- Email: [email protected]
Thesis record
Volumc 2 6 / N u m b e r 7/July 1993
latest 1990's screening technology does not appear to be able to cope with plastics, so one 'waits' for the technology to be derived. Even so, no screens are in place at storm water overflows. The scale of off-shore sewage litter is grossly underestimated in this study. The large mesh size means that many sanitary towels may pass through the mesh. However, out of 871 found, only 134 were unidentifiable. The largest numbers present were press-on towels (361), mini pads (188), and panty liners (146). 'Others' included incontinence and shaped towels (21) and absorbent materials without a plastic strip attached (21). There was a fluctuation in numbers between nets, 80 press-on towels being recorded at one net (Fig, 2). These results could be due to the mobile nature of plastic material, sampling errors, weather conditions. As panty liners have only recently appeared on the UK market, it is postulated that the amount of these to be found in offshore sinks will rise dramatically in the foreseeable future. This means a re-examination of the screening problem and of the storm water overflows. A question that should be asked is 'should these products be disposed into a sewage system?' This brings into play the eternal conservation question of 'educating the public'. How does one do this? With the exception of sewage derived litter, it is almost impossible to identify other sources. Tyres, rope, nets, fishing line could be oceanic derived. Nets could continue to catch fish for days after being discarded, and could affect bottom dwelling organisms, e.g. crabs. Food wrappers, carrier bags, etc. could derive from oceanic, river, or land sources. Litter found in an off-shore fishing bank located in
Edited by D. V. Ellis Marine Pollution Bulletin will publish records of university theses relevant to marine pollution in the format shown below. Theses can be from any relevant discipline such as Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Medicine, Economics, etc. Contributions should be 5 0 - 1 0 0 word descriptions of thesis content, with emphasis on the marine pollution aspects. They should be sent to the Thesis Record editor (Dr. D. V. Ellis, Biology Department, University of Victoria, Victoria, B.C., Canada V 8 W 2Y2), with a copy of the officially endorsed thesis title page and abstract. Copy of a title page alone may be submitted (by any interested person) in which case the record will consist of author, year, title, degree, university and supervisor. Contributions should be for theses accepted for M.Sc. or Ph.D. degrees during the past five years, although in exceptional circumstances a contribution recording an older thesis will be accepted for publication.
P. 1992. The environmental effects of residential tidal canal estates, waterways and marinas in Victoria. Ph.D. Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria
1 O0
°
F
B
z 1 ' 3 1 5 I 7 1 1 0 ~ 1 2 1 1 4 ] 1 6 ! 1 8 ~ 20122124 ~ 2 6 1 2 8 1 3 0 2 4 6 8+9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 Nct n u m b c r Fig. 2 The number of press-on towels in each of the thirty nets.
10 m of water, has caused a serious economic loss to fishermen in Swansea Bay. Similar situations exist on the other side of the Bristol Channel, but no work has been done on those off-shore sinks. No detailed investigation on inputs, pathways and sink locations has been carried out. This is a tragic set of affairs for an island nation. The sooner an investigation of these matters is carried out, the better will be the formulation of effective management strategies. A. T. WILLIAMS, S. L. SIMMONS and A. FRICKER Environmental Research Unit, Science and Chemical Engineering Department, University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, S. Wales, UK Wallace Evans (1990). Environmental quality of Swansea Bay. An assessment of key issues. Welsh Water/WRc (1989). Joint working group on the pcrformance of preliminary treatment facilities at marine outfalI headworks.
Water and sediment chemistry, water movement and replacement, particle-size distribution and temporal changes in profile were contrasted between artificial canal developments and associated coastal habitats. Patterns of recruitment of epifaunal species were monitored using artificial substrata. The incidence of marine fouling organisms and methods of control are described within the thesis. Quantitative subtidal and intertidal macrobenthos samples were analysed using grouping techniques. Determination of aerobic heterotrophs and PAH-degrading mirco-organisms quantified contamination from varied sources. Biting flies in and around artificial coastal habitats were related to physicochemical, biological zoogeographical factors, incompatible recreation oriented activities and hydraulic, water quality, biological and social problems on tidal canal estates are discussed in relation to management implications. ('orrespondence to: Dr. P. Nuttall, Department of the Environment, RO. Box 383, Burnie, Tasmania 7320, Australia.
NUTTALL,
3217, Australia (Supervisor: Dr. B. J. Richardson).
