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The reproductive performance knowledge of economically important bivalves is essential to establish better shellfishery management measures and aquaculture programs. The reproductive cycle, as well as the nutrient storage and utilization of two Portuguese Cerastoderma edule populations from Óbidos and Ria Formosa lagoons were characterized by evaluating gonadal development stages, gonadal and condition indexes, as well as glycogen and total lipid content, over several consecutive years. The relationship between reproduction and environmental parameters (sea surface temperature and chlorophyll a) was assessed. The reproductive cycle of both populations of C. edule followed a clear seasonal pattern. The onset of gametogenesis took place in early autumn for both populations, and its evolution coincided with a temperature decrease which progressed throughout the winter. The mature stage was reached in spring, followed by a spawning period during spring and summer, triggered by a rise in temperature. After spawning, both populations progressed to a prolonged inactive stage. The condition index reflected the accumulation and utilization of glycogen, which was considerably higher in the Óbidos population. However, no relationships were found in the reproductive cycle of the species. Total lipids remained similar not only during the gametogenesis period, but also during the spawning period, which may be related to successive and simultaneous gamete production and release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental reconstruction can benefit from the interpretation of the postmortem history of shell remains. The molluscan death assemblages obtained from grab samples at forty-nine sites in the Manzala lagoon, the largest lagoon in the Nile Delta, were analyzed to infer the taphonomic alteration. The preservation of shells at each site has been semi-quantitatively ranked based on the taphonomic features formed by encrustation, bioerosion, abrasion, dissolution, precipitation, fragmentation, discoloration, and loss of sheen (low, moderate, high). A significant difference has been observed between sites of low and high environmental stress. Water depth and substrate type (hydrodynamics) correlate significantly to the percent number of altered shells. The southern parts of the lagoon, which are characterized by lower water energy and higher rates of sedimentation, are highly polluted by heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn) and organic pollutants. The southern parts receive much sediment from the agricultural drains, which increases burial of shelly material and decreases their time on the TAZ. The northern parts of the lagoon have slower rates of sedimentation, so that the molluscan shells remain longer at the sediment-water interface (Taphonomic Active zone; TAZ), where fragmentation is enhanced by winnowing under higher water-energy. The long residence in the TAZ also favored both bioerosion (Trypanites and Oichnus) and encrustation by bryozoan colonies, polychaetes, and oysters. Therefore, the taphonomic processes have the potential to cause severe damage and taphonomic loss of shell materials. Chemical dissolution and precipitation of shell remains may be related to acidic pore water. Moreover, high alkalinities in the southern polluted parts may also reduce the dissolution in contrast to the acidic water in the northern parts of the lagoon. • Taphonomic damage of the molluscan shells was linked to hydrodynamics and porosity. • Heavy metal pollution has no marked effect on the taphonomic damage. • Alkalinity and high sedimentation rates significantly decrease the taphonomic damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A single sub-adult specimen of yellowtail snapper, Ocyurus chrysurus (Bloch, 1791) of 76.08 mm total long (TL) and weighing 4.38 g, was caught on June 7, 2013 over a sandy habitat in the coastal lagoon of La Mancha, Veracruz, Mexico. The capture of O. chrysurus represents a first record for the lagoon and one of the few records for the estuarine systems of the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, even though this species is typical of habitats associated with coral reefs. Similarly, the reported sequence of the mitochondrial COI gene is also the first record of the species for coastal lagoons of this region. Other sequences of the same species were used to evaluate the haplotypic diversity in the western Atlantic Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatial and temporal variation of phytoplankton communities including HAB species in relation to the environmental characteristics was investigated in the protected meso-oligotrophic Mellah lagoon located in the South Western Mediterranean. During 2016, a biweekly monitoring of phytoplankton assemblages and the main abiotic factors were realized at three representative stations. Taxonomic composition, abundance, and diversity index were determined. In total, 227 phytoplankton species (160 diatoms and 53 dinoflagellates) were inventoried. There was a clear dominance of diatoms (62.9%) compared with dinoflagellates (36.8%). Diatoms dominated in spring and dinoflagellates developed in summer and early autumn in Mellah showing a marked seasonal trend. Data showed that the dynamic of the phytoplankton taxa evolving in the lagoon was mainly driven by temperature and salinity. For the first time, a number of potentially toxic species have been identified, including 2 diatoms (Pseudo-nitzschia group delicatissima, Pseudo-nitzschia group seriata) and 5 dinoflagellates (Alexandrium minutum, Alexandrium tamarense/catenella, Dinophysis acuminata, Dinophysis sacculus, Prorocentrum lima). These harmful species could threat the functioning of the Mellah lagoon and human health and require the establishment of a monitoring network. Finally, our study suggests that the observed decrease of the phytoplankton diversity between 2001 and 2016 could result from the reduction in water exchanges between the lagoon and the adjacent coast following the gradual clogging of the channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal lagoons are marine ecosystems spread worldwide with high ecological value; however, they are increasingly becoming deteriorated as a result of anthropogenic activity. Their conservation requires a better understanding of the biodiversity factors that may help identifying priority areas. The present study is focused on 37 Mediterranean coastal lagoons and we use predictive modelling approaches based on Generalized Linear Model (GLM) analysis to investigate variables (geomorphological, environmental, trophic or biogeographic) that may predict variations in alpha-diversity. It included taxonomic diversity, average taxonomic distinctness, and phylogenetic and functional diversity. Two GLM models by index were built depending on available variables for lagoons: in the model 1 all lagoons were used, and in the model 2 only 23. All alpha-diversity indices showed variability between lagoons associated to exogenous factors considered. The biogeographic region strongly conditioned most of models, being the first variable introduced in the models. The salinity and chlorophyll a concentration played a secondary role for the models 1 and 2, respectively. In general, the highest values of alpha-diversities were found in northwestern Mediterranean (Balearic Sea, Alborán Sea and Gulf of Lion), hence they might be considered “hotspots” at the Mediterranean scale and should have a special status for their protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT S.B. Sujitha; M.P. Jonathan; D.C. Escobedo-Urias; Fernando Aguirre-Bahena; S.K. Sarkar; Lorena Elizabeth Campos Villegas, and E. González Gomez., 2018. Fate of dissolved trace metals in the waters of Bahia Magdalena lagoon, Baja California Sur, Mexico. In: Shim, J.