Distribution of Biogenic Silica Content in Surface Sediments from the Southern South China Sea and Its Environmental Dignificance

Biogenic silica content was determined in 25 surface sediment samples from the southern South China Sea to study its distribution and its modern oceanic environmental significance, which may provide further scientific evidence for paleoceanography explaination. This study showed that biogenic silica content in surface sediments and its water depth have evidently positive correlation, and the correlation coefficient was up to 0.782. Biogenic silica content was very low in continental shelf shallows and could not reflect the productivity of siliceous micropaleontology in surface waters, which may be affected by sedimentary types and terrigenous matter dilution. Distribution of biogenic silica content in surface sediments from deep water areas showed that it could not only reflect the paleoproductivity of siliceous micropaleontology in surface waters, but also indicate the strong or feeble upwelling. Thus, it was further confirmed that using biogenic silica content in sediments to trace upwelling and its change was effective and reliable. The analyzed result showed that radiolariia and poriferous specula have more contribution for biogenic opal, comparing with diatom in surface sediments from the northern studied area, probably owing to the diatom dissolved easily away and eaten by other organisms with little effort. In the upwelling areas, radiolarian, diatom and poriferous specula all approximately showed high abundance, which was consistent with high biogenic silica content.

Biogenic silica in intertidal marsh plants and associated sediments of the Yangtze Estuary

Biogenic silica （BSi） contents in the marsh plants （Phragmites australis, Scirpus mariqueter and Spartina alterniflora） and associated sediments in Chongming Island eastern intertidal flat of the Yangtze Estuary were determined. The BSi contents in P. australis, S. mariqueter and S. alterniflora varied from 25.78–42.74 mg/g, 5.71–19.53 mg/g and 6.71–8.92 mg/g, respectively. Over the entire growth season, P. australis and S. mariqueter were characterized by linear accumulation patterns of BSi. The aboveground biomass （leaves and culms） of the marsh plants generally contained more BSi than underground biomass （roots）. BSi contents were relatively higher in dead plant tissues than in live tissues which was probably due to the decomposition and the leaching of labile components of plant tissues such as organic carbon and nitrogen. Comparing with the habitats of S. mariqueter and S. alterniflora, the highest BSi content was recorded in sediments inhabited by P. australis, with an annual average of 15.69 mg/g. Overall, the intertidal marshes in the Yangtze Estuary may act as a net sink of BSi via plant uptake and sedimentary burial.

Distribution and accumulation of biogenic silica in the intertidal sediments of the Yangtze Estuary

Sedimentary biogenic silica is known to be an important parameter to understand biogeochemical processes and paleoenviromental records in estuarine and coastal ecosystems. Consequently, it is of great significance to investigate accumulation and distribution of biogenic silica in sediments. The two-step mild acid-mild alkaline extraction procedure was used to leach biogenic silica and its early diagenetic products in intertidal sediments of the Yangtze Estuary. The results showed that total biogenic silica （t-BSi） in the intertidal sediments varied from 237.7-419.4 μmol Si/g, while the mild acid leachable silica （Si-HCl） and the mild alkaline leachable silica （Si- Alk） were in the range of 25.1-72.9 μmol Si/g and 208.1-350.4 μmol Si/g, respectively. Significant correlations were observed for the grain size distributions of sediments and different biogenic silica pools in intertidal sediments. This confirms that grain size distribution can significantly affect biogenic silica contents in sediments. Close relationships of biogenic silica with organic carbon and nitrogen were also found, reflecting that there is a strong coupling between biogenic silica and organic matter biogeochemical cycles in the intertidal system of the Yangtze Estuary. Additionally, the early diagenetic changes of biogenic silica in sediments are discussed in the present study.

