Search

Copyright of Tecnología y Ciencias del Agua is the property of Instituto Mexicano de Tecnologia del Agua (IMTA) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Promoting an innovative mindset is one of the main objectives of all the Governments and institutions of the Arabo-Persian Gulf This paper introduces part offindings of a qualitative study on female managers from 3 countries of the GCC impacted by those reforms. The research leads to a new definition of modernity in the Arabian world, impulsed by the women and their dramatic contribution to the changing of the mindset of the region. This changing mindset driven by the new behaviour and attitudes of women is a key driver to promote innovation within the Gulf region more than all kind of new regulations to encourage it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predation can have substantial and long‐term effects on the population dynamics of ecologically important prey. Diverse predator assemblages, however, may produce stabilizing (i.e., portfolio) effects on prey mortality when consumption varies asynchronously among predators. We calculated spatiotemporal variation in predation on a dominant forage species to quantify synchrony and portfolio effects in a food web context and better understand diversity–stability relationships in a large marine ecosystem that has undergone considerable changes in community composition. We selected Walleye Pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) as our case study because they support some of the largest, most valuable commercial fisheries in the world and serve as essential prey for an array of economically and culturally important species. Thus, there are sufficient data for Pollock with which to test ecological theories in an empirical setting. Spatially explicit predation indices accounted for annual variation in predator biomass, bioenergetics‐based rations, and age‐specific proportions of Pollock consumed by a suite of groundfishes in the Gulf of Alaska (1990–2015). We found that Arrowtooth Flounder (Atheresthes stomias) was, by far, the dominant Pollock predator (proportional consumption: 0.74 ± 0.14). We also found synchronous trends in consumption among predator species, indicating a lack of portfolio effects at the basin scale. This combination of a single dominant predator and synchronous consumption dynamics suggests strong top‐down control over Pollock in the Gulf of Alaska, though the degree of synchrony was highly variable at all spatial scales. Whereas synchrony generally increased in the western subregion, consumption in the central Gulf of Alaska became less synchronous through time. This suggests diminished trophic stability in one area and increased stability in another, thereby emphasizing the importance of spatiotemporal heterogeneity in maintaining food web structure and function. Finally, total Pollock consumption was highly variable (ranging from 1.87 to 7.63 Tg) and often exceeded assessment‐based estimates of productivity. We assert that using our holistic and empirically derived predation index as a modifier of assumed constant natural mortality would provide a practical method for incorporating ecological information into single‐species stock assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de la Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales is the property of Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Fisicas y Naturales and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

There is a big shortage of drinking water in the western Suez Gulf in Egypt. Fortunately, wind energy is available to cope with the required power for desalination. In previous works the area was subjected to Multi-Criteria Analysis process using a DEM implemented into a GIS environment. For each watershed, a Weighted Standardized Risk Factor (WSRF) was deduced based on the correlation factor for all the main morphological parameters which were obtained from the "HEC-HMS" model results. Former thought of defining the safe and unsafe watersheds based on global scale and dependent only on (WSRF), is nowadays criticized as a watershed with high value for (WSRF) could have safe specific areas for the wind turbines' establishment. A 2D hydrodynamic model was applied on a Macro Scale to deduce inundation maps then were overlaid with wind speeds maps to define the most appropriate locations for wind turbines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared the main clinical, radiographic, and histologic features of true and bay apical cysts. The study material comprised 95 biopsy specimens of apical periodontitis lesions obtained attached to the root tip of both untreated and root canal–treated teeth. Clinical and radiographic data were recorded. Specimens were obtained by extraction or periradicular surgery and were meticulously processed for histopathologic and histobacteriologic methods. All cases diagnosed as apical cysts (n = 23) were divided into the true and bay types, which were then compared for tooth location, patient's sex, lesion size, severity of clinical symptoms, presence of a sinus tract, previous abscess episodes, and prevalence of bacteria in the main root canal lumen and ramifications, on the outer root surface, and within the cyst cavity. Eleven specimens were classified as true (48%) and 12 (52%) as bay cysts. Bacteria were found in all specimens, regardless of the histopathologic diagnosis. Planktonic bacteria were observed in the main root canal in all true cysts and in 11 of 12 (92%) bay cyst cases. Biofilms were detected in the main canal in 10 cases from each diagnostic group and were frequently observed in ramifications. Extraradicular biofilms occurred in a few specimens only. Bacteria were visualized within the cavity of both true (4/11, 36%) and bay (6/12, 50%) cyst specimens. The severity of histologic inflammation was always high. There were no significant differences between true and bay cysts for all the clinical, radiographic, histopathologic, and histobacteriologic parameters assessed. Except for the morphologic relationship of the cyst cavity with the root