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Fossil mollusc shells are used for dating geological materials because they are well preserved throughout geological time. In this study, the radicals in the structure of fossil mollusc shells (Dreissena iconica, Valvata piscinalis, Bithynia tentaculate, Unio pictorum) collected from the Eastern Part of Old Konya Lake in Türkiye were investigated by EPR technique. For all fossil shells, microwave and temperature dependence of the signals were examined, and the signals suitable for dating are discussed. Characteristic features of intrinsic and impurity-related radicals were identified and the importance of paleontological evaluation of molluscs to get a reliable equivalent dose in EPR dating studies was emphasised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the radioactive pollutants 210Po is the most substantial one in terms of seafood safety due to its efficient accumulation in marine animals and high irradiation of its alpha emission. Mercury is a highly toxic metal for both marine organisms and human beings. Biomagnification of MeHg (methylmercury) through marine food chains has made Hg concern of ecotoxicology and seafood safety. In the current study, the bioaccumulation of 210Po and THg (total mercury) were determined in 20 mollusc species, including 8 bivalves, 7 gastropods and 5 cephalopods collected from the island of Gökçeada in the north-eastern Aegean Sea. The highest accumulation of 210Po and Hg was seen in bivalves and cephalopods, respectively. Elevated Hg concentrations in all body parts (arms, mantle and viscera) were observed in octopus' species. The results of this study suggests that filter feeder bivalves and gastropods have a capacity to concentrate 210Po in their bodies, whereas predator gastropods and cephalopods have a capacity to concentrate Hg in their bodies. 7.0 kg (3.2–14.2) bivalve flesh intake is adequate due to 210Po ingestion in the studied region to reach 1 mSv which is the annual committed effective dose. Octopus consumption of 705 g in a week alone is needed to reach Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) of mercury, 5 μg kg−1 body weight. Due to very low non-fish seafood consumption in Turkey there is no risk of Hg intake and alpha radiation of 210Po above the limit values through mollusc consumption. • Po-210 activities and Hg concentrations were measured in molluscs. • Bivalve molluscs more efficiently accumulated 210Po compared to gastropod and cephalopod molluscs. • Filter feeder molluscs exhibited elevated 210Po activities while predator molluscs had high capacity to concentrate Hg. • Consumption of bivalve molluscs may cause increased internal radiation dose in the studied region due to 210Po intake. • Elevated Hg concentrations were observed in edible parts (mantle and arms) of cephalopods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy was used to determine the geological formation age of fossil mollusc shells taken from marine terrace deposits (İkizlerçeşme-Çanakkale) in northwestern part of Turkey. This work reports the first results obtained by the ESR technique on shells collected from this region. In the ESR spectra of the natural and γ-irradiated shell samples, two different signals attributed to orthorombic ( g xx =2.0030, g zz =2.0015, g yy =1.9980) and isotropic ( g =2.0006) CO 2 − ion radicals were overlaped (Signal C). Annealing and kinetic experiments suggest the possibility of using the ESR signal at g =2.0015 (C signal) for the estimation of accumulated geological doses. The ESR signal growth curve on additional gamma irradiation has been best fitted by a combination of two single exponential saturation functions. This may support the existence of at least two components of the g =2.0015 ESR dating signal. Based on this model, the accumulated dose of the samples was determined as 110±11 Gy. Also the isothermal decay curves of the ESR dating signal could be best described by the combination of two first order decay functions. Activation energy and meanlifetime values at 15 °C of the two components were calculated as E 1 =1.4±0.1 eV, E 2 =1.1±0.1 eV, τ 1 =7.2×10 6 years and τ 2 =3.3×10 3 years, respectively. Uranium content of the studied shells was found to be high according to their chemical analysis. This may point out that the marine shell has received uranium from outside particularly in carbonate sediment. Therefore, the ESR age of the samples was also calculated using Early Uptake (EU), Linear Uptake (LU) and Combined Uptake (CU) models and results were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out simultaneously with a fish parasitological studies of the first author. Six gastropod species (5 freshwater and 1 hygrophilîus terrestrial one) and three mussel species were identified in this case study. Five of the gastropods and two mussel species are first records from Manyas Lake. Although Manyas Lake is a Ramsar area and a National Park, this wetland has not been investigated as detailed in terms of mollusc fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Carbon and oxygen isotope ratios in the shells of the freshwater Unio mollusc yield information on the isotopic composition of the water in which the shell was formed, which in turn relates to climatic conditions prevailing during the bivalves’ life span. Here we analysed shells from one modern Unio, from a modern lake shore in Anatolia, and 4 subfossil Unio shells from Çatalhöyük (dated between 7200 BC and 5000 BC, Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods). Sequential carbon and oxygen isotope analysis along the surface of the shells provides information on seasonal or shorter-term variability of lake waters during the lifetime of the organisms. δ18O values of the modern shell are consistent with it being collected from a dammed portion of the Seyhan River that does not undergo intensive summer evaporation. This is in contrast to many of the surface water bodies in Anatolia which suffer extensive evaporation in the arid summers. δ18O values of the subfossil shells from the Çatalhöyük middens indicate that the bivalves came from lakes which evaporated extensively during the summer months but were replenished by high winter rainfall, suggesting that the subfossil shells lived in relatively small lakes or ponds. Stable isotope analysis along the growth of freshwater bivalves is one of the few methods for investigating seasonal water fluctuations in the past. These results may alter current interpretations on the environment of Çatalhöyük during the Neolithic, although more work is needed to confirm these initial findings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We report on a Late Miocene mollusc fauna from a single locality in the Denizli Basin in southwestern Turkey that is composed of ten presumably euryhaline species and three freshwater species. The fauna is remarkably distinct from faunas of the adjacent Late Miocene Aegean and Euxinian Basins, and has elements in common with the modern Caspian Sea fauna in the form of Didacna species. The suggested age of the fauna (Late Miocene) would extend the stratigraphic range of the lymnocardiid genus Didacna (hitherto Calabrian-Extant) considerably. The palaeobiogeographic significance of the Denizli fauna is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This work presents information about 19 taxa recorded from different habitats at depths between 0.2 and 508 m in the last two decades, which are new records or poorly known species along the Turkish coasts. Among the identified species, Epitonium vaillanti, Melanella cf. lubrica, Melanella monterosatoi, Pelseneeria minor, Setia amabilis, Kurtziella serga, Rissoella diaphana, Rissoella inflata, and Spirolaxis clenchi are new records for the Turkish mollusc fauna, Eatonina pumila is new report for the Turkish coast of the Aegean Sea, and Eatonina ochroleuca, Acirsa subdecussata, Lamellaria latens, Setia pulcherrima, Setia valvatoides, and Turbonilla cangeyrani are species with rare distribution which were sampled for one or a few times only. Viriola cf. bayani, Acirsa subdecussata, Melanella monterosatoi, Eatonina ochroleuca, E. pumila, Setia amabilis, Setia pulcherrima, Lamellaria latens, Rissoella diaphana, R. inflata, and Syrnola sp. were encountered along the Aegean Sea coast, whereas Epitonium vaillanti, Pelseneeria minor, Rissoidae sp., Kurtziella serga, Turbonilla cangeyrani, and Spirolaxis clenchi were recorded on the Levantine coast of Turkey, and Melanella cf. lubrica in the prebosphoric region of the Sea of Marmara. Setia valvatoides is the only