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While there is substantial support for the river continuum concept (RCC) using aquatic macroinvertebrates, nearly all of this support has come from studies using benthic specimen counts or relative biomass as the basis for comparing sites. We instead assessed the RCC using the ash-free dry mass (AFDM) of winged adult Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT) specimens. Insects were sampled at 13 sites along a 100 km 2nd–4th order reach of the Pine River in northern Lower Michigan using ultraviolet lights. Specimens were identified to the genus level and the AFDM of each functional feeding group (FFG) was calculated. Forty-two environmental and river morphological variables were tested for their ability to predict differences in EPT FFG biomass. A determined environmental gradient relating to increasing river size predicted over 80% of FFG biomass differences. Biomass of each individual FFG increased along the determined gradient, except for scrapers which decreased at the most downstream sites. The number of EPT genera also increased along the gradient. Our results were similar to those of previous studies, except that shredders nearly doubled in importance compared to RCC predictions, suggesting a greater ecological impact of shredders on forested streams than is typically reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using records from both published literature and grey literature (citizen science data included), the distribution of native and alien crayfish was updated in Greece (Perdikaris et al., [23]), whereas in Portugal Martelo et al. ([20]) were able to assess the spread of five fish species introduced for recreational angling, showing the importance of engaging recreational anglers in information sharing. MONITORING NATIVE SPECIES Citizen science has a valuable role to play in monitoring the diverse aquatic fauna and flora in a variety of environments, providing important data for species of conservation concern (Metcalfe et al., [21]) and, as discussed, for water quality in some cases (Huddart et al., [15]). Keywords: aquatic; biodiversity; invasion biology; policy; public involvement EN aquatic biodiversity invasion biology policy public involvement 1867 1871 5 12/05/22 20221201 NES 221201 INTRODUCTION Aquatic ecosystems are severely affected by multiple human pressures, such as habitat destruction and fragmentation, pollution, climate change, over-exploitation, and invasive alien species, and their monitoring is crucial to inform and guide policy and conservation programmes (Arthington, [2]). Citizen science for water quality monitoring: data implications of citizen perspectives. [Extracted from the article]

Crocodylomorphs constitute a clade of archosaurs that have thrived since the Mesozoic until today and have survived numerous major biological crises. Contrary to historic belief, their semiaquatic extant representatives (crocodylians) are not living fossils, and, during their evolutionary history, crocodylomorphs have evolved to live in a variety of environments. This review aims to summarize the non-semiaquatic adaptations (i.e., either terrestrial or fully aquatic) of different groups from different periods, highlighting how exactly those different lifestyles are inferred for those animals, with regard to their geographic and temporal distribution and phylogenetic relationships. The ancestral condition for Crocodylomorpha seems to have been a terrestrial lifestyle, linked with several morphological adaptations such as an altirostral skull, long limbs allowing a fully erect posture and a specialized dentition for diets based on land. However, some members of this clade, such as thalattosuchians and dyrosaurids display adaptations for an opposite, aquatic lifestyle, interestingly inferred from the same type of morphological observations. Finally, new techniques for inferring the paleobiology of those extinct animals have been put forward in the last decade, appearing as a complementary approach to traditional morphological descriptions and comparisons. Such is the case of paleoneuroanatomical (CT scan data), histological, and geochemical studies., (© 2024 American Association for Anatomy.)

Envenomation by aquatic species is an under-investigated source of human morbidity and mortality. Increasing population density along marine and freshwater coastlines increases these incidents. Specific occupational groups - including commercial fishery workers, fisherfolk, marine tourism workers, and researchers - rely on aquatic resources for their livelihood. While diverse venomous aquatic species exhibit a broad array of habitats worldwide, they are most abundant in the tropics. Specific tropical regions present historic "hot spot" areas of concern for occupational groups with heightened risk of aquatic envenomation. Towards the overall objective of characterizing the health burden of aquatic envenomations, this review seeks to define (1) vulnerable, high-risk populations and (2) geographic hot-spot regions. To formally assess these metrics, a systematic literature review was performed where inclusion criteria requirements were peer-reviewed, published, epidemiological studies with defined denominators from January 1, 2000, to July 31, 2024, on the topic of human envenomation by aquatic species. Fifty-three articles met the inclusion criteria. Excluded articles were comprised of case reports, news and magazine articles, and those in languages aside from English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish. Most of the included articles examined emergency department and poison-control datasets that reported few overall envenomations (< 1%) from populations with physical and financial access to medical care. In contrast, datasets surveying beachgoers or fisherfolk directly, and life-guard incident reports, demonstrated that aquatic envenomation is an important source of injury for these groups and settings (envenomation frequency mean: 71%, median: 80%). Reports on additional high-risk groups, including marine and aquatic biologists, military personnel etc., and in key high-risk geographic regions including Thailand, Indonesia, and other Indo-Pacific countries were missing from the reviewed literature. Socio-demographic data were also largely missing from the literature. This systematic review highlights critical gaps where further research is needed, especially in under-represented regions and vulnerable populations., Competing Interests: Competing interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Aquatic organisms may frequently be exposed to short-term discharges of contaminants, including those from pesticide use, stormwater runoff, or industrial effluents entering waterways. Here, a new microalgal multispecies flow cytometry-based bioassay is used to assess knowledge gaps in risk assessments posed by the short-term exposure of organisms to contaminants. The toxicities of atrazine, metolachlor, and copper were assessed using four exposure scenarios, a 72 h exposure (continuous), an 18 h pulse exposure, and two 3 h pulse exposures (light and dark conditions), that assessed chronotoxicity. The influence of duration on toxicity explored the utility of two expressions of chemical-exposure dose: pulse-exposure concentration (PeC) and time-weighted average concentrations (TACs). The three coexisting microalgae ( Monoraphidium arcuatum , Nannochloropsis -like sp., and Pediastrum duplex ) tolerated higher concentrations for shorter 3 and 18 h pulses compared to continuous 72 h exposures. Toxicity estimates calculated on a TAC basis were effective for predicting the toxicity of the pulses of atrazine, metolachlor, and copper. Fluorescence data collected using flow cytometry were linked to physiological diel changes for each species. Chronotoxicity was observed for copper with two species. While continuous contaminant exposures provide a conservative estimate of toxicity compared to pulses, the duration and time of exposure are critical factors to consider when assessing the toxicity of contaminants to microalgae.

