Pore-water distribution and quantification of diffusive benthic fluxes of nutrients in the Huanghai and East China Seas sediments

The distribution of nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, phosphate and silicate in pore-water and their exchange between sediments and overlying waters （benthic flux） were determined at nine locations on the shelve of Huanghai and East China Seas. On the basis of the redox potential of sediments and nutrients distributions in the pore-waters, it is found that the benthic sediments are being in a suboxic to anoxic environment in the Huanghai and East China Seas. The nutrients distribution in the pore-waters is mainly controlled by the sediment environment, and ammonia is the major inorganic nitrogen in the pore-waters. On the basis of benthic fluxes of nutrients calculated us- ing Fick＇s first law, there is remarkable efflux of ammonia, dissolved inorganic nitrogen（DIN）, phosphate and silicate from the sediments to the overlying waters in the study area, and their benthic fluxes are 299.3-2 214.8, 404.4-2 159.5 , 5.5-18.8 and 541.3-1 781.6 μmol/（m^2·d） respectively, and perhaps they are the major source of dissolved inorganic nitrogen, phosphate and silicate for the overlying water. At most stations, the nitrate flux was from the overlying waters to the sediments, which suggests that suboxic organic matter decomposition via denitrification is dominated in the most area of Huanghai and East China Seas. High benthic fluxes appearing in the coastal area and relatively low benthic fluxes occurring in the shelf area are found and are consistent with pri- mary productivity zoning in the study area. On the other hand, the ammonia flux displays an exponential decrease with water depth increase and an exponential increase with the bottom water temperature. However, others do not display this trend.

A Depth Wise Diversity of Free Living N₂Fixing and Nitrifying Bacteria and Its Seasonal Variation with Nitrogen Containing Nutrients in the Mangrove Sediments of Sundarban, WB, India

Mangrove provides a unique ecological niche to different microbes which play various roles in nutrient recycling as well as various environmental activities. The highly productive and diverse microbial community living in mangrove ecosystems continuously transforms dead vegetation and recycle nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur and other nutrients that can later be used by the plants. Mangrove ecosystems are rich in organic matter, and however, in general, they are nutrient-deficient ecosystems, especially of nitrogen and phosphorus. The present study investigated depth wise variation of Nitrifying bacteria, Nitrogen fixing bacteria, total bacterial population along with nitrate-nitrogen, nitrite-nitrogen and other physicochemical parameters of soil during pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon periods at three different sampling stations of mangrove sediments viz. deep forest region, rooted region and unrooted region. The microbial population was also found maximum in the deep forest sediment relative to the other two sites. Populations of cultureable microbes were found maximum in surface soil and decreased with increase in depth in Sundarban mangrove environment. A decreasing trend of total microbial load, nitrifying and nitrogen fixing bacteria with increase in depth were recorded throughout the year. Present study revealed the relationship among depth integrated variations of physicochemical components (viz. soil temperature, pH, salinity, nitrite nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen concentration) and total microbial load, nitrifying and nitrogen fixing bacteria microbial populations.

Water quality and growth of phytoplankton for the Yellow River estuary reservoirs—The nutrients release from reservoir sediments

Effects of nutrients released from sediments on eutrophication in lakes and reservoirs were not well known in China. In the test, the release conditions of nitrogen and phosphorus from the sediments were observed by batch experiment. The test results revealed that the content released is correlated to the initial content of organic matter in sediments. In the Gengjing area, when the water quality of waterway, grit chamber and reservoir were compared, the water quality of the waterway was the highest, and lowered in the order of the grit chamber and the reservoir. The grit chamber could get not only fine sand removal but also the organic substance, nitrogen, phosphorus and phytoplankton, therefore it is important to operate and maintain the grit chamber to preserve the water quality of the reservoir. Due to little organic substance in sediments, ammonium nitrogen and phosphorus weren't released during the incubation. But from the absorptiometric turbidity unit (ATU) test results, although the release of ammonium concentration was very low, ammonium oxidizing and nitrite oxidizing bacteria existed in sediments.

