Effects of pretreatment procedures on fatty acid composition and stable carbon isotopes in the marine microalga Isochrysis zhanjiangenisis

This study aims to quantify the effects of different pretreatment methods on the stable carbon isotope values of fatty acids in marine microalgae（Isochrysis zhanjiangenisis）.To identify the effects of sample preparation on theδ^（13）C value and the fatty acid composition,we examined eight types of pretreatment methods including：（a） drying the sample followed by direct methyl esterification using HCl-CH3OH;（b） drying the sample followed by direct methyl esterification using H2SO4-CH3OH;（c） drying the sample by ultrasonic extraction and methylesterification using HCl-CH3OH;（d） drying the sample by ultrasonic extraction and methyl-esterification using H2SO4-CH3OH;（e） fresh sample followed by direct methyl-esterification using HCl-CH3OH;（f） fresh sample followed by direct methyl-esterification using H2SO4-CH3OH;（g） fresh sample with ultrasonic extraction followed by methyl-esterification using HCl-CH3OH,and（h） fresh sample with ultrasonic extraction followed by methylesterification using H2SO4-CH3 OH.The results show that the δ^（13）C values from Groups a-e,g and h fluctuated within 0.3‰,and the δ^（13）C values of Group f were approximately 0.7‰ lower than the other seven groups.Therefore,the different sample pretreatment methods used towards the extraction of fatty acids from marine microalgae may result in different results regarding the stable carbon isotope ratios,and if necessary a correction should be applied.

Effects of thinning and understory removal on water use efficiency of Pinus massoniana:evidence from photosynthetic capacity and stable carbon isotope analyses

Understanding the relationship between forest management and water use efficiency(WUE)is important for evaluating forest adaptability to climate change.However,the effects of thinning and understory removal on WUE and its key controlling processes are not well understood,which limits our comprehension of the physiological mechanisms of various management practices.In this study,four forest management measures(no thinning:NT;understory removal:UR;light thinning:LT;and heavy thinning:HT)were carried out in Pinus massoniana plantations in a subtropical region of China.Photosynthetic capacity and needle stable carbon isotope composition(δ^(13)C)were measured to assess instantaneous water use efficiency(WUE_(inst))and long-term water use efficiency(WUE_(i)).Multiple regression models and structural equation modelling(SEM)identified the effects of soil properties and physiological performances on WUE_(inst)and WUE_(i).The results show that WUE_(inst)values among the four treatments were insignificant.However,compared with the NT stand(35.8μmol·mol^(-1)),WUE_(i)values significantly increased to 41.7μmol·mol^(-1)in the UR,50.1μmol·mol^(-1)in the LT and 46.6μmol·mol^(-1)in HT treatments,largely explained by photosynthetic capacity and soil water content.Understory removal did not change physiological performance(needle water potential and photosynthetic capacity).Thinning increased the net photosynthetic rate(A_n)but not stomatal conductance(g_s)or predawn needle water potential(ψ_(pd)),implying that the improvement in water use efficiency for thinned stands was largely driven by radiation interception than by soil water availability.In general,thinning may be an appropriate management measure to promote P.massoniana WUE to cope with seasonal droughts under future extreme climates.

Changes in the Activities of C4 Pathway Enzymes and Stable Carbon Isotope Discrimination in Flag Leaves of Super High-yield Hybrid Rice

Activities of several key enzymes of C-4 photosynthesis pathway and stable carbon isotope discrimination were investigated in flag leaves of a super high-yield hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.) cv. Peiai 64S/E32 and a traditional hybrid rice cv. Shanyou 63 at different developing stages. Results show that the activity of PEP carboxylase (PEPCase) increased with age of flag leave; the activity of NADP-malate dehydrogenase (NADP-MDH) increased and reached to a peak value at grain filling stage (68-75 d after transplanting), then fell down; the activity of NADP-MDH in cv. Peiai 64S/E32 was much higher than that in cv. Shanyou 63. Before ripening stage (95 d after transplanting), NADP-malic enzyme activity rose gradually. The level of stable carbon isotope discrimination (Delta(13)C) in flag leaves and grains at different developing stages were similar and exhibited a comparative high value at ripening stage. The average Delta(13)C in leaf of cv. Peiai 64S/E32 during different developing stages was 0.43parts per thousand more than that in cv. Shanyou 63.