-S.; Chun, I., and Lim, H.S. (eds.), Proceedings from the International Coastal Symposium (ICS) 2018 (Busan, Republic of Korea). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 85, pp. 431–435. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. Concentrations of dissolved trace metals (Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Co, Zn, Cd, As) were determined in forty-one surface and forty bottom water samples procured from Bahia Magdalena lagoon, Baja California Sur, Mexico using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. In-situ measurements of temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and pH were also carried out in each station and high salinities classified the lagoon as Eurihaline. The region witness raised temperatures (avg. 28.92°C) due to their location in an arid setting with less precipitation (< 14mm) and high evaporation rates. The pH values ranged from 7.52 – 8.56 indicating an alkaline environment. Cadmium and Zinc presented nutrient like distributions whereas Fe, Mn, Co, Cu, Cr, Ni showed scavenged type of profiles. The high values of Ni (surface: 0.246 mg/L; bottom: 0.138 mg/L), As (surface: 0.224 mg/L; bottom: 0.228 mg/L), Co (surface: 0.125 mg/L; bottom: 0.122 mg/L) and Cd (surface: 0.018 mg/L; bottom: 0.016 mg/L) are due to the local influences such as the ophiolitic outcrops, upwelling process, hydrothermal fluids and submarine phosphatic deposits. Less concentrations of Fe in the surface 0.011 mg/L and bottom waters (0.007 mg/L) are attributed to the formation of insoluble Fe oxides and hydroxides in oxygenated waters. Moreover, the fate of metals is also determined by the plankton distributions present in the lagoon which release strong chelators that influence the bioavailability of trace metals. However, the levels of Ni and As were observed to be hundred fold higher than the recommended values (Ni: 0.002 mg/L, As: 0.0002 mg/L) set by the Mexican government posing severe threat to the biota. This study gives distinct evidence of the distribution of dissolved trace metals against which long term contamination status may be evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lagoons are valuable ecosystems providing various services, such as fishing, recreational activities, and land reclamation, as well as hosting high biodiversity. Although lagoons in Turkey cover a coastal area of more than 36,000 ha, few studies of them have been conducted. Therefore, two lagoons (Dalyan and Arapçiftliği) located on the coast of the Sea of Marmara in the Kocaçay Delta, which is under intense anthropogenic pressure, were investigated between November 2013 and March 2015 to examine the effects of environmental factors on taxonomic diversity. In addition, ongoing high nutrient flow from the Karacabey region triggers eutrophication in the lagoons, thus causing low water transparency. In both lagoons, the zooplankton assemblages were mainly dominated by cosmopolite and eurytopic taxa. Calanoid copepod Acartia clausi was the dominant species in both lagoons and showed seasonal variation, while no seasonality appeared in nauplii. The high abundance of rotifer species of the genera Keratella and Brachionus reflects the harsh conditions in the lagoons, caused by cultural eutrophication, dystrophy, and salinity increase and also by the temperature-enhanced decrease in zooplankton evenness and richness. Flushing rate, precipitation, high temperature, and salinity influence the species composition, which shifted to a greater dominance by hypoxia/salinity-tolerant zooplankters, resulting in lower species diversity in the lagoons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geology of the Blue Lagoon, Abereiddy Bay, South Wales, has been studied for over a hundred years, and is the type locality for the Abereiddian sub‐stage of the Darriwilian (Ordovician), due to its outstanding fossil assemblages. Despite the work done on the Blue Lagoon, its geological significance has not yet been examined. Strata preserved at the Blue Lagoon comprises Avalonian volcanics and marine sediments. This feature examines Avalonia's palaeogeography, the structure and stratigraphy of Abereiddy Bay and the global significance of the geology at these classic localities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the need for implementing spatiotemporal criteria in environmental planning of special protected areas, applying the analysis of reaction patterns in the case study of the Mar Menor, a Mediterranean coastal lagoon in South-Eastern Spain. To perform this, the Mar Menor environmental patterns suffering traditionally from intense coastal urbanization, and in recent years from important eutrophication problems, will be analyzed from an integrated approach and retrospectively assessed through territorial indicators. The evaluation will provide a clear example of a protected area regulated by multiple European Natura 2000 figures of protection that nevertheless is suffering from a strong and varied anthropic process over time. The results will show that paradoxically this process sometimes has little territorial linkage origin with the area concerned. This aspect will be addressed by using GIS indicators, to present the real correlation between coastal urbanization and agricultural land transformation with Mar Menor evolution over time (in which it is pointed out that the weight of the latter is much greater than the former) and how far it is necessary to establish an area of influence of the environmental impacts by proposing a new scope of application for the resolution of the current situation of eutrophication in its waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Salada coastal lagoon is located in Veracruz (Mexico) near the Laguna Verde Nuclear Power Plant (LVNPP). Currently, the lagoon receives the cooling waters used in the LVNPP. To evaluate the fluxes and mobilization of trace elements due to human activities in the area, two sediment cores from the coastal flood plains of Salada Lagoon were analysed. Cores were collected using PVC tubes. Sediments cores were analysed every centimetre for dating ( 210 Pb by alpha detector) and trace metal analysis using ICP-Mass Spectrometry. The dating of both sediment cores covers the period from 1900 to 2013, which includes the construction of the LVNPP (1970's). The Normalized Enrichment Factor shows enrichment of Ag, As and Cr in both sediment cores. These enrichments correspond to the extent of mining activity (which reached a maximum in the 1900's) and to the geological setting of the coastal zone. The profiles of the element fluxes in both sediment cores reflected the construction and operation of the LVNPP; however, the elements content did not show evidence of pollution coming from the LVNPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Marano-Grado Lagoon (MGL) is extensively contaminated by mercury (Hg) from local sources and long-term (500 years) tidally delivered inputs from the Idrija Hg mine (Slovenia) through Isonzo River suspended loads. A multibox WASP-7 (Water Analysis Simulation Program) model was used to simulate the long-term dynamics of the