Dynamic Changes of Nutrients in Different Growth Stages of Trichosanthes kirilowii in Shishou City

To explore the relationship between soil nutrients,plant nutrients,and the growth and development of Trichosanthes kirilowii,the soil pH,organic matter,available nitrogen,available phosphorus,available potassium content,and leaf total nitrogen,total phosphorus,total potassium,and SPAD in different growth stages of T.kirilowii in the main production area of Shishou City were measured and analyzed.The changes in soil nutrient content and leaf nutrient content at different growth stages of T.kirilowii were compared,and correlation analysis was conducted.The results showed that the average soil pH,organic matter content,alkaline nitrogen content,available phosphorus content,and available potassium content during the entire growth period of T.kirilowii were 7.03,14.01 g/kg,98.79 mg/kg,14.84 mg/kg,and 135.20 mg/kg,respectively;the average total nitrogen content,total phosphorus content,total potassium content,and SPAD of the leaves were 0.55%,0.23%,1.78%,and 77.66,respectively.The nutrient dynamics of T.kirilowii at different growth stages exhibited certain regularity,with most nutrients reaching their maximum values during the flowering and fruiting stages,and then showing a decreasing or stabilizing trend.There was a varying degree of correlation between the nutrient content of leaves and soil,among which the nitrogen,phosphorus,and potassium contents of leaves were significantly or extremely significantly correlated with soil organic matter and alkaline nitrogen content.It can be seen that the nutrient abundance or deficiency level of soil in T.kirilowii field significantly affected the nutrient content of the leaves at different growth stages,thereby restricting its growth and development status.

Provenance and depositional setting of the Late MiocenePleistocene clastic sediments in the eastern Arabian Peninsula and western Iraq using rare earth elements geochemistry

The sandstones of the Late miocene–Pliocene Dibdibba Formation in the Najaf–Karbala Plateau and Basra were examined to determine their source rocks and origin. The rare earth elements(REE) and trace elements(Sc, Co, V, and Th) concentrations in these sandstones revealed that they likely derived from a single source. The steep light rare earth elements(LREE) and flat, heavy rare earth element(HREE) patterns, negative Eu anomaly, and high ΣREE contents in sandstones suggest its derivation from a suggests that a passive continental margin environment and originated from felsic source rocks. The average concentration of ΣREE is 93.5 ppm, which is lower than that of the average crustal compositions like Upper Continental Crust and Post Archean Australian Shale. The higher proportion of LREE compared to HREE implies that these sandstones were recycled and derived from a distal source. The Th/Co, Th/Sc, La/Sc, La/Co, Eu/Eu*and(La/Lu)cn elemental ratios indicated that these Late Miocene–Pliocene sandstones were derived from felsic rocks located in the marginal region of the Arabian Shield.

Microplastic and Heavy Metals Distributions in Urban Rivers Sediments,China

This study investigated the distribution of microplastics and heavy metals,along with the interaction between the two in the sediments of urban rivers in China.Results showed that the abundance of microplastics ranged from 2412±187.5 to 7638±1312items kg^(-1)dry sediment across different survey stations,with an average abundance at(4388±713)items kg^(-1)dry sediment.Upon further categorization,it was found that transparent fragments were the primary color and type of microplastics present.The potential ecological risk index(RI)of heavy metals in sediments suggested a low level of ecological risk within a majority of the urban rivers studied.Cd was identified as the main potential ecological risk factor in the sediments of the studied areas.There was a relatively good significant linear relationship between the RI of heavy metals and the abundance of microplastics,bolstering the linkage between these two environmental pollutants.However,the concentrations of heavy metals in microplastics were not dependent on their corresponding contents in sediments.In fact,the concentration of Cu,Cd,and As in microplastics were higher than those in the sediments.This finding confirmed that microplastics could serve as carriers of heavy metals and introduce potential risks to aquatic wildlife and human through the food chain.