Stable isotopic composition of riverine dissolved inorganic carbon of the Xijiang River Inner Estuary

For researching the spatio-temporal variation of the stable isotopic composition of the riverine dissolved inorganic carbon（DIC）,we had carried out a survey throughout the hydrologic year during which theδ^13CDIC of the surface water and its physicochemical parameter were examined along the Xijiang River Inner Estuarine waterway from September 2006 to June 2007.There was a striking seasonal variation on the averageδ^13CDIC,as the averageδ^13CDIC in summer（-13.91‰）or autumn（-13.09‰）was much less than those in spring（-11.71‰）or winter（-12.26‰）.The riverineδ13C DIC was controlled by decomposed condition of the riverine organic matter linking the seasonal variation of the physicochemical parameter in the surface water according to the correlation analysis which indicated notable relations betweenδ^13CDIC and water temperature（p=0.000;r=-0.569）or betweenδ^13CDIC and oxide-reduction potential（p=0.000;r=0.646）.The striking positive correlation between δ^13CDIC and the sampling distance happened in the summer rainy season,while striking negative correlation happened in the spring dry season,indicating that river-sea interaction influenced water physicochemical parameters and controlled the riverine DIC property in the survey waterway.In view of the riverineδ^13CDIC decreasing for the decomposition of the terrestrial organic matter in the rainy season in summer and increasing for the briny invaded zone extending in the spring dry season along the waterway from the Makou gauging station to the Modaomen outlet,theδ^13CDIC spatio-temporal variation was closely related to the geographical environment of the Xijiang drainage basin.

Sedimentary Records of Mangrove Evolution During the Past one Hundred Years Based on Stable Carbon Isotope and Pollen Evidences in Maowei, SW China

Mangroves accumulate sedimentary sequences, where cores can provide historical records of mangrove evolution with past climate change and human activity. The study traced the history of mangrove evolution during the past one hundred years in a mangrove swamp of Maowei Sea, SW China. The sedimentation rates(0.38-0.95 cm yr^(-1)) were calculated on the basis of ln(^(210)Pb_(xs)/Al) and mass depth in the core sediments. Chemical tracers, such as δ^(13)C_(org) and C:N values, were utilized to trace the contribution of mangrove-derived organic matter using a ternary mixing model. Because of potential diagenetic alteration and / or overlap in the isotopic signatures of different components, simultaneous use of mangrove pollen diagrams can help to supplement some of these limitations. Combined with mangrove pollen, mangrove evolution was reconstructed and could be divided into three stages: flourishment(1886-1905 AD), slight degradation(1905-1949 AD) and rapid degradation period(1949-2007 AD), which was consistent with previous reports. The reclamation of mangrove swamps to shrimp ponds was the major reason for rapid degradation of mangrove ecosystems in recent years, rather than climate change in the region.

Stable Carbon Isotope Geochemical and Hydrochemical Features in the System of Carbonate-H_2O-CO_2 and Their Implications—Evidence from Several Typical Karst Areas of China

On the basis of hydrochemical observation and experimental calculation, the features of stable carbon isotope geochemistry in the karst dynamic systems of the Guilin Karst Experimental Site, Huanglong Ravine and Wujiangdu Dam Site are summarized in this study. Furthermore, an attempt has been made to solve several geochemical problems, such as the origin of CO2 in the system, kinetic fractionation of carbon isotopes during calcite deposition, hydrochemistry and formation of tufa, and carbon-14 dating of tufa of hydrothermal origin. The results show that three kinds of karst dynamic system can be distinguished: (1) the shallow system, such as the Guilin Karst Experimental Site, in which soil CO2 provides the an active agent for karst processes; (2) the geothermal system, such as the Huanglong Ravine, in which metamorphic or/ and juvenile CO, is the source of activity for karst; (3) the anthropogenic system, such as the Wujiangdu Dam Site, in which the stable carbon isotope geochemical and hydrochemical features have been greatly affected by human activity.