Effects of river damming on biogenic silica turnover:implications for biogeochemical carbon and nutrient cycles

Rivers link terrestrial ecosystems and marine ecosystems, and they transport large amounts of substances into oceans each year, including several forms of silicon(Si), carbon(C), and other nutrients. However, river damming affects the water flow and biogeochemical cycles of Si, C, and other nutrients through biogeochemical interacting processes. In this review, we first summarize the current understanding of the effects of river damming on the processes of biogeochemical Si cycle, especially the source, composition, and recycling process of biogenic silica(BSi). Then, we introduce dam impacts on the cycles of C and some other nutrients. Dissolved silicon in rivers is mainly released from phytolith dissolution and silicate weathering. BSi in suspended matter or sediments in most rivers mainly consists of phytoliths and mainly originates from soil erosion. However, diatom growth and deposition in many reservoirs formed by river interception may significantly increase the contribution of diatom Si to total BSi, and thus significantly influence the biogeochemical Si,C, and nutrient cycles. Yet the turnover of phytoliths and diatoms in different rivers formed by river damming is still poorly quantified. Thus, they should be further investigated to enhance our understanding about the effects of river damming on global biogeochemical Si, C and nutrient cycles.

Contribution of phytoliths to total biogenic silica volumes in the tropical rivers of Malaysia and associated implications for the marine biogeochemical cycle

The contribution of phytoliths to total biogenic silica(BSi) volumes in rivers worldwide,and the associated implications for the biogeochemical cycle,require in-depth study.Based on samples from rivers in Peninsular Malaysia,this project investigated the source and characteristics of B Si found in Asian tropical rivers,as well as the process of reverse weathering taking place in these fluvial systems.Results indicated that BSi samples collected in sediments consisted of phytolith,diatom and sponge spicules.Phytoliths,predominantly of the elongate form,comprised 92.8%-98.3% of BSi in the Pahang River.Diatom BSi in this river consisted mainly of pennatae diatoms,but represented a relatively small proportion of the total BSi volume.However,diatom BSi(predominantly of the Centricae form) was more prevalent in the Pontian and Endau Rivers with shares of 68.8% and 79.3% of the total BSi volumes,respectively,than Pahang River.Carbon contents of the BSi particulates ranged from 1.85% to 10.8% with an average of 4.79%.These values are higher than those recorded in other studies to date,and indicate that BSi plays a major role in controlling permanent carbon burial.This study suggests that phytoliths from terrestrial plants are the primary constituents of BSi in the rivers of Peninsular Malaysia,and therefore represent a significant proportion of the coastal silica budget.

Biogenic silica concentration as a marine primary productivity proxy in the Holsteinsborg Dyb, West Greenland, during the last millennium

We analyzed the biogenic silica(BSi)content and produced a diatom-based summer sea-surface temperature(SST)reconstruction for sediment core GC4 from the Holsteinsborg Dyb,West Greenland.Our aim was to reconstruct marine productivity and climatic fluctuations during the last millennium.Increased BSi content and diatom abundance suggest relatively high marine productively during the interval of AD 1000–1400,corresponding in time to the Medieval Warm Period(MWP).The summer SST reconstruction indicates relatively warm conditions during AD 900–1100,followed by cooling after AD 1100.An extended cooling period during AD 1400–1900 is characterized by prolonged low in reconstructed SST and high sea-ice concentration.The BSi values fluctuated during this period,suggesting varying marine productivity during the Little Ice Age(LIA).There is no significant correlation between the BSi content and SST during the last millennium,suggesting that the summer SST has little influence on marine productively in the Holsteinsborg Dyb.A good correspondence between the BSi content and the element Ti counts in core GC4 suggests that silicate-rich meltwater from the Greenland ice sheet was likely responsible for changes in marine productively in the Holsteinsborg Dyb.

Biogenic silica in surficial sediments of Prydz Bay,Antarctica

The content and distribution of biogenic silica were investigated in sediment cores from Prydz Bay, Antarctica, during the CHINARE-18/2L cruise. The results show that the content of biogenic silica（ BSiO2 ） is ranged from 4.89% to 85. 41% , and the average content of biogenic silica is 30.90%, the highest value oc- curred at the IV-10 station. The profile of BSiO2 in sediment is contrast to that of sili- cate in the interstitial water. The content of biogenic silica and organic carbon in the surface sediments in the central area of Prydz Bay gyre were much higher than those in other area, and closely related to the Chla content and primary productivity of phyto- plankton in the surface water column.