Response of soil nutrients to terracing and environmental factors in the Loess Plateau of China

Terracing is a widely adopted agricultural practice in mountainous regions around the world that aims to conserve soil and water resources.Soil nutrients play a crucial role in determining soil quality,particularly in landscapes prone to drought.They are influenced by factors such as land-use type,slope aspect,and altitude.In this study,we sought to examine the impact of terracing on soil nutrients(soil organic content(SOC),total nitrogen(TN),nitrate-nitrogen(NO_(3)^(-)-N),ammonium nitrogen(NH_(4)^(+)-N),total phosphorus(TP),available phosphorus(AP),total potassium(TK),and available potassium(AK))and how they vary with environmental factors in the Chinese Loess Plateau.During the growing season,we collected 540 soil samples from the 0 to 100 cm soil layer across five major land-use types,different slope aspects,and varying altitudes.Additionally,a meta-analysis of literature data further corroborated the effective accumulation of soil nutrients through terracing in the Loess Plateau.Our findings are as follows:(1)Terraced fields,regardless of land-use type,showed a significant improvement in SOC and TN content.(2)Soil nutrient contents within terraced fields were predominantly higher on sunny slopes.(3)Terraces at lower altitudes are characterized by elevated SOC concentrations.(4)A meta-analysis of literature data pertaining to terracing and soil nutrients in this region confirmed the effective accumulation of soil nutri-ents through terracing.The elucidated outcomes of this study offer a profound theoretical underpinning for the accurate planning and management of terraces,the scientific utilization of land resources,and the enhancement of land productivity.

Diversity, Ecology, and Environmental Significance of Foraminifera in Al Hamama and Susah Coastal Regions, Northeastern Libya: Insights from Holocene Sediments

This research initiative, conducted along the coastal zones of Al Hamama and Susah in northeastern Libya, aimed to enhance our understanding of Holocene benthic foraminifera assemblages and the paleoenvironmental parameters in the region. We meticulously gathered five sediment samples to analyze the composition of foraminifera populations within the unconsolidated sedimentary deposits adjacent to these locations. We successfully identified nine distinct benthic foraminifera species, including Amphistegina lobifera, Eliphidium crispum, Sigmoilinita tenuis, Sorites orbiculus, Stomatorbina concentrica, Peneroplis planatus, Pseudotriloculina rotunda, Pyrgoella sphaera, and Triloculina schreberiana. Notably, Eliphidium crispum and Amphistegina lobifera emerged as the most prevalent species. These foraminifera species exhibited distinct ecological preferences, shedding light on paleoenvironmental conditions and climatic fluctuations during the Quaternary Period in the Susah and Al Hamama coastal regions. The presence of Orbulina universa, a planktonic foraminifera species, further enriched our understanding of the paleoenvironment by providing insights into specific water depths and temperature ranges. This research significantly contributes to paleoceanography and environmental reconstruction, highlighting the invaluable use of foraminifera as proxies for exploring past environmental changes. Additionally, the study investigated the impacts of anthropogenic influences on benthic ecosystems in the Al Hamama and Susah coastal areas. These influences included reworked foraminifera specimens and the effects of karst formations, acid rain, and eutrophication. Notably, human-induced factors have visibly affected biogenic fauna and ecosystem dynamics in the study area. Consequently, this research provides valuable insights into paleoenvironmental conditions and ecological dynamics within the Susah and Al Hamama coastal regions, emphasizing the crucial role of foraminifera in reconstructing historical environmental fluctuations.

Assessment of Selenium Contamination in Sediments of the Aby and Tendo Lagoons in Côte d’Ivoire