Stable Carbon Isotopic Composition of Black Carbon in Surface Soil as a Proxy for Reconstructing Vegetation on the Northern Slope of the Qinling Mountains

Because of the unique geographical location and important ecological effect of the Qinling Mountains, reconstruction of its vegetation and climate needs comprehensive research. We need to consider a multiple-proxy approach to gain more information on recovering the paleovegetation and climate in the Qinling Mountains. Black carbon （BC） is produced by the incomplete combustion of vegetation and fossil fuels, and is a good proxy, recording paleoenvironmental information. However, in the Qinling Mountains, what are the characteristics of the BC, and whether BC stable carbon isotope （δ^13CBc） can be used as a new proxy to study ancient vegetation, still need further study. In order to establish a sound basis for studying paleoenvironmental by BC proxy in the Qinling Mountains, we carried out systematic and detailed study on modern process of BC on the northern slope of the mountains. We analyzed stable carbon isotopes and carbon concentration of organic carbon （% SOC, δ^13Csoc） and BC （%BC, δ^13CBc）, and identified the pollen assemblages from systematically sampled surface soil. The results show that the calculated ratio of C4 plants in the vegetation （%C4） based on the δ13Csoc data reflects a similar distribution of C4 plants in the surface vegetation and the pollen assemblage. The δ^13Cac values have a strong positive correlation with δ13Csoc values, and their difference （△13CSOC-BC） is in the low range. These data indicate that δ^13CBC and δ^13CSOC have very similar characteristics. Surface soil δ13BC values can indicate surface vegetation as effectively as δ^13Csoc values, and the δ^13CBC proxy can be used effectively in paleovegetational research in the northern slope of Qinling Mountains.

Stable Carbon Isotopic Compositions of Methylated-MTTC in Crude Oils from Saline Lacustrine Depositional Environment:Source Implications

Significantly high abundant methyl-Methyl Trimethyl Tridecyl Chromans （MTTCs） have been detected in aromatic hydrocarbon fractions in crude oils from the Jizhong Depression and Jianghan Basin. The distribution of these compounds is dominated by methyl-MTTC and dimethyl- MTTC series, which indicate diagenetic products of a hypersaline depositional environment in the early stage and show a low degree of methylation. The occurrence of significantly high abundant methyl-MTTC depends mainly on good preservation conditions with a strongly reductive, hypersaline and water-columned depositional environment and subsequent non-intensive diagenetic transformations. The stable carbon isotopic compositions of the methyl-MTTCs and dimethyl-MTTCs in two samples are far different from the stable carbon isotopic composition of C30 hopane of apparent bacteria biogenesis （up to 4.11‰ and 5.75‰, respectively）. This obviously demonstrates that the methyl-MTTC and dimethyl-MTTCs cannot be of bacteria origin, which is different from the previous point of view about non-photosynthetic bacteria products or possible bacteria-reworked products. On the contrary, the stable carbon isotopic compositions of methyl-MTTC and dimethyl-MTTCs in the two samples were similar to that of the same carbon-numbered n-alkanes （nC27-nC28-nC29）, which indicates that they share the same source origin. Especially in the crude oil from the Zhao61 well, stable carbon isotopic compositions are also similar to that of the same carbon-numbered steranes with ααα- 20R isomer （mostly less than 0.4‰）. In consideration of the results of previous studies on saline lake ecological sedimentation, the authors hold that the methyl-MTTC and dimethyl-MTTCs in the saline lake sediments should be of algal biogenesis origin.

