Thèse numérisée par la Division de la gestion de documents et des archives de l'Université de Montréal.

Ce travail décrit certains aspects du réseau d’assainissement en tant que réacteur bio-physico-chimique. Les objectifs principaux sont : d’identifier et de quantifier les sources des eaux circulant dans les collecteurs en se basant sur les signatures isotopiques des eaux et des sulfates dissous; de déterminer la nature minéralogique des phases porteuses des métaux lourds et d’étudier leur cycle géochimique par MET et MEB couplés à la EDXS ; de mettre en évidence la présence d’échange de matière entre les eaux usées et les biofilms par CLSM et MET et d’étudier les conditions hydrodynamiques impliquées dans cet échange dans un réacteur pilote (Couette-Poiseuille). On montre que les données isotopiques permettent d’évaluer la présence des évolutions de concentration des éléments transportés dans le réseau. Le rôle du réseau en tant que réacteur apparaît dans l’évolution de la nature minéralogique des phases phosphatées vers l’aval du réseau et dans la précipitation des métaux lourds dans les compartiments anaérobiques sous forme de phases sulfurées néoformées. Les dépôts des regards de façade et les biofilms sont les lieux de cette néoformation. A l’échelle de la matière organique, l’auto-épuration est révélée par les échanges entre les biofilms et les matières en suspension (MES) suite à la présence des fibres de cellulose dans la structure des biofilms et de morceaux de biofilms au sein de la MES. La majeure partie de ces évolutions se situe en amont du réseau où les contrastes physicochimiques sont les plus importants. Finalement, les expériences modèles au sein du réacteur ont montré l’implication de l’hydrodynamisme dans le détachement des biofilms / This work describes the sewer system as an integrated part of the wastewater treatment system. The main objectives of this study were: identification and quantification of water sources collected in sewer system, referring to isotopic signatures of water and dissolved sulfates; identification of the mineralogical nature of trace element carriers and determination of their geochemical evolution within the sewer by TEM and SEM coupled with EDSX ; Evidencing exchanges between sewage and biofilms, using CLSM and TEM, and investigating hydrodynamic conditions controlling this exchange in an experimental set-up (Couette-Poiseuille reactor). The results indicate that isotopic data may be used to study the tightness of sewer lines and to evaluate the evolution of element concentrations along sewer. Implication of the sewer system as a true biophysicochemical reactor is evidenced in our study by the evolution of the mineralogical nature of phosphate phases downstream of the sewer and by heavy metal precipitations in anaerobic conditions as neoformed sulfide phases. Sump pit deposits and biofilms represent the earlier stage of this neoformation. Organic matter biodegradation was revealed by TEM examination of SM whereas the exchange between biofilms and SM was shown by CLSM. Cellulose fibers from SM were found embedded in exopolymer biofilm matrices and detached fragments from biofilms were identified in sewage. The majority of these evolutions are located upstream of sewer system in which the contrast in physicochemical properties are the most significant. Finally, biofilm model investigations and image processing showed that hydrodynamic conditions are largely implicated in biofilm detachment

This work summarizes results of a comprehensive analyses of the archaeozoological material on the settlement in Vlíněves dating to the Unetice culture (the early Bronze Age, Central Bohemia). The total of 5325 bones and teeth has been analysed within this analysis, 903 of them was determined and used for further analyses. The taxonomic structure of the material with a clear prevalence of domestic mammals was assessed, the proportion of other groups was low (7 species of wild animals). The application of stable isotopes and dental microwear analyses of faunal assemblage, first used in Bohemia in the context of the Bronze Age period, has specified the nature of a dietary base livestock as grassland habitats, and has ruled out a significant ratio of C4 plants and an application of forest pasture. The combined use of domestic animals with an increase emphasis on so-called secondary products (milk and wool) prove a bimodality in kill-off patterns of sheep and goats, height at withers of sheep, which corresponds to the breeds of sheep extended during the bronze age period and to the high mortality profile of cattle. The proposed results of our work are important in this context because they suggest these facts for the early Bronze Age already. In accordance with circumstances at other sits of Unetice...

