O objetivo do presente estudo foi estimar as possíveis variações na produtividade das águas superficiais da porção oeste do oceano Atlântico Sul ao longo dos últimos 15.000 anos, contribuindo para a melhor compreensão das variações oceanográficas ocorridas na região no decorrer deste tempo. Foram realizadas análises quantitativas de nanofósseis calcários em um testemunho da Bacia de Santos, a partir da técnica de decantação aleatória. Isótopos estáveis de carbono e oxigênio em rocha total e teor de carbonato de cálcio também foram utilizados para interpretações sobre paleoprodutividade. A produtividade primária das águas superficiais apresentou variações ao longo dos últimos 15.000 anos. Variações no aporte continental e na profundidade da termoclina/nutriclina devem ter influenciado as condições das águas superficiais da região, e conseqüentemente, a produtividade dos cocolitoforídeos. Estimou-se que a produtividade da camada fótica superior tenha diminuído desde o início do Holoceno. Anterior a este período, uma maior contribuição continental teria propiciado condições mais favoráveis ao desenvolvimento dos cocolitoforídeos que habitam as camadas mais superficiais do oceano. / The aim of this study consisted in estimate possible changes on southwestern Atlantic Ocean surface water productivity for the last 15.000 years, contributing to a better understanding of oceanographic changes that occurred along this time. Quantitative calcareous nannofossils analyses were carried out on a Santos Basin core using the random settling technique. Bulk carbon and oxygen stable isotopes and calcium carbonate content were also used for paleoproductivity interpretation. Primary productivity of surface waters presented variation along the last 15.000 years. Variations in continental contribution and thermocline/nutricline depth must have influenced the surface water conditions and therefore coccolithophorids productivity. Upper photic zone productivity was estimated and seems to have diminished since early Holocene. Prior to this time, a major continent contribution would have provided more favorable conditions for the development of the coccolithophorids that inhabit the upper layers of the ocean.

Alumínio Pulverizado Termicamente (TSA) é amplamente utilizado em instalações offshore como revestimento de ânodo de sacrifício em tubulações de aço carbono. O transporte e a instalação desses componentes podem levar a pequenos danos no revestimento, o que pode expor a superfície do aço à água do mar. Sabe-se que o depósito calcário é formado na superfície do aço polarizado catodicamente. Assim, esta pesquisa avaliou o TSA aplicado por sistema de pulverização de arco duplo (TWAS) no aço ao carbono S355J2 + N quando ocorrem danos (holidays) para estudar a formação de depósitos calcários no aço e adquirir dados sobre o desempenho do TSA sob altas temperaturas. A aplicação de diferentes condições também foi considerada: presença de selantes; liga do revestimento (99,5% de Al e Al-5% de Mg) e condições enterradas/não enterradas. Dois tipos de experimentos foram realizados: i) testes em potencial livre sob temperaturas constantes (30, 60 e 90°C) e diferentes tamanhos de holidays (expondo 5, 10 e 20% da superfície do aço) e ii) testes sob gradient térmico onde óleo a ~125°C foi adicionado em uma torre polimérica e água externa a ~10°C ficou em contato com a superfície das amostras (tanto potencial livre como polarização de -950 mVAg/AgCl foram aplicados). Análises incluíram inspeção visual, microscópio eletrônico de varredura e difração de Raio-X. A partir dos testes em temperaturas constante, o TSA atingiu um bom potencial de proteção (-800 a -900 mVAg/AgCl) e pouca diferença nos resultados devido à diferença na composição doTSA e no tamanho do holiday foi observada. As taxas de corrosão foram mantidas entre 0,02 e 0,01 mm/ano. No ensaio sob gradiente térmico e potencial livre, a perda de revestimento e as taxas de corrosão foram de 0,4 a 0,002 mm/ano. Além disso, o potencial alcançado foi de uma faixa menor do que a obtida anteriormente (-745 a -835 mVAg/AgCl). No entanto, quando o TSA foi combinado com proteção catódica externa e gradiente térmico, a espessura do TSA foi satisfatório e as taxas de corrosão obtidas foram inferiores a 0,076 mm/ano. O depósito calcário formado no holiday protegeu o aço contra a corrosão e seu mecanismo de crescimento baseado nesta pesquisa foi construído. / Thermally Sprayed Aluminium (TSA) is widely used in offshore facilities as sacrificial anode coating for carbon-steel risers and pipelines. Transportation and installation of those components can lead to