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Salinity profiles and meteorological data were analyzed during February, May, and September 2006 in Chetumal Bay, a large, shallow estuary of the Western Caribbean. Local meteorological conditions revealed three seasons: (1) a dry season (March-May); (2) a wet season (June-October); and (3) the nortes season, with northerly wind events (October-February). During the nortes and wet seasons, salinity ranged between 13 and 16 psu, and salinity was highest in the dry season, ranging between 18 and 22 psu over most of the area; a strong stratification and a significant contribution of salty water characterized this season. Strong horizontal gradients were observed near Rio Hondo during the three seasons. Deep and narrow peculiar bathymetric features called the pozas showed a strong stratification and a relatively high salinity. The northern part of Chetumal Bay and probably the entire system are far from being homogeneous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A study was conducted at a fish culture farm in the Jaha River estuary, Malaysia, to examine the structure and development of macrofouling assemblages on floating net-cages. The study was conducted during the dry (August–October 2001) and wet (December–February 2002) seasons. Biofouling on 1.6cm mesh net panels (size 0.2m×2m) suspended inside (P, T) and outside (O) experimental net-cages was monitored every week until net openings were completely occluded by macrofouling organisms (8wk and 12wk for dry and wet seasons respectively). Seven species (6 phyla) of sessile organisms and 23 species (3 phyla) of non-sessile associates were recorded. Macro-colonization of net panels began with the hydroid Plumularia sp. irrespective of season and treatment (P, T, and O), while other species only appeared after 1 or 2 weeks of immersion. Inside net-cages where water flow was slow (mean<6cms−1 at 0.50–0.75m depth); macroalgae (Polysiphonia sp.), anthozoans (unidentified anemone), barnacles (Balanus amphitrite), amphipods (Gammaropsis sp. &Photis sp.), and tanaids (Leptognathia sp.) were dominant on the net panels during the dry season. In the wet season, hydroid (Plumularia sp.), mussel (Xenostrobus mangle), and nematode abundance were however significant. With stronger water flow (mean≈20cms−1) as occurring outside the net-cages, macrofouling assemblages for both seasons comprised mainly Plumularia sp. and Gammaropsis sp. The macrofouling assemblage showed a clear succession of species that occupied different layers of the net panels. The study shows that while organic enrichment and retarded water flow together enhance the development of macrofouling assemblages, salinity, depth, substrate (net) area and species competition specifically influence community structure, colonization, and depth distribution of the macrofouling organisms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hydrology and nutrients have been indicated as the main driving factors acting on phytoplankton biomass and composition in estuarine systems, although grazing may occasionally have some influence. In order to identify these factors over temporal and spatial scales, we analyzed physical, chemical, and biological properties of a tropical river-dominated estuary during the dry and rainy seasons. As far as we know, this is the first time that the functional groups approach has been used to analyze the changes in phytoplankton composition in an estuary. This recent framework is based on the tolerances and sensitivities in relation to environmental conditions of groups of species, which are labeled by alpha-numeric codes (Reynolds et al., J. PI. Res. 24:417-428, 2002). In the estuary of ParaIba do Sul River, all phytoplankton groups were represented by freshwater organisms, indicating the strong influence of the river. However, remarkable shifts in composition and biomass occurred from the low to high flushing seasons, due much more to the river discharge than to nutrient availability. The overall results showed no nitrogen, phosphorus, or silica limitation to phytoplankton growth (mean values: dissolved inorganic nitrogen=30.5 μM, soluble reactive phosphorus= 1.45 μM, and silica=208.05 μM). The higher river flow supports a lower phytoplankton biomass composed mainly of nanoplankton (<20 μm) fast-growing functional groups, which are able to maintain biomass even in high flushing conditions (X1), or large heavy organisms, such as some heavy diatoms of group P, which are able to be in suspension in shallow and turbulent systems. The lower river flow led to the coexistence of large organisms (>20 μm) of the groups P and F, which include slow- growing populations typically found in mesotrophic lakes. Although the functional group approach was originally developed for temperate lakes, our data support this approach for a tropical estuarine environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, residues of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in water, suspended particulate matter (SPM), sediment and oysters from the Chanthaburi estuary were monitored closely in the wet and dry seasons for determining potential environmental risks. In water samples, out of twenty OCPs measured, endosulfan and hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) were the two predominant compounds ranging and concentrations between 0.6-13 ng/L and 1-12 ng/L, respectively. Both compounds were found in higher concentrations during the wet season. The two insecticides were significantly correlated with total organic carbon (TOC) in the water with r values of 0.571 (P < 0.05) and 0.440 (P < 0.1), for endosulfan and HCHs respectively suggesting that these chemicals are strongly bound and concentrated by water-soluble organic carbon. As expected, high concentrations of endosulfan and HCHs were associated with SPM and in the surface sediment (0-5 cm) with a concentration ranging from 25-1,219 μ g/kg dry wt and 19-110 μ g/kg dry wt for SPM, 4-70 μ g/kg dry wt and 0.5-50 μ g/kg dry wt for surface sediment, respectively. Sediment quality of the Chanthaburi estuary was also assessed in terms of risk to aquatic biota using concentration found in the sediment compared to published allowable threshold levels (U.S. EPA and New York guidelines). Results suggested that most of endosulfan and HCHs levels in sediment samples exceeded the threshold values. Thus potential and environmental risks may be anticipated from levels found in sediment. Oyster from selected farms cultured at the study area appeared to take up both endosulfan and HCHs in proportion to level presented in the water and SPM. The range of endosulfan and HCHs observed in oyster tissue were from 4-46 μ g/kg wet wt, and from non-detectable to 8 μ g/kg wet wt. respectively. Human risk from oyster consumption was considered by comparing the value measured with allowable threshold level of concerned chemical. The levels of endofulfan and HCHs measured in oyster showed that oysters from this estuary area were safe for consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on research examining the relationship between selenium (Se) and mercury (Hg) in fishes and plankton. According to the study, differences were found among the concentrations of these elements in microplankton, mesozoplankton, and fishes, including its bioavailability. Moreover, to further outline the relation between these elements, biological and ecological factors, such as body length, feeding habits, and trophic transfer were viewed.