A dose response relationship between carbohydrate (CHO) ingestion and exercise performance has not been consistently reported. Additionally the underlying metabolic and neuromuscular explanations for an improvement in performance with increasing doses of CHO have not been fully explained. In Chapter 2 of this thesis 20 male cyclists completed 2 h of submaximal exercise followed by a time trial task (531 ± 48KJ). Three CHO electrolyte beverages, plus a control (water), were administered during a 2 h ride providing 0, 20, 39 or 64 g CHO·h-1 at a fluid intake rate of 1 L·h-1. Performance was assessed by time to complete the time trial task, mean power output sustained, and pacing strategy used. Mean task completion time (min:sec ± SD) for 39 g·h-1 (34:19.5 ± 03:07.1, p=0.006) and 64 g·h-1 (34:11.3 ± 03:08.5 p=0.004) of CHO were significantly faster than control (37:01.9 ± 05:35.0). The mean percentage improvement from control was -6.1% (95% CI: -11.3 to -1.0) and -6.5% (95% CI: -11.7 to -1.4) in the 39 and 64 g·h-1 trials respectively. The 20 g·h-1 (35:17.6 ± 04:16.3) treatment did not reach statistical significance compared to control (p = 0.126) despite a mean improvement of -3.7% (95% CI -8.8 to 1.5%). These data demonstrate that consuming CHO at a rate between 39 to 64 g·h-1 is likely to be optimal for most individuals looking to utilise a single source CHO as an ergogenic aid during endurance performances lasting less than 3 hrs. Attempts have been made to try and understand the acute metabolic regulation that occurs when ingesting increasing amounts of CHO. However, no one study has fully investigated the metabolic mechanisms underlying graded increments of CHO ingestion. In Chapter 3 we aimed to utilise stable isotopes and blood metabolite profiles to examine the integrated physiological responses to CHO ingestion when ingested at rates throughout the range where performance gains appear greatest. Twenty well-trained male cyclists completed 2 h constant load ride (95% lactate threshold, 185 ± 25W) where one of three CHO beverages, or a control (water), were administered every 15 min, providing participants with 0, 20, 39 or 64 g CHO·h-1 at a fixed fluid intake rate of 1L·h-1. Dual glucose tracer techniques (6,6,2H2 glucose and U13C labelled glucose) were used to determine glucose kinetics and exogenous carbohydrate oxidation (EXO) during exercise. Endogenous CHO contribution was suppressed in the second hour of exercise when consuming 39 and 64 g·h-1 in comparison to 0 g·h-1 (-7.3%, 95%CI: -13.1 to -1.6 and -11.2%, 95%CI: -16.9 to -5.5 respectively). Additionally, consuming 64 g·h-1 suppressed the endogenous CHO contribution by -7.2% (95%CI: -1.5 to -13.0) compared to the 20 g·h-1 treatment. Exogenous CHO oxidation rate increased by 0.13 g·min-1 (95%CI: 0.10 to 0.15) and 0.29 g·min-1 (95%CI: 0.27 to 0.31) when consuming 39 and 64 g·h-1 in comparison to 20 g·h-1 of CHO. Peak exogenous CHO oxidation rates were 0.34 (0.06), 0.54 (0.09) and 0.78 (0.19) g·min-1 for 20, 39 and 64 g·h-1 respectively. Plasma NEFA concentration was 0.10 (95%CI: 0.07 to 0.13), 0.12 (95%CI: 0.10 to 0.16) and 0.16 (95%CI: 0.13 to 0.19) mmol.L-1 higher when consuming 0 g·h-1 in comparison to 20, 39 and 64 g·h-1 respectively. Both 39 and 64 g·h-1 were effective at sparing endogenous CHO stores of which it is estimated that most of this is liver glycogen sparing, but the measured response was highly variable between individuals. Consuming 39 g·h-1 of CHO appears to be the minimum ingestion rate required to have a significant metabolic effect that results in an increase in performance. Recent research has indicated a key role of endogenous CHO sensing and oral glucose sensing in maintaining central drive and peripheral function during endurance exercise tasks. Consuming 39 and 64 g·h-1 of CHO elicits the greatest improvements in performance and also demonstrate a similar metabolic response. The improvement in subsequent time trial performance when consuming 39 and 64 g·h-1 coincided with significant alterations in whole body substrate usage that lead to endogenous CHO sparing at the same ingestion rates. In Chapter 4 we aimed to utilise gold standard neuromuscular function assessment techniques, alongside novel measures, to investigate the effect of consuming different rates of CHO on neuromuscular function during and following prolonged cycling exercise. In a double-blind, randomised cross-over design, well-trained male cyclists (n=20, mean±SD, age 34 ± 10 y, mass 75.8 ± 9 kg, peak power output 394 ± 36 W, V̇O2max 62 ± 9 ml·kg-1·min-1) completed 2 familiarisation trials then 4 experimental trials. Trials involved a 2 h submaximal ride followed by a high intensity time trial task lasting approx. 