small damages in the coating, which can expose the steel surface to the seawater. It is known that calcareous deposit is formed on the cathodically polarised steel surface. Thus, this research evaluated the TSA applied by twin wire arc spray system (TWAS) on S355J2+N carbon-steel when damage (holidays) is present in order to study the calcareous deposit formation on steel and acquire data regarding the TSA performance at high temperatures. Application of different conditions was also considered: presence of sealing; coating alloy (99.5%Al and Al-5%Mg) and buried/unburied conditions. Generally, two types of experiment were conducted – i) tests at free potential at steady temperatures (30, 60 and 90°C) and different holiday sizes (exposing 5, 10 and 20% of the steel surface) and ii) tests under thermal gradient where oil at ~125°C was added in polymeric tower and external water at ~10°C was in contact with the samples surface (both free potential and polarisation of -950 mVAg/AgCl were applied). Methodology of analyses included visual inspection, scanning electron microscope and X-ray Diffraction. From the tests at steady temperatures, the TSA reached a very good protective potential (-800 to -900 mVAg/AgCl) and little difference in results due to difference in TSA composition and holiday size was observed. Corrosion rates were kept between 0.02 and 0.01 mm/year. From the thermal gradient test under free potential, the coating loss and corrosion rates were 0.4 to 0.002 mm/year. Also, the potential achieved was in a lower range than previously obtained (-745 to -835 mVAg/AgCl). However, when TSA was combined with external cathodic protection and thermal gradient, the thickness of the TSA was satisfactory and corrosion rates obtained were below 0.076 mm/year. The calcareous deposit formed within the holiday protected the steel substrate against corrosion and its growth mechanism based in this research was built.

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / Os solos da Chapada do Apodi â CE expressam um grande potencial para uso na agricultura irrigada. SÃo solos fÃrteis quando comparado com outros solos do Brasil, apresentam relevo plano e parte deste possuem grau de drenagem de boa a moderada. No entanto, alguns aspectos sÃo de interesse por parte dos pesquisadores no Ãmbito da CiÃncia do Solo, quanto a sua gÃnese e a presenÃa de nÃdulos nestes solos. Visando aumentar a base de dados à necessÃrio que se faÃa uma caracterizaÃÃo quÃmica e mineralÃgica dos solos e nÃdulos encontrados neste ambiente. Cinco perfis (P1, P2, P3, P4 e P5) de solos encontrados em uma topossequencia desenvolvidos de calcÃrio da formaÃÃo JandaÃra foram estudados. Utilizaramse de anÃlises quÃmicas como o ataque total, ataquesulfÃrico, DCB e difraÃÃo de raios â X para obtenÃÃo de dados para que fosse possÃvel estabelecer relaÃÃes para a compreensÃo da gÃnese dos solos e nÃdulos. Os solos, de maneira geral apresentam teores uniformes de ferro e titÃnio, nÃo sendo notadas grandes diferenÃas entre horizontes e perfis. No entanto, as diferenÃas existentes, destacam o P5 dos de demais perfis, sendo este de maior profundidade, maior teor de ferro e titÃnio, representando um maior grau de intemperismo expresso pela menor relaÃÃo entre os teores de silÃcio e alumÃnio(Ki). A distribuiÃÃo uniforme nos teores de titÃnio em todos os perfis indicam que estes solos foram formados in situ. Os principais minerais encontrados nos solos sÃo caulinita e micaâ ilita. Os nÃdulos apresentaram elevados teores de ferro, no entanto, nÃo foram notadas relaÃÃo inversa entre o teor de ferro e o tamanho das concreÃÃes. Os teores de titÃnio no solo e nas concreÃÃes quando somados e comparados entre perfis apresentaram-se quimicamente semelhantes, evidenciado a formaÃÃo das concreÃÃes in situ. Os principais minerais encontrados nos nÃdulos e concreÃÃes foram caulinita, quartzo, goethita, hematita, anatÃsio e rutilo. A micromorfologia dos nÃdulos e concreÃÃes indicam que as mesmas estÃo em processos de degradaÃÃo. / The soils of the Apodi Plateau - EC express a great potential for use in irrigated agriculture. Fertile soil are compared to other soi l from Brazil, and have flat terrain feature of this degree of drainage good to moderate. However, there is some interest from researchers in the field of Soil Science, as its genesis and the p resence of nodules in these soils. Aiming to increase the database is necessary to make a chemic al and mineralogical characterization of soils and nodules found in this environment. Five p rofiles (P1, P2, P3, P4 and P5) found in a soil toposequence developed from calcareous JandaÃr