mercury cycle in the MGL. Scenario simulations were used to compute changes in the system over 100 years. Present and future Hg concentrations in water, sediment, and Hg budgets were compared, including evasion and MeHg inputs to the Mediterranean Sea, based on climate changes and mercury capping in tributary rivers. Using the Ref baseline scenario, the model computes a general decrease in Hg T of 13% in the water column and of 80% in sediment and a strong MeHg increase in sediment (+73%). The net sea export of Hg T decreases by 57% to up to 48 kg/y while MeHg increases by 10% to up to 0.63 kg/y. The lagoon sediment recovery time of Hg T up to a target level of 0.3 mg/kg is computed over 570 years for surface sediments (1750 for subsurface sediments). When removing Hg from boundaries, the same target value for surface sediments is reached within 110 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of Scotland's saline lagoons are located on the low-lying coastlines of the Western Isles and the northern archipelagos of Orkney and Shetland, where recorded annual relative sea level rise rates are among the highest in Scotland. The sediment-impounded lagoons of Orkney and Shetland will either lose their impoundment and become incorporated in marine coastal waters, or become increasingly saline, as relative sea levels rise. The rock-basin lagoons of the Western Isles will retain their restricted exchange with the sea but will also become more saline with rising sea level. Specialist lagoonal organisms tend to have wide salinity tolerances but may succumb to competition from marine counterparts. In all areas, there are sufficient fresh-water inland water bodies with potential to be captured as lagoons to compensate for loss of extent and number, but the specialist lagoon biota tend to have limited dispersal powers. It is thus possible that they will be unable to transfer to their analogue sites before existing lagoons become fully marine, giving conservation managers the problem of deciding on management options: leave natural processes to operate without interference, manage the saline inflow to maintain the current salinity regime, or translocate lagoon organisms perceived as threatened by rising salinities. Timing of conversion and capture is unpredictable due to local topography and complications caused by variable stratification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) from animal wastes can contribute to pollution of surface waters. Bioavailable DON (ABDON) is a portion of DON utilized by algae with or without bacteria. This study determined DON and ABDON levels in animal wastewater collected from two different sources: an animal feedlot wastewater storage tank and a sheep wastewater storage lagoon. Inocula for the ABDON bioassays were comprised of individual species and several combinations involving two algae ( Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Chlorella vulgaris ) and a mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) bacterial culture. The ratio of initial DON to initial total dissolved nitrogen was 18% in the feedlot wastewater samples and 70% in the lagoon wastewater samples. The results showed that between 1.6 and 4.5 mg-NL-1 DON (45–79% of initial DON) in the feedlot samples and between 3.4 and 7.5 mg-NL-1 DON (36%–79% of initial DON) in the lagoon samples were bioavailable with the inocula tested. These results suggest that when considering eutrophication potential of livestock wastewater, organic nitrogen should be included in addition to the obvious culprits, ammonia and nitrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the scope of the first WDF management cycle, a multi-municipality sanitation system with secondary treatment was implemented in 2005 in Ria de Aveiro coastal lagoon, with the treated effluent discharging into the Atlantic Ocean through a submarine outfall. The lagoon water chemical status was evaluated regarding dissolved inorganic nutrients and chlorophyll a before and after 2005. The S. Jacinto outfall has effectively reduced the point source nutrient loads (ammonium and phosphate) into Ria de Aveiro, representing a step forward for the implementation of the WFD, through eutrophication abatement. However, the lagoon remains exposed to non-point nitrogen sources, as a consequence of the current land use and water management, which in a scenario of winter extreme precipitation events, nutrients increase through surface run-off. Besides, in a combined scenario of low freshwater input into the lagoon and favourable oceanic condition, nutrients enter through Ria outer boundary coming from the S. Jacinto outfall. Thus, changes in the system hydrodynamics in the context of global change might pose new challenges regarding the WFD second management cycle involving the second river basin management plan and the first flood risk management plan, foreseeing the ‘Good’ ecological status in all Ria's Water Bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous depositional environments of the Qiangtang Basin in Tibet have the potential to provide significant insight into mechanisms of black shale deposition, organic matter accumulation, and the timing of closure of the Mesotethys Ocean. However, the depositional setting has not been well constrained. Here we apply multiple geochemical proxies and petrologic analyses to representative samples of black shale, marl, and micrite collected from a section in the region. These indicate a transitional marine–continental environment, with brackish to saline water. Redox conditions were weakly oxic to suboxic. Environments represented by the studied section varied over time. The lowermost marls were deposited in a low-salinity, weakly oxic shore to shallow lake environment, under a warm and humid climate regime. The micrites in the middle part of the section were deposited in a lagoonal environment, with intense evaporation, high salinity, and water column stratification. The uppermost shales were deposited in a reducing, semi-enclosed lagoon environment during a marine transgression. These results suggest that the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous succession was deposited in a tidal-flat or lagoonal environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

López-Portillo, J.; Lara-Domínguez, A.L.; Vázquez, G., and Aké-Castillo, J.A., 2017. Water quality and mangrove-derived tannins in four coastal lagoons from the Gulf of Mexico with variable hydrological dynamics In: Martinez, M.L.; Taramelli, A., and Silva, R. (eds.), Coastal Resilience: Exploring the Many Challenges from Different Viewpoints. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 77, pp. 28-38. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. This study explored the spatial variability of physico-chemical water variables ( i.e., salinity, nitrogen, phosphorus and tannins) in contrasting seasons in four coastal lagoons (Chica y Grande, La Mancha, Sontecomapan and El Ostión) along Veracruz state, Mexico. We also calculated the mangrove and central basin water areas and associated them to physico-chemical data to analyze them by means of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) due to high correlation among variables. Finally, we elaborated coded maps of each lagoon to represent the gradients of the variables with statistically significant loadings in either of the first two components accounting for 50 to 70% of total data variability. In La Mancha, NH4, NO3 and RP but not salinity were associated with river outflows. In Grande and Chica, NH4, NO3 and RP were higher near the lagoon inlet, but the major river outflows was also in that area, confounding their actual source. Finally, NO3 were strongly associated with river outflows in Sontecomapan and El Ostión. However, the concentrations of tannins were directly associated with mangrove cover in the four lagoons. Our results indicate that the connection with the sea, the position of the inflowing rivers, and the morphology of the lagoon provides the 'estuarine signature' of each lagoon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population structure, growth and fecundity of the amphipod Nototropis minikoi in front of the Campechen Lagoon, Quintana Roo, were analysed. A total of 1207 juveniles, 120 adult females and 211 adult males were collected. The relationship of the total length and head length was allometric. Using the Von Bertalanffy equation the maximum length was calculated to be 6.66 ± 0.55 mm, the growth rate was 0.67 ± 0.02, which is faster and higher than in other peracarids. There was a significant relationship between the size of ovigerous females and the number of eggs, with an average of 6 ± 3.27 eggs and total length of 5.21 ± 0.57 mm, similar to that found in other studies. The net reproduction rate was 4.98, generation time 124.49 days, maximum intrinsic growth rate of 0.0131 and a low survival (15%). This work represents the first study on the population structure of the amphipod N. minikoi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Northern Chilean Patagonia has numerous pristine lakes associated with Nothofagus and Araucaria araucana forests. The present study consists of a study of optical properties in visible, close, and medium infrared wavelengths in mountain lakes surrounding Llaima Volcano - lakes that have associated Nothofagus and Araucaria araucana native forests with volcanic origins. The results revealed high reflectance values in Arcoiris Lagoon that has volcanic stones in its bottom, whereas the other lakes and lagoons have low reflectance values. These differences in spite of oligotrophy would be associated with surrounding vegetation and geological characteristics of studied sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Algae has many applications in terms of ecology, biodiversity, agriculture, medicine, biotechnology, industry, etc. They are potent organisms in bio-active compound production, bioremediation and primary producer. Therefore, it is important to discover local strains with biotechnological and ecological applications. Materials and methods: Soil and water samples were collected from different sites of Khark Island (Persian Gulf). The samples were cultivated and purified using different techniques. Seven different antibiotics together with other physical methods used to purify the isolates. Results: Throughout the project 7 strains including 2 eukaryotic algae and 5 cyanobacteria have been isolated. Imipenem and cycloheximide were the best antibiotics for purification of cultures. Three of isolates were morphologically similar to Arthronema africanum, Pseudanabaena teremula, Anabaenopsis sp. However, they have some different characteristics which according to the present identification keys it is not possible to identify their identity (they have nominated Kh.C.d2, Kh.T.1 and Kh.T.2). Discussion and conclusion: According to the results, isolated strains were identified at the genus level based on morphology characters; therefore the complementary examinations such as molecular identification, ITS, 18s rRNA, 16s rRNA and sequencing can help to approve the strains identity. Upon approval of the new strains account for morphological traits are necessary for their easy identification. The Imipenem antibiotic is the best for eukaryotic algae purification and Cycloheximide is suitable for prokaryotic algae (cyanobacteria) purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seasonal variability of the macrozoobenthos in a saline lagoon characterized by the absence of a permanent connection with the sea is described according to the results of a survey in Ptich'e Lake (southern Sakhalin) in 2012-2013. Changes in the species composition, abundance, and biomass of the macrozoobenthos have been revealed. Features of the formation of species complexes, benthic communities, and trophic groups are shown. Causes of the phenomena described are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The District of Kucova, is a part of a higher administrative unit, Berat. The premises of the former refinery are located on a total area of about 25 ha. Currently, this site is without any industrial use; from the geomorphological point of view, the wider vicinity of the site can be characterized as a flat region with local elevations not exceeding 25 m. The former refinery lies in the floodplain of the Driza valley. The highest point of the premises is located on a Neogene elevation, which runs through the western part of the premises and reaches an altitude of about 53 m. The lowest-lying part of the premises reaches an altitude of about 36 m. The oil refineries in Kucova had a great impact on the environment. Currently, they do not work and are sold for scrap. However, the environment is still polluted by petroleum products remained from the former refinery. In this paper, we will discuss only about the former oil refinery in Kuçova town. The article is the result of research work carried out by different institutions. The results refer to the year 2011. The surveys were performed during subsequent years. All the technological facilities of the former refinery caused environmental pollution. The main hot spots of contamination are the lagoons. Lagoons caused the greatest impact on the environment. Technological wastes were discharged into them and are stored for many years. The authors goal is to determine the amount of contaminated waste in the lagoons. In the area of the former refinery, there are 6 lagoons. Two lagoons (No. 1, 2) have the technological waste of distillation units, referred to as asphalt storage lagoons; in two lagoons (No. 3, 4), there are deposited acid wastes; in the lagoons no. 5 and no. 6, there are deposited coke technological waste. Lagoons are separated into two products: Waste volume (13,500 m3) and produced waste volume ( 2.0831 million m3). This is a unique case study for the pollution level in Albania, highlighting contamination and the impact on the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The historical cartographic material of insular Southeast Asia provides significant potential for research into historical environmental changes. Yet most of this potential has not been realized. This article explores the historical cartography of the Segara Anakan lagoon region on Java's south coast in the context of a shoreline change analysis. It shows how historical cartography supports the analysis of environmental changes and vice versa. Thoroughly exploring the cartographic history of the target region helps to maximize the temporal scale and resolution of analysis; provides insight into the gradual development and replication, but also the ignorance, of cartographic knowledge; and supports an appraisal of the maps' reliability, all of which help to avoid analytical pitfalls. Complementing a quantitative analysis of more recent, relatively accurate cartographic material with a qualitative analysis of very early, less accurate maps and map-makers' records allows the temporal scale