Estuaries provide enumerable ecosystem services to mankind in terms of provisional, regulating, supporting, recreational and information services. However, the persistent human-environment interactions for these services altered the ecological integrity of estuaries. Although the small estuaries receive little attraction in scientific studies due to their low surface area and regional importance, these ecosystems are more vulnerable to anthropogenic pressures and require urgent attention from the scientific fraternity. The Terekhol Estuary (TRE) is a small tropical estuary situated along Goa, west coast of India, gaining recognition in recent years due to the pollution risk from tourism activities. Moreover, the estuary also behaves as an extension of the marine realm during the dry season. The food web structure and network flow indices of the TRE was assessed to reveal its present ecological status. The Ecopath modelling approach was employed to delineate the ecosystem structure and trophic functioning of the estuary distributed in 22 ecological compartments from 2018 to 2019. The trophic level of the food web ranged from detritus (TL-1) to sharks (TL- 4.53). The ecosystem structure demonstrated a grazing chain (herbivory) based organization over the detritus-based pathway. The proportion of exports to the total flows was 35% for the TRE. The model has a high total system throughput (12,043.6 t km−2 year−1), low system omnivory index (0.17) and connectance index (0.21), and a moderate relative ascendency (45.1%). Finn's cycling index (2.17%) indicated very low recycling in the system. All these indicators along with the eco-exergy index (8567.22 g detritus equivalent m−2), specific eco-exergy (38.25) and robustness index (0.11) classified the estuary as be immature, less stable and less organized and is in the initial stages of its development. The ecological indicators analyzed here point towards a medium to a high level of impact in the TRE due to anthropogenic activities. We also highlight the management measures to be implemented in order to restore the ecological quality of the TRE. [Display omitted] • The food web model of a small tropical estuary, Terekhol along the west coast of India was constructed. • A grazing chain based on herbivory followed by detritivory was identified in the estuary. • The estuary is identified as an immature, low recycling and developing ecosystem. • The health and stability indices indicated a less stable and less organized stature of the ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to determine the total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), the carbon‑nitrogen ratio (TOC/TN), carbon isotope (δ13C), and nitrogen isotope (δ15N) in five sediment cores collected from upstream to downstream of the Rio Serinhaem estuary, State of Bahia, Northeast Brazil, in order to investigate the origin of the deposited organic matter (OM).Significant positive correlation was found between TOC and NT (r s = 0.75); TOC/TN and TOC (r s = 0.64); δ15N and TOC (r s = 0.72); and δ15N and TOC/TN (r s = 0.63). The values of δ13C and δ15N found are characteristic of terrestrial sources. The TOC/TN ratio confirmed the data found for δ13C and δ15N, which recorded the origin of organic matter from terrestrial C3 type plants. Upstream of the estuary, the highest means of TOC/TN were found (T1 = 36.9 and T2 = 24.4), as reflected by the increase in TOC content or reduction in TN. The OM along the estuary is predominantly from plants with a C3 photosynthetic pattern, indicating that the Serinhaem River estuary is considered a relatively well-preserved environment. [Display omitted] • Grain size does not influence the distribution of TOC in the sediments. • The organic matter on the estuary is predominantly from C3 plants. • The highest TOC and TN values occur close to the city of Ituberá. • The TOC/TN, δ13C and δ15N ratios do not indicate anthropogenic contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variability of nature and composition of organic matter in the surficial sediments of mangrove and estuarine systems of Cochin were investigated. Assessment of biochemical composition and elements such as carbon, nitrogen and sulphur were employed for this. Irrespective of the higher content of total organic matter, the labile organic matter was very low in both mangrove and estuarine sediments. Concentrations of biochemical compounds were comparatively higher in mangrove sediments. Total lipids were the dominant class among labile organic compounds in both mangrove and estuarine sediments contributing 51.4% and 45.3%, respectively. Protein to carbohydrate ratio was higher in estuarine sediments when compared to mangroves, indicating low dead organic matter accumulation, probably due to the strong hydrodynamic conditions in estuaries. Correlation analysis showed that sediment texture had no significant correlation with any of the sedimentary parameters in mangroves, whereas in estuaries, it showed significant correlations with most of the sedimentary parameters. Principal component analysis indicated three different dominant processes in mangroves namely mangrove litter addition, diagenesis and other geochemical process like siltation and sorption/desorption, while in estuaries the dominant process seems to be diagenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The structure of the benthic macrofaunal assemblages of the estuarine portion of Paraguaçu River, NE, Brazil, and its relationship with surface sediment characteristics (trace metals, PAHs, nutrients and grain size) and physical variables were investigated at ten stations on two contrasting occasions, summer (dry season) and winter (rainy season). A total of 1258 individuals (632 in winter and 626 in summer) and 62 taxa representing polychaetes, crustaceans, bivalves, echinoderms, bryozoans, sponges, cnidarians and cephalochordates were collected. Benthic assemblages in the upper estuary were unlike those in the lower estuary and a clear substitution of benthic taxa along the estuary was observed. Macrofaunal invertebrates in the low salinity region, composed of coarse sediments, were dominated by tellinids, venerids (bivalves), cirolanids (isopods), cyclopoids (copepods), and nereidids (polychaetes). While the high salinity region, composed of fine sediments, were dominated by nuculids (bivalves), cirratulids (polychaetes), and by amphiurids (ophiuroids). The Paraguaçu estuarine system is not severely affected by anthropogenic activities. In the great majority of the study sites, concentrations of trace metals and PAHs in the sediments were near background values. Nutrients values were also low. We formulated new models of taxon distribution and suggested detailed studies on the effects of salinity variation and studies using functional approaches to better understand the processes causing the spatial patterns in tropical estuarine benthic assemblages. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: “Biolog” plates were used to study the changes in the metabolic capabilities of bacterioplankton over a complete tidal cycle in a tropical ecosystem (Cochin Estuary) along southwest coast of India. The pattern of utilization of carbon sources showed a definite shift in the community metabolism along a salinity gradient. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed two communities, namely allochthonous bacterioplankton sensitive to salinity and autochthonous bacterioplankton, which are tolerant to wide salinity fluctuations. Regression analysis showed salinity as the most important parameter influencing the physiological profile of bacterioplankton, irrespective of tide. Apart from salinity, limno-tolerant retrievable counts and halo-tolerant retrievable counts also accounted for the metabolic variation of bacterioplankton during low and high tides, respectively. The shift in the substrate utilization from carbohydrates to amino acids appears to be due to the physiological adaptation or nitrogen limitation of bacterial community with increasing salinity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Bacterial productivity (BP) and respiration (BR) were examined in relation to primary productivity (PP) for the first time in a shallow tropical ecosystem (Cochin Estuary), India. The degree of dependence of BP (6.3–199.7μg CL−1 d−1) and BR (6.6–430.4μg CL−1 d−1) on PP (2.1–608.0μg CL−1 d−1) was found to be extremely weak. The BP/PP (0.05–8.5) and PP/BR (0.02–7.9) ratios widely varied in the estuary depending on the season and location. There was a seasonal shift in net pelagic production from autotrophy to heterotrophy due to terrestrial organic matter input through rivers which enhanced the bacterial heterotrophic activity and very high pCO2 (106–6001μatm) levels. The heterotrophic zones were characterized by low PP but high bacterial production and respiration leading to oxygen undersaturation and exceptionally high pCO2. We propose that the CO2 supersaturation caused by increased bacterial respiration (in excess of PP) was a result of bacterial degradation of allochthonous organic matter. This indicates that sources other than planktonic compartment need to be explored to understand the C-cycling in this estuary. These results are of particular relevance to tropical ecosystems in general, where the bulk of world''s river discharges occur. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

1. Estuaries are interesting sites to examine virus–bacteria interactions since they may vary gradually or abruptly in salinity, which presumably requires physiological, genetic and ecological adaptations. To explore such adjustments in tropical areas, freshwater and seawater samples were collected in the estuarine system of the River Senegal and experimentally subjected to abrupt mixing of seawater with freshwater and vice versa. 2. Production rates of freshwater bacteria (measured by the tritiated thymidine incorporation method) and of viruses (measured by the dilution method) sharply declined immediately after seawater addition, which was followed by a spectacular recovery of the surviving bacterial and viral populations within 24 and 48 h, respectively. 3. Conversely, neither marine bacteria nor viruses were significantly affected by mixing with freshwater. This suggests that the turbulent front between ascending tidal sea water and outwelling fluvial freshwater is a more favourable environment for marine bacterioplankton, which may take advantage of massive bursts of freshwater cells resulting from osmotic shock. 4. In both mixing experiments, the dynamics of virioplankton production followed that of the bacteria within 24 h, suggesting that viruses can rapidly respond to dramatic shifts in the abundance and community composition of bacterial hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition of the zooplankton community in a macrotidal (8 m tidal range), tropical estuarine system (Darwin Harbour, Australia; 12°28′ S, 130°50′ E) was studied over a 2 year period with the goal of describing biodiversity and determining the environmental factors that have the greatest impact on community structure. Most (82-84%) of the >73 μm plankton was composed of copepod nauplii and copepodites, and plankton samples taken with larger, coarser meshed (150 and 350 μm) nets did not contain significant numbers of larger (non-copepod) organisms. In all, 32 copepod species were recorded, with small euryhaline marine copepod species such as Parvocalanus crassirostris, Bestiolina sim i/is and Oithona aruensis dominating the zooplankton. Plankton abundances ranged between 30,000 and 110,000 m-3, and there were significant year (2003>2004), season (wet > dry) and site differences (inner harbour sites > outer harbour sites), but negligible diurnal differences. Multivariate analyses identified three sample groups: (1) middle and outer harbour sites, (2) inner harbour and river sites and (3) the river site during the wet seasons. Middle and outer harbour stations were characterised by a diverse mixture of coastal cope- pods, whereas inner harbour and river sites were dominated by P crassirostris and 0. aruensis. During the wet season, there was a distinct copepod community within the Blackmore River, dominated by Acartia sinjiensis, Oithona nishidai and Pseudodiaptomus spp. Environmental variables (nutrients and chlorophyll a) were correlated with salinity, which had the strongest influence on community structure. There was a significant drop in species richness from harbour to river sites. Small copepods of the families Paracalanidae and Oithonidae dominate tide-dominated Australian tropical estuaries, whereas copepods belonging to the family Centropagidae (such as Gladioferens spp.) appear to be characteristic of wave-dominated estuaries in southern Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first comparison of the intertidal fish fauna from three estuaries within the longest contiguous mangrove area of the world, in north Brazil, revealed a significant heterogeneity in the species composition and functional and ecological guilds with an increase of Tetraodontidae and Engraulidae and a decrease of Sciaenidae and Mugilidae towards the Amazon mouth. A classification of the mangrove estuaries to identify types of estuaries and coastal sectors is urgently required to provide a tool for regional management systems in order to improve research, monitoring and conservation of this unique mangrove ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Experimental estimates of gear selectivity by age used for estimating stock size and measuring fishing impact have been scarcely documented in small-scale fisheries from Latin-America and the Caribbean. In order to improve stock assessment and fisheries management in such fisheries, an experimental approach was designed to estimate the selective