Modern sedimentation rates in the intertidal zone on the west coast of the Bohai Gulf

On the basis of the measurement of 210Pbex and 137Cs activities in the sediment cores taken from the intertidal zone on the west coast of the Bohai Gulf, the average sedimentation rates of modern sediments are calculated. The results indicate that in the sandy area of the intertidal zone (from Daogouzi to the Duliujian River), the sedimentation rate from 1955 to 1963 is 3.43-4.06 cm/a, and is within the range of 0.65￣1.59 cm/a since 1963. The average sedimentation rate in the muddy area (around Qikou) is approximately 1.81 cm/a. The results above suggest that the sandy area of the intertidal zone has experienced rapid sedimentation from the 1950s to the 1960s, and the sedimentation slows down after the 1960s, and the sedimentation rates increase from north to south spatially. The rapid sedi- mentation from the 1950s to the 1960s in the sandy area is due to the fact that North China has plentiful precipitation during this period and the intertidal zone is supplied with abundant matter sources for sedimentation. After the 1960s, the weakened sedimentation may be a result of the reduction of sand transported to the intertidal zone, which is a consequence of diminished rainfall in North China and intensive human activities in the Haihe basin.

Comparison of the Macrozoobenthic Community and Sedimentary Environment with and Without Horseshoe Crab Presence in the Crocodile Island Intertidal Zone,Xiamen,China

In order to compare the macrozoobenthic community and sedimentary environment with and without the presence of horseshoe crabs,the benthic macrofauna,sediment grain size,chromium(Cr),cobalt(Co),nickel(Ni),polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon(PAHs),organic carbon and nitrogen were seasonally investigated at site A(with horseshoe crab presence),sites B and C(without horseshoe crab presence)in the Crocodile Island intertidal zone in Xiamen from June 2018 to July 2019.The results showed that most of the community parameters of benthic macrofauna,population parameters of common benthic macrofauna and environmental parameters were significantly different at the sites with horseshoe crab versus non-horseshoe crab sites.A two-way ANOVA test showed that the densities of Ceratonereis erythraeensis and Sigambra hanaokai had significant site variation.Cluster and nonmetric multi-dimensional scaling(NMDS)analysis showed the community composition of benthic macrofauna was significantly different among the three sampling sites over four seasons.The mean sand content at site A(64.32%)was higher than those at site B(36.01%)and site C(18.86%).Conversely,the mean contents of silt,clay,Cr,Co,Ni,organic carbon,organic nitrogen,phenanthrene,and pyrene at site A were lower than those at site B and site C.These observations are consistent with the expected preferences of horseshoe crabs to live in areas with 60%sand content,which is associated with abundant and edible clamworms in the Crocodile Island intertidal zone,Xiamen.

Taxonomic Composition and Spatial Distribution of Meiofauna Community from a Sandy Intertidal Zone in Sishili Bay, Yellow Sea Coast (Northern China)

The meiofauna composition and trophic groups of the nematode communities have been studied at a sandy intertidal zone in Sishili Bay along the Yantai coast(Yellow Sea,China).Nematoda was dominant among the 11 groups of meiofauna.The meiofaunal densities were low,ranging between 111±47 and 542±131 ind./10 cm^(2).Results obtained from the correlation analysis made it possible to determine several factors that influence species composition and distribution.Generally,sediment granulometry significantly affected the communities.The highest abundance was found in fine-grained sediments(318.77±126 ind./10 cm^(2))com-pared to coarse-grained sediments(175±82 ind./10 cm2).Nematodes were predominant in all studied sites.A total of 70 species be-longing to 52 genera and 18 families were identified in the study area.There was a significant difference in nematode abundance(ANOVA,F=2.38,P<0.05)between the three sites.Nematode communities were characterized by a high level of species diversity in sediments composed mainly of very-fine sands(>63μm),with dominant species belonging to the genus Bathylaimus,Ptycho-laimellus,Spirinia,and Sabatieria.The trophic groups were dominated by non-selective deposit feeders(40.7%)and epistrate feed-ers(41.29%).In contrast,the species composition in medium grain sands was characterized by a low species diversity index and a high Simpson dominance index.Nematode communities showed similar dominant species compositions belonging to a single genus Bathylaimus,Enoplolaimus,and Oncholaimus,and in terms of trophic structure-representatives of deposit feeders(46.15%),preda-tors,and omnivores(64.71%)prevailed.The divergence of meiofaunal community structures can be explained by abiotic factors such as sediment grain size,salinity,and organic carbon content.Specifically,sediment particle size can explain the diversity of nematodes at the level of in abundance,diversity indices,and trophic structure.The highest nematode density and diversity coincided with the highest percentage of very fine sands.