species found on the Turkish Black Sea coast. On the other hand, Epitonium vaillanti and Viriola cf. bayani are species originated outside the Mediterranean basin. Most of the species were found at infralittoral and circalittoral depths, except for Kurtziella serga and Spirolaxis clenchi found at a depth of 508 m. The present study elucidates some ecological and distinguishing characteristics of the investigated species, along with their colour photographs and distribution along the Turkish coasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bozburun coalfield hosts a late Miocene 1.1 m thick coal seam. This study aims to determine coal quality, mineralogy, petrography and geochemistry, and controlling factors of elemental enrichments. The coals are generally black and greyish black in colour, and the low part of the seam commonly includes fossil shell remains. The ash yield displays a decreasing trend towards the upper part of the seam; in turn, gross calorific and total C values increase upwards. The total S content being generally higher than 5% (on dry basis), displays an increasing trend towards the upper part. In the entire seam, huminite is the most common maceral group, while inertinite and liptinite display variable proportions. The identified minerals by XRD are mainly quartz, clay minerals, calcite, pyrite, and aragonite (in fossil shell remains-bearing samples), whereas feldspars and marcasite determined in a few samples. Furthermore, in the coal samples, celestine and barite were identified by SEM-EDX. This study indicates that precipitation of celestine and Sr-bearing barite grains during diagenetic stage and Sr-uptake by mollusc within the palaeomire caused Sr enrichment in the entire seam. Overall, the water influx and redox conditions controlled the mineralogical and the elemental compositions of the coal seam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

İzmit Gulf is located between Kocaeli and Armutlu peninsulas at east of Marmara Sea and the interaction area of North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ) and Marmara Graben systems. In this study, the faunal and floral contents (ostracod, foraminifer, mollusc and diatom) of the samples belonging to seven drilling cores were studied and obtained the radiocarbon and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) age data in order to establish on the Black Sea -Marmara Sea - Mediterranean water connections and palaeoenvironmental changes. The sediments in this study are Late Pleistocene-Holocene aged and only cover the Marine Isotope Stages MIS-5 (interglacial), MIS-3 (an interstadial period between MIS-4 and MIS-2 glacial epochs) and MIS-1. The determination of ostracod and mollusc fauna of the Mediterranean and Ponto-Caspian origin provide important clues to water exchange between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Although some Mediterranean originated ostracods occur sporadically with low abundance, absence of foraminiferal fauna and existence of Ponto-Caspian ostracods together with fresh water and cosmopolitan diatom flora indicate that the area strongly interacted with the Black Sea waters during MIS-5. The faunal and floral characteristics of the sediments deposited during MIS-3, clearly denote that the Izmit Gulf was connected with the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea at the beginning of MIS-3 (ca. 52.0 - 40.0 ky BP) and the shallow shelf areas were frequently affected by both the Black Sea discharge and Mediterranean input. A thick Holocene sedimentary sequence recovered from the southern Hersek Burnu drilling cores reflects the environmental changes after the latest Black-Mediterranean seas connection. The studied ostracod and mollusc assemblages are mainly characterized by the Mediterranean originated species with a few relict Ponto-Caspian fauna. Also, the benthic foraminiferal assemblages are dominated by normal marine and euryhaline species, reflecting the salinity fluctuations in the Holocene interval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Riva-Çayağzı Creek (İstanbul, Black Sea) pours into the Black Sea from the coasts of Turkey. In the drainage basin of this creek, both deep and shallow drillings were undertaken, and the minimum thickness of Holocene stratigraphy was determined as 30 m. The Holocene young deposits are mainly composed of fine-grained sediments and clay, which has the most prominent thickness. The energy of water during the sedimentation process was low and stagnant in the Riva-Çayağzı Creek basin. When the marine mollusc fossils obtained from the shallow boring cores are evaluated, it can be deduced that the sea level in the study area had drawdown to -21 m in elevation. Ostracod, foraminifer, and diatom fossils determined in all cores of shallow borings are the same or similar to Mediterranean origin euryhaline forms. According to this outcome, the presence of brackish water in the study area is the result of the sea level rise that occurred at ca. 9.4 ka due to the Mediterranean origin fluctuations passing through the Dardanelles and Bosphorus straits into the Black Sea. Thus, it is understood that the sea level entered from the present Riva (İstanbul)-Black Sea coastline to at least 13 km south of the Çayağzı Creek drainage basin. The Early Holocene transgression has been defined for the first time here in the specific location of the Black Sea coast of Turkey. Accordingly, in the Riva-Çayağzı Creek basin, a lagoon sedimentation environment with low energy and stagnant water, having mainly brackish water with partial seasonal change and sea connection, was determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study deals with on the Quaternary connection of the Iznik Lake between the Gemlik Gulf and the Black Sea located in the Marmara Region. The core and drilling data were evaluated. They were collected at two locations and depths from drilling cores and at the three deepest locations of the lake. A total of 510 samples were examined from the lake-bottom cores. Ostracod, mollusc, nannoplankton, ascidian spicule, and diatom assemblages observed at different levels of the drillings were studied. No foraminiferal data were recorded. Molluscan association such as Dreissena bugensis, D. caspia , Monodacna pontica , Clathrocaspia makarovi , Euxinipyrgula milachevitchi , Euxinipyrgula lincta indicate Neoeuxinian age. Amnicythere olivia, A. stepanaitysae, A. striatocostata, Tyrrhenocythere amnicola and Loxoconcha immodulata of the ostracod assemblage, exhibiting Ponto-Caspian origin, were found. In addition, fossil ascidian spicules comprising various species of Bonetia , Micrascidites , Monniotia , and Rigaudia genera were encountered, probably representing Late Pleistocene to Holocene ages. Campylodiscus echeneis , Cocconeis placentula var. lineata Epithemia turgida var. granulata , Epithemia adnata , Nitzschia commutate and N. vermicularis , from the diatom assemblage are genera and species also found in the İznik Lake and in the Black Sea. Mollusc and ostracod fauna, the Ponto-Caspian origin indicates that the İznik Lake was connected with the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea in the recent period. Thus, the Ponto-Caspian assemblages indicate the early Neoeuxinian (Surozhian) brackish water inundated the study area. Geochronological ages determined by the 14 C method from the deposits occurring at 53–54 m above present sea level in the İznik Lake indicate the periods of connection via Iznik Lake during 33,630 to 32,920 cal BP (SK-1) and BP 27,335 to 27,070 cal BP (SK-2). When the position of the deposits is compared with the previously available Late Pleistocene 14 C data obtained from the molluscs identified in the nearby Gemlik Gulf at −76 m present water depth and also with the early Khazarian (Middle Pleistocene) age data on the molusc fauna at 130–150 m heights of uppermost terraces above present sea level to NW of the lake, we suggest the influence of a neo-tectonic regime for the occurrence of comparable age deposits at different levels in the region. It may be proposed that a vertical displacement in the order of a 100 m occurred since the late Pleistocene in the İznik Lake area and the lake acquired its present features as a result of the tectonic movements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the radiological and heavy metal risk assessment to evaluate the impact of coal-fired power plants on humans and the environment in Turkey. Radiological evaluation was performed in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. For the freshwater reference organisms, total dose rates for insect larvae, mollusc bivalve, and gastropod, and zooplankton show radiological risk. Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, contamination factor, ecological risk, and geoaccumulation index for heavy metal risk assessment are the aspects of interest. Long-term exposure of children to heavy metals in coal may cause non-carcinogenic harmful effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present work is to broaden our knowledge on the variability of metals and metalloid concentration levels in surface sediments, macroalgae and mollusc. Accordingly, As, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn levels in surface sediments, marine macroalgae species (Ulva intestinalis and Ceramium rubrum) and mollusk (mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis) collected from nine stations along the Sürmene Bay, Black Sea, Turkey, have been investigated using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Hence, higher concentration levels of As, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn have been recorded in the sediments and macroalgae collected from the harbor area, largely exceeding those recorded in previous studies carried out in the Turkish Black Sea. Consequently, sampled sediments from such area have revealed the highest Contamination Factor (Cf) values as well as the highest Contamination Degree (CD) levels, signaling higher ecological risks. Furthermore, U. intestinalis has shown higher accumulation capacity than C. rubrum and M. galloprovincialis. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and the Hazard Index (HI) have been carried out in order to evaluate the non-carcinogenic health risks posed by metals/metalloid via M. galloprovincialis consumption, revealing values below 1 for all sampling sites, indicating thus no adverse effects on human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the molluscan species diversity along the Turkish coasts. The compilation of the available references revealed a total of 1065 species belonging to 7 classes (Caudofoveata, Solenogastres, Polyplacophora, Gastropoda, Bivalvia, Scaphopoda, and Cephalopoda). Most of the reported species belong to the class Gastropoda (706 species), followed by Bivalvia (279 species), Cephalopoda (50 species), Polyplacophora (17 species), Scaphopoda (10 species), Caudofoveata (2 species), and Solenogastres (1 species). Among the coasts of Turkey, the highest number of molluscan species was recorded from the Aegean Sea (825 species), followed by the Levantine Sea (807 species), Sea of Marmara (537 species), and the Black Sea (155 species). Of the 1065 mollusc taxa, 118 species are alien ones that originated outside the Mediterranean Sea. Among the listed species, Timoclea roemeriana (Bivalvia), and Sepiola ligulata and Abraliopsis morisii (both from Cephalopoda) are new records for the Turkish mollusc fauna, 11 species of the classes Polyplacophora, Gastropoda, and Bivalvia (Leptochiton boettgeri, Cerithium protractum, Similiphora similior, Cerithiopsis diadema, Rissoa guerinii, Crepidula moulinsii, Crepidula unguiformis, Bela zenetouae, Doto coronata, Lima marioni, and Limaria loscombi) are new reports for the Levantine coast of Turkey, and 2 gastropod species (Acirsa subdecussata and Monotygma lauta) are new reports for the Aegean coast of Turkey. Among the listed taxa, 27 species have been classified in the IUCN Red List or Barcelona/Bern Conventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of palaeontological (palynological and mollusc) and sedimentological analyses of the lower Miocene deposits from the Bingöl minibasin, a part of the Sivas Basin, are exhibited to define the vertical shifts in sedimentation environments and plant covers, linking to eustasy. The presence of index species Corbulomya (Lentidium) aquitanica suggests an Aquitanian age for the studied succession, which can be divided into three informal units: a lower unit, a middle unit, and an upper unit. Fine-grained sediments of the lower unit were deposited in a low sea-level setting due to high quantities of terrestrial palynomorphs. This unit is overlain by the middle unit, coralgal limestone, which marks the first initiation of Aquitanian transgression. Continuing shallow marine settings in the upper unit gave rise to deposition of coarse to fine-grained sediments. Palynological data were recovered from the fine-grained sediments of the lower and upper units. A total of 35 spore and pollen taxa were recorded, including 2 spores from ferns, 5 gymnosperms, 26 angiosperms, 1 group of undifferentiated dinoflagellate cysts, and 1 fresh water alga of Botryococcus sp. The pollen spectrum is dominated by coniferous forest, mainly undifferentiated Pinaceae, and herbaceous communities including high quantities of Poaceae and Chenopodiaceae-Amaranthaceae, with minor contributions of Ephedra sp., Caryophyllaceae, and Asteraceae subf. Asteroidae. High sea-level conditions, which started with sedimentation of the middle unit, survived during the deposition of the upper unit due to being overwhelmingly dominated by dinocysts. Thermophile plants including Avicennia sp., Engelhardia sp., Myrica sp., Sapotaceae, Cyrillaceae-Clethraceae, and Reveesia sp. along with relatively high quantities of xerophytes and the quantitative palaeoclimate values imply a subtropical and dry palaeoclimate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focused on the soft bottom of the coastal waters (0-4 m) in the Çanakkale Strait. The objective was to determine the composition of bivalve species in the area. Sediment samples were collected using a 30x30 cm quadrat system by a SCUBA diver at eight sites between July 2008 and April 2009. The study recorded a total of 2299 individuals belonging to 55 species. The most abundant species in the study area was Lucinoma borealis. A significant positive correlation was found between seawater salinity and species diversity (rs = 0.59; p<0.05). The highest similarity in species diversity between seasons occurred between autumn and summer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Oligocene depositional history of the Thrace Basin documents a unique paleogeographic position at a junction between the Western Tethys and the Eastern Paratethys. As part of the Tethys, shallow marine carbonate platforms prevailed during the Eocene. Subsequently, a three-staged process of isolation started with the Oligocene. During the Early Rupelian, the Thrace Basin was still part of the Western Tethys, indicated by typical Western Tethyan marine assemblages. The isolation from the Tethys during the Early Oligocene is reflected by oolite formation and endemic Eastern Paratethyan faunas of the Solenovian stage. The third phase reflects an increasing continentalisation of the Thrace Basin with widespread coastal swamps during the Late Solenovian. The mollusc assemblages are predominated by mangrove dwelling taxa and the mangrove plant Avicennia is recorded in the pollen spectra. The final continentalisation is indicated by the replacement of the coastal swamps by pure freshwater swamps and fluvial plains during the Late Oligocene (mammal zone MP 26). This paleogeographic affiliation of the Thrace Basin with the Eastern Paratethys after ~32 Ma contrasts all currently used reconstructions which treat the basin as embayment of the Eastern Mediterranean basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land snails, including some economically important species, are commonly found in forests and mountainous regions of Türkiye. Türkiye's large geomorphological region and four surrounding seas, which offer a variety of malacofauna, help Türkiye achieve an endemism grade of over 65%. Despite extensive research over the past few decades, we still lack a sufficient understanding of the species identification of land snails in Türkiye, particularly in areas like forested mountain regions, and it is assumed that there are more than 1000 taxa in total. This review emphasizes the existence of invasive non-native snail species in Türkiye, such as Arion ater (Linnaeus, 1758) and Arion vulgaris Moquin-Tandon, 1855, which have a negative impact on agricultural and horticultural output. In addition to these species, Theba pisana, Cornu aspersum, Xeropicta derbentina, Xeropicta krynickii, Cernuella virgata and Eobania vermiculata are also found in Türkiye as non- native land snail species. Moreover, it also places a strong emphasis on the necessity of managing invasive species to reduce their detrimental effects on natural ecosystems by giving examples from the world