35 min with each of 0, 20, 39 and 64 g·h-1 CHO ingestion rates during submaximal exercise. Each trial involved pre and post exercise assessments (MVC, Mwave twitch potentiation and force, motor unit recruitment and firing rate assessment using high density EMG) and during exercise (gross EMG amplitude). MVC peak torque values were reduced post exercise by -20.4 nM (95%CI: -26.5 to -14.4) in comparison to pre value on all trials with no differences between trials. The firing rates of early recruited motor units significantly increased by 1.55 pps (95%CI: 0.51 to 2.59) following exercise in comparison to pre-exercise rates. Gross EMG during the 2 h cycling bout revealed a main effect of treatment (p<0.01) but post hoc comparisons provided no clarity and likely reflect methodological issues. Consuming CHO at ingestion rates between 20 and 64 g·h-1 had little to no impact on the neuromuscular function of well-trained cyclists when comparing pre and post fatiguing exercise values. Despite differences in time trial completion time between trials, following exercise to fatigue in an endurance task, no post exercise differences were detected.

La distribution d'espèces benthiques intertidales est contrainte par l'océanographie côtière. On connaît moins les effets sur l'écologie des prédateurs. Les côtes sud de l'Afrique sont caractérisées par des contrastes de production primaire et d'assemblages intertidaux dus aux deux courants majeurs qui les longent. Le prédateur apical de ces côtes est un oiseau limicole endémique, l'huîtrier noir africain (Haematopus moquini), qui présente un polymorphisme favorable à la spécialisation alimentaire. Ces travaux ont étudié l'effet des variations spatiales de structure de communautés benthiques sur l'écologie alimentaire de l'huîtrier à l'aide des isotopes stables. Les oiseaux répondent aux fluctuations qualitative et quantitative des communautés de proies à plusieurs échelles. A large échelle ils montrent de forts contrastes entre les côtes ouest et sud-ouest où le régime alimentaire est dominé par les moules, notamment l'espèce invasive Mytilus galloprovincialis et le sud-est où un mélange de moules et patelles est consommé. Localement les individus montrent des différences faibles d'alimentation liées à l'abondance relative des moules et patelles. Cela s'explique par le caractère généraliste de l'espèce et le relâchement de compétition intra-spécifique pour les ressources. La transition alimentaire d'H. moquini vers une consommation quasi-exclusive à l'ouest d'une moule introduite et la multitude de comportements alimentaires ailleurs indiquent un fort potentiel d'adaptation aux modifications de son habitat d'alimentation. En revanche la dégradation des plages par l'Homme augmente la compétition pour l'espace et affecterait aujourd'hui le succès reproducteur de l'espèce. / The distribution of intertidal benthic species is constrained by coastal oceanography. Less is known about the effects on the ecology of predators. Along the southern coasts of Africa the two main currents constraint both the patterns of primary production and the structure of benthic communities. The top predator on these coasts is an endemic shorebird, the African Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus moquini), which exhibits a polymorphism favourable for food specialization. This study investigates the effect of spatial variations in benthic community structure on the feeding ecology of oystercatchers using stable isotopes. Birds respond to changes in quality and quantity of prey at multiple scales. At large scale they show strong contrasts between west and southwest coasts where the diet is dominated by mussels, including the invasive species Mytilus galloprovincialis, and south-east shores where a mixture of mussels and limpets is consumed. Locally individuals show weak dietary differences related to relative abundances of mussels and limpets. This reflects the generalist foraging behaviour of the species and the release of intra-specific competition for resources. The dietary shift of H. moquini on the west coast toward the invasive mussel and the multiplicity of foraging behaviours elsewhere reveal strong capacities to face changes in its foraging habitat. On the other hand the degradation of beaches by humans increases the competition for space and today affects the reproductive success of the species