Laboratory simulation of soil respiration response to environmental conditions in intertidal zones of Jiangsu Province,China

As major contributor to the blue carbon sink,intertidal zones play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle.In recent years,more attention has been given to the carbon cycle in intertidal wetlands.However,due to highly variable and uncertain environmental conditions,it is difficult to clarify the quantitative relationship between soil respiration and environmental factors through in-situ experiments.In this study,the response of soil respiration characteristics to variations in the temperature and water table was investigated using a monitoring apparatus of CO_(2)flux at the soil-air interface in the intertidal zone.The results showed that soil respiration flux was significantly correlated with temperature,and the correlation best fitted the DoseResp function.Meanwhile,the respiration flux was enhanced with the descent of water table,a relationship could be described by a quadratic function.The effect of the water table on soil respiration became more pronounced with the rise of temperature.These results provide significant clarification of the impact of human activities on the carbon cycle in bare intertidal zones and as well as support for numerical simulations of the carbon cycle in bare intertidal zones.

Species Distribution, Diversity, and Abundance of Sea Cucumbers in Tropical Intertidal Zones of Aurora, Philippines

The distribution, diversity, and abundance of sea cucumbers in intertidal zones of Aurora were studied from February to June 2013 to obtain baseline data. A one-hour timed-search survey covering an approximate one kilometer over a ten-meter wide area was conducted in six coastal municipalities to obtain a comprehensive list of sea cucumber species found in the zones. Only four sampling stations (Baler, Dipaculao, Dilasag, and Dingalan) were selected for belt transect survey, 50 × 50 m, based on the availability of coralline, sandy, muddy sand, and rocky habitats which were laid perpendicular and parallel to each intertidal zone. Timed-search survey revealed a total of 15 species of sea cucumbers distributed among two Orders (Order Aspidochirotida and Order Apodida) and four Families (Family Holothuriidae, Family Stichopodidae, Family Synaptidae, and Family Chirotidae) were recorded. Synapta maculata is most common and has widespread distribution. Belt-tranect surveys showed Holothuria leucospilota is among the most frequently occurring species both during day time (58%) and night time (75%). The Dilasag sampling station had the most diverse species (0.71) while the Dipaculao sampling station had the densest species of Holothuria leucospilota (10,014 in∙ha−1) and abundant (95.91%) species.

Sand Grain Size and Organic Matter Concentration in the Intertidal Zones on the Southwest Coast of Taiwan

From April 2013 to April 2014, the average pH and water temperature of the Taisi oyster cultivation area (TS, Yunlin County, Taiwan) were 8.05 (7.35 - 8.45) and 24.7˚C (13.7˚C - 32.8˚C) (N = 8226) The average organic matter (OM) concentration at sites TS-A and TS-B were 6.9% ± 1.3% and 6.9% ± 1.2%, and the weight of drift sand was 40.3 ± 19.1 g/d/m2 and 28.5 ± 34.3 g/d/m2 (N = 27). Considerable sand drifting typically occurs during the southwest monsoon season in summer. The average OM concentration at five dunes from Zhuoshui estuary to Zengwun estuary was 23.9 ± 4.5 g/kg. The percentage of sand grain weight of 0.15 - 0.25 mm and 0.25 - 0.60 mm was 82.5% ± 14.2% and 10.5% ± 12.0%. In the spring and autumn of 2015, the average OM concentration at the eight intertidal zones from Hanbao to Cigu was 49.8 ± 34.1 g/kg (N = 177), and the OM concentrations at Huwei estuary and Hanbao and Fangyuan intertidal zones were relatively high. The OM concentration (95.3 ± 75.7 g/kg) of the low tide zone of Huwei estuary was the highest among all tidal zones. The OM concentration during spring (59.4 ± 41.7 g/kg, N = 95) was higher than that in autumn (39.1 ± 17.8 g/kg, N = 84). For sand grain size ranges 0.15 - 0.25 and 0.063 - 0.15 mm, the weight ratio of intertidal sediment was 39.4% ± 26.9% and 27.6% ± 20.1%, respectively. The broad and flat intertidal zone was marked by fine sand and long intertidal zone;the weight ratio of SGSs < 0.25 mm exceeded 65%, and the OM concentration was between 20 and 30 g/kg. Coastal habitat diversity creates differences in biological communities, especially among crabs and benthic organisms. A greater understanding of coastal environments can aid in the management of coastal wetlands.

