waters warmed about the same values in shallow and mid-depth water masses, comparing to modern temperatures. The discovery of common Halocypris, a mesopelagic ostracode, in Little Bahama Bank glacial and deglacial sediments also suggests greater oxygenation relative to the late Holocene.

Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology↗
USGS1997

The effects of experimental starter diets with different levels of soybean or menhaden oil on red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus)

Red drum reared from captive-spawned eggs were used in a 2 × 4 factorial experiment comparing eight diets with soybean oil (SBO) or menhaden oil (MHO) added to a basal diet (about 3.4% lipid from practical ingredients) at 1.5, 5.2, 9.0, or 12.7%. Triplicate groups of 20 early juveniles (mean 0.4 g) were stocked in 1000 litre fiberglass tanks supplied with filtered estuarine water (17–26 °C, mean 22 °C; 15–35‰) and hand fed twice a day to apparent satiation for 56 days. The fish (range 0.3–9.4 g) appeared to utilize up to 1.5–5.2% dietary SBO (in 5.4–8.7% total lipid). With 0.67% EPA + DHA (eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids) in the basal diet, no EFA-deficiency signs were observed. Dietary MHO was utilized up to 12.7%, but fish fed diets with more than 1.5% SBO had lower growth rates and increased feed conversion ratios (especially with 9.0 and 12.7% SBO). Diets containing 1.5% SBO or MHO produced the leanest fish (70.5–71.6% protein, 13.0–13.1% lipid, of whole body). Diets containing 9.0 and 12.7% MHO produced the fattest fish (64.5–66.0% protein and 19.1–19.9% lipid). Percent liver lipid (wet) was highest for fish fed diets containing 5.2% SBO (41.4%), 9.0% MHO (36.5%), and 12.7% MHO (35.4%), and lowest with 1.5% MHO (24.0%). Considering the good survival, absence of disease, and excellent general health, this fatty liver condition did not appear to have short-term adverse effects. All fish in the study had fatty livers to some degree, and their liver histological features differed from those of wild fish. Liver lipid reserves might confer some survival advantage to fish released for stock enhancement if the reserves are used during their transition from cultured to wild status. However, if the hepatocyte changes we observed are not reversible, long-term detrimental effects on liver function are possible.

Aquaculture↗
USGS1997

Fungal life-styles and ecosystem dynamics: Biological aspects of plant pathogens, plant endophytes and saprophytes

This chapter discusses various biochemical, genetic, ecological, and evolutionary aspects of fungi that express either symbiotic or saprophytic life-styles. An enormous pool of potential pathogens exists in both agricultural and natural ecosystems, and virtually all plant species are susceptible to one or more fungal pathogens. Fungal pathogens have the potential to impact on the genetic structure of populations of individual plant species, the composition of plant communities and the process of plant succession. Endophytic fungi exist for at least part of their life cycles within the tissues of a plant host. This group of fungi is distinguished from plant pathogens because they do not elicit significant disease symptoms. However, endophytes do maintain the genetic and biochemical mechanisms required for infection and colonization of plant hosts. Fungi that obtain chemical nutrients from dead organic matter are known as saprophytes and are critical to the dynamics and resilience of ecosystems. There are two modes of saprophytic growth: one in which biomolecules that are amenable to transport across cell walls and membranes are directly absorbed, and another in which fungi must actively convert complex biopolymers into subunit forms amenable to transportation into cells. Regardless of life-style, fungi employ similar biochemical mechanisms for the acquisition and conversion of nutrients into complex biomolecules that are necessary for vegetative growth, production and dissemination of progeny, organismal competition, and survival during periods of nutrient deprivation or environmental inclemency.

Advances in Botanical Research↗
USGS1998

Importance of rearing-unit design and stocking density to the behavior, growth and metabolism of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush)