Abstract Avian influenza virus (AIV) possessed significant risk to various animals and human health. Wild birds, especially waterfowls are considered to be the natural reservoir of AIVs. The ecology of AIV is still far from being fully understood. Freshwater crabs are nonnegligible biotic factor in AIV ecosystem. We analyzed the ability of freshwater crabs accumulate and spread AIV. We found that AIV remain infectious in water only for 36 h but persist in crabs for 48 h. Crabs could accumulate AIV in their gills and gastrointestinal tracts. The AIV titers in crabs were higher than the surrounding contaminated water. Crabs could accumulate AIV from contaminated water, carry the virus and spread to naïve crabs via surrounding water. Our study identified freshwater crab as a novel transmission vehicle in AIV ecosystem.

Integrated circuit boards are component of most Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). These are generated worldwide at an alert rhythm and their recycling is done to a small extent (about 20%). The paper presents an experimental simulation of the presence of printed circuit board waste (PCBs), from end-of-life computers, in three aquatic environments with different pH (pH 4.00, pH 5.63 and pH 8.00). After stagnation for 17 weeks, values of the concentrations of heavy metals released by the PCBs in the solutions were obtained. These indicated that the presence of these boards in aquatic media may impair water quality by inducing moderate risks for surface water and lower risks for groundwater bodies. Heavy metals such as copper and lead, especially in acidic and neutral environments, fell into the worst quality class for surface water and exceeding of the maximum allowable value for the reference groundwater body (ROSO12) were recorded for copper in the acid and neutral initial solutions.

Risk assessment of heavy metals is critical in controlling and preventing risks of foodborne diseases. Fish can be used as bioindicators for exposure to potential toxic elements (PTEs), which can represent potential risks for humans. The long Iranian coastline and three major fishery regions in the country, including the northern (Caspian Sea) and southern (Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman) seas as well as inland waters and aquacultures (rivers, dams, wetlands and fish farms) have made Iran a large producer of fish. In the first step of the present study, data collection and report of PTEs in fish from the three fishery regions (2010–2022) were carried out. In the second step, health risks were assessed using Monte Carlo simulation in child and adult consumers. The average concentrations of Cd, Hg and Pb for the northern sea, southern sea, and inland waters and aquacultures were 0.273, 0.249, 1.077; 0.430, 0.423, 1.182; and 1.387, 0.232, 1.703 μg/g per dry weight, respectively. Based on the target hazard quotient results, Hg intake of Iranian children from all the three fishery regions was more than 1, which was alarming. In the adult age group, southern sea fish consumers were at risk of Hg adverse health effects. Moreover, Cd included the highest carcinogenic risk of toxic elements in fish from the three fishery regions of Iran. Estimation of THQ, HI, ILCR and EDI revealed that consumption of fish might induce health complexities for the consumers in Iran. Moreover, Iranians from northern and southern regions of the country consumed further seafood due to the availability of high seafood sources in these regions. Hence, various indices must be used for the risk assessment of general human health. Due to the high risks of carcinogenicity/non-carcinogenicity estimated in the risk assessment, consumption of fish by infants and pregnant women must critically be assessed.

Natural waters are degraded either by contaminants or pollutants. Contaminants are synthetic compounds which cause degradation of water quality, even when present in minute residues. They include pesticides, heavy metals, Poly Chlorinated Biphenyl’s, Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons, plastics etc. On the other hand, pollution precisely refers to the increase in nitrates and phosphates in water body. Aquatic macrophytes, besides their role in the food chains, play significant part in mitigating both pollutant and contaminant levels. Their uptake and sequestration of nitrates, phosphates and heavy metals is well documented and published in worldwide. This paper reviews the efficacy of different macrophytes in freshwater ecosystems for uptake of pollutants and contaminants. It will provide an insight for policy makers in efficient mitigation of pollution levels in the water body.

Bureschia serbica sp. nov., is described from a cave in the Stara Planina Mt in Serbia as a second species in the genus. It is a troglobite amphibious species, predominantly aquatic like the nominal species of the genus, Bureschia bulgarica. The new species is adapted to amphibious life in running groundwater, unlike the nominal one that lives in subterranean lakes and ponds. Body structure changes, most noticeable the significant changes in the structure of the mouthparts, as a result of preadaptation in aquatic and amphibious Synocheta, are discussed.