performance of the encircling gillnet “boliche” used in the tropical small-scale fishery of the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, Colombia. Similar to covered cod-end hauls, an experimental net was enclosed by a control small-mesh net in 70 hauls. Both contact and available-selection processes affecting the selectivity of the “boliche” were modelled by fitting two selection curves: the logistic (a retention curve) and the encounter-probability (probability that a fish contacts the net) models. The encounter-probability model gave the most appropriate results in terms of the deviance statistic and the lowest Akaike''s Information Criterion. Selectivity parameters were estimated for the main targeted fish species, highlighting differential avoidance reactions to the “boliche” for Eugerres plumieri (0.28), Diapterus rhombeus (0.24), Elops saurus (0.22), Micropogonias furnieri (0.13) and Cathorops spixii (0.16), but not Mugil incilis (all fish retained). To provide an overall (aggregated) effect of the “boliche” on the fish assemblage, the multi-species selection curve showed 61% retention at 15cm, indicating that 39% of the multi-specific component may avoid the “boliche”. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study found no evidence that turbidity influenced the distribution of fishes in four tropical estuaries in north-eastern Queensland. When both more turbid and less turbid environments were immediately available to Ambassis vachelli and Leiognathus equulus there was no difference in abundance between the more and less turbid environments and no correlated change in abundance as the difference in turbidity increased. A similar outcome was evident for an additional six species of fish. Furthermore, the distribution of fishes was not correlated with the distribution of an important prey species, juvenile banana prawns Penaeus merguiensis, which exhibited a clear response to differences in turbidity level with higher abundance in the more turbid samples, however, the magnitude of the difference did not alter with changes in the magnitude of the differences in turbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This project studied how meso- and macro-zooplankton communities (composition, abundance, and biomass) in the Senegal River Estuary varied in time and space depending on hydro-biological factors and human action. Samples were taken approximately every 45days, from January to December 2003, at 3 sampling stations where the estuary was subject to different marine and continental influences. Temperature, salinity, fluorescence and oxygen were measured using a Seabird probe (SBE 19). Meso- and macro-zooplankton were collected using standard nets (200μm and 500μm mesh sizes respectively), towed horizontally at the surface and at a depth of 3m–5m. The study showed a marked seasonal variation which clearly influenced the structure and distribution of meso-zooplankton and macro-zooplankton communities. During the low water period (November–June) the marine influence prevailed, decreasing from the river mouth to the upstream part of the estuary near the Diama anti-salt dam. Zooplankton was abundant, containing mainly marine organisms and a few euryhaline species (i.e. Acartia clausi) which colonized the estuary. During the high water period (July–October) the estuary was mainly under the continental influence and the impact of the annual flood. Zooplankton was less abundant but more diversified than during the low water season and was dominated by freshwater species which entered the estuary through the Diama Dam. By comparison with previous works, this study showed significant changes in the abundance of zooplankton and the types of community since the Diama Dam came into operation in 1985. The results also showed the initial effects on the pelagic ecosystem of a channel opened in October 2003 in the middle part of the estuary. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Geochemical characteristics of surficial sediments in the Panangad region of Cochin estuary, the largest brackish-water humid ecosystem in the south-west coast of India, were analysed. Temporal variations in nutrient stoichiometry, seasonal characteristics of redox elements Fe and S, and the phosphorus geochemistry were employed for the purpose. The stoichiometric analysis pointed towards autochthonous origin of organic matter, possibility of nitrogen limitation, and allochthonous modification of redox conditions. Seasonal variations were not statistically significant for all the geochemical parameters, whereas significant spatial variations were observed with lower values at sandy stations, suggesting that the texture of the sediments is the main factor influencing the sediment geochemistry. Significant inter-relations between the geochemical parameters also suggest a common control mechanism. Based on these geochemical characteristics, the study region can be effectively categorized into two distinct zones, viz. (1) erosion and transportation and (2) deposition zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Rare earth elements (REE from La to Lu), Al and Fe were analysed in 35 surface sediment samples from the Marabasco River-Estuary system, located in the active tectonic zone of Cocos Plate near the active Colima Volcano. The Peña Colorada iron mine is found in the Marabasco watershed and the river sediments are enriched by iron oxy-hydroxides. The average REE content is 86.9±26.8 mg·kg−1 and 95.5±50.3 mg·kg−1 for river and estuarine sediments respectively, which is low in comparison to other tropical coastal systems. The REE light/heavy content ratios (L/H) of Marabasco sediments are also low with averages of 5.2±0.8 (river) and 5.7±0.9 (estuary) due to the minor presence of LREE. The REE signature of the sediment by normalisation with chondrite indicated a slight negative anomaly of Europium and the absence of a Cerium anomaly. REE concentrations in the Marabasco sediments show a strong correlation with Al and Fe, with LREE having a greater affinity for Fe and HREE for Al. This antagonism is REE-ordered by their atomic number sequence in the river sediment case. This has not been previously observed in the environment and the presence of magnetite and the iron oxy-hydroxide enrichment may enhance it. This did not occur in the estuary of the Marabasco mine region where Al and Fe are both well correlated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the Gulf of Nicoya on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, nutrient rich equatorial subsurface water (ESW) is upwelled in much of the lower gulf. These offshore waters are often regarded as the major source of nutrients to the gulf. However, for most of the year, the ESW has little influence on the nutrient content of the upper gulf, which has a distinct character from the lower gulf. The upper gulf, extending 40 km north of the restriction between