Spatial-temporal dynamics of biogenic silica in the southern Yellow Sea

Concentrations of biogenic silica(BSi) in the southern Yellow Sea were determined during four cruises(spring:April–May 2014;autumn: November 2014;summer: August–September 2015;winter: January 2016). Samples of BSi were measured using the double extraction method. Seasonal and spatial variations of BSi and the potential correlation between chlorophyll a(Chl a) content and BSi in four seasons were measured in this study. Significant spatial variability was observed in seawater BSi concentrations. The average concentration of BSi was highest in winter and lowest in spring. Furthermore, the relationships between concentrations of BSi and hydrological parameters were also discussed. There was a significant positive correlation between Chl a and BSi. The concentrations of BSi showed significant relationships with temperature and the concentrations of silicates, total inorganic nitrogen and total inorganic phosphorus, indicating that distribution of BSi was affected by temperature and nutrient level.

The distribution and concentration of particulate biogenic silica in surface waters of Prydz Bay, Antarctica, during the austral summer of 2011

The concentrations and distributions of particulate biogenic silica （PBSi） in the upper surface waters of Prydz Bay, Antarctica, were investigated during the 27th Chinese National Antarctic Research Expedition cruises of January 2011. We aimed to characterize the correlations between PBSi and plankton, nutrients and particulate organic carbon. The results showed that the concentrations of biogenic silica ranged from 0.76--19.72 ktmol-dm3 and the average concentration of biogenic silica was 6.06 mol.dm3. The distribution of surface PBSi had significant regional characteristics： The concentrations were higher south of 67S than to the north. The distribution of PBSi, chlorophyll a and particulate organic carbon showed similar patterns, and PBSi distribution had a negative correlation with that of silicate. In the vertical direction, the mole ratio of PBSi and POC （Si/Co） decreased with increasing depth. This trend indicated a higher rate of PBSi dissolution, or a lower rate of organic matter reminer- alization rate, in the upper 200 m.

Biogenic silica contents of Lake Qinghai sediments and its environmental significance

Changes in the levels ofbiogenic silica （BSi%） in lake sediments have been widely used in order to study lake productivity and palaeoclimatic changes. However, the provenance of biogenic silica （BSi） needs to be investigated for each lake, especially for large lakes, as does the relationship between levels of BSi and relevant environmental factors. In this study, we measured the percentage of BSi contained in lake sediments, river sediments, and surface soils within the Lake Qinghai catchment, and compared the quantities and shapes of diatoms and phytoliths before and after the extraction processes. The results suggest that BSi in lake sediments is primarily derived from endogenous diatoms; therefore, BSi levels can be used to reflect the changes in primary productivity within the lake. Further comparisons showed that on long-term timescales, the variations in BSi% are generally consistent with those in total organic carbon （TOC） and grain size, reflecting the dominant impacts of precipitation on primary productivity in Lake Qinghai. On short-term timescales, however, the relationship between BSi% and TOC and that between BSi% and grain size are not clear or stable. For example, BSi% sometimes covaried with grain size, but it was sometimes out of phase with or even inversely related to grain size. We speculate that both climate and environmental processes, such as the dilution effect, influence short-term BSi% and its related environmental significance. As a result, BSi% should be used selectively as an indicator of climatic changes on different time scales.

Quartz crystallinity index:New quantitative evidence for biogenic silica of the Late Ordovician to Early Silurian organic-rich shale in the Sichuan Basin and adjacent areas,China

Quartz crystallinity index(QCI)was used to reflect the crystallisation of silica in the Late Ordovician Wufeng(WF)and Early Silurian Longmaxi(LM)Formation shale,as well as the airborne volcanic ash-derived silica in the Lucaogou Formation tuffaceous shale,to distinguish the two types of silica.The silica in different graptolite biozones exhibited different crystallisation.The WF2–3,LM1–4 graptolite biozones showed obviously lower QCI values than the LM5–9 graptolite biozones and the Lucaogou Formation samples.The graptolite organisms played the role of adsorption,fixation,and precipitation in silicon accumulation and enrichment in stratum.The biogenic origin caused the poorest quartz crystallisation in WF2–3 and LM1–4 graptolite biozones samples.The airborne volcanic ash-derived silica in the Lucaogou Formation tuffaceous shale exhibited relatively poor quartz crystallisation because of weaker diagenesis intensity.Generally,although the WF2–3 and LM1–4 graptolite biozones underwent strong diagenesis and contained a small amount of detrital quartz,the silica still exhibited lower QCI values than the airborne volcanic ash-derived silica in the Lucaogou Formation tuffaceous shale.The biogenic silica crystallisation was much poorer than that of the airborne volcanic ash-derived silica.QCI is an effective quantitative index to demonstrate the biogenic silica in the organic-rich and silica-rich shale.