Stable Carbon Isotope Variations in Cave Percolation Waters and their Implications in Four Caves of Guizhou, China

Monitoring and sampling of main plants, soil CO2, soil water, bedrock, spring water, drip water and its corresponding speleothem were performed at four cave systems of Guizhou, Southwest China, from April 2003 to May 2004, in order to understand stable carbon isotope ratios variations of dissolved inorganic Carbon （DIC） in cave percolation waters （δ13CDIC） and their implications for paleoclimate. Stable carbon isotopic compositions and ions （Ca, Mg, Sr, SO4, CI etc.） were measured for all samples. The results indicate that there are significant differences among the δ13CDIC values from inter-cave, even inter-drip of intra-cave in the four caves. The δ13CDIC values from the Liangfeng Cave （LFC） is lightest among the four caves, where vegetation type overlying the cave is primary forest dominated by tall trees with lighter average δ13C value （-29.9‰）. And there are remarkable differences in δ13CDIC values of different drip waters in the Qixing Cave （QXC） and Jiangjun Cave （JJC）, up to 6.9‰ and 7.8‰, respectively. Further analyses show that the δ13CDIC values in cave drip waters are not only controlled by vegetation biomass overlying the cave, but also hydro-geochemical processes. Therefore, accurate interpreting of δ13C recorded in speleothems cannot be guaranteed if these effects of the above mentioned factors are not taken into consideration.

Dynamics of soil organic carbon following land-use change:insights from stable C-isotope analysis in black soil of Northeast China

Intensive soil tillage is a significant factor in soil organic matter decline in cultivated soils. Both cultivation abandonment and foregoing tillage have been encouraged in the past 30 years to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and soil erosion. However, the dynamic processes of soil organic carbon (SOC) in areas of either continuous cultivation or abandonment remain unclear and inconsistent.Our aims were to assess and model the dynamic processes of SOC under continuous tillage and after cultivation abandonment in the black soil of Northeast China. Soil profiles were collected of cultivated or abandoned land with cultivation history of 0–100 years. An isotope mass balance equation was used to calculate the proportion of SOC derived from corn debris (C_4) and from natural vegetation (C_3) to deduce the dynamic process. Approximately 40% of SOC in the natural surface soil (0–10 cm) was eroded in the first 5 years of cultivation, increasing to about 75% within 40 years, before a slow recovery. C_4 above 30 cm soil depth increased by 4.5%–5% or 0.11–0.12 g·kg^(-1) on average per year under continuous cultivation, while it decreased by approximately 0.34% annually in the surface soil after cultivation abandonment.The increase in the percentage of C_4 was fitted to a linear equation with given intercepts in the upper 30 cm of soil in cultivated land. A significant relationship between the change of C_4 and time was found only in the surface soil after abandonment of cultivation. These results demonstrate the loss and accumulation of corn-derived SOC in surface black soil of Northeast China under continuous tillage or cultivation abandonment.

Geochemical Characterizations of Source and Depositional Environment of Hydrocarbons in the Lake Albert Rift Basin

Despite the upsurge in hydrocarbon exploration in the Lake Albert Rift Basin(LARB)over the past three decades,systematic characterization of hydrocarbon compositions remains lacking,leading to uncertainties in source rock and oil generation determination.We characterized crude oil compositions and oil sand samples in the northern and southern subbasins of LARB.The relative abundance of normal and branched linear alkanes,hopanes,steranes,and aromatic hydrocarbon suggest that northern and southern hydrocarbons were deposited in anoxic to suboxic lacustrine environments and share similar biological source compositions(i.e.,a mixture of plants and aquatic algae and bacteria).Relative to southern samples,northern samples show more negative δ^(13)C values for oils,saturates and aromatics,indicating longer migration paths,and exhibit higher MPI-1,DNR-1 and 4-/1-MDBT ratios,indicating higher maturity.Between the two possible sets of source rocks(upper Miocene and Jurassic strata),the positive δ^(13)C values of saturated hydrocarbons(average=-20.5‰)suggest that the upper Miocene lacustrine shale is the most likely candidate.Oleanane index(<5% in our samples)does not exclude either source rock possibility,and C_(28)/C_(29) regular sterane(average=0.63)may be biased by high terrestrial inputs in a lacustrine setting.Together,our data show that northern and southern oils originate from the same source rocks but different oil kitchens.Given the similar geochemical characteristics of southern and northern oils,previous exploration successes in the northern subbasin likely suggest similar potential in the southern sector,while other elements influencing exploration success must be also evaluated.