Un des enjeux majeurs en Science de la Terre ces dernières décennies est de comprendre les interactions entre les différentes enveloppes terrestres. Le but poursuivi par ce travail est d’aborder quelques aspects de ces interactions du point de vue des cycles géochimiques des éléments volatils H2O et CO2 en se basant sur l’étude des inclusions fluides piégées dans des roches variées de la croûte terrestre, depuis sa surface jusqu’à l’interface croûte–manteau. La première partie de mon travail présente des travaux expérimentaux effectués sur de la halite. L’étude du fractionnement isotopique de l’oxygène et des cinétiques d’équilibration entre H2O et CO2 lors de l’évaporation de saumures a montré l’importance des corrections à effectuer sur les mesures isotopiques de l’oxygène pour des solutions de haute salinité. L’élaboration d’un protocole expérimental de précipitation de halite en milieu contrôlé a permis de mettre en évidence le potentiel des inclusions fluides pour les reconstitutions paléoclimatiques. La combinaison des données microthermométriques et des compositions isotopiques de l’hydrogène et de l’oxygène des inclusions aqueuses permet d’estimer les sources et la température de l’eau de formation de la halite ainsi que la vitesse du vent à l’interface eau-air pendant la croissance du cristal. Cette méthode a été ensuite appliquée aux dépôts de halite de Sicile datés du Messinien. La deuxième partie de mon travail est consacrée à l’identification des compositions chimiques et des sources des fluides circulant dans la croûte et à l’interface croûte-manteau à travers l’analyse des compositions isotopiques des inclusions fluides des granites et granulites. / One of the major challenges in Earth Sciences during the last decades has been to improve our knowledge of the interaction between the different components of the Earth System. Key aspects to improve the understanding of these processes are the acquisition of new data and the development of models to explain both mass and energy transfer between the deep and superficial components of the Earth system. The goal of this thesis is to study these transfers through the geochemical cycle of volatile elements trapped in fluid inclusions of various materials of the Earth crust. The first part of my work presents experimental study of halite. The study of oxygen isotope fractionation and equilibrium kinetics between H2O and CO2 during the evaporation of brines shows that corrections have to be made on the oxygen isotope measurements for high salinity solutions. The elaboration of an experimental protocol to form halite in controlled environment reveals the potential of fluid inclusions for palaeo climatic reconstructions. Combination of microthermometric data plus hydrogen and oxygen isotopic compositions of aqueous inclusions allows to estimate the sources and the temperature of the parental water of halite as well as the wind speed at the water-air interface during the crystal growth. This method was then applied to the Messinian halite deposits of Sicily. The second part of my work is dedicated to the identification of both the chemical compositions and the sources of fluids circulating in the crust and at the interface crustmantle through the analysis of isotopic compositions of fluid inclusions in granites and granulites.

No description available.

As restingas constituem um complexo de tipos vegetacionais que ocorrem sobre cordões arenosos ao longo da costa brasileira. Sua diversidade fisionômica, florística e estrutural contrasta com grande número de fatores ambientais limitantes, incluindo a disponibilidade de água e nutrientes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar a dinâmica do nitrogênio, bem como os atributos foliares relacionados ao uso do nitrogênio e da água, em três formações vegetais inseridas no \"complexo vegetacional da restinga\", as quais ocorrem ao longo de um gradiente de precipitação que varia de cerca de 800 a 2.600 mm anuais. Para tanto, foram avaliados parâmetros relacionados à ciclagem do nitrogênio e alguns atributos foliares funcionais relacionados às estratégias de uso de água e nutrientes nas principais espécies botânicas que nelas se desenvolvem. O primeiro capítulo compara a variação na disponibilidade e na composição isotópica de nitrogênio (?15N) nestas três formações de restinga que ocorrem sob regimes hídricos distintos. Foram analisados e comparados parâmetros relacionados à disponibilidade e às taxas de transformação do nitrogênio nos solos e sua assimilação e uso pelas plantas. Os solos das três áreas, arenosos e ácidos, apresentam deficiência nutricional, sendo o nitrogênio amoniacal (N-NH4 +) a principal forma disponível. Suas taxas líquidas de transformação foram baixas e variáveis, com prevalência de imobilização, sobretudo nas restingas sob menor precipitação média anual (PMA). Na vegetação, o aumento na PMA refletiu em maiores concentrações foliares de nitrogênio e fósforo, juntamente com menores razões C/N e massas foliares por unidade de área (MFA). Os valores de ?15N foliar foram baixos e variáveis, ocorrendo enriquecimento gradual em 15N com o aumento na PMA. As