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This study investigates the biomass production and growth strategies of the relict seagrass Zostera marina, a species sensitive to high temperatures, within the Venice Lagoon (Italy). Monthly data collected from January to December 2019 and November 2020 to October 2021 in a single station in proximity of one lagoon port-entrance, along with seasonal data from 2018 and 2021 for the whole lagoon, were analyzed in conjunction with environmental parameters and macroalgal presence. The objective was to understand the impact of climate changes, particularly rising water temperatures, on the cover, standing crop and net primary production of Z. marina and the effect of the MoSE gate closures designed to protect Venice from high-water events. Despite expectations of a decline due to temperature increase and reduced water exchange, our findings reveal a notable adaptability of Z. marina, with increases in both cover and biomass. This resilience suggests that Z. marina can counteract environmental challenges, making this study relevant for broader ecological and conservation contexts beyond the Venice Lagoon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intertidal groundwater springs provide thermally stable, nutrient‐rich freshwater that causes fine‐scale variability in water temperature and salinity and promotes biodiversity in coastal estuaries and lagoons. In this study, we combined three thermal sensing techniques to elucidate summer water temperature patterns at the mouths of intertidal groundwater springs and the ambient coastal lagoon in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Thermal infrared imagery captured the spatiotemporal variability in relative temperatures of the lagoon channel and cold‐water plumes from the springs. Thermal anomalies due to the springs were detected at the surface throughout a tidal cycle, suggesting that the thermal plumes were buoyant. Fiber‐optic distributed temperature sensing paired with temperature loggers near the spring outlets recorded groundwater temperatures at low tide (~ 7°C) but ambient lagoon temperatures (up to 26°C) at high tide due to the vertical thermal gradient in the stratified water column. Calculated estuarine Richardson numbers throughout the study confirm intertidal spring buoyancy due to salinity differences. The fiber‐optic distributed temperature sensing results revealed pronounced variations in temperature as evidenced by spatial (3.7°C) and temporal (5.5°C) standard deviations over the cable length during the study and lower mean lagoon bed water temperatures at high tide (22.5°C) than low tide (24.3°C) due to heat advection from tidal pumping. Lagoon temperatures fluctuate at diurnal (solar) and semi‐diurnal (tidal) frequencies. The findings emphasize the efficacy of a multi‐technology approach to reveal fine‐scale and dynamic thermal processes that drive temperature patterns and habitat distribution in coastal lagoon ecosystems and highlight the thermal influence of intertidal springs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most Andean lakes and lagoons are used as reservoirs to manage hydropower generation and cropland irrigation, which, in turn, alters river flow patterns through processes of storage and discharge. The Carhuacocha and Vichecocha lagoons, fed by glaciers, are important aquatic ecosystems regulated by dams. These dams increase the flow of the Mantaro River during the dry season, supporting both energy production and irrigation for croplands. Water quality in the Carhuacocha and Vichecocha lagoons was assessed between storage and discharge events by using the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCME WQI) and multivariate statistical methods. The quality of both lagoons is excellent during the storage period; however, it decreases when they are discharged during the dry season. The most sensitive parameters are pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). This paper details the changes in water quality in the Carhuacocha and Vichecocha lagoons during storage and discharge events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using gamma and alpha spectrometers, the radioactive isotopes 226Ra, 210Pb, 232Th, and 40K were determined in three sediment cores from the Tam Giang-Cau Hai (TG), Thi Nai (TN), and Nai (DN) lagoons, and radiation risk indices were computed. The radioactivity concentrations of 210Pb, 40K, 232Th, and 226Ra were 55.46 Bq/kg, 675.78 Bq/kg, 67.22 Bq/kg, and 34.15 Bq/kg, respectively. The Raeq, ADR, AEDE, Iγr, AUI, Hex, and AGDE indices were 182.31 Bq/kg, 84.46 nGy/h, 0.10 mSV/y, 1.35, 1, 18, 0.49, and 598.71 µSV/y, respectively; the values of 40K, 232Th, AEDE, ADR, Iγr, and AGDE were greater than the global average and UNSCEAR values. The radioactivity and radiation risk indices decreased in the order DN > TN > TG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Governments play crucial roles in addressing social-ecological traps – situations where feedbacks between social and ecological systems lead to reinforcement between resource degradation and livelihood impoverishment. While it is widely recognized that resolving these traps necesitates integrated measures, empirical studies often focus on the impact of individual measures. This paper investigates all measures employed by the local government to address traps in small-scale fisheries and aquaculture and examines how these measures contribute to solving the traps. Based on empirical data from the Tam Giang lagoon, Central Viet Nam, it finds that the goverment develops measures that align with "good practices" which focus on both ecological and social challenges. Yet, in practice, it prioritizes addressing ecological challenges over the social ones. The government primarily directs resources and efforts toward combating resource degradation. Measures that tackle the high dependency on fisheries resources and lack of alternative livelihoods are often sidelined. These practices fail to address the key drivers and reinforceing feedbacks that create the social-ecological trap. The paper highlights gaps between science, policy and practice in addressing social-ecological traps. Bridging these gaps and transforming government responses to the traps require effective communication of scientific knowledge to the government; facilitation of collaborations among researchers, policymakers, managers and practictioners; provision of financial support to the goverment and addressing the lack of political will of the government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhalus acoroides (L.f.) Royle is a large and important foundation seagrass species in the tropical Indo-Pacific. The northern marginal populations in China have been declining over the last decades. The reproductive phenology and fruit set of this dioecious seagrass were investigated from June 2017 to February 2018 in two areas in Li'an lagoon, Hainan Island, China. We found that E. acoroides flowered year-round. However, the flowering intensity varied among seasons and was highest in the summer and lowest in the winter. The shoot sex ratio was male-biased, and the pollen-ovule ratio was approximately 104: 1, based on the sex ratio and the number of male florets per inflorescence. Female and male plants flowered at the same time in this population. Despite the high reproductive investment in terms of flower formation observed throughout the year, the abundance of the mature fruits was low, possibly due to physical disturbance and cover by epiphyte and algae. This study provides insight into the reproductive ecology of E. acoroides, which will be useful for the future conservation of this threatened seagrass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over-summering of shorebirds refers to the phenomenon where certain species of shorebirds, primarily migratory, remain on their non-breeding grounds during the summer months for one or more years instead of migrating to their breeding grounds. The present study investigates the presence and abundance of over-summering shorebird species at four distinct sites covering 24 scanning points along the southeastern coasts of Tamil Nadu for 2017-2023. A total of 13 species were observed over-summering, with Lesser Sand Plover being the most dominant species, followed by Greater Sand Plover. Notably, 10 species were found across all four sites, while three species--Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, and Common Sandpiper--were exclusive to Dhanushkodi Lagoon, observed only during 2023. The study examined the year-wise abundance of these species, revealing a decline in over-summering shorebirds across all study sites. The Eurasian Curlew, Curlew Sandpiper, Bar-tailed & Black-tailed Godwits are the 'Near Threatened' species observed during the study. Furthermore, the research highlighted variations in Shannon species diversity index (H) location-wise and year-wise - Manoli Island (H = 2.25) in 2023; Dhanushkodi Lagoon (H = 1.8) in 2023; Valinokkam Lagoon (H = 1.63), and Pillaimadam Lagoon (H = 2.08) in 2017. Key findings are that among the study sites, in Pillaimadam Lagoon all 10 species' abundance declined; in Valinokkam Lagoon, Greater Sand Plover and Little Stint marginally increased, and eight species declined; Common Redshank and Ruddy Turnstone marginally increased in Manoli Island, while other eight species declined; Grey Plover population increased in Dhanushkodi Lagoon along with a marginal decrease in Common Redshank and Ruddy Turnstone as other species declined, over the years of study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global climate change has generated an increasing number of environmental problems, especially in Mediterranean coastal areas, such as the Po Delta (PD), where shellfish production has undergone an overall decline because of strong environmental changes. The present study is centred on assessing the fundamental ecological aspects in one of the most crucial European shellfish production lagoons, Sacca degli Scardovari (SC), addressing phytoplankton community parameters directly affecting shellfish production, namely, chemotaxonomic composition, size fractions, and total biomass, in relation to the physicochemical properties of the water column and mussel filtering activity. Our findings suggest that the phytoplankton community structure, its role within the lagoon food web and its production cycles depend on two distinct allogenic inputs, which shape the community differently and exert substantial control on shellfish production. At the same time, the suspended mussel biomass strongly controls the phytoplankton size composition, as their growth is largely supported by nanophytoplankton. As the Po River collects the drainage waters of the Italian side of the entire Alpine Arch, the phytoplankton dynamics reported here represent a useful baseline for further addressing issues of climatic changes affecting lagoon ecology. We believe that our study presents an innovative tool for the planning and management of interventions aimed at enhancing national mussel production without neglecting aspects of environmental protection or the integrity of the coastal system, with significant scientific implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Like many coastal lagoons in several countries, the "Navío Quebrado" lagoon (La Guajira, Colombia) is a very delicate and precious environment; indeed, it is a nationally recognized Flora and Fauna Sanctuary. Several factors, including climate change, are threatening its existence because of changes in the governing hydro-morphological and biological processes. Certainly, the first step to addressing this problem is to understand its hydrological behavior and to be able to replicate, via simulation, its recent history before inferring likely futures. These potential futures will be marked by changes in the water input by its tributary, the Camarones River, and by modified water exchange with the sea, according to a foreseen sea level rise pattern, as well as by a different evaporation rate from the free surface, according to temperature changes. In order to achieve the required ability to simulate future scenarios, data on the actual behavior have to be gathered, i.e., a monitoring system has to be set up, which to date is non-existent. Conceptually, designing a suitable monitoring system is not a complex issue and seems easy to implement. However, the environmental, socio-cultural, and socio-economic context makes every little step a hard climb. An extremely simple—almost "primitive"—monitoring system has been set up in this case, which is based on very basic measurements of river flow velocity and water levels (river, lagoon, and sea) and the direct participation of local stakeholders, the most important of which is the National Park unit of the Sanctuary. All this may clash with the latest groovy advances of science, such as in situ automatized sensors, remote sensing, machine learning, and digital twins, and several improvements are certainly possible and desirable. However, it has a strong positive point: it provides surprisingly reasonable data and operates at almost zero additional cost. Several technical difficulties made this exercise interesting and worthy of being shared. Its novelty lies in showing how old, simple methods may offer a working solution to new challenges. This humble experience may be of help in several other similar situations across the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two years of monthly sampling and hydrological monitoring were performed at the outlet of a Mediterranean watershed in northern Tunisia to determine the contents of 469 pesticide active ingredients and metabolites in water and evaluate their behavior. Wadi Guenniche is a tributary of the Bizerte coastal lagoon, with a watershed area of 86 km2, which exhibits pluvial cereal, legume, and orchid cultivation and irrigated market gardening. Twenty-nine pesticide active ingredients and 2 metabolites were detected in water. Twenty-four pesticide active ingredients were authorized for use in Tunisia. Among them, 14 had never been mentioned in previous farmer surveys. Five herbicides and their metabolites were the most frequently detected: aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) (100%), glyphosate (94%), simazine (94%), 2,4-D (70%), and deisopropylatrazine (DIA) (47%). The detection frequency and concentration range suggested that the phytosanitary pressure and resulting water contamination are close to those on the northern Mediterranean shore. These results, in addition to characterizing the pollution state, emphasized the need for additional studies on the use and fate of pesticides on the southern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, particularly in Tunisia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted on 31 surface sediments located in different sectors of the Egyptian Mediterranean coast. The sediments were analyzed for their pollution levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The sediments were collected from various depths in harbors, coastal lakes, bays, and lagoons, covering the southeastern Mediterranean of the Nile Delta region. The study aimed at determining the distribution, origin, and potential ecological impact of OCP and PCB pollutants. The researchers used the SRM method of GC‐MS/MS to measure the concentration of 18 PCBs and 16 OCPs residues. The study found that the total concentration of OCPs in the samples ranged from 3.091 to 20.512 ng/g, with a mean of 8.749 ± 3.677 ng/g. The total concentration of PCB residues ranged from 2.926 to 20.77 ng/g, with a mean of 5.68 ± 3.282 ng/g. The concentration of DDTs exceeded the effect range low (ERL) (1.00) and threshold effect level (TEL) (1.19) in several stations, but it was still below the effect range median (ERM) (7.00) and the probable effect level (PEL) (4.77). This indicates a low ecological risk. The principal component analysis (PCA) was also conducted to determine the sources of all pollutants in the sediment. The PCA showed significant correlations between the concentrations of Gama‐HCH and Beta‐HCH (0.741), suggesting similar sources. Practitioner Points: OCPs and PCBs residues were analyzed in the sediment of the southeastern Mediterranean.The concentration, existence, and causes of OCPs and PCBs were investigated.OCPs and PCBs ecological risk and ecotoxicological calculation were investigated in detail.Cluster analysis, PCA, and correlation coefficient were also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complete retention lagoons with wastewater reuse for agricultural purposes may offer sustainability advantages over alternative systems for small communities in semiarid regions. This study quantifies the environmental life cycle impact of adopting agriculture water reuse systems using case study data to estimate operating and building infrastructure impacts and spatial–temporal modeling to quantify resource trade‐offs. Water reuse system benefits are highly dependent on supply–storage–demand dynamics. The relative size of irrigated agricultural land to the lagoon size was the most significant factor influencing site water application rates. The benefits are sensitive to changes in air emissions occurring from the agricultural land and further emphasize the importance of proper fertilizer management when adopting water reuse systems. Wastewater reuse from complete retention lagoons reduce life cycle GHG emissions, primarily through excavation reductions, offset fertilizer use, and especially from increased crop yields from wastewater reuse at previously rainfed sites. Practitioner Points: Seven case studies and spatial–temporal modeling quantified resource trade‐offs for water reuse to reduce lagoon size.Excavation reductions and offset fertilizer compensated for emissions from electricity and construction.Crop yield increases were the largest environmental benefit of adopting water reuse.System benefits are highly dependent on supply–storage–demand dynamics.Designers should use climatic data to help estimate potential variability in available water for reuse and associated energy and crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a lagoon basin, the tidal prism is related to the section of its inlet by a simple monomial relationship [L. J. LeConte, "Discussion on the paper, 'notes on the improvement of river and harbor outlets in the United States,' by D. A. Watt." Trans. ASCE 55, 306–308 (1905); M. P. O'Brien, "Estuary tidal prism related to entrance areas," Civil Eng. 1(8), 738–739 (1931); and J. T. Jarrett, Tidal Prism - Inlet Area Relationships (Coastal Engineering Research Center, US Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Belvoir, VA, 1976)]. Although it is not dimensionally correct and there are sophisticated models in two or three dimensions, this relationship is widely used because of its simplicity. Having a simple relationship can be very important, especially when it is necessary to make quick, albeit approximate, evaluations. To maintain this simplicity, the same monomial relationship is often used in multi-inlet lagoons, even if the initial assumptions are not fully met. Another difficulty in applying a monomial relationship to a multi-inlet lagoon is the definition of the area of each basin. In this paper, we propose a simple Eulerian, hydrodynamic, one-dimensional approach based on the dynamic response of a nonlinear harmonic system and a harmonic analysis of the interaction between two basins in a lagoon system. With such an approach, the definition of the basin surface is overcome simply by working on topographic control basins. The study leads to the definition of a relatively simple relationship for the estimation of tidal prisms, while maintaining the flexibility of a monomial relationship. If the geometrical characteristics and the bottom friction of the inlet channel, the topographic surface of the basins and the amplitude of the tide in the open sea are known, this relationship can be used to estimate the tidal prism in individual basins. The application of this relationship to two-dimensional numerical cases and real multi-inlet lagoons shows good agreement with experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological importance of macrophytes is well known and reflected in nature protection law, for example, as a key biological quality element. However, the socio-economic role, such as the impact of macrophyte presence on recreational activities, is often overlooked. The purpose of this study was to assess the human benefits (or ecosystem services) provided by macrophytes. We developed a list of 25 macrophyte ecosystem services and 79 assessment indicators based on expert knowledge and literature data. First, hypothetical scenarios of coastal lagoons were developed to assess the impact of different ecological states (i.e., macrophyte coverage) and management measures (i.e., fisheries) on the ecosystem service provision. Scenario assessments were carried out by stakeholder workshops and literature search. Second, the ecosystem service potential of submerged and emergent macrophyte habitats were assessed by macrophyte experts and literature data. Results showed that cultural services are most important in terms of the overall actual provision of ecosystem services (scenario assessment) but also showing highest potential of the hypothetical ecosystem service provision (habitat assessment). Highest overall potential is shown for reeds and tall forb communities (83 out of maximum 125), followed by seagrass beds (71) and seaweed communities (61). Our ecosystem service assessment approaches (i.e., scenario and habitat-based) using socio-cultural data (i.e., stakeholders and experts-based) and biophysical data (i.e., indicators-based) can serve as supportive tools for coastal management and policy implementation visualizing the benefits of macrophytes to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Urban tropical lagoons are commonly impacted by silting, domestic sewage and industrial wastes and the dredging of their sediments is often required to minimize environmental impacts. However, the ecological implications of land disposal of dredged sediments are still poorly investigated in the tropics. Aiming to contribute to filling this gap, an ecotoxicological evaluation was conducted with dredged sediments from Tijuca Lagoon (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) using different lines of evidence, including soil and sediment characterization, metal determination, and acute and avoidance bioassays with Eisenia andrei. Two different dredged sediment samples, a sandy sediment and another muddy one, were obtained in two distinct and spatially representative sectors of the Tijuca Lagoon. The sediments were mixed with an artificial soil, Ferralsol and Spodosol to obtain doses between 0 (pure soil) and 12%. The sediment dose that caused mortality (LC50) or avoidance responses (EC50) to 50% of the organisms was estimated through PriProbit analysis. Metal concentrations and toxicity levels were higher in the muddy sediment (artificial soil LC50 = 3.84%; Ferralsol LC50 = 4.58%; Spodosol LC50 = 2.85%) compared to the sandy one (artificial soil LC50 = 10.94%; Ferralsol LC50 = 14.36%; Spodosol LC50 = 10.38%), since fine grains tend to adsorb more organic matter and contaminants. Mortality and avoidance responses were the highest in Spodosol due to its extremely sandy texture (98% of sand). Metal concentrations in surviving earthworms were generally low, except sodium whose bioaccumulation was high. Finally, the toxicity is probably linked to marine salts, and the earthworms seem to accumulate water in excess to maintain osmotic equilibrium, increasing their biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial composition across substrates in mangroves, particularly in the Middle East, remains unclear. This study characterized bacterial communities in sediment, water, Terebralia palustris snail guts, and plastic associated with Avicennia marina mangrove forests in two coastal lagoons in the Sea of Oman using 16S rDNA gene MiSeq sequencing. The genus Vibrio dominated all substrates except water. In the gut of snails, Vibrio is composed of 80–99% of all bacterial genera. The water samples showed a different pattern, with the genus Sunxiuqinia being dominant in both Sawadi (50.80%) and Qurum (49.29%) lagoons. There were significant differences in bacterial communities on different substrata, in particular plastic. Snail guts harbored the highest number of unique Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) in both lagoons, accounting for 30.97% OTUs in Sawadi and 28.91% OTUs in Qurum, compared to other substrates. Plastic in the polluted Sawadi lagoon with low salinity harbored distinct genera such as Vibrio, Aestuariibacter, Zunongwangia, and Jeotgalibacillus, which were absent in the Qurum lagoon with higher salinity and lower pollution. Sawadi lagoon exhibited higher species diversity in sediment and plastic substrates, while Qurum lagoon demonstrated lower species diversity. The principal component analysis (PCA) indicates that environmental factors such as salinity, pH, and nutrient levels significantly influence bacterial community composition across substrates. Variations in organic matter and potential anthropogenic influences, particularly from plastics, further shape bacterial communities. This study highlights the complex microbial communities in mangrove ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of considering multiple substrates in mangrove microbial ecology studies. The understanding of microbial dynamics and anthropogenic impacts is crucial for shaping effective conservation and management strategies in mangrove ecosystems, particularly in the face of environmental changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing use of chemicals requires a better understanding of their presence and dynamics in the environment, as well as their impact on ecosystems. The aim of this study was to validate the first steps of an innovative multi-omics approach based on metabolomics and 16S metabarcoding data for analyses of the fate and impact of contaminants in Mediterranean lagoons. Semi-targeted analytical procedures for water and sediment matrices were implemented to assess chemical contamination of the lagoon: forty-six compounds were detected, 28 of which could be quantified in water (between 0.09 and 47.4 ng/L) and sediment (between 0.008 and 26.3 ng/g) samples using the UHPLC-MS/MS instrument. In addition, a non-targeted approach (UHPLC-HRMS) using four different sample preparation protocols based on solid/liquid extractions or an automated pressurized fluid extraction system (EDGE®) was carried out to determine the protocol with the best metabolome coverage, efficiency and reproducibility. Solid/liquid extraction using the solvent mixture acetonitrile/methanol (50/50) was evaluated as the best protocol. Microbial diversity in lagoon sediment was also measured after DNA extraction using five commercial extraction kits. Our study showed that the DNeasy PowerSoil Pro Qiagen kit (Promega, USA) was the most suitable for assessing microbial diversity in fresh sediment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out in 345 water ecosystems (rivers, streams, ditches, lagoons, ponds, puddles, rockpools, and artificial containers) throughout the autonomous community of Galicia (NW Spain) during different seasons between 2020 and 2023. The results revealed the first detections of Anopheles (Anopheles) petragnani Del Vechio, 1939 (n  = 185) and Culex (Culex) mimeticus Noè, 1899 (n  = 12) in the territory, allowing to update and expand the overall knowledge about their distribution and ecology. The breeding preferences of the species were analyzed considering habitat characteristics (land use, water body type, and degree of insolation), geographical variables (latitude, longitude, and altitude), and physical–chemical water parameters (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, salinity, total dissolved solids, and turbidity). In addition, the relationship between the occurrence of these species and other mosquitoes present in the study area was discussed. Anopheles petragnani is widely distributed in the region and shows breeding preferences for water bodies of fluvial origin, forest environments, and shaded situations. Culex mimeticus was detected sporadically breeding in a pond and in a river in the south of the region, both in industrial and agricultural land uses, and always exposed to the sun. Although the presence of these species may not currently pose a health risk in the region, it is important not neglecting their study since the adequate characterization of their larval biotopes is relevant regarding vector surveillance and control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrodynamic processes are a major driver for marine systems, linking marine organisms with their environment. However, a lack of hydrodynamic data at an ecologically relevant spatial resolution has stymied our understanding of reef function, as exemplified by Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef. To address this gap, 23 to 27 Marotte HS current meters were deployed over three periods, collecting 15 months of current velocity data. Combining these data with wind and tide datasets, we provide a preliminary description of the circulation in the Lizard Island lagoon, examining wind and tide influence, and flushing time. During south-easterly trade winds, flood tides flow through the Lagoon Entrance, while wind-induced waves cross the Bird-South crest, driving a north-westerly flow through Loomis Channel and across the western lagoon. Ebb tides flow east–south-east through the Lagoon Entrance and south-west through the Palfrey-South channel. Tides contribute a mean of 20.4% to the overall current speed, particularly in deeper sites with less reef interference, while shallow sites were more influenced by wind. Lizard Island lagoon flushing times ranged from a few hours to 10 days; longer during periods with low wind speeds. Hindcast flushing times during the 2016 coral bleaching event (following 8 Degree Heating Weeks) were approximately 22 h, suggesting that flushing time likely had minimal influence on bleaching. Our analyses provide initial insights into the circulation of the Lizard Island system and aid understanding of the potential relationships between reef organisms and their physical environment, bridging the gap between ecology and hydrodynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work, which has been carried out in the framework of EEA project BLUE-GREENWAY, is a contribution to the study of the evolution of hypoxia/ anoxia in Aitoliko lagoon, Greece. The study area suffers from anoxia which is a very important environmental problem lately mainly due to anthropogenic activities. Unpublished data from two measurement campaigns (2013–2014, 2023) have been used, and a 3D ocean model (SINMOD) has been configured for the region, that couples hydrodynamics, biochemistry and ecology. The analysis of model results includes monthly, annual and interannual variability of fields of dissolved oxygen, temperature, salinity, density, currents and wind as well as Brunt-Väisala frequency and Richardson number. Main results concerning oxygen are: a) the lagoon shows anoxic behavior at 5–7 m depth with a seasonal dependence, b) the seasonal variability in the upper water column with deeper ventilation during winter when the surface stratification is weaker than that during summer, c) anoxic water is reaching the surface of the lagoon for a short period of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La Muerte lagoon is an ephemeral endorheic water body located in the Monegros desert, Zaragoza, Spain. Amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was performed to analyze the bacterial and archaeal communities in biofilmsediment samples over three years, to understand the dynamic changes in the microbial community. PICRUSt and shotgun metagenomics were used to examine energy production and carbohydrate metabolism pathways. The dominant bacterial phyla were Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota, Cyanobacteriota, and Pseudomonadota, while Halobacteriota was the predominant archaeal phylum. Despite seasonal environmental fluctuations, the biofilm community remained stable over time, suggesting resilience. The Calvin-Benson cycle was the main carbon fixation pathway, carried out by Cyanobacteria and purple non-sulfur bacteria. Nitrogen fixation by diazotrophs supplied an important nitrogen source. Organic carbon was derived primarily from autotrophs, with little use of allochthonous plant material. The comparison of biofilm-sediment and water column biotopes showed distinct but related prokaryote communities. Biofilm-sediments showed higher taxonomic diversity and different proportions of microbial phyla compared to the water column. This study provides initial insights into the complex microbial life in endorheic lagoons and underscores the importance of protecting these globally threatened habitats. The limited sample size in this study warrants further investigation with a more comprehensive sampling strategy to fully characterize the microbial communities and their functional roles in the different biotopes of La Muerte lagoon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increase in water temperature is one of the main factors that can potentially modify biogeochemical dynamics in lowland rivers, such as the removal and recycling of nitrogen (N). This effect of climate change on N processing deserves attention, as it may have unexpected impacts on eutrophication in the coastal zones. Intact sediment cores were collected seasonally at the closing section of the Po River, the largest Italian river and one of the main N inputs to the Mediterranean Sea. Benthic oxygen fluxes, denitrification, and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) rates were measured using laboratory dark incubations. Different temperature treatments were set up for each season based on historical data and future predictions. Higher water temperatures enhanced sediment oxygen demand and the extent of hypoxic conditions in the benthic compartment, favoring anaerobic metabolism. Indeed, warming water temperature stimulated nitrate (NO3−) reduction processes, although NO3− and organic matter availability were found to be the main controlling factors shaping the rates between seasons. Denitrification was the main process responsible for NO3− removal, mainly supported by NO3− diffusion from the water column into the sediments, and much more important than N recycling via DNRA. The predicted increase in the water temperature of the Po River due to climate change may exert an unexpected negative feedback on eutrophication by strongly controlling denitrification and contributing to partial buffering of N export in the lagoons and coastal areas, especially in spring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal lagoons are valuable ecosystems, providing socioeconomic benefits and supporting human populations and biodiversity. However, these systems face several challenges, making them vulnerable to both natural and human factors. In this study, we apply the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) Approach to conduct a comprehensive socioeconomic and environmental assessment of the Khenifiss Lagoon to promote sustainable development and support decision-makers. Located on the southern Atlantic coast of Morocco, the lagoon was designated a natural reserve in 1962, a biological reserve in 1983, and a protected wetland under the Ramsar Convention since 1980. This study represents the initial endeavor to conduct a comprehensive global and multidisciplinary environmental assessment of the lagoon by using a wide range of data sources, including relevant publications and reports, satellite images and remote sensing data, field observations, and interviews, all analyzed under the DPSIR framework. Our findings show that both natural and human factors have an impact on the ecosystem. Natural Factors associated with the geomorphological features of the region likely contribute to the silting of the lagoon, possibly intensified by a large shipwreck stuck at its inlet. Meanwhile, human factors encompass population growth (at a rate of 2% per year), tourism, shellfish farming, fishing, shellfish harvesting, and salt extraction. Our results reveal significant changes in the lagoon's condition in recent years, including a reduction in water body extent, a probable decrease in depth, and an increase in the accumulation of solid waste, plastics, and wastewater in three sectors spanning a total surface area of 464 ha (equivalent to 7% of the lagoon), a substantial expansion of the salt mining area encompassing 368 ha, and a remarkable loss of biodiversity, manifested in declining fish stocks and seabird populations. This study showed that the lagoon is positioned as a potential site for economic growth and serves to alert stakeholders and the local population to the ecosystem's environmental issues. Based on the findings of this study, we highly recommend regulating human activities within the lagoon, the removal of the wreck at the entrance, proper waste management, community awareness programs, and strict monitoring and enforcement of regulations to protect the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a natural context, many avian species exhibit the ability to assess and balance factors such as food availability, food quality, and energy expenditure when making foraging decisions. However, avian behaviours can also diverge from the predictions, influenced by a range of variables, including social behaviours, predation pressures, and individual personalities. Chilean flamingos, popular social birds native to South America, remain relatively underexplored in terms of their foraging ecology and the interplay between environmental conditions and foraging behaviours, especially within the context of conservation. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a comprehensive study, collecting monthly physical and biological data from foraging flocks of Chilean flamingos at Lagoa do Peixe National Park, a vital contra-nuptial site located in southern Brazil, spanning from October 2021 to September 2022. We employed Generalized Linear Mixed Models to establish correlations between this dataset and the relative frequency and duration of four identified foraging behaviours: Pecking up, Head-dipping, Feet-trembling, and Dredging. Our findings substantiate that the foraging patterns exhibited by Chilean flamingos in this region are intricately linked to the trade-off between energy expenditure and the rewards obtained, primarily influenced by factors such as lagoon depth and the availability of food resources. Moreover, our results unveil a parabolic pattern in the distances maintained between individual flamingos in the flock, potentially attributed to facilitate foraging dynamics within larger groups, despite the concurrent increase in aggressive interactions. In summary, our study underscores the multifaceted variables that influence the foraging strategies of Chilean flamingos in a significant contra-nuptial area in southern Brazil. It sheds light on the behavioural adaptability of these birds and underscores the potential repercussions of this dynamic on individual and population performance and fitness. • Water depth, food type and food availability are the main variables influencing the foraging behaviors of Chilean flamingo in a natural environment; • There are a trade-off between energetic reward and energetic expenditure while performing different foraging behaviors; • The intra-flock distance also influence the foraging behaviors characteristics, with a balance between intraspecific competition and foraging facilitation; [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the coastal changes in Hersek Lagoon, have occurred in the 5 years (2015 to 2020) were examined. With the Modified Normalised Difference Water Index (MNDWI), the water areas in the lagoon were determined by object-based classification. When the changes are examined on a regional basis, it is seen that there are erosion and accretion areas were observed. Pearson's r value was examined between End Point Rate (EPR) and Linear Regression Rate (LRR) and a high correlation such as r = 0.921 was obtained. The maximum coastal change was observed as 18.74 m/year with EPR and 18.62 m/year with LRR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A stochastic model was developed to analyze Crassostrea virginica production when cultivated at three stocking densities, defined as the area occupation (50, 75, and 100%) in Nestier-type trays, using juvenile oysters with an initial size (height) of 29.40 ± 0.18 mm. A 25-week grow-out was first conducted in the Rio Lagartos lagoon, showing that final oyster size was inversely related to density (P < 0.05), ranging from 61.87 mm (100% density) to 68.00 mm (50% density). At the same time, mortality was negligible (lower than 1.0%). The environmental conditions in the lagoon were stable, and the oyster growth rate positively correlated with water temperature and pH. Low pH was associated with slow oyster growth, possibly as an adverse effect of acidic conditions on the oyster shell formation. The model indicated that, for an initial 100,000 oyster population, the maximum production (oyster dozens) is obtained after 20 weeks (8310 at 50% density) and 25 weeks (8250 at 75%, and 6670 at 100% density). There was a 100% probability of oysters reaching a minimum commercial size (MCS) of 60.00 mm when using the 50 and 75% densities and 80.6% when using 100%. The model estimated that, for the maximum density, extending the grow-out up to 32 weeks would allow reaching MCS with 100% probability, although this should be experimentally confirmed. The random variability of oyster production in 50 and 75% densities was minimal, while at 100% density, it was extremely high. A sensitivity analysis indicated that for 50 and 75% densities, the main stochastic elements influencing production, are related to oyster mortality, while at 100% density, they are related to oyster growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bora Bora is a volcanic island in the tropical central South Pacifi c Ocean with a barrier reef and large well developed back-reef lagoons. It forms part of the system of shallow water environments in the archipelagos of French Polynesia that provide stepping stones for the interconnectivity of shallow marine faunas between the tropical Western and Eastern Pacifi c biogeographic regions. The fauna has many similarities to foraminiferal faunas in the south western Indo-Pacifi c but has been demonstrated to be unique. This study provides illustrations and discussions of most of the 184 species of benthic foraminifera identifi ed from sediments in the back-reef lagoon environments at Bora Bora, that span from the shallow immediate back-reef sand banks, to the deep lagoons and to the coastal fringing reefs and embayments around the volcanic island. The illustrated specimens and taxonomic discussions are aimed at providing an identifi cation guide to shallow water tropical benthic foraminifera from the central South Pacifi c region. Six new species have been established, including Textularia boraboraensis, Miliolinella mccullochae, Quinqueloculina guilcheri, Triloculina karimimossadeghae, Coscinospira georgforsteri, and Elphidium venecpeyreae. This study also proposes that the family of cymbaloporetids, Cymbaloporidae, are placed within the Superfamily Discorboidea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The autochthonous caramote prawn, Penaeus kerathurus, is highly exploited and widely studied throughout its distribution range in the Mediterranean. However, in Algeria, very few studies have been conducted on its biological aspects. In this research article, we provided for the first time a detailed analysis of the key parameters: length-weight relationships (LWRs) and condition factor (K) of prawns harvested from the unique coastal lagoon in the country, El Mellah Lake. Thus, the morphometric relationships between the total and carapace lengths against body weight were established for 1066 males, 608 females, and grouped individuals, revealing a negative allometric growth in all cases. Similarly, all K-obtained average values were less than the unit, indicating the poor nutritional status of prawns. Overall, the present findings showed that both parameters were sex-dependent and more likely reflect the population response to species growth and reproductive traits, biotic (new predator-prey relationship), and abiotic (lagoon’s meso-oligotrophic status) stimuli. The present study will be useful for better enhancing our understanding about P. kerathurus in southwestern Mediterranean and lagoon habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimations of ecosystem metabolism have rarely been used to quantify productivity in structural reductionist approaches for the description of phytoplankton composition. However, estimations of ecosystem metabolism could contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between phytoplankton composition and ecosystem functioning. To examine this, we investigated the community structure of phytoplankton in a set of Mediterranean coastal lagoons (natural and artificial) during a hydrological cycle to identify the most important environmental variables determining phytoplankton species composition. The focus of the study was on the quantification of productivity-related variables using estimations of ecosystem metabolism, such as different proxies for the estimation of the production-to-biomass ratio and of the relative importance of K- and r-strategies, which are commonly used conceptually but not quantified. Our results demonstrated differences in phytoplankton composition between seasons, due to the dominant hydrological pattern of flooding confinement in the salt marsh, and between lagoons that were caused by different levels of nutrient availability. Moreover, there was a notable decrease in the production/biomass ratio and a prevalence of K-strategists with seasonal succession, as predicted by Margalef's mandala. Thus, the results showed that estimations of ecosystem metabolism are useful for the higher frequency quantification of important ecological variables, and contribute to a better understanding of planktonic assemblages, and physical and chemical changes, in these fluctuating ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species are fundamental units of nature that need proper identification in order to assess and conserve biodiversity. Artemia is a model crustacean for population analysis and comparison in regionally endemic sexual species and parthenogenetic lineages distributed in hypersaline lakes, lagoons, and solar saltworks scattered in arid and semi-arid areas worldwide. The taxonomy of two American Artemia species has been controversial: Artemia monica Verrill, 1869 , adapted to the carbonate-rich conditions of Mono Lake (CA, USA), and Artemia franciscana Kellogg, 1906 , a species broadly distributed in the Americas. The former species has been studied little, despite being listed as threatened in the IUCN Red List. In contrast, the latter has been studied extensively, is broadly distributed in the Americas, and has become established as a non-native invasive species in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Given the need to conserve A. monica , the intraspecific diversity of invasive A. franciscana , and the local species in areas invaded by this species, we reconsider their biodiversity and taxonomic status currently threatened by synonymization. In conclusion, A. monica and A. franciscana should be treated as two separate species that are isolated both ecologically and reproductively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article republishes a forgotten, eyewitness account of a canal built by the Gilaki ruler, Hedayatollah Khan, c. 1776. Written by the German physician Julius Cäsar Häntzsche, who was shown the remains of the canal in 1855, the account sheds light on the career of a contemporary of Karim Khan Zand and Agha Mohammad Khan, and on the environment of the southwestern Caspian region, particularly the Anzali lagoon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquatic environments, including their flora and fauna, are known reservoirs of pathogenic Vibrio species. This study aimed to determine the diversity and antimicrobial susceptibility of bacteria from water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) and surrounding waters in Lagos lagoons. Bacteria isolation, phenotypic, and genotypic analysis were conducted using standard microbiology and molecular methods..Sampled lagoons exhibited physicochemical parameters such as dissolved oxygen (4.76—6.91 mgL−1) and biochemical oxygen demand (80.5 – 242 mgL−1) that exceeded permissible levels, indicating pollution. A total of 41 bacterial isolates were recovered from water hyacinth samples and surrounding lagoon waters. Twelve (29.26%) were Vibrio strains, comprising 4 (9.8%) Vibrio cholerae, 3 (7.3%) V. paracholerae, 2 (4.9%) V. parahaemolyticus, 2 (4.88%) V. injensis and 1 (2.4%) V. mimicus. Of the 4 V. cholerae isolates, 1 belonged to the O1 serotype. Vibrio species were exclusively recovered from water samples. Phylogenetic analysis of the Vibrio strains isolated from different lagoons showed genetic relatedness. All 41(100%) bacteria isolates displayed pan sensitivity to meropenem, while the highest resistance rate 27(65.9%) was recorded for amoxicillin + clavulanic acid. Multiple antibiotic resistance index of 8/12 (66.7%) of multidrug resistant Vibrio isolates was > 0.2 (20%) which could imply a high risk source of contamination in the environment where they were isolated. tdh, trh, and t1 genes were detected in V. parahaemolyticus isolates. Although, water hyacinth in this study did not harbored Vibrio species, the lagoon remains a source of pathogenic drug resistant Vibrio species. Therefore, surveillance should be enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Ingeniería del Agua is the property of Universidad Politecnica de Valencia 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.)

The Marano and Grado Lagoon (Adriatic Sea, Italy) is an important transitional environment that furnishes numerous ecosystem services and is under protection as Site of Community Importance. It suffers from an excess of nutrients, especially nitrate (NO3−), and has been designated as a nitrate vulnerable zone. In this work, sixteen water bodies were seasonally monitored for physicochemical parameters and nutrients, to elucidate the trophic state of the lagoon and to check the occurrence of significant temporal trends in a time series from 2011 to 2021. Steep gradients of spatial and seasonal distribution were observed for all parameters with elevated concentration of N-NO3− (up to 360 µM) in the western sector. The whole lagoon was in phosphorous limitation (P-PO43− mean ± s.d. = 0.15 ± 0.22 µM) with a mean Redfield ratio of 1130. The concentration of nutrients was significantly correlated with the degree of both freshwater inputs and precipitation. The calculation of trophic indices shows that the lagoon is in an oligotrophic to hypertrophic condition (i.e., TRIX 1.9–6.8). The analysis of the temporal series showed that despite some significant trends, the time span considered is too short to detect significant changes in the trophic state of this dynamic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shallow coastal lagoons with restricted connection to the ocean are often productive but can also be sensitive to nutrient enrichment and hydrologic changes. Resolving nutrient dynamics is important for their sustainable management, yet being able to accurately resolve nutrient budgets has remained a challenge due to their complex hydrological regimes and habitat heterogeneity. In this study, we undertake a systematic nutrient budget of a large shallow hypersaline lagoon (Coorong, South Australia), with assistance of a high‐resolution coupled hydrodynamic‐biogeochemical model, to demonstrate the conditions that lead to nutrient retention. Under current conditions, high rates of evapo‐concentration and limited water connectivity have led to a persistent accumulation of nutrients and poor water quality in substantial areas of the lagoon. The interplay between hydrological drivers and biogeochemical processes was quantified using an adjusted Damköhler number, comparing the timescales of nutrient flushing versus processing. This showed a general transition from hydrologic control to biogeochemical control with increasing distance from the main ocean connection, modified by episodes of increased flows and external loads. Whilst water age was a useful indicator of the factors controlling rates of nutrient retention, interannual variability in retention between areas of the lagoon was explained based on river flows and changes in mean sea level. As the system has been affected by reduced flows over past decades, the results provide evidence that increasing river flow to the lagoon would reduce the nutrient retention, and we discuss the potential for net nutrient export to the ocean under sustained high flows. Plain Language Summary: Nutrient loads to coastal waters have increased worldwide as a direct consequence of the growing human population and increased development, with the end result being degraded water quality. Coastal lagoons with topographically restricted connection to the ocean are particularly sensitive relative to other coastal ecosystems since poor flushing and evaporation promotes nutrient retention. Resolving processes and factors that "control" nutrient concentrations is therefore important for guiding water quality management and ecosystem restoration. We studied nutrient dynamics in the Coorong, a shallow hypersaline coastal lagoon located in South Australia, using a high‐resolution coupled hydrodynamic‐water quality model. We showed that reducing flows to the system, and low mean sea level anomalies, encourage increased nutrient recycling and retention within the lagoon, resulting in persistent accumulation of nutrients in the south lagoon where water quality has become degraded. Based on the results, we conclude that potential restoration measures must focus on increasing hydrologic control through managing flow volumes and/or ocean flushing in order to optimize nutrient export. Key Points: An adjusted Damköhler number was developed to quantitatively compare hydrologic versus biogeochemical controls on nutrient dynamicsA transition from hydrologic control to biogeochemical control with increasing water retention time led to higher nutrient retention ratesAnnual nutrient retention rates were co‐modulated by catchment inflows and mean sea levels [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is devoted to the study of the abundance, distribution and growth performance of five Mugilidae species in three types of coastal habitats (coastal sea, estuaries and lagoon) located in a limited geographical area in the south-western Mediterranean (eastern coast of Algeria). The four sites considered (Caroube Beach, Mellah Lagoon, Boukhmira and Mafragh Estuaries) are differentiated by their salinity, which evolves at different intervals. The five species enter the considered paralic environments at very small sizes (2–3 cm TL). Regardless of site, Liza saliens is the most abundant (46.92%), followed by Liza aurata (23.72%), Chelon labrosus (13.96%), Liza ramada (11.80%) and Mugil cephalus (3.50%). Each species has a different occupation profile for each site (date of recruitment, relative abundance and demographic structure). The same is true for daily growth, which is better at Mafragh for L. saliens (0.7 ± 0.13 mm/day), at Boukhmira and Mafragh for L. aurata (0.53 ± 0.08 and 0.48 ± 0.09 mm/day, respectively), at Caroube for L. ramada (0.58 ± 0.12 mm/day) and at Mellah for C. labrosus (0.59 ± 0.14 mm/day) and M. cephalus (0.68 ± 0.17 mm/day). The closeness of the daily growth values for the five species to data obtained by various multi-year ageing methods (scalimetry, otolithometry) shows the validity of using otolith microstructures to determine the age of juvenile 0+ Mugilidae. This study shows heterogeneity in the relative abundance, demographic structure and somatic development of the five species considered depending on their habitat and suggests the influence of certain abiotic parameters on some of them. The two most interesting species for aquaculture (Liza ramada and M. cephalus) are relatively the least abundant, but still have interesting potential for freshwater aquaculture, because of their euryhalinity and their interesting maximum length, as well as their relatively fast growth in freshwater. The results of this study are of an applied nature because they contribute to the development of extensive mugilid aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal lagoons are among the most important, but also threatened, marine systems of our planet. Rainfall, wind, seawater, and freshwater discharges control water circulation in lagoons, determining the water properties that are vital for the lagoon's biodiversity. The present work is the first study on the circulation patterns and seasonal variability of hydrological parameters in Antinioti lagoon in western Greece, building a reference level on our knowledge of the hydrodynamic functioning of this marine ecosystem. This study shows that the lagoon's water properties' fluctuations and circulation variability are affected by an antagonistic effect between freshwater (river discharge, underground spring, rainfall) and seawater inputs. This effect, influenced by atmospheric forcing (rainfall, atmospheric temperature), controls the heat and salt budgets of the lagoon. Nevertheless, the lagoon keeps an almost balanced annual cycle, returning from June 2020 to June 2021 to similar values for all parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to develop a robust and adaptable real-time forecasting system for coastal and estuarine regions, considering the challenges posed by the limited or unavailable forecast data. A real-time forecast system has been designed to handle three distinct scenarios: forecast data from global models are available, unavailable, or intermittently unavailable. To address the challenge of data unavailability, this research proposes the application of a deep learning model (DLM). This study involves the construction of a high-resolution numerical model nested within global models. The performance of the DLM is evaluated by comparing the simulation results of the nested model generated using DLM-predicted data against those obtained using data from global models. The results demonstrate a high correlation and around 90% accuracy for up to the initial 5 days of the forecast. Even in the absence of hindcast data up to 4 days prior to the forecast beginning time, the real-time forecast with DLM can achieve an accuracy exceeding 70% of the forecast data from global models. However, direct application of the developed DLM to an unknown domain results in significantly lower performance, highlighting the importance of retraining the DLM with local data. Overall, this study presents a comprehensive approach to constructing a real-time forecasting system for coastal and estuarine regions that adeptly handles various data availability scenarios through the integration of machine learning techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dinoflagellates belonging to the genus Hematodinium are key parasites of marine crustaceans, primarily decapods. In this study, we document the first report of H. perezi Chatton & Poisson, 1930 on the African Atlantic coast. This is also the first parasite record in the invasive non-native Atlantic blue crab Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896 in Morocco. Specimens of C. sapidus were sampled in winter 2023 from two Ramsar sites on the Moroccan Atlantic, namely Merja Zerga and Oualidia Lagoons, and were screened to detect the presence of parasites in their hemolymph. Based on staining fresh hemolymph smears, we did not detect Hematodinium in any of the 36 investigated individuals (20 and 16 from Merja Zerga and Oualidia Lagoons, respectively), probably due to methodological artifacts. The PCR-based method was revealed to be more accurate in diagnosing the Hematodinium parasite. It showed that at Merja Zerga Lagoon, 13 individuals of C. sapidus were infected by the parasite (prevalence: 65%) in comparison to four at Oualidia Lagoon (25%). Genetic analysis, based on the ITS1 rDNA gene from Hematodinium, confirmed the sequences as being those of Hematodinium perezi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burullus lagoon is part of Egypt's protected area network. The lagoon serves as a reservoir for drainage water discharged from agricultural areas, and the lake's sediments provide a unique opportunity to record environmental behavior and reconstruct of the heavy metal contamination history. In the present study, the sediment chronology, sedimentation rates, and metal accumulation fluxes were estimated in four sediment cores using 210Pb dating models to evaluate how human activities have affected the coastal environment. Using the radioisotopes 210Pb and 137Cs, radiometric dating was carried out using gamma-ray spectrometry. At the Egypt Second Research Reactor (ETRR-2), the element concentrations were determined using the instrumented neutron activation analysis (INAA- k0 method). Our findings show that the constant rate of supply (CRS), which has been verified with the peak of artificial radionuclide 137Cs, is the best model performed for the chronology of Burullus Lagoon. The average sedimentation rate, according to 210Pb dating models, is 0.85 cm/year. The large variation in sedimentation rates, especially after the 1990s, is consistent with an increase in the anthropogenic flux of heavy metals. This may be led into a significant environmental problem such as reducing the size of the lake and degrading the quality the water in Burullus Lagoon. Enrichment factor (EF) of the studied elements displayed the following order: Cl > Ca > Na > Br > Zn > Ta > Ti > V > Cr > Sc > Mg > Mn > Fe > Hf which is higher than unity. Furthermore, the Nemerow pollution index (PI Nemerow) revealed that pollution was increasing in the direction of the drains and slightly polluted. Consequently, pollutant indices showed that urbanization and industrial development may have increased the depositional fluxes of the metals in sediments over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: It is known that exposure to the natural environment may positively modulate mental processes and behaviors; in particular, it can reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. This suggests a potential integration of "nature experience" into the treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) since various types of addiction are associated with anxiety and depression. Considering that only one study has been reported to date in patients with alcohol use disorder, the effect of nature experience in SUD patients' needs to be further investigated. This study aimed to test the effects of exposure to a natural lagoon environment on craving and measures of wellbeing in SUD patients in comparison to exposure to an urban environment. Methods: Twenty-four SUD patients were divided into three groups of eight participants and exposed to two walking sessions (interspersed with a 1-week wash-out period) in a natural environment typical of the Venetian lagoon, an Urban walk, or staying at the residential center based on a Latin-square design. Before and after each session, drug craving, mood, wellbeing, agency, openness to the future, and restorativeness were assessed. Results: The Nature walk significantly decreased craving in participants compared to their pre-walk values, and compared to craving after the Urban walk, with the latter significantly increased vs. pre-walk values. The Nature walk significantly decreased negative mood and increased wellbeing and agency. Openness to the future and restorativeness measures showed significant improvement after the Nature walk compared to the Urban walk. On the other hand, craving scores after the Urban Walk positively correlated with negative mood and a Sense of Negative Agency values and negatively correlated with wellbeing scores. Discussion: Our results confirm that "nature experience" may improve mood, wellbeing, attention, stress relief, openness, and sense of being active in SUD patients. Moreover, we also showed a specific effect on drug craving--a key symptom of SUD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Great Barrier Reef lagoon is a large, relatively shallow area of the Australian continental shelf, isolated from the open ocean by a dense matrix of coral reefs. As the lagoon is generally vertically well mixed by strong tidal currents and wind, it is perhaps not surprising there is no mention in the open literature of the occurrence of internal waves there. Nevertheless, high-resolution satellite imagery is shown in this article to reveal the characteristic surface expressions of nonlinear internal waves in the lagoon. The waves are confined to periods of low winds in austral spring and summer, making them a potentially important mechanism for the dispersal of algae and planktonic larvae. The imagery suggests a link between the waves and tidally forced submesoscale jets and vortices, but the actual mechanism generating the internal waves is unclear and requires investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 120-day field study was conducted in a Malaysian mangrove ecosystem to investigate the effect of mesh size (0.20 mm, 0.50 mm, and unprotected leaf litter/open litter) on litter decomposition and associated carbon (C)/nitrogen (N) release from two mangrove species, namely Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Rhizophora mucronata. We hypothesized that excluding fauna from various functional groups through the use of litter mesh bags would significantly impact the decay rates and related dynamics of C and N among the treatments. As expected, marked differences in the decay rate were observed among treatments, with higher decay rates in the unprotected litter. Notably, the decay rates for B. gymnorrhiza were significantly greater than those observed for R. mucronata. Microbial communities played a more substantial role in decomposition, contributing 49%, surpassing the impact of macrofauna (29% contribution) and mesofauna (25% contribution). Consistent with our hypothesis, significant differences in C and N loss were observed among treatments for both species over time. Our findings underscore the influential role of various soil faunal functional groups in litter decomposition, significantly contributing to the release of C and N. This emphasizes their crucial role in the biogeochemical cycling of C and N in blue carbon ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]