canal space, true and bay cysts exhibited no other significant differences in the various parameters evaluated. The 2 cyst types were always associated with an intraradicular infection and sometimes with an extraradicular infection. Findings question the need to differentiate true and bay cysts and do not support the assumption that true cysts are self-sustainable entities not maintained by infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological data that are collected in commercial port sampling programs are a critical component of the assessment and management of Gulf Menhaden Brevoortia patronus and Atlantic Menhaden Brevoortia tyrannus. The menhaden port sampling program represents one of the longest continuous commercial sampling efforts in the United States; however, this sampling program has not been evaluated recently to determine whether the program adequately characterizes the size and age structure of the catch despite significant changes in the spatial extent and magnitude of the fisheries in the last three decades. We conducted a simulation study to evaluate current menhaden fishery sampling targets and to examine the relative performance of a suite of alternative targets. To simulate data collection, we conducted a bootstrap analysis of the observed port sampling data. These observations were resampled with replacement across a range of current and alternative combinations of number of trips and fish sampled per trip. At the current target for sampling intensity and allocation, the mean sample weight and proportions at age for ages 2 and 3 are well characterized in both the Gulf and Atlantic menhaden fisheries. The proportions of age‐1 fish in the catch differed by stock and region, with samples from the northern Atlantic regions displaying the greatest uncertainty overall. The proportions of age‐4 and older fish were poorly characterized in both fisheries, which is likely due to their rarity in the population (Gulf) and lack of spatial overlap between the fishery and the stratified distribution of menhaden by age along the coast (Atlantic). Our results indicate that reducing the number of fish that is sampled per trip from the current target of 10 to as few as four would have a minimal effect on estimates of mean size and proportions at age in the catch. Increasing the number of sampled trips will not greatly improve the characterization of catch size or age composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the distribution of the red scorpionfish, Scorpaena scrofa Linnaeus, 1758, in the Red Sea, in order to get a better picture of the distribution and dispersal of this species. The species is recorded for the first time from the Gulf of Aqaba, based on a specimen collected off Eilat, Israel at a depth of 400 m. This finding also confirms the occurrence of the species in the Red Sea and links up with a recent record from Saya de Malha Bank, western Indian Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research has expanded our understanding of the natural history and clinical course of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the Arabian Gulf region. In addition, the number of available therapies for MS has increased greatly in recent years, which complicates considerably the design of therapeutic regimens. We, an expert group of physicians practising in Arabian Gulf countries, present pragmatic consensus recommendations for the use of disease-modifying therapy, according to the level of MS disease activity, according to objective criteria, and prior treatment (if any) received by a given patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five specimens of Gymnothorax longinquus (Whitley, 1948) were collected from a fish market and a fish landing site in Tac Cau and Ha Tien, southern Vietnam. These specimens represent the first record of G. longinquus in Vietnam, and further support a previously uncertain record in Thailand. The specimens collected are described and illustrated. Gymnothorax longinquus may prefer muddy shallow water from northern Australia to the Gulf of Thailand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hypoxic zone in the northern Gulf of Mexico is among the most dramatic examples of impairments to aquatic ecosystems. Despite having attracted substantial attention, management of this environmental crisis remains challenging, partially due to limited monitoring to support model development and long‐term assessments. Here, we leverage new geostatistical estimates of hypoxia derived from nearly 150 monitoring cruises and a process‐based model to improve characterization of controlling mechanisms, historic trends, and future responses of hypoxia while rigorously quantifying uncertainty in a Bayesian framework. We find that November–March nitrogen loads are important controls of sediment oxygen demand, which appears to be the major oxygen sink. In comparison, only ~23% of oxygen in the near‐bottom region appears to be consumed by net water column respiration, which is driven by spring and summer loads. Hypoxia typically exceeds 15,600 km2 in June, peaks in July, and declines below 10,000 km2 in September. In contrast to some previous Gulf hindcasting studies, our simulations demonstrate that hypoxia was both severe and worsening prior to 1985, and has remained relatively stable since that time. Scenario analysis shows that halving nutrient loadings will reduce hypoxia by 37% with respect to 13,900 km2 (1985–2016 median), while a +2°C change in water temperature will cause a 26% hypoxic area increase due to enhanced sediment respiration and reduced oxygen solubility. These new results highlight the challenges of achieving hypoxia reduction targets, particularly under warming conditions, and should be considered in ecosystem management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring the reproductive performance of seabirds can be challenging, as many species nest in remote locations and can be difficult to observe consistently. Using cameras for seabird monitoring in remote locations is an emerging method. Determining the monitoring frequency and type of equipment