Cambios temporales en el origen de la materia orgánica en las marismas del Río Miño (NW Península Ibérica) mediante marcadores lipídicos. Temporal changes in the organic matter sources in the Minho River tidal marshes (NW Iberian Península): A lipid biomarker approach.

[EN]: The lipid biomarker distribution in a sediment core fromMinho river tidal-marshes (NW Iberian Peninsula) was studiedusing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) in order to evaluate changes in the sources and distribution of organic matter (OM) in the estuary during the last centuries. The distribution of terrestrial and phytoplankton biomarker inventory reflected an heterogeneous mixture of OM from marine and terrestrial sources. Lignin derived phenols, triterpenoids and long chain n-alkanes with an odd number of carbons are indicators of soil-and vascular plant-derived continental OM, being more abundant on the topmost sections of the core. In addition, a conspicuous contribution from plankton-derived OM (e.g. short chain fatty acids and alcohols, phytosterols) is observed in the deepest sections of the core. However, in general the lipid biomarker assemblage found indicate the existence of a complex input of organic matter (OM) to this estuarine area, from both river run-off and marine depositions. Temporal variations observed could also be attributed to terrigenous contributions after flooding events from Miño river, although a differential degradation of individual biomarkers should not be neglected when interpreting biomarker assemblages in this geodynamically active environment. [ES]: Con el objetivo de evaluar las variaciones en las fuentes y distribución de la matería orgânica (MO) durante los últimos siglos, se estudia la distribución de biomarcadores lipídicos en una secuencia sedimentaria de las marismas del río Miño (NW Península Ibérica) mediante Cromatografía de Gases¿Espectrometria de Masas (CG/MS) . La distribución de biomarcadores terrestres y marinos muestra una mezcla heterogénea de MO con diferente orígen. Los fenoles derivados de la lignina, triterpenoides y n-alcanos de cadena larga con número impar de carbonos proceden de plantas superiores, indicadores de MO de origen continental , se encuentran com mayor abundancia en las secciones superiores del sondeo. Los lípidos derivados del plancton marino (ej., acidos grasos y alcoholes de cadena corta, fitosteroles) se encontraron con mayor abundancia relativa en las secciones mas profundas del sondeo. Sin embargo, la distribución global de los biomarcadores lipídicos estudiados muestra la complejidad de las fuentes de MO en este estuario, y que incluye las descargas del río y deposiciones de sedimentos marinos. Algunas variaciones observadas pueden deberse a contribuciones de MO terrígena debidas a descargas elevadas procedentes del río Miño. No obstante, a la hora de interpretar los cámbios observados en la distribución de determinados biomarcadores en este ambiente geodinámicamente activo, se debe tener en cuenta la posible ocurrencia de fenómenos de degradación preferencial o selectiva en el sedimento.Peer Reviewe

Organic matter sources for tidal marsh sediment over the past two millennia in the Minho River estuary (NW Iberian Peninsula)

Environmental changes during the last 2 millennia in the Minho River tidal marsh (NW Portugal-Spain border) were reconstructed. Changes in the sources of organic matter (OM) delivered to the marsh were evaluated from elemental, isotopic and molecular composition using a 1 m sediment core. Carbon isotopic composition (delta13C) and organic carbon to total nitrogen ratio (Corg/N) provided valuable information concerning the origin of the OM. These parameters indicated a major input from land plants, reaching a maximum at 1100–1200 and 1750–1850 AD. These periods match with major flood events in the NW of the Iberian Peninsula, as reported by several authors. A significant reduction in the terrestrial signature occurred at 6–4 cm (ca. 1960–1985 AD), which is contemporaneous with the construction of several major dams on the Minho River. The distribution of selected lipid biomarkers, including n-alkanes, n-fatty acids and n-alkan-2-ones and specific parameters derived from the molecular distributions, were useful for refining bulk geochemical results. Long chain n- alkanes with an odd number of carbons are indicators of soil-and vascular plant derived terrestrial OM and were dominant throughout the core. In addition, a greater contribution of plankton-derived lipids was observed in the sections corresponding to ca. 1960–1985 AD (6–4 cm) and ca. 100–200 AD (96–94 cm). Although different degradation rates for individual compounds might have partly affected biomarker assemblages, the variations could be attributed to a sharp decrease in the freshwater contribution to the Minho River Estuary (dam construction) and a possible marine highstand, respectively. In addition, several parameters suggested changes in land use (including deforestation and farming) and probably the effects of mining exploitation during the Roman occupation of the area.We acknowledge the funding by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) of Portugal for J.M. M’s PhD. Grant (SFRH/BD/45528/2008) and for the WestLog Project (PTDC/CTE-GIX/105370/2008). E.L. was awarded a Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award. This is a contribution to the IGCP Project 588 and to the Geo-Q Research Unit (Aranzadi).Peer reviewe