Selenium is a trace element that can have both beneficial and harmful effects on aquatic life. The Aby Lagoon is a coastal environment in Côte d’Ivoire that receives selenium inputs from various natural and anthropogenic sources. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of selenium in the sediments of the Aby Lagoon and its tributaries, the Tanoe River and the Tendo Lagoon, and to examine the spatial and seasonal variations of selenium concentrations. Sediment samples were collected from different sites and seasons, and selenium concentrations were measured by atomic fluorescence spectrometry. The results showed that the average concentration of selenium in the sediments of the Aby Lagoon was 0.82 mg/kg, indicating moderate contamination. The concentration of selenium varied between sites and seasons, with higher values in the channel of the Tendo Lagoon and during the dry season. The study highlighted the complexity of selenium dynamics in aquatic ecosystems, and the need to take into account seasonal and spatial variability as well as interactions between environmental factors. The study also suggested potential ecotoxicological risks for some sensitive organisms in certain areas of the lagoon. This study contributes to the knowledge of the dynamics of selenium in lagoon ecosystems and to the assessment of the environmental risks associated with its presence.

Cu-Zn isotope compositions of hydrothermal sediments from the southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge:implications to the sediment formation and mineral exploration

Six hydrothermal sediment samples were collected from the Xunmei and Tongguan hydrothermal fields along the southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge during the China Ocean Cruise DY46 in 2017.Sulfides and oxides in the samples were separated,and Cu and Zn isotope compositions were analyzed.Results show that the ranges ofδ^(65)Cu values of the bulk sediments,sulfides,and oxides were 0.36‰-2.46‰,-0.21‰-1.10‰,and 0.68‰-1.52‰,respectively.Theδ^(65)Cu values of sulfides in four samples(46II-14,46II-30,46III-06,and 46II-09)were relatively low(-0.21‰-0.50‰),corresponding to theδ^(65)Cu values of sulfides from inactive old hydrothermal chimneys in northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge(n MAR),suggesting that the sulfides in the sediments were originated from collapsed dead chimney mainly.While theδ^(65)Cu values of the other two samples(46III-02 and 46III-08)were relatively high(1.10‰-0.96‰),corresponding to theδ^(65)Cu values for active hydrothermal chimneys sulfides in n MAR,which indicated that the sulfides in these two samples might mainly come from sulfide particles settled from active hydrothermal plume.Because of the high density of sulfide particles,they tended to settle near the hydrothermal vents first.Therefore,highδ^(65)Cu values of sulfides in 46III-02 and 46III-08 implied that undiscovered active hydrothermal vents near the sampling positions of 46III-02 in the Xunmei hydrothermal field and 46III-08 in the Tongguan hydrothermal field.Theδ^(66)Zn values of hydrothermal sediments and sulfides ranged 0.11‰-0.43‰and 0.29‰-0.67‰,respectively.In the four samples from the Xunmei hydrothermal field,a positive correlation was found between the distance of the sampling position from sulfide mineralized spot and the Zn isotopic ratio,showing that the greater the distance from the mineralized spot,the heavier the Zn isotope composition as seen in two samples(46II-30 and 46II-14)of the Xunmei-3 spot.This result aligned with the findings of Wilkinson et al.(2005)and Baumgartner et al.(2023),suggesting that the lower the Zn isotope composition,the closer it is to the hydrothermal vent.However,in the Xunmei hydrothermal field,the Zn isotope composition in the other two samples(46III-02and 46III-06)showed the opposite trend.This indicated that there might be an active hydrothermal vent near the sampling location of sample 46III-02.This observation aligned with the Cu isotope analysis results.This study showed that Cu-Zn isotopes are good indicators for understanding the formation mechanisms of hydrothermal sediments and for locating active hydrothermal vents.

Assessment of Radiological Hazards of Sedimentary, Igneous and Sediments Natural Rocks

Gamma-ray spectroscopy based on a 100% efficiency hyper-pure germanium detector was used to evaluate the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K natural radionuclides in sedimentary, conglomerate, igneous and sedi-ments rock samples collected from four different locations in Eastern desert in Egypt. The obtained activity concentrations are used to evaluate the radi-ological hazards indices, absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose equivalent in air, radium equivalent, external and internal hazard index, radiation level index, annual gonadal dose equivalent, excess lifetime cancer risk and expo-sure rate. The results show that 1) the absorbed dose rate depends on the rock type, 2) the annual effective dose equivalent in air in 71% of sample below 20 mSvy-1 (permissible limit for workers), 3) the conglomerate rocks show low radioactivity level, 4) sedimentary rocks are rich in radium while igneous rocks are rich in thorium and the sediments rocks are rich in both radium and thorium.