and covers the predictions about the possible threats that the presence of non-native invasive land snail species in Türkiye may pose in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study area is located about 40km west ofAydın city in western Turkey and includesNeogene to Quaternary sediments of the Fevzipaşa Formation, which unconformably overlies the Miocene rock units. The Fevzipaşa Formation is composed of conglomerates, sandstones, mudstones, marls, limestones and tuff layers and is unconformably overlain by recent deposits of the Söke-Milet Basin. The lower part of the Fevzipaşa Formation is represented by coarse clastics and lacustrine carbonates followed by fine to coarse-grained sandstones bearing mollusc shells. Prominent tuff layers (lower and upper tuff layers) of this dominantly sandstone succession were radiometrically dated between roughly 2 and 1Ma. Based on small mammal fauna the age of the upper part of the formation is Early to Late Pleistocene. To investigate the paleoenvironmental evolution of the succession, forty-two samples were collected along two stratigraphic sections. Ostracoda assemblages together with Chara flora, Gastropoda and Pelecypoda and fish remains were recovered from only twenty-nine samples. Ostracoda assemblages include Candona neglecta, Cyclocypris ovum, Ilyocypris gibba, I. bradyi, Heterocypris salina and Scottia cf. S. pseudobrowniana. Additionally, fish remains belonging to the Cyprinidae family (Tinca sp., Leuciscus sp. and Leuciscus etilius) and Characeae gyrogonites referable to Nitellopsis obtusa, Chara sp., C. aspera, C. globularis, C. hispida, C. vulgaris, Lychnothamnus sp. and Sphaerochara sp. occurred in the samples. The ostracod, fish, and gyrogonite records all indicate that the Fevzipaşa Formation was deposited in a paleoenvironmental setting characterized by permanent and shallow water bodies. According to the identified Ostracoda assemblages and combining all available stratigraphic data, the age of middle part of the Fevzipaşa Formation is suggested as Early Pleistocene (Calabrian). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine by SEM-EDS analysis of the surface morphologies of the periostracum and nacreous layer and to determine the sodium (Na), Strontium (Sr), manganese (Mn), potassium (K), titanium (Ti), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn) and nickel (Ni) metals levels in the shells of the mussel (Potomida semirugata, Unio terminalis, Anodonta pseudodopsis and Leguminaia wheatleyi) obtained from Gölbaşı Lake, Turkey. The results of the study, the representative SEM analysis and corresponding EDS spectra of the periostracum and nacreous layer of the shells of freshwater mussels confirmed the presence of elemental compositions, including CaCO3. P. semirugata and U. terminalis have the aragonite prismatic layer that shows typical polygonal organizing, regular and polygonal crystal forms, with hexagonal and coexisting rhombic shapes. However, while A. pseudodopsis has round aragonite crystals (Rc), L. wheatleyi has irregular crystal plate layers (Irc). CaCO3, detected strong Ca peaks as well as C and O peaks with Mg and Si peaks. On the other hand, sodium (Na) was found in the highest concentrations ranging from 82.30±0.040 to 155.37±0.050 µg/g, and its concentrations were also higher than those of other metals in all species. The most abundant elements in shells of four freshwater mussel's species were Sr, Na, and Mn which ranged from 26.07±0.44-58.023±0.52 µg/g, 82.30±0.040-155.37±0.050 µg/g, and 6.06±0.044-9.66±0.053 µg/g respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first study in Turkey that is researched the different four freshwater mussel species in the Gölbaşı Lake, Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Near Hatay, the Antakya–Samandağ–Cyprus Fault (ASCF), East Anatolian and Dead Sea Fault Zones, the large faults that form the edges of the African, Anatolian, Cyprus and Arabian Plates, all produce large earthquakes, which have decimated Hatay repeatedly. Near Samandağ, Hatay, differential vertical displacement on the ASCF has uplifted the southeastern side relative to northwestern side, producing large fault scarps that parallel the Asi (Orontes) River. Tectonic uplift coupled with Quaternary sealevel fluctuations has produced several stacked marine terraces stranded above current sealevel. This study dated 24 mollusc samples from 10 outcrops on six marine terraces near Samandağ electron spin resonance (ESR). Ages were calculated using time-averaged and volumetrically averaged external dose rates, modelled by assuming typical water depths for the individual species and sediment thicknesses estimated from geological criteria. Uplift rates were then calculated for each fault block. At all the Mağaracık terraces, the dates suggest that many shells were likely reworked. On the 30 m terrace at Mağaracık IV (UTM 766588-3999880), Lithophagus burrows with in situ shells cross the unconformity. One such shell dated to 62 ± 6 ka, setting the minimum possible age for the terrace. For all the Mağaracık terraces at ∼30 m above mean sealevel (amsl), the youngest ages for the reworked shells, which averaged 60 ± 3 ka for six separate analyses, sets the maximum possible age for this unit. Thus, the terrace must date to 60–62 ± 3 ka, at the MIS 3/4 boundary when temperatures and sealevels were fluctuating rapidly. Older units dating to MIS 7, 6, and 5 likely were being eroded to supply some fossils found in this terrace. At Mağaracık Dump (UTM 765391-4001048), ∼103 m amsl, Ostrea and other shells were found cemented in growth position to the limestone boulders outcropping there <2.0 m above a wave-eroded notch. If the oysters grew at the same time as the wave-cut notch and the related terrace, the date, 91 ± 13 ka, for the oysters, this fault block has been uplifted at 1.19 ± 0.15 m ky−1, since MIS 5c. At Samandağ Kurt Stream at 38 m amsl, molluscs were deposited fine sandy gravel, which was likely formed in a large tidal channel. Four molluscs averaged 116 ± 5 ka. If these molluscs have not been reworked, this fault block has uplifted at 0.34 ± 0.05 m ky−1 since the MIS 5d/5e boundary. The differences in these uplift rates suggests that at least one, and possibly two, hitherto undiscovered faults may separate the Mağaracık Dump site from the other Mağaracık sites and from the Samandağ Kurt Stream site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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

The parasite fauna of chub Squalius cephalus from the Kaytazdere-Yalakdere stream systems, Sea of Marmara basin, Türkiye, was investigated. Totally, four digenean species (Clinostomum complanatum, Tylodelphys clavata, Posthodiplostomum sp. and Ichthyocotylurus sp.), one nematode species (Rhabdochona denudata), one monogenean species (Dactylogyrus nanus) and two myxosporean species (Myxobolus sp. 1 and Myxobolus sp. 2) were identified. Overall infection prevalence, mean intensity and mean abundance were 87.0%, 22.1 ± 2.5, 16.2 ± 2.0, respectively. Myxobolus sp. 2 was the most prevalent parasite species, followed by Myxobolus sp. 1 and C. complanatum. Dactylogyrus nanus was the most abundant parasite species, followed by C. complanatum and Ichthyocotylurus sp. The species Thylodelphys clavata, Posthodiplostomum sp., Ichthyocotylurus sp., Myxobolus sp. 1 and Myxobolus sp. 2 are new parasite records for S. cephalus as well as new geographical records in Türkiye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bakırçay is one of the important rivers of Western Anatolia, Türkiye. The objectives of this study are (a) to determine the diversity of benthic invertebrates distributed in Bakırçay, (b) to evaluate the obtained data using various biological indices, (c) to determine the interactions of species with environmental variables, and (d) to estimate the water quality level of the river using BMWP and ASPT analyses. Samplings were carried out at 15 stations between October 2017 and July 2018, seasonally. A total of 11,897 specimens belonging to 136 benthic macroinvertebrate taxa were determined. Diptera and Oligochaeta were the dominant groups with 32 (24%) and 25 taxa (18%), respectively. Station 4 has the highest species richness with 49 taxa (36%). The highest individual number (3421) was at the 14th station. Tubifex tubifex and Physella acuta have the highest dominancy (25.76%) and frequency (51.67) values, respectively. Diversity (H') values of the stations fluctuated between 1.367 (st. 13) and 3.154 (st. 12). Similarity analysis showed that the 3rd and 11th stations have the highest similarity (> 90%), while the 14th station was an outgroup and has 28% similarity ratio. BMWP and ASPT scores gave similar results, and there was no 1st class water quality in the river. On the other hand, the results of the TR-BMWP score suggested that the 1st, 4th, and 6th stations had 1st class water quality. Although some stations are classified as "good conditions," the adverse effects of pollution were mainly observed in the main channel and downstream of the river. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the first record of a late Oligocene or early Miocene freshwater gastropod fauna from the Susuz Formation of the Oltu-Narman Basin in northeastern Anatolia. The assemblage consists of only six species, indicating the presence of a well-oxygenated lake, pond or anabranch rich in vegetation. Only two of the taxa are related to European Oligo-Miocene species. The fauna might be the first indication of a yet undocumented Eastern Anatolian freshwater biogeographic region, characterized by high endemism and minor influence from the coeval Peri-Paratethyan and Aegean-Anatolian regions in the west. The biostratigraphic value of the assemblage is low but might rather point to a Miocene age of the upper part of the Susuz Formation. Theodoxus susuzianus, Bithynia erzurumensis, and Valvata koehleri are described as new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-resolution multibeam mosaics show that the seafloor across the southwestern Marmara Sea is host to remarkably organized near-circular bioherm mounds, which commonly are arranged into large, tightly packed clusters. Grab samples and gravity cores reveal that the bioherms are predominantly composed of very fine-grained, calcareous, silty mud with abundant bioclasts, including centimetre-scale masses of coralline red algae and intact disarticulated mollusc shells (mainly the genera Modiolus and Mytilus ). Geometric analysis of multibeam images reveals that the average bioherm is 15.6 m in diameter, occupies ~ 190 m 2 of seabed, stands 113 cm above the adjacent seafloor, and its crest is 20.6 m from the crests of neighbouring bioherms. In regions of tightly packed bioherm clusters (referred to as ‘bioherm colonies’) the inter-mound depressions are on average 4.4 m wide and 33 cm deep. Although each bioherm mound is nearly circular, the surrounding inter-mound channels form a more rectilinear mesh of linked pentagonal and hexagonal polygons suggesting densest possible spatial packing of the mounds. Near-neighbour statistics of R = 2.11–2.14 indicate an essentially uniform spacing between the bioherms, which is the expected result for close packing on a plane and full utilization of the available space. The bioherms occur at depths between − 30 m and − 60 m. They are absent above and below these depths. In this part of the southwestern Marmara Sea at the eastern exit of the Strait of Dardanelles, water depth controls important water mass properties such as salinity, nutrient supply and availability of light. Other inferred critical controls are the availability of a suitable hard substrate where Holocene muds are thin or absent, and nutrient supply, potentially including a component from escaping methane-rich pore fluids. Evidence here and elsewhere in the Marmara Sea provisionally dates the onset of bioherm growth and development to the latest Pleistocene–earliest Holocene, after global sealevel rose to the breach depth of the Strait of Dardanelles at ~ 13.8 cal ka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lower-Upper Pleistocene sedimentary record of the Baklan Basin, a long-lived continental half-graben basin in SW Turkey, is characterized by shallow lacustrine and palustrine deposits. The paleoenvironmental changes recorded in the basin succession allow for a multiproxy approach in reconstructing the paleoclimatic, paleoecological, and paleobiogeographical evolution of southwestern Anatolia during the Early-Late Pleistocene. Based on sedimentological, paleontological, and geochemical data, three main types of depositional intervals have been identified, corresponding to different phases of a lake expansion cycle: The first interval is characterized by the perennial shallow lake environment (PSL deposits), which represents the very early stage of the Early Expansion System Tract (VEEST). This suggests a very early stage of lake transgression in arid climate conditions. The second interval is represented by the palustrine carbonate lake center environment (PLC deposits), which corresponds to the late stage of the Early Expansion System Tract (LEEST). This indicates a late early stage of lake transgression in semiarid to subhumid climates. The third interval is marked by the palustrine lake margin environment (PLM deposits), which represents the Late Expansion System Tract (LEST) under humid conditions. The Lower-Upper Pleistocene successions of the Baklan Basin provide an excellent example of lacustrine and palustrine deposition in a laterally extensive, low-gradient, shallow lake system in the semi-isolated Pontocaspian freshwater to slightly brackish water (oligohaline-low mesohaline) long-lived lake. The presence of Pontocaspian ostracod and mollusc faunas in the studied successions indicates that the largest major Caspian transgression around 2.6 millon years ago extended to SW Anatolia. The studied successions represent a rich archive of landscape, climate, and biotic development in the eastern Paratethys region during the Early-Late Pleistocene. The biogeographic signature of fossil faunas (mammals, ostracods, molluscs, and fishes) and floras (Characeae) is predominantly modern Palearctic and Holarctic, with a minor amount of endemic Pontocaspian elements. This study presents the Pleistocene Pontocaspian species of the Anatolian lakes that may have served as refugia for the Palearctic taxa during adverse time intervals. Consequently, this study shows that Lower-Upper Pleistocene lacustrine to palustrine sedimentation in the Baklan Basin has been controlled by the combination of tectonics, climate changes, and the largest major Caspian Sea transgression. The findings of this study could be used to evaluate the impact of similar allocyclic factors on the sedimentological, hydrological, and geochemical development of other intermontane lake basins. • Sedimentological, paleontological, and geochemical data from the Pleistocene in SW Anatolia are presented. • The studied successions indicate arid to semi-arid/sub-humid to humid climate changes during the Early-Late Pleistocene. • The studied successions provide an excellent example of a low-gradient, shallow lake system. • The Pleistocene Pontocaspian species from Anatolian lakes may have served as refugia for the Palearctic taxa. • This study shows the influence of the largest major Caspian Sea transgression in SW Anatolia during the earliest Pleistocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herewith, the current status of the inland waters ichthyofauna of Türkiye is revised, and an updated checklist of the freshwater lampreys and fishes is presented. As of November 2023, the freshwater ichthyofauna of Türkiye is known to consist of 427 species belonging to 20 orders, 37 families, and 97 genera. Among these, 21 species (4.9%) are alien, and 215 species (50.4%) are considered endemic to Türkiye. The orders with the largest numbers of species in the ichthyofauna of Türkiye are the Cypriniformes (297 species, 69.6%), followed by the Cyprinodontiformes (26 species, 6.1%), the Salmoniformes (25 species, 5.9%), the Gobiiformes (20 species, 4.7%), the Siluriformes (13 species, 3.0%), and the Clupeiformes (9 species, 2.1%). At the family level, the Leuciscidae has the greatest number of species (126 species; 29.8% of the total species), followed by Nemacheilidae (63 species, 14.8%), Cyprinidae (59 species, 13.8%), Cobitidae (29 species, 6.8%), Salmonidae (25 species, 5.9%), Aphanidae (23 species, 5.4%), Gobiidae (20 species, 4.7%), and Gobionidae (15 species, 3.5%). According to IUCN Red List criteria, among 403 naturally distributed species (alien species not included), four fish species are extinct, and 99 species (24.4%) are classified as threatened extinctions, including 28 (6.9%) CR, 44 (10.8%) EN, and 27 (6.7%) VU. After the latest checklist published in 2020, a total of 56 species, including 26 newly identified species from Türkiye and 30 new records documented from Turkish inland waters, were added. By the way, a total of 17 species have been excluded, mostly because of synonymization. [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.)