best suited for individual species, locations, and objectives is an important consideration due to different seabird reproductive strategies. To refine remote observation techniques for cliff-nesting seabirds, we tested a different observation methods on Black-legged Kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla in Resurrection Bay in the northern Gulf of Alaska. Kittiwakes were monitored during the breeding seasons (May-August) of 2013-2015 using remote video and still images. Our first objective was to determine if estimates of productivity changed with observation frequency; we used observations at one-, four-, and seven-day intervals. Our second objective was to assess the appropriate observation frequency for identifying important reproductive events (e.g., phenology). For this objective, we used a finer scale of observation frequency: one- to seven-day intervals. Our third objective was to identify if estimates of individual nest success differed between video and still-image methods. Results indicated that observation frequency significantly influenced estimates of productivity and reproductive phenology. We also found that estimates of individual nest success were comparable between video and stillimage methods of monitoring. The results of this study demonstrate that remote camera methods of observing a cliff-nesting seabird were suitable for monitoring reproductive ecology and aspects of ecological interest, and that comparable estimates of productivity can be obtained through both still-image and video methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Water current flow characteristics represent crucial information required for the management of coastal tourism destinations. Strong currents or strange flow patterns can pose risks to beach visitors. This research examined the currents at Pattaya Bay, one of the most famous beaches in the world. Numerical simulations were undertaken. Sophisticated simulation techniques were applied so that the calibrated simulation results were reliable. A whirlpool at the southern part of the bay was discovered, occurring every day during flood tides. The vortex rotated clockwise, with a magnitude between 0.34 and 0.41 m/s, and its radius could sometimes reach 500 m. The swirl was a natural phenomenon since it was created by the oblique orientation of the southern headland. The whirlpool was not deadly since its strength was normal for open coastal waters. However, care should not be neglected. This research raised awareness about the whirlpool's existence, so that proper management can be exercised. • Water current pattern in Pattaya Bay, Thailand, was investigated. • A whirl pool was discovered in Pattaya Bay. • The vortex happened naturally during flood tides. • The whirlpool in Pattaya Bay was not dangerous because its strength was mild. • Measures should be prepared and exercised continuously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fisheries managers often use regulations such as bag, size, and season limits to manage recreational anglers and prevent overharvest, and this has been the case for the Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus fishery, which has been highly regulated for over 20 years. During this period, the federal season for private recreational anglers has decreased from year‐round in 1996 to only 3 d in 2017. However, in 2017 the private recreational season was reopened for an additional 39 d. This scenario allowed us to examine a very short, derby‐style initial season with an unexpected extended season and make comparisons with longer‐term data sets from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's angler‐intercept program, where we hypothesized that harvest and effort may not be directly related to season length. Our data indicated that there were higher harvest and effort rates during the initial season than during the extended season, and these differences were a function of extended season length (i.e., future access) and weather. The harvest and effort rates of the extended season were not proportional to the initial season, suggesting that recreational anglers compensated for reductions in season length by compressing their effort into the shortened season. While our results suggest that an extended season results in a reduction of daily harvest and effort rates, it is important to have programs in place to closely monitor the total harvest in a timely manner to prevent overharvest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monthly measurements of nitrate, nitrite, ammonium and phosphate at three stations off Kuwait during 2002–2015 revealed considerable inter-annual variability, broadly corresponding to fluctuations in the Shatt-al-Arab River discharge, but a lack of secular increasing trend. Nutrient enrichment experiments during two seasons revealed nitrate uptake, chlorophyll build-up and growth of micro-phytoplankton, even in the presence of ammonium, provided the availability of phosphate. Primary production was mostly nitrogen limited, but anthropogenic nitrogen supply may eventually make it phosphorus limited, especially in summer and in the open Gulf. Anthropogenic nutrient inputs appear to have enhanced biological productivity of the northern Gulf, but heterotrophic consumption, indicated by high respiration rates, probably prevented accumulation of phytoplankton biomass, accounting for the observed lack of chlorophyll increase over the past three decades. Consequently high total organic carbon and emerging hypoxia in the Gulf may lead to expansion/intensification of the oxygen minimum zone of the Arabian Sea. • Large interannual changes in nutrients off Kuwait from 2002 to 15, no secular increase • Productivity N-limited with potential for P-limitation in summer and in open Gulf • High respiration rates imply rapid consumption of photosynthesized organic matter. • Nutrient loading enhancing productivity but grazing may control autotrophic biomass. • Increased productivity likely to promote deoxygenation in the Gulf and Arabian Sea [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive nitrate loading