Search

The introduction of species can have negative effects on species, communities, and ecosystems, although native predators may profit from the introduced prey. We present an evaluation of the consumption of the introduced Green Crab (Carcinus maenas) by Kelp Gulls (Larus dominicanus) during the austral winter in Patagonia, Argentina. Green Crab remains were present in 9.4% (n = 416) of the Kelp Gull pellets collected between June and August of 2021, at four coastal sectors distributed along more than 400 km of coastline. Frequency of occurrence of Green Crabs in Kelp Gull pellets varied between 0 and 66.7% depending on the location, and being similar for the three studied months. Overall, Kelp gulls included at least 35 food items in their diet with variable contributions from different food categories, again depending on the location. This is the first report on the winter consumption of Green Crabs by Kelp Gulls and provides baseline information for understanding the role of this introduced species in newly invaded coastal ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global life-threatening weather conditions and sea level rise (SLR) increasingly impact coastal landforms and increase shoreline change. The island ecosystem is affected by many natural hazards, including flooding, saltwater intrusion, vegetation degradation, shoreline change and population growth. Simultaneously, urbanization and ecological diversification are also trigger the environmental degradation in island ecosystem. Remote sensing (RS) and GIS-based research are carried out at Djerba Island using decadal spatiotemporal Landsat datasets to identify and manage such problems. Landsat imageries are widely applied for landforms monitoring along with the ocean dynamics, therefore decadal landforms and environmental issues of Djerba Island are examined through 30 m medium resolution satellite imageries. The selected study years are 1984 to 2021 applying Landsat datasets. Between 37 years of analysis, build-up areas have increased by 105.18 km2, while sediment areas have decreased by 3.2 km2 due to the SLR in Borj El Kastil, Aghir, Plage, and Trou Deniaud locations. Vegetation increased around 17.59 km2 while bare lands decreased 47.28 km2 due to the palm, olive, and tree plantations over the Island. The entire area of Djerba Island observed 513.20 km2 (1984), 513.79 km2 (1991), 515.22 km2 (2001), 516.26 km2 (2011) and 513.42 km2 (2021) respectively. The Djerba Island needs more attention, awareness, and protection to reduce the environmental degradation. This study information is supportive and aimed at future policymaking, policy implementation, disaster-related management, coastal management, and coastal erosion reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coastal zone environment is facing challenges such as marine pollution, biodiversity loss, and the decline in ecological functions. To address these complex and interlinked environmental problems, it is particularly important to build an effective collaborative governance network for the coastal environment. The aim of this study is to explore the functioning of the collaborative governance network for the coastal environment, analyze the interactive relationships among different stakeholders, and examine the structure and functions of the governance network. First, this thesis reviews the relevant literature on coastal environmental governance, elaborates on the theories of collaborative governance and network governance, and constructs the theoretical research framework. Subsequently, the Dongtou area in Wenzhou, a typical representative of cooperative environmental governance in the coastal zone of the East China Sea, was selected as part of an exploratory case study. The role positioning and interaction modes of different actors such as local governments, social organizations, enterprises, and citizens in the governance network were analyzed in detail, and the relationships between network nodes, the network structure, and network functioning were investigated. Subsequently, it was found that a successful cooperative governance network for coastal environmental protection is based on the joint action of four operational mechanisms: the trust mechanism, coordination mechanism, learning mechanism, and guarantee mechanism. Based on the above analysis, this paper summarizes the key elements for building an efficient collaborative coastal environmental governance network and proposes strategies to improve the efficiency of governance. This study introduces a novel framework for analyzing the structural and functional aspects of collaborative governance networks that combines a social network analysis with qualitative insights. This methodological innovation enables a more comprehensive understanding of network's functioning mechanisms, and also contributes to the theoretical literature on environmental governance by identifying key factors that determine the success of collaborative networks. It offers actionable recommendations for policy makers and practitioners, emphasizing the importance of building solid relationships with stakeholders and leveraging their resources to achieve sustainable environmental outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

River plumes are complex physical phenomena that occur at the interface between riverine and marine systems. The lack of direct measurements of sediment concentration complicates the study of these geomorphological features, since the boundaries of river plumes are often gradual and unclear. Therefore, the identification and digitalization of river plumes is not simple and the methods applied in different study areas are not always objective and replicable. The aim of this work is to provide a valid approach based on a deep-learning model that uses Convolution Neural Network (CNN) layers for the digitalization of river plumes. We describe the methodology applied to implement the input dataset used for training the model, the errors obtained, and an application for a study area of about 300 km located in the Mediterranean. The model uses Sentinel-2 Level-1C images. The application of the model to a specific study area allowed us to understand the possibility of investigating these geomorphological features to obtain results in agreement with previous works. As a matter of fact, by using the red band as a proxy of sediment concentration, we were able to investigate the average behaviours of sediment dispersion along the coast and to extract innovative data related to specific events for the study of morphological characteristics such as dimension and direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to