The global concern about the fate of plastic particles, including microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), in aquatic ecosystems has undoubtedly grown as million tons of polymeric fragments are released in oceans in an annual basis. The ability of these plastic items being transferred into the several aquatic ecosystems in combination with their ability to absorb organic or inorganic pollutants onto their surface, raises the need for a sufficient monitoring of MPs/NPs in complex aquatic environmental matrices. In the frame of these, microscopic techniques are considered as ideal tools to critically assist other analytical techniques due to their fast-screening character or even complete a detailed analysis of plastic particles in some cases. In the light of the above, the present review discusses a group of microscopic techniques used in the analysis of plastic particles isolated from aquatic samples most likely to be important in future monitoring actions, emphasizing on their operating fundamentals, merits and limitations. Moreover, the microscopic techniques are highlighted as green tools in the analysis of plastic particles/fragments due to their minimum need of reagents, solvents, and energy required for the implementation of such a kind of analysis. Finally, the effective combination of microscopic techniques with spectroscopic ones are also presented.

High-speed microcinematography was used to elucidate the details of prey capture by the larvae of three predatory mosquito species. The obligate predators Toxorhynchites amboinensis and Psorophora ciliata exhibited a high degree of convergence as both utilize three essential elements: 1) abdominally-generated hemostatic pressure to propel the head towards the prey; 2) lateral palatal brushes (LPB) opening and fanning into anterior-directed basket-like arrangements; 3) simultaneously with the LPB-basket formation, the wide opening of sharp-toothed mandibles. Thus, LPBs and mandibles are used for prey capture by both species. The facultative predator Sabethes cyaneus utilizes a vastly different prey-capture mechanism that involves ventro-lateral body arching and scooping of prey with axially pointed siphons into the grasp of open maxillae bearing elongate apical teeth. Prey consumption, which is typically incomplete in this species, then involves the action of teeth on the mandibles which cut into the held prey. Although prey consumption is incomplete, simple experiments show that Sa. cyaneus do gain nutritionally from consuming mosquito larvae and that they do discriminate heterospecific from conspecific larvae and actively approach heterospecific mosquito prey. These findings indicate that independent evolutionary pathways have produced diverse predatory behaviors and morphologies in aquatic environments where the immature stages of mosquitoes co-occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pupil constriction has important functional consequences for animal vision, yet the evolutionary mechanisms underlying diverse pupil sizes and shapes are poorly understood. We aimed to quantify the diversity and evolution of pupil shapes among amphibians and to test for potential correlations to ecology based on functional hypotheses. Using photographs, we surveyed pupil shape across adults of 1294 amphibian species, 74 families and three orders, and additionally for larval stages for all families of frogs and salamanders with a biphasic ontogeny. For amphibians with a biphasic life history, pupil shape changed in many species that occupy distinct habitats before and after metamorphosis. In addition, non-elongated (circular or diamond) constricted pupils were associated with species inhabiting aquatic or underground environments, and elongated pupils (with vertical or horizontal long axes) were more common in species with larger absolute eye sizes. We propose that amphibians provide a valuable group within which to explore the anatomical, physiological, optical and ecological mechanisms underlying the evolution of pupil shape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seagrasses have some of the highest rates of carbon burial on the planet and have therefore been highlighted as ecosystems for nature-based climate change mitigation. However, information is still needed on the net radiative forcing benefit of seagrasses inclusive of their associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Here, we report simultaneous estimates of seagrass-associated carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) air–water emissions. Applying in situ sampling within a south-east Australian seagrass ecosystem, this study finds atmospheric GHG emissions from waters above seagrasses to range from − 480 ± 15.96 to − 16.2 ± 8.32 mg CO2-equivalents m2 d−1 (net uptake), with large temporal and spatial variability. Using a combination of gas specific mass balance equations, dissolved stable carbon isotope values (δ13C) and in situ time-series data, CO2-e flux is estimated at − 21.74 mg m2 d−1. We find that the net release of CH4 (0.44 µmol m2 h−1) and net uptake of N2O (− 0.06 µmol m2 h−1) effectively negated each other at 16.12 and − 16.13 mg CO2-e m2 d−1, respectively. The results of this study indicate that temperate Australian seagrasses may function as net sinks of atmospheric CO2-e. These results contribute towards filling key emission accounting gaps both in the Australian region, and through the simultaneous measurement of the three key greenhouse gas species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomonitoring has become an indispensable tool for detecting various environmental pollutants, but microplastics have been greatly neglected in this context. They are currently monitored using multistep physico-chemical methods that are time-consuming and expensive, making the search for new monitoring options of great interest. In this context, the aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of using an aquatic macrophyte as a bioindicator of microplastic pollution in freshwaters. Therefore, the effects and adhesion of three types of microplastics (polyethylene microbeads, tire wear particles, and polyethylene terephthalate fibers) and two types of natural particles (wood dust and cellulose particles) to duckweed Lemna minor were investigated. The results showed that fibers and natural particles had no effect on the specific growth rate, chlorophyll a content, and root length of duckweed, while a significant reduction in the latter was observed when duckweed was exposed to microbeads and tire wear particles. The percentage of adhered particles was ten times higher for polyethylene microbeads than for other microplastics and natural particles, suggesting that the adhesion of polyethylene microbeads to duckweed is specific. Because the majority of microplastics in freshwaters are made of polyethylene, the use of duckweed for their biomonitoring could provide important information on microplastic pollution in freshwaters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zarrineh Rud river is one of the most important rivers in northwest of Iran. In this study, QUAL2K simulation model was used. The simulation parameters in this study were collected from 5 sampling stations. The results showed that the amount of oxygen saturated solution of Zarrineh Rud river varied between 7-8 mg / l, which is higher than the maximum standard value required. The results showed that BOD could increase by 16%, respectively, and should decrease by 70%. The station S5 at the river downstream with 3.53 mg/L DO deficit was the most critical point, and the 26th kilometer of the river with a DO deficit of 2.05 mg/L was the most critical point for maintaining the aquatic life; therefore, some scenario must be developed for waste load reduction at this station. In order to improve the quality of Zarrineh Rud river, construction of a wastewater treatment plant is necessary for Miandoab sugar factory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Microbial symbioses in marine invertebrates are commonplace. However, characterizations of invertebrate microbiomes are vastly outnumbered by those of vertebrates. Protists and fungi run the gamut of symbiosis, yet eukaryotic microbiome sequencing is rarely undertaken, with much of the focus on bacteria. To explore the importance of microscopic marine invertebrates as potential symbiont reservoirs, we used a phylogenetic-focused approach to analyze the host-associated eukaryotic microbiomes of 220 animal specimens spanning nine different animal phyla. Results: Our data expanded the traditional host range of several microbial taxa and identified numerous undescribed lineages. A lack of comparable reference sequences resulted in several cryptic clades within the Apicomplexa and Ciliophora and emphasized the potential for microbial invertebrates to harbor novel protistan and fungal diversity. Conclusions: Microscopic marine invertebrates, spanning a wide range of animal phyla, host various protist and fungal sequences and may therefore serve as a useful resource in the detection and characterization of undescribed symbioses. 