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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]

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]

Strong rainfalls and river floods are becoming increasingly frequent and intense in southern Europe. Mediterranean coastal lagoons, due to their hydrological characteristics, could mitigate the consequences of such events, whose effects on sediment biogeochemistry are poorly studied, yet. To provide insights on this, we investigated short-term changes in organic matter quantity, composition, nutritional quality, degradation rates, and turnover time in a lagoonal benthocosm. Both flooding and recovery phases increased the sedimentary organic load and turnover time, whereas phytopigment contents and C degradation rates were not affected. The biochemical composition varied during both phases, with an increase in carbohydrate and lipid after the flooding, and an increase in protein and chlorophyll-a after its recovery. Our results suggest that even sudden changes in salinity caused by floods and their recovery can increase sedimentary organic loads, with minor effects on their nutritional quality. The observed effects of the flooding persist in the short-term also after the recovery of the salinity, when the substrates are pre-eminently of heterotrophic origin. Our results suggest that extreme, even if short-lasting, episodic events of flooding and recovery can severely alter the benthic trophic status of coastal lagoons, having possible effects on benthic trophodynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization in watersheds leads to the introduction of sources of microplastics and other pollutants in water bodies. However, the effect of urbanization on microplastic pollution and the relationship between microplastics and water quality are not well understood. We assessed the distribution of microplastics in tributaries urbanized, non-urbanized and in the receiving lagoon body of Conceição Lagoon watershed. The results show that urbanization significantly affects water quality but does not differentiate tributaries in terms of microplastic concentrations. Microplastic concentrations were lower in the receiving lagoon body compared with the tributaries, highlighting their importance in microplastic pollution in the studied lagoon. Microplastic concentration was correlated with low N:P ratios in the lagoon and associated with high levels of total phosphorus, which indicate the discharge of effluents. The correlations between microplastic concentration, water temperature, and dissolved oxygen in the lagoon were based on the temporal variations of these variables. Precipitation and wind velocity had influence on microplastic distribution in the watershed. Our findings underscore the importance of evaluating water quality parameters and meteorological variables to comprehend the microplastic distribution at small watersheds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lagoons are a major coastal environment in West Africa. They provide a plethora of resources, ecosystem services and economic benefits yet a diverse set of inter-connected stressors are a challenge to their sustainability. A scoping study of the published literature pertaining to lagoons within the region was undertaken to reveal the nature of these stressors and identify gaps in knowledge, providing a resource to inform coastal management practices and reveal areas for future study. Thirty-one lagoons were identified from the scoping exercise covering Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Cote D'Ivoire, Liberia and Senegal. The DAPSI(W)R(M) framework was used to structure analysis of the literature and surface key environmental themes. Key drivers and activities established are the use of lagoon resources and expansion of lagoon settlements. The resultant identified pressures are waste, overuse of resources, and urban growth as well as climate change. Resultant stage changes are the degradation of water quality and ecosystems with impacts for the health of lagoon organisms and humans. Responses to changes were identified as a combination of punitive legislation, participatory management approaches and solutions focused on ecosystem restoration and engineering of the physical environment. Gaps identified include research on waste and aspects of climate change mitigation and adaptation. Also notable is a lack of multi- and interdisciplinary studies that address the inter-connecting stressors experienced at lagoons and studies of multiple lagoons. Studies also tend to be problem-focused with solutions rarely presented, limiting their applicability to inform management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their choked geometry, coastal lagoons can attenuate extreme water levels compared to the open sea. However, this protective property is expected to decrease due to sea‐level rise. By studying idealized lagoons in a non‐dimensional parameter space, this study describes non‐linear interactions between tides, storm surges, freshwater fluxes into the lagoon, and sea‐level rise. The non‐dimensional numbers include lagoon geometry and forcing scales. The main objective is to provide an overview of potentially affected lagoons and to highlight the importance of attenuation changes due to sea‐level rise. Tidal and storm surge induced maximum water levels inside lagoons rise faster than sea‐level rise for most of the parameter space. Maximum water levels due to freshwater fluxes rise slower than sea‐level rise for strongly choked lagoons. For compound events, the response between rising faster or slower than sea‐level rise depends strongly on the lagoon geometry. Plain Language Summary: Coastal lagoons are known to reduce extreme water levels compared to the open sea due to their narrow and shallow connections to the ocean. However, the rising mean sea level will decrease this protective property. In this study, we investigate lagoons using a simple box model to explore how combinations of tides, storm surges, river discharge, and sea‐level rise will change water levels inside lagoons. The study aims to provide an overview of potentially affected lagoons and to highlight the importance of these processes. Due to sea‐level rise, water from the ocean can more easily flow into the lagoon. Therefore, our results show that maximum water levels inside a lagoon can rise faster than sea‐level rise. On the other hand, river discharge can exit the lagoon more easily at the same time. For this case, water levels inside a lagoon rise slower than sea‐level rise. For events where tides, storm surges, and river discharge are all present, the maximum water level may rise either slower or faster than sea‐level rise, depending on the properties of the lagoon. Further studies are needed to understand the implications for coastal communities. Key Points: Tides, storm surges, freshwater fluxes, and sea‐level rise interact non‐linearly on the water level in choked coastal lagoonsMaximum water levels inside choked lagoons can increase faster than sea‐level rise due to non‐linear attenuation changesMaximum water levels due to freshwater fluxes increase slower than sea‐level rise [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A geological study of the Kipala region, in the "Cuvette Centrale" of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has identified two groups of shales: the dark greasy facies, interbedded with the brownish-gray facies. Their high Total Organic Carbon (TOC) content (11 % TOC on average for the dark greasy shales, compared with 8 % for the second group) classifies them as very good hydrocarbon source rocks, according to the criteria of Epistalie et al. Field and laboratory data suggest that the rocks studied were deposited in a lagoon connected to the sea by an intermittently closing channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Length-Weight Relationships (LWRs) of seven live-bait fishes namely, Rhabdamia gracilis, Zoramia leptacantha, Verulux cypselurus, Gymnocaesio gymnoptera, Chromis viridis, Chrysiptera brownriggii and Lutjanus