The amount of human-origin litter in sea surface water, sediment, and beaches has been increasing for decades. Initially described in marine coastal systems in the 1960s, marine litter (ML) is nowadays commonly observed in all marine systems. There is even a gigantic island consisting of garbage in the gyre area of the Atlantic Ocean. In relation to this significant problem, ML was collected from seven stations on beaches along the Dardanelles for the first time in the period May 2017–May 2018 and was seasonally and regionally analyzed in terms of densities and weights. ML was categorized by material type (plastic, rubber, paper, etc.) and field of use (mixed packaging wastes, personal use products, fishing wastes, etc.). Total numbers and weights of ML during the study were 5751 items and 115.7 kg in an area of 15,980 m2, respectively. Density and weight of ML ranged from 0.050 to 1.182 items/m2 and from 0.446 to 78.46 g/m2, respectively. The main ML component was plastic items in terms of both density (90.95%) and weight (53.76%) according to material type. Additionally, mixed packaging wastes (MPW) were the most common ML items in terms of density (82.14%) and weight (49.38%) according to usage. According to the clean-coast index, while Kilya (St.2) and Kepez (St.5) beaches were dirty, Seddulbahir (St.1) beach was clean. The beaches in other stations were neither dirty nor clean (medium) according to the index. At the end of the study, suggestions for a regional strategy were made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, cellular biomarkers and heavy metal concentration in the Mytilus galloprovincialis L. (Mediterranean mussels) collected from eight sites of Izmir Bay (Turkey) were determined to reveal water pollution for the first time in these stations. Results show that heavy metals (As, Cu, Hg, Zn, Cd, Sn, Pb) have been specified in mussels' tissues collected from all stations. According to GST, SOD, CAT activities, and TBARS contents, mussels in the outer bay have exposed more oxidative stress than the ones in the inner bay. Digestive gland tissues of them were showed more inhibition at AChE levels than gills. Also, abnormal nucleus rates and micronucleus frequencies (MN) were found to be higher in the inner bay than in the outer bay. This study showed that heavy metal pollution in different levels is an environmental issue on the Izmir Bay. Especially the coastal regions of the bay have been extremely affected by anthropogenic effects due to growing population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Konya Closed Basin (KCB) in Türkiye plays a key role in agricultural production and freshwater supply. However, the basin is impacted by humanly derived nitrogenous compounds and toxic metals. Keeping the water quality at a potable level in the basin is compulsory. This study was part of a project yielding monitoring of water quality in KCB in accordance with the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC). Eleven stations, except Beyşehir Lake and Mamasın Dam, were sampled for the first time for freshwater molluscs. Community structure indexes and multivariate statistical analyses were applied to determine the microhabitats of gastropods and their responses to environmental changes. The structure and distribution of gastropod assemblages differed depending on total phosphate, total nitrogen, dissolved oxygen, and pH. This study revealed that most of the gastropods in KCB are relatively tolerant to biodegradable pollution. However, there is a strong observed decline in population size requiring intensive future monitoring; measures have to be taken to preserve the remaining populations. Two endemic species need an urgent action plan to protect their habitats: Theodoxus anatolicus of Çeltik Canal and Bithynia pseudemmericia of Beyşehir Lake; a re-assessment of their extinction risk according to the IUCN rules is needed (2022). The results of this study will be useful for comparison with future studies to document potential improvements or continued ecological regression in the quality of aquatic ecosystems in the watershed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to assess the toxicity of ibuprofen (IBU) and propranolol (PRO) drugs usingGammarus pulex as a model organism. Firstly, the 96 h LC50 values of IBU and PRO were determined and then three sublethal concentrations of the drugs were exposed to G. pulex. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were evaluated. SOD activity decreased in G. pulex exposed to IBU and PRO compared to control. In all groups exposed to IBU, CAT activity increased at different concentrations at 24 and 96 h. In the groups exposed to different PRO concentrations, CAT activities increased after 24 h compared to the control group (p < 0.05). AChE activities increased in all application groups exposed to IBU for 96 hours (p < 0.05). In conclusion, exposure to IBU and PRO resulted in increased oxidative damage. PRO has been found to cause neurotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for fish products in Black Sea riparian countries has been intensively growing annually by 4% since 2000. This demand was predominantly covered by importation and/or capture fisheries. To reduce pressure on the wild fish stocks of the shared sea basin, regional and national development plans are aiming to stimulate aquaculture production. However, there is a scarcity of instruments that allow assessment of the situation on the regional level to capture the multidimensional nature of such activity. A Composite Indicator or so-called Index has been recognized as one of the best ways to investigate the complex system statement and reveal areas of concern. The aim of this study was (1) to construct a Composite Indicator, (2) to analyze conditions created for aquaculture establishments, (3) to reveal competitive advantages and pitfalls in each country, and (4) to determine possible drivers of countries with better performance such as Turkey and Bulgaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we present pollen records together with a multiproxy analysis from a sediment core collected from the Güllük Bay (Bargilya Cove, Muğla, SW Turkey), covering the last 400 years. Pistachio shrubland was occupying around the Güllük Bay between 1613 and 1741 AD. However, after 1741 AD, the vegetation canopy suddenly changed and Turkish pine (Pinus brutia) was established. This supports that the main factor affecting the expansion of Pistacia lentiscus was precipitation rather than temperature after 1741 AD. This change is also indicated by high Sr-Ca values, reflecting arid conditions. Two anthropogenic phases developed in the region. The first phase is marked by Olea europeae between 1613 and 1789 AD. The second is characterized by Plantago, Caryophyllaceae, Cerelia, Rumex, and Sanguisorba minor type suggesting pastoralism and agricultural activities between 1789 and 1964 AD. Macrofaunal communities are also indicative of environmental changes. Abra ovata, Cerastoderma glaucum, Bittium reticulatum, and Skenea catenoides were first settlers between 1572 and 1643 AD. The prominent presence of lagoonal species Abra ovata and Hydrobia ventrosa indicates a lagoonal depositional environment in 1799-1948 AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollution risk assessment of heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, As) in sediment samples from 68 locations in the Gulf of Edremit, western Turkey, was performed using single and complex indices of pollution assessment approaches. The pollution indices used in the sediment analyses included pollution load index, contamination factor, contamination degree for individual metals, geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factors, toxic risk index, modified pollution index, frequency of adverse biological effects (TEL-PEL), percent incidence of biological effects (ERL-ERM), and total risk