Puntarenas Peninsula and San Lucas island, is bordered primarily by mangrove swamps, is less than 20 m deep, and is less saline than the lower gulf. We surveyed the upper gulf for dissolved inorganic nitrogen, phosphate, silicate, dissolved oxygen, and chlorophyll in November 2000, January and July 2001. All nutrients are more concentrated in the upper gulf during the rainy and transitional seasons than the dry season, significantly so for phosphate and silicate. Throughout the year, nutrients tend to be much more concentrated in the less saline water of the upper gulf. This trend indicates that discharge from the Tempisque River predominantly controls spatial and temporal nutrient variability in the upper gulf. However, nutrient rich ESW, upwelled offshore and mixed to form a mid-temperature intermediate water, may enter the inner gulf to provide an important secondary source of nutrients during the dry season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Guanabara Bay (GB) is considered to be one of the most polluted environments of the southern Brazilian coastline. This typical estuarine system is impacted by the heavy discharge of both industrial and domestic waste from the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area. The mollusc community structure and distribution was investigated between 2000 and 2001, using a three month sampling design of 38 stations, according to austral seasons. Species abundance was aggregated into progressively higher taxa matrices (genus, family, order) and were analysed using multivariate techniques. Mollusc distribution in GB varied significantly in space and time and was probably ruled by the organic enrichment effects of hypoxia and altered redox conditions coupled with prevailing patterns of circulation. Within the sectors of GB an increasing gradient in mollusc diversity and occurrence was observed, ranging from the azoic and impoverished stations in the inner sector to a well-structured community in terms of species composition and abundance inhabiting the outer sector. The non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) and cluster analysis showed similar results when species were aggregated into genera and families, while greater difference occurred at coarser taxonomic identification (order). The literature about taxonomic sufficiency has demonstrated that faunal patterns at different taxonomic levels tend to become similar with increased pollution. In Guanabara Bay, an analysis carried out solely at family level is perfectly adequate to describe the eco-physiological stress. Further aggregation to order level changed the perceived patterns of differences. However, a different taxonomic resolution can be chosen depending on the type of ecological patterns investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The occurrence of Vibrio cholerae in water, sediment and copepods was studied over a wide range of salinity using conventional and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques in the Cochin backwaters. V. cholerae occurred either as culturable or non-culturable form in this tropical estuary. During the pre monsoon period when high salinity prevailed (35.5psu) V. cholerae was associated with copepods only in non-culturable form, but with the onset of monsoon when lower salinity prevailed, copepod-associated-V. cholerae reverted back to culturable form. The optimum salinity range for culturability was found to be 15–20psu. This points to the fact that salinity is a major factor that which influences V. cholerae’s culturability and its association with copepods in Cochin backwaters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The diversity, abundance and biomass of microzooplankton in Cochin backwaters were studied for the first time during pre-summer monsoon to peak of summer monsoon (April–July 2003) to understand the impact of large freshwater influx. Microzooplankton abundance and biomass were highest during pre-summer monsoon (av. 3817ind.L−1 and 146μgCL−1) that declined with the onset (av. 2052ind.L−1 and 45μgCL−1) and peak (av. 409ind.L−1 and 10μgCL−1) summer monsoon. Species diversity, richness and evenness of microzooplankton also showed similar trends as that of abundance and biomass. Grazing experiment showed that microzooplankton consumes 43±1% of the daily phytoplankton standing stock during the high saline condition (27.5). Low abundance of microzooplankton during summer monsoon period (1/8 of the pre-summer monsoon value) along with the concomitant occurrence of low mesozooplankton (1/8 times of pre-summer monsoon value) suggests that there could be a general lack of planktonic grazers. This would result in a weak transfer of primary and bacterial carbon to higher trophic levels, eventually leaving behind much unconsumed basic food in the estuary during summer monsoon. Thus a major portion of the primary carbon either settles down or gets transported to the coastal regions during monsoon. High flushing of Cochin backwaters also facilitates faster removal of primary producers to the coastal regions during monsoon. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The epibenthic encrusting fauna of 2 creeks of the Caeté mangrove estuary, northern Brazil, was studied over a 13 month period using collectors fixed at 2.5 and 3.5 m above the creek bottom and in which upper and lower sides of ceramic and wooden panels were used as settlement substrates. The number of individuals of the most abundant organisms (barnacles, oysters and mussels) settling per panel was determined each month, for each substrate type, panel orientation and height above creek bottom. The barnacle, Fistulobalanus citerosum has a peak settlement period during the wet season whereas both peaks in the numbers of settlers of the oyster Crassostrea rhizophorae were recorded during the dry season and such discrete temporal patterns in settlement have also been observed for barnacles and oysters in other mangroves and estuaries. In contrast to other studies, settlement of the mussel Mytella falcata was generally low during the study period and may be related to over-exploitation of stocks in the region. Overall, settler density was usually greater on the underside of ceramic panels close to the creek bottom, similar to results of other studies of epibenthic settlement in diverse habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chaliyar river estuary is a positive coastal plain estuary with total drainage area of 2923 km². We investigated the estuary's functions as sink and transformer of nutrients (uptake and release, retaining and recycling of nutrients) and relative contribution of external nutrient supply, nutrient budget, geo-chemical and biochemical pathways. The major source of nitrogen in the estuary is the river discharge. During pre-monsoon period, the percentage of inorganic nitrogen to total nitrogen pool is at the minimum and the major form is organic