Mollusks of the Rocky Intertidal Zone at Three Sites in Oaxaca,Mexico

The community of mollusks at three rocky intertidal zone in Oaxaca, Mexico was analyzed. Two samplings per site were conducted. At each sampling the inspected area was 10 m2. The sampling unit was 1 m2. 5862 specimens were examined. 68 mollusks species were identified. The families better represented in species richness were: FISSURELLIDAE, MURICIDAE, LOTIIDAE, MYTILIDAE, CHAMIDAE, ISCHNOCHITONIDAE y CHITONIDAE. The species that had the greatest density were Lottia discors, Siphonaria palmata, Lottia acutapex, Chormoytilus palliopunctatus, Brachidontes adamsianus, Chton articulatus e Ischnochiton muscarius. The species with the widest distribution represent 11.76%. With irregular distribution was found in 58.82% of the species. The gastropod Crucibulummonticulus, the bivalve C. palliopunctatus and the polyplacophoran C. articulatus had the greatest size. The value of diversity index was H’ = 4.29 bits/ind. and J’ = 0.72. The mollusks community in the rocky intertidal zone study sites is characterized by small size, because they rarely exceed seventy millimeters. The values of H’ and J’ indicate that the mollusk community in the study area has a high diversity and high uniformity, corresponding to mature and stable communities in a tropical region.

New Records for GASTROPODA Class of Species Found in the Rocky Intertidal Zone of the Marine Priority Region 32,Guerrero,Mexico

The GASTROPODA class, one of the best known marine environments, is formed by a large number of species and the shape of their shell structure varies greatly. These mollusks are distributed from the intertidal zone all the way to the abyssal zone, and there are also swimming and floating species. This research was conducted at seven sites, located in the Marina Priority Region 32 (MPR 32), located in the State of Guerrero, Mexico. The aim of this report is to document the scope of the geographic distribution of the 34 species of GASTROPODA class. 11,263 total specimens were analyzed. 108 species were identified, of which four species are new records for Mexico, 15 for the Transitional Mexican Pacific, 11 for the State of Guerrero and four for the MPR 32. Here we report a significant number of new records of species of class GASTROPODA found on the rocky intertidal zone of the MPR 32. The reporting of these new records, demonstrates the need to focus research efforts on the study of marine diversity, since knowledge in this respect is quite incomplete, especially regarding marine mollusks, a fact that has been reported by the National Commission for the Management and Use of Biodiversity.

Geochemical Characteristics of Rare Earth Elements in Intertidal Sediments of Tianjin Coastal Zone

The geochemical characteristics of rare earth elements (REEs) in intertidal sediments in Tianjin coastal zone were systematically studied. The environmental behaviors of REEs in polluted river were also examined. The source of REEs in intertidal sediments was discussed on the basis of distribution pattern of REEs. The results can be summed up in the following aspects: (1) The average content of total REEs in the intertidal sediments is 164.5 mg·kg -1, and different in different sections of the coast. (2) Residual REEs in the coastal zone decrease from north to south, and Fe-Mn oxides and organic matter-bound REEs increase. Compared with those in Changjiang River, ratio between residual and carbonate REEs is obviously low. (3) Distribution patterns of REEs show that light REEs is relatively high and Eu-anomaly is slightly negative. They are similar to the patterns in coastal and inland rivers and different from those in continental shelf.

A study on nano－ and microdiatoms in the intertidal zones of Zhongshan Station，Antarctica

The present paper deals with the composition and distribution of nano-and microdiatoms in sands and grits covered by ice and snow in the intertidal zones of the Zhongshan Station in Larsemann Hills (69°21'～69°25'S, 76°00'～76°25'E ), East Antarctica. The samples were collected from seven sand-grit flat stations in January 1989 and February 1990. The highest cell density of nano-and microdiatoms occurred at Station B. The cell concentration was 0. 8×103～3651×103 cells per gram sand in January 1989 and 4. 5×103～2618×103 cells Per gram in February 1990 respectively.The nano-and microdiatoms in the intertidal zones were small in cell size and high in abundance. The dominant species was Navicula glaciei.