assess sediment trace metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni and Zn) contamination using a systematic approach by collecting sediment samples from 8 transects along the Dubai coastline, each 10 km long, and each transect included its nearshore sediment sampling station. Additionally, 10 sediment samples were collected from the Dubai creek and other potential sources of metal pollution. The sediment samples were collected in December and again in August. However, no significant difference in sediment metal concentration was found between the two sampling campaigns. The sediment trace metal concentrations (0.92–1.31 mg Cd/kg, 2.82–176.6 mg Cr/kg, 2.27–621.67 mg Cu/kg, 0.88–23.6 mg Pb/kg, 1.92–192.2 mg Ni/kg and 9.1–391.05 mg Zn/kg) showed considerable variability, except for Cd (1.08 ± 0.06 mg/kg, 5.55% variability). Despite this, no significant differences in sediment metal concentrations were found between the sampled transects. However, significant variations in Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn were evident between distances from the shoreline to offshore stations along the Dubai coast, and the nearshore locations presented clear evidence of elevated/maximum sediment metal concentrations. Most of the sediment trace metal concentrations, however, were found well within the sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) for nearshore sediments. Trace metal contamination hotspots, nonetheless, were identified at some nearshore stations as determined by metal level exceedance over the SQGs, background levels and the pollution load index, with limited potential ecological risk. Overall, the findings suggest that sediments in the Dubai coastal environment are mainly influenced by anthropogenic activities in stations located in the proximity of ship maintenance, ports, and industrial areas such as Dry Dock, Jaddaf, Jebel Ali Port, Wharfage, Hamriya and DUBAL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noise pollution is an unintentional consequence of mining activities, needing rigorous assessment, monitoring, and mitigation techniques to reduce its impact on local residents and ecosystems. The study specifically examines the noise pollution from rare earth mining activities in the Neendakara-Kayamkulam (NK) coastal belt, Kollam, Kerala, India, a region rich in ilmenite, rutile, sillimanite, zircon, and monazite. Despite the known environmental and health impacts of noise pollution, there is limited specific data on its magnitude and sources in this region, as well as a lack of effective mitigation strategies tailored to rare earth mining operations. Studies have indicated that mining operations, such as the movement of heavy mineral sands, considerably elevate noise levels, which have an effect on the environment's quality and public health. This study seeks to fill the gap by geospatial mapping and assessing the noise levels and recommend measures to effectively mitigate noise pollution. Systematic noise measurements were conducted at 48 suitable locations within the NK coastal belt, including residential, commercial, industrial, coastal, and silence zones. The noise levels vary from 49.1 dB(A) near a religious place to 82.4 dB(A) near the local industry. The study employs geospatial noise mapping and land cover superimposition to implement class-specific mitigation measures for noise pollution in a coastal vicinity mixed land use area, including natural and vegetative barriers, operational scheduling, zoning, and land use planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces a new software, cLASpy_T, that helps design models for the automatic 3D point cloud classification of coastal environments. This software is based on machine learning algorithms from the scikit-learn library and can classify point clouds derived from LiDAR or photogrammetry. Input data can be imported via CSV or LAS files, providing a 3D point cloud, enhanced with geometric features or spectral information, such as colors from orthophotos or hyperspectral data. cLASpy_T lets the user run three supervised machine learning algorithms from the scikit-learn API to build automatic classification models: RandomForestClassifier, GradientBoostingClassifier and MLPClassifier. This work presents the general method for classification model design using cLASpy_T and the software's complete workflow with an example of photogrammetry point cloud classification. Four photogrammetric models of a coastal dike were acquired on four different dates, in 2021. The aim is to classify each point according to whether it belongs to the 'sand' class of the beach, the 'rock' class of the riprap, or the 'block' class of the concrete blocks. This case study highlights the importance of adjusting algorithm parameters, selecting features, and the large number of tests necessary to design a classification model that can be generalized and used in production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coastal expanse of Bangladesh, situated along the Bay of Bengal, is a susceptible and low-lying area grappling with multiple environmental challenges. Various physicochemical parameters were employed in the assessment of water quality. The CCME Water Quality Index indicated the western coast as 70.13 (Fair), the Central coast as 42.2 (Poor), and the Eastern Coast as 64.6 (Marginal). This outcome was corroborated by the Environmental Quality Index, with the Western Coast ranked as (Good), the Eastern Coast as (Fair), and the Central Coast as (Poor). The analyzed parameters provided insights into pollution levels, water clarity, nutrient dynamics, and the overall health of the coastal ecosystems. Additionally, the study delved into heavy metal concentrations, encompassing arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn). The eastern coast exhibited higher contamination compared to the other two regions, emphasizing potential risks to both the environment and human health. This study aimed to evaluate the environmental health risks and water quality in this region, introducing a novel Environmental Health Risk Index (EHRI) to gauge the overall environmental health conditions. According to the EHRI, the Western Coast exhibited good conditions (2.25), while the Central (3.625) and Eastern (3.5) Coasts were classified as not bad, with the Eastern Coast experiencing comparatively lesser impact. Based on these findings, several recommendations emerge, including the implementation of climate change adaptation strategies such as coastal protection measures, the advocacy of sustainable land use practices, and the enhancement of monitoring and management protocols for water quality.