Juvenile lake trout ( Salvelinus namaycush ) were held at different stocking densities (48 and 96 kg m −3 ) in rearing-units of different design (rectangular plug-flow, circular and cylindrical cross-flow) and the effects on behavior, growth and metabolism were examined. Ambient light levels and current velocities were measured in each of three tank sectors (upstream, middle and downstream) to determine their relative contributions to fish behavior and distribution. Rearing-unit design affected orientation to current, contact with surfaces, agonistic responses, turn rates and avoidance of or contact with other fish. Stocking density primarily affected contact with tank surfaces, avoidance and contact with other fish. Fish in circular tanks distributed themselves uniformly, whereas those in plug-flow tanks crowded upstream and those in cross-flow tanks congregated downstream. Stocking density affected fish distribution most in cross-flow and least in circular tanks. Ambient light, current velocity and total in situ aggression modified fish distribution at low stocking density, but at high density the effects of current velocity and total aggression were undetectable. Growth and food conversion were best in plug-flow, followed by cross-flow and then circular tanks. Net ammonia excretion and oxygen consumption were highest in circular tanks and lowest in cross-flow (NH 3 ) or cross-flow and plug-flow (O 2 ) tanks. Ammonia production was correlated with stocking density, but oxygen consumption was unrelated to density. Results demonstrate the interrelatedness of abiotic and biotic factors in fish culture and the ability to control fish behavior, growth and metabolism through the alteration of several physical and biological variables in the rearing unit.

Aquacultural Engineering↗
USGS2002

Comparison of petroleum generation kinetics by isothermal hydrous and nonisothermal open-system pyrolysis

This study compares kinetic parameters determined by open-system pyrolysis and hydrous pyrolysis using aliquots of source rocks containing different kerogen types. Kinetic parameters derived from these two pyrolysis methods not only differ in the conditions employed and products generated, but also in the derivation of the kinetic parameters (i.e., isothermal linear regression and non-isothermal nonlinear regression). Results of this comparative study show that there is no correlation between kinetic parameters derived from hydrous pyrolysis and open-system pyrolysis. Hydrous-pyrolysis kinetic parameters determine narrow oil windows that occur over a wide range of temperatures and depths depending in part on the organic-sulfur content of the original kerogen. Conversely, open-system kinetic parameters determine broad oil windows that show no significant differences with kerogen types or their organic-sulfur contents. Comparisons of the kinetic parameters in a hypothetical thermal-burial history (2.5 ??C/my) show open-system kinetic parameters significantly underestimate the extent and timing of oil generation for Type-US kerogen and significantly overestimate the extent and timing of petroleum formation for Type-I kerogen compared to hydrous pyrolysis kinetic parameters. These hypothetical differences determined by the kinetic parameters are supported by natural thermal-burial histories for the Naokelekan source rock (Type-IIS kerogen) in the Zagros basin of Iraq and for the Green River Formation (Type-I kerogen) in the Uinta basin of Utah. Differences in extent and timing of oil generation determined by open-system pyrolysis and hydrous pyrolysis can be attributed to the former not adequately simulating natural oil generation conditions, products, and mechanisms.

Organic Geochemistry↗
USGS2001

Relations between coal petrology and gas content in the Upper Newlands Seam, Central Queensland, Australia

The Upper Newlands Seam in the northern Bowen Basin, Queensland Australia consists of six benches (A-F) that have different petrographic assemblages. Benches C and E contain relatively abundant inertodetrinite and mineral matter, as well as anomalously high reflectance values; these characteristics support a largely allochthonous, detrital origin for the C and E benches. Fractures and cleats in the seam show a consistent orientation of northeast-southwest for face cleats, and a wide range of orientations for fractures. Cleat systems are well developed in bright bands, with poor continuity in the dull coal. Both maceral content and cleat character are suggested to influence gas drainage in the upper Newlands Seam. A pronounced positive correlation between vitrinite abundance and gas desorption data suggests more efficient drainage from benches with abundant vitrinite. Conversely, inertinite-rich benches are suggested to have less efficient drainage, and possibly retain gas within pore spaces, which could increase the outburst potential of the coal. ?? 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

International Journal of Coal Geology↗
USGS2002

Coal quality controls of the Danville coal in Indiana (Illinois Basin, Central USA)

The Danville Coal Member (Dugger Formation, upper Desmoinesian, Pennsylvanian) is a significant economic coal resource in the Illinois Basin, central USA. Deposition of the Danville Coal (peat) was in coastal environments, varying distances from the coastline and, in turn, variable influences from saline waters. The purpose of this study is to examine the coal quality and petrography of the Danville Coal; and to discuss their relationship with depositional environment as it relates to the final coal product. A medium sulfur (1.0-1.5 wt.%) Danville Coal reserve area (northern Indiana coalfield) was compared to a low sulfur (<1.0 wt.%) Danville Coal (central Indiana coalfield) reserve area, the two being approximately 70 km apart. The medium sulfur coal resulted from the peat being deposited in a near-marine environment less protected from the influence of saline waters, whereas the low sulfur coal resulted from fine-grained, clay-dominated sediment protecting the peat from the direct influence of saline waters. Within both areas, the coal quality, coal composition, and trace element concentrations vary as a function of the proximity of the coal to the overlying Busseron Sandstone Member (Pennsylvanian). Where the Busseron Sandstone rests near or directly on the coal, the sulfur content is significantly higher in the top third of the seam. Conversely, where there is a thick section (>3 m) of finer-grained clastic sediments atop the Danville, the sulfur and trace elements contents are significantly lower. ?? 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