nitrogen. During the post-monsoon period, the contributions from both these components are almost equal, with a predominance of inorganic form. The dissolved nitrogen components are present in one form or other through out the estuary in all seasons and so nitrogen is not a limiting nutrient for primary production. The urea-N fraction remains < 7% with the lowest levels in pre monsoon. The contribution of Ammonia-N to total nitrogen pool is < 10% during monsoon and pre monsoon seasons. The maximum contribution > 25% is in the post monsoon season. When the monsoon discharges are maximum, 80 -90% contribution to the total nitrogen pool is by nitrate-N alone and in the pre- monsoon months, 75-85% of total nitrogen pool is from the organic -N. The net fluxes of inorganic nutrients in monsoon and post monsoon season are very large- with very small positive or negative fluxes for the pre-monsoon months. The average net fluxes are 4.97 to 9.61 mg m-2 s-1 for the monsoon months and 7.22 to 8.01 mg m-2 s-1 for the post monsoon months. During pre monsoon period, ammonia is transported towards the river (-0.47 to 0.03 mg m-2 s-1). The net fluxes of nitrite-N are very small and directed upstream during the pre monsoon months. The average flux of nitrate is of the order of 81.09 to 134 mg m-2; s-1 for the monsoon months and 4.87 to 33.23 mg m-1 s-1 in the post monsoon months. During the pre monsoon months, negative net flux is towards the river and the magnitude decreases upstream. The net flux of phosphate increases from marine end towards riverine end with the monsoon month's net flux of 3.52 to 4.63 mg m-2 s-1. During the post monsoon months, fluxes vary from 1.87 to 2.82 mg m-2 s-1. The net fluxes are very small and directed towards the river in pre monsoon months**. Except in the pre monsoon, there is net transfer of nutrients to sea. The mean annual fluxes for nitrate-N, Ammonia-N and phosphate-P are 31.01 mg m-2 s-1, +3.9 mg m-2 s-1 and +2.39 mg m-2 s-1 respectively. The average peak southwest monsoon transport of nitrate, ammonia and phosphate to sea are 13.7 Mg d-1, 1.2 Mg d-1 and 0.61 Mg d-1 respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 200-kHz circular split-beam echosounder (BioSonics, DT6000) was placed in the center of a macrotidal mangrove channel in north Brazil to study the movement patterns of tidal migrating fish. Vertical beaming gave high signal-to-noise ratios (21dB) during neap tides in the dry season 2002. Despite low Secchi depths, a diel change in the vertical target distribution was apparent when fish inhabited the water column only during the night flooding. Moreover, responses in vertical distribution occurred at dusk and dawn. The multispecies population simultaneously caught with a tidal trap consisted of juveniles and adults of small species, and juveniles of larger species (mean total length of fish: 14cm), being reflected in target strength values ranging from -60 to -40dB. Nekton organisms usually traveled with the tide. At low water fish concentrated in the subtidal channel sections, swam slowly and meandered in different directions. At first flood rise—the strongest ambient change—the entire fish population ‘rode the tide’ to immigrate into the intertidal zone, indicated by fast, linear, upstream tracks throughout the water column. At slack high water fish milled around (likely Cetengraulis edentulus and Anchovia clupeoides at night and epibenthic fish in daytime). When sampling the spatiotemporal distribution of fish in intertidal environments, the 3D spatial heterogeneity versus time should be considered. A net upstream longitudinal current together with a regular first flood rise likely promoted retention of fish in this mangrove nursery from one tide to the next. In well-mixed shallow-water environments with a dominant epibenthic fish population, horizontal and vertical beaming should be combined since deeper sections may serve as a refuge for the fish. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Past and on-going reclamation, dredging, construction and shipping activities impact Ponggol Estuary, located on the northeastern coast of Singapore. Tin, lead, nickel, cadmium, and copper in particulate and dissolved fractions and sediments ranged from ND (undetectable)–92 ppm, ND–303.2 ppm, ND–2818.4 ppm, ND–74.4 ppm and ND–1117.7 ppm, respectively. Intensive dredging activity during the monitoring period may have led to the resuspension and bioavailability of particulate metals. This was tested by the exposure of phytoplankton and bacteria in mesocosms to previously measured environmental levels of heavy metals and the contaminated sediments with the highest heavy metal concentrations from one of the impacted sites. The results showed significant copper toxicity to phytoplankton and autotrophic bacteria, followed by nickel and lead at all concentrations tested. Enhanced rates of heterotrophic bacterial production and total bacterial abundance were observed in treatments with higher metal concentrations. Among the various treatments, particulate and sediment metal concentrations were significantly different from those of the control. Mesocosms using contaminated sediments with the highest metal concentrations compared with the control showed a bioavailability of metals that resulted in the inhibition of phytoplankton and autotrophic bacteria. High concentrations of copper (5.52–11.35 mg L-1) and nickel (2.42–2.71 mg L-1) observed in the aqueous phase of treatment mesocosms, and attributed to release from the contaminated sediments could account for the toxicity to phytoplankton and autotrophic bacteria. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The distribution of petroleum hydrocarbons and their effects on the periphytic algal biomass using in situ microcosms were investigated in Ponggol estuary located on the northeastern coast of Singapore. Dissolved or dispersed petroleum hydrocarbon (DDPH) concentrations in the surface and bottom waters and absorbed or adsorbed petroleum hydrocarbon (AAPH) concentrations in sediments were monitored from July 1999 to June 2000. Results showed concentrations ranging from 4.42 to 248.94 μg l−1, from 0.35 to 1099.65 μg l−1, and from 20.55 to 541.01 mg kg−1 for DDPH in surface and bottom waters and AAPH in sediments, respectively. Accidental spillages of fuel from dredgers operating in the estuary, fuel and engine oil from recreational boats, shipping operations in the adjacent strait, and runoff monsoon drains in the vicinity were some of the possible sources of petroleum hydrocarbons in the estuary. An assessment of environmentally realistic concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons on periphytic algal biomass using in situ microcosms revealed signs of acute toxicity. A reduction in periphytic algal biomass (with respect to controls) of 68–93% was observed for various treatments exposed to diesel. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sediments from Guanabara Bay, sampled as short-cores (50–60 cm) from eight stations, were analysed for the elemental (C and N), isotopic (δ13C and δ15N) and molecular composition (steroids) of the organic matter. The objective of this study was to examine whether there are changes in the sources of sedimentary organic matter pool due to increasing N, P and particulate loads to the bay over the last 100 years. On average, we found a 10-fold increase in the flux of organic matter to the sediments with a maximum of 41.7 mol C m−2 year−1. C/N and δ13C time–space distribution and mass balance calculations indicate that the organic material results from a mixture of marine, terrestrial and estuarine sources, with a growing predominance of autochthonous inputs in recent years. Dinosterol was predominant in most samples (>50% of all measured sterols). Concentrations of dinosterol increased significantly in the last two decades and reached values as high as 150 μg g−1 dry sediment. Net increases in concentration were estimated using the first-order decay rate constants derived from experimental data. There are strong indications that an increase in carbon storage occurred in response to growing eutrophic conditions. In spite of the high respiration rates occurring in the water column, fast sedimentation rates result in the transfer of a significant carbon fraction to the anoxic sediments. Further decomposition proceeds only in the first 10 cm of sediment as indicated by the decay rates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Guanabara Bay (GB), located in the Rio de Janeiro State, is still a productive estuary on the south-eastern Brazilian coast. It is an ecosystem heavily impacted by organic matter, oil and a number of other toxic compounds, including Hg. The present study aimed to comparatively evaluate the aquatic total mercury (THg) and MeHg contamination, and the ratios of MeHg to THg (% MeHg), in 3 species of marine organisms, Micropogonias furniert — carnivorous fish (N=81), Mugil spp. — detritivorous fish (N=20) and Perna perna — filter-feeding bivalves (N=190), which are widely consumed by the population. A total of 291 specimens were collected at the bay in different periods between 1988 and 1998. THg concentrations were determined by cold vapour AAS with stannous chloride as a reducing agent. MeHg was extracted by dithizonebenzene and measured by GC-ECD. Analytical quality was checked through certified standards. All organisms presented both low THg and MeHg concentrations and they were below the maximum limit of 1,000 μg Hg.kg-1 wet wt. as established for human intake of predatory fish by the new Brazilian legislation. Carnivorous fish showed higher THg and MeHg concentrations, and also % MeHg in muscle tissues, than organisms with other feeding habits and lower trophic levels. The average of THg concentrations in carnivorous fish was 108.9 ± 58.6 μg.kg-1 wet wt. (N=61) in 1990 and 199.5 ± 116.2 μg.kg-1 wet wt. (N=20) in 1998, but they presented different total length and body weights. The average THg content in detritivorous fish was 15.4 ± 5.8 μg.kg-1 wet wt., whereas THg concentrations ranged from 4.1 to 53.5 μg.kg-1 wet wt. for the molluscs. The THg and MeHg contents of mussel varied according to the sampling point and water quality. MeHg concentration in detritivorous fish was similar to MeHg concentration in molluscs, but there was a significant difference in the MeHg/THg ratio: the carnivorous fish presented higher MeHg percentages (98%) than the detritivorous fish (54%) and the molluscs (33%). Weight-normalised average concentration of THg in carnivorous fish collected in 1990 (0.18 ± 0.08 μg.g-1/0.7 kg wet wt.) and in 1998 (0.16 ± 0.09 μg.g-1/0.7 kg wet wt.) presented no significant difference ( t=1.34; P < 0.5). In conclusion, the low THg and MeHg concentrations in the organisms from the GB ecosystem, are related to its eutrophic conditions and elevated amounts of suspended matter. In this situation, Hg could be strongly complexed or adsorbed by the particulate, which would dilute the Hg inputs and reduce its residence time in the water column, with a consequent decrease in its availability to organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To better understand the controls on the opportunistic human pathogen Vibrio vulnificus in warm tropical waters, we conducted a year-long investigation in the Ala Wai Canal, a channelized estuary in Honolulu, HI. The abundance of V. vulnificus, as determined by quantitative PCR (qPCR) of the hemolysin gene ( vvhA ), varied spatially and temporally by nearly 4 orders of magnitude (≤3 to 14,000 mL -1 ). Unlike in temperate and subtropical systems, temperatures were persistently warm (19 to 31°C) and explained little of the variability in V. vulnificus abundance. Salinity (1 to 36 ppt) had a significant, but nonlinear, relationship with V. vulnificus abundance with the highest vvhA concentrations (>2,500 mL -1 ) observed only at salinities from 7 to 22 ppt. V. vulnificus abundances were lower on average during the summer dry season, when waters were warmer but more saline. The highest canal-wide average abundances were observed during a time of modest rainfall, when moderate salinities and elevated concentrations of reduced nitrogen species and silica suggested a groundwater influence. Parallel quantification of the vcgC gene suggested that C-type strains, which are responsible for most human infections, comprised 25% of the total V. vulnificus on average, but their relative contribution was greater at higher salinities, suggesting a broader salinity tolerance. Generalized regression models suggested that up to 67% of sample-to-sample variation ( n  = 202) in log-transformed V. vulnificus abundance was explained using the measured environmental variables, and up to 97% of the monthly variation in canal-wide average concentrations ( n  = 13) was explained with the best subset of four variables. IMPORTANCE Our data illustrate that, in the absence of strong seasonal variation in water temperature in the tropics, variation in salinity driven by rainfall becomes a primary controlling variable on V. vulnificus abundance. There is thus a tendency for a rainfall-driven seasonal cycle in V. vulnificus abundance which is inverted from the temperature-driven seasonal cycle at higher latitudes. However, stochasticity in rainfall and its nonlinear, indirect effects on V. vulnificus concentration means that high abundances can occur at any location in the canal at any time of year, making it challenging to predict concentrations of this pathogen at a high temporal or spatial resolution. Much of the variability in canal-wide average concentrations, on the other hand, was explained by a few variables that reflect the magnitude of freshwater input to the system, suggesting that relative risk of exposure to this pathogen could be predicted as an average for the system.