a were studied. Was used for chemical analyzes as full attack, sulfuric acid, and DCB-ray diffraction X - to obtain data to make it possible to establish relationships for understandi ng the genesis of soils and nodules. The soils generally have uniform levels of iron and titanium, is not noticed big differences between horizons and profiles. However, the differences, P5 differ from those of other profiles, which is of greater depth, more iron and titanium, repres enting a greater degree of weathering expressed by the lower ratio between the contents o f silicon and aluminum (Ki). The concentration of titanium is present in all profile s uniform evidence indicating that these soils were formed in situ. The main minerals found in soil are kaolinite and muscovite - illite. The nodules had high levels of iron, however, there wer e no inverse relationship between the iron content and size of concretions. The titanium conte nt in soil and concretions when summed and compared to profiles showed similar chemically, evidenced the formation of concretions in situ . The main minerals found in nodules and concretion s were kaolinite, quartz, goethite, hematite, anatase and rutile

O objeto deste trabalho é fornecer dados hidrológicos com fins de caracterização e monitoramento da região da Cadeia Norte do Brasil e da Cadeia de Fernando de Noronha, assim como levantar e sistematizar informações sobre a geoquímica dos diversos tipos de sedimentos encontrados na plataforma continental externa adjacente ao banco Aracati, contribuindo para o levantamento dos potenciais sustentáveis de exploração dos recursos vivos da Zona Econômica Exclusiva. A área em estudo compreende a sub-área II, setor 1 e parte do setor 2, e está localizada entre 1oN e 5oS de latitude e entre 30o e 40oW de longitude, abrangendo uma área de aproximadamente 400.000 km2. Foram analisadas amostras coletadas em 8 estações resultando em 20 amostras de sedimentos nos anos de 1997 (verão), 1998 (outono) e 2000 (primavera) e 34 estações que originaram 272 amostras de água na primavera de 2000. As concentrações máximas dos parâmetros analisados, com exceção do fosfato, nas amostras de água se localizam na região próxima à costa. Detectou-se na área uma termoclina bem marcada, sendo mais profunda na primavera. A camada de mistura é bastante homogênea, sendo porém, mais espessa na primavera. O pH detectado encontra-se na faixa alcalina sendo os maiores valores de pH detectados na primavera. Verifica-se, um máximo de salinidade na camada de inicio da termoclina sazonal. Não verificou-se na área condição anaeróbica na coluna d’água. A distribuição de fosfato, nitrato e silicato, apresenta-se de forma muito semelhante, sendo que na primavera essas concentrações são maiores, nas camadas superficiais. Na cobertura sedimentar da plataforma continental adjacente aos bancos da cadeia norte do Brasil, encontro-se areia quartzosa, areia carbonática, fragmentos de concha, Lithothanmium e Halimedas. Os fragmentos de concha apresentaram as maiores concentrações totais de metais, enquanto Lithothanmium apresentou o maior teor de carbonato. Há uma forte correlação entre ferro e manganês na amostras de água e em todas as frações de sedimentos analisadas, sendo que nestas a relação média entre estes elementos é da ordem de 1:25. Existe forte correlação entre cromo e carbonato nas amostras que apresentam teor de carbonato maior que 20%. As amostras de areia quartzosa, fragmentos de concha e Halimedas, apresentam-se muito semelhantes quanto à distribuição de ferro, manganês, zinco e cromo. Existe forte correlação nas amostras de sedimento, assim como nas amostras de água, entre ferro, manganês, zinco, correlacionando-se também nas amostras de sedimento com o chumbo. As 8 concentrações de metais nas amostras de água apresentaram-se relativamente baixas em se comparando com as amostras de sedimento. Nas amostras de água as concentrações de cromo e chumbo estão abaixo do limite de detecção. / The object of this work is to supply hidrologicals datas with ends of monitoramento of the area of the North Chain of Brazil and of the Chain of Fernando of Noronha, as well as to lift and to systematize information on the geochesmitry of the several types of sediments found in the external continental platform adjacent to the bank Aracati, contributing to the rising of the maintainable potentials of exploration of the alive resources of the Exclusive Economic Zone. The area in study understands the subarea II, section 1 and it leaves of the section 2, and it is located among 1oN and 5oS of latitude and among 30o and 40oW of longitude, embracing an