of historical environmental research to be extended further into the past. At the same time, it exposes the limits and pitfalls of historical cartographic analyses of environmental change. The author's analysis of the early maps of the Segara Anakan lagoon shows how information from complete but relatively inaccurate maps was repeatedly reproduced by map makers for about a century, while information from more accurate but incomplete maps was consistently ignored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulicat lagoon is the semi enclosed and second largest brackish water body in tropical India. The morphology, water quality and biological productivity of the lagoon had being subjected to noteworthy changes over the years under the influence of natural as well as human interference. Recent research have revealed that the lagoon losses its biological integrity due to more sedimentation from rivers predominantly in monsoon seasons, lagoon mouth closure, overfishing, pollution from various phenomena such as usage of motor boats, sewage disposal and aquaculture farms. In this work, evaluation of the status of this lagoon in terms of its biological, physical and chemical importance, its flourishing inheritance, the threats to this ecosystem and the knowledge gaps with the recommendations towards protection of its declining biodiversity are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lagoon-wetland systems are common along low-lying coastlines. They provide rich species habitats, multiple ecosystem services and socio-economic activities. They are particularly susceptible to the impacts of sea level rise (SLR), especially in less developed countries (LDCs) where economic and development constraints limit adaptation. The Muni-Pomadze lagoon is one of five coastal Ramsar sites in Ghana and one of many along the country's coastline. It is an intermittently closed lagoon with extreme seasonal hydrological and physico-chemical variation. Field observation, digital mapping and GIS analysis of the shoreline has enabled an understanding of coastal change and SLR at the lagoon. From 1972 to 2014 the high water mark has shifted landwards with an average retreat rate of 0.22 m/year. Evidence of erosion and sediment washover indicate loss of and a shift landward of the sand barrier separating the lagoon from the ocean. Creation of an inundation map for a one-meter rise of sea level reveals fragementation and breaching of the barrier and an increasingly permanent connection to the ocean. A more open lagoon system stabilises hydrological and physico-chemical conditions, leading to increases in biodiversity and aquatic productivity. The lagoon currently has no consideration of SLR in its management plan. The results of this analysis and the limited development of the Muni-Pomadze lagoon support a no intervention approach to coastal management that allows SLR to transform the closed lagoon to an open estuary. A similar approach at comparable coastal wetland systems in Ghana and in other LDCs could prove an effective management option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oikamanai Lagoon in the Tokachi coastal region of Hokkaido, Japan, opens to the ocean several times a year due to water overflow across the sand bar triggered by rainfall or snowmelt runoffs of inflowing rivers. The water-budget calculation for the lagoon under closed conditions indicates that the net groundwater output occurs as confined groundwater, probably flowing into the ocean through the sand bar. The net groundwater output is then balanced mainly by river inflow. For the lagoon's heat budget, heat flux caused by net groundwater output was an unknown factor balanced by heat flux of river inflow and a change in the lagoon's heat storage. The two net groundwater outputs from water and heat budgets exhibit the linear relationship close to the one-to-one correspondence. Hence, two unknown factors-groundwater outflow ( G) and groundwater inflow ( G)-were estimated separately. G and G values averaged over the budget period were estimated to be 1.04 m s and 0.078 m s (7.5 % of G), respectively. Thus, the groundwater outflow to the ocean, representing most of the groundwater output, may control water residence time and water and material cycles related to the ecosystem in or around the lagoon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We modeled 3 coastal lagoons with distinctive salinities and ranges of variation. [•] We examined differences in functional properties of ecosystems using ECOPATH. [•] In winter, high salinity lagoons are plant-limited and more dependent on detritus. [•] Seasonal differences are lower at low salinity, suggesting more stable functioning. [•] Submersed plants may help to counteract nutrients' effects on phytoplankton growth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Urban sprawl is one of the severe land use/land cover (LULC) change agents, especially in rapidly urbanizing developing countries such as Nigeria. Land use/land cover is among the key drivers of environmental change as it leads to dramatic changes in both landscape patterns and ecosystem functions. Lagos metropolis, the nation's economic nerve center, is on a low-lying coastal landscape endowed with lagoons, wetlands, and other ecological assets. The Lagos/Lekki Lagoon system, with its catchments and wetlands, constitute about 71% of the state. With rapid urbanization and intense development pressure, some of the fringing wetlands and other land cover in the area have been converted to urban landscape. Just like the wetlands, the precise nature of these land cover changes is comprehensively unknown. In this ongoing study, land cover dynamics linked to the spatial changes in the wetlands fringing these lagoons are also comprehensively assessed. With low topography, high energy, and erosive coastlines, the extent of coastal erosion (1985- 2009) in the area is assessed with remote sensing data and geographic information system (GIS) using topographic maps as baseline data. ENVI software is deployed for the processing of Landsat imageries, and unsupervised classification is used for image classification. The objective is to establish the locations and magnitude of the land cover dynamics between 1984 and 2006, ultimately leading to implications for flood risk on affected areas. Results show that as swamps decreased from 344.75 km2 to 165.37 km2 and mangroves decreased from 88.51km2 to 19.95km2, both between 1984 and 2006, built-up areas increased from 48.97 km2 to 282.78km2 at 10.61 km2/y; water body decreased from 685.58 km2 to 654.98 km2 at _0.16 km2/y; bare land increased from 24.32 km2to 72.73 km2 at 2.2 km2/y; and vegetation decreased marginally from 1369.15km2 to 1361.08 km2 at -0.37 km2/y all between 1984 and 2006. Evidently most of the growth in built-up areas occurred in previous wetland areas and some vegetated areas. Most of the increase in built-up area occurred in the Eti-osa Local Government Area (LGA) and then in the Kosofe LGA. The decrease in the water body is attributable to anthropogenic action of reclamation and accretion arising from island formation on the Lekki Lagoon. Some of the consequences of the land cover (LC) dynamics are briefly highlighted [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Although several exergy-based indicators of ecosystem state have been put forward during the last decades, their effectiveness still expect a full confirmation. Recently, Ludovisi has proposed a formulation of exergy based