quotients. Results indicated a low degree of contamination for the entire surveyed area except moderate contamination factor for arsenic using single indices. Enrichment factors and geoaccumulation indices indicated moderate to significant enrichment and uncontaminated to moderately contaminated both for arsenic (As) and lead (Pb), respectively. According to the results of ecological risk assessment based on TELs and PELs, the adverse biological effects of heavy metals on aquatic organisms; are for As, Cr, Ni frequently, Cu and Pb occasionally, and Zn rare. The toxic risk index values displayed low to considerably toxic risk for the entire Gulf and calculated toxic risk index results showed that arsenic accounted for most of the entire sediment toxicity. Transport patterns of sediment grain size trend analyses were correlated with the results of pollution assessment models. Transport trends are compatible with the sources of lithogenic, anthropogenic, mining activities and wastewater treatment/geothermal originated arsenic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The coastal belt of Hatay–Samandağ in the East Mediterranean is marked by the intersection of the African–Arabian and Eurasian (Anatolian platelet) plates, where several Quaternary shorelines related to relative sea-level changes can be seen above the current sea level. In this study, the most common and best preserved high sea-level markers of the Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5 and MIS 3 shorelines were dated for the first time using the mollusc-based electron spin resonance (ESR) method. As a result of this research, the age of the late MIS 5 and MIS 3 sea-level highstands in the Eastern Mediterranean, the elevation of the corresponding shoreline at Samandağ coast, and the vertical component of the late Quaternary tectonic movements, which has an impact on shoreline, were determined. The shorelines at 48–43 m elevations between Çevlik and Samandağ, at 58.6 m in Tekebaşı and at 21 m at Keldağ have been dated to approximately 72 ka and, therefore, are correlated with MIS 5a. The shoreline at 40–39 m elevations between Çevlik and Samandağ has been dated to approximately 53 ka and, therefore, is correlated with MIS 3. According to the position of the MIS 5a shorelines, the uplift rate over the last 72 ka was 0.88 mm/y between Çevlik and Samandağ, 1.08 mm/y in Tekebaşı, and 0.56 mm/y in Keldağ, yielding a 0.84 mm/y average. This rather fast uplift appears to be related to the vertical component of the strike-slip active faults in the Samandağ–Antakya Fault Zone. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A 352 cm long sediment core from Hersek Lagoon (Gulf of İzmit) was investigated for its ostracod species composition in order to evaluate the potential of ostracods to detect tsunami deposits in coastal environments. The Gulf of İzmit is the eastern bay of the Marmara Sea which is tectonically controlled by the North Anatolian Fault. Ostracod shells are rare in the lower third of the core, which probably represents a coastal wetland environment. According to radiocarbon dating of terrestrial plant remains, this unit was deposited between AD 500 and AD 800. Above, ostracod shells are abundant and dominantly monospecific, composed almost exclusively of the widespread brackish water ostracod Cyprideis torosa. This almost monospecific occurrence indicates the establishment and maintenance of the Hersek Lagoon after AD 800. Three distinct layers of mollusc shells and fragments contain ostracod shells of marine and to a lesser extent non-marine origin in addition to those of C. torosa. The shell layers are further characterized by significant maxima in total ostracod shell numbers. The high concentration of ostracod shells, the higher species numbers and the mixture of marine, lagoonal and non-marine ostracod shells shows that shell layers were formed as high-energy deposits resulting from tsunamis or large storms in the Marmara Sea. The partial occurrence of non-marine ostracod shells in the shell layers possibly indicates that tsunamis with extensive run-ups and significant backwash flows caused the high-energy deposits rather than large storms. The investigated sediments show that lagoonal ostracods can serve as good proxies for tsunamis or large storms through significant variations in total shell numbers, species numbers and the mixing of shells of different origin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Studied were the age, growth, maturity and food composition of the brown meager, Sciaena umbra, caught off Trabzon, south-eastern Black Sea (Turkey) in 2002–2003. A total of 329 individuals was collected by spear fishing and hand nets. The thin sectioning method was used for aging the fish otoliths. Fitted von Bertalanffy growth parameters for all fish were: L∞ = 51.14 (±1.19) cm, k = 0.27 (±0.02) year−1 and t0 = −0.93 (±0.07) year. This study revealed that S. umbra is a relatively slow-growing and long-lived species with a life span in excess of 18 years. Sexual maturity begins when they reach a length of about 15 cm. Lengths at which 50% of brown meagre become mature are 19.50 for males and about 22 cm for females. Spawning begins in June, when the temperature is approximately 18°C, and ends in August. Gut content analysis indicated that this species feeds mainly on crustaceans, then switches to fish as they grow. Sciaena umbra appears to be an apex predator in the upper littoral zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ramsar site of Lake Uluabat, western Turkey, suffers from eutrophication, urban and industrial pollution and water abstraction, and its water levels are managed artificially. Here we combine monitoring and palaeolimnological techniques to investigate spatial and temporal limnological variability and ecosystem impact, using an ostracod and mollusc survey to strengthen interpretation of the fossil record. A combination of low invertebrate Biological Monitoring Working Party scores (<10) and the dominance of eutrophic diatoms in the modern lake confirms its poor ecological status. Palaeolimnological analysis of recent (last >200yr) changes in organic and carbonate content, diatoms, stable isotopes, ostracods and molluscs in a lake sediment core (UL20A) indicates a 20th century trend towards increased sediment accumulation rates and eutrophication which was probably initiated by deforestation and agriculture. The most marked ecological shift occurs in the early 1960s, however. A subtle rise in diatom-inferred total phosphorus and an inferred reduction in submerged aquatic macrophyte cover accompanies a major increase in sediment accumulation rate. An associated marked shift in ostracod stable isotope data indicative of reduced seasonality and a change in hydrological input suggests major impact from artificial water management practices, all of which appears to have culminated in the sustained loss of submerged macrophytes since 2000. The study indicates it is vital to take both land-use and water management practices into account in devising restoration strategies. In a wider context, the results have important implications for the conservation of shallow karstic lakes, the functioning of which is still poorly understood. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Some heavy metals were detected in organs of the tomatoes grown in the discharge area of effluents of a municipal wastewater treatment plant. Also, the health risk potentials of heavy metals in the tomatoes consumed by human were investigated. The highest concentrations for Cu, Ni, Cr, Mn and Pb were followed the order of root>leaf>stem>fruit. When the bioconcentration factors values calculated for bioconcentration of metals from effluent to stem and root were examined, the highest values were determined for Cu. When translocation factors values are examined, the highest translocation from root to leaf was determined for Cd. The highest translocation from stem to leaf was determined for Pb. The estimated total exposure dose for male, female and children was listed as Zn>Mn>Cu>Cr>Ni>Pb>Cd. In terms of dietary, we can list the non-carcinogenic risks of heavy metals as children> female> male. The highest carcinogenic risk was calculated for Cr via dietary intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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