GRoss, O. 1991. The distribution of meiofauna and foraminifera along a depth transect in the FaeroeShetland Channel (in German). Zentrum fiir Meeres405
Marine Pollution Bulletin
und Klimaforschung, University of Hamburg (Supervisor: Dr. H. Thiel). This study is part of the Scandinavian BIOFAR (Marine Benthic Fauna of the Faroe Island) project and presents preliminary results on the taxonomic composition and distribution of benthic foraminifera. The project aims to obtain a general databank from unpolluted Atlantic waters in order to have a baseline reference in monitoring considerations. The investigation of the meiobenthic fauna along a depth transect in the Faeroe-Shetland Channel yielded 68 identified species of benthic foraminifera. Standing stocks (live specimens per 10 cm 2) are high and increased down the continental slope. Most of the dominant foraminiferan species have calcareous tests (Rotaliina), or possessed unilocular or multilocular agglutinated tests (Textulariina). However, forms with proteinaceous tests (Allogromiina) are also abundant. The latter are rarely investigated, and together with the studied 42-62 gm size fraction might be one explanation for the high standing stock (max. 1873 ind. 10 cm-2). The use of standard meiobenthic methods results in a description of the vertical distribution of certain foraminfera species in the investigated top 5 cm of the sediment along the depth transect. Abundances of some foraminiferan species were correlated with grain size and biochemical sediment parameters (e.g. CPE: chloroplastic pigments), protein and organic matter content). The hydrographic setting and the variability of food resources define a bathyal zonation not only for certain species, but also for foraminferal morphogroups characterized by different feeding strategies. It can be shown that the distribution of morphogroups agrees with the distribution of biochemical sediment parameters. Therefore it may be concluded that foraminiferal morphogroups are useful environmental indicators. Correspondence to: Dipl. Biol. Onno Gross, University of Hamburg, lnstitut fiir Hydrobiologie und Fischereiwissenschaft, Zeiseweg 9, 2000 Hamburg 5(1, Germany.
DALE, J. E. 1992. The relationship between the physical environment and benthic infaunal communities in Pangnirtung Fiord, Baffin Island, N.W.T., Ph.D. Dept. of Geography, Queen's University, Canada (Supervisor: Dr. Robert Gilbert). Pangnirtung Fiord has a subarctic, macrotidal environment with ice cover for up to 9 months of the year. Grain size increases downfiord as sediment input from the headwater river decreases and influence from ice rafting deposition increases. The fiord is divided into a number of zones progressively downfiord: soupground, softground, firmground and hardground, each with associated communities. The diversity of species increases downfiord. Large numbers of opportunists such as Nephtys neotena, Cap#ella capitata and Axinopsida orbiculata inhabit the turbid, unstable delta and soupground substrates at the head of the fiord. The number of sedentary species, epifauna and delicate filter-feeders increase as softgrounds develop by compaction and dewatering. The greatest diversities and densities of
406
epifauna occur on firmground substrates at the sill at the mouth of the fiord. Hardground communities develop on exposed bedrock along fiord sidewalls and sill sites. Cluster analyses and abundance data reveal greater similarities among sites on the same transect than among sites at similar depths on other transects. The spatial continuity of the faunal communities reveals more stable environments at deep sites below 60 m than at shallower sites. Distinct communities inhabit delta sites and shallow sites above 20 m water depth. Mid-depth sites between 20 and 60 m have highly variable communities, but exhibit some similarity with deeper sites. The invertebrates and macrophytes identified reflect both High Arctic and Atlantic/Boreal influences. Correspondence to: Dr. Janis E. Dale, Department of Geography, University of Regina, Regina, Sask., Canada $4S 0A2.
DIPINTO, L. M. 1992. Lethal and sublethal effects of the
sediment-associated PCB Aroclor 1254 on a meiobenthic copepod. M.S. Marine Science Program, University of South Carolina. (Supervisor: Dr. B. C. Coull). Acute toxicity tests were performed on field collected copepods (Microarthridion littorale) using the sediment associated polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) Aroclor 1254. Three replicates of 50 adult copepods (25 males+25 females) were exposed to five levels of PCB contaminated sediments for 96 h and compared with untreated controls and solvent controls. LC~0 concentrations were nearly twice as high for females (251 mg kg-~) than for males (117 mg kg-~). To determine the effects of the PCB on reproductive output of the copepods, copulating pairs of M. littorale were allowed to reproduce in concentrations of Aroclor 1254 contaminated sediments below LCs0 values. Two experimental trials with 1() and 15 replicates, each with 1 pair of M. littorale in copulus, were conducted for 12 days, which is the normal time needed for females to produce one set of nauplii and carry a second clutch of eggs. In both experiments, a significant decrease in number of nauplii was found with Aroclor contamination. High concentrations (83 mg kg-~) of the sediment associated Aroclor 1254 were required to significantly affect mortality, while lower levels (4 mg kg -~) impaired reproduction.
Correspondence to: L. M. DiPinto, Marine Science Program, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29201, USA.
KAYAL, S. 1991. Field and laboratory investigations on occurrence and partitioning behaviour of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in an estuarine system. Ph.D. Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Griffith University (Supervisor: Prof. D. W. Connell). The occurrence, distributi6n, and the partitioning behaviour of PAHs, and the possible sources of these compounds in the Brisbane River estuarine system were investigated. Intertidal sediments, water particulates and water filtrates, four species of fish and shellfish, and two species of aquatic birds were collected and analysed.