Determination of the Fish Community Structure of an Intertidal Rocky Zone of the Pacific Coast of Baja California Sur

The intertidal zone (also known as seashore) are transition areas between land and sea, that are greatly influenced by the tide cycle, therefore, environmental parameters, such as temperature and salinity, oscillate according to the periods in which these areas are exposed to air. Intertidal zones are highly diverse, which makes them key ecosystems for the development of sea life (both flora and fauna) exposed to drastic environmental change. The 59 visual censuses campaigns were carried out during the full moon of each month from 2015 to 2019. Temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen were recorded during each visual census and showed variations between years. Temperature showed two distinct seasons, warm and cold. A total of 14,995 organisms were recorded, belonging to 30 species, 28 genera, 15 families, five orders and one class. Ecological indices like species richness (SR), Shannon-Wiener’s diversity (H') and Fisher’s alpha (α-Fisher) showed significant differences between years, 2015 and 2016 recorded as the most diverse years, while the lowest values were recorded in 2019. Therefore, fish communities of tide pools showed to be highly diverse, with 30 species recording similar relative abundances, and according to the BVI, only 11 species were dominant. Spatio-temporal variations of temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen were highly correlated to changes in fish community structure, and the dominance of certain species, which are of great importance for the structure and dynamic of the tide pool communities. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the fish community structure of tide pools during the low tide in the intertidal zone of a locality known as El Faro, on the west coast of La Paz, B. C. S., Mexico.

The pigmental composition and the absorption spectral analysis of Ulothrix sp．and benthic diatoms in the intertidal zone of Great Wall Station，Antarctica

This paper reports the results of the absorption spectral analysis of Ulothrix sp. attached to the rocks from the intertidal zone in front of Great Wall Station,Antarctica in February 1989,and the benthic diatoms growing on small stones and on the edge of swamps of that zone.Six kinds of pigments were separated and identified in benthic diatoms.They are carotene, chlorophyll-a, fucoxanthin, chlorophyin, neoxanthin and chlorophyll-c. Nine kinds of pigments were identified in Ulothrix sp.. They are carotinoid, pheophytin, chlorophyll-a, -b, chlorophyllin, chlorophyllide-a, neoxanthin, chlorophyll-c and pheophytin-c. The intertidal benthic diatoms and Ulothrix sp. have specific absorption spectra and there are also marked differences in the composition of algal pigments they contain. Since the pigments of marine algae show differences in their absorption spectra, the absorption spectrum can be used to identify the species of marine algae.

Studies on island intertidal benthic ecology in Fujian

A total of 862 benthic species were identified in the island intertidal zone in Fujian, of which 734 species are animals and 128 species algae. Determination of Jaccard's similarity index of species was made on the intertidal communities around 11 major islands. Based on hierarchical clustering (WPGMA) and polar ordination, the benthic communities may be classified into three types; the estu-arine type, the bay and harbour type and open sea type. The distribution of the benthic community is related to the location of the island and its habitats of which, salinity and hydrodynamics are the major factors controlling the distribution of the communities.

Effect of Intertidal Elevation at Tsuyazaki Cove,Fukuoka,Japan on Survival Rate of Horseshoe Crab Tachypleus tridentatus Eggs

Physical factors affecting the survival of Tachypleus tridentatus eggs were investigated by translocating their eggs between the high intertidal zone and the low intertidal zone of a known spawning site.The mean egg survival rates per day were highest in the mid intertidal zone(45.1%±25.4%)and the lowest in the low intertidal zone(13.3%±27.6%).Differences in the elevation,air exposure time,and water content of the spawning ground were significant factors determining the egg survival rates.Excessive or insufficient air exposure time resulted in inadequate water content at higher and lower intertidal zones and could reduce egg survival.On the other hand,moderate saturation and dehydration were repeated with each tidal movement in the mid intertidal zone.This dynamic is considered as one of the crucial factors for the survival of eggs and is considered optimal for spawning.Therefore,the protection of the mid intertidal zone is imperative for maximizing the egg survival rate in Tsuyazaki Cove where almost all suitable nesting sites have disappeared due to coastal development.By protecting these optimal sites for spawning and recovering other optimal sites on suitable beaches,a positive contribution can be made to future management and conservation.The study also suggests that translocating eggs from marginal to optimal spawning sites might be a recovery strategy for this globally endangered species.