Source of silica and its implications for organic matter enrichment in the Upper Ordovician-Lower Silurian black shale in western Hubei Province,China:Insights from geochemical and petrological analysis

To improve the understanding of the relationship between silica source and organic matter accumulation,the origin of silica and its implications for organic matter enrichment in the Upper OrdovicianLower Silurian(O_(3)w-S_(1)l)black shale in western Hubei Province in the middle Yangtze area,were investigated through geochemical and petrological analyses.The results show that the O_(3)w-S_(1)l black shale is mainly composed of five lithofacies with varying graptolite abundance,total organic carbon(TOC),and silica contents.Biogenic silica and terrigenous siliciclastic input constitute the main silica sources in O_(3)w-S_(1)l black shale and they exhibit an upward inverse variation trend interpreted to be related to sea-level changes.Moreover,with the increase in biogenic silica content or decrease in terrigenous siliciclastic input,TOC values in black shale initially rise and then fall,which is different from originally expected simple linear relationship.We infer that organic matter enrichment and the distribution of silica from different origins are controlled by sea-level changes and variations in terrigenous input in a continental shelf with little hydrothermal influence.An environment with appropriate sea level and terrigenous input should be most favorable for organic matter accumulation,rather than one with excessive high sea level and less terrigenous input.

Effects of Rice Straw Silicification and Characters of Extraction Biogenic Silicon on the Degradation of Fibrous Components in Rice Straw

Straw of seven rice varieties with early-, middle- and late maturity was collected from Huazhong Agricultural University in Hubei. A study was carried out for rice straw in the aspects of the characters of straw silicification and extraction biogenic silica (EBSi), the relationship between characters of EBSi and kinetic characteristics of degradation of fibrous components in fistulated cows, as well as the effect of urea treatment on rice straw desilicification. Although total silica content (ADISi) in rice straw was similar, the efficiency of extraction biogenic silica (EEBSi) and cellulose in early varieties were significantly higher than those in middle (18.9% and 9.1 %) and late ones (26.1% and 11.2%). The degradability of EBSi and cellulose of early varieties were higher than those of middle by 70.0% and 17.5%, and of late varieties by 47.8% and 23.7% , respectively. The in sacco degradability and in vitro VFA production of early varieties were also higher than those of middle by 14.5% and 19.0%, and late by 12.9% and 14.8%. Comparing the morphological fractions of the rice straws, EEBSi, cellulose content, and in vitro VFA production were different with the order of blade < sheath < stem. A significant correlation was found between the contents of EBSi and cellulose (r= 0.86), and the two contents were remarkably correlated with the potential straw degradability (a + b) by r = 0.90 and 0.84 respectively. Therefore, EBSi in rice straw was a main factor affecting the potential degradability of rice straw, rather than the ADISi of straw. Urea treatment improved rice straw degradability, degradation rate and potential degradability by 10.8% , 27.9% , and 10.1% respectively, compared to untreated straws.

Revisiting the dissolution of biogenic Si in marine sediments： a key term in the ocean Si budget

Of the ~240*10^(12)mol year^(-1)of biogenic silica(bSi)produced by diatoms and other silicifying organisms,only roughly 3%–4%escapes dissolution to be permanently buried.At the global scale,how,where and why b Si is preserved in sediment is not well understood.To help address this,I compile 6245 porewater dissolved Si concentrations from 453 sediment cores,to derive the concentration gradient at the sediment–water interface and thus diffusive fluxes out of the sediment.These range from\0.002 to 3.4 mol m^(-2)year^(-1),and are independent of temperature,depth and latitude.When classified by sediment lithology,predominantly siliceous sediments unsurprisingly have higher mean diffusive fluxes than predominantly calcareous or clay-rich sediment.Combined with the areal extent of these lithologies,the‘best-guess’global sedimentary b Si recycling flux is69 9 10^(12)mol year^(-1).