Volume 2 6 / N u m b e r 7/July 1993
The PAHs in the samples were isolated by solvent extraction and column chromatography, then identified and quantified by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. All samples analysed contained PAHs with sediments having the most diverse assemblages at relatively high levels (6.5-23.5 p,g g-~). Relative concentration ratios for certain PAH pairs indicated that combustion produced compounds were the dominant group in sediments and the water column. In general, the various sample characteristics investigated were not significant factors in determining the corresponding PAH levels in the samples. Tissue lipid content, however, was found to be a primary factor determining the PAH concentrations in the estuarine fish species. The sediment-to-water partitioning of PAHs in the estuary was related to their physicochemical properties. The partitioning behaviour of PAHs between the organisms and the water phase was evaluated in relation to bioconcentration, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification theories. Laboratory investigations were also undertaken to characterize the kinetics of bioconcentration of PAHs in the shrimp Macrobrachium australiense collected from the Brisbane River. The influence of the octanol-towater partition coefficients (Kow) on various bioconcentration parameters was investigated and generally found to be highly significant. Comparison of the overall predictive capacity of the physicochemical properties and molecular descriptors investigated with that of Kow indicated that these parameters had equal predictive capacities.
scapha is slow but the increase is greater during the cool season. The effect of environmental factors on the bivalves distribution has been studied. A. striata is found on beaches with high coarse sand content. G. tumidum is preferentially distributed on sandy-muddy substrates located close to the lower limit of neap tides. A. scapha adults occur on substrates uncovered during low spring tides, in sediments composed of 20% mud and 40% medium, fine and very fine sand. On the south-west coast of New Caledonia. A. striata would seem to be of interest only for recreational fishing. On the other hand, stocks of G. tumidum (270 metric tonnes) and A. scapha (418 metric tonnes) can be able to sustain an artisanal type of fishery. This should be able to meet the demand of the domestic market. The benthic community of the sandy beach studied shows low and constant species richness and biomass values during the year. The two littoral seagrass bed communities show a notable stability of structure and organization, even during high temperatures and significant rains. G. tumidurn and A. scapha do not have an important role in the whole ecosystem, in which benthic microflora is the energy source. The two coastal ecosystems show a positive energy balance through a flow of organic material to the lagoon. Correspondence to: Dr. J. Baron, 42 rue de la Roche, 17100 Saintes, France.
CnEVILLON, C. 1992. Bios6dimentologie du Grand Lagon Nord de la Nouvelle-Cal6donie. Th~se Doctorat Sciences, Oc~anographie Biologie, Universit~ dAixMarseille II. (Supervisor: J. P. Masse). Corre,spondence to." Dr. S. Kayal, SAUDI A R A M C O , P.O. Box 11764, Dhahran 31311, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Soft bottoms of the Great Northern Lagoon of New Caledonia (8400 kin:) were sampled by Neyrpic grab Editor's note: The following set of abstracts is" over a grid of 3 nautical miles. A total of 206 sediment from thesis research conducted at ORSTOM, New samples were taken and studied for their textural and Caledonia. The data in the theses provides baseline granulometric characteristics, terrigenous fraction and information relevant to many forms of pollution in colour. These parameters, which were mainly used to the tropics. I am indebted to the authors for produce sedimentological maps, allowed selecting a collaboration in assembling these abstracts. I have subsample of 66 stations, which were studied in detail abbreviated them in places and corrected obvious for their bioclastic composition. Examination of typographic errors in the English versions, but have qualitative and quantitative variations of the spatial not otherwise edited them. distribution of skeletal components has also been carried out on this subsample. Six sedimentary environments have been identified, based on their characterisBARON, J. 1992. Bivalves d'int6r6t economique et peutics of physiography, hydrodynamics and the nature of plements benthiques associ~s sur les substrats meubles benthic populations. These environments correspond intertidaux de Nouvelle-Cal6donie. Th~se Doctorat to: reef phases, inner barrier reef zone, lagoonal plain, Sciences, Oc6anographie Biologic, Universit6 d~ix- central depositional zones, coastal zones and coastal Marseille II. (Supervisor: Dr. B. A. Thomassin). bays. In the lagoon as a whole, the hydrodynamics are This study deals with the bivalves Atactodea striata, rather weak and have only a limited action on the Gqflrarium tumidurn and Anadora scapha, and with sediments. Sedimentation of the finest particles macrobenthic communities which support them, on the predominates over the coarse ones. Terrigenous south-west coast of New Caledonia. A. striata and G. influence, which is restricted to the coastal zone, is tumidum have an extended breeding period during the weak and could only be detected in the muddy fraction year, which translates into a continuous and low arrival of the sediments. Skeletal carbonated sediments largely of juveniles. The reproduction of A. scapha is more dominated. Sediment colour seems to be a good defined, with a resting phase during the cool season. indicator of terrigenous influence, and is an interesting Temperature and constant food availability play an im- criterion for discrimination within the depositional portant role in the sexual cycle of the bivalves. Growth environments. Molluscs, Foraminiferans, Halimedu and of G. turnidurn is slow and continuous. Growth of A. Corals are quantitatively the most important skeletal 407
Marine Pollution Bulletin
contributors present in the sediments. However, distribution of Coral debris is limited to the vicinity of reefs. The direct contributions of the reef system to the genesis of lagoonal sediments is very small. Bioclastic sediment composition, textural and granulometric characteristics, as well as the inferred hydrographic regime, show that the bulk of the sandy bioclastic material remains in situ, and has suffered little transport. Thus the sediments are interpreted as mainly autochthonous. This may provide a direct indication of the nature and distribution of the sources of benthic populations living in this lagoon. Correspondence to: Dr. C. Chevillon, Biosddimentologie, ORSTOM, BP A5 Noumea Cedex, New Caledonia.