1WtiW9C523LbZiz-uSYGoG Video Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lakes are significant emitters of methane to the atmosphere, and thus are important components of the global methane budget. Methane is typically produced in lake sediments, with the rate of methane production being strongly temperature dependent. Local and regional studies highlight the risk of increasing methane production under future climate change, but a global estimate is not currently available. Here, we project changes in global lake bottom temperatures and sediment methane production rates from 1901 to 2099. By the end of the 21st century, lake bottom temperatures are projected to increase globally, by an average of 0.86–2.60°C under Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) 2.6–8.5, with greater warming projected at lower latitudes. This future warming of bottom waters will likely result in an increase in methane production rates of 13%–40% by the end of the century, with many low‐latitude lakes experiencing an increase of up to 17 times the historical (1970–1999) global average under RCP 8.5. The projected increase in methane production will likely lead to higher emissions from lakes, although the exact magnitude of the emission increase requires more detailed regional studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise of research. Sixteen compression/impression specimens of a new floating aquatic angiosperm that enrich our knowledge of Late Cretaceous vegetation have been identified from the early Maastrichtian St. Mary River Formation near Cardston, Alberta, Canada. Methodology. Fossils were studied using dégagement and photographed under reflected light. Leaves were morphotyped using methodology in the Manual of Leaf Architecture and compared to other extant and extinct rosette-forming floating aquatic angiosperms. Pivotal results. Stems of this aquatic dicot show determinate growth of floating shoots with opposite/decussate attachment of heterophyllous leaves. Leaves are simple and sessile at the apicalmost node, simple and petiolate at the second node, and compound with three leaflets at nodes 3–6. Compound leaves are petiolate and ternate (trifoliate). Leaflet shape is unlobed, obovate, and symmetrical; base is acute-obtuse; apex angle is obtuse; base shape is convex; petiolar attachment is marginal; apex shape is rounded; and margin is crenate. Primary veins are flabellate to pinnate with three to five basal veins that dichotomize distally. Secondary veins are craspedodromous with uniform spacing and angles. Teeth are of a single order, three per centimeter near apex, and convex-convex; the sinus is angular, and the apex is foraminate. Conclusions. While the basic growth habit of this plant is similar to that of several extant taxa in the Onagraceae, Lythraceae, Plantaginaceae, and Hydrocharitaceae, leaf venation and the presence of compound leaves differ greatly from the living species. In growth habit and the presence of both simple and compound leaves, the new plant is similar to Quereuxia angulata , also found at this fossil site. These fossils are described as a new genus and species, Tolmania aquatica Edmonds, Stockey & Rothwell, which differs from Quereuxia in pattern of heterophylly, venation, larger plant size, stem morphology, and the presence of hydathodes in the leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment is an essential component of the teaching-learning process of aquatic skills in water sports. However, we found no tests that assessed and validated aquatic skills for the Brazilian adolescent population aged 12 to 14 years. This study aimed to develop and identify evidence of the face, content, and ecological validity of an aquaticity test for adolescents learning water sports. Since the survey was developed in three phases, the sample groups included five experts in water sports and 16 adolescents aged between 12 and 14 years for the face validation, and eight experts in water sports for the content and ecological validations. For the analysis of content validity, the Content Validity Coefficient was used. For ecological validity, the measure of central tendency of the median was applied, followed by the relative frequency of agreement for the competencies and aquatic modalities. Afterward, they were presented in the network model. Evidence of face validity was verified with the first group of experts and learners, with adaptations conducted based on the instructions of the Aquaticity Assessment Test-Brazil (AAT-Brazil) tasks. In the two phases of analysis, the AAT-Brazil demonstrated content validity for clarity of language (0.88 and 1.00), practical pertinence (0.86 and 0.92), and theoretical relevance (0.86 and 1.00). Regarding ecological validity, we found correspondence between the tasks and aquatic competencies, with the breathing present in most tasks of the AAT-Brazil. Task actions also corresponded with water modalities: swimming, water polo, artistic swimming, diving, and open water swimming. The AAT-Brazil presents satisfactory face, content, and ecological validity results, ensuring a valid and reliable aquaticity assessment. It has a protocol with clear and accessible instructions for adolescent assessment in the water sports learning phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elevated demand and extensive exploitation of cosmetics in day‐to‐day life have hiked up its industrial productions worldwide. Organic and inorganic chemicals like parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and so forth are being applied as constituents towards the formulations, which tend to be the mainspring ecological complication due to their enduring nature and accumulation properties in various sections of the ecosystem. These cosmetic chemicals get accrued into the terrestrial and aquatic systems on account of various anthropogenic activities involving agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and domestic effluents. Recently, the use of microbes for remediating persistent cosmetic chemicals has gained immense interest. Among different forms of the microbial community being applied as an environmental beneficiary, algae play a vital role in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems by their biologically beneficial metabolites and molecules, resulting in the biobenign and efficacious consequences. The use of various bacterial, fungal, and higher plant species has been studied intensely for their bioremediation elements. The bioremediating property of the algal cells through biosorption, bioassimilation, biotransformation, and biodegradation has made it favorable for the removal of persistent and toxic pollutants from the environment. However, the research investigation concerned with the bioremediation potential of the algal kingdom is limited. This review summarizes and provides updated and comprehensive insights into the potential remediation capabilities of algal species against ecologically hazardous pollutants concerning cosmetic chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first assessment study in aquatic ecosystem of Ihawan Spring Community Water-shed revealed 23 species of fish belonging to 21 families from 22 genera. Species diversity is high, with values 1.88 and 0.42, respectively for Shannon-Weiner Diver-sity Index (‘H) and Simpsons Dominance (D). Out of the 21 families, Butidae and Eleotridae had the highest species composition (8.70%). Interestingly, the fish com-position of Ihawan Spring Community Watershed primarily composed of native (19 spp.), one (1 spp.) endemic, with two (2 spp.) recorded introduced species and one (1 spp.) Invasive Alien Species. The presence of dominant species of native species in-dicates the healthy state of the freshwater ecosystem of Ihawan Spring Community Watershed. However, the recently classified Invasive Alien Species of Oreochromis niloticusor Nile tilapia may attribute a negative impact in the river ecosystem that may result in the possible decline of native and endemic fish species present in the area. Whereas, the in-situreading of some physico-chemical parameters like temper-ature, dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH of the Ihawan Spring Community Watershed river ecosystem revealed that all parameter tested have passed the standards set by the Philippine Water Quality Standards forClass AA (potable water) intended primarily for waters having watersheds which are inhabited and otherwise protected. From the findings, additional study especially on the abundance of recorded introduced and In-vasive Alien Species is highly recommended to monitor the population abundance between the introduced, Invasive Alien Species, native and endemic species and to establish a real profile of the aquatic ecosystem of Ihawan Spring Community Water-shed.