to the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) has caused widespread hypoxia over many decades. Despite recent reductions in nitrate loads observed at local scales, decreases in nitrate loading from the Mississippi River basin (MRB) to the GoM have been small (1.58% during 2002–2012) with a low level of analytical confidence in this trend. This work seeks to determine the reasons why local‐scale improvements have not translated into reductions at the outlet of the Mississippi River. We estimated annual nitrate loads from 166 sites in the MRB over the 2002 to 2012 period to examine trends and variability. The Upper Mississippi and Ohio Rivers together dominate the average nitrate load to the GoM, but very large interannual variability is driven primarily by the Upper Mississippi River. Within the Upper Mississippi River basin, decreasing trends in nitrate loading were common and the greatest improvements occurred at sites with the highest initial nitrate loads (the worst water quality). However, these improvements were balanced with increasing nitrate loads in other parts of the basin, such that the mean trend in load was near zero. Although load reductions in either the Ohio or Upper Mississippi basins have the potential to reduce the loads to the GoM, the improvements have not yet been large enough or widespread enough to lead to a change at the outlet. This analysis provides a basin‐wide perspective on recent nitrate trends and the contribution of tributary basins to the mean and variability of nitrate loading to the GoM. Core Ideas: High nitrate loads to the Gulf of Mexico remained stable in the 2002 to 2012 period.Nitrate load trends in the Mississippi River Basin were mostly small and offsetting.Larger, more widespread decreases are needed to achieve larger reductions at the outlet.Variation in nitrate load is driven mostly by the Upper Mississippi River subbasin.Mean reductions in gulf hypoxic zone size could be disrupted by large interannual variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de la Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales is the property of Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Fisicas y Naturales and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Surface sediment samples (n = 92) were collected from Hangzhou Bay to investigate the transport and deposition of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and to assess the ecological risks in Hangzhou Bay. The concentrations of ∑ 7 PBDEs (sum of BDE-28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154, 183) and BDE-209 ranged from 3.61 to 91.09 pg g−1 and from non-detectable to 2007.52 pg g−1 (dry weight), respectively. The high values of ∑ 7 PBDEs and BDE-209 were commonly occurred at the northeast of Hangzhou Bay and the Nanhui Spit coast of Shanghai. Compared with the south part of the bay, the dominance of BDE-209 was more prominent and the linear correlations between PBDEs concentrations and TOCs as well as median grain size were more significant in the northern Hangzhou Bay. Hydrodynamic forcing on the transport and deposition of PBDEs is primarily responsible for the discrepancy of this spatial distribution in these two parts. In addition to BDE-209, BDEs-153, 99, 47, and 100 were also the abundant congeners. Three principal components were extracted using principal component analysis (PCA), mainly attributed to human activities, erosion of polluted soils via surface runoff and release from products for PC1, PC2 and PC3, respectively. The calculation results of mass inventories, hazard quotients (HQs) and risk quotients (RQs) indicated that the ecological risk of PBDEs in Hangzhou Bay was low. The multiple effect of hydrodynamic forcing with complicated and large-scope tidal currents made it hard to deposit for organic matters and contaminants in Hangzhou Bay. • BDE-209 was dominant in the north area of Hangzhou Bay. • ∑ 7 PBDEs decreased from coastal areas to the center of Hangzhou Bay. • Hydrodynamic forcing influenced spatial distribution of PBDEs. • Hangzhou Bay is at low risk level at present. • Organic matters and contaminants are hard to deposit in Hangzhou Bay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence and estrogenic activities of seven phenolic endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) compounds (nonylphenol (NP), octylphenol (4-OP), 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), 4-tertbutylphenol (4- t -BP), 4-tert-octylphenol (4- t -OP), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), and bisphenol A (BPA)) in the sediments of Qingduizi Bay (NorthernYellow Sea, China) in superficial sediments were investigated to evaluate their potential ecological impacts on the health of aquaculture organisms. All compounds, except 4-OP and 4- t -BP, were recorded in most sampling sites (1.06–28.07 ng g−1 dw in maricultural ponds (MPs), 1.98–8.22 ng g−1 dw in outer bay (OB)). BPA and 4- t -OP were the predominant EDC compounds in MPs and OB, respectively. Correlation between BPA and 4- t -OP indicated these compounds may share a similar source or pathway. Analyzed estrogenic activity revealed a low risk of total EDCs. The ranking of risk quotient showed 4- t -OP posed a median risk and TBBPA posed a high risk to the aquatic ecosystem. • Comparative study of levels and potential risk of EDCs in mariculture ponds and outer bay. • EDCs present low levels compared to other coastal areas. • Poor correlation between EDC compounds and geochemical factors. • TBBPA and 4- t -OP showed high and median risk for aquatic life, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic pollution is a major ecological catastrophe that endangers vulnerable species. Small plastic fragments and filaments enter the food web in the ocean threatening marine species health. Here microplastics between 0.5 and 5 mm were quantified from eight beaches of southwest Bay of Biscay (Spain) within Natura-2000 Special Protection Areas for birds. Sand samples were taken using a randomized quadrat-based protocol. Between 145 and 382 particles per kg of dry sand were found, which is relatively high