kasmira found in Lakshadweep waters were determined in the current study. The specimens were captured from Agatti Island lagoons, using lift nets and encircling nets at depths ranging from 2 to 10 m. This data collection spanned from January 2021 to March 2022. The estimated b values ranged from 3.09 to 3.38 for G. gymnoptera and Z. leptacantha, respectively. The coefficient of determination (r²) ranged from 0.99 (G. gymnoptera) to 0.89 (V. cypselurus). The study provides insight into the biological details of these live bait fishes, which support traditional tuna pole and line fishing in Lakshadweep waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies related to seagrass ecology, conservation, and management are sparse and highly biased in India. Even though the geographical distribution of seagrass is diverse in India, about 74% of the scientific publications have been made from Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar from Tamilnadu. Chilika, the largest lagoon in Asia, harbors the second largest seagrass meadow in India 22% of the total. The lagoon acts as a potential blue carbon stock and helps in thriving a rich floral and faunal biodiversity. However, the critical role of seagrass in this unique lagoon ecosystem is still poorly understood. This review is aimed at synthesizing the published literature about seagrass in Chilika. We believe this information would encourage more in-depth and diverse seagrass studies in the region and identify future priority areas for research. A total of seven species have been recorded from 169.2 sq. km of seagrass patch in Chilika. For the last two decades, no significant signs of decline in seagrass beds from this lagoon have been reported. Still, various natural and anthropogenic stressors could put this unique ecosystem under severe stress. Moreover, lax enforcement of existing legislation and a general lack of knowledge among the stakeholders about their ecosystem services can be significant impediments to their conservation. More targeted research on Chilika seagrass in changing climate regimes and their sustainable intensification is the need of the hour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic waste poses a significant threat to the environment, impacting both aquatic ecosystems and human health. This study aimed to quantify the leakage of plastic waste from urban and rural areas into the Tam Giang–Cau Hai lagoon system area in Vietnam. The research involved conducting surveys and sampling plastic waste in wards and communes surrounding the Tam Giang–Cau Hai lagoon system, as well as utilizing a waste flow diagram to calculate the amount of plastic waste leakage into the environment. The findings of the study reveal that the annual plastic leakage in this study area is approximately 479 tons. The majority of this waste enters the water body system, accounting for 74.1% of the total leakage, followed by land areas at 23.4% and land burning at 2.5%. Among the sources contributing to the wastewater flow in the area, households and markets were found to be the two primary contributors. Household waste accounted for 70.4% (2806 tons year−1) of the total, while the market sources accounted for 16.9% (675 tons year−1). This study marks the inaugural effort to assess the extent of plastic waste released from Hue City into the Tam Giang–Cau Hai lagoon system. It plays a pivotal role in examining the makeup, source of plastic waste and path of plastic waste leakage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the framework of the Interreg Italy–Slovenia programme, the project DuraSoft aimed at testing innovative technologies to improve the durability of traditional wooden structures in socio-ecologically sensitive environments. We focused on the impact of different wood treatments (i.e., copper-based coatings and thermal modification) on microbial biofilm formation in the Grado Lagoon. Wooden samples were placed in 2 areas with diverse hydrodynamic conditions and retrieved after 6, 20, and 40 days. Light, confocal and scanning electron microscopy were employed to assess the treatment effects on the microalgal community abundance and composition. Lower hydrodynamics accelerated the colonisation, leading to higher algal biofilm abundances, regardless of the treatment. The Cu-based agents induced modifications to the microalgal community, leading to lower densities, small-sized diatoms and frequent deformities (e.g., bent apices, frustule malformation) in the genera Cylindrotheca and Cocconeis. After 20 days, taxa forming 3D mucilaginous structures, such as Licmophora and Synedra, were present on chemically treated panels compared to natural ones. While in the short term, the treatments were effective as antifouling agents, in the long term, neither the copper-based coatings nor the thermal modification successfully slowed down the biofouling colonisation, likely due to the stimulating effect of nutrients and other substances released from these solutions. The need to develop more ecosystem friendly technologies to preserve wooden structures remains urgent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expansion of alien invasive species is a worldwide threat that affects most ecosystems. Islands and freshwater ecosystems are among the most vulnerable to species invasion, resulting in reduced biodiversity. In this study, we aimed to explore the floristic composition of the aquatic vegetation in four lagoons in southeastern Cozumel and assess the occurrence and abundance of alien and potentially invasive plants. We found a total of 43 aquatic or underwater herbaceous species that are subject to periodic flooding. Cluster analyses grouped the lagoons into two groups according to their floristic composition. The results demonstrate that alien and potentially invasive plants were dominant in 3 of the 4 lagoons, representing from 7 to 43% of the species. Six of these species were notably abundant, especially in three lagoons. Further, 2 species are considered among the 100 worst invasive species worldwide, although their abundance in Mexico remains relatively reduced. Five alien and potentially invasive species are terrestrial and grow on the shore of the lagoons, while one is aquatic. Urgent control and management actions are necessary. These should include (a) early detection and surveillance to determine if the alien species found behave as invasives; (b) understanding the relevance of invasive species; (c) preventing and intercepting; and (d) control and management. Habitat restoration, adequate legislation, collaboration between stakeholders, and raising awareness of the dangers of releasing or cultivating invasive species in the wild are also necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus (P) is often the limiting nutrient for algal growth in lakes, estuarine and some other waters and may limit marine productivity. Exchange with bottom sediments place an important role in making P available for algae and contributes, therefore to eutrophication. Phosphorus is found in several forms other than orthophosphate, the most readily form consumed directly by algae. Because the forms of phosphorus are constantly changing and recycling, it is necessary to measure various forms of phosphorus besides the total content. The aim of the present study was to investigate the spatial and seasonal distribution of different forms of phosphorus in sediments as well as the evaluation of pollution levels of phosphorus from one of the most important lagoon complex in Albania. Sediments of Kune Vaini lagoon complex samples were collected at five stations of the Kune Vaini lagoon complex during September 2018 - March 2019, with a frequency of every two months. Samples were analyzed for their total phosphorus (P) concentration and P fractions such as: total, inorganic and organic P, and extractable NaOH and HCl acid (extractable, using a sequential extraction procedure (SMT protocol). Obtained results showed that the total phosphorus in sediments was relatively high, ranged from 376.1 mg/kg to 515.6 mg/kg. This can be considered dangerous, because