Matrix-independent boron isotope analysis of silicate and carbonate reference materials by ultraviolet femtosecond laser ablation multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with application to the cold-water coral Desmophyllum dianthus

RATIONALE

Boron isotopes are a powerful tool for pH reconstruction in marine carbonates and as a tracer for fluid-mineral interaction in geochemistry. Microanalytical approaches based on laser ablation multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS) often suffer from effects induced by the sample matrix. In this study, we investigate matrix-independent analyses of B isotopic ratios and apply this technique to cold-water corals.

METHODS

We employ a customized 193 nm femtosecond laser ablation system (Solstice, Spectra-Physics) coupled to a MC-ICP-MS system (Nu Plasma II, Nu Instruments) equipped with electron multipliers for in situ measurements of B isotopic ratios (¹¹ B/¹⁰ B) at the micrometric scale. We analyzed various reference materials of silicate and carbonate matrices using non-matrix matched calibration without employing any correction. This approach was then applied to investigate defined increments in coral samples from a Chilean fjord.

RESULTS

We obtained accurate B isotopic ratios with a reproducibility of ±0.9‰ (2 SD) for various reference materials including silicate glasses (GOR132-G, StHs6/80-G, ATHO-G and NIST SRM 612), clay (IAEA-B-8) and carbonate (JCp-1) using the silicate glass NIST SRM 610 as calibration standard, which shows that neither laser-induced nor ICP-related matrix effects are detectable. The application to cold-water corals (Desmophyllum dianthus) reveals minor intra-skeleton variations in δ¹¹ B with average values between 23.01‰ and 25.86‰.

CONCLUSIONS

Our instrumental set-up provides accurate and precise B isotopic ratios independently of the sample matrix at the micrometric scale. This approach opens a wide field of application in geochemistry, including pH reconstruction in biogenic carbonates and deciphering processes related to fluid-mineral interaction.

Mg-rich amorphous to Mg-low crystalline CaCO3 pathway in foraminifera

Calcium carbonate minerals produced by marine organisms play a central role in the global carbon cycle and carbonate sedimentation, which influence the climate by regulating atmospheric CO₂ levels. Foraminifera are important marine single-celled organisms that have produced calcite shells for over 300 million years. Here, we present new observations promoting our understanding for foraminiferal biocalcification by studying Amphistegina lessonii. We integrated in vivo confocal autofluorescence and dye fluorescence imaging with elemental analysis of the cell supporting the concept that the calcite shells of foraminifera are produced via deposition of intracellularly formed Mg-rich amorphous calcium carbonate (Mg-ACC) particles that transform into a stable mineral phase. This process is likely accompanied by the activity of endosymbiotic microalgae and seawater-derived endocytic vesicles that provide calcification substrates such as DIC, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺. The final transformation of semi-liquid amorphous nanoparticles into a crystalline shell was associated with Mg²⁺ liberation.

Thermal stress reduces pocilloporid coral resilience to ocean acidification by impairing control over calcifying fluid chemistry

The combination of thermal stress and ocean acidification (OA) can more negatively affect coral calcification than an individual stressors, but the mechanism behind this interaction is unknown. We used two independent methods (microelectrode and boron geochemistry) to measure calcifying fluid pH (pH_cf) and carbonate chemistry of the corals Pocillopora damicornis and Stylophora pistillata grown under various temperature and pCO₂ conditions. Although these approaches demonstrate that they record pH_cf over different time scales, they reveal that both species can cope with OA under optimal temperatures (28°C) by elevating pH_cf and aragonite saturation state (Ω_cf) in support of calcification. At 31°C, neither species elevated these parameters as they did at 28°C and, likewise, could not maintain substantially positive calcification rates under any pH treatment. These results reveal a previously uncharacterized influence of temperature on coral pH_cf regulation-the apparent mechanism behind the negative interaction between thermal stress and OA on coral calcification.