International Journal of Coal Geology↗
USGS2003

A procedure for quantitation of total oxidized uranium for bioremediation studies

A procedure was developed for the quantitation of complexed U(VI) during studies on U(VI) bioremediation. These studies typically involve conversion of soluble or complexed U(VI) (oxidized) to U(IV) (the reduced form which is much less soluble). Since U(VI) freely exchanges between material adsorbed to the solid phase and the dissolved phase, uranium bioremediation experiments require a mass balance of U in both its soluble and adsorbed forms as well as in the reduced sediment bound phase. We set out to optimize a procedure for extraction and quantitation of sediment bound U(VI). Various extractant volumes to sediment ratios were tested and it was found that between 1:1 to 8:1 ratios (v/w) there was a steady increase in U(VI) recovered, but no change with further increases in v/w ratio. Various strengths of NaHCO 3 , Na-EDTA, and Na-citrate were used to evaluate complexed U(VI) recovery, while the efficiency of a single versus repeated extraction steps was compared with synthesized uranyl-phosphate and uranyl-hydroxide. Total recovery with 1 M NaHCO 3 was 95.7% and 97.9% from uranyl-phosphate and uranyl-hydroxide, respectively, compared to 80.7% and 89.9% using 450 mM NaHCO 3 . Performing the procedure once yielded an efficiency of 81.1% and 92.3% for uranyl-phosphate and uranyl-hydroxide, respectively, as compared to three times. All other extractants yielded 7.9–82.0% in both experiments.

Journal of Microbiological Methods↗
USGS2002

The impact of buffer strips and stream-side grazing on small mammals in southwestern Wisconsin

The practice of continuously grazing cattle along streams has caused extensive degradation of riparian habitats. Buffer strips and managed intensive rotational grazing (MIRG) have been proposed to protect and restore stream ecosystems in Wisconsin. However, the ecological implications of a switch from traditional livestock management to MIRG or buffer strip establishment have not been investigated. Differences in small mammal communities associated with riparian areas on continuously grazed and MIRG pastures, as well as vegetative buffer strips adjacent to row crops, were investigated in southwestern Wisconsin during May-September 1997 and 1998. More species (mean of 6-7) were found on the buffer sites than on the pasture sites (mean of 2-5). Total small mammal abundance on buffer sites was greater than on the pastures as well: there were 3-5 times as many animals on the buffer sites compared to the pasture sites, depending on year. There were no differences in species richness or total abundance between MIRG and continuously grazed pastures in either year. Total small mammal abundance was greater near the stream than away from the stream, regardless of farm management practice but there were no differences in species richness. Buffer strips appear to support a particularly rich and abundant small mammal community. Although results did not detect a difference in small mammal use between pasture types, farm-wide implications of a conversion from continuous to MIRG styles of grazing may benefit small mammals indirectly by causing an increase in the prevalence of pasture in the agricultural landscape.

Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment↗
USGS2003

Partitioning of water flux in a Sierra Nevada ponderosa pine plantation

The weather patterns of the west side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains (cold, wet winters and hot, dry summers) strongly influence how water is partitioned between transpiration and evaporation and result in a specific strategy of water use by ponderosa pine trees (Pinus ponderosa) in this region. To investigate how year-round water fluxes were partitioned in a young ponderosa pine ecosystem in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, water fluxes were continually measured from June 2000 to May 2001 using a combination of sap flow and eddy covariance techniques (above- and below-canopy). Water fluxes were modeled at our study site using a biophysical model, FORFLUX. During summer and fall water fluxes were equally partitioned between transpiration and soil evaporation while transpiration dominated the water fluxes in winter and spring. The trees had high rates of canopy conductance and transpiration in the early morning and mid-late afternoon and a mid-day depression during the dry season. We used a diurnal centroid analysis to show that the timing of high canopy conductance and transpiration relative to high vapor pressure deficit (D) shifted with soil moisture: during periods of low soil moisture canopy conductance and transpiration peaked early in the day when D was low. Conversely, during periods of high soil moisture canopy conductance and transpiration peaked at the same time or later in the day than D. Our observations suggest a general strategy by the pine trees in which they maximize stomatal conductance, and therefore carbon fixation, throughout the day on warm sunny days with high soil moisture (i.e. warm periods in winter and late spring) and maximize stomatal conductance and carbon fixation in the morning through the dry periods. FORFLUX model estimates of evaporation and transpiration were close to measured/calculated values during the dry period, including the drought, but underestimated transpiration and overestimated evaporation during the wet period. ?? 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Agricultural and Forest Meteorology↗
USGS1998

The use of synthesized aqueous solutions for determining strontium sorption isotherms

The use of synthesized aqueous solutions for determining experimentally derived strontium sorption isotherms of sediment was investigated as part of a study accessing strontium chemical transport properties. Batch experimental techniques were used to determine strontium sorption isotherms using synthesized aqueous solutions designed to chemically represent water from a natural aquifer with respect to major ionic character and pH. A strontium sorption isotherm for a sediment derived using a synthesized aqueous solution was found to be most comparable to an isotherm derived using natural water when the synthesized aqueous solution contained similar concentrations of calcium and magnesium. However, it is difficult to match compositions exactly due to the effects of disequilibrium between the solution and the sediment. Strong linear relations between sorbed strontium and solution concentrations of calcium and magnesium confirm that these cations are important co-constituents in these synthesized aqueous solutions. Conversely, weak linear relations between sorbed strontium and solution concentrations of sodium and potassium indicate that these constituents do not affect sorption of strontium. The addition of silica to the synthesized aqueous solution does not appreciably affect the resulting strontium sorption isotherm.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology↗
USGS1999

Nearshore versus offshore copper loading in Lake Superior sediments: Implications for transport and cycling

A thorough understanding of the fate and transport of metals in Lake Superior is necessary in order to predict the ability of Lake Superior to recover from anthropogenic perturbations (copper mining). Sediment cores were collected from nearshore and offshore sites in Lake Superior and used to evaluate spatial and temporal variations in copper loading associated with mining-related activities. Although both settings have been strongly affected by anthropogenic releases of copper, copper concentrations in nearshore cores are significantly greater than those found in offshore cores, implying that nearshore copper loading is dominated by simple deposition and burial of sediment generated from mining activities. Temporal variations in copper profiles in sediments from nearshore environments closelymimic copper production rates. Conversely, copper loading histories derived from offshore sediments are not well correlated to production rates. The offshore sediment cores, when compared with analogous cores from Lakes Ontario and Michigan, show that the average, lake-wide intensity of copper loading in Lake Superior is comparable to the other two lakes, despite the fact that Lake Superior has received the largest total burden of anthropogenic copper. Cu/Zn ratios, used to evaluate the amount of copper loading derived from mining discharges, vary strongly in nearshore environments in response to loading. Cu/Zn ratios in offshore sediments are much less variable, implying that copper loading may be regulated by additional mechanisms (solution chemistry and/or biologic uptake). Study of trace metal partitioning within Lake Superior sediments indicates that the organic fraction of the sediment contains the majority of the copper. Copper concentrations in offshore sediments are significantly correlated to organic carbon content of the sediment whereas copper concentrations in nearshore sediments are not. These findings support the model that transport and deposition of particles released from mining discharges dominate copper loading in nearshore sediments, whereas biologic uptake and settling of particulate organic matter may regulate copper loading in offshore sediments.