concentrações foliares de nitrogênio e fósforo, bem como a MFA e a razão C/N mostraram-se diretamente relacionadas; já a MFA relacionou-se inversamente à concentração foliar de nitrogênio. O aumento da PMA ao longo do gradiente, juntamente com variações nas condições edáficas e nas comunidades bióticas, pareceu contribuir para o aumento da disponibilidade de nitrogênio, refletindo na redução gradual da conservação do mesmo. O segundo capítulo compara as restingas quanto aos atributos foliares de gêneros por elas compartilhados. As maiores diferenças foram observadas entre os gêneros das restingas seca e úmida, com a última apresentando maiores concentrações de nitrogênio e fósforo foliares e menor razão C/N. Seus gêneros ainda apresentaram menores MFA e composição isotópica de carbono (?13C), além de maior ?15N que aqueles das restingas seca e intermediária. As relações entre os atributos foliares dos pares congenéricos das restingas seca e úmida, assim como dos contrastes filogeneticamente independentes (CFIs), mostraram que a concentração de nitrogênio relaciona-se diretamente à concentração de fósforo e inversamente ao ?15N, enquanto que a concentração de fósforo relaciona-se diretamente com o ?15N e inversamente com a razão C/N. A grande diferença entre as restingas e a similaridade nas correlações - utilizando-se tanto os pares congenéricos e os CFIs - fortalece a distinção quanto à economia foliar da restinga úmida e as demais, enfatizando a importância das condições ambientais no ajuste dos atributos analisados, independente do grau de parentesco filogenético das espécies. / Restingas are consisted of a complex of vegetation types that occur on sand ridges along the Brazilian coast. Their physiognomic, floristic and structural diversity contrasts with a large number of environmental limiting factors, including the availability of water and nutrients. The aim of this study was to compare the dynamics of nitrogen, as well as leaf traits related to the use of nitrogen and water at three vegetation types inserted in the \"restinga vegetation complex\", and occur along a precipitation gradient ranging from about 800 to 2600 mm annually. Accordingly, parameters related to nitrogen cycling were assessed, as well as some functional leaf traits related to strategies for use of water and nutrients from the main plant species that occur therein. The first chapter compares the variation in nitrogen availability and its isotopic composition (?15N) at these three restinga formations that occur under different water regimes. It was analyzed and compared parameters regarding nitrogen availability and transformation rates in soils, and also its uptake and use by plants. The sandy and acidic soils of the three areas have high nutritional deficiency, and ammoniacal nitrogen (N-NH4 +) is the major available form. Its net rates of transformation were low and variable, with the prevalence of immobilization, especially at the restingas under lower mean annual precipitation (MAP). At the vegetation, MAP increase reflected in higher leaf nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, along with lower C/N ratios and leaf mass per area (LMA). Leaf ?15N values were low and variable, observing gradual 15N-enrichment with MAP increase. Nitrogen and phosphorus leaf concentrations, as well as LMA and C/N ratio were directly related, whereas LMA was inversely related to leaf nitrogen concentration. The increase in MAP along the gradient, jointly to variations in soil conditions and biota, seemed to contribute to an increment on nitrogen availability, reflecting in the gradual reduction of its conservation. The second chapter compares the restingas in relation to leaf traits of genera shared by them. The largest differences were observed between genera from dry and wet restingas, with the latter having higher leaf nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations and lower C/N ratio. Their genera also had lower LMA and carbon isotopic composition (?13C), as well as greater ?15N than those from dry and intermediate restingas. Relationships between leaf traits of the congeneric pairs from dry and wet restingas, and also of the phylogenetically independent contrasts (PICs), showed that nitrogen concentration is directly related to phosphorus and inversely to ?15N, whilst phosphorus concentration is directly related to ?15N and inversely to C/N ratio. The bulky difference amongst restingas, and the similarity in correlations - using both congeneric pairs and PICs - reinforces the distinction regarding leaf economy between wet restinga and the others, emphasizing the importance of environmental conditions on the adjustment of the analyzed leaf traits, apart from of the degree of species phylogenetic relatedness.