Variations of methane stable isotopic values from an Alpine peatland on the eastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Isotopic signature is a powerful tool to discriminate methane(CH_(4)) source types and constrain regional and global scale CH_(4) budgets.Peatlands on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau are poorly understood about the isotopic signature of CH_(4) due to the limited experimental conditions.In this study,three campaigns of diurnal air samples spacing 2-3 h were taken from an alpine peatland on the eastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau to investigate its source signal characteristics.Both CH_(4) concentration and its stable carbon isotope(δ^(13)C-CH_(4)) were measured to derive the carbon isotopic signature of the CH_(4) source using the Keeling plot technique.Diurnal variation patterns in CH_(4) concentration and δ^(13)C-CH_(4) were observed during summertime,with depleted δ^(13)C-CH_(4) signals and high CH_(4) concentration appearing at nighttime.The δ^(13)C-CH4 signature during summer was calculated to be-71 % ± 1.3%,which falls within the range of other wetland studies and close to high-latitude peatlands.The boundary layer dynamic and CH_(4) source were supposed to influence the measured CH_(4) concentration and δ^(13)C-CH_(4.)Further investigations of CH_(4) isotopic signals into the nongrowing season are still needed to constrain the δ^(13)C-CH_(4) signature and its environmental controls in this region.

Differential response of radial growth and δ^(13)C in Qinghai spruce(Picea crassifolia) to climate change on the southern and northern slopes of the Qilian Mountains in Northwest China

Tree radial growth can have significantly differ-ent responses to climate change depending on the environ-ment.To elucidate the effects of climate on radial growth and stable carbon isotope(δ^(13)C)fractionation of Qing-hai spruce(Picea crassifolia),a widely distributed native conifer in northwestern China in different environments,we developed chronologies for tree-ring widths and δ^(13)C in trees on the southern and northern slopes of the Qilian Mountains,and analysed the relationship between these tree-ring variables and major climatic factors.Tree-ring widths were strongly influenced by climatic factors early in the growing season,and the radial growth in trees on the northern slopes was more sensitive to climate than in trees on the southern.Tree-ring δ^(13)C was more sensitive to climate than radial growth.δ^(13)C fractionation was mainly influenced by summer temperature and precipitation early in the growing season.Stomatal conductance more strongly limited stable carbon isotope fractionation in tree rings than photosynthetic rate did.The response between tree rings and climate in mountains gradually weakened as climate warmed.Changes in radial growth and stable carbon isotope fractionation of P.crassifolia in response to climate in the Qilian Mountains may be further complicated by continued climate change.

The Response of Carbonate System to Watershed Urbanization Process in a Semi-Arid River

Different from rivers in humid areas,the variability of riverine CO_(2) system in arid areas is heavily impacted by anthropogenic disturbance with the increasing urbanization and water withdrawals.In this study,the water chemistry and the controls of carbonate system in an urbanized river(the Fenhe River)on the semi-arid Loess Plateau were analyzed.The water chemistry of the river water showed that the high dissolved inorganic carbon(DIC)concentration(about 37 mg L^(-1))in the upstream with a karst land type was mainly sourced from carbonate weathering involved by H_(2)CO_(3) and H_(2)SO_(4),resulting in an oversaturated partial pressure of CO_(2)(pCO_(2))(about 800μatm).In comparison,damming resulted in the widespread appearance of non-free flowing river segments,and aquatic photosynthesis dominated the DIC and pCO_(2) spatiality demonstrated by the enriched stable isotope of DIC(δ^(13)CDIC).Especially in the mid-downstream flowing through major cities in warm and low-runoff August,some river segments even acted as an atmospheric CO_(2) sink.The noteworthy is wastewater input leading to a sudden increase in DIC(>55 mg L^(-1))and pCO_(2)(>4500μatm)in the downstream of Taiyuan City,and in cold November the increased DIC even extended to the outlet of the river.Our results highlight the effects of aquatic production induced by damming and urban sewage input on riverine CO_(2) system in semi-arid areas,and reducing sewage discharge may mitigate CO_(2) emission from the rivers.