Novel Method to Image and Quantify Cogwheel Structures in Foraminiferal Shells

Most studies designed to better understand biomineralization by foraminifera focus mainly on their shell chemistry in order to retrace processes responsible for element uptake and shell formation. Still, shell formation is a combination of not only chemical and biological processes, but is also limited by structural features. Since the processes involved in the formation of the foraminifera shell remains elusive, new focus has been put on potential structural constraints during shell formation. Revealing structural details of shells of foraminifera might increase our mechanistic understanding of foraminifera calcification, and even explain species-specific differences in element incorporation. Recently, shell structures have been studied in increasingly higher resolution and detail. This paper aims to provide new insights on the structural features on foraminifera shells, so-called cogwheels, which can be observed in the shell wall and at its surface. Here, we present a novel method to image and quantify these cogwheel structures, using field specimens from different environments and ecological groups, including benthic and planktonic species. Application of this method allows for comparing shell structures at specimen and species level, to unravel potential drivers of shell formation.

Comparison of Mediterranean Pteropod Shell Biometrics and Ultrastructure from Historical (1910 and 1921) and Present Day (2012) Samples Provides Baseline for Monitoring Effects of Global Change

Anthropogenic carbon perturbation has caused decreases in seawater pH and increases in global temperatures since the start of the 20^th century. The subsequent lowering of the saturation state of CaCO₃ may make the secretion of skeletons more problematic for marine calcifiers. As organisms that precipitate thin aragonite shells, thecosome pteropods have been identified as being particularly vulnerable to climate change effects. Coupled with their global distribution, this makes them ideal for use as sentinel organisms. Recent studies have highlighted shell dissolution as a potential indicator of ocean acidification; however, this metric is not applicable for monitoring pH changes in supersaturated basins. In this study, the novel approach of high resolution computed tomography (CT) scanning was used to produce quantitative 3-dimensional renderings pteropod shells to assess the potential of using this method to monitor small changes in shell biometrics that may be driven by climate change drivers. An ontogenetic analysis of the shells of Cavolinia inflexa and Styliola subula collected from the Mediterranean was used to identify suitable monitoring metrics. Modern samples were then compared to historical samples of the same species, collected during the Mediterranean leg of the Thor (1910) and Dana (1921) cruises to assess whether any empirical differences could be detected. Shell densities were calculated and scanning electron microscopy was used to compare the aragonite crystal morphology. pH for the collection years was hind-cast using temperature and salinity time series with atmospheric CO₂ concentrations from ice core data. Historical samples of S. subula were thicker than S. subula shells of the same size from 2012 and C. inflexa shells collected in 1910 were significantly denser than those from 2012. These results provide a baseline for future work to develop monitoring techniques for climate change in the oceans using the novel approach of high-resolution CT scanning.

Hierarchical textures on aragonitic shells of the hyaline radial foraminifer Hoeglundina elegans

Aragonitic shells of a hyaline radial foraminifer Hoeglundina elegans consist of a thin top layer and micrometer-scale columnar domains that are regarded as bundled pillars comprising iso-oriented nanograins.

Near-future pH conditions severely impact calcification, metabolism and the nervous system in the pteropod Heliconoides inflatus

Shelled pteropods play key roles in the global carbon cycle and food webs of various ecosystems. Their thin external shell is sensitive to small changes in pH, and shell dissolution has already been observed in areas where aragonite saturation state is ~1. A decline in pteropod abundance has the potential to disrupt trophic networks and directly impact commercial fisheries. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how pteropods will be affected by global environmental change, particularly ocean acidification. In this study, physiological and molecular approaches were used to investigate the response of the Mediterranean pteropod, Heliconoides inflatus, to pH values projected for 2100 under a moderate emissions trajectory (RCP6.0). Pteropods were subjected to pH_T 7.9 for 3 days, and gene expression levels, calcification and respiration rates were measured relative to pH_T 8.1 controls. Gross calcification decreased markedly under low pH conditions, while genes potentially involved in calcification were up-regulated, reflecting the inability of pteropods to maintain calcification rates. Gene expression data imply that under low pH conditions, both metabolic processes and protein synthesis may be compromised, while genes involved in acid-base regulation were up-regulated. A large number of genes related to nervous system structure and function were also up-regulated in the low pH treatment, including a GABA_A receptor subunit. This observation is particularly interesting because GABA_A receptor disturbances, leading to altered behavior, have been documented in several other marine animals after exposure to elevated CO₂ . The up-regulation of many genes involved in nervous system function suggests that exposure to low pH could have major effects on pteropod behavior. This study illustrates the power of combining physiological and molecular approaches. It also reveals the importance of behavioral analyses in studies aimed at understanding the impacts of low pH on marine animals.