Determination of the Taxonomic Diversity of the Intertidal Fish Communities on the Pacific Coast of Baja California Sur, México from 2015-2019

The coastal areas of the Baja California peninsula are characterized mainly by rocky areas, where rock pools dominate as important coastal habitats because of the tide cycle, when the water is trapped during the low tide, forming the pools. Environmental parameters like temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen of the water trapped in the pools are key factors for the flora and fauna that inhabit these areas, particularly during the warmer months when the mean values of these parameters are usually higher than the mean values of the sea surface. The aim of the present study was to determine the variation of the taxonomic diversity of the fish communities that inhabit the rock pools in the common land known as Conquista Agraria in the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, México, from 2015 to 2019. A total of 59 visual censuses were carried out monthly during the second low tide of the full moon. Temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen showed variation throughout the study period, with two distinct seasons (warm and cold), which influenced the taxonomic diversity and taxonomic distinctness of the species recorded in the area. There was a higher diversity in the warmer months (summer) and years (2015 and 2016). In addition, according to the MDS analysis, 2017 and 2018 showed high similarity of species.

Differences in Response of Suaeda spp.to Salt Stress between Two Habitats

Suaeda spp.are a type of halophytes with salinity tolerance,and they have good bioremediation function on saline soil.Starting from relevant indicators such as seed germination,growth and development,photosynthetic characteristics,pigment content,ion content and absorption,this paper summarizes the research progress on the differences in response of Suaeda spp.to salinity between two habitats of inland saline-alkali land and intertidal zone,so as to elaborate the similarities and differences in the physiological mechanism of Suaeda spp.to salinity between two habitats and reveal their different salt tolerance mechanisms.

Assembly processes underlying bacterial community differentiation among geographically close mangrove forests

Bacterial communities play pivotal roles in nutrient cycling in mangrove forests.The assembly of mangrove microbial communities has been found to be influenced by complex factors,such as geographic distance,physicochemical conditions,and plant identity,but the relative importance of these factors and how these factors shape the assembling process remain elusive.We analyzed the bacterial communities sampled from three mangrove species(Aegiceras corniculatum,Bruguiera sexangula,and Kandelia obovata)at three locations along the estuarine Dongzhai Harbor in Hainan,China.We revealed larger differences in rhizosphere bacterial communities among geographical locations than among plant species,indicated by differences in diversity,composition,and interaction networks.We found that dispersal limitation and homogeneous selection have substantial contributions to the assembly of mangrove rhizosphere bacterial communities in all three locations.Following the phylogenetic‐bin‐based null model analysis(iCAMP)framework,we also found dispersal limitation and homogeneous selection showing dominance in some bins.The greater differences among geographic locations may be mainly attributed to the larger proportions of dispersal limitation even at such a short geographic distance.We also found that beta diversity was positively correlated with environmental distances,implying that the more similar environmental conditions(such as rich carbon and nitrogen contents)among plant species may have shaped similar bacterial communities.We concluded that the geographic distances,which are associated with dispersal limitation,played a key role in assembling mangrove rhizosphere bacterial communities,while physicochemical conditions and plant identity contributed less.

Responses of benthic foraminifera to changes of temperature and salinity:Results from a laboratory culture experiment

The effects of temperature and salinity on intertidal foraminiferal community under laboratory conditions are poorly understood. We designed a two-factor crossed experiment in which foraminiferal communities were cultured at different temperatures (6, 12, and 18℃) and salinities (15, 20, 25, and 30 psu) for 10 weeks. In total, 2616 living (stained) specimens were obtained and analyzed. Foraminiferal abundance ranged from 9 to 202 individuals/10 g wet weight of sediment. The highest abundance was obtained at 12℃, 25 psu and the lowest at 6℃, 15 psu. Statistical results demonstrated that temperature affected foraminiferal community more significantly than salinity. Most foraminiferal community parameters (abundance, species richness, Margalef index, and Shannon-Wiener diversity) were significantly positively correlated to temperature, but not to salinity, whereas Pielou's evenness was significantly negatively correlated to both temperature and salinity. The interactive effect of temperature and salinity on foraminiferal abundance was significant. In addition, with increasing temperature, the species composition shifted from hyaline Rotaliida to porcellaneous Miliolida. The abundance of dominant species (e.g., Ammonia aomoriensis, A. beccarii, and Quinqueloculina seminula) showed significant positive correlations to temperature. Our study indicated that the intertidal foraminiferal community responds sensitively and rapidly to the changes of salinity and, especially,temperature by shifting foraminiferal species composition and altering the community parameters.