CORAL (Catamaran fOr UndeRwAter expLoration) is a compact, unmanned catamaran-type vehicle designed and developed to assist the scientific community in exploring marine areas such as inshore regions that are not easily accessible by traditional vessels. This vehicle can operate in different modalities: completely autonomous, semi-autonomous, or remotely assisted by the operator, thus accommodating various investigative scenarios. CORAL is characterized by compact dimensions, a very low draft and a total electric propulsion system. The vehicle is equipped with a single echo-sounder, a 450 kHz Side Scan Sonar, an Inertial Navigation System assisted by a GPS receiver and a pair of high-definition cameras for recording both above and below the water surface. Here, we present results from two investigations: the first conducted in the tourist harbour in Pozzuoli Gulf and the second in the Riomaggiore-Manarola marine area within the Cinque Terre territory (Italy). Both surveys yielded promising results regarding the potentiality of CORAL to collect fine-scale submarine elements such as anthropic objects, sedimentary features, and seagrass meadow spots. These capabilities characterize the CORAL system as a highly efficient investigation tool for depicting shallow bedforms, reconstructing coastal dynamics and erosion processes and monitoring the evolution of biological habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Invasive alien plants cause severe global problems; therefore, determining the factors that lead to the success or failure of invasion is a critical question in the field of invasion ecology. In this study, we aimed to determine the factors underlying differences in the distribution range of alien plants in Japan by investigating why Lolium multiflorum thrives in a wide range of habitats while L. rigidum is mainly distributed on sandy beaches. We initially evaluated environmental niche suitability through species distribution modelling and subsequently examined whether species traits influence the differences in range expansion between the two species. We used MaxEnt modelling to identify potential environmental niches for both species. The analysis revealed that L. rigidum was considerably less suited to the Japanese climate compared to L. multiflorum, with high summer precipitation in Japan identified as one of the climatic factors limiting the distribution of L. rigidum. Given that these winter annual plants remain dormant as seeds during summer, in subsequent experiments, we buried seeds in paddy field soil and sandy beach sand during summer and evaluated their survival rate in autumn. The survival rate of L. rigidum seeds was significantly lower than that of L. multiflorum, particularly in paddy soil. Factors contributing to seed mortality may include the decay or early germination of L. rigidum seeds under Japan's high rainfall conditions. This study emphasises the importance of considering local environmental factors alongside climate niche modelling in the risk assessment of invasive species. Moreover, the integration of species distribution modelling for large-scale evaluations and manipulation experiments for fine-scale assessments proved effective in identifying climatic conditions and species traits influencing the success or failure of alien species invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Johor Strait has received massive anthropogenic traffic in recent years, causing environmental alteration and inevitably harming macrobenthos on the seafloor. A comprehensive assessment was done in several key locations within the strait to identify macrobenthic inhabitants and possible driving factors attributing to differences in macrobenthic assemblages in these areas. Sediments were acquired using Ponar Grab in 13 key locations within the Johor Straits. Seven hundred thirty macrobenthic individuals and 46 known taxa were identified in sediments of 13 locations in the strait. Annelids Prionospio (n=295), Minuspio (n=95) and Mediomastus (n=82) were concentrated in the central zone. Molluscs dominated the Merambong Shoals area (Arcualuta, n=66), and amphipods dominated waters off Santi River (Leucothoe, n=26; Gammarus, n=11; Cymadusa, n=9). PERMANOVA analyses (p<0.05) showed significant differences in benthic taxa composition in all locations overall. BIOENV analyses (r=0.76, p<0.05) highlighted water acidity, chlorophyll-a, silts and total organic carbon as the main influences toward benthic assemblages throughout the study area. PCA graph indicated higher organic carbon and silts in the central area, implying favourable conditions for Sedentarian polychaetes to thrive. The east and west ends of the strait exhibited higher readings of water acidity and chlorophyll-a, which may directly contribute to a higher diversity of benthic communities in the areas. Lower oxygen levels in two locations in the central area (J3=2.97 mg/L, J4: 2.63 mg/L) exhibited Sedentaria polychaete-dominated region, but zero benthic organisms in another part of the central area (J5-J9, 2.97–0.99 mg/L). This study showcased the effectiveness of environmental monitoring using macrobenthos as an indicating subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Southeastern China's coastal region is considered one of the key areas for studying prehistoric human–land relationships in the Western Pacific region. This region, which is rich in records of marine civilization, provides an ideal location for recording coastal environmental evolution. In this study, the chronological framework of three borehole cores recovered from Haitan Island, South China, near the Keqiutou group of sites, was established using both optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and accelerator mass spectrometry radiocarbon (AMS 14C) dating techniques. Various analyses, including lithologic characteristics, chroma, clay–water electric conductivity (EC), grain size and elemental geochemistry, were conducted to elaborate the sedimentary sequence and its paleoenvironmental implications. The findings suggest that (i) since the late Quaternary, the Haitan Island sedimentary sequence can be divided into three deposition stages: Old Red Sand formed during Marine Isotope Stage 3 (MIS3), intermittent sedimentation during the Last Glacial Maximum and coastal aeolian deposition during the Holocene. Furthermore, the study reveals that terrestrial debris was significant as a material source for Haitan Island. (ii) Due to the absence of tectonic uplift, Haitan Island has no thick marine sedimentary record during the Holocene period of high sea level. The Luyangpu coastal sand sheet can be dated to 2.78 ka, which is consistent with previous reports giving dates of 2.4 ka. Prior to the formation of the sand sheet, the sedimentary environment in the area was characterized by lagoon or marsh facies. (iii) Paleoanthropological activities were influenced by sedimentary environmental evolution and geomorphic processes, among others. The Keqiutou Culture experienced high sea levels, which created