P. 1992. Les poissons de mangrove du lagon sud-ouest de Nouvelle-Cal6donie. l~cologie des pueplements relations ave les communautes ichtyologiques c6ti6res. Thbse Doctorat Sciences, Ocdanographie Biologique, Universit6 dAix-Marseille Ii, France. (Supervisor: Dr. M. L. Harmelin-Vivien). Mangrove fish from the south-west lagoon of New Caledonia were sampled using gill nets, fyke nets and rotenone poisoning. The census recorded 262 species and 64 families of fish. The Gobiidae, Apogonidae, Carangidae, Serranidae, Lethrinidae, Clupeidae and Mugilidae are the most diversified families, and characterize the fish assemblage. High zoogeographic affinities exist between this New Caledonia mangrove fish inventory and those from Fiji and Vanuatu. The species lists share the absence of Scianidae and Ariidae, and the presence in the mangrove of reel', seagrass bed and soft bottom fish species. Small species or juveniles, some of them of commercial interest, usually highly dominate the catch. Spatial variations of species composition and distribution are related to turbidity and substrate. Transient species are numerous within fringing mangroves, while resident species live in estuarine mangroves. Temporal structure shows high fluctuations due to species migrations and variation in abundance. Small benthic algae in fringing mangroves, phytoplankton and detritus in estuaries are at the base of the food webs. Resident species enter the mangal energy cycle while transient species export energy to adjacent ecosystems. Links between mangrove and lagoon fish fauna are less pronounced than is usually
THOLLOT,
408
thought. Only 15% of the species richness of the Saint Vincent Bay fish fauna are involved in such interactions. Juveniles of a small number of reef and soft bottom fish species use mangroves, mainly estuarine, as nurseries. Mangroves represent a rich feeding ground for some soft bottom fish species. A net export of energy (unquantified) from mangroves to adjacent walers, essentially soft bottoms, occurs. To a certain extent, coastal fish communities appear to be relatively independent and self-sufficient. Modifications of the mangroves should not lead rapidly to great changes in the nearby fish communities. However, secondary negative effects can be suspected, such as a lowering of environmental conditions, in case of massive mangrove destruction. Correspondence to: Dr D. Thollot. Oc6anographie. ORSTOM, BP 05 Noumea Cedex, New Caledonia.
GARRIGUE, C. 1985. R6partition et production organique et min6rale de macrophytes benthiques du lagon de Nouvelle-Cal6donie. Thbse Doctorat Sciences, Biologie et Physiologie Vdg6tale, Universitd Sciences et Techniques du Languedoc, France. (Supervisor: M. Denizot). A floristic inventory of 264 species is presented. Biogeographic analysis demonstrates numerous genera and species common to New Caledonia and the Great Barrier reef, Australia. The dynamics of two species of Halimeda, (H. discoidea, and H. incrassata Chlorophyceae) is investigated. Specifically, results are presented on the distribution, density, mortality ,and growth through monthly sampling with in situ and laboratory measurements. Primary production is estimated for both species in the south-west lagoon of New Caledonia in terms of dry organic and mineral matter (CaCO0. For H. discoidea the measured production is 7.62-7.96 g dry org. matter m -2 yr -~ and 13.80-15.13 g CaCO 3 m -2 yr -~. For H. incrassata the measured production is 9.52 g dry org. matter m -2 yr -~ and 24.72 g CaCO 3 m < yr -j. For the whole southwest lagoon, the estimated primary production from the two species is 3543 t dry org. matter yr -~ and 6735 t CaCO 3 m < yr -~. ('orrespondence to. Dr. C. Garrigu¢, ORSTOM, BP A5 NOUMEA CEDEX, New Caledonia.
