Changes in carbon metabolism and dissolved organic carbon fluxes on seagrass patches (Halodule wrightii) with different ages in Southern Gulf of California.

Seagrass meadows are highly dynamic, particularly in sites where extreme climatological events may produce a mosaic of patches with different ages. This study evaluates the community carbon metabolism, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) fluxes and associated fauna in patches of Halodule wrightii with different ages since establishment. Net community production declined as patch age increased, probably due to the increase in non-photosynthetic tissues, higher respiration rates of the community assemblage and a likely increase in self-shading of the canopy.

Anthropogenic contamination of metals in sediments of the Santa Rosalía harbor, Baja California peninsula.

To know the environment impact on a harbor of the Santa Rosalía port on the Baja California peninsula, the concentrations of metals (Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Pb, U and Zn) in harbor sediments were determined for 13 stations and compared with their average upper Earth´s crust abundance. The mean enrichment factors, calculated using Al as a normalizer, were higher than the unity for Ag, Ba, Bi, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, U, V and Zn. Concentrations of slightly enriched Cd in the sediments are below the effect range low (ERL) sediment quality guidelines value only at three stations.

Characterization of digestive gland esterase-lipase activity of juvenile redclaw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus.

Investigation of esterase-lipase activity in the digestive gland of redclaw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus showed that the optimum enzyme activity occurred between 35 and 40 degrees C, with 100 mM NaCl at pH 8.5. Heavy metals completely inhibited and calcium ions partially inhibited enzyme activity.