insoluble phosphorus forms undergo bacterial decomposition (mineralization) and the phosphorus could be transformed into the soluble orthophosphate to the water deteriorating the trophic state and the quality of the water. Inorganic phosphorus (IP) was the major constituent of the total extractable phosphorus, ranged from 164.9 to 427.6 mg/kg; apatite phosphorus (AP) was the dominant inorganic form, while nonapatite phosphorus (NAIP) was identified as the minor constituent. The average concentration of organic phosphorus in sediments was 127.3 mg/kg (46.3 - 197 mg/kg), and the percentage of organic phosphorus (OP) to total phosphorus (TP) ranged from 20 to 43%. The concentration of the different forms of phosphorus in sediments followed the order TP > IP > AP > OP > NAIP while the variation between the sampling stations as well as between the sampling periods estimated as standard deviation ranged between 18.19 mg/kg (NAIP) to 69.8 mg/kg (IP). The results indicate that sediments of Kune Vaini lagoon complex were slightly contaminated by phosphorus according to the applied indices. Distribution of phosphorus forms in sediments are affected by several factors, such as sediment type, organic matter content, mineralization rate, water depth, redox condition and Ca, Al and Fe content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As sea-level rise (SLR) and human-made interventions affect coastal currents and sediment transport, coastal barriers have become more vulnerable to the effect of storms, hurricanes, and climate variability. The response of each barrier is unique and depends on wave regime, coastline orientation, weather conditions, bathymetry, and type of human-made interventions, among other factors. In the Magdalena River deltaic barrier, located on the Colombian Caribbean coast, coastal erosion has caused the loss of hundreds of square kilometers of critical ecosystems, such as wetlands and lagoons, since the 1960s. This work aims to analyze the short-term drivers behind the observed loss of lagoons, particularly the drivers of lagoon breaching events and subsequent healing along the deltaic barrier. Lagoon breaching events and healings were detected using satellite imagery, and the timing of these events was related to prior local atmospheric, oceanographic, and fluvial conditions. The findings reveal that the dynamics of the lagoons are driven by extreme river discharges and energetic wave conditions associated with storms or hurricanes. Healing is driven by the sediment supplied by littoral currents and average waves punctuated by energetic events. The cumulative effect of breaching and healing has resulted in a deltaic barrier that has rolled over the lagoons, reducing their size over time. These findings provide a better understanding of the forces of coastal retreat and will help inform future management decisions of the coastal zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water quality modeling can be an important tool for lake management. However, if the simulation period is small and the forcing data is limited, the result uncertainty may diminish its usefulness. This study was conceived with the aim of implementing a long-term water quality simulation of a shallow eutrophic lagoon, with limited forcing data, to evaluate result uncertainty and the advantages of such an approach for the water management process. The lagoon water quality was simulated, over a period of 19 years (2000 to 2019), with the CE-QUAL-W2 model, and the watershed with the SWAT model. Two different scenarios regarding the lagoon inflow water quality characterization were considered and evaluated. The CE-QUAL-W2 model was used to simulate the lagoon water column and sediment biogeochemical fluxes using the following seventeen constituents as a calibration reference: water temperature; dissolved oxygen; orthophosphates; total phosphorus; ammonia; nitrate plus nitrite; total nitrogen; carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand; total dissolved solids; pH; six algae biomass groups, and chlorophyll-a. The results show that despite the high level of uncertainty in the lagoon's daily constituents' variation, the long-term perspective on the biogeochemical fluxes, as described by the interannual constituent's evolution, enabled the identification of ecological thresholds, the convergence and divergence of the system, and constituent trajectories. These results can represent a step forward into the establishment of cause-and-effect relationships between pressures and water body status, thus allowing an effectiveness improvement on the integrated water resource planning and management under the European Water Framework Directive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics have been found to accumulate in freshwater, marine ecosystems, and biological organisms. The frequency of studies on microplastic contamination in organs has increased recently, although there have been relatively fewer investigations on fish eggs in Thailand. To extract microplastics from catfish samples for laboratory analysis (Osteogeneiosus militaris), we used 10% potassium hydroxide in the digestion process. A needle penetrated the fish eggs to investigate microplastic contamination. We examined microplastics under a stereomicroscope and used Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to determine the type of polymer. We found microplastic contamination in organs, most commonly in the stomach (0.91 ± 0.13 items/g), followed by tissue (0.53 ± 0.09 items/g), and gills (0.30 ± 0.03 items/g) at the level of significance p < 0.01. We found a total of 349 fish eggs with 27 items of microplastic. The dominant microplastic we found in the stomach, tissue, and gills of the fish, as well as in fish eggs, was of fiber shape. We noted that fragments were found only in the stomach and tissue of fish. The dominant color of microplastics was black in organs and blue in fish eggs. The common polymer types in organs and fish eggs were polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, and cellulosic fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kalametiya Lagoon, a highly threatened Sri Lankan wetland, has undergone drastic hydrological changes in recent decades, due to an upstream irrigation project. These changes led to the invasion of the lagoon water by monospecific Sonneratia caseolaris mangrove stands and Typha angustifolia reedbeds. As Kalametiya has been a nationally recognized bird sanctuary since 1984, this invasion is expected to have brought significant changes upon local avifauna. Therefore, this study aimed at determining the lagoon's current bird diversity and distribution in relation with habitat types and environmental variables. Thirty-seven point-count stations were studied, between January and April 2022. Seventy-nine bird species, including four endemic and ten nationally threatened species, were encountered during the study period. Invertebrate feeders and polyphages were the richest and most diverse guilds. Bird communities were also found richer and more diverse in T. angustifolia reedbeds than in S. caseolaris mangroves. As feeding guild composition was significantly influenced by several environmental variables (i.e., water nitrate content, water TDS, water pH, soil pH), guilds could have great potential as bioindicators of the ecosystem if further studies are done to explore these relationships. Considering the important bird diversity found in the new habitats, this research brings additional proof that a management aiming at restoring the lagoon to its past state would bring significant changes to its avifaunal community. These changes could, in the future, be more precisely defined by a thorough comparison with past inventories of the lagoon's bird community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prokaryotic community in sediment plays an important role in the nutrient cycles of lagoon ecosystems. However, the diversity of microbiota in sediments of Vietnamese lagoons has not been discovered. In this study, sediment samples from three lagoons in Central Vietnam were collected. The microbial community structure in the sediments was determined using Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA at V3V4 regions. Mother software was used to analyze the data and identify the Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs). Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Campilobacterota, and Bacteroidetes were the major phyla in three lagoons, while Fusobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Chloroflexi were the minor. These groups of bacteria have been reported to be involved in organic metabolism cycles in sediments. Tam Giang lagoon showed more diversity in species composition when compared with Nai and Thi Nai lagoons. Class Clostridia were predominant in Tam Giang sediment (46%), which may indicate the presence of organic sewage in the environment. Thi Nai and Nai lagoons witnessed the significant presence of Lactobacilales and Vibrionales. While Vibrionales is an indicator of urban pollution, Lactobacilales and other groups of phylum Actinobacteria were potential materials for the screening of natural antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This comparative study assessed hepatitis A virus (HAV) contamination in shellfish harvesting areas in Morocco, and the correlations between viral contamination and rainfall. To this aim, HAV contamination was evaluated in 156 shellfish samples collected at three Moroccan coastal areas (52 samples/area): Dakhla (class A), Oualidia (class B), and Moulay Bousselham (class C). Samples were collected monthly between March 2018 and March 2019, and included oysters from different farms at the Oualidia and Dakhla coastal areas, and wild mussels at the Moulay Bousselham lagoon. HAV was detected by RT-qPCR in 24/156 (15.38%) samples: 16/145 (11.03%) mussel (Mytillus galloprovincialis) and 8/156 (5.13%) oyster (Crassostea gigas) samples. The 16 mussel-positive samples (16/52) were collected at Moulay Bousselham, and the eight oyster-positive samples (8/52) were collected at Oualidia, and none at Dakhla (class A). The highest HAV contamination rate was recorded at Moulay Bousselham lagoon (class C) (30.77%), while it did not exceed 8% at Oualidia (class A). A nonsignificant, positive correlation between HAV-positive samples and mean rainfall was observed. The important HAV presence in bivalve mollusks from the Oualidia and Moulay Bousselham lagoons indicate the need of viral surveillance of bivalve mollusks and of improving wastewater quality to enhance shellfish safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Florida seagrass brittlestar, Ophiophi·agmus flograneus, is endeinic to shallow estuarine bays and lagoons of Florida, where it is exposed to variations in salinity that are beyond the ambient range for most echinoderms, Whereas the physiological basis for its salinity tolerance has not been studied, the species seems to have other aspects of its biology that help with its estuarine life. The full spectrum of its life-history pattern is unknown. Still, the presence of planktonic juveniles in an ichthyoplankton study of the Indian River Lagoon System indicates that it can be dispersed even if it lacks a pluteus lana Occurrence in tlie plankton ranges from spring through fall, although variations in timing and density differ among basins of the Indian River Lagoon System. Planktonic juveniles are smaller than those reported from benthic samples, although some demonstrate the unusual pattern of arm growth reported for new bentl-tic recruits of this species. The presence of two long non-adjacent arms of the larger specimens might serve to gi·asp blades of seagrass upon settlement to the benthos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigated seasonal variations in concentrations of microplastics (MPs) in surface sediments of a lagoon heavily impacted by human activities, located in northern Tunisia (the Bizerte lagoon, southern Mediterranean Sea). Analyses of 112 sediment samples collected from 28 stations between May 2019 and February 2020 revealed significant seasonal variation in concentrations of total MPs, with the highest levels recorded in August 2019 (109.6 ± 59.8 items kg−1 DS (dry sediment)) and the lowest in February 2020 (33.2 ± 22.0 items kg−1 DS). In terms of polymer types, polyethylene particles were the most abundant throughout the year, followed by polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyethylene terephthalate. Spatial variations in total MP concentrations were found to depend on several environmental factors, including proximity to the coastline, level of anthropogenic pressure, location inside the lagoon, and presence/absence of vegetation. The upper 5-cm surface sediment layer of the lagoon was found to contain ~ 9.96 × 1010 MP particles, equal to ~ 248.97 t of plastic. Similar patterns of microplastic composition and structure were found throughout the year, revealing the same plastic pollution hotspots during all seasons. This indicates that sources of plastic pollution are land-based and originate from coastal urban, industrial, and agricultural areas, as well as from major freshwater streams. The findings of the present work can help to develop an efficient environmental management plan aiming to reduce and/or stop the spread of plastic pollution and its impacts on the socially and economically important ecosystem of the Bizerte lagoon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sub-annual-scale environmental and ecosystem changes since the mid-18th century were reconstructed in a semi-closed lagoon, Lake Hiruga, located along the Sea of Japan in central Japan. Lake Hiruga is one of the Mikata Five Lakes and is connected to Lake Suigetsu through an artificial tunnel, the Saga Tunnel. Analyses of siliceous phytoplankton (diatoms, silicoflagellates, and chrysophyte cysts) and elemental composition (carbon, nitrogen, sulfur) of laminated sediments were conducted to determine the impacts of irregular hazards and anthropogenic tunnel construction on the lagoon ecosystem. In this lagoon, sediment laminae were deposited after the first Saga Tunnel re-excavation in 1844–1848, and the dominant phytoplankton taxa have changed with each re-excavation. The behaviors of total nitrogen, total organic carbon, freshwater diatom taxa, and chrysophyte cysts in Lake Hiruga are strongly affected by tunnel excavation and water gate construction. In addition to anthropogenic effects, the deposits show extreme hazard impacts of the Lake Hiruga ecosystem. The peaks of marine diatom taxa, silicoflagellate abundance, and sulfur content of Lake Hiruga showed close relationships with the local earthquake event. A relatively high sea level in the coast of Sea of Japan by local subsidence induced active seawater exchange with Lake Hiruga around AD 1928–1930. Furthermore, the peaks of freshwater diatom taxa and chrysophyte cyst showed a freshening event of this lake caused by local extreme events, such as continuous flooding around AD 1900. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study, based on five years of monthly in situ data collected from 2018 to 2022, examines the seasonal and interannual fluctuations of suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentration in Nokoué Lagoon, Benin. Seasonally, SPM exhibits significant variations primarily influenced by changes in river discharge. During low-flow periods (December to May), SPM concentrations are relatively low (<15 mg L-1) throughout the lagoon. During this time, slight temporal variations are correlated with wind energy and likely associated with wind-induced resuspension of sediments. This is confirmed by slightly higher concentrations of SPM in the bottom layers compared to the surface. Resuspension appears to be lower in the west than in the east, likely due to the increased presence of acadjas (brush parks) in the west, reducing fetch and wind intensity, thus decreasing resuspension. At the onset of the river flood period (July–August), associated with the West African monsoon, increased river flow generates a significant turbid plume extending from the northeast of the lagoon to the Cotonou channel, connecting the lagoon to the Atlantic Ocean. SPM levels then increase considerably (>100 mg L−1), with a pronounced SPM gradient from the western to eastern regions of the lagoon. The less dense freshwater laden with sediment from the rivers flows over the denser saline water of the lagoon, leading to slightly higher SPM concentrations in the surface layers. Between September and November, SPM concentration gradually decreases as river flows reach their peak values. Thus, on a seasonal scale, the relationships between SPM and river discharge show a temporal lag, resulting in a clockwise hysteresis cycle. This is explained by the early mobilization of fine sediments during rising river flows, followed by reduced sediment availability and dilution effects as the flood peaks. On an interannual scale, SPM variations are relatively low with slight temporal shifts observed in the formation and expansion of the turbid plume and peak SPM levels. The total SPM mass in the lagoon ranges from 0.2 to 0.3 × 104 tonnes during low-flow periods to 20-30 × 104 tonnes at the onset of flooding. We also discuss uncertainties associated with SPM determination, estimated at approximately 5–15%. This study leverages a unique database in West Africa and provides valuable insights into the hydro-sedimentary dynamics of Nokoué Lagoon. • Nokoué Lagoon is characterized by strong seasonal variability in SPM. • River flows primarily drive the seasonal variability of SPM. • Wind influences SPM concentration during low-water periods. • A turbid plume of high SPM, with inorganic matter, extends in the eastern lagoon. • SPM in the western lagoon is organic matter-dominated and relatively weaker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

These results match with the condition of I G. barbata i thalli during the extremely warm temperatures in the S'cuza lagoon, where temperatures can exceed 30 °C and reach up to 34 °C up to several days. In this study considerable differences were found between the main morphological features of the two forms of I G. barbata i thalli compared with I G. barbata i thalli at the same depth from the central part of the Istrian Coast ([28]). Graph: Figure 2: Thallus of Gongolaria barbata: (A) Attached thallus on a pebble; (B) detached thallus with the holdfast; (C) detached thallus without a holdfast. Keywords: attached form; detached form; Gongolaria barbata; lagoon; northern Adriatic EN attached form detached form Gongolaria barbata lagoon northern Adriatic 255 268 14 08/09/22 20220801 NES 220801 1 Introduction Fucalean species in the Mediterranean Sea are mainly represented by members of the genera I Cystoseira i , I Ericaria i and I Gongolaria i ([2]; [3]; [4]; [24]; [25]; [34]; [51]). [Extracted from the article]

Microplastics are widely used to manufacture diverse products such as textiles, skin care products, and household products such as detergents and soaps. However, microplastic pollution and its potential health risks are raising concerns worldwide. This study characterized and determined the safety of microplastics in water and sediments obtained from three locations, namely Ibeshe, Amuwo Odofin, and Ojo along Badagry lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria. The samples of the lagoon's surface water and sediments were treated and analyzed for the abundance of microplastics, as well as their shapes, sizes, and types of polymers. The risk index of the polymers in the microplastics was also estimated. Microplastics were found to be more abundant (p ≤ 0.05) in the sediments (283-315 particles/kg) than in the surface water (108-199 particles/L). In both the water and sediments at all the locations, the dominant shapes were fibers (52%-90%), followed by fragments (3%-32%) and films (1%-25%). In order of significance, the microplastic size range of 0-100μm and 100-500μm dominated the surface water, while the size range of 1000-5000μm and 500-1000μm dominated the sediments at all the locations. The dominant polymers in both the water and sediments at all the locations were polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyamide, while the least was polystyrene. In both the water and sediments at all the locations, the dominant risk score among the polymers is III (moderate risk). The results obtained suggest that microplastic pollution poses environmental and health risks to the lagoon, aquatic organisms, and humans. As such, the lagoon required microplastic remediation and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to provide for the first time data on a hard substratum macroinvertebrate species inhabiting El Mellah, the unique coastal lagoon in Algeria, and to increase knowledge on limpet species in South Mediterranean protected areas. Between the summer 2019 and the spring 2020, several biological and population dynamics aspects of the high-shore limpet Patella rustica were investigated. Based on length-frequency distribution analysis using the FiSAT II software, the age of sampled limpets ranged from one to five years old, and the estimated growth parameters were identified as L∞= 40.55 mm, K= 0.39 year-1, with a growth performance index (Φ') of 2.81. Morphometric analysis revealed significant positive allometric relationships indicating variations in body proportions during ontogenesis. Condition index exhibited strong seasonality, with the highest value (41.27±3.27) recorded during winter. Overall, this study revealed that P. rustica from El Mellah lagoon follows similar morphological and physiological patterns to other populations in the range of the species across oceanic and marine coastal waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modern Nile delta developed in the Middle and Late Holocene, and at its most northern-central point is situated at the Burullus Lagoon, which is environmentally diverse, including salt marshes, mudflats, and sand plains, and separated from a sea by a sand barrier overtopped with high sand dunes. The lagoon has been fed since the Middle Holocene by the Sebennitic branch of the Nile and marine intrusions through the Bughaz inlet. A sediment core (BO-1) was collected at the northeastern shore of the lagoon and sampled at centennial scale resolution in order to reconstruct the development of the lagoon. The results show that an initial and limited lagoon had developed at the end of the Early Holocene, but after a dry period ca. 7.2 cal ka BP it has been progressively transformed into a marshy area, with occasional inflows of sea water. Lower water level and higher salinity of the Burullus Lagoon at 6.0-5.5 and 4.8-4.2 cal ka BP reflected droughts in the Nile catchment. Thereafter, the river reactivated in the Burullus Lagoon area, and since 2.8 cal ka BP was accompanied by occasional inflows of sea water. Since ca. 0.8 cal ka BP, increased fluvial activity occurred in this part of the Nile delta, which terminated after construction of the Aswan dams in the twentieth century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contamination of the surface water of lagoons is a common problem in developing countries, and can affect fishing activities. A case study was conducted on water quality and microbiological contamination of the fishing marketing chain in the Peruvian Amazon (Laguna de Yarinacocha). The microbiological, physical–chemical and parasitological parameters of the surface water were evaluated in three points of the lagoon near the landing stage; and microbiological parameters of facilities, handlers and three species of fish (Prochilodus nigricans, Mylossoma duriventre and Siluriforme spp.). In the water, there were coliform counts ≥ 23 (Most probable number—MPN)/100 mL, Escherichia coli ≥ 3.6 MPN/100 mL, and Pseudomona spp. up to 2.2 MPN/100 mL; high turbidity and variable amounts of parasites. In facilities and handlers, high levels of coliforms, mainly Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, were found in M. duriventre meat. A poor quality of the surface water of the lagoon is concluded that compromises part of the fishing marketing chain, mainly facilities