on classical thermodynamics, which includes three terms –size (C), concentration (X) and structural information (I) – accounting for the contribution to exergy due to the abiotic and biotic components of an ecosystem, with the latter being expressed as a function of (sub)community structure and diversity. In the present study, the response of the different exergy terms is analysed along the seasonal progression of environmental conditions and phytoplankton in the Lagoon of Lesina (Puglia, Italy). According to the proposed methodology, the equilibrium concentration of the main hydrochemical variables has been calculated on the basis of a suitable hydrochemical model. The estimate of the equilibrium concentration of the phytoplankton (the VECE values) has been performed for logarithmic body-size classes by applying the equilibrium condition to the complete oxidation of the biomass. The results show that: (i) hydrochemical and phytoplankton exergy, as well as exergy terms (size C, concentration X and structural information I) are positively correlated one another, thus suggesting that phytoplankton contributed to enhance the total exergy of the water column of the lagoon also affecting the hydrochemistry of the system, especially during massive blooms; (ii) exergy and structural information of phytoplankton increase with increasing phytoplankton biomass, thus indicating that the size spectrum of phytoplankton diverges from the equilibrium distribution as the biomass stored increases (or vice versa); (iii) the size-fractioned Shannon information of phytoplankton increases with increasing biomass density as well as structural information, before reaching a superior limit. On the whole, the observed trends are consistent with theoretical expectations based on thermodynamics and classical ecological theories of succession, thus confirming the effectiveness of exergy-based tools as indicators of ecosystem development, as well as ecological orientors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study analyzes and compares the results of leachate composition at the semi-aerobic Pulau Burung Landfill Site (PBLS) (unaerated pond and intermittently aerated pond) and the anaerobic Kulim Sanitary Landfill in the northern region of Malaysia. The raw samples were collected and analyzed for twenty parameters. The average values of the parameters such as phenols (1.2, 6.7, and 2.6 mg/L), total nitrogen (448, 1200, and 300 mg/L N-TN), ammonia-N (542, 1568, and 538 mg/L NH3-N), nitrite (91, 49, and 52 mg/L NO2 −-N), total phosphorus (21, 17, and 19 mg/L), BOD5 (83, 243, and 326 mg/L), COD (935, 2345, and 1892 mg/L), BOD5/COD (0.096,0.1124,0.205%), pH (8.20, 8.28, and 7.76), turbidity (1546, 180, and 1936 Formazin attenuation units (FAU)), and color (3334, 3347, and 4041 Pt Co) for leachate at the semi-aerobic PBLS (unaerated and intermittently aerated) and the anaerobic Kulim Sanitary Landfill were recorded, respectively. The obtained results were compared with previously published data and data from the Malaysia Environmental Quality Act 1974. The results indicated that Pulau Burung leachate was more stabilized compared with Kulim leachate. Furthermore, the aeration process in PBLS has a considerable effect on reducing the concentration of several pollutants. The studied leachate requires treatment to minimize the pollutants to an acceptable level prior to discharge into water courses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Coastal lagoons are threatened by natural and anthropogenic factors that have been accelerated in the last decades, with detrimental effects on ecosystem and water quality, especially in sheltered systems. Eutrophication, macroalgal blooms, hypoxia and anoxia are among the main threats, which also impact on human activities, e.g. aquaculture and fishery. Study were performed from late 1980s to date in several Mediterranean lagoons, mainly in the Po river delta, in order to elucidate the main causes of such degenerative processes. Here we review (1) relationships between benthic vegetation and sediment biogeochemistry, with focus on factors determining eutrophication; (2) development of macroalgal blooms, with focus on causes and biogeochemical triggers of bloom onset; (3) perturbation of nitrogen cycling due to changes in benthic vegetation assemblages; (4) relationships between primary producers and benthic fauna, especially farmed species; (5) possible feedback loops among shellfish and primary producers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a data-set of dissolved methane (CH) in three rivers (Comoé, Bia and Tanoé) and five lagoons (Grand-Lahou, Ebrié, Potou, Aby and Tendo) of Ivory Coast (West Africa), during the four main climatic seasons (high dry season, high rainy season, low dry season and low rainy season). The surface waters of the three rivers were over-saturated in CH with respect to atmospheric equilibrium (2221–38719%), and the seasonal variability of CH seemed to be largely controlled by dilution during the flooding period. The strong correlation of CH concentrations with the partial pressure of CO (pCO) and dissolved silicate (DSi) confirm the dominance of a continental sources (from soils) for both CO and CH in these rivers. Diffusive air–water CH fluxes ranged between 25 and 1187 μmol m day, and annual integrated values were 288 ± 107, 155 ± 38, and 241 ± 91 μmol m day in the Comoé, Bia and Tanoé rivers, respectively. In the five lagoons, surface waters were also over-saturated in CH (ranging from 1496 to 51843%). Diffusive air–water CH fluxes ranged between 20 and 2403 μmol m day, and annual integrated values were 78 ± 34, 338 ± 217, 227 ± 79, 330 ± 153 and 326 ± 181 μmol m day in the Grand-Lahou, Ebrié, Potou, Aby and Tendo lagoons, respectively. The largest CH over-saturations were observed in the Tendo and Aby lagoons that are permanently stratified systems (unlike the other three lagoons), leading to anoxic bottom waters favorable for a large CH production. In addition, these two stratified lagoons showed low pCO values due to high primary production, which suggests an efficient transfer of organic matter across the pycnocline. As a result, the stratified Tendo and Aby lagoons were respectively, a low source of CO to the atmosphere and a sink of atmospheric CO while the other three well-mixed lagoons were strong sources of CO to the atmosphere but less over-saturated in CH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several environmental problems are complicated by ambiguity. Sea-level rise following climate change is one relevant example. In this paper, we apply a decision-making approach specifically designed to deal with ambiguity in order to evaluate the net benefits of the mobile barriers system (MOSE), which aims to protect the Venice Lagoon from periodic flooding. We show that the estimated impacts crucially depend on the level of optimism and pessimism of the decision maker and substantially differ from those calculated on the basis of the expected value. We also calculate the implicit ambiguity attitude of the decision maker. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The distribution of zooplanktonic prey of fish larvae was examined in three bays and two lagoonal stations in the Southwest lagoon of New Caledonia. Water column conditions were characterized by increasing chlorophyll a and particulate organic matter (POM) concentrations from the lagoon to the estuarine bay. The mean zooplankton settled volume and total density were significantly higher in the estuarine bay, reaching 35.1mLm−3 and 3.5×105 individualsm−3, respectively. The total zooplankton density also progressively increased along the sampling period. The composition of assemblages differed between the lagoon and the bays, and was similar in the three bays. Wind speed, surface temperature, chlorophyll a and POM explained these variations, as revealed by a co-inertia analysis (COIA). The prey preferred by fish larvae, i.e. small crustaceans and small copepods, were more abundant in bays. Sheltered bays, most influenced by terrigenous inputs, are likely to provide the best feeding conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomarkers have been useful tools to monitor some effects of pollution in coastal environments. Hepatic expression of heat-shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) were analyzed in white mullet (Mugil curema) by RT-PCR from July, 2005 until July, 2006 in three coastal lagoons located in the southern Gulf of California, Mexico. These three coastal systems receive contaminants derived from local anthropogenic activities. Heat-shock proteins function to maintain protein integrity in the presence of stressors (such as heat or chemicals) and can be used as biomarkers of homeostatic alterations in polluted environments, whereas cytochrome P450 family members participate in steroid hormone synthesis and metabolism, and in xenobiotic transformation as a detoxification mechanism. The expression levels of both genes showed consistency in time and space, and presented a high overall correlation (r = 0.731, P < 0.001). Regardless of a high individual variability, both genes presented higher expression levels in the Urias Estuary (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05 for CYP1A and Hsp70, respectively), which was considered the most polluted among the three systems, especially during the rainy season (summer to fall). Gene expression levels were significantly associated with non-halogenated hydrocarbon concentrations in sediments during the sampling period (r = 0.686, P = 0.019 for CYP1A and r = 0.91, P < 0.001 for Hsp70), suggesting that both genes respond to chemicals in the environment. The results indicate that Mugil curema is a good candidate species to implement biomonitoring programs in tropical coastal environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mandinga Lagoon in the Mexican State of Veracruz is an important ecological zone that produces 32% of the oyster output in the state of Veracruz, the main oyster producer in Mexico. Samples of water, sediment, and oysters were collected in 2003 and 2004 to study heavy metal pollution. Metal concentrations were determined in water, soil, and oyster tissues from fresh and detoxified Crassostrea virginica, and histology samples were analyzed. Metal (Cr, Cd, and Pb) concentrations in water were within the Mexican legal limits. The recorded values in sediments corresponded to those not producing biological effects (ERL). In the tissues, the highest concentrations corresponded to Pb, above 5.84 μgg-1 dry weight (d.w.); Cd was of 2.23 μgg-1 d.w., and Cr above 6 μgg-1 d.w. The metal levels detected in oysters exceeded the maximum permissible limits (MPL) for Cd and Pb, and oysters were unable to eliminate the concentrations of the bioaccumulated metals during the detoxification stage. The histopathological analysis revealed lesions in the digestive gland, edema, atrophy of epithelia in the digestive tubules, the presence of brown vesicles, hemocytic reaction, and necrosis. During detoxification, a higher number of epithelia were observed in the tubules, as well as an increase in brown vesicles and hemocytic reaction. Forty seven percent of oysters presented histopathological lesions related to metal concentrations. It is important to monitor metal concentrations, to detect the source of pollution, andto evaluate the effects on organisms to establish culture areas and adequate criteria for the exploitation of such an important fishery resource. Rev. Biol. Trop. 57 (4): 955-962. Epub 2009 December 01. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological significance of Bardawil Lagoon, the only oligotrophic hypersaline lagoon on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, was assessed through studying counts, activities and the distribution of nitrogen-cycling bacteria. Counts and activities of ammonifying bacteria, ammonium-oxidising microbes (AOM) and nitrite-oxidising bacteria (NOB) were compared between sites colonised by macrophytes and bare sites. Microbial counts and activities, and the concentrations of both organic and inorganic nitrogen compounds, were higher at colonised sites. In late summer, as macrophytes started to die off, organic nitrogen content in the sediments increased, mineralisation of the organic nitrogen in the sediments was pronounced, and ammoniacal-N, nitrate-N and nitrite-N concentrations peaked. Counts of ammonifying bacteria, AOM and NOB were also at maximum during the same period, coinciding with the highest ammonification and nitrification rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lagoons are highly productive coastal features that provide a range of natural services that society values. Their setting within the coastal landscape leaves them especially vulnerable to profound physical, ecological, and associated societal disturbance from global climate change. Expected shifts in physical and ecological characteristics range from changes in flushing regime, freshwater inputs, and water chemistry to complete inundation and loss and the concomitant loss of natural and human communities. Therefore, managing coastal lagoons in the context of global climate change is critical. Although management approaches will vary depending on local conditions and cultural norms, all management scenarios will need to be nimble and to make full use of the spectrum of values through which society views these unique ecosystems. We propose that this spectrum includes pragmatic, scholarly, aesthetic, and tacit categories of value. Pragmatic values such as fishery or tourism revenue are most easily quantified and are therefore more likely to be considered in management strategies. In contrast, tacit values such as a sense of place are more difficult to quantify and therefore more likely to be left out of explicit management justifications. However, tacit values are the most influential to stakeholder involvement because they both derive from and shape individual experiences and beliefs. Tacit values underpin all categories of social values that we describe and can be expected to have a strong influence over human behavior. The articulation and inclusion of the full spectrum of values, especially tacit values, will facilitate and support nimble adaptive management of coastal lagoon ecosystems in the context of global climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ghar El Melh (Northern Tunisia) is a shallow eutrophicated lagoon (total surface area 35.6 km2) which was one of the primary sites within the MELMARINA project. It is connected to the Mediterranean through a dredged opening and receives untreated sewage from two towns and a catchment of 131 km2. During the past decade the lagoon’s water quality has deteriorated and vegetation has changed. Ruppia sp. has diminished and green macroalgae (mainly Cladophora sp.) has increased. Frequent resuspension of fine alluvial sediment has reduced both water transparency and angiosperm ( Ruppia