an intertidal environment near the site and facilitated fishing. However, regression at 5.7 ka led to terrestrial environments, which prompted the inhabitants to migrate. Approximately 3 ka ago, sea levels rose again, coinciding with the initiation of rice cultivation. These factors may have influenced the transition from the Neolithic to Bronze Age culture. This study reconstructs evolution of the sedimentary sequence since the late Quaternary, enhancing our understanding of past human–terrestrial relationship in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Paspalum vaginatumis a halophyte plant found along coastal plains, which presents cells with atypically thickened walls in the ground tissue of the stem stele (GTS). The tolerance of this species to high salinity and water stress led us to investigate whether the thickened walls could be related to adaptation to the coastal environment. Thus, we sought to characterize the cell walls that make up the GTS ofP. vaginatum, describe the tissue, and verify the influence of the water resource on the thickening of the walls and a possible function related to the reserve of substances. For this, analyses were carried out using light microscopy, transmission electronic microscopy, and histochemical tests. The samples were collected in the field during low and high rainfall periods.Paspalum vaginatumGTS cells have pectic-cellulosic primary walls. In most basal internodes, these cells presented thickened walls formed in two to three layers. Statistical analysis demonstrated that the level of precipitation is directly related to cell wall thickening. The data suggest the storage and mobilization of substances through the cell wall of the specialized parenchyma.

Ghana's coastline has been facing erosion and sedimentation phenomena for several decades, resulting in a serious threat to life and property considering that major urban settlements are located on the coast. In this region, there has been a lack of emphasis on comprehensive, large-scale investigations into coastal changes: prior research has predominantly centered on site-specific assessments. These studies have revealed alarming erosion rates, with reports indicating that nearly ten meters are lost annually. The use of high-resolution remotely sensed data can be a consistent support in regions where physical or economic obstacles interfere with collecting in situ information. In particular, the use of continuous all-weather SAR data may facilitate the evaluation of erosion and sedimentation phenomena in coastal areas. In this paper, we apply SAR data over a time period between 2017 and 2021. Sentinel-1 data are pre-processed using the Google Earth Engine platform, and a dedicated algorithm is then applied to identify and quantify erosion and sedimentation processes. Optical images are used as a reference for detecting the location of two areas where consistent sedimentation and erosion phenomena occurred in the considered four years. The results demonstrate that SAR backscattering variations over time offer a reliable method for monitoring coastal changes. This approach enables the identification of the type of phenomena occurring - sedimentation or erosion -, and allows for the quantification of their intensity and dimensions over time. The method can be worldwide applied once the appropriate thresholds are evaluated and help in predictive studies and environmental planning.

The coastal environment represents a special site for human and economic activities. The population growth in this area has led to strong urbanization and, therefore, to the establishment of small-scale vegetable farms to feed the growing urban and peri-urban populations. This is an opportunity for youth employment and reduce poverty as this activity generates reliable incomes. However, in recent years, climatic changes and rapid urbanization have influenced agricultural activities in this area. The aim of this study was to characterize market gardening systems along the coastal area of Benin and understand farmers' perceptions and adaptation strategies in response to the ongoing environmental changes. Data was collected from 130 farms using individual semi-structured questionnaires. A principal component analysis (PCA), K-Mean multivariate classification and statistical inference were used for data analysis. Three farm groups were identified from the hierarchical bottomup classification: modern coastal farms (MCF, 59.24%), small-scale intra-urban farms (SIF, 35.38%) and traditional co-managed lowland farms (TCF, 5.38%). The perceived environmental changes were mainly temperature increases, strong winds and migration to another farmland. The criteria differentiating the groups were strong winds and variation in the start date of the rains (p < 0.05). According to current strategies farmers in groups 1 and 2 preferred crop diversification, those in group 3 moved their farms. Future strategies range from the early sale of crops to the use of modern watering equipment to the cessation of farming. Thus, sustainable farm management requires the involvement of decentralized structures and local stakeholders to maintain the livelihoods of local populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The study area along the eastern coast of Qatar has experienced a rapid change to its natural and built environments in response to the accelerated economic, urban development, and population growth over the past few decades. This study investigates the anthropogenic-induced spatiotemporal dynamics changes to the shoreline and the land use/land cover in response to this development. Remote sensing and GIS techniques were used to examine the impacts on the coastal environment. Results showed high total accuracy averaging 95.6%. The area witnessed an increase of 104% in built-up areas and 78% in urban greenery during the study period of 19862015-. Most of these changes took place between 2005 and 2015 as a result of unprecedented economic and population growth (annual average of 15% for GDP and 10% for population). A substantial change to the shoreline was reported through land reclamation of 2671 hectares by 2015 to cater to ever-growing cities and urban centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pacific white or vaname shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) can now be cultivated using superintensive technology with stocking densities of 300–1200 shrimp/m3 and yields up to 100 tons/ha. However, this technology can produce nutrient-rich waste containing 20–30% of the nitrogen and phosphorus in shrimp feed. In aquaculture, feed is generally the largest source of organic pollution, adding to nutrient loads in coastal waters with negative impacts on ecosystems and human health. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the impact of organic waste from superintensive shrimp aquaculture on water quality, determine the water quality status, and estimate the carrying capacity for sustainable implementation of superintensive vaname shrimp farming technology in Labuange Bay, Indonesia. Results indicate that organic waste impacts included increased concentrations of nitrate, phosphate, total organic matter, and chemical oxygen demand; however all parameters were still within ranges tolerated by most marine organisms. Seawater of a quality suitable for use in superintensive shrimp cultivation ponds was found 800–1.600 m offshore during the wet season and 400–800 m offshore during the dry season. The recommended upper limit for intensive shrimp farming in Labuange Bay was 11 units of 3000 m2 each. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ghana's coastline has been facing erosion and sedimentation phenomena for several decades, resulting in a serious threat to life and property considering that major urban settlements are located on the coast. In this region, there has been a lack of emphasis on comprehensive, large-scale investigations into coastal changes: prior research has predominantly centered on site-specific assessments. These studies have revealed alarming erosion rates, with reports indicating that nearly ten meters are lost annually. The use of high-resolution remotely sensed data can be a consistent support in regions where physical or economic obstacles interfere with collecting in situ information. In particular, the use of continuous all-weather SAR data may facilitate the evaluation of erosion and sedimentation phenomena in coastal areas. In this paper, we apply SAR data over a time period between 2017 and 2021. Sentinel-1 data are pre-processed using the Google Earth Engine platform, and a dedicated algorithm is then applied to identify and quantify erosion and sedimentation processes. Optical images are used as a reference for detecting the location of two areas where consistent sedimentation and erosion phenomena occurred in the considered four years. The results demonstrate that SAR backscattering variations over time offer a reliable method for monitoring coastal changes. This approach enables the identification of the type of phenomena occurring - sedimentation or erosion -, and allows for the quantification of their intensity and dimensions over time. The method can be worldwide applied once the appropriate thresholds are evaluated and help in predictive studies and environmental planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), a perennial fruit and oil crop, holds significant economic importance globally. Its inherent high salt tolerance has led to natural adaptation in coastal environmental areas. Nevertheless, the substantial and prolonged intrusion of salinity poses a severe threat to the growth and productivity of coconut in various regions of Vietnam. Thus, the objectives of this study were to determine the effect of saline water on the growth and biomass of coconut seedlings named Dua Ta variety under green house condition. The experiment was carried out from July 2022 to July 2023 in a greenhouse condition at Research Institute for Oil and Oil Plants, Vietnam with five increasing levels of water salinity, or EC of 0.89, 6.25, 12.0, 18.25 and 24.5 dS/ m. Various growth parameters and biomass of the coconut seedlings were investigated. The results showed that the salinity of irrigated water had a negative effect on the growth and biomass of coconut seeldings. Increasing salinity of irrigated water delined the plant height, collar girth, leaf number and biomass of the coconut seedlings. The seedling of Dua Ta coconut was classified as tolerant when irrigated with saline water of 6.25 dS/m, moderately sensitive with saline water of 12.0 dS/m up to 18.25 dS/m and sensitive with saline water of 24.5 dS/m. As result, it is showing evidence of ecological adaptation of the seedlings of Dua Ta to the maritime environment in which are commonly grown in Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mangrove forests protect the coastal environment and reduce shoreline shift, deforestation, and flood inundation. Global sea-level rise (SLR) and Bay of Bengal (BoB) cyclonic effects in the Bay of Bengal (BOB) is gradually trigger environmental degradation, flood inundation, and mangrove deforestation. Bangladesh Sundarbans are also affected by SLR and flood inundation every year. Sundarban Biosphere Reserve (SBR) is vulnerable because of extreme climatic conditions and anthropogenic activities. Those environmental effects are measurable through remote sensing (RS) and GIS approaches. Three types of satellite data, like Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS, Sentinel-1 GRD and Sentinel-2 MSI datasets, were applied with the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud computing platform. Around 11.57 km2 of mangrove forest will be lost from 2017 to 2022. The cyclone effects are located twice, like Mora (2017) and Sitrang (2022), while affected landforms are 77.15 km2 (1.38%) and 218.75 km2 (3.93%), respectively. Vegetation monitoring indices are also good outcomes for forest land change assessment over the examined area. Forest degradation index (FDI) values were observed in 1950 (2017) and 2620 (2022), which mentioned that north, middle, and near-shore areas are affected lands. Some adaptation planning implemented by the local government includes future disaster management, early warning system, reduction of river bank erosion, restricted forest area, and mangrove plantation. Putney Island, Bangabandhu Island, and Dimer Island are the most deforested lands. These investigation outcomes are helpful for future disaster planning, coastal environment management, awareness, mangrove forest restoration, and novel approaches to protect the coastal environment with healthier improvement policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript investigates the atmospheric corrosion of carbon steel in Puerto Lopez, a coastal region in Manabí Province, Ecuador. For the study, six outdoor exposure sites (OES) were strategically placed at different distances from the coast to evaluate the impact of meteorological factors on the chloride deposition rate (Cl−DR) and how proximity to the coast could influence atmospheric corrosivity to carbon steel. It identified a critical threshold for the monthly average wind speed that escalates Cl−DR, noted as one of the lowest globally. The findings revealed a medium corrosivity category (C3) for carbon steel in the inland OES, suggesting the significant role of high relative humidity (RH) typical of the area in possibly reducing Cl−DR through saline dissolution. Moreover, the interaction between high RH and Cl−DR could markedly diminish oxygen's solubility in water collected in oxide layer interstices and on the carbon steel surfaces, potentially affecting the cathodic oxygen reaction. Nonetheless, the study confirms the continuing influence of Cl−DR on the atmospheric corrosion of carbon steel. Predictive corrosivity categories for carbon steel in this coastal environment span from two to twenty years across the OES, underlining the critical need for understanding and mitigating corrosion in similar settings.