in comparison with other European beaches. Microfibers were more abundant than microplastics. PERMANOVA revealed a significant effect of the beach location (inside versus outside the estuary). Open beaches contained a higher microplastic density than sheltered ones suggesting that many beached microplastics come from the ocean. Birds are at risk in the studied protected spaces as revealed from high concentrations of fibres in depositions of European shag and gulls. • Microplastics were quantified in eight Natura 2000 beaches in southwest Bay of Biscay. • Microplastics density was high in comparison with other European beaches. • More microplastics in open than in sheltered beaches suggests MP sea origin • White fibres occurred in all the bird faeces examined, being more abundant in faeces than in the sand. • Seabirds are at risk of microplastic ingestion in the studied area [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various biogeochemical processes complicate carbon dioxide (CO 2) behaviour in coastal oceans. Through eight summer surveys, detailed variations in CO 2 mechanisms in the urbanized Jiaozhou Bay, China, were analysed. During the rainless period, respiration and dissolved inorganic carbon input from treated wastewater made the northeastern region a strong CO 2 source, while the western region with cleaner seawater was a weak source because calcium carbonate (CaCO 3) precipitation exceeded primary production. Rainfall events with different intensities and locations caused significantly different effects. When rainfall occurred over the sea, enhanced primary production caused a CO 2 sink; when rainfall induced little terrestrial pollutant input, CaCO 3 precipitation exceeded net primary production, leading to a CO 2 source. When heavy rain caused bulk runoff, the northeastern region was a strong CO 2 source because rivers flowing through downtown regions inputted considerable organic matter, while in the western region, runoff through suburbs and wetlands led to a strong sink. • Detailed changes in summer CO 2 behaviour in Jiaozhou Bay were revealed by 8 surveys. • CO 2 controls differed in bay areas with different degrees of urbanization effects. • Rainfalls in different degrees/regions caused different effects on CO 2 controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Narragansett Bay is an urban estuary that historically has been impacted by long-term discharge of sanitary wastewater (WW) effluents. High-density water sampling was conducted in Narragansett Bay, RI, USA, in an effort to understand the distribution and behavior of sucralose, an artificial sweetener that has shown utility as a sanitary wastewater tracer. Water samples were collected at sixty-seven sites and analyzed for sucralose, whose performance was compared to other tracers present in wastewater effluents. Concentrations of sucralose were much higher than the other tracers measured, carbamazepine and caffeine, ranging from 18 to 3180 ng/L and corresponded well with salinity (r2 = 0.88), demonstrating conservative behavior throughout the Bay. Mapped interpolation data using an empirical bayesian kriging model clearly show the spatial trends of WW and how estuarine processes influence dilution and dispersion throughout the Bay. These findings provide further evidence of the efficacy of sucralose as a wastewater tracer in large urban estuaries where continuous high-volume discharge of WW occur. • Baysesian kriging plots of sucralose provided an estuary-wide snapshot of WW impacts. • Sucralose demonstrated conservative behavior when compared to salinity in an estuary. • Sucralose's concentration and persistence supports its utility as a WW tracer. • High-density sampling allowed precise examination of a WW tracer's performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury and selenium were measured for first time in the endangered species whale shark (Rhyncodon typus) from two areas of the Gulf of California, Bahía Los Angeles (BLA) and Bahía La Paz (LAP) using dermal biopsies of seventy specimens. Additionally, nineteen zooplankton samples from LAP were analysed. Concentrations (ng/g, wet weight (ww)) in biopsies of BLA ranged from 1 to 40 for Hg and 100 to 680 for Se; while in LAP varied from 1 to 9 for Hg and 11 to 850 for Se. A positive correlation was found for Hg in BLA males biopsies with length. Hg and Se concentrations in the zooplankton from LAP were 1.6 ± 1.8 and 770 ± 930 ng/g, respectively. Hg biomagnification factor ranged from 0.8 to 5.3 in sharks. A molar excess of Se over Hg was found in the biopsies and the zooplankton. Unlabelled Image • Hg and Se were determined in 70 biopsies of whale shark from the Gulf of California. • A molar excess of Se over Hg was found in the biopsies and the zooplankton. • Hg showed a negative correlation with total length in males from Bahía Los Ángeles. • Probably Hg biomagnification factor in whale shark is >1.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A suite of eight polyhalogenated carbazole (PHCZ) congeners were detected in sediments of the Jiaozhou Bay wetland. 3,6-dichlorocarbazole (36-CCZ), and 3,6-dibromocarbazole (36-BCZ) were detected in all samples. The concentrations of ΣPHCZs ranged from 6.9 to 33.4 ng/g dry weight (dw). The recovery of surrogate standard ranged from 85 to 109%. Significant relationships were found between the concentrations of 36-CCZ and those of the other three detected compounds (36-BCZ, 36-ICZ, and 1368-BCZ). However, with regard to the other chemicals, only 1368-BCZ was related to 36-ICZ. The toxic equivalent (TEQ) was used to assess the relative toxicity of PHCZs, which ranged within 0.1–3.9 pg TEQ/g dw in sediment. The inventory of ΣPHCZs was 58.9 kg. These results indicate that PHCZs are widely distributed in the Jiaozhou wetland and the dyeing and finishing industries may be important contamination sources of PHCZs. • PHCZs are widely detected in sediment of the Jiaozhou Bay wetland. • Dyeing and finishing industry might be important contamination source of PHCZs. • There was relatively high TEQ of PHCZs in Jiaozhou Bay