Heavy metals,polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and organochlorine pesticides in the surface sediments of mangrove swamps from coastal sites along the Leizhou Peninsula,South China

Contents of heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons （PA Hs）, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes （DDTs） and hexachlorcy- clohexanes （HCHs） in surface sediments from mangrove areas of the Leizhou Peninsula were analyzed in July and November 2005. Risk assessment criteria applied by Long E R et al. （1995） and Long E D et al. （1995） （effects range low, ERL; effects range mean, ERM） of chemicals in sediments from the gulf or estuary were used to assess the potential ecological risks of heavy metals, PAHs, DDTs and HCHs to aquatic organisms in the studied area. The results indicated that the average contents of zinc, nickel, chromium, lead, copper, arsenic and mercury were （61.97 ± 55.87）, （59.99 ± 39.01 ）, （47.93 ± 28.37）, （26.64± 13.00） , （23.45 ± 41.96）, （9.32 ± 3.62）, （0.14 ± 0.18） mg/kg in dry weight in the sediment samples col- lected from five studied sites in the Leizhou Peninsula, respectively. Cadmium was not calculated due to its content being below the detection limit （ 〈 0.3 mg,/kg）. The average levels of Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn and Hg exceed their background values. The average contents of Ni were higher than ERM. The contents of PAHs in the sediments from the five studied sites were （79.78 ± 43.70） ng/g in dry weight, far lower than ERL（4 022 ng/g）. The contents of DDE, DDD and DDTs in the sediments from five studied sites were （2.60 ± 4.68）, （ 17.52 ± 27.25 ）, （27.78 ± 46.64） ng/g in dry weight respectively, clearly higher than ERL, and the average contents of DDT were （7.66 ± 15.93） ng/g in dry weight, much higher than ERM. HCHs could be detected in the sediments only from Gaoqiao sampling site, with the average contents （0.07 ± 0.08） ng/g in dry weight.

Morphometric relationships and reproductive maturation of the mudskipper, Periophthalmus barbarus from subsistence catches in the mangrove swamps of IMO estuary, Nigeria

From April 1992 and March 1993, morphometric characteristics and reproductive maturation were studied in Periophthalmus barbarus from subsistence catches in the mangrove swamps of Imo estuary. Morphometric equations for males and females at different stages of ovarian maturation are presented. Generally males were significantly heavier in weight than females, but the latter were heavier than the former of the same body length. Females with developing and mature ovaries were generally heavier than immature females of the same length. Analyses of the gonadosomatic index and percentage of mature males and females indicate all year\|round breeding such that: February\|May was spawning, June\|October postspawning and November to January recovery period. Fecundity varied between 900 and 23933 eggs per spawn and increased with fish size.

Trophic attributes of the mudskipper, Periophthalmus barbarus (Gobiidae: Oxudercinae) in the mangrove swamps of Imo River Estuary, Nigeria

Aspects of the trophic attributes of the mudskipper, Periophthalmus barbarus occurring in the mangrove swamps of Imo River Estuary, Nigeria, were investigated during a 12 month period (April, 1992\_March, 1993). Feeding intensity increased with size, it was higher in the dry season(November\_April) than in the wet season(May\_October), monthly changes in the indices of feeding intensity were significantly correlated. Major food objects comprised detritus and benthic algae; crustaceans, insects, macrophyte matter and sand grains were minor food objects while fish, molluscs, Chilopoda, nematodes and fungi were unconsciously devoured objects. Diet varied seasonally; algae and sesarmid crabs were generally more in the dry season than during the rains whereas FPOM and fish increased in the wet over dry season. The mudskipper display a high degree of euryphagy and can be considered as a generalist and an omnivore. The lower trophic status of P. barbarus qualifies it as a good aquaculture candidate. Food richness was higher in big sized class(BSC) than small sized class(SSC). Size based and seasonal variations were not apparent in food richness. Diet breadth was higher in the BSC than the SSC, there was dry season increase in diet breadth.

Intersexual plasticity in aspects of the biology of the mudskipper Periophthalmus barbarus (Gobhdae) in the mangrove swamps of IMO Estuary, Nigeria

Between April 1992 and March 1993, intersexual plasticity in aspects of the biology of the mudskipper, Periophthalmus barbarus was studied. Sex was differentiated on the basis of the genital papillae, it was broader in females than males. Sexually active females were slightly heavier than similarly sized males. Sex ratio was strongly female biased. Length weight relationship of the sexes was isometric. There was no significant difference in the feeding intensity of both sexes; uniformity was also apparent in diet breadth. There was no named sex based difference in hepatosometic index but condition index was higher in males than females. The uniformity in intersexual plasticity of P.barbarus is consequent upon homogeneity of the mangrove ecosystem, which can only be altered anthropogenically.

Isolation of Marine Actinomycetes from the Mangrove Swamps for Biotechnological Exploration

The mangroves are specialized marine environments widely distributed along the coast lines, which support biologically diverse groups of organisms including microbes. The microorganisms present in this ecosystem contribute significantly in the food web of the tropical marine ecosystem. In the present investigation, Actinomycete isolates obtained from mangrove sediments have been studied for diversity as well as for their bioactive potential. Seven different Actinomycete isolates （MS 1-MS7） were obtained from the sediments collected from the mangrove swamps. The phylogenetic analysis of these isolates showed that out or seven isolates, 3 isolates belong to Streptomyces sp., which has bioactive potential as several bioactive metabolites have been isolated from this group. One bacterium showed genetic similarity with Corynebacterium sp.. The microbes from this group are used for very important industrial applications. Three Actinomycete isolates showed very low similarity with the reported strains from the gene bank. In suggests that, these cultures could be novel and further research work is warranted to prove this speculation. In antagonistic studies, three Actinomycete isolates showed promising results. This investigation highlights the importance of mangrove ecosystem as a rich source of diverse Actinomycete strains for biotechnological applications.