In this study, a mathematical model to examine the combined effects of nanoparticles of Copper (Cu) and Alumina ( Al 2 O 3) in unsteady channel flow of water (river) based nanofluids was established. Both first and second laws of thermodynamics were employed to analyze the model. Using the discretization finite difference method together with the Runge-Kutta integration scheme, the governing partial differential equations were solved numerically. Numerical simulations on the effects of parameter variation on concentration and temperature were graphically presented and quantitatively discussed. Results show that the nanofluid concentration increases with an increase in thermophoresis parameter (Nt) and nanoparticle volume fraction (η ) and decreases with the increase in the Biot number (Bi). While nanofluid temperature increases with Biot number (Bi), Schmidt number (Sc) and the Brownian motion parameter (Nb), and decreases with an increased nanoparticle volume fraction (η ). From the study, it was recommended that in cooling systems and industrial processes nanofluids were found significant to be used for the effective operation of machines and cooling systems. Using the same geometry of the channel flow and the same problem, the Brownian motion in any fluid system has a great impact also.

Background: Mesocosm experiments have become increasingly popular in climate change research as they bridge the gap between small-scale, less realistic, microcosm experiments, and large-scale, more complex, natural systems. Characteristics of aquatic mesocosm designs (e.g., mesocosm volume, study duration, and replication) vary widely, potentially affecting the magnitude and direction of effect sizes measured in experiments. In this global systematic review we aim to identify the type, direction and strength of climate warming effects on aquatic species, communities and ecosystems in mesocosm experiments. Furthermore, we will investigate the context-dependency of the observed effects on several a priori determined effect moderators (ecological and methodological). Our conclusions will provide recommendations for aquatic scientists designing mesocosm experiments, as well as guidelines for interpretation of experimental results by scientists, policy-makers and the general public. Methods: We will conduct a systematic search using multiple online databases to gather evidence from the scientific literature on the effects of warming experimentally tested in aquatic mesocosms. Data from relevant studies will be extracted and used in a random effects meta-analysis to estimate the overall effect sizes of warming experiments on species performance, biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Experimental characteristics (e.g., mesocosm size and shape, replication-level, experimental duration and design, biogeographic region, community type, crossed manipulation) will be further analysed using subgroup analyses.