wetland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monthly phytoplankton samples were collected from January 2013 to December 2015 at a fixed sampling site in Bahía de La Paz, Gulf of California. During this study 26 samplings were Amphidinium cf. carterae positive. The highest densities of A. cf. carterae (754.2 × 103 to 1022.4 × 103 cells L−1) were recorded during a bloom detected in January 2015 when water temperatures were 20–22 °C. This dinoflagellate showed a well-marked seasonal variation, being found mainly from November to April. Blooms of the species were linked to the upwelled water due to the northwesterly wind. Cysts surrounded by a mucilaginous membrane of A. cf. carterae were found. We also observed these hyaline cysts inside zooplankton fecal pellets. Other benthic/tychoplanktonic dinoflagellates and diatoms, including some potentially toxic species were also found. The occurrence of blooms of A. cf. carterae in Bahía de La Paz could represent a risk for aquaculture activities and human health. • Amphidinium cf. carterae is a potentially toxic dinoflagellate in Mexican waters. • Its highest densities (1022.4 × 103 cells L−1) were recorded in January 2015. • Blooms of Amphidinium cf. carterae in Bahía de La Paz were found at 22 °C. • Blooms of the species are linked to the upwelled water due to the northwestern wind. • No apparent detrimental effects on the marine fauna were observed during the blooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This baseline paper discusses the distribution and abundance of living benthic foraminifera in relation to Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) such as As, Al, Fe Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, V, Ni, Hg, Pb, and Zn in marine sediments collected from 30 stations in the offshore Arabian Gulf to define baseline environmental conditions for the implementation of future biomonitoring programs. A total of 271 living benthic foraminiferal species were identified belonging to 66 genera, 37 families and 6 orders. Data from this work suggest that PTEs are within the range of background values, and the sediments support highly diversified and stable benthic foraminiferal communities adapted to the unique environmental conditions in the Gulf. Thus, the effect of anthropogenic activities is deemed negligible. This study is expected to provide a baseline dataset for PTE levels in sediment, benthic foraminiferal communities, and identify endemic species adapted to extremes of temperature and saline conditions typical of the Gulf. • Relationships between Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) and distribution of benthic foraminifera studied • Data from this work suggest that PTEs are within the range of background values. • A total of 271 living benthic foraminiferal species were identified, highest record in the region. • Endemic species adapted to extremes of temperature and saline conditions typical of the Gulf identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Arabian Gulf is a warm (summer SST > 30 °C) and hypersaline (salinity > 40 psu at any time) marginal sea of the Indian Ocean. This paper reports on a 3-year study of seasonal and spatial changes of primary production and associated physico-chemical and biological parameters in the coastal waters of Saudi Arabia in the western Arabian Gulf. The primary production rates were low and yet showed a seasonality, with a major spring peak and a minor autumn peak, and a possible significant role for heterotrophs. While the strong relationships between the net changes of carbon uptake and nutrients between seasons showed a control of primary production by the availability of nutrients, the decrease in primary production between spring and summer when nutrients continued to increase suggests that the primary production at this time could have been controlled by higher ambient temperatures and intensities of incident light. • This Ms presents data, for the first time, on nutrients and primary production in a large sea area of the Arabian Gulf. • The waters are oligotrophic, with low rates of primary production. • Nutrients play a major role in controlling primary production. • Sea surface temperature and incident light may negatively influence primary production between spring and summer. • Increased anthropogenic inputs may render eutrophic specific locations of this pristine sea area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several meiofaunal samples from the central and lower Gulf of California were studied. Four new species of kinorhynchs, Cristaphyes fortis sp. nov., Higginsium mazatlanensis sp. nov., Cephalorhyncha teresae sp. nov. and Echinoderes xalkutaat sp. nov., are described herein. C. fortis sp. nov. may be distinguished from its most similar congeners by its more strongly developed pachycycli and ball-and-socket joints and the presence of unpaired paradorsal setae on segments 2, 4 and 6, two pairs of ventrolateral setae on segment 5, one pair of ventrolateral setae on segments 2–4, 6–7 and 10, and one pair of ventromedial setae on segments 8–9. H. mazatlanensis sp. nov. is easily distinguished from its congeners by the combined presence of subdorsal setae only on segment 1 and lateroventral setae only on even segments. C. teresae sp. nov. is unique within the genus by the presence of acicular spines in middorsal position on segments 4, 6 and 8, in sublateral position on segment 7 and in lateroventral position on segments 8 and 9, as well as tubes in subdorsal position on segment 2, and in lateroventral position on segment 5. Moreover, this species has primary pectinate fringes of segments 2–7 bearing a tuft of elongated spinous projections in middorsal position, which is unique among its congeners. E. xalkutaat sp. nov. belongs to a group of Echinoderes characterized by possessing type 2 glandular cell outlets in subdorsal, laterodorsal, sublateral and ventrolateral positions on segment 2, together with middorsal spines on segments 4–8, lateroventral spines on segments 6–9 and lateroventral tubes on segment 5, but the arrangement of the remaining type 2 glandular cell outlets (in midlateral