area of approximately 400.000 km2. Samples collected in 8 stations resulting in 20 samples of sediments in the years of 1997 were analyzed (summer), 1998 (autumn) and 2000 (spring) and 34 stations that originated 272 samples of water in the spring of 2000. The maximum concentrations of the analyzed parameters, except for the phosphate, in the samples of water are located in the close area to the coast. It was detected in the area a very marked termocline, being deeper in the spring. The mixture layer is quite homogeneous, being even so, more it thickens in the spring. The detected pH meets in the alkaline strip being the largest pH values detected in the spring. It is verified, a maximum of salinity in the layer of I begin of the seasonal termoclina. It was not verified in the area anaerobic condition in the column of water. The distribution of phosphate, nitrate and silicate, come in a very similar way, and in the spring those concentrations are larger, in the superficial layers. In the sedimentary covering of the continental platform adjacent to the banks of the north chain of Brazil, find quartz sands, it sands carbonate, shell fragments, Lithothanmium and Halimedas. The shell fragments presented the largest total concentrations of metals, while Lithothanmium presented the largest text of carbonate. There is a strong correlation between iron and manganese in to samples of water and in all the analyzed fractions of sediments, and in these the medium relationship among these elements is of the order of 1:25. strong correlation Exists between chromium and carbonate in the samples that present text of larger carbonate than 20%. The samples of quartz sand, shell fragments and Halimedas, come very similar with relationship to the distribution of iron, manganese, zinc and chromium. Strong correlation exists in the sediment samples, as well as in the samples of water, among iron, manganese, zinc, being also correlated in the sediment samples with the lead. The concentrations 10 of metals in the samples of water came relatively low in if comparing with the sediment samples. In the samples of water the concentrations of chromium and lead are below the detection limit.

Estudos bioestratigráficos, com base em nanofósseis calcários de amostras provenientes do DSDP, Leg 40, poços 364 e 361, das Bacias de Angola - Cuanza e Cabo - Orange, na Margem Africana, permitiram o refinamento taxonômico, para o Período Cretáceo (145,5 - 65,5 M.a.), entre os andares Aptiano e Turoniano (125 - 89,3 M.a.). Os dados do Leg 40 obtidos pelos relatórios do DSDP, na década de 1970, foram confeccionados sobre uma bibliografia controversa, utilizando biozoneamentos de regiões distintas do Oceano Atlântico Sul. No poço 364, 89% das amostras continham material passível de análise, totalizando 168 lâminas úteis para a obtenção das informações bioestratigráficas. Foram identificados um total de 78 taxa de nanofósseis calcários, com 66 a nível de espécie e 12 a nível de gênero. No poço 361, 67% das amostras apresentaram conteúdo afossilífero, e assim foram confeccionadas 64 lâminas, onde identificou-se 18 taxas, sendo 9 a nível espécie, 6 a nível gênero e 3 a nível família. O refinamento bioestratigráfico realizado possibilitou dividir, no poço 364, a seção cretácea amostrada em cinco andares, sendo eles: Turoniano (93,5 - 89,3 M.a.), Cenomaniano (99,6 - 93,5 M.a.), Albiano (112 - 99,6 M.a.), Aptiano (125 - 112 M.a.) e um identificado genericamente como Cretáceo inferior (de 125 M.a. para a base). No poço 361, a divisão do nível Cretáceo amostrado se deu em três andares: Um Albiano (112 - 99,6 M.a.), outro Aptiano (125 - 112 M.a.) e um Cretáceo genérico (de 125 M.a. para a base). Com os dados bioestratigráficos obtidos nos dois poços, foi possível gerar uma correlação entre ambos poços, integrando os andares Albiano (112 - 99,6 M.a.) e Aptiano (125 - 112 M.a.). Tal correlação permitiu interpretar em qual momento houve a influência das águas advindas do norte (Bacia de Angola - Cuanza) e do sul (Bacia do Cabo - Orange), divididas pelo alto estrutural representado pela Cordilheira de Walvis. / Biostratigraphic studies, based on calcareous nanofossils samples from DSDP, Leg 40, sites 364 and 361 (Angola - Cuanza and Cabo - Orange Basins, African Margin), allowed the taxonomic refinement for the Cretaceous period (145.5 - 65.5 M.a.), between Aptian and Turonian (125 - 89.3 M.a.). The Leg 40 data obtained from the 1970\'s DSDP reports were based in a controversial literature using biozones from distinct regions of the South Atlantic Ocean. In site 364, 89% of the samples contained nanofossil material, counting 168 slides useful to obtain biostratigraphic information. 