latest 1990's screening technology does not appear to be able to cope with plastics, so one 'waits' for the technology to be derived. Even so, no screens are in place at storm water overflows. The scale of off-shore sewage litter is grossly underestimated in this study. The large mesh size means that many sanitary towels may pass through the mesh. However, out of 871 found, only 134 were unidentifiable. The largest numbers present were press-on towels (361), mini pads (188), and panty liners (146). 'Others' included incontinence and shaped towels (21) and absorbent materials without a plastic strip attached (21). There was a fluctuation in numbers between nets, 80 press-on towels being recorded at one net (Fig, 2). These results could be due to the mobile nature of plastic material, sampling errors, weather conditions. As panty liners have only recently appeared on the UK market, it is postulated that the amount of these to be found in offshore sinks will rise dramatically in the foreseeable future. This means a re-examination of the screening problem and of the storm water overflows. A question that should be asked is 'should these products be disposed into a sewage system?' This brings into play the eternal conservation question of 'educating the public'. How does one do this? With the exception of sewage derived litter, it is almost impossible to identify other sources. Tyres, rope, nets, fishing line could be oceanic derived. Nets could continue to catch fish for days after being discarded, and could affect bottom dwelling organisms, e.g. crabs. Food wrappers, carrier bags, etc. could derive from oceanic, river, or land sources. Litter found in an off-shore fishing bank located in
Edited by D. V. Ellis Marine Pollution Bulletin will publish records of university theses relevant to marine pollution in the format shown below. Theses can be from any relevant discipline such as Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Medicine, Economics, etc. Contributions should be 5 0 - 1 0 0 word descriptions of thesis content, with emphasis on the marine pollution aspects. They should be sent to the Thesis Record editor (Dr. D. V. Ellis, Biology Department, University of Victoria, Victoria, B.C., Canada V 8 W 2Y2), with a copy of the officially endorsed thesis title page and abstract. Copy of a title page alone may be submitted (by any interested person) in which case the record will consist of author, year, title, degree, university and supervisor. Contributions should be for theses accepted for M.Sc. or Ph.D. degrees during the past five years, although in exceptional circumstances a contribution recording an older thesis will be accepted for publication.
P. 1992. The environmental effects of residential tidal canal estates, waterways and marinas in Victoria. Ph.D. Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria
1 O0
°
F
B
z 1 ' 3 1 5 I 7 1 1 0 ~ 1 2 1 1 4 ] 1 6 ! 1 8 ~ 20122124 ~ 2 6 1 2 8 1 3 0 2 4 6 8+9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 Nct n u m b c r Fig. 2 The number of press-on towels in each of the thirty nets.
10 m of water, has caused a serious economic loss to fishermen in Swansea Bay. Similar situations exist on the other side of the Bristol Channel, but no work has been done on those off-shore sinks. No detailed investigation on inputs, pathways and sink locations has been carried out. This is a tragic set of affairs for an island nation. The sooner an investigation of these matters is carried out, the better will be the formulation of effective management strategies. A. T. WILLIAMS, S. L. SIMMONS and A. FRICKER Environmental Research Unit, Science and Chemical Engineering Department, University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, S. Wales, UK Wallace Evans (1990). Environmental quality of Swansea Bay. An assessment of key issues. Welsh Water/WRc (1989). Joint working group on the pcrformance of preliminary treatment facilities at marine outfalI headworks.
Water and sediment chemistry, water movement and replacement, particle-size distribution and temporal changes in profile were contrasted between artificial canal developments and associated coastal habitats. Patterns of recruitment of epifaunal species were monitored using artificial substrata. The incidence of marine fouling organisms and methods of control are described within the thesis. Quantitative subtidal and intertidal macrobenthos samples were analysed using grouping techniques. Determination of aerobic heterotrophs and PAH-degrading mirco-organisms quantified contamination from varied sources. Biting flies in and around artificial coastal habitats were related to physicochemical, biological zoogeographical factors, incompatible recreation oriented activities and hydraulic, water quality, biological and social problems on tidal canal estates are discussed in relation to management implications. ('orrespondence to: Dr. P. Nuttall, Department of the Environment, RO. Box 383, Burnie, Tasmania 7320, Australia.
NUTTALL,
3217, Australia (Supervisor: Dr. B. J. Richardson).