Journal of Great Lakes Research↗
USGS2002

A pitfall in shallow shear-wave refraction surveying

The shallow shear-wave refraction method works successfully in an area with a series of horizontal layers. However, complex near-surface geology may not fit into the assumption of a series of horizontal layers. That a plane SH-wave undergoes wave-type conversion along an interface in an area of nonhorizontal layers is theoretically inevitable. One real example shows that the shallow shear-wave refraction method provides velocities of a converted wave rather than an SH- wave. Moreover, it is impossible to identify the converted wave by refraction data itself. As most geophysical engineering firms have limited resources, an additional P-wave refraction survey is necessary to verify if velocities calculated from a shear-wave refraction survey are velocities of converted waves. The alternative at this time may be the surface wave method, which can provide reliable S-wave velocities, even in an area of velocity inversion (a higher velocity layer underlain by a lower velocity layer). ?? 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Journal of Applied Geophysics↗
USGS2013

Influence of dissolved organic matter character on mercury incorporation by planktonic organisms: an experimental study using oligotrophic water from Patagonian lakes

Ligands present in dissolved organic matter (DOM) form complexes with inorganic divalent mercury (Hg 2+ ) affecting its bioavailability in pelagic food webs. This investigation addresses the influence of a natural gradient of DOM present in Patagonian lakes on the bioaccumulation of Hg 2+ (the prevailing mercury species in the water column of these lakes) by the algae Cryptomonas erosa and the zooplankters Brachionus calyciflorus and Boeckella antiqua. Hg 2+ accumulation was studied through laboratory experiments using natural water of four oligotrophic Patagonian lakes amended with 197 Hg 2+ . The bioavailability of Hg 2+ was affected by the concentration and character of DOM. The entrance of Hg 2+ into pelagic food webs occurs mostly through passive and active accumulation. The incorporation of Hg 2+ by Cryptomonas, up to 27% of the Hg 2+ amended, was found to be rapid and dominated by passive adsorption, and was greatest when low molecular weight compounds with protein-like or small phenolic signatures prevailed in the DOM. Conversely, high molecular weight compounds with a humic or fulvic signature kept Hg 2+ in the dissolved phase, resulting in the lowest Hg 2+ accumulation in this algae. In Brachionus and Boeckella the direct incorporation of Hg from the aqueous phase was up to 3% of the Hg 2+ amended. The dietary incorporation of Hg 2+ by Boeckella exceeded the direct absorption of this metal in natural water, and was remarkably similar to the Hg 2+ adsorbed in their prey. Overall, DOM concentration and character affected the adsorption of Hg 2+ by algae through competitive binding, while the incorporation of Hg 2+ into the zooplankton was dominated by trophic or dietary transfer.

Patagonia↗
USGS2011

Alien species and fire

A large diversity of alien plants is found in most mediterranean-type climate (MTC) regions and fire is sometimes closely linked to their ability to invade natural ecosystems. This is a concern because aliens often upset natural ecosystem processes, and thus are a major management concern. These five regions not only differ in their contributions of non-native plant species to other regions, but also vary in their susceptibility to invasion by alien species, something often referred to as a community's invasibility. Fire is a key factor behind plant invasions into natural plant communities and particularly critical is the timing of propagule availability and characteristics of the fire regime. Fire also interacts with geology in dictating functional types that become pernicious invasive problems. For example, on coarse-textured low-fertility soils in two of the southern hemisphere MTC regions, shrubs and trees are among the most aggressive invasives, and are capable of invading seemingly undisturbed intact shrublands. However, on more fertile soils such as in California and Chile, grasses and other herbaceous species are bigger threats, but invasion typically requires disturbance and under some circumstances fire can effect type conversion from woody vegetation to alien-dominated grasslands.

Book chapter↗
USGS2026

Excessive phosphorus loading contributes to future vulnerability of mangrove ecosystems by reducing net ecosystem exchange of carbon

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge (DDNWR) is located on Sanibel Island along the southwestern coast of Florida, USA. There, eutrophication attributed to agricultural discharge along the Caloosahatchee River has affected the area’s aquatic habitat. In anticipation of additional nutrient loading, we experimentally fertilized mangrove forests with nitrogen (+N; NH4) and phosphorus (+P; P2O5) for 3 years, and monitored soil and pneumatophore CO2 fluxes and tree sap flow from two mangrove species. Furthermore, we modeled individual tree and stand water use, from which we developed carbon (C) budgets for +N and + P vs. control simulations based on a novel application of water use efficiency conversion. Many of the measured response variables provided hints of subtle changes in response to +P rather than +N, which were enhanced when scaled. From this, we found that additional P loading is expected to reduce both gross and net primary productivity as well as CO2 uptake via net ecosystem exchange of C, likely pressing the system beyond metabolic capacity and leading to a 48–62% decrease in projected lateral C export. Greater eutrophication will likely compound vulnerabilities to sea-level rise submergence, especially where P concentrations are high and already reducing soil surface elevations.

Florida↗