This study introduces a new software, cLASpy_T, that helps design models for the automatic 3D point cloud classification of coastal environments. This software is based on machine learning algorithms from the scikit-learn library and can classify point clouds derived from LiDAR or photogrammetry. Input data can be imported via CSV or LAS files, providing a 3D point cloud, enhanced with geometric features or spectral information, such as colors from orthophotos or hyperspectral data. cLASpy_T lets the user run three supervised machine learning algorithms from the scikit-learn API to build automatic classification models: RandomForestClassifier, GradientBoostingClassifier and MLPClassifier. This work presents the general method for classification model design using cLASpy_T and the software’s complete workflow with an example of photogrammetry point cloud classification. Four photogrammetric models of a coastal dike were acquired on four different dates, in 2021. The aim is to classify each point according to whether it belongs to the ‘sand’ class of the beach, the ‘rock’ class of the riprap, or the ‘block’ class of the concrete blocks. This case study highlights the importance of adjusting algorithm parameters, selecting features, and the large number of tests necessary to design a classification model that can be generalized and used in production.

This research focuses on the risk management of reinforced concrete heritage constructions in coastal environments, with an emphasis on preserving their cultural significance. It addresses a critical gap in existing risk-related research, since this type of heritage site is often overlooked in heritage conservation research. The proposed methodology offers a flexible framework that links natural and human-induced hazards with their impacts on key heritage values, enabling the development of appropriate mitigation and adaptation strategies and policies. Climate change-induced threats are also incorporated, allowing for more effective adaptation plans to safeguard concrete coastal heritage for future generations. The Ocean Swimming Pool in Matosinhos, Portugal, designed by the Pritzker Prize winner Álvaro Siza, serves as a pilot study to illustrate the practicality of the risk-based approach, considering its coastal location and exposure to various hazards. By using this case study, the research provides a roadmap for preserving and adapting heritage constructions in similar coastal settings. The integration of cultural values into risk management and conservation policies is a significant contribution of this research. It advocates for a proactive approach that considers the dynamic challenges posed by climate change while preserving the significance of cultural heritage. The adaptable nature of the proposed methodology allows for broader applications, potentially benefiting multiple heritage sites in coastal regions. Ultimately, this research calls for positive changes in risk management practices to ensure the preservation and longevity of culturally significant reinforced concrete heritage sites.

The coastal environment represents a special site for human and economic activities. The population growth in this area has led to strong urbanization and, therefore, to the establishment of small-scale vegetable farms to feed the growing urban and peri-urban populations. This is an opportunity for youth employment and reduce poverty as this activity generates reliable incomes. However, in recent years, climatic changes and rapid urbanization have influenced agricultural activities in this area. The aim of this study was to characterize market gardening systems along the coastal area of Benin and understand farmers’ perceptions and adaptation strategies in response to the ongoing environmental changes. Data was collected from 130 farms using individual semi-structured questionnaires. A principal component analysis (PCA), K-Mean multivariate classification and statistical inference were used for data analysis. Three farm groups were identified from the hierarchical bottom-up classification: modern coastal farms (MCF, 59.24%), small-scale intra-urban farms (SIF, 35.38%) and traditional co-managed lowland farms (TCF, 5.38%). The perceived environmental changes were mainly temperature increases, strong winds and migration to another farmland. The criteria differentiating the groups were strong winds and variation in the start date of the rains (p < 0.05). According to current strategies farmers in groups 1 and 2 preferred crop diversification, those in group 3 moved their farms. Future strategies range from the early sale of crops to the use of modern watering equipment to the cessation of farming. Thus, sustainable farm management requires the involvement of decentralized structures and local stakeholders to maintain the livelihoods of local populations.