78 taxa of calcareous nanofossils were identified, 66 at specific level and 12 at generic level. In site 361, 67% of the samples were sterile, thus, 64 slides were made, where 18 taxa were identified, 9 at the specific level, 6 at generic level and 3 at family level. The biostratigraphic refinement allowed to divide the Cretaceous section sampled on five ages in site 364: Turonian (93.5 - 89.3 Ma), Cenomanian (99.6 - 93.5 Ma), Albian (112 - 99.6 Ma), Aptian (125 - 112 Ma) and one generally identified as Lower Cretaceous (125 M.a. down). At site 361, the division of the Cretaceous level sampled occurred in three ages: Albian (112 - 99.6 M.a.), Aptian (125 - 112 M.a.) and a Cretaceous generic (125 M.a. down). With the biostratigraphic data obtained in the two sites, it was possible to generate a correlation between both sites, integrating the Albian (112 - 99.6 M.a.) and Aptian (125 - 112 M.a.) ages. This correlation made it possible to interpret the influence of waters from the north (Angola - Cuanza Basin) and the South (Cape Basin - Orange), divided by the structural high represented by the Walvis Ridge.

Comportement à haute température des bétons : influence de la nature du granulat.Cette étude porte sur l’influence de la nature du granulat sur le comportement des bétons à haute température. Les propriétés des granulats et les performances des bétons sont généralement classées en deux catégories basées sur leur composition chimique : les bétons de granulats calcaires et les bétons de granulats siliceux. Cependant, de récentes études ont montré que les comportements à haute température de différentes natures de granulats au sein de ces groupes compositionnels sont particulièrement différents. La pertinence de cette distinction est donc discutée au travers de ces résultats.Dans un premier temps, une étude pétrographique (composition minéralogique) sur deux granulats siliceux et deux granulats calcaires, représentatifs des deux catégories, est réalisée. Leurs propriétés physiques (densité, porosité, granulométrie) sont déterminées. L’évolution des caractéristiques minéralogiques est étudiée en passant par l’identification des phénomènes physico-chimiques (modification minéralogique identifiée par DRX, ATG/DSC) survenant au cours du chauffage. Cela permet d’interpréter leurs influences sur l’évolution de la capacité thermique et de la dilatation thermique linéaire des granulats. Des observations à différentes échelles après des cycles de c/r à différents paliers de température jusqu’à 750 °C permettent de décrire et d’évaluer l’endommagement des granulats.Dans un deuxième temps, des bétons et des mortiers (Eeff./C = 0,6 et 0,3) sont confectionnés avec ces granulats (gravillons et sables). Les processus thermo-chimiques sont identifiés et la dilatation thermique des mortiers est mesurée à chaud jusqu’à 1000 °C. Les propriétés thermiques à chaud des bétons (conductivité thermique, capacité thermique, diffusivité thermique) sont mesurées jusqu’à 300 °C et la réponse thermique jusqu’à 750 °C. La fissuration résiduelle est observée à l’échelle macroscopique et microscopique (microscope optique et MEB). L’évolution de la porosité et des propriétés mécaniques résiduelles (résistance à la compression, module d’élasticité et résistance à la traction par fendage) sont estimées après des cycles de c/r à différents paliers de température jusqu’à 750 °C. / High temperature behaviour of concrete : influence of the nature of the aggregates.This study deals with the influence of the nature of the aggregates on the behaviour of concrete undergoing to high temperature stress. Aggregate properties and concrete mechanical performances are usually classified into two categories based on chemical components: calcareous aggregates concretes and siliceous aggregates concretes. However, recent studies showed that high temperature behavior of aggregates within a same group of composition can be particularly different. The relevance of this distinction is discussed through these results.Firstly, a petrographic study (mineralogical composition) on two siliceous and two calcareous aggregates, representative of the two categories of composition is performed. Their physical properties (density, porosity, granular distribution) are determined. The evolution of mineralogical characteristics is performed through the identification of physico-chemical phenomena (mineralogical changes identified by XRD, TGA/DSC) happening during heating. It allows interpreting their influence on the evolution of specific heat capacity and thermal expansion