and manipulators. Furthermore, the levels of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in fish meat show poor handling practices and possible risk of contamination by water sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal lagoon is an important productive ecosystem on the Earth. In this study, we compared microbial community in the sediments between lagoon and surrounding areas, and explored mechanism for the variation of microbial community. As a result, the sediment of surrounding area showed significantly higher organic matter and total nitrogen than that of the lagoon. The linear regression analysis revealed that organic matter and total nitrogen are positively correlated with Xenococcus. Bacterial and fungal PCoA1 showed significantly positive relationships with the relative abundance of Xenococcus , indicating that Xenococcus affects the bacterial and fungal community in the sediments of both the lagoon and surrounding area. ANOSIM analysis demonstrated that there were significant differences in bacterial and fungal community structure in the sediments between the lagoon and surrounding areas. Therefore, organic matter and total nitrogen affect the microbial community structure in the sediments of lagoon and surrounding areas by regulating the abundance of Xenococcus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals resistant and polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-degrading bacteria isolated from Marchica lagoon. Six isolates, Pseudomonas putida, Orchobactrum antropi, Staphylococus epidermidis, Brevundimonas diminuta, Serratia ficaria and Bacillus anthracis were characterized on the basis of biochemical and 16S rDNA. The strains that showed high resistance to heavy metals were also studied for their antibiotics resistance and growth kinetics. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of metals at variant concentrations (10-38 mM) were determined in liquid and solid medium. Strains were showed an extreme resistance against metals with the MIC values of Cu (9 mM), Cd (6.25 mM), Cr (2.5 mM), Ag (0,625), and Hg (0,156). Furthermore, growth rates were decreased in the presence of metals (compared to the control). The anthracene elimination from synthetic wastewater was determined in a submerged aerobic fixed-film reactor. Optimal conditions for bacterium growth and biodegradation of anthracene are determined as: temperature of 37 °C, pH 7, and initial anthracene concentration of 20 mg/l. It emerged that at anthracene concentrations 5-40 mg/l, COD removal efficiency were 84.62%; 90.62%; 91.36% and 71.4% respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological traits of aquatic microorganisms have been poorly investigated in tropical latitudes, especially in lagoons, which are often subjected to strong anthropogenic influence, conducive to microbial development. In this study, we examined the abundance of both viral and bacterial communities, as well as their interactions (lytic and lysogenic infections) in the water and sediment of seven main stations of the Ebrié Lagoon (Ivory Coast) with contrasting levels of eutrophication. The highest bacterial and viral concentrations in both planktonic and benthic samples were found in the most eutrophicated stations, where viral lytic infections also exhibited their highest values. Conversely, the highest fractions of inducible lysogens were measured in the most oligotrophic stations, suggesting that these two main viral life strategies are mutually exclusive in this lagoon. Our findings also revealed the importance that nutrients (especially ammonium) play as drivers of the interactions between viruses and their bacterial hosts in tropical lagoons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ege Journal of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences (EgeJFAS) / Su Ürünleri Dergisi is the property of Ege Journal of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences (EgeJFAS) / Su Urunleri Dergisi 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 quality deterioration in lagoons comes from excessive nutrient inputs, eutrophication, acidification, heavy metal contamination, organic pollution and obnoxious fishing practices. The water quality data obtained were analysed using a host of statistical tools such as descriptive statistics [mean, standard error of the mean, variance, standard deviation etc.]. The rotated component matrix helps one to determine what the components represent. It indicates that the first five principal components together account for 75.025% of the total variance in the dataset, in which the first principal component is 24.922%, the second principal component is 40.480%, the third principal component is 52.497%, the fourth principal component is 64.343% and the fifth principal component is 75.025% of the total variance. It was found that FESTAC Canal suffers from deterioration in the quality of the surface water due to municipal and industrial discharges. However, the concept of Basin-wide planning has been felt necessary for sustainable development in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A freshwater turtle monitoring programme along the inland margins of the Venice lagoon was initiated in 2019 in collaboration with the World Wild Fund for Nature (WWF-Italy). From a total of 336 European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis) captured and marked, 97 freshwater turtles were recaptured at least once (28.9% return rate) providing important information on population size, structure and movements of mature individuals within the study area. The population size was estimated with capture-recapture method (Capture-Mark-Recapture-CMR) at 1009.4 ± 365.2 pond turtles, with a mean density of 252.3 ± 91.3 ind./ha. The analysis of the movements showed that the average distance covered intra-water bodies was: 146.79 ± 117.08 m for females and 125.43 ± 112.34 m for males. A total of 17 E. orbicularis (eight females and nine males) out of 97 turtles changed the water body during the study period from April to early September. Only a female freshwater turtle migrated in all three study sites, being recaptured 1502.32 m from the tagging site. The percentage of captures was significantly higher in two canals than in the brackish lake habitat. Further research should address spatial distribution at a finer scale to evaluate the preferential habitat for threatened E. orbicularis populations in a transitional water system as the lagoon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benthic macroinvertebrates are key bioindicators of pollution and an important component of food chains on wetlands. Here, we investigated the effect of heavy metals and physicochemical variables on the benthic macroinvertebrates community structure in a tropical urban coastal lagoon in Ghana which is known for its importance in the support of migratory waterbirds. Sediment samples were collected from seven different sites in the lagoon and analyzed for heavy metals. The physicochemical characteristics of the overlying water, sediment organic matter and silt/clay content were determined at these sites. The benthic macroinvertebrates abundance, species richness and diversity at each of the sites were further determined. The results indicated low levels of Zn, Cr, Pb, Cu and Cd in the lagoon with chironomids being the dominant benthic macroinvertebrates. Overall, the benthic macroinvertebrates community structure was not affected by the levels of heavy metals as toxic units were less than one. The benthic macroinvertebrates community structure was generally influenced by the dissolved oxygen, temperature levels of the overlying water, silt/clay and organic matter in the sediment. Increased benthic macroinvertebrates abundance was associated with lower water temperatures and elevated levels of silt/clay and organic matter in the sediment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transport pathways and exchange characteristics of the Kamil Abdüş Lagoon in Istanbul, Turkey, are simulated using a finite element model with a Lagrangian particle tracking