Coastal environment, its natural world, and humans, are besides climate change effects subject to significant pressures by maritime-related, tourism, energy, aquaculture, and other sectors, all resulting in chemical pollution of all environmental components, noise pollution, and visual pollution. Humans attempt to adapt, mainly through devising and applying technological solutions. The senses incorporate the environment into the body and there is a mismatch between the way senses evolved and present surroundings, causing the disruption of visual acuity, smell, taste, and hearing. The disruptions to sensory landscape have thus altered the relationships between the organisms and the environment. The perceptual world or 'umwelt' differs for each organism. The impacts of environmental alterations to sensory landscape disrupt human sensory functioning, resulting in health impacts. Habitat disturbance in aquatic environments caused by acidification, contaminants, noise, optical degradation, elevated temperature, and electromagnetic fields can severely impact animal sensory biology. The paper focuses on sensory system responses of both humans and the wildlife to anthropogenically-induced and climate changes, reviews the issues resulting therefrom, and proposes solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand of electrical energy has been increasing worldwide since the start of the 21st century. The focus on energy demand, efficiency increase, and loss control is one of the major concerns. Following the approach to control the power loss specifically in underdeveloped countries in the power distribution network where polymer insulators are installed. This research aims to study the impact of industrial pollutants by adopting accelerated aging techniques on polymer insulators installed in coastal regions. An experimental chamber is designed to model the artificial effects of the environment on polymer insulators. The polymer insulator was kept in an experimental chamber for 45 days to apply the environmental effects on it. Different environmental effects are applied in the experimental chamber including temperature, humidity, pollutants, and ultraviolet light. These environmental effects are controlled through different designated sensors that are managed by a data acquisition setup. After the accelerated aging process of polymer insulators in the experimental chamber the leakage current has been measured between healthy and contaminated polymer insulators. The healthy insulator shows 52e−9 amp leakage current while the contaminated insulator shows 149e−9 amp of leakage current after the aging process. The experimental results also concluded that the environmental impact on polymer insulators in the coastal regions is significant. Therefore, to avoid power loss due to leakage current it is recommended to have periodic cleaning of the polymer insulators specifically in the coastal regions that are installed in the power distribution network. This will help to reduce the power loss due to contamination in environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates spatial trend and distribution history of selected metals in the complex coastal environment of Odisha, India. The main objective is to analyse metal enrichment and level of contamination in sediment deposits. It is also attempted to evaluate the past depositional environment and prevailing process leading to metal enrichment and contamination. Three sediment cores up to a depth of 10 m were collected from older beach deposit of Chandbali (CB) and paleochannels of Agiviligan (AG) and Kasturikaran (KK) villages located along River Baitarani, coastal Odisha. The study area, to a large extent, is a transition zone of terrestrial and marine sediments. The assessment of metal contamination is based on spatial and down-core variability of selected metals- Al2O3, MnO, Cr, Co, Cu, Zn, and Pb against their background values. Contamination is examined using enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF) and geo-accumulation index (Igeo). The study exhibits a complex pattern of metal distribution over space and time. The sediments are enriched and contaminated with MnO, Cr, and Pb not only in the surface layers but also in the deeper layers such as CBL4 (–7.3 m), CBL5 (–7.9 m), CBL6 (–10 m), AGL3 (–6 m), AGL5 (–10 m) and KKL3 (–8 m). Metal enrichment in deeper layers can be associated with the past depositional environment, prevailing processes, geology and geomorphology of the region. In the surface layers, metal contamination can result from recent anthropogenic activities like untreated industrial waste from Ferro-alloys Corporation Ltd. (FACCOR) and domestic waste. There is a decline in contamination levels as we move from inland (CB) to coast (KK). The samples are also analysed for grain size and geochemistry to differentiate between sedimentary layers deposited under distinct depositional environments in the past. The results reveal the existence of humid and dry climatic phases along with oscillating sea levels in the past, influencing metal enrichment and contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

CORAL (Catamaran fOr UndeRwAter expLoration) is a compact, unmanned catamaran-type vehicle designed and developed to assist the scientific community in exploring marine areas such as inshore regions that are not easily accessible by traditional vessels. This vehicle can operate in different modalities: completely autonomous, semi-autonomous, or remotely assisted by the operator, thus accommodating various investigative scenarios. CORAL is characterized by compact dimensions, a very low draft and a total electric propulsion system. The vehicle is equipped with a single echo-sounder, a 450 kHz Side Scan Sonar, an Inertial Navigation System assisted by a GPS receiver and a pair of high-definition cameras for recording both above and below the water surface. Here, we present results from two investigations: the first conducted in the tourist harbour in Pozzuoli Gulf and the second in the Riomaggiore-Manarola marine area within the Cinque Terre territory (Italy). Both surveys yielded promising results regarding the potentiality of CORAL to collect fine-scale submarine elements such as anthropic objects, sedimentary features, and seagrass meadow spots. These capabilities characterize the CORAL system as a highly efficient investigation tool for depicting shallow bedforms, reconstructing coastal dynamics and erosion processes and monitoring the evolution of biological habitats.