Recentes publicações chamaram a atenção para o papel das florestas tropicais sobre o balanço global de alguns gases de efeito estufa. A suspeita de que estas florestas estariam atuando como sorvedouros de CO2 acumulando uma enorme quantidade de carbono em sua biomassa, ou que estas seriam capazes de emitir CH4 diretamente de folhas vivas e da serapilheira sobre condições aeróbicas, motivou a realização de vários estudos nas áreas de floresta tropical, especialmente na Amazônia. O presente estudo pretende determinar o papel das florestas de terrafirme da Amazônia no balanço regional de CH4 através da análise de sua composição isotópica (\'delta\'13CH4) e da discriminação de suas possíveis fontes no ecossistema. Em seguida, o trabalho mostrará o avanço na aplicação das medidas da atividade e do fluxo de Radônio-222 como traçador indireto dos balanços de CH4 em florestas de terra-firme. As medidas \'delta\'13CH4 foram realizadas em campanhas trimestrais no período entre 2006 e 2008, na Floresta Nacional do Tapajós (F.N.T.) e na Floresta Nacional de Caxiuanã (F.N.C.). O \'delta\'13CH4 variou entre -49,24 e - 45,50, com médias (±erro padrão) iguais a -47,63 ±0,04 e -47,32 ±0,04 para a F.N.C e F.N.T., respectivamente. A concentração de CH4 variou entre 1,82 e 3,19ppm, com média (±erro padrão) igual a 2,08 ±0,02ppm na F.N.C e 2,11 ±0,02ppm na F.N.T. As medidas de fluxo e da atividade de 222Rn usadas neste trabalho foram realizadas no período entre 2000 e 2002. Durante este período o fluxo de 222Rn do solo variou entre 6,86 e 103,30 mBq m-2 s-1. A média geral para o período foi igual a 32,48 ±14,00 mBq m-2 s-1. Os valores da atividade de 222Rn variaram no perfil vertical da floresta de 5,27 a 18,17 Bq m-3 , 3,55 a 24,02 Bq m-3 e 3,36 a 18,30 Bq m-3 durante os anos de 2000, 2001 e 2002, respectivamente. As estimativas das concentrações e do fluxo de CH4 inferidas a partir dos dados de 222Rn, apresentaram variações semelhantes às variações medidas por cromatografia gasosa, indicando que o 222Rn tem o potencial de fornecer medidas independentes das taxas de fluxos de CH4 em áreas de floresta de terra-firme / Recent publications called the attention to the role of tropical forests on the budget of some important greenhouse gases. The finding that forests would acting as sink of large amounts of CO2 or as a source of CH4 emitted directly from green and dead leaves under aerobic conditions has motivated scientists worldwide to set experiments in tropical forest areas, especially in the Amazon. This study aims to determine the role of Amazonian upland forests to the regional budget of CH4 through analysis of the stable isotopic composition of methane (\'delta\'13CH4) and the discrimination of its possible sources in the ecosystem. This study also shows the attempt to use of 222Rn soil flux and activity measurements as an indirect tracer for CH4 mixing ratios rates in the vertical profile of upland tropical forests. The measurements of \'delta\'13CH4 were carried out during quarterly campaigns in the period from 2006 to 2008 in the Caxiuana National Forest (C.N.F.) and Tapajos National Forest (T.N.F.). The \'delta\'13CH4 varied from -49.24 to -45.50, with overall means (±SE) equal to -47.63±0.04, and -47.32±0.04 for C.N.F. and T.N.F., respectively. The concentration of CH4 varied from 1.82 to 3.19ppm, with mean (±SE) equal to 2.08±0.02 ppm at C.N.F. and 2.11±0.02ppm at T.N.F.. 222Rn soil flux and activity measurements used in this work were taken in the period of 2000-2002. During this period the 222Rn soil flux varied from 6.86 to 103.30 mBq m-2 s-1, with overall mean equal to 32.49±14.00 mBq m-2 s-1. The values for 222Rn activity along the vertical profile varied from 5.27 to 18.17 Bq m-3, 3.55 to 24.02 Bq m-3, and 3.36 to 18.30 Bq m-3, during the years of 2000, 2001, and 2002, respectively. Estimates of CH4 concentrations and soil fluxes, inferred from 222Rn data, compared favorably with measurements done by gas chromatography, indicating that 222Rn has the potential to provide independent measurements of CH4 fluxes in upland forests