module. The lagoon is in the process of being reconfigured. The simulations are performed using a draft configuration. The effect of winds and the number of particles on the e-folding time is simulated. Results show that the lagoon is strongly dominated by winds with a correlation coefficient of 0.897 between the wind and residual current magnitudes. The lagoon e-folds in 9.1 days under realistic winds and in 14.3 days when there is no wind with confidence levels of 5%. The Lagrangian study uses six simulations with particle numbers ranging between 65073 and 2730486. A methodology based on confidence levels is proposed. It is observed that approximately 784 000 particles are necessary to obtain 5% level of confidence. With a problematic history and new planning options, the lagoon has a potential to be used as an example setting, all-field study ground for anthropogenically engineered coastal ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are few studies on mercury content in hypersaline waters. Mercury content was studied in Bay Sivash (the Sea of Azov), the world's largest hypersaline lagoon with a strong salinity gradient from 36 to 90 g l−1. The dissolved mercury compounds ranged from 120 to 250 ng l−1, Hg varied from 60 to 450 ng l−1 in the suspended matter, and total mercury in the water ranged from 200 to 600 ng l−1. Salinity and the total suspended matter had practically no effect on the amount of dissolved and suspended forms of mercury separately, but their growth significantly increased total mercury content in water. Only the concentration of dissolved forms of mercury in water significantly correlated with dissolved organic matter. The Hg concentration in the bottom sediments averaged 13.8 ng g−1 wet weight. Both high salinity and human activities on the Sivash drainage area are responsible for high Hg content in lagoon water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first record of the northern brown shrimp, Penaeus aztecus Ives, 1891, from Libyan nearshore waters is hereby documented. Thirteen individuals of the species were caught by artisanal fishers using a mixture of gill and trammel nets in September 2020 within the Umm-Hufayn Lagoon. This lagoon is situated within the Gulf of Bomba along the Libyan Cyrenaica coast, and this discovery extends the known Mediterranean distribution of this western Atlantic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifty surficial bottom sediments from the Al-Shuaiba Lagoon (80 km south of Jeddah City, eastern Red Sea, Saudi Arabia) were investigated for some major and trace metals to map their concentration distribution in the lagoon, shed light on their origin and controlling factors, and to establish potential risks to living organisms through comparison with sediment quality guidelines (SQGs). Statistical analyses allowed the division of metals into five associations: (1) Mg-Ca-Sr, (2) Al-Zn-Cr-Ni-Cu, (3) Fe–Mn-Li, (4) K and (4) Pb–Cd. Their distributions indicated that elevated values of Al, Mg, Fe, Sr, K, Mn, Li, Zn, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni and Cd occurred in high intertidal areas and in mangrove sediments. These decreased gradually towards the deeper waters and inlet, except for Ca, which had its highest concentration in the centre of the lagoon. Major elements mainly appear to originate from the mineralization and evaporation of the lagoon's water, whereas trace elements appear to originate from wind-blown dust and runoff, with subsequent concentration in sediments aided by adsorption onto fine particles and organic carbon complexes. Enrichment indices and a pollution load index (PLI) indicated that the lagoon sediments were highly enriched with Sr, Pb and Cd, with the latter two and PLI being the highest at the eastern side of the lagoon. Comparison with the SQGs showed that the concentrations of Cu, Pb and Cd are higher than the effect range low (ERL) and threshold effect level (TEL), but are lower than the effect range median (ERM). This suggests that these metals might cause an occasional threat to the biota in the eastern part of the lagoon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to address the problem of limited water renewal in restricted lagoons of moderate size having at least two tidal inlets, a method is proposed to enhance water exchange between the lagoon and the open sea. The method consists of altering either the amplitude or the phase of the tide in one of the inlets. It is shown in the paper that this will result in an alteration of the function of the lagoon, from a lagoon periodically exchanging water equal to a tidal prism within each tidal cycle with the adjacent water body, towards an effectively flow through system, substantially improving the flushing rate of the lagoon. The method is confirmed by running a series of numerical experiments simulating tidal hydrodynamics in the Papas lagoon. The question of how to alter the tidal amplitude is briefly touched upon, by numerically testing the performance of artificially macro-roughening an inlet and alternatively, designing an inlet to have a meandering shape. It was found that both modifications produce a diminished tidal amplitude, providing positive evidence for the applicability of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ege Journal of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences (EgeJFAS) / Su Ürünleri Dergisi is the property of Ege Journal of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences (EgeJFAS) / Su Urunleri Dergisi 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.)

Through study of the 210Pb, sedimentology, geochemistry, and microfossil characteristics of six core samples taken in Wangcun Lagoon on the Guangdong Province coast (China) before and after the passage of Typhoon Rammasun (2014), we determined the modern storm depositional dynamic process and its deposition characteristics. During Typhoon Rammasun, a storm deposit with thickness of 40–70 cm was formed in Wangcun Lagoon. The storm deposit gradually thickened from the entrance to the interior of the lagoon, and from the edge of the tidal channel to the tidal flat, and it showed an obvious three-layered structure. The lowest layer had finer grain size, higher total organic carbon (TOC) and C/N contents, and higher abundance of diatoms. The middle layer had coarser grain size, lower TOC and C/N contents, and lower abundance of diatoms, especially near the entrance and the tidal channel. The upper layer mainly existed in the interior of the lagoon, with finer grain size, higher TOC content, higher (lower) C/N contents in the tidal channel (tidal flat), and the second-highest diatom abundance. The fragmentation rate of diatoms was very high in all storm deposit layers. We believe the most likely explanation for the formation of such storm deposit layers is attributable to special storm dynamic processes that are influenced by tides and storm waves. The erosion maximum was reached when the hydrodynamic force was strongest, and then a fine-grained layer was formed during the sedimentary window that occurred as the hydrodynamic force of the ebb tide weakened. Later, part of the fine-grained matter was resuspended under the sub-strong dynamic environment of the subsequent flood tide. Finally, as the hydrodynamic force of the storm weakened further, two layers that were coarser at the bottom and finer at the top were formed. The numbers of storm sediment sequences depend on whether there are multiple sedimentary windows in which sediments can be retained. Storm deposits can be recorded continuously and completely in a lagoon, different from event sedimentary records, and they have specific sedimentological, geochemical, and microfossil characteristics. • Storm deposits from Wangcun Lagoon on the southern China coast before and after Typhoon Rommasun in 2014 were researched. • Typhoon Rammasun formed a storm sediment layer with thickness of approximately 40–70 cm in Wangcun Lagoon. • The interior of the storm deposits showed an obvious three-layered structure. • A fine-grained layer at the bottom of storm deposits