The introduction of invasive exotic species can have strong ecological impacts on the native biota, with direct consequences for commercial fisheries. Feeding ecology studies are among the primary sources for improving predictions related to community structures, for example, by revealing potential competitive interactions between native and invasive species. We compared the stomach contents and studied diet overlaps among a native (Mullus barbatus) and two invasive (Upeneus moluccensis and U. pori) mullid species, collected off the coasts of the northeastern Levantine where invasive mullids have been part of the ecosystem for more than half a century. We also assessed the effect of sex, sampling period, depth and size on stomach contents. Schoener's index indicated significant diet overlaps between U. moluccensis–U. pori and U. moluccensis–M. barbatus. Diets of U. pori and M. barbatus did not significantly overlap, which was explained by their differing depth preferences. Assessment of stomach contents showed that Crustacea, specifically Decapoda, was the main prey group across the studied mullid species. Polychaeta was also of high importance in the diet of the native M. barbatus, but not for the two invasive Upeneus species. A trophic level analysis revealed the two invasive mullids to have a higher trophic level than the native species (U. moluccensis: 3.58, U. pori: 3.55 versus M. barbatus: 3.38). The lack of a clear separation in habitat and diet preferences documented here between native and invasive mullids may pose a risk for the persistence of the economically valuable native M. barbatus in the Mediterranean Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on the first record of the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg, 1793), in the southern Black Sea, based on a sample of 235 specimens collected from rocky shores 23 km west of the city of Ordu, northern Turkey. Species identification was confirmed by nucleotide sequencing of two mitochondrial gene fragments, viz. COI and 16S rRNA in five individual oysters. Analyses of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) sequences from southern Black Sea coastlines suggest that all samples were Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas. In addition, this study provides the first analysis of length-weight relationships (LWR) for C. gigas collected from the southern Black Sea. The relationship between mean shell length (SL) and mean total weight (W) was SL = 0.0143W1.6662 (r² = 0.6589). The specimens were morphometrically characterized as follows: mean shell length (SL) 59.57 ± 13.65 mm (range: 24.09–98.17 mm), mean shell width (SWi) 28.05 ± 6.91 mm (range: 10.50–50.87 mm), mean total weight (W), 13.62 ± 5.03 g (range: 0.78–36.89 g), and mean meat weight of 1.5 ± 0.90 g (range: 0.01–5.83 g). The relationships between the morphometric parameters suggested negative allometric growth. According to the results, C. gigas has created breeding populations on the Turkish Coasts, becoming the dominant species on some hard substrate, including rocky bottoms and large rocks used as fill locally to gain more land in the coastal area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pinna nobilis (fan mussel) is one of the most important endemic bivalve molluscs in the Mediterranean and mass mortality events were observed in these mussels in recent years. In this study, we report mass mortalities caused by Haplosporidium pinnae, which has been spreading in the Mediterranean for 3 years, and reached the Çanakkale Strait, which is the entrance of the Marmara and the Black Sea. Field observations during sampling and subsequent histopathological, biochemical, genetic, and microbiological analyses were carried out. These analyses showed that H. pinnae infection spread among the natural beds of P. nobilis, causing severe tissue damage and oxidative stress. Our phylogenetic analyses suggested that the parasite spread through the Mediterranean much faster than thought. The results showed that vibriosis originating from Vibrio coralliilyticus, Vibrio tubiashii, Vibrio mediterranei, and Vibrio hispanicus, acted together with H. pinnae in infected individuals and caused death. It is highly probable that the spread of H. pinnae to the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea may occur earlier than expected, and it was concluded that mass deaths were caused by co-infection with H. pinnae and a geographically specific marine pathogen that can infect P. nobilis populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tea and hazelnut cultivated soils are mainly distributed in Black Sea region of Turkey. Low pH value is a primary problem for those soils; therefore, farmers apply lime once every 3-4 years to raise the pH value of soil. Gyttja is highly rich in organic matter (40.59%) and lime (45.67%), and it is a low cost and considerably abundant in Afşin-Elbistan Coal Basin (estimated reserve is around 4.8 billion tons). The aim of this study was to determine the phosphorus (P) sorption characteristics of gyttja, and its efficiency on P availability and soil's pH value. Optimum P sorption conditions (pH, temperature, particle size, amount of sorbent and shaking time) and maximum sorption capacity (b) for gyttja were determined in laboratory condition. Phosphorus was sorbed to gyttja (G1P1) based on its b value, and the experiment was set as pot experiment according to a comletely randomized factorial experimental design with five replications. Applications were control (G0P0), gyttja + P0 (G1P0), sole P (G0P1), and gyttja + P (G1P1). The b value obtained from Langmuir isotherm for gyttja was found as 1.59 mgg-1. The highest available P was obtained at treatment of (G1P1). Also, the treatment G1P1 was significantly different (p < 0.01) from the rest of the treatments. Gyttja application increased soil's pH value from 4.86 to 5.74 in a 6-month time period. Therefore, gyttja can be recommended for amending soil acidity and increasing available P contents in acid soils. Further studies should be conducted in field conditions to increase applicability of the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Çatalhöyük is a renowned archaeological site in central Anatolia, best known for its Neolithic occupation dated from 7100 to 6000 cal BC. The site received worldwide attention early on for its large size, well-preserved mudbrick architecture, and elaborate wall paintings. Excavations at the site over almost three decades have unearthed rich archaeobotanical remains and a diverse ground stone assemblage produced by what once was a vibrant farming community. The study presented here adds to our understanding of crops and plant processing at Çatalhöyük by integrating phytoliths and starch analyses on grinding implements found at three domestic contexts attributed to the Middle (6700–6500 cal BC) and Late (6500–6300 cal BC) period of occupation. Our results reveal a rich microbotanical assemblage that testifies the use of a wide range of geophytes and wild seasonal resources previously unknown at the site. Moreover, by comparing results from the microbotanical proxies and microscopic wear patterns on artefacts, we are also able to discern various plant processing practices the analysed artefacts were employed for. In sum, this work further expands our understanding of plants and crop processing activities performed by the inhabitants of Neolithic Çatalhöyük. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]