Given increasing use of copper-based nanomaterials, particularly in applications with direct release, it is imperative to understand their human and ecological risks. A comprehensive and systematic approach was used to determine toxicity and fate of several Cu nanoparticles (Cu NPs). When used as pesticides in agriculture, Cu NPs effectively control pests. However, even at low (5–20 mg Cu/plant) doses, there are metabolic effects due to the accumulation of Cu and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Embedded in antifouling paints, Cu NPs are released as dissolved Cu+ 2 and in nano- and micron-scale particles. Once released, Cu NPs can rapidly (hours to weeks) oxidize, dissolve, and form CuS and other insoluble Cu compounds, depending on water chemistry (e.g. salinity, alkalinity, organic matter content, presence of sulfide and other complexing ions). More than 95% of Cu released into the environment will enter soil and aquatic sediments, where it may accumulate to potentially toxic levels (> 50–500 μg/L). Toxicity of Cu compounds was generally ranked by high throughput assays as: Cu+ 2 > nano Cu(0) > nano Cu(OH)2 > nano CuO > micron-scale Cu compounds. In addition to ROS generation, Cu NPs can damage DNA plasmids and affect embryo hatching enzymes. Toxic effects are observed at much lower concentrations for aquatic organisms, particularly freshwater daphnids and marine amphipods, than for terrestrial organisms. This knowledge will serve to predict environmental risks, assess impacts, and develop approaches to mitigate harm while promoting beneficial uses of Cu NPs.

Given increasing use of copper-based nanomaterials, particularly in applications with direct release, it is imperative to understand their human and ecological risks. A comprehensive and systematic approach was used to determine toxicity and fate of several Cu nanoparticles (Cu NPs). When used as pesticides in agriculture, Cu NPs effectively control pests. However, even at low (5–20 mg Cu/plant) doses, there are metabolic effects due to the accumulation of Cu and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Embedded in antifouling paints, Cu NPs are released as dissolved Cu+ 2 and in nano- and micron-scale particles. Once released, Cu NPs can rapidly (hours to weeks) oxidize, dissolve, and form CuS and other insoluble Cu compounds, depending on water chemistry (e.g. salinity, alkalinity, organic matter content, presence of sulfide and other complexing ions). More than 95% of Cu released into the environment will enter soil and aquatic sediments, where it may accumulate to potentially toxic levels (> 50–500 μg/L). Toxicity of Cu compounds was generally ranked by high throughput assays as: Cu+ 2 > nano Cu(0) > nano Cu(OH)2 > nano CuO > micron-scale Cu compounds. In addition to ROS generation, Cu NPs can damage DNA plasmids and affect embryo hatching enzymes. Toxic effects are observed at much lower concentrations for aquatic organisms, particularly freshwater daphnids and marine amphipods, than for terrestrial organisms. This knowledge will serve to predict environmental risks, assess impacts, and develop approaches to mitigate harm while promoting beneficial uses of Cu NPs.

A predominantly fish-eating diet was envisioned for the sail-backed theropod dinosaur Spinosaurus aegyptiacus when its elongate jaws with subconical teeth were unearthed a century ago in Egypt. Recent discovery of the high-spined tail of that skeleton, however, led to a bolder conjecture that S. aegyptiacus was the first fully aquatic dinosaur. The ‘aquatic hypothesis’ posits that S. aegyptiacus was a slow quadruped on land but a capable pursuit predator in coastal waters, powered by an expanded tail. We test these functional claims with skeletal and flesh models of S. aegyptiacus. We assembled a CT-based skeletal reconstruction based on the fossils, to which we added internal air and muscle to create a posable flesh model. That model shows that on land S. aegyptiacus was bipedal and in deep water was an unstable, slow-surface swimmer (

Zarrineh Rud river is one of the most important rivers in northwest of Iran. In this study, QUAL2K simulation model was used. The simulation parameters in this study were collected from 5 sampling stations. The results showed that the amount of oxygen saturated solution of Zarrineh Rud river varied between 7–8 mg / l, which is higher than the maximum standard value required. The results showed that BOD could increase by 16%, respectively, and should decrease by 70%. The station S5 at the river downstream with 3.53 mg/L DO deficit was the most critical point, and the 26th kilometer of the river with a DO deficit of 2.05 mg/L was the most critical point for maintaining the aquatic life; therefore, some scenario must be developed for waste load reduction at this station. In order to improve the quality of Zarrineh Rud river, construction of a wastewater treatment plant is necessary for Miandoab sugar factory.