position on segment 5, in sublateral position on segment 8 and in laterodorsal position on segment 10) and the cuticular composition of segment 11 (one tergal and two sternal plates) allow its morphological differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hennig Brandt's discovery of phosphorus (P) occurred during the early European colonization of the Chesapeake Bay region. Today, P, an essential nutrient on land and water alike, is one of the principal threats to the health of the bay. Despite widespread implementation of best management practices across the Chesapeake Bay watershed following the implementation in 2010 of a total maximum daily load (TMDL) to improve the health of the bay, P load reductions across the bay's 166,000‐km2 watershed have been uneven, and dissolved P loads have increased in a number of the bay's tributaries. As the midpoint of the 15‐yr TMDL process has now passed, some of the more stubborn sources of P must now be tackled. For nonpoint agricultural sources, strategies that not only address particulate P but also mitigate dissolved P losses are essential. Lingering concerns include legacy P stored in soils and reservoir sediments, mitigation of P in artificial drainage and stormwater from hotspots and converted farmland, manure management and animal heavy use areas, and critical source areas of P in agricultural landscapes. While opportunities exist to curtail transport of all forms of P, greater attention is required toward adapting P management to new hydrologic regimes and transport pathways imposed by climate change. Core Ideas: At the midpoint of the Chesapeake TMDL, dissolved P is increasing in some tributaries.Lingering concerns include legacy P, artificial drainage, animal heavy use areas.Extreme events represent an acute risk to water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naturally occurring radioactive material was characterized in selected seafood samples from three areas in the Gulf of Mexico. Relatively desirable and abundant fish such as Red Snapper, Red Drum, Northern Whiting, and Spotted Trout as well as oysters were collected and analyzed using gamma spectroscopy to determine the concentration of 228Ra, 226Ra, and 40K. Average total activity concentration from these radionuclides were 0.9 ± 0.6, 1.6 ± 1.2, and 132 ± 57 Bq kg−1 respectively, in the edible portion of wet weight samples. The results were consistent with previous studies for other bodies of water. A small but statistically significant increase in 226Ra was found in comparison to similar research performed 20 years prior. These measurements provide a reasonable baseline for the examined species from the Gulf of Mexico. • A statistically significant increase in 226Ra was found compared to a regional work 20 years prior. • Oyster species appear to have a higher activity concentration of 226Ra and 228Ra than the fish species analyzed. • These data present an important baseline for future use in environmental concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This baseline study highlights the 210Po and 210Pb concentration in seven macroalgae species from the northern Gulf that are frequently washed ashore during the bloom season from February to April. The highest concentrations of 210Po and 210Pb were 2.947 ± 0.032 and 1.057 ± 0.145 Bq kg−1 wwt, respectively, in brown algae Sargassum boveanum, and the lowest in green algae Ulva prolifera with 1.533 ± 0.058 and 0.170 ± 0.069 Bq kg−1 wwt, respectively. A 210Po enrichment was observed in both brown and green algae species , with the 210Po/210Pb ratio being >1 for all the samples. The mean concentration of 210Po in all species was an order of magnitude higher than 210Pb, and the difference in mean concentration is statistically significant (p < 0.001). At the same time, the mean concentration of dissolved 210Po and 210Pb in seawater was 0.28 ± 0.01 and 0.52 ± 0.01Bq m−3 with a 210Po/210Pb ratio of 0.54 ± 0.02 indicating that 210Po was absorbed from water and more concentrated by macroalgae. The measured concentration factor (CF) for 210Po in these macroalgae for the northern Gulf varied between 5 × 103–1 × 104, higher than the IAEA recommended value of 1 × 103 which suggests that a revision of that value may be needed. The field derived CFs for 210Pb vary between 3 × 102–1.8 × 103, comparable to the ICRP recommended value of 2 × 103. • This paper establishes the baseline for 210Po and 210Pb in macroalgae from northern Gulf. • Brown algae has higher 210Po and 210Pb concentration than green algae. • Difference in 210Pb and 210Po concentrations in seven macroalgae was statistically significant. • The concentration factor in both green and brown macroalgae is higher than IAEA recommended value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We determined depth profiles of total mercury (T-Hg) in six 210Pb-dated sediment cores from Todos os Santos Bay to reconstruct the history of anthropogenic Hg accumulation. We also assessed superficial sediments samples from five estuaries. T-Hg concentrations (5–3500 μg kg−1) presented a large spatial and temporal variability. T-Hg concentrations in Ribeira Bay increased up to 200-fold along time, whereas the fluxes of T-Hg are substantially higher (up to 10,000 fold) than present-day wet deposition for industrialized areas. Sedimentary records indicate that a chlor-alkali plant has been the main source of Hg pollution until the present, although the T-Hg records suggest that harbor, shrimp farming, and oil refinery activities, besides Hg atmospheric depositions, are important across the bay. Sediments in the Ribeira Bay act as an important Hg sink. If sediments are eroded or disturbed, they may release Hg, thus posing a serious risk to wildlife and ecosystem health. Sedimentary cores provide data on preindustrial levels and also anthropogenic fluxes of Hg for the appraisal of the magnitude, processes and potential risks of the contamination. Unlabelled Image • Sediment cores provide a reliable archive of Hg contamination during the last century. • Hg levels increased up to 200-fold following the onset of a chlor-alkali plant. • Ribeira Bay acts as important sink for the legacy Hg. • Decline of the concentrations and fluxes of Hg during the last decades • Disturbance of bottom sediments may cause remobilization and reintroduction of Hg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mangroves connect terrestrial and marine ecosystems and are sensitive to environmental change, and the sediments within faithfully record long-term changes in the aquatic environment and supplement the generally short monitoring archives. Here we present a sediment-core record of TN, TP, TOC, and C/N ratios from the Futian mangrove wetland, Shenzhen Bay (South China), and compare with our remote sensing-derived land use change and the nearby seawater monitoring records. Our reconstructed record extends the history of tropic state change back to the Year 1958, supplementing the monitoring activity initiated in 1987. More importantly, the results reveal two distinct periods. The pre-1983 period (Year 1958–1982) is characterized by increased nutrient due to agricultural activities, while the post-1983 period (Year 1983–2014) is marked by reduced TP but relatively stable TN values, during which the simultaneous increase in construction lands and C/N ratios suggests enhanced soil erosion due to the rapid urbanization of Shenzhen City. • Sediment TN and TP measured from a mangrove wetland sediment core • Land use change quantified through remote sensing image analysis • Historical nutrient variation extended from Year 2014 back to Year 1958 • Increasing nutrient levels during pre-1983 period due to agriculture • Decreasing TP and stable TN during post-1983 period due to landuse-induced soil erosion from Shenzhen's urbanization [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information about coral community response to bleaching on Indian reefs is much more limited compared with Indo-Pacific reefs, with no understanding of algal symbionts. We investigated a reef in Palk Bay to understand the coral community response to 2016 bleaching event and to reveal dominant symbiont type association in four common coral genera. Out of 508 colonies surveyed, we found 20.9% (106) mortality in 53.8% (n = 290) of bleached corals. We found differential bleaching and recovery pattern among coral genera. Bleaching was most prevalent in Acropora (86.36%), followed by Porites (65.45%), while moderate to no bleaching was recorded in Favites 5.88%, Symphyllia 51.11% and Favia 55.77%, Platygyra 41.67%, Goniastrea 41.83%. Pre-bleaching and post bleaching samplings revealed changes in dominant symbiont type following bleaching only in Acropora (Cladocopium , Clade C to Durusdinium Clade D) while no such changes were found in other coral genera hosted Clade D. This is the first observation of coral symbiont diversity in the Indian reef. • Acropora was highest susceptible to bleaching than other massive type coral genera. • Occurrence of symbiont type (clade D) in four dominant coral genera, expand its geographical distribution. • Symbiont type dominance change only recorded in bleached recovered Acropora colonies. • Underscores the importance of continuous monitoring from early bleaching response to recovery/mortality [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persian Gulf is a semi-enclosed highly saline reverse estuary that is exposed to the risk of oil spills in offshore oil and gas activities. In the early 2000s, a specific version of NOAA's Trajectory Analysis Planner (TAP II) was developed for Persian Gulf to assist regional organizations in preparing oil spill contingency plans. In this research, a new stochastic model is developed to cover the limitations of TAP II. The new model is based on an advanced trajectory model, which is now linked with high resolution spatiotemporal data of the wind and sea current. In a case study, the developed model is compared with TAP II, and evaluated by multiple tests designed for analysis of uncertainty, sensitivity, reliability and variability. The case study proved the applicability of the new model, and the evaluation tests provided useful information for the future development of the model. Unlabelled Image • A new stochastic model is developed for risk assessment of oil spills in Persian Gulf. • The proposed model is based on general Monte Carlo approach. • The uncertainty, sensitivity and reliability of the model are evaluated. • The effect of interannual variability in the wind and sea current is investigated. • The start-time of spill is the most important factor in oil spill risk assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small cetaceans continue to be exposed to elevated levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The goals of this study were to use data from remote biopsy sampling and photographic-identification to compare POP concentrations between small cetacean stocks in the northern Gulf of Mexico. During 2015–2017, 74 remote biopsies were collected in St. Andrew Bay and adjacent coastal waters from two species: common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) (N = 28, ♀; N = 42, ♂) and Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) (N = 2, ♀; N = 2, ♂). Common bottlenose dolphin POP concentrations were significantly higher in St. Andrew Bay than coastal waters. Male St. Andrew Bay dolphins had the highest Σ DDT (dichlorodiphenyl-dichloroethane) levels measured in the southeastern U.S. (67 μg/g, 50–89 μg/g; geometric mean and 95% CI) and showed a significant negative relationship between Σ DDT and sighting distance from a St. Andrew Bay point source. Unlabelled Image • Elevated levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been identified in small cetacean species throughout the world • Remote biopsy sampling and photographic-identification are useful tools to measure the range of POPs in small cetaceans • Common bottlenose dolphins in St. Andrew Bay, Florida had the highest DDT levels measured in the southeastern U.S. • There was a negative relationship identified for dolphins between DDT and distance from a St. Andrew Bay point source [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]