GRoss, O. 1991. The distribution of meiofauna and foraminifera along a depth transect in the FaeroeShetland Channel (in German). Zentrum fiir Meeres405
Marine Pollution Bulletin
und Klimaforschung, University of Hamburg (Supervisor: Dr. H. Thiel). This study is part of the Scandinavian BIOFAR (Marine Benthic Fauna of the Faroe Island) project and presents preliminary results on the taxonomic composition and distribution of benthic foraminifera. The project aims to obtain a general databank from unpolluted Atlantic waters in order to have a baseline reference in monitoring considerations. The investigation of the meiobenthic fauna along a depth transect in the Faeroe-Shetland Channel yielded 68 identified species of benthic foraminifera. Standing stocks (live specimens per 10 cm 2) are high and increased down the continental slope. Most of the dominant foraminiferan species have calcareous tests (Rotaliina), or possessed unilocular or multilocular agglutinated tests (Textulariina). However, forms with proteinaceous tests (Allogromiina) are also abundant. The latter are rarely investigated, and together with the studied 42-62 gm size fraction might be one explanation for the high standing stock (max. 1873 ind. 10 cm-2). The use of standard meiobenthic methods results in a description of the vertical distribution of certain foraminfera species in the investigated top 5 cm of the sediment along the depth transect. Abundances of some foraminiferan species were correlated with grain size and biochemical sediment parameters (e.g. CPE: chloroplastic pigments), protein and organic matter content). The hydrographic setting and the variability of food resources define a bathyal zonation not only for certain species, but also for foraminferal morphogroups characterized by different feeding strategies. It can be shown that the distribution of morphogroups agrees with the distribution of biochemical sediment parameters. Therefore it may be concluded that foraminiferal morphogroups are useful environmental indicators. Correspondence to: Dipl. Biol. Onno Gross, University of Hamburg, lnstitut fiir Hydrobiologie und Fischereiwissenschaft, Zeiseweg 9, 2000 Hamburg 5(1, Germany.
DALE, J. E. 1992. The relationship between the physical environment and benthic infaunal communities in Pangnirtung Fiord, Baffin Island, N.W.T., Ph.D. Dept. of Geography, Queen's University, Canada (Supervisor: Dr. Robert Gilbert). Pangnirtung Fiord has a subarctic, macrotidal environment with ice cover for up to 9 months of the year. Grain size increases downfiord as sediment input from the headwater river decreases and influence from ice rafting deposition increases. The fiord is divided into a number of zones progressively downfiord: soupground, softground, firmground and hardground, each with associated communities. The diversity of species increases downfiord. Large numbers of opportunists such as Nephtys neotena, Cap#ella capitata and Axinopsida orbiculata inhabit the turbid, unstable delta and soupground substrates at the head of the fiord. The number of sedentary species, epifauna and delicate filter-feeders increase as softgrounds develop by compaction and dewatering. The greatest diversities and densities of
406
epifauna occur on firmground substrates at the sill at the mouth of the fiord. Hardground communities develop on exposed bedrock along fiord sidewalls and sill sites. Cluster analyses and abundance data reveal greater similarities among sites on the same transect than among sites at similar depths on other transects. The spatial continuity of the faunal communities reveals more stable environments at deep sites below 60 m than at shallower sites. Distinct communities inhabit delta sites and shallow sites above 20 m water depth. Mid-depth sites between 20 and 60 m have highly variable communities, but exhibit some similarity with deeper sites. The invertebrates and macrophytes identified reflect both High Arctic and Atlantic/Boreal influences. Correspondence to: Dr. Janis E. Dale, Department of Geography, University of Regina, Regina, Sask., Canada $4S 0A2.
DIPINTO, L. M. 1992. Lethal and sublethal effects of the
sediment-associated PCB Aroclor 1254 on a meiobenthic copepod. M.S. Marine Science Program, University of South Carolina. (Supervisor: Dr. B. C. Coull). Acute toxicity tests were performed on field collected copepods (Microarthridion littorale) using the sediment associated polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) Aroclor 1254. Three replicates of 50 adult copepods (25 males+25 females) were exposed to five levels of PCB contaminated sediments for 96 h and compared with untreated controls and solvent controls. LC~0 concentrations were nearly twice as high for females (251 mg kg-~) than for males (117 mg kg-~). To determine the effects of the PCB on reproductive output of the copepods, copulating pairs of M. littorale were allowed to reproduce in concentrations of Aroclor 1254 contaminated sediments below LCs0 values. Two experimental trials with 1() and 15 replicates, each with 1 pair of M. littorale in copulus, were conducted for 12 days, which is the normal time needed for females to produce one set of nauplii and carry a second clutch of eggs. In both experiments, a significant decrease in number of nauplii was found with Aroclor contamination. High concentrations (83 mg kg-~) of the sediment associated Aroclor 1254 were required to significantly affect mortality, while lower levels (4 mg kg -~) impaired reproduction.
Correspondence to: L. M. DiPinto, Marine Science Program, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29201, USA.
KAYAL, S. 1991. Field and laboratory investigations on occurrence and partitioning behaviour of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in an estuarine system. Ph.D. Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Griffith University (Supervisor: Prof. D. W. Connell). The occurrence, distributi6n, and the partitioning behaviour of PAHs, and the possible sources of these compounds in the Brisbane River estuarine system were investigated. Intertidal sediments, water particulates and water filtrates, four species of fish and shellfish, and two species of aquatic birds were collected and analysed.