Evaluation of Agricultural Contamination Level by Heavy Metals and Pesticides in Sediments of Rivers and Water Bodies for Shrimp Fishing in the Lower Ouémé: Case of the Aguigadji, Ahlan and Sele Stations in Benin

This study assessed sediment contamination by heavy metals and pesticide active ingredients linked to chemical inputs used in agricultural activities in the lower Ouémé. Pesticide residues from the organochlorine, pyrethroid and organophosphorus families were investigated by gas chromatography, and heavy metals (Cd, Pb, As, Ni, Zn, Fe, Mg, Cr and Hg) by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The metallic pollution indices, the contamination factor (CF) and the ecological risk index were calculated. The results revealed 8 active ingredients in the rainy season and 9 in the dry season. Glyphosate was the active ingredient with the highest concentration at all stations, 9.65 ± 0.84 mg/kg recorded in the dry season at the Aguigadji station. All glyphosate values were above the EQS. DDT, Atrazine and Endosulfan also showed high concentrations in the dry and rainy seasons. Emamectin, Abamectin and Lambda Cyhalothrin also showed high concentrations in the dry season at Aguigadji, Ahlan and Sele. Only glyphosate was recorded at the control station (Toho), but in very low concentrations. Lead showed the highest concentrations at all the stations, 265.96 ± 21.02 mg/Kg in the rainy season and 255.38 ± 79.09 mg/Kg in the dry season, all detected at the Aguigadji station and above the EQS. Zn, Ni, Fe, Cu and Cr were all representative in both the dry and rainy seasons at the contaminated stations. Manganese showed high concentrations in the rainy season. Pb showed very high contamination (FC ≥ 6) at the Aguigadji and Ahlan stations and significant contamination (3 ≤ FC 6) at the Sele station in both the rainy and dry seasons. Ni, Hg and Cd, showed either moderate or significant contamination at the contaminated stations. The risk values showed a considerable ecological Ri (190 ≤ Ri < 380) in the rainy season and a moderate ecological Ri (95 ≤ Ri < 190) in the dry season at these contaminated stations.

Features of sampling stream sediments of large river valleys under cryolithogenesis conditions in the Balygychan-Sugoy trough,North-East of Russia

Comprehensive research has been implemented to raise the efficiency of the geochemical survey of stream sediments(SSs)that formed under the cryolithogenesis conditions.The authors analysed the composition,structure and specific features of the formation of exogenous anomalous geochemical fields(AGFs)identified through SSs of large river valleys of IV order.In our case,these were the valleys of Maly Ken,Ken and Tap Rivers.These rivers are located in the central and southern parts of the Balygychan-Sugoy trough enclosed in the Magadan region,North-East of Russia.The authors proposed a new technique to sample loose alluvium of SSs in the large river valleys along the profiles.The profiles were located across the valleys.The AGFs of Au,Ag,Pb,Zn,Sn,Bi,Mo and W were studied.Correlations between elements have been established.These elements are the main indicator elements of Au-Ag,Ag-Pb,Sn-Ag,Mo-W and Sn-W mineralization occurring on the sites under study.The results obtained were compared with the results of geochemical surveys of SSs.It is concluded that the AGFs recognized along the profiles reflect the composition and structure of eroded and drained ore zones,uncover completely and precisely the pattern of element distribution in loose sediments of large water flows.The alluvium fraction<0.25 mm seems to be most significant in a practical sense,as it concentrated numerous ore elements.Sampling of this fraction in the river valleys of IV order does not cause any difficulty,for this kind of material is plentiful.The developed technique of alluvium sampling within large river valleys is efficient in searching for diverse mineralization at all stages of prognostic prospecting.It is applicable for geochemical survey of SSs performed at different scales both in the North-East of Russia,as well as other regions with similar climatic conditions,where the SSs are formed under the cryolithogenesis conditions.