sp.) vegetation cover. Flash floods during winter deliver most of the load of sediment and nutrients from the catchment to the lagoon. Options for restoring the angiosperm cover in the lagoon have been analysed using a model system developed for the main part of the lagoon consisting of a 2-D hydrodynamic model coupled to an ecological model. The ecological model includes a combined description of eutrophication and sediment transport with rooted vegetation ( Ruppia sp.), benthic macroalgae, benthic microalgae, phytoplankton and suspended matter and nutrients. A separate sediment module includes pools of nutrients, organic carbon and fine sediment. Deposition and resuspension of the sediment pools are dependent on current and wind-generated shear stress. The load of nutrients and fine sediment was estimated through calibrating the model against measured water quality data and sediment deposition rates. The anthropogenic load from July 2003 to July 2004 was 33,000 tonnes fine sediment, 182 tonnes total N and 26 tonnes total P. A net import of sediment and nutrients from the sea was simulated, driven by the relatively high concentrations of suspended matter and particulate-bound N and P measured in coastal Mediterranean water outside the lagoon. Scenario simulations indicate that the lagoon acts as a deposition area for sediment N and P for boundary... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrological and hydrodynamic characteristics are important controls in all wetlands including coastal lagoons. Enhanced understanding of lagoon functioning can be obtained through the acquisition and interpretation of hydrological, meteorological and related data. The MELMARINA Project investigated links between hydrological and ecological conditions within North African coastal lagoons. It employed three primary sites: Merja Zerga in Morocco, Ghar El Melh in Tunisia and Lake Manzala in Egypt. Hydrological, meteorological and related data were acquired for these lagoons. Data included precipitation, evaporation, wind speed and direction, freshwater discharges into the lagoons, tides beyond the lagoons in the open sea, lagoon bathymetry and time series of lagoon water levels/depths. Data were acquired from secondary sources (including online archives) and targeted field survey and monitoring programmes. Interpretation of these data provides insights into the hydrological functioning of the lagoons and contributed to the modelling requirements of MELMARINA. The functioning of Merja Zerga is dominated by the exchange of water between the Atlantic and the lagoon. Large, tidally induced oscillations in water level are responsible for the inundation of extensive inter-tidal mudflats whilst the rapid replacement of water by exchanges with the sea diminishes the influence of freshwater inflows and winter rainfall. The smaller Mediterranean tides reduce the magnitude of lagoon–sea exchanges and result in much smaller water level oscillations within Ghar El Melh. As a result, this lagoon lacks the inter-tidal environments found within the Moroccan site and hydrodynamic conditions are more likely influenced by wind set up. Although freshwater inflows to Ghar El Melh are smaller than those in Merja Zerga, their effects, coupled with heavy winter rainfall, can persist due to longer residence times of water within the lagoon. Freshwater inflows are central to the... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the use of satellite imagery for identifying key environmental characteristics within three North African coastal lagoons (Merja Zerga, Morocco; Ghar El Melh, Tunisia and Lake Manzala, Egypt) and for detecting the major environmental changes within these environments. A combination of Landsat MSS, Landsat TM, Landsat ETM+ and ASTER imagery was acquired for the three sites for a period covering the last three decades (1972–2004). Following geometric correction and enhancement, the interpretation of the most recent image acquired for each of the three lagoons provides important insights into their current conditions. For Merja Zerga, these include the distribution of the largest channels which drain extensive inter-tidal mudflats and the two major depositional features associated with sources of freshwater. The distribution of marginal aquatic vegetation is highlighted as is the intensive use of the surrounding landscape for agriculture. Intensive agriculture around Ghar El Melh is also indicated. The influence of the Mejerda River, which was diverted away from the lagoon over 100 years ago, is shown to persist as a residual area of deltaic deposits in shallow water that has been eroded over time. Coastal processes including the direction of the alongshore sediment transport and the influence of engineering work associated with port construction can also be recognised. Within Lake Manzala, vegetated islands divide the lake into a series of sub-basins which can be clearly distinguished. The large influence of human activities within this lake can be identified and include reclamation for agriculture and the conversion of parts of the lake bed for fish farms. The historical images available for the three lagoons provide important insights into decadal scale changes, which have been greatest at Lake Manzala. Since the early 1970s large parts of the lake, in particular in the southwest where the shoreline has migrated northwards, have been... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatiotemporal changes of metals, inorganic ions and physiochemical parameters of Aitoliko lagoon, an anoxic wetland in Western Greece, were studied with special emphasis in sulfur species. Theoretical physicochemical modeling was performed for the sulfur speciation, based on experimental pH and redox potential data. Accordingly, the speciation of sulfur in the lagoon can be operationally divided in two domains: (a) for depths d =0–10m below the surface, the sulfur speciation can be described by equilibrium reactions between the aqueous species. (b) At depths d >10m a progressive decline for concentration is observed between theory and experiment. At the lagoon-bottom an elevated concentration of 19±2mM was measured, which cannot be described by physicochemical equilibrium based on the pH, E h, O2 concentrations measured in situ. Accordingly, we suggest that additional biogeochemical processes, such as sulfur bacteria activity, have to be invoked. Of particular importance is that the experimental pH-pe values cross the critical region where the interplay of //H2S occurs. This explains why a relatively small fluctuation of pH, pe values may result in a shift of the equilibrium over one sulfur species. This explains the, otherwise accidental, previously reported releases of H2S in the air over the lagoon. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The first recorded macroalgal bloom to occur at Kure and Midway Atolls in the highly protected Northwestern Hawaiian Islands was observed during summer 2008 on shallow water reefs. The native green macroalga Boodlea composita formed dense mats centimeters in thickness in select areas and formed decomposing masses on beaches at Kure Atoll. Mild oceanographic conditions during winter 2008 likely weakened lagoonal flushing systems, and when coupled with weeks of low wind and warm sea surface temperatures during the proceeding summer months, physical conditions within the lagoons of each atoll fostered rapid growth of this normally non-blooming alga. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]