Sedimentary records of eutrophication in the Changjiang Estuary upwelling area over last 100 a

The upwelling area in the Changjiang Estuary was selected to collect the core, where the red tide occurred frequently and hypoxic existed. The total organic carbon （TOC）, total nitrogen （TN）, biogenic silica （BSi） and stable organic carbon isotopic ratios（δ13 Corg） were determined on the 210pb-dated sediment core. The concentrations of TOC, TN, BSi as well as their sedimentation fluxes have in- creased to some extent since the 1970s. TOC and TN fluxes increased about 45%, 36% respectively. The average δ13 Coorg value in the core was -23.67 ×10^-3 which remained nearly constant before the 20 century. The δ13 Corg values increased after the 1900s, two marked increases were observed from the 1950s and the 1970s. A simple δ13 Cors model was used to estimate the contribution of terrigenous and marine organic matter inputs for the sediment, which indicated the increase in accumulation since the 1970s has been almost exclusively marine. The increasing of marine organic matter accumulation （TOC, TN and BSi） was corresponding with the increasing of fertilizer consumption and the NO3-N budgets from the Changjiang River. The riverine runoff of fertilizers and nutrients stimulated the algae blooming. Enhanced primary production resulted in an enrichment of organic matter in the sediment. These data support the hypothesis that anthropogenic nutrient loading has been a significant factor on the eutrophication in the Changjiang Estuary.

Variations in paleoproductivity and the environmental implications over the past six decades in the Changjiang Estuary

Total organic carbon and organic carbon stable isotope, biogenic silica, chlorin were measured from a high resolution sediment core to indicate the variation in paleoproductivity and the environmental implications over the past decades （1942 to 1997） in the Changjiang Estuary. Based on these biomarkers, the shift in the phytoplankton community structure in the past decades was discussed in response to the long-term variations in nutrient concentrations and nutrient ratios. The results showed that the δ 13 C values varied from –26.15‰ to –19.5‰, suggesting the combined organic carbon sources of riverine and marine organisms. Based on the biogenic proxies, paleoproductivity changes were categorized into three stages： low production before 1950; an increase in production with the dominance of diatoms during 1950 to 1980, consistent with increasing of nutrient concentrations; a decrease in production after 1980 when the diatom production decreased while the production of non-silicious phytoplankton increased due to high nutrient inputs, and high N/P and P/Si ratios in the Changjiang Estuary. The sedimentation records also indicated that the riverine organic carbon increased since 1980.

Influence of particle composition on thorium scavenging in the marginal China seas

Thorium-234 and particle composition （organic matter, biogenic silica, carbonate and lithogenic component） were examined in the East China Sea （ECS） and the northern South China Sea （NSCS） in order to constrain the particle types scavenging thorium isotopes. Good positive correlations between particulate organic matter （POM） or carbonate and thorium-234 in suspended particulate matter （SPM） indicates that POM and carbonate are efficient to scavenge thorium-234. No relationship between biogenic silica and thorium-234 suggests that geochemical behavior of thorium-234 may be not influenced by biogenic silica. A simple model was used to evaluate the affinity of thorium-234 to different particle components. The results show that POM is the most efficient scavenger for thorium-234 in the ECS and the NSCS, followed by carbonate. The authors＇ results lend support to the utility of thorium-234 as a proxy of POC and carbonate in the upper layer. However, the strong dependence of thorium scavenging on particle composition challenges thorium-230 as a constant flux proxy.