Tissue Oxygenation in Response to Different Relative Levels of Blood-Flow Restricted Exercise

Blood flow restrictive (BFR) exercise elicits a localized hypoxic environment compatible with greater metabolic stress. We intended to compare the acute changes in muscle microvascular oxygenation following low-intensity knee extension exercise, combined with different levels of BFR. Thirteen active young men (age: 23.8 ± 5.4 years) were tested for unilateral knee extension exercise (30 + 15 + 15 + 15 reps at 20% one repetition maximum) on four different conditions: no-BFR (NOBFR), 40, 60, and 80% of arterial occlusion pressure (AOP). Deoxyhemoglobin+myoglobin concentration Deoxy[Hb+Mb], total hemoglobin [T(H+Mb)] and tissue oxygen saturation [TOI] were measured on the vastus lateralis muscle using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIMO, Nirox srl, Brescia, Italy). The magnitude of change in Deoxy[Hb+Mb]during exercise was similar between 60 and 80% AOP. Overall, compared to that seen during 60 and 80% AOP, NOBFR as well as 40% AOP resulted in a lower magnitude of change in Deoxy[Hb+Mb] (p < 0.05). While the oxygen extraction decreased during each inter-set resting interval in NOBFR and 40% AOP, this was not the case for 60 or 80% AOP. Additionally, TOI values obtained during recovery from each set of exercise were similarly affected by all conditions. Finally, our data also show that, when performed at higher restrictive values (60 and 80%), BFR exercise increases total Deoxy[Hb+Mb] extraction (p < 0.05). Taken together, we provide evidence that BFR is effective for increasing deoxygenation and reducing tissue oxygenation during low-intensity exercise. We also showed that when using low loads, a relative pressure above 40% of the AOP at rest is required to elicit changes in microvascular oxygenation compared with the same exercise with unrestricted conditions

Bromine soil/sediment enrichment in tidal salt marshes as a potential indicator of climate changes driven by solar activity: New insights from W coast Portuguese estuaries