The decrease of diversity from the equator to the poles is one of the most well-established patterns in ecology. However, there are exceptions to this general pattern and some groups have not been well studied, especially for the taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity of aquatic plants along latitudinal gradients. Using the field survey data of 152 sampling sites across eastern China, we analyzed the α- and β-diversity-latitude relationships for the total 217 aquatic plant species, as well as for their two main components, 149 helophytes and 68 hydrophytes. We also explored the relationships between diversity measures and two types of climatic variables (energy- and water-related variables). We found that the latitudinal gradient of α-diversity of aquatic plants is a hump-shaped pattern with the highest peak at 45°N. The net relatedness index of hydrophytes is negatively correlated with mean annual temperature and annual precipitation, which is consistent with the prediction of the “tropical niche conservatism” hypothesis. The β-diversity is lowest in the warm temperate zone, which is located in the middle latitudes of our study area. The latitudinal patterns of aquatic plant α- and β-diversity are different between helophytes and hydrophytes. Energy-related climatic variables could more affect the diversity of hydrophytes, while water-related climate variables could more affect the diversity of helophytes. Thus, compared with hydrophytes, helophytes are more similar to terrestrial plants, which are more affected by water-related climatic varibales. This work provided the ideas for further understanding the composition of aquatic plant community and the relationship between its diversity with latitude and climatic variables.

Subcellular fractionation is an interesting technique to study metal cell compartmentalization and helps on evaluating the impact of a contaminant in an organism. It provides a better understanding about the fate and behaviour of metals within cell compartments, being then able to identify if metals experience a detoxification process or, on the contrary, they are trophically available. Having this information about metals and metalloids is crucial in the context of risk assessment, as it provides valuable information about their behaviour throughout the food chain at different trophic levels.Coastal and marine environments are often affected by dangerous spillages. Pollutants tend to accumulate in water, soils and sediments, where they can become readily available to species, such as bivalves and fish. These species are often used as bioindicators as they can provide information about the trophic transfer and/or the accumulation and of different pollutants. After a bibliographic search, the protocols used to study the subcellular fractionation on bivalves and fish exposed to metals have been highlighted. This literature mini review focuses on the different protocols used for studying this issue and the improvements that subcellular fractionation has brought to the topic. Nonetheless, future research needs and perspectives are pointed out as they can improve the robustness of using such techniques for risk assessment.

This study examined research and development of the commercially important marine lobster, in terms of descriptive metadata and scientometric analysis. We consider a collection of over 9,578 related articles to assess literature patterns and research development trends related to marine lobsters as a topic. Web of Science Core Collection was used to identify, collate, and generate publication trends, a list prominent authors and affiliations involved, countries that actively participated, and the co-citation analysis of the references as well as impactful articles and keywords. There were 149 different countries or states that had relevant publications on lobster research. We found an increase in the number of publications over time, with the USA having the most number of publications, followed by Australia and Canada. A total of 17,782 authors were involved in the field of lobster studies. Canadian researchers had the highest citation count for marine lobster research. Surprisingly, the most impactful keyword was crayfish, followed by neuron and amino acid sequence. Our study identifies the multidisciplinary nature in marine lobster research, which includes fields such as neuroscience and developmental genetics. We find that lobster scientific publications increasingly center on the broader coverage areas of science such as taxonomy and basic biology.

Background: Research regarding the impact of aquatic exercise on cognition is scarce. This study aimed at identifying the effects of water-based exercise training on the cognitive function and quality of life of healthy adult women. Methods: Fifty-one healthy women [mean age: 46.5 (12.3) y] were assigned to group A or B and followed a water-based exercise program for 6 months. During the first 3 months, the sessions performed by group A were focused on stimulating cognitive function. For the next 3 months, the sessions were mainly aimed at improving physical fitness. Participants in group B followed the same program in reverse order. The trail making and symbol digit modality tests were used to assess the impact of the program on cognition. The effects of the intervention on the participants' physical and mental health were measured by means of the medical outcomes study 36-item short-form health survey. Results: Once the intervention ended, significant improvements were observed in the participants' cognitive function and mental health domain, regardless of the group in which they were initially included. Conclusion: Water-based exercise is a training modality capable of enhancing cognitive function and quality of life through improvements in mental health in healthy adult women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth of plants, apart from being complex and highly dynamic, is directly dependent on the environmental conditions, particularly the quality of soil for terrestrial plants and the water quality for aquatic plants. Presence of microplastics in the environment may affect the plant growth in numerous ways depending on the contents of the growing medium. However, increasing presence of microplastics at an alarming rate due to its pervasive usage and mismanagement of plastics have led to significant environmental problems. Several research studies have been conducted as well as reviewed to investigate the toxic effects of microplastics on aquatic systems, but studies that investigate the toxic effect of microplastics on the terrestrial systems are limited. Hence, in this review the individual and the combined effects of microplastics on the growth of plants and seed germination in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems are concisely discussed. At the beginning accumulation of microplastics on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem is discussed and the reasonable solutions are highlighted that can mitigate the effects from the widespread increase of the plastic debris. Thereafter, the individual and combined effect of microplastics on seed germination and plant growth is reviewed separately while summarizing the important aspects and future perspectives. This review will provide an insight into the existing gap in the current research works and thus could offer possible implications on the effect of microplastics on plant growth and seed germination in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem. ==========================================================================================COPYRIGHTS©2021 The author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, as long as the original authors and source are cited. No permission is required from the authors or the publishers.==========================================================================================