Tetrabromobisphenol A and hexabromocyclododecane in sediments from the Zhujiang(Pearl) River Estuary and South China Sea

Marine sediments collected from the Zhujiang(Pearl) River Estuary(ZRE) and South China Sea(SCS) were utilized to study the occurrence and spatial distribution of tetrabromobisphenol A(TBBPA) and hexabromocyclododecane(HBCDD).The levels of TBBPA and HBCDD in sediments ranged from not detected(nd) to 6.14 ng/g dry weight(dw) and nd to 0.42 ng/g dw.TBBPA concentrations in marine sediments were substantially higher than HBCDD.The concentrations of TBBPA and HBCDD in the ZRE sediments were significantly greater than those in the SCS.α-HBCDD(48.7%) and γ-HBCDD(46.2%) were the two main diastereoisomers of HBCDD in sediments from the ZRE,with minor contribution of β-HBCDD(5.1%).HBCDD were only found in one sample from the northern SCS.The enantiomeric fraction of α-HBCDD in sediments from the ZRE was obviously greater than 0.5,indicating an accumulation of(+)-α-HBCDD.The enantiomers of HBCDD were not measured in sediments from the SCS.This work highlighted the environmental behaviors of TBBPA and HBCDD in marine sediments.

Granulometry Assessment of Lom Pangar Dam Sediments (East-Cameroon)

The Lom Pangar dam, the largest reservoir in Cameroon with a storage capacity of 6 km3 and a 30 MW hydropower plant, primarily regulates the hydrologic regime of the Sanaga River to maintain hydropower efficiency during dry seasons and enhance downstream hydropower plant performance. Understanding and managing sediments are crucial for the sustainability of dams, as indicated by numerous studies. This study assessed the granulometry of the sediments transported across the reservoir. For that purpose, 6 samples of fresh sediments were collected in the lacustrine and transitional sections of the reservoir using the standard method. Particles size was assessed using the laser diffusion technic after a 3 mm sieving. Various granulometric parameters were derived from the literature to analyze and characterize those sediments. Results show that silts are more than 70% of particles size and range between 2.19 - 60.26 µm. Size distribution also shows the same trend with D75 less than 51 µm. This is confirmed by the low values of Inman Skewness SkΦ (−0.168 to 0.303). The Sorting index S0 ranges from 0.31 to 0.53 µm, showing a very well-sorted sediments, aligning with low values of Krumbein index (0.906 - 1.683) that express the low heterometry of the particles. The consequence on the dam will be a quick clogging of the bottom of the reservoir. Their pH varies from 7.0 to 7.5. It also appears that the sandy fraction trend is higher in the right bank of the dam and reaches 22% on the right bank of Pangar River due to crystalline geology. Fraction greater than 3000 µm is negligible. The management of the dam has to keep attention to these results as siltation may close the safety outlet of the dam, damage turbines, and provoke recurrent technical and safety issues. Further, the clogging of the bottom of the reservoir may lead to an ecological problem with the limitation of hyporheic flow. Thus, water exchange with the underground water table and the natural purification of water reduce, while increasing sediments deposits change the biogeochemistry processes.

Saturation Estimation with Complex Electrical Conductivity for Hydrate-Bearing Clayey Sediments:An Experimental Study

