Isotope constraints on seasonal dynamics of nitrogen in Zhanjiang Bay, a typical mariculture bay in South China

Eutrophication in coastal waters has been increasing remarkably,severely impacting the water quality in mariculture bays.In this study,we conducted multiple isotopic measurements on suspended particulate nitrogen(δ^(15)N-PN) and dissolved nitrate(δ^(15)N-NO_(3)^(-)and δ^(18)O-NO_(3)^(-)) in Zhanjiang Bay,a typical mariculture bay with a high level of eutrophication in South China,to investigate the changes in nitrogen sources and their cycling between the rainy and dry seasons.During the rainy season,the study found no significant relation between δ^(15)NPN and δ^(15)N-NO_(3)^(-)due to the impact of heavy rainfall and terrestrial erosion.In the upper bay,a slight nitrate loss and slightly higher δ_(15)N-NO_(3)^(-)and δ^(18)O-NO_(3)^(-)values were observed,attributed to intense physical sedimentwater interactions.Despite some fluctuations,nitrate concentrations in the lower bay mainly aligned with the theoretical mixing line during the rainy season,suggesting that nitrate was primarily influenced by terrestrial erosion and that nitrate isotopes resembled the source.Consequently,the isotopic values of nitrate can be used for source apportionment in the rainy season.The results indicated that soil nitrogen(36%) and manure and sewage(33%) were the predominant nitrogen sources contributing to nitrogen loads during this period.In contrast,the dry season saw a deficient ammonium concentration(<0.2 μmol/L) in the bay,due to nearly complete consumption by phytoplankton during the red tide period.Additionally,the significant loss of nitrate and simultaneous increase in the stable isotopes of dissolved and particulate nitrogen suggest a strong coupling of assimilation and mineralization during the dry season.More active biogeochemical processes during the dry season may be related to decreased runoff and increased water retention time.Overall,our study illustrated the major seasonal nitrogen sources and their dynamics in Zhanjiang B ay,providing valuable insights for formulating effective policies to mitigate eutrophication in mariculture bays.

Distribution and sources of sedimentary organic matter in different aquaculture areas of northeastern Zhanjiang Bay using stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes

Zhanjiang Bay is a major aquaculture area in China with many types of mariculture products(such as oysters,fish,and shrimp).The culture area and shrimp output in Zhanjiang Bay are ranked first in China.We investigated the total organic carbon(TOC),total nitrogen(TN),TOC/TN ratio,and stable isotopes(δ^(13)C and δ^(15)N) of the fish and shrimp feed,fish and shrimp feces,and sedimentary organic matter(SOM) in and around different aquaculture areas of northeastern Zhanjiang B ay to study the impact of aquaculture activities on SOM.The average TOC contents of fish and shrimp feed were 39.20%±0.91% and 39.29%±0.21%,respectively.The average TOC content in the surface sediments of the oyster culture area,the mixed(fish and shrimp) culture area,and the cage fish farm area were 0.66%,0.88%±0.10%,and 0.58%±0.19%,respectively,which may indicate that mixed culture had a greater impact on SOM.The relatively high TOC and TN contents and relatively low TOC/TN ratios,and δ^(15)N values in the upper layer of the core sediment in the mixed culture area could also support the significant influence of mixed culture.The average δ^(13)C and δ^(15)N values of fish and shrimp feed were -20.6‰±2.2‰ and 1.8‰±1.2‰,respectively,which were different from the isotopic values of SOM in the study area.δ^(13)C and δ^(15)N values for SOM in different aquaculture areas were different from those of nearby reference stations,probably reflecting the influence of aquaculture.The δ^(13)C and δ^(15)N values in the oyster culture area(-25.9‰ and6.0‰,respectively) seemed to have reduced δ^(13)C and enriched δ^(15)N relative to those of the reference station(-24.6‰ and 5.8‰,respectively).This may reflect the influence of organic matter on oyster culture.The δ^(15)N value of the station in the mixed culture area(7.1‰±0.4‰) seemed to be relatively enriched in δ^(15)N relative to that of the reference station(6.6‰).Sedimentation and the subsequent degradation of organic matter from mixed cultures may have contributed to this phenomenon.The surface sediment at the cage fish farm area seemed to be affected by fish feces and primary production based on the indication of δ^(13)C and δ^(15)N values.The sediment core at the mixed culture region(NS6) had lower TOC/TN ratios and more positive δ^(13)C and δ^(15)N values than the sediment core at the oyster culture area,suggesting a higher proportionate contribution of marine organic matter in the mixed culture area.In summary,oyster culture,mixed culture,and cage fish culture in northeastern Zhanjiang Bay had a certain degree of impact on SOM,and mixed culture had more significant influences on SOM based on the high TOC contents and the significant vertical variations of TOC/TN ratio and δ^(15)N value in the sediment of this area.This study provides new insights into the impact of aquaculture activities on SOM content.

Numerical Study of the Donghai Dam Impact on the Hydrodynamic Environment of Zhanjiang Bay

In this paper, the Finite Volume Coastal Ocean Model （FVCOM） was employed and configured for 3 dimensional numerical simulations of tide and tidal current based on the field observations in Zhanjiang Bay. The model＇s results agree well with the field observed data. Based on the well validated model, the hydrodynamic fields of zhanjiang bay area were calculated both before the Donghai Dam constructing and after that. Compared the tidal level, current field, tidal capacity and water exchange ratio before the construction of Dohai dam with those after construction of the dam, we analyzed and get some conclusions of effects of Donghai Dam on Hydrodynamic environment of the Zhanjiang Bay.

Residues and sources of HCHs and DDTs in the sediments of land-based sewage outlet to the Zhanjiang Bay, China

Due to the large usage of DDT-containing antifouling paints and lindane in China, heavy residuals of DDTs and HCHs have been found in many fishing harbors, but there is lack of studies on this issue for the Zhanjiang Bay which is an important fishing harbor and mariculture zone in South China. To evaluate the pollution status and sources of HCHs and DDTs in the Zhanjiang Bay, the concentrations, spatial distributions and sources in the sediments of 11 land-based sewage outlets to the Zhanjiang Bay were investigated. Since the 1980 s, HCHs residuals had obviously decreased in studied areas, but DDTs had little change, even abnormally high levels were found in some sites. The content percentages and diagnostic ratios of HCHs isomers and DDTs showed that the source of HCHs was derived from soils around the bay and recent input of lindane, and DDTs were from historical residues of technical DDTs and fresh input of DDT-containing antifouling paints on fishing ships. Based on sediment quality guidelines, DDTs would be of more concern for the ecotoxicological risk on marine environment and adverse effects on benthonic organisms. This study indicated that lindane and DDT-containing products may be still used in some places of Zhanjiang City. It should be urgent to control their usage and clean the DDTs-contaminated sites by the local government.