Volume 2 6 / N u m b e r 7/July 1993
The PAHs in the samples were isolated by solvent extraction and column chromatography, then identified and quantified by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. All samples analysed contained PAHs with sediments having the most diverse assemblages at relatively high levels (6.5-23.5 p,g g-~). Relative concentration ratios for certain PAH pairs indicated that combustion produced compounds were the dominant group in sediments and the water column. In general, the various sample characteristics investigated were not significant factors in determining the corresponding PAH levels in the samples. Tissue lipid content, however, was found to be a primary factor determining the PAH concentrations in the estuarine fish species. The sediment-to-water partitioning of PAHs in the estuary was related to their physicochemical properties. The partitioning behaviour of PAHs between the organisms and the water phase was evaluated in relation to bioconcentration, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification theories. Laboratory investigations were also undertaken to characterize the kinetics of bioconcentration of PAHs in the shrimp Macrobrachium australiense collected from the Brisbane River. The influence of the octanol-towater partition coefficients (Kow) on various bioconcentration parameters was investigated and generally found to be highly significant. Comparison of the overall predictive capacity of the physicochemical properties and molecular descriptors investigated with that of Kow indicated that these parameters had equal predictive capacities.
scapha is slow but the increase is greater during the cool season. The effect of environmental factors on the bivalves distribution has been studied. A. striata is found on beaches with high coarse sand content. G. tumidum is preferentially distributed on sandy-muddy substrates located close to the lower limit of neap tides. A. scapha adults occur on substrates uncovered during low spring tides, in sediments composed of 20% mud and 40% medium, fine and very fine sand. On the south-west coast of New Caledonia. A. striata would seem to be of interest only for recreational fishing. On the other hand, stocks of G. tumidum (270 metric tonnes) and A. scapha (418 metric tonnes) can be able to sustain an artisanal type of fishery. This should be able to meet the demand of the domestic market. The benthic community of the sandy beach studied shows low and constant species richness and biomass values during the year. The two littoral seagrass bed communities show a notable stability of structure and organization, even during high temperatures and significant rains. G. tumidurn and A. scapha do not have an important role in the whole ecosystem, in which benthic microflora is the energy source. The two coastal ecosystems show a positive energy balance through a flow of organic material to the lagoon. Correspondence to: Dr. J. Baron, 42 rue de la Roche, 17100 Saintes, France.
CnEVILLON, C. 1992. Bios6dimentologie du Grand Lagon Nord de la Nouvelle-Cal6donie. Th~se Doctorat Sciences, Oc~anographie Biologie, Universit~ dAixMarseille II. (Supervisor: J. P. Masse). Corre,spondence to." Dr. S. Kayal, SAUDI A R A M C O , P.O. Box 11764, Dhahran 31311, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Soft bottoms of the Great Northern Lagoon of New Caledonia (8400 kin:) were sampled by Neyrpic grab Editor's note: The following set of abstracts is" over a grid of 3 nautical miles. A total of 206 sediment from thesis research conducted at ORSTOM, New samples were taken and studied for their textural and Caledonia. The data in the theses provides baseline granulometric characteristics, terrigenous fraction and information relevant to many forms of pollution in colour. These parameters, which were mainly used to the tropics. I am indebted to the authors for produce sedimentological maps, allowed selecting a collaboration in assembling these abstracts. I have subsample of 66 stations, which were studied in detail abbreviated them in places and corrected obvious for their bioclastic composition. Examination of typographic errors in the English versions, but have qualitative and quantitative variations of the spatial not otherwise edited them. distribution of skeletal components has also been carried out on this subsample. Six sedimentary environments have been identified, based on their characterisBARON, J. 1992. Bivalves d'int6r6t economique et peutics of physiography, hydrodynamics and the nature of plements benthiques associ~s sur les substrats meubles benthic populations. These environments correspond intertidaux de Nouvelle-Cal6donie. Th~se Doctorat to: reef phases, inner barrier reef zone, lagoonal plain, Sciences, Oc6anographie Biologic, Universit6 d~ix- central depositional zones, coastal zones and coastal Marseille II. (Supervisor: Dr. B. A. Thomassin). bays. In the lagoon as a whole, the hydrodynamics are This study deals with the bivalves Atactodea striata, rather weak and have only a limited action on the Gqflrarium tumidurn and Anadora scapha, and with sediments. Sedimentation of the finest particles macrobenthic communities which support them, on the predominates over the coarse ones. Terrigenous south-west coast of New Caledonia. A. striata and G. influence, which is restricted to the coastal zone, is tumidum have an extended breeding period during the weak and could only be detected in the muddy fraction year, which translates into a continuous and low arrival of the sediments. Skeletal carbonated sediments largely of juveniles. The reproduction of A. scapha is more dominated. Sediment colour seems to be a good defined, with a resting phase during the cool season. indicator of terrigenous influence, and is an interesting Temperature and constant food availability play an im- criterion for discrimination within the depositional portant role in the sexual cycle of the bivalves. Growth environments. Molluscs, Foraminiferans, Halimedu and of G. turnidurn is slow and continuous. Growth of A. Corals are quantitatively the most important skeletal 407
Marine Pollution Bulletin
contributors present in the sediments. However, distribution of Coral debris is limited to the vicinity of reefs. The direct contributions of the reef system to the genesis of lagoonal sediments is very small. Bioclastic sediment composition, textural and granulometric characteristics, as well as the inferred hydrographic regime, show that the bulk of the sandy bioclastic material remains in situ, and has suffered little transport. Thus the sediments are interpreted as mainly autochthonous. This may provide a direct indication of the nature and distribution of the sources of benthic populations living in this lagoon. Correspondence to: Dr. C. Chevillon, Biosddimentologie, ORSTOM, BP A5 Noumea Cedex, New Caledonia.