Análises microfaunísticas, sedimentológicas e geoquímicas realizadas em testemunho coletado na plataforma interna ao largo de Itajaí, SC, (26°5916,8S -048°0433,6W) permitiram reconhecer nos últimos 7.600 anos, três fases com distintas condições de fluxos de matéria orgânica e hidrodinâmicas. A primeira fase (7.600 5.000 anos cal. A.P.) é caracterizada por baixa produtividade, constatada pelos baixos valores dos indicadores de produtividade (Corg, CaCO3 e índice Benthic Foraminífera High Productivity - BFHP), condições hidrodinâmicas mais intensas (predomínio de areia e alta frequência de Globocassidulina subglobosa) e águas mais oxigenadas (valores elevados do índice Benthic Foraminífera Oxic Index BFOI e porcentagens relativamente altas de espécies epifaunais). O clima nesse período era relativamente mais seco e o nível médio do mar estava aproximadamente 3 m acima do atual. A segunda fase (5.000 3.000 anos cal. A.P.) é marcada pelo relativo incremento na paleoprodutividade (aumento de Corg, CaCO3 e índice BFHP), condições hidrodinâmicas menos intensas (baixa frequência de G. subglobosa e aumento no conteúdo de lama) e diminuição na disponibilidade de oxigênio nas águas de fundo (valores relativamente baixos do índice BFOI). O clima aparentemente torna-se progressivamente mais úmido e há diminuição progressiva do nível relativo do mar. A terceira fase (3.000 900 anos cal. A.P.) é caracterizada por aumento expressivo na produtividade (maiores porcentagens de Corg, CaCO3 e do índice BFHP e altas frequências de espécies infaunais e detritívoras), provavelmente as correntes de fundo são menos intensas (predomínio de sedimentos lamosos e baixa frequência de G. subglobosa) e com conteúdo de oxigênio mais restritivo (valores relativamente baixos do índice BFOI). Nesse período, há aumento significativo no aporte de material terrígeno, evidenciado por acentuado incremento na frequência de Buliminella elegantissima e das razões Fe/Ca e Ti/Ca. O aumento na produtividade poderia estar relacionado ao aumento da umidade ao longo do Holoceno, devido à intensificação do Sistema de Monções da América do Sul (SMAS) ocasionada por variações no ciclo de precessão e possivelmente aumento na frequência de El Niño, que corroboram para o aumento de chuvas no sul do Brasil. O clima mais úmido e o fortalecimento de frentes frias (ventos de S/SW) poderiam ter favorecido à penetração de águas frias e ricas em nutrientes vindas do sul, relacionada à descarga do Rio da Prata / Microfaunal, sedimentological and geochemical analyses from a core collected on the inner shelf off Itajaí, SC, allowed us to recognized , in the last 7,600 years, three phases with different organic matter fluxes and hydrodynamic conditions. The rst phase (7,600 5,000 years cal. B.P.) is characterized by low productivity, evidenced by low values of productivity proxies (organic carbon (Corg), calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and Benthic Foraminífera High Productivity index - BFHP), more intense hydrodynamic regime (dominance of coarser sediments and higher frequencies of Globocassidulina subglobosa) and waters with more oxygen availability (higher values of the Benthic Foraminífera Oxic Index BFOI and relatively high percentages of epifaunal species). The climate during this period was relatively dry and sea-level was approximately 3 m above the present. The second phase (5,000 3,000 years cal. B.P.) is marked by a relative increase in productivity (increase of Corg, CaCO3 and BFHP), hydrodynamical conditions were probably less intense (lower frequencies of G. subglobosa and muddy sediments), and oxygen availability decreased (lower BFOI index values). The climate apparently became progressively more humid and a progressive decline of the sea-level occurred. The third phase (3,000 900 years cal. B.P.) is characterized by a significant increase of productivity (higher percentages of Corg, CaCO3, infaunal and detritivores species, and increase of BFHP index values), probably bottom currents were less intense (muddy sediments and lower frequencies of G. subglobosa) and oxygen contents more restrictive (lower BFOI values). A significant increase in the input of continental material occurs during this period, as highlighted by an increase of Buliminella elegantissima frequencies and increase of the Fe/Ca and Ti/Ca ratios. The increase of productivity could be related to moisture increase throughout the Holocene, due to the intensification of the South American Monsoon system (SAMS) caused by variations in the precession cycle and possibly increased El Niño frequency, which corroborates the increase in rainfall in southern Brazil. The wetter climate and strengthening cold front may have favored the penetration of cold water rich in nutrients from the south, related to the discharge of the Rio de La Plata