Geochemical characteristics and origins of natural gases in the eastern Cote d’Ivoire Basin,West Africa

The gas sources in the eastern Cote d’Ivoire Basin(Tano Basin)are seldom reported and remain controversial due to multiple sets of potential source rocks and poorly documented geochemical characteristics of natural gases.The marine source rock potential from the Upper Albian to Turonian as well as the molecular composition and the stable carbon isotope composition of natural gases in the eastern Cote d’Ivoire Basin were studied in detail to investigate the origins of natural gases.The total organic carbon(TOC),hydrogen index(HI),and generation potential(S_(1)+S_(2))of source rocks indicate that both sapropelic source rocks and humic source rocks developed during the late Albian,whereas sapropelic source rocks developed during the Cenomanian and the Turonian.The normal order ofδ^(13)CH_(4)<δ^(13)C_(2)H6<δ^(13)C_(3)H_(8)(δ^(13)C_(1)<δ^(13)C_(2)<δ^(13)C_(3)),the relationship between C_(2)/C_(3)molar ratio andδ^(13)C_(2)-δ^(13)C_(3),and the plot ofδ^(13)C_(1)versus C_(1)/(C_(2)+C_(3))collectively show that the natural gases are thermogenic due to the primary cracking of kerogen,including the typical oil-associated gases from Well D-1,the mixed oil-associated gases and coal-derived gases from Well G-1 and Well L-1.Based on the plot ofδ^(13)C_(1)versusδ^(13)C_(2)and the established relationship betweenδ^(13)C_(1)and equivalent vitrinite reflectance(Ro),we proposed that the natural gases are in a mature stage(Ro generally varies from 1.0%to 1.3%).Combined with results of basin modelling and oil-to-source correlation,the transitional to marine source rocks during the late Albian were thought to have made a great contribution to the natural gases.Our study will make a better understanding on petroleum system in the eastern Cote d’Ivoire Basin.

Distribution and Sources of Organic Matter in Surface Sediments of the Karachi Coast,Pakistan

Under the steadily intensifying human activities in coastal areas,it is crucial to distinguish the sources of organic matter(OM)in sediments for better understanding of the environmental change.In this study,25 surface sediments collected along the harbor and creeks areas off Karachi coast were used for total organic carbon(TOC),total nitrogen(TN),stable carbon(δ^(13)C)and nitrogen(δ^(15)N)isotopic compositions,phytoplankton biomarkers(brassicasterol,dinosterol and cholesterol)and glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers(GDGTs)analyses,to trace the distribution of OM and identify its sources.TOC,TN,δ^(13)C,and δ^(15)N are in the range of 0.04% to 5.28%,0.01% to 0.57%,-17.55‰ to -26.31‰,and 2.83‰ to 6.04‰,respectively.C/N values range from 4.24 to 21.04.The δ^(13)C,δ^(15)N,C/N,BIT(Branched Isoprenoid Tetraether)index together with phytoplankton biomarkers show both marine and terrestrial OM input to the creeks and Harbor stations.In contrast,the stations from Western Coast indicate a marine source predominance.A clearly impact of human activities is seen from sediments near river mouths.

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.

Carbon and Oxygen Isotopic Composition of Surface-Sediment Carbonate in Bosten Lake (Xinjiang,China) and its Controlling Factors