Clays have considerable influence on the electrical properties of hydrate-bearing sediments.It is desirable to understand the electrical properties of hydrate-bearing clayey sediments and to build hydrate saturation(S_(h))models for reservoir evaluation and monitoring.The electrical properties of tetrahydrofuran-hydrate-bearing sediments with montmorillonite are characterized by complex conductivity at frequencies from 0.01 Hz to 1 kHz.The effects of clay and Sh on the complex conductivity were analyzed.A decrease and increase in electrical conductance result from the clay-swelling-induced blockage and ion migration in the electrical double layer(EDL),respectively.The quadrature conductivity increases with the clay content up to 10%because of the increased surface site density of counterions in EDL.Both the in-phase conductivity and quadrature conductivity decrease consistently with increasing Sh from 0.50 to 0.90.Three sets of models for Sh evaluation were developed.The model based on the Simandoux equation outperforms Archie’s formula,with a root-mean-square error(E_(RMS))of 1.8%and 3.9%,respectively,highlighting the clay effects on the in-phase conductivity.The fre-quency effect correlations based on in-phase and quadrature conductivities exhibit inferior performance(E_(RMS)=11.6%and 13.2%,re-spectively)due to the challenge of choosing an appropriate pair of frequencies and intrinsic uncertainties from two measurements.The second-order Cole-Cole formula can be used to fit the complex-conductivity spectra.One pair of inverted Cole-Cole parameters,i.e.,characteristic time and chargeability,is employed to predict S_(h) with an E_(RMS) of 5.05%and 9.05%,respectively.

Temporal, Spatial, and Hypsometrical Dispersion of Nutrients in the Hula Valley, Israel

Until 1957 most of the Hula Valley was occupied by swampy wetland covered by dense vegetation and old Lake Hula. Organic matter was accumulated in the bottom, decomposed under anoxic conditions creating Peat material. The wetland and the old lake were drained and the land-use was converted into agricultural development. Nutrients migrations from the Hula Valley through the headwater discharges carrying nutrients, where nitrogen enhancement is critical, significantly affecting water quality in down-stream Lake Kinneret. The fate of the Hula originated nutrients is partly known whilst fate of the others which might be probably a threat on the Kinneret water quality is unknown. The hypsometrical and spatial distribution of the Hula Valley originated nutrients within three depths level was indicated: shallowest level of surface water, intermediate level of underground water table and the deepest level of Lignite waters. The Hypsometrical and spatial distribution and regional origin of the nutrient in the Hula Valley was defined. Organic Nitrogen, Sulfate and Nitrates are mostly Hula Valley originated nutrients whilst most of the Phosphorus externally contributed to Lake Kinneret originate outside the Hula Valley. An underground north-south Hydrological gradient and nutrient migration along was indicated. It is suggested that an underground plastic barrier do not totally prevent horizontal nutrient migration. Hypsometrical downward migrated nutrients probably accumulate within the “Lignite” depth level. Management policy of increasing Peat Soil moisture, is recommended.

Characterization of Nutrients,Heavy Metals,Petroleum and Their Impact on Phytoplankton in Laizhou Bay:Implications for Environmental Management and Monitoring

The Laizhou Bay(LB)represents a substantial ecological area that is vulnerable to human activities and confronts diverse environmental challenges.This study provides a comprehensive characterization of nutrients,petroleum,heavy metals,and phytoplankton community structure across seven distinct areas in LB.The results indicate relatively high concentrations of NO_(2)-N,SiO_(4)-Si,and NO_(3)-N in the Southwest Laizhou Bay(SWLB)and Huanghe River Estuary(HRE).In contrast,the East Laizhou bay(ELB)and the North of Huanghe River Estuary(NHRE)exhibit the highest concentrations of heavy metals(As,Cr and Hg).The areas with high phytoplankton density and community diversity are mainly located in the SWLB.After adjusting for basic environmental factors,phytoplankton density and Margalef richness index D are significantly associated with nutrients(NO_(3)-N,NO_(2)-N,NH_(4)-N,SiO_(4)-Si),and heavy metal(Cr)concentrations.We highlight that,in addition to Xiaoqinghe River,nutrients brought by the Mihe River in the SWLB and heavy metal(Cr)pollution in the ELB resulting from industrial and mining activities along the coast significantly influence phytoplankton growth and community structure.Therefore,it is recommended that more monitoring and management efforts be focused on these regions in the future.