P. 1992. Les poissons de mangrove du lagon sud-ouest de Nouvelle-Cal6donie. l~cologie des pueplements relations ave les communautes ichtyologiques c6ti6res. Thbse Doctorat Sciences, Ocdanographie Biologique, Universit6 dAix-Marseille Ii, France. (Supervisor: Dr. M. L. Harmelin-Vivien). Mangrove fish from the south-west lagoon of New Caledonia were sampled using gill nets, fyke nets and rotenone poisoning. The census recorded 262 species and 64 families of fish. The Gobiidae, Apogonidae, Carangidae, Serranidae, Lethrinidae, Clupeidae and Mugilidae are the most diversified families, and characterize the fish assemblage. High zoogeographic affinities exist between this New Caledonia mangrove fish inventory and those from Fiji and Vanuatu. The species lists share the absence of Scianidae and Ariidae, and the presence in the mangrove of reel', seagrass bed and soft bottom fish species. Small species or juveniles, some of them of commercial interest, usually highly dominate the catch. Spatial variations of species composition and distribution are related to turbidity and substrate. Transient species are numerous within fringing mangroves, while resident species live in estuarine mangroves. Temporal structure shows high fluctuations due to species migrations and variation in abundance. Small benthic algae in fringing mangroves, phytoplankton and detritus in estuaries are at the base of the food webs. Resident species enter the mangal energy cycle while transient species export energy to adjacent ecosystems. Links between mangrove and lagoon fish fauna are less pronounced than is usually
THOLLOT,
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thought. Only 15% of the species richness of the Saint Vincent Bay fish fauna are involved in such interactions. Juveniles of a small number of reef and soft bottom fish species use mangroves, mainly estuarine, as nurseries. Mangroves represent a rich feeding ground for some soft bottom fish species. A net export of energy (unquantified) from mangroves to adjacent walers, essentially soft bottoms, occurs. To a certain extent, coastal fish communities appear to be relatively independent and self-sufficient. Modifications of the mangroves should not lead rapidly to great changes in the nearby fish communities. However, secondary negative effects can be suspected, such as a lowering of environmental conditions, in case of massive mangrove destruction. Correspondence to: Dr D. Thollot. Oc6anographie. ORSTOM, BP 05 Noumea Cedex, New Caledonia.
GARRIGUE, C. 1985. R6partition et production organique et min6rale de macrophytes benthiques du lagon de Nouvelle-Cal6donie. Thbse Doctorat Sciences, Biologie et Physiologie Vdg6tale, Universitd Sciences et Techniques du Languedoc, France. (Supervisor: M. Denizot). A floristic inventory of 264 species is presented. Biogeographic analysis demonstrates numerous genera and species common to New Caledonia and the Great Barrier reef, Australia. The dynamics of two species of Halimeda, (H. discoidea, and H. incrassata Chlorophyceae) is investigated. Specifically, results are presented on the distribution, density, mortality ,and growth through monthly sampling with in situ and laboratory measurements. Primary production is estimated for both species in the south-west lagoon of New Caledonia in terms of dry organic and mineral matter (CaCO0. For H. discoidea the measured production is 7.62-7.96 g dry org. matter m -2 yr -~ and 13.80-15.13 g CaCO 3 m -2 yr -~. For H. incrassata the measured production is 9.52 g dry org. matter m -2 yr -~ and 24.72 g CaCO 3 m < yr -j. For the whole southwest lagoon, the estimated primary production from the two species is 3543 t dry org. matter yr -~ and 6735 t CaCO 3 m < yr -~. ('orrespondence to. Dr. C. Garrigu¢, ORSTOM, BP A5 NOUMEA CEDEX, New Caledonia.