The lower Meghna River, the easternmost part of the Ganges Delta, faces severe anthropogenic perturbations as it receives a huge discharge and industrial effluents. To measure the metal concentrations and human health hazards, edible tissues of 15 commercially important fish species were collected from the local fish markets and the lower Meghna River, Bangladesh. Trace and heavy metals such as Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Hg, Ni, Ca, Co, Se, Rb, Sr, and As were detected using the Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) method. The hierarchy of mean metal concentrations obtained was: Fe (162.198 mg/kg) > Zn (113.326 mg/kg) > Ca (87.828 mg/kg) > Sr (75.139 mg/kg) > Cu (36.438 mg/kg) > Se (9.087 mg/kg) > Cr (7.336 mg/kg) > Mn (6.637 mg/kg) > Co (3.474 mg/kg) > Rb (1.912 mg/kg) > Hg (1.657 mg/kg) > Ni (1.467 mg/kg) > Pb (0.521 mg/kg) > As (BDL). Based on the metal concentration obtained, the carnivorous species contained more metals than omnivores and herbivores. Similarly, the euryhaline and benthic feeder fishes had more metals than the stenohalines and demersal fishes. The metal pollution index (MPI) suggested that the highly consumed fish species Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) and Rui (Labeo rohita) accumulated higher metals than other fishes. Both the Targeted Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Hazard Index (HI) values for adult and child consumers were <1, indicating that consumers would not experience the non-carcinogenic health effects. Although children were more susceptible than adults, carcinogenic risk (CR) exposure of Cr for all the consumers was found in the acceptable range (10−6 to 10−4), but the CR exposure of Pb was negligible for all the consumers. The correlation, principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis were conducted to identify the sources of metals identified from the fish tissue. The results indicated that the probable sources of the pollutants were anthropogenic, arising from agricultural activities, electroplating materials, and lubricants used near the study area. However, the present study showed a different metal concentration in the samples at different levels but within the threshold levels non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks; hence, the fishes of the area, in general, are safe for human consumption.

The COVID-19 lockdown significantly improved the global environmental quality by restricted anthropogenic activities. We aimed to understand the response of Indian coastal environmental quality and an estuarine (Zuari estuary, central west coast of India) water quality to the lockdown using satellite-derived data sets and in-situ measurements, respectively. The in-situ study was carried out for two weeks (during August and September 2020) to measure chlorophyll- a and macro-nutrients. Recent 5-years (2015–2019; March–August) data sets of aerosol optical depth (AOD), rainfall, air temperature, sea surface temperature (SST), chlorophyll- a , particulate inorganic carbon (PIC) and particulate organic carbon (POC) were compared with lockdown period (2020). The AOD was decreased during the lockdown period (23 ± 11%) as compared with recent 5-years shows the significant impact of lockdown on industrial, transport and urbanization activities. The water quality parameters and chlorophyll- a biomass have remained similar to the past data sets, indicating the insignificant effect of lockdown on these parameters. The results of the case study were compared with the previous reports, which showed a decrease in the concentration of nitrate, phosphate and silicate and comparable concentration of chlorophyll- a. Recent studies show significant impacts of lockdown on the atmospheric parameters and water quality parameters, however the present study did not observe any significant variations in the in- situ and satellite derived data sets of water quality and chlorophyll- a. We have discussed the possible reasons underlying in the less/undetectable response of the chlorophyll- a and water quality of the Indian coastal waters and estuaries during the lockdown. • The satellite derived environmental quality parameters during lockdown (2020) were compared with recent 5-years. • In-situ measurements (nutrients and chlorophyll-a) were compared with past studies. • Aerosol optical depth along the coast was significantly decreased during lockdown. • Nutrients brought by terrestrial runoff neutralize the lockdown impacts on nutrients/pollutants input to the estuary. • There was no significant change in the in- situ and satellite derived chlorophyll- a due to short period of lockdown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to determine the total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), the carbon‑nitrogen ratio (TOC/TN), carbon isotope (δ 13 C), and nitrogen isotope (δ 15 N) in five sediment cores collected from upstream to downstream of the Rio Serinhaem estuary, State of Bahia, Northeast Brazil, in order to investigate the origin of the deposited organic matter (OM).Significant positive correlation was found between TOC and NT (r s  = 0.75); TOC/TN and TOC (r s  = 0.64); δ 15 N and TOC (r s  = 0.72); and δ 15 N and TOC/TN (r s  = 0.63). The values of δ 13 C and δ 15 N found are characteristic of terrestrial sources. The TOC/TN ratio confirmed the data found for δ 13 C and δ 15 N, which recorded the origin of organic matter from terrestrial C3 type plants. Upstream of the estuary, the highest means of TOC/TN were found (T1 = 36.9 and T2 = 24.4), as reflected by the increase in TOC content or reduction in TN. The OM along the estuary is predominantly from plants with a C3 photosynthetic pattern, indicating that the Serinhaem River estuary is considered a relatively well-preserved environment., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Phytoplankton cell numbers and chlorophyll a determinations were made during the premonsoon, monsoon and postmonsoon periods in the Mandovi-Zuari estuarine complex (west coast of India). Primary productivity estimates agreed well with chlorophyll a and phytoplankton cell numbers. The consequent decline in salinity with the onset of monsoon was found to be an important factor controlling the distribution, abundance and productivity of phytoplankton. As compared to the Zuari estuary, the Mandovi retained typical estuarine conditions and a greater phytoplankton biomass. Based on primary productivity estimations, the potential fishery resource of this estuarine complex has been computed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding trophic relationships of fish in estuarine ecosystem is an important element for sustainable resource management. This study examined the feeding habits of 29 dominant fish species, characterized the trophic guilds, assessed the impact of season and clarified the role of diets in structuring the fish community in the mouth region of Pattani Bay, Thailand. Samples of 5792 fishes collected monthly by gillnets from March 2019 to February 2020 were used for stomach content analyses. It was found that the number of food types and fullness index differed between fish taxa (P < 0.001). Most fishes were specialist feeders feeding on specific food components and were categorized into five trophic guilds: piscivore, shrimp-fish feeder, polychaete feeder, zooplanktivore and planktivore. Six species were piscivorous, considered as apex predators, that fed almost entirely on fishes. High diet overlaps among some species (>0.6) were recorded. Not much variation in seasonal guilds was observed: four guilds in the dry season, three in the moderate rainy season and four in the rainy season. Some species remained in the same guild the whole year round, but some fishes changed seasonally. Two fish communities from different regions of the bay were segregated based on feeding habits. The inner bay community comprised mainly copepod and plankton feeders, but there were more piscivores in the deeper bay mouth area. Results from this study help us to understand the feeding habits and trophic guilds of dominant fish species at the mouth of this tropical estuarine bay., (© 2021 Fisheries Society of the British Isles.)