Effect of Saline Water on Soil Acidity, Alkalinity and Nutrients Leaching in Sandy Loamy Soil in Rwamagana Bella Flower Farm, Rwanda

The necessity to saline and sodic waters is sometimes used for irrigating agricultural activities under certain circumstances, but it is important to note that the use of these waters comes with specific considerations and limitations. One way to decrease undesirable effects of sodic waters on the physical and chemical properties of soils is to apply organic and chemical amendments within the soil. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of saline water on soil acidity, alkalinity and nutrients leaching in sandy loamy soil at Bella flower farm, in Rwamagana District, Rwanda. The water used was from the Muhazi Lake which is classified as Class I (Saline water quality). Column leaching experiments using treated soils were then conducted under saturated conditions. The soil under experimental was first analyzed for its textural classification, soil properties and is classified as sandy loamy soil. The t-test was taken at 1%, 5% and 10% levels of statistical significance compared to control soil. The results indicated that the application of saline water to soils caused an increase in some soil nutrients like increase of Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K+), Magnesium (Mg2+), Sulphur (S), CN ratio and Sodium (Na+) and decreased soil texture, physical and chemical properties and remained soil nutrients. Consequently, the intensive addition of saline water leachates to soil in PVC pipes led to decreased of soil EC through leaching and a raiser Soluble Sodium Percentage (SSP). The rate of saline water application affected the increase accumulation of SAR and Na% in the top soil layers. The study indicated that saline water is an inefficient amendment for sandy soil with saline water irrigation. The study recommends further studies with similar topic with saline water irrigation, as it accentuated the alkalinity levels.

The Integration of Water and Fertilizer Regulated Soil Nutrients and Enzyme Activities of Greenhouse Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) by Moistube Irrigation

Moistube irrigation was driven by the gradient of water potential inside and outside the pipe wall,which has the advantages of continuous irrigation during the crop growth period.However,the response mechanism of soil nutrients and enzyme activities of greenhouse tomatoes under the integration of water and fertilizer by moistube irrigation is still unclear.In order to explore the changes in soil nutrients and enzyme activities of greenhouse tomatoes regulated by irrigation and fertilization in moistube irrigation greenhouse,a completely randomized experimental design was conducted to explore the effects of different irrigation amounts(I,controlling the work-ing pressure head of moistube to achieve different irrigation amount gradients,capillary working pressure was 1(I1),2(I2),3(I3)m)and fertilization amounts(F,single fertilization amount was 100(F1),200(F2),300(F3)kg/hm2)on soil nutrients,enzyme activities and yield of greenhouse tomato.It was found that with the increase of I,the total organic carbon content(TOC),soilβ-glucosidase(BG),leucine amino peptidase(LAP),N-acetylglucosaminidase(NAG),and alkaline phosphatase(AP)activities enzyme of greenhouse tomato soil increasedfirst and then decreased.When the I increased from I1 to I3,the soil total nitrogen(TN)decreased by 5.07%and 4.91%,respectively,and the soil total phosphorus(TP)by 4.37%and 4.22%,respectively.With the increase of fertilizer amounts,the TOC of tomato soil increasedfirst and then decreased,the activities of BG,LAP,NAG and AP in soil increasedfirst and then decreased,and the contents of TN and TP in soil decreased by 4.79%and 4.68%,12.32%and 10.47%,respectively.The yield of tomatoes treated with I2 was significantly higher than that of I1 and I3 by about 13.99%and 1.29%,respectively.The tomato yield of F2 treatment was significantly higher than that of F1 and F3 treatments by about 22.57%and 1.72%,respectively.Based on the analysis of stoichiometry,it was found that soil carbon was more scarcity than nitrogen in greenhouse tomatoes under the integration of water and fertilizer by moistube irrigation.Soil carbon,nitrogen,phosphorus,enzyme activity and their respective stoichiometry showed a quadratic curve relationship with yield.Therefore,I2F2 treat-ment of greenhouse tomatoes can not only reduce soil carbon and nitrogen limitations but also improve soil enzyme activity and achieve multiple goals of increasing greenhouse tomato yield,and saving water and fertilizer.This conclusion contributes to a more reasonable irrigation and fertilization of tomatoes in moistube irrigation greenhouse and soil nutrient management of facility agriculture through empirical proofs.