This paper aims at providing insight about bromine (Br) cycle in four Portuguese estuaries: Minho, Lima (in the NW coast) and Sado, Mira (in the SW coast). The focus is on their tidal marsh environments, quite distinct with regard to key biophysicochemical attributes. Regardless of the primary bromide (Br-) common natural source, i.e., seawater, the NW marshes present relatively higher surface soil/sediment Br concentrations than the ones from SW coast. This happens in close connection with organic matter (OM) content, and is controlled by their main climatic contexts. Yet, the anthropogenic impact on Br concentrations cannot be discarded. Regarding [Br] spatial patterns across the marshes, the results show a general increase from tidal flat toward high marsh. Maxima [Br] occur in the upper driftline zone, at transition from highest low marsh to high marsh, recognized as a privileged setting for OM accumulation. Based on the discovery of OM ubiquitous bromination in marine and transitional environments, it is assumed that this Br occurs mainly as organobromine. Analysis of two dated sediment cores indicates that, despite having the same age (AD ~1300), the Caminha salt marsh (Minho estuary) evidences higher Br enrichment than the Casa Branca salt marsh (Mira estuary). This is related to a greater Br storage ability, which is linked to OM build-up and rate dynamics under different climate scenarios. Both cores evidence a fairly similar temporal Br enrichment pattern, and may be interpreted in light of the sun-climate coupling. Thereby, most of the well-known Grand Solar Minima during the Little Ice Age appear to have left an imprint on these marshes, supported by higher [Br] in soils/sediments. Besides climate changes driven by solar activity and impacting marsh Br biogeodynamics, those Br enrichment peaks might also reflect inputs of enhanced volcanic activity covarying with Grand Solar Minima.This work was partly supported by IDL through the UID/GEO/50019/2013 program, by C2 TN through the UID/Multi/04349/2013 program, and is a contribution of the project WestLog (PTDC/CTE/105370/2008), funded by the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT). João Moreno benefits from a FCT PhD grant (SFRH/BD/87995/2012). J.J. Gómez-Navarro acknowledges the funding provided through the contract for the return of experienced researches, resolution R-735/2015 of the University of Murcia.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A comparative study of the influence of geochemical parameters on the distribution of foraminiferal assemblages in two distinctive tidal marshes

The influence of typical geochemical parameters on living foraminiferal assemblages was examined and compared in two estuaries from northern Portugal: Minho and Lima. Seawater, river waters and interstitial waters from tidal marshes were analyzed for the following parameters: pH, electric conductivity, Redox potential, salinity, alkalinity (field measurements), sulphate, chloride, fluoride, bromide, sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. Field and laboratory data enable d the estimation of solubility equilibrium conditions, specifically the saturation index (SI) for calcite. Although both rivers drain the same region, the results indicate distinctive conditions concerning geochemically relevant parameters, such as SI for carbonates and Mg/Ca ratios. In Minho tidal marsh, interstitial waters are strongly undersaturated with respect to carbonate phases (SIcalcite between -3,98 and -1,14). Accordingly, in this environment there is an incidence of agglutinated species. Calcareous species are only present in the estuary mouth and showing clear evidences of destruction in its calcium carbonate tests. On the other hand, in Lima estuary calcareous species are the dominant ones exhibiting well preserved tests without evidences of dissolution, as predicted by the geochemical conditions, namely SIcalcite>0,01 and Mg/Ca ratio<2,28. In combining both abiotic data and information on foraminiferal assemblages, this comparative study demonstrates a methodology for identifying the main geochemical controls on foraminiferal distribution trends

Detection of environmental changes in the Minho River Estuary (NW Iberian Peninsula): a multi proxy approach

Póster 230 presentado en la Session 2: Soil and peat and terrestrial OM 1.-- Congreso celebrado del 18-23 de septiembre, de 2011, en Interlaken, Suiza.Biogeochemical processes and environmental conditions that lead to the preservation of organic matter (OM) in coastal and marine sediments has been the subject of a wealth of studies in the last decades (Hedges et al., 1999). It is estimated that more than 80% of the total organic carbon preserved in marine sediments is buried in deposits along the continental margins in >terrigenous-deltaic> regions near river mouths. In such semi-enclosed scenarios, significant environmental changes, such as climatic warming, flooding caused by an increase in the riverine water discharge or alteration of the sea level may be reflected in the characteristics of organic carbon supplied to and buried in their sediments.Peer Reviewe

Environmental constraints of foraminiferal assemblages distribution across a brackish tidal marsh (Caminha, NW Portugal)

Foraminiferal living assemblages from a brackish tidal marsh were studied across three sampling transects, under Spring and Autumn conditions. Foraminiferal analysis was also extended to the dead assemblages of Spring samples. Altimetric control of each sampling point was acquired through the connection to the national datum by GPS differential positioning combined with a regional geoid model. The influence of the geochemical characteristics on the assemblages including chemical composition of the estuarine and marsh surface sediments, in addition to salinity, pH and calcite saturation of estuarine and marsh interstitial waters was evaluated. A high affinity was found between Spring and Autumn living assemblages, probably related to the low number of representative species. The affinity also found between living and dead assemblage was seen as a consequence of low pH and calcite undersaturation that prevent the accumulation effect of several generations of foraminifera. Salinity appears as a clear constraint to the foraminiferal assemblages composition that is enhanced by calcite undersaturation in brackish marshes interstitial waters and sediments. Generally abundant marsh species like Trochammina inflata, Jadammina macrescens and the calcareous foraminifera are limited to an episodic presence. Foraminiferal assemblages distribution across brackish tidal marsh can be assumed as an elevation proxy. The high marsh IB sub-zone is dominated by Haplophragmoides sp. and Haplophragmoides manilaensis. Low marsh zone II is characterised by the dominance of Miliammina fusca but can be subdivided in an IIA upper part, where is followed by Pseudothurammina limnetis, and in a IIB lower part defined by a subsidiary presence of Psammosphaera sp. Haplophragmoides manilaensis dominance between 1.55 m and 1.67 m, at living as well as dead assemblages, suggests this species as a potential sea-level indicator for the brackish tidal marshes.This paper is a contribution of the EnviChanges (PDCTM/PP/MAR/15251/99) and MicroDyn (POCTI/CTA/45185/2002) projects, funded by the Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia - FCT. We would like to thank Dr. Carlos Antunes (ICBAS, Univ. Porto) for the nautical facilities, to Joao Cascalho, Catarina Fradique, Celso Pinto and Tanya Silveira, for assistance during field work. The paper benefited from a review of Dr. Alexandro Cearreta and from another anonymous referee

Composition and sources of sediment organic matter in a western Iberian salt marsh: Developing a novel prediction model of the bromine sedimentary pool

13 páginas.- 7 figuras.- referencias.-Salt marshes are sensitive highly productive habitats crucial for carbon cycling. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of organic geochemical indicators and geochronology in the Mira salt marsh (SW Portugal) over eight centuries. The closely intertwined carbon and bromine (Br) biogeochemical cycles in these environments can influence the fluxes of volatile compounds such as ozone-depleting methyl bromide, emphasizing the importance of understanding sediment organic matter (OM) origin, budget, and composition in salt marshes. To characterize the strong Br-OM relationship, we used n-alkane signatures, bulk elemental data (total carbon, total nitrogen, Corg/Nat ratio), and stable isotopes (δ15N, δ13C) from a sediment core. Findings revealed a mixed composition of terrestrial and marine OM, posing challenges in distinguishing ex situ higher plant sources from in situ production by marsh vegetation. n-Alkanes (C15 to C31) were found in all the sediment samples, predominantly C25–C29. Changes in their presence were linked to marsh succession, evolving from a vegetation-free tidal flat to a C3 halophyte-dominated high marsh ecosystem. Despite the area's low industrial and population impact, regulation of water flow through the dam affected the balance between continental and marine waters. This study aimed to create a cost-effective predictive model for total Br, enhancing paleoclimatic studies using sedimentary samples. The n-alkane model had limited resolution, but an alternative infrared (IR) spectroscopy-based model, requiring less time and smaller sample sizes, was developed. Combining FT-IR spectra with statistical analysis enabled the creation of a reliable total Br concentration prediction model (mean absolute error = 14.39). These findings have implications for controlling Br enrichment in marsh environments and can be applied in various coastal wetlands with different mineralogical and organic characteristics.his work was partly supported by IDL through the UID/GEO/50019/2013 program, by C2TN through the UID/Multi/04349/2013 program and is a contribution of the project WesTLog (PTDC/CTE/105370/2008) funded by the Portuguese Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT). João Moreno was supported by a FCT PhD fellowship (SFRH/BD/87995/2012). NTJM thanks the FCT for the CEEC contract (2021/00711/CEECIND). NTJM was also supported by a “Ramón y Cajal” contract (ref. RYC2021-031253-I) funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and the European Union “NextGenerationEU”/PRTR”.Peer reviewe