formed during the deposition window period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural and human ensemble of Venice and its lagoon, with its peculiar island features, is among one of the most studied urban and environmental systems in the world. This introduction to Shima's special issue on Venice and its lagoon provides a brief historical and environmental context to this space and a possible platform whereby the local complexity and liminality of wetlands, lagoons and islands gesture to and evoke global themes, conceptual views, and transdisciplinary opportunities. Focusing on key topics like the theatricality of water engineering, the understanding of water rhythms and the recovery of water memories, we introduce the articles presented herein, providing a geo-historical framework for the various interpretations of living, narrating and representing Venice and its lagoon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal lagoons are significant wetland environments found on coastlines throughout the world. Groundwater seepage may be a key component of lagoon water balances, though only a few studies have investigated large (>100 km2) coastal lagoons. In this study, we combined airborne thermal infrared imagery with continuous measurements of radon (222Rn—a natural groundwater tracer), conductivity, water temperature and dissolved oxygen to map groundwater seepage to a large coastal lagoon in New Zealand. We found evidence of seepage along the margins of the lagoon but not away from the margins. Our findings confirmed previously known seepage zones and identified new potential locations of groundwater inflow. Both point source and diffuse seepage occurred on the western and northwestern margins of the lagoon and parallel to the barrier between the lagoon and sea. These observations imply geologic controls on seepage. The combination of remote sensing and in‐situ radon measurements allowed us to effectively map groundwater discharge areas across the entire lagoon. Combined, broad‐scale qualitative methods built confidence in our interpretation of groundwater discharge locations in a large, dynamic coastal lagoon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Great South Bay (GSB) is a shallow temperate lagoon in New York, USA, that has experienced a long-term decline in ecosystem maturity, defined as possessing increased complexity, stability, and resilience, dating back to the nineteenth century that is attributed to the loss of filter-feeding and upper trophic-level diversity and biomass. The observed decline is hypothesized to result from reduced connectivity to the Atlantic Ocean following installation of permanent inlets along the barrier island that reduce the probability of "rapid state" change through breaching. In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy created a breach in Fire Island that increased connectivity between GSB and the ocean, resulting in higher bay-wide salinity. We hypothesized that increased connectivity would result in a state change reminiscent of a mature system, characterized by higher nekton and mobile invertebrate species richness and diversity, and occurrence of migratory biomass. Otter trawl surveys were conducted throughout GSB from 2013 through 2015 and compared to a pre-breach survey conducted in 2007. An increase in species richness, diversity, and biomass in the 3 years following the breach and a difference in the dominant species collected between sampling periods was observed. Transition in the nekton and mobile invertebrate assemblage was also observed, whereby the assemblages in 2007 and 2015 differed from 2013 and 2014, with the greatest differentiation between the 2007 and 2015 assemblages, highlighting the influence of the breach rather than seasonal and/or inter-annual variation in driving these assemblages. This temporal trajectory of assemblage change clearly aligned with observed changes in salinity; however, this conclusion should be interpreted with caution given the lack of pre-breach survey replication. Nonetheless, our findings suggest that even a modest breach can cause detectible change in the community assembly in GSB. The expanded community diversity observed in GSB is suggestive of initial recovery of ecosystem maturity and underscores the importance of breaching as fundamental in maintaining lagoon ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the Arctic coast erodes, it drains thermokarst lakes, transforming them into lagoons, and, eventually, integrates them into subsea permafrost. Lagoons represent the first stage of a thermokarst lake transition to a marine setting and possibly more saline and colder upper boundary conditions. In this research, borehole data, electrical resistivity surveying, and modeling of heat and salt diffusion were carried out at Polar Fox Lagoon on the Bykovsky Peninsula, Siberia. Polar Fox Lagoon is a seasonally isolated water body connected to Tiksi Bay through a channel, leading to hypersaline waters under the ice cover. The boreholes in the center of the lagoon revealed floating ice and a saline cryotic bed underlain by a saline cryotic talik, a thin ice‐bearing permafrost layer, and unfrozen ground. The bathymetry showed that most of the lagoon had bedfast ice in spring. In bedfast ice areas, the electrical resistivity profiles suggested that an unfrozen saline layer was underlain by a thick layer of refrozen talik. The modeling showed that thermokarst lake taliks can refreeze when submerged in saltwater with mean annual bottom water temperatures below or slightly above 0°C. This occurs, because the top‐down chemical degradation of newly formed ice‐bearing permafrost is slower than the refreezing of the talik. Hence, lagoons may precondition taliks with a layer of ice‐bearing permafrost before encroachment by the sea, and this frozen layer may act as a cap on gas migration out of the underlying talik. Key Points: Thermokarst lake taliks may refreeze when inundated with seawater, even under floating ice conditionsSalt rejection from lagoon ice formation and seasonal isolation from the sea cause hypersaline conditions below the lagoon's ice coverSubaquatic ice‐bearing permafrost formation suggests that not all subsea ice‐bearing permafrost is former terrestrial permafrost [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ege Journal of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences (EgeJFAS) / Su Ürünleri Dergisi is the property of Ege Journal of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences (EgeJFAS) / Su Urunleri Dergisi 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.)

Seafood is increasingly used worldwide due to its nutritional value. It is rich in essential minerals, liposoluble vitamins, and high-quality proteins. However, many seafood species tend to accumulate metals, making them a threat to human health. We chose Xincun Lagoon and Li-an Lagoon, which have been seriously polluted by local activities, and the relatively clean Tufu Bay as the research areas to investigate whether trace metals in economic seafood species in these areas threaten the food safety of consumers. The results show that the mean concentrations (mg kg−1 ww) of trace metals were Cu 0.22 ± 0.18, Pb 0.040 ± 0.028, Zn 5.25 ± 1.60, Cd 0.009 ± 0.004, Hg 0.0072 ± 0.0031, As 0.21 ± 0.12, and Cr 0.084 ± 0.048 in fish samples (Trachinotus ovatus); Cu 4.00 ± 0.96, Pb 0.075 ± 0.030, Zn 19.10 ± 2.64, Cd 0.050 ± 0.024, Hg 0.0131 ± 0.0035, As 0.91 ± 0.27, and Cr 0.216 ± 0.095 in crab samples (Charybdis natator); and Cu 5.37 ± 1.39, Pb 0.095 ± 0.023, Zn 21.38 ± 3.59, Cd 0.096 ± 0.026, Hg 0.0208 ± 0.0052, As 1.65 ± 0.59, and Cr 0.406 ± 0.117 in bivalve samples (Ruditapes philippinarum), respectively, with species specific (fish < crab < bivalve) and significant seasonal and spatial variation (p < 0.05). However, health risk assessment (EDI, THQ, TTHQ, CR) indicated that the consumption of the analyzed seafood from the study areas is safe for local consumers. But there is a potential risk for fishermen and those who prefer seafood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]