of aggregates. The different scales observations made after heating/cooling cycles at different target temperatures until 750 °C allow the description and the evaluation of aggregates physical damage.Secondly, concretes and mortars (Weff./C = 0.6 and 0.3) are made with these aggregates (gravel and sand). Physico-chemical processes are identified and thermal expansion of mortar are measured during heating until 1000 °C. Hot thermal properties of concretes (conductivity, specific heat capacity, diffusivity) are measured until 300 °C and thermal response until 750 °C. Residual cracking is observed at macroscopic and microscopic scale (optical microscope and SEM). The evolution of porosity and mechanical residual properties (compressive strength, modulus of elasticity and tensile splitting strength) are assessed after heating/cooling cycle at different target temperatures until 750 °C.

Under normal conditions, cathodically protected mild steel in seawater is protected by a precipitated film of calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide, the so-called calcareous film. This study has attempted to investigate the dynamics of calcareous deposit formation during cathodic protection and the composition of calcareous deposits formed under different applied current densities, and also the role played by the initial current density in forming a good quality calcareous deposit. In addition, an under protection situation can occur where current demand values are under estimated, or where structures are approaching the end of their design lives. In these conditions, a calcareous film might well occur but complete protection is probably not possible. These situations have also been studied. At low insufficient current densities where steel corrosion is still occurring, a clear correlation exists between the iron containing corrosion product and the overlaying magnesium hydroxide layer. Such effects have also been investigated using pH titration analysis, where the effect of co-precipitation of the iron and magnesium oxides/hydroxides has been shown. At higher current densities a layered precipitate has been shown to occur consisting of an inner magnesium containing layer and an outer calcium containing layer. At obvious overprotection current densities, the mechanical stresses involved in hydrogen evolution are assumed to give rise to film cracking. To augment and compliment the study on calcareous calcium/magnesium films formed during cathodic protection, a calcium-magnesium containing pigment has also been investigated in aqueous solutions at open circuit as a possible corrosion inhibitor. Another study looked at the same inhibitor in conjunction with a sacrificial zinc anode. Very effective inhibition has been shown with the film containing not only magnesium, calcium and phosphorous but also zinc. In all the investigations electrochemical methods have been used together with various surface analytical techniques.

Calcareous shale, which is often encountered in construction projects, has a variety of physical and chemical properties that influence disintegration behavior of the rock mass. The diverse behavior of calcareous minerals in shale adds to the complexity of geotechnical investigations. Abundance of calcareous minerals is known to improve shale rock strength, although, when exposed to seasonal wetting and drying cycles, disintegration is rapid. The intent of this study is to statistically evaluate the disintegration behavior of calcareous shales in relation to their physico-chemical properties. Shale samples from fresh rock cuts and talus were tested using a multi-cycle slake durability index (Id), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) elemental analysis, bulk density, natural water content, and porosity. A relationship was found between the degree of disintegration and the abundance of calcareous minerals, especially calcite and gypsum. Higher porosity and elevated water content were observed in highly weathered shales. Additionally, the efficiency of the Id test as an indicator of the degree of disintegration was evaluated. Grain-size distribution (GSD) analysis of disintegrated talus was compared with fragmental material of two-and five-cycle Id (Id2 and Id5) tests. The Coefficient of Uniformity (Cu) and Coefficient of Curvature (Cc) of Id5 materials showed satisfactory correlation with Cu and Cc of talus material. It is demonstrated that when compared to the conventional Id2 test, multi-cycle Id tests more precisely predict the disintegration pattern of shale and can be used to evaluate shale in terms of degree of disintegration.