Organic carbon and nitrogen isotopes in surface sediments from the western Arctic Ocean and their implications for sedimentary environments

Surface sediments from the Chukchi Sea and adjacent arctic deep sea were investigated for organic carbon and nitrogen isotopes （in δ13Corg and δ15Norg） as well as biogeni＇c silica （BSiO2）. δ13Corg and δ15Norg values of surface sediments in the study area fall between the end-member values of marine and terrestrial organic matter from the surrounding lands and seas, their variations reflect the changes of marine productivity and terrestrial supply in the study area. BSiO2 shows a similar distribution pattern with δ13Corg and δ15Norg, and can be used as an indicator of marine productivity. In the central-west Chukchi Sea and the Chukchi Rise, sediments have higher δ13Corg, δ15Norg and BSiO2 values, indicating the region has high marine productivity influenced by the nutrient-rich branches of the Pacific waters. In the coastal zone off northwestern Alaska, δ13Corg and δ15Norg values become lighter, indicating a weakening marine productivity and an increasing terrigenous supply due to the effects of the least nutrient-rich branch of the Pacific waters. In the north and the northeast of the study area （including the Chukchi Plateau, the Canada Basin and the Beaufort shelf）, δ13Corg, δ15Norg and BSiO2 have the lowest values, and the terrigenous organic matter becomes dominant in surface sediments because this region has the longest ice-covered duration, the least nutrient-rich seawater and the increasing supply of terrestrial materials from the Mackenzie River and the northern Alaska under the action of the clockwise Beaufort gyre. Because the subarctic Pacific waters are continuously discharged into the central basin of the Arctic Ocean through the study area, the nutrient pool in the Chukchi Sea can be considered as a typical open system, the ratio of δ15Norg to BSiO2 content show some tracers that the level of nutrient utilization is contrary to nutrient supply and marine productivity formed in seawater.

Seasonal variations of particulate silicon in the Changjiang (Yangtze River) Estuary and its adjacent area

Temporal and spatial distribution of biogenic （BSi） and lithogenic （LSi） silica were studied in the Changjiang （Yangtze River） Estuary and its adjacent area. The annual average BSi and LSi concentrations were （1.714-1.79） #mol/L and （0.564-1.41） mmol/L, respectively. Both BSi and LSi were high ii~. tbe inshore ar- eas, where they received terrigenous discharge from the Changjiang, and decreased towards the offshore region. BSi and LSi were most abundant at the near bottom layer due to the high sedimentation rates and resuspension of sediment. Diatom blooms occurred in summer with high Chl a concentration in the sur- face layer, which induced that BSi in the surface layer during summer was obviously higher than that in the surface layer of other seasons. LSi concentration was maximal in autumn and spring and minimum in summer, associated with the seasonal variation of SPM values. Drifting investigation and mesocosm exper- iments were conducted during dinoflagellate bloom, aiming to understand the effect of nutrients on BSi by changing the phytoplankton composition. The results show that the low dissolved inorganic phosphorus concentration and high molar ratio of N/P （dissolved inorganic nitrogen vs. dissolved inorganic phospho- rus）, were the important factors for decreasing diatom biomass in the study area, and it would subsequently decrease the BSi concentration in aquatic ecosystem.

Responses of Primary Productivity to Current and Climate Changes in the Mud Area to the Southwest of Cheju Island During the Past 800 Years

The biogenic silica (BSi) ,total organic carbon (TOC) ,total nitrogen (TN) and grain size were analyzed with a gravity core (3250-6) collected from the mud area in the north East China Sea.The average deposition rate of the upper core was about 0.078cm yr1based on the results of 210Pbex.The mean grain size increased with depth in general.The frequency distribution of grain size showed that two marked changes of deposition environment occurred at 30 cm and 50 cm depths (about 1550 AD and 1300 AD,respectively) .The variations of BSi and TOC indicated two distinct major periods of primary productivity over the past 800 years:a stage of low primary productivity corresponding to weak upwelling and low nutrient input below 30 cm depth (about 1200-1550 AD) ,and a stage of high primary productivity with strong currents and upwelling above 30 cm depth (about 1550-1950 AD) .The stage with high primary productive appeared to be due to the northward-expanded muddy area caused by strong Asian Winter Monsoon and enhanced Yellow Sea Warm Current in winter.In conclusion,the BSi and TOC in the muddy sediments,the symbols of marine primary productivity,can be then used to investigate the evolution history of currents and relative climate change in the offshore areas.