Nutrient variability and its influence on nitrogen processes in a highly turbid tropical estuary(Bangpakong, Gulf of Thailand)

Estuarine ecosystems in SE Asia have been poorly studied when compared to other tropical environments. Important gaps exist particularly in the understanding of their biogeochemical function and contribution to global change. In this work we looked into N-turnover in the water column and sediments of the Bangpakong estuary（13°N）. A seasonal sampling program was performed along the salinity gradient covering different stretches of the estuary（68 km）.Key physical and chemical characteristics were also monitored in order to unravel possible environmental controls. Results showed the occurrence of active denitrification in sediments（5.7–50.9 nmol N-N2/（cm3·hr））, and water column（3.5–1044 pmol N-N2/（cm3·hr））. No seasonal or spatial variability was detected for denitrification potential in sediment samples. However, in the water column, the denitrification activity peaked during the transition season in the downstream sites coinciding with high turbidity levels. Therefore, in that period of the year, the water column compartment may be an important contributor to nitrate reduction within the estuary. The rather low nitrification rates detected were not always measurable, probably due to the reduced oxygen content and high siltation. This study is one of the few dealing simultaneously with sediments and water column processes in a highly turbid tropical estuary.Therefore, it emerges as a valuable contribution for the understanding of the dynamics of the nitrogen cycle in tropical environments by exploring the role of estuarine N microbial activity in reducing the effects of increased nitrogen loads.

Analysis of the bacterial community composition in acidic well water used for drinking in Guinea-Bissau,West Africa

Potable water is a resource out of reach for millions worldwide,and the available water may be chemically and microbiologically compromised. This is particularly acute in Africa,where water-networks may be non-existent or restricted to a small fraction of the urban population,as in the case of Guinea-Bissau,West Africa. This study was carried out seasonally in Bolama（11°N）,where unprotected hand-dug wells with acidic water are the sole source of water for the population. We inspected the free-living bacterial community dynamics by automated rRNA intergenic spacer analyses,quantitative polymerase chain reaction and cloning approaches.The results revealed a clear seasonal shift in bacterial assemblage composition and microbial abundance within the same sampling site. Temperature,pH and turbidity,together with the infiltration and percolation of surface water,which takes place in the wet season,seemed to be the driving factors in the shaping and selection of the bacterial community and deterioration of water quality. Analysis of 16 S rDNA sequences revealed several potential pathogenic bacteria and uncultured bacteria associated with water and sediments,corroborating the importance of a culture-independent approach in drinking water monitoring.