This article is an editorial discussing advances in sandy beach ecology during the Anthropocene. The authors highlight the need for innovative approaches and long-term data to understand the effects of human stressors on sandy beach ecosystems. The research topic includes studies on the responses of sandy beach communities to urbanization, the burrowing behavior of beach fauna, the nesting habits of sea turtles, and the impact of management actions on beach resilience. The article emphasizes the importance of considering complex systems and compound variables in order to address the challenges faced by sandy shores in the Anthropocene. [Extracted from the article]

This research focuses on the risk management of reinforced concrete heritage constructions in coastal environments, with an emphasis on preserving their cultural significance. It addresses a critical gap in existing risk-related research, since this type of heritage site is often overlooked in heritage conservation research. The proposed methodology offers a flexible framework that links natural and human-induced hazards with their impacts on key heritage values, enabling the development of appropriate mitigation and adaptation strategies and policies. Climate change-induced threats are also incorporated, allowing for more effective adaptation plans to safeguard concrete coastal heritage for future generations. The Ocean Swimming Pool in Matosinhos, Portugal, designed by the Pritzker Prize winner Álvaro Siza, serves as a pilot study to illustrate the practicality of the risk-based approach, considering its coastal location and exposure to various hazards. By using this case study, the research provides a roadmap for preserving and adapting heritage constructions in similar coastal settings. The integration of cultural values into risk management and conservation policies is a significant contribution of this research. It advocates for a proactive approach that considers the dynamic challenges posed by climate change while preserving the significance of cultural heritage. The adaptable nature of the proposed methodology allows for broader applications, potentially benefiting multiple heritage sites in coastal regions. Ultimately, this research calls for positive changes in risk management practices to ensure the preservation and longevity of culturally significant reinforced concrete heritage sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing the marine economy, protecting the marine ecological environment, and speeding up the construction of marine power are important components of the Chinese path to modernization. To promote marine ecological preservation and high-quality development of the marine economy in a coordinated manner, China has carried out the construction of marine ecological civilization demonstration zones, aiming to deepen marine ecological governance and solve difficulties in marine development. Based on the panel data of 47 coastal cities from 2006 to 2019, this study regarded the construction of China' s national marine ecological civilization zones as a quasi-natural experiment, using the difference-in-differences method to explore the impact mechanism of this pilot policy on the coastal zone environment. The results showed that: ① The marine ecological civilization demonstration zones significantly improved the coastal zone environment and effectively promoted the pollution control of the coastal environment and nearshore water quality environment. ② Heterogeneity analysis showed that regional marketization level and local government promotion mechanisms had different moderating effects on the construction of marine ecological civilization demonstration zones. ③ The construction of the marine ecological civilization demonstration zones affected the coastal zone environment by increasing the intensity of the government' s governance and the tax burden on enterprises. Increasing the intensity of government governance could effectively reduce coastal wastewater and waste gas emissions but could not highlight its 'greening' effect on the nearshore water quality environment. Increasing the tax burden on enterprises was conducive to giving full play to the impact of market-oriented and paid management mechanisms on the coastal zone environment. This study focuses on the analysis of coastal zone environmental effects from the perspective of land and sea, which enriches the research on the impact of demonstration zone construction on the coastal zone environment. In the process of comprehensive regulation, we should uphold the concept of overall coordination between land and sea. While giving full play to the role of political guidance, we should effectively enhance the efficiency of economic governance and steadily promote the continuous improvement of the environmental quality of coastal zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to rapid urban development in the coastal area of the East Aceh Regency, water quality degradation and marine pollution issues become the primary concern in this region. Moreover, seasonal observation of water quality and phytoplankton has yet to be assessed. This study aimed to determine the control of seasonal water quality and nutrients over phytoplankton abundance throughout the East Aceh coast. Direct field measurements and laboratory analyses were performed to collect the primary data, whereby the sampling period was conducted during the displacement toward the ebb tide. We assessed the water quality parameters using a modified CWQI (coastal water quality index). Furthermore, linear regression and principal component analysis were performed as the basis of statistical analyses. The phytoplankton abundance was higher in April than in September, with most Bacillariophyceae and Dinophyceae in all observed stations. Except for DO and turbidity, the assessed water quality parameters (temperature, TDS, conductivity, salinity, sulfide, and TOM) are feasible for marine biota. Of particular concern, the East Aceh coast is characterized by poor-good water quality, with the CWQI value ranging from 40 to 90. Based on the regression and PCA analyses, N and P nutrients significantly control the phytoplankton abundance like a "seesaw" between April and September, with a respective coefficient determination of about 50%. Because of the tremendously high phosphate observed in April, the water condition tended to be P-limited and vice versa for September. On the other hand, instead of evoking the phytoplankton growth, each water quality parameter has a specific influence in characterizing phytoplankton communities in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four short sediment cores were collected to explore the impacts of bay scallop farming on the composition and accumulation of sedimentary organic matter (SOM). The results revealed that SOM was mainly composed of relatively easily biodegradable substances as evidenced by the high contribution rate of biopolymeric carbon (77.8–94.4%). The sediