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Suspended particulate matter (SPM) is an indispensable component of water environments. Its fate and transport involve various physical and biogeochemical cycles. This paper provides a comprehensive review of SPM dynamics by integrating insights from biogeochemical processes, spatiotemporal observation techniques, and numerical modeling approaches. It also explores methods for diagnosing SPM-mediated biogeochemical processes, such as the flocculation kinetics test and organic matter composition analysis. Advances in remote sensing, in situ monitoring, and high-resolution retrieval algorithms are discussed, highlighting their significance in detecting and quantifying SPM concentrations across varying spatial and temporal scales. Furthermore, this review examines integrated models that incorporate population balance equations on the basis of flocculation kinetics into multi-dimensional sediment transport models. The results from this study provide valuable insights into SPM dynamics, ultimately enhancing our knowledge of SPM behavior and transport in water environments. However, uncertainties remain due to limited field data on flocculation kinetics and the need for parameter optimization in numerical models. Addressing these gaps through enhanced fieldwork and model refinement will significantly improve our ability to predict and manage SPM dynamics, which is critical for sustainable aquatic ecosystem management in an era of rapid environmental change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Although various chemically synthesized materials are essential in medicine, food, and agriculture, they can exert unexpected side effects on the environment and human health by releasing certain toxic chemicals. Therefore, eco-friendly and biocompatible biomaterials based on natural resources are being actively explored. Recently, biosilica derived from diatoms has attracted attention in various biomedical fields, including drug delivery systems (DDS), due to its uniform porous nano-pattern, hierarchical structure, and abundant silanol functional groups. Importantly, the structural characteristics of diatom biosilica improve the solubility of poorly soluble substances and enable sustained release of loaded drugs. Additionally, diatom biosilica predominantly comprises SiO2, has high biocompatibility, and can easily hybridize with other DDS platforms, including hydrogels and cationic DDS, owing to its strong negative charge and abundant silanol groups. This review explores the potential applications of various diatom biosilica-based DDS in various biomedical fields, with a particular focus on hybrid DDS utilizing them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Thalassiosira species are an important component of phytoplankton populations, and most species are considered cosmopolitan. Many authors have investigated the diversity of Thalassiosira species in order to understand their ecological roles in local areas. Our regional taxonomic study revealed the presence of 44 Thalassiosira species at 124 sites in Korean coastal waters. Of these, 14 species are newly reported in Korean waters and are described in detail with external and internal valve illustrations. Some morphologically confused taxa, such as the Thalassiosira s.s. group, T. curviseriata/ T. tealata, T. simonsenii/ Planktoniella blanda and T. proschkinae/ T. spinulata, are clearly distinguished using additional morphological criteria. In addition, the full biogeographical distribution of Thalassiosira is described and compared with the Korean species. Korean waters seem to be the 'Maginot Line' for the cold- and warm-water Thalassiosira species. Knowledge of Thalassiosira species diversity will increase with more intensive work in relatively little-studied regions, such as the Indo-Pacific and tropical Atlantic Oceans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...