Effect of different seawater Mg2 + concentrations on calcification in two benthic foraminifers

Magnesium, incorporated in foraminiferal calcite (Mg/Ca_CC), is used intensively to reconstruct past seawater temperatures but, in addition to temperature, the Mg/Ca_CC of foraminiferal tests also depends on the ratio of Mg and Ca in seawater (Mg/Ca_SW). The physiological mechanisms responsible for these proxy relationships are still unknown. This culture study investigates the impact of different seawater [Mg^2 +] on calcification in two benthic foraminiferal species precipitating contrasting Mg/Ca_CC: Ammonia aomoriensis, producing low-Mg calcite and Amphistegina lessonii, producing intermediate-Mg calcite. Foraminiferal growth and test thickness were determined and, Mg/Ca was analyzed using Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Results show that at present-day seawater Mg/Ca_SW of ~ 5, both species have highest growth rates, reflecting their adaptation to modern seawater element concentrations. Test thickness is not significantly affected by different Mg/Ca_SW. The relationship between Mg/Ca_SW and Mg/Ca_CC shows a distinct positive y-axis intercept, possibly reflecting at least two processes involved in foraminiferal biomineralization. The associated Mg partition (D_Mg) changes non-linearly with increasing Mg/Ca_SW, hence suggesting that the D_Mg is best described by an exponential function approaching an asymptote.

Climate change and the oceans--what does the future hold?

The ocean has been shielding the earth from the worst effects of rapid climate change by absorbing excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This absorption of CO2 is driving the ocean along the pH gradient towards more acidic conditions. At the same time ocean warming is having pronounced impacts on the composition, structure and functions of marine ecosystems. Warming, freshening (in some areas) and associated stratification are driving a trend in ocean deoxygenation, which is being enhanced in parts of the coastal zone by upwelling of hypoxic deep water. The combined impact of warming, acidification and deoxygenation are already having a dramatic effect on the flora and fauna of the oceans with significant changes in distribution of populations, and decline of sensitive species. In many cases, the impacts of warming, acidification and deoxygenation are increased by the effects of other human impacts, such as pollution, eutrophication and overfishing. The interactive effects of this deadly trio mirrors similar events in the Earth's past, which were often coupled with extinctions of major species' groups. Here we review the observed impacts and, using past episodes in the Earth's history, set out what the future may hold if carbon emissions and climate change are not significantly reduced with more or less immediate effect.

Vital effects and beyond: a modelling perspective on developing palaeoceanographical proxy relationships in foraminifera

This paper mainly reviews our recent work on the biology and geochemistry of foraminifera with respect to their use as palaeoceanographic proxies. Our approach to proxy validation and development is described, primarily from a modeler's point of view. The approach is based on complementary steps in understanding the inorganic chemistry, inorganic isotope fractionation, and biological controls that determine palaeo-tracer signals in organisms used in climate reconstructions. Integration of laboratory experiments, field and culture studies, theoretical considerations and numerical modelling holds the key to the method's success. We describe effects of life-processes in foraminifera on stable carbon, oxygen, and boron isotopes as well as Mg incorporation into foraminiferal calcite shells. Stable boron isotopes will be used to illustrate our approach. We show that a mechanism-based understanding is often required before primary climate signals can be extracted from the geologic record because the signals can be heavily overprinted by secondary, non-climate related phenomena. Moreover, for some of the proxies, fundamental knowledge on the thermodynamic, inorganic basis is still lacking. One example is stable boron isotopes, a palaeo-pH proxy, for which the boron isotope fractionation between the dissolved boron compounds in seawater was not precisely known until recently. Attempts to overcome such hurdles are described and implications of our work for palaeoceanographic reconstructions are discussed.