Bosten Lake is a mid-latitude lake with water mainly supplied by melting ice and snow in the Tianshan Mountains. The depositional environment of the lake is spatially not uniform due to the proximity of the major inlet and the single outlet in the western part of the lake. The analytical results show that the carbon and oxygen isotopic composition of recent lake sediments is related to this specific lacustrine depositional environment and to the resulting carbonate mineralogy. In the southwestern lake region between the Kaidu River inlet and the Kongqi River outlet, carbon isotope composition （δ^13C） values of the carbonate sediment （-1‰ to -2‰） have no relation to the oxygen isotope composition of the carbonate （δ^18O） values （-7‰ to -8‰）, with both isotopes showing a low variability. The carbonate content is low （〈20%）. Carbonate minerals analyzed by X-ray diffraction are mainly composed of calcite, while aragonite was not recorded. The salinity of the lake water is low in the estuary region as a result of the Kaidu River inflow. In comparison, the carbon and oxygen isotope values are higher in the middle and eastern parts of the lake, with δ^13C values between approximately ＋0.5‰ and ＋3‰, and δ^18O values between -1‰ and -5‰. There is a moderate correlation between the stable oxygen and carbon isotopes, with a coefficient of correlation r of approximately 0.63. This implies that the lake water has a relatively short residence time. Carbonate minerals constitute calcite and aragonite in the middle and eastern region of the lake. Aragonite and Mg-calcite are formed at higher lake water salinity and temperatures, and larger evaporation effects. More saline lake water in the middle and eastern region of the lake and the enhanced isotopic equilibrium between water and atmospheric CO2 cause the correlating carbon and oxygen isotope values determined for aragonite and Mg-calcite. Evaporation and biological processes are the main reasons for the salinity and carbonate mineralogy influence of the surface-sediment carbonate in Bosten Lake. The lake water residence time and the CO2 exchange between the atmosphere and the water body control the carbon and oxygen isotope composition of the carbonate sediment. In addition, organic matter pollution and decomposition result in the abnormally low carbon isotope values of the lake surface-sediment carbonate.

Distribution of organic carbon in sediments and its influences on adjacent sea area in the turbidity maximum of Changjiang Estuary in China

Distributions and sources of total organic carbon （TOC）in seabed sediments and their implications for hydrodynamics are analyzed, in the turbidity maximum of the Changjiang Estuary. Ecology ecoenvironmental effects of estuary water on the continuously increasing terrigenous organic carbon from the Changjiang River are also explored through variations of organic carbon content and water quality indicators. Results show that, hydrodynamics exert important influences on distributions of organic carbon in the tur- bidity maximum of Changjiang Estuary. For their redistribution effect of terrigenous organic carbon within the moving layer in the whole region, variations from land to sea are not indicated by surficial and vertical average values of TOC and total nitrogen （TN） contents in core sediment, as well as organic stable carbon isotopes in surface sediments. However, on the long-time scale, the trend of terrigenous organic carbon decreasing from land to sea is still displayed by variations of stable carbon isotopic average values becoming heavier from land to sea. Previous studies have shown that high content of Chl a cannot appear in the Changjiang Estuary in despite of adequate nourishment supply, because photosynthesis of phytoplankton is constrained by high suspended sediment concentration（SSC）. However, an area with a high content of Chl a occurs, which may be caused by resuspended benthic algae with bottom fine grain-size sediments. Tremendous pressures are imposed on the environment of Changjiang Estuary, because of uhrophication trends and special hydrodynamics. Phytoplankton bloom area tends to extend from the outer sea to the mouth of Changjiang River.

Migration of invasive Spodoptera frugiperda(Lepidoptera:Noctuidae)across the Bohai Sea in northern China

The fall armyworm(FAW),Spodoptera frugiperda(J.E.Smith),is an important agricultural pest with a strong migratory ability.While the species is native to the Americas,it has recently invaded China,ravaging crops in many provinces(autonomous regions,municipalities).Its long-distance migration,which is critical to understand for pest management programs,has been well studied in its native region.In other regions however,the moth’s migration patterns have not yet been characterized.Here,the migratory behavior of FAW populations in China was studied on an isolated island located in the center of the Bohai Strait from spring to autumn 2019,the year in which FAW first reached this region,by using searchlight trapping,stable carbon isotopes and trajectory simulation.The main results were summarized as follows:(i)The number of FAW moths caught by searchlight trapping provided direct evidence that the species migrated across the Bohai Sea.(ii)Species identification was confirmed by both morphology and molecular methods,and only the"corn-strain"that preferentially infests maize and sorghum was found in the collections.(iii)Stable carbon isotope measurements showed that up to 95.07%of captured moths displayed the C4 isotope signature,thus providing additional evidence that this species is a migrant as there are no major C4 plants at the trapping site.(iv)Backward trajectory analysis indicated that the pest now threatens to expand its range into the agriculturally important region of Northeast China,and thus authorities in this region should be vigilant to the threat posed by this species.Together,these findings add to our knowledge concerning the occurrence of FAW in northern China,and will help us to develop sustainable and effective monitoring,forecasting,and pest management strategies.