The distribution and occurrence of plant species within a given region provides insight into the many environmental properties of that region. Although much research has been conducted on plant communities and associated environmental properties, few studies have been conducted on the characteristics of individual plants within those communities. Calcareous fens are wetlands formed by the upwelling of mineral-rich groundwater and often are associated with many unique plant communities and rare species of flora and fauna. Although many studies have documented the vegetation patterns and associated environmental gradients of these fens, none have isolated the specific hydrogeochemical conditions associated with individual species, nor have any studies attempted to document and compare the individual physiological response of species to elevated environmental calcium levels. This research was conducted to estimate environmental calcium requirements for rare as well as common indicator species of calcareous fens of Massachusetts and to examine the relationship between the accumulation of calcium in the tissues of these species to calcium availability in their environment. These factors will be important when determining required conditions for fen restoration and will further the understanding of why these species often only occur in calcareous fens. Eight calcareous fen study sites at three different locations were established where calciphiles occur in western Massachusetts. In each site, data were collected on the vegetation patterns and associated soil chemistry, water chemistry, and hydrology. In addition, plant tissues were collected and analyzed for calcium. Species distributions were evaluated as to whether they increased in abundance as environmental calcium did or whether they appeared to occur only once a specific calcium threshold was met. In addition, the concentrations of calcium in the tissues were used to determine the extent to which those plants accumulated calcium and how those levels related to levels of calcium in the substrate environment and to their overall distributions. It was found that certain calciphiles are calcium specialists, i.e. they are more abundant when environmental calcium levels are elevated, absorb greater quantities of calcium and those quantities correlate to the available environmental supply. These species include Parnassia glauca, Packera aurea, Geum rivale and Carex granularis. Of these, Geum rivale and Carex granularis, as well as Carex sterilis, did not occur below calcium concentrations of 48 mg.L-1. However, other calciphiles are calcium generalists, i.e. they are tolerant of elevated calcium levels but show no other relationship with respect to growth or accumulation. These species include Carex flava, Carex hystericina, Juncus nodosus, Solidago patula, Solidago uliginosa, and Symphyotrichum puniceum. In addition, some wetland generalists maintain elevated calcium levels (Symplocarpus foetidus and Mentha arvensis) whereas most others do not (Thelypteris palustris and Fragaria vesca). Of the calciphile and wetland generalist species, some appear to increase in abundance in calcareous fens in relation to increases in accessory benefits (Dasiphora fruticosa and Juncus brachycephalus with pH; Thelypteris palustris and Carex flava with magnesium and possibly Equisetum fluviatile with iron). Combined, these findings characterize the growth habits and calcium accumulation of species that grow in calcareous fens and indicate that calciphiles have varying degrees of dependence on calcium.

Iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) is a frequent problem in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production on calcareous soils. Greenhouse and soil incubation experiments were established to evaluate pyritic lignite efficacy to supply Fe as compared to Fe-EDDHA and Fe-EDTA sources across contrasting IDC tolerance varieties grown on a slightly acid and a calcareous soil. Soybean IDC incidence was influenced by the soil properties and variety tolerance. All iron sources increased plant dry matter accumulation on the Leeper soil, whereas on the Marietta soil only lignite at 0.672 kg ha-1 produced an increase. Lignite at 0.336 kg ha-1 successfully improved Fe availability to the plant as reflected by an increase in Fe content. Furthermore, no differences were found between the low rate of lignite and the commercial fertilizers on any of the evaluated parameters. Results from this study indicate that pyritic lignite may serve as an acceptable source of Fe on problem soils to prevent IDC.