Abstract Use of benthic macroinvertebrates has been in vogue as indicator organisms for water quality monitoring since long. Traditional methods of water quality monitoring incorporate mostly monitoring of physicochemical parameters. However, it is the biomonitoring studies that could help in more accurate water quality monitoring. Due to anthropogenic impact at water sources, integrated water quality monitoring has become a necessity. An integrated study comprising physicochemical parameters and biomonitoring using benthic macroinvertebrates was carried out at six sites along the Mahi river basin, the command area of which has witnessed tremendous economic and cultural progress over a period of time. Diversity Score and Saprobic Score were calculated, and Water Quality Class was determined as per Biological Monitoring Working Party score given by Central Pollution Control Board and results in moderate pollution at all locations, whereas Water Quality Class as per ISI-IS 2296–1982 at M-1, M-4, M-7 and M-12 shows slight pollution. Jaccard’s similarity index compared the biodiversity of benthic macroinvertebrates at all the sites from upstream to downstream locations. It was maximum, i.e., 52.94% between the locations at M-4 and M-7. Species richness (S) has also been monitored at the said locations. The Diversity Score 0.83 is maximum at the Galteshwar (M-12) location of the Mahi river, which indicates that the location was the most ecologically diverse region among all.

Swimming is the only sport providing lifesaving skills, reducing the risk of death by drowning, a top cause of deaths in children aged 1–14 years. Research shows swimming amongst other sports can aid fundamental movement skill (FMS) development. Therefore, this review investigated the following: (1) how swimming impacts FMS development in children aged 3–11 years, (2) successful tools assessing swimming and FMS, and (3) recommendations appropriate to the UK curriculum based on findings of this study. A systematic literature review using Google Scholar, PubMed, and SPORTDiscuss was conducted to investigate the effects of swimming on FMS development. Methods included database searching, finalising articles appropriate to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and identifying relevant articles using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool assessed data quality and bias risk, whilst thematic analysis synthesised data alongside descriptive results. Ten papers were synthesised, identifying significant positive impacts of swimming on FMS, including significant pre–post testing (p < 0.01), significant improvements compared to other sports (p < 0.001), and significant improvements in specific motor skills (Balance; p = 0.0004). Future research specifically addressing swimming and FMS is essential to improving the curriculum.

In this paper, we report the successful application of a patent-pending reduced bimetallic nanoparticle catalytic system developed for the remediation of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-contaminated sediment and aquatic media. The formation of bimetallic nanoparticles associated with the granular activated carbon (GAC) were confirmed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed the presence of the bimetallic matrix in reduced, albeit mixed, states. In the degradation studies, the bimetallic nanoparticles were deposited on a GAC substrate and utilized to treat both a surrogate PCB, 2-Chlorobiphenyl (2-CBP) in water and contaminated bottom-river sediments collected from a site with mixed-congener PCB contamination. The degradation studies on non-degassed water contaminated with 2-CBP at room temperature showed a high yield of 2-CBP degradation to biphenyl and phenol. Results from the bottom-river sediments contaminated with PCBs (tested in laboratory environment at ambient temperature and atmospheric conditions, not degassed) have indicated the bimetallic catalyst has great promise for remedial application in sediment and aquatic media. Results illustrate that this newly-developed and patent-pending catalytic system degrades PCBs through stepwise dichlorination, with expected byproducts such as biphenyl and phenol leading to mineralization of the PCBs. [Display omitted] • In this paper, we report the successful application of a patent-pending reduced bimetallic nanoparticle catalyst developed for the remediation of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-contaminated sediment and aquatic media. • Advanced analytical techniques (XPS, XRD, TEM) showed that bimetallic catalyst was present in reduced, albeit mixed oxidation states. • Treatment of PCBs surrogate, 2-Chlorobiphenyl (2-CBP) with the catalyst showed a high yield of 2-CBP degradation to biphenyl and phenol. • Results from bottom-river sediments contaminated with PCBs collected from the field indicated the bimetallic catalyst has great promise for remedial application in sediment and aquatic media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palaeontological and zooarchaeological deposits have been recovered from underwater caves across the globe, but studies on site formation processes in these environments are scattered and have never been systematically examined. Flooded caves in the phreatic zone of karst systems include sinkholes and fensters (windows) that form a connection between the sub-aerial and sub-terranean landscapes, and conduits and chambers that establish underground networks of tunnels. Burial environments in these spaces are variable, and sedimentary, cave morphologic, and hydrologic variability within a single site can have profound impacts on taphonomic processes. The key determinant on long term preservation in these spaces is, however, the presence of water which dictates the nature of any habitation and by which species, and the process of decay. Water tables can fluctuate with long- and short-term sea level changes, with concomitant shifts in burial environments between flooded 'wet' or exposed 'dry' settings in near-shore cave systems. Distinguishing wet and dry burial conditions is necessary to reconstruct site formation processes in caves exhibiting evidence of changing or cyclical phreatic and vadose conditions. Signatures of aquatic deposition have been identified in underwater sites under marine, lacustrine and fluvial settings, but similar investigations are lacking for submerged cave landscapes. Water influences the decay process, alters bone surfaces, and modifies internal physical and chemical properties of bones. By exploring the environmental properties of flooded caves alongside known aquatic modifications, this review aims to build a framework for taphonomy of underwater cave palaeontological and archaeological sites. We detail biostratinomic and diagenesis processes that can be explored by actualistic, experimental, and observational studies. Future consideration could be given to the effects of human actions on the spatial distribution and modifications of bones in these spaces and the combined effects of environmental and anthropic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]