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A field and laboratory study of the accuracy of a method commonly used to determine free sulphide concentrations in the porewater of marine sediments is presented. The method uses an ion-selective electrode (ISE), sensitive to the sulphide ion (S 2-), in sediments buffered to high pH ([12) and is commonly used in regulatory monitoring programs to assess the impacts of open net-pen finfish aquaculture on local marine habitats.Here we report that on the timescale of field measurements, the accepted protocol can lead to significant bias of free sulphide measurements, with orders of magnitude higher concentration detected in the buffered sediment-porewater slurry than in porewater samples isolated and analysed separately. Laboratory experiments with model marine sediments and analysis of sediment composition indicate that this bias is likely introduced by the dissolution of particulate sulphides and/or sulphur present in the sediments under the intense alkaline conditions of the protocol. Recommendations for the modification and continued use of this commonly applied field methodology are discussed.

Growth and reproduction of the bivalve, Macoma balthica (Linnaeus, 1758) was studied for one year (April 1977 – March 1978) on an intertidal mud flat in the Fraser River estuary, British Columbia. The maximum number of individuals (1830/m2) occurred in April, then steadily declined throughout the year. Spawning occurred between mid-June and late July but recruitment was slow and prolonged. Peak spatfall (age 0+ individuals) did not occur until the following March when a maximum density of only 410/m2 for newly settled spat was observed. The oldest animals found were 5+ years of age. Maximum growth took place from April through July. The growth rate measured was one of the highest recorded for any M. balthica population. A direct relationship between high water temperatures, a fast growth rate, and reduced longevity was apparent. A regression of body weight on shell height was used to calculate a condition factor (CF), which reached its highest value during growth and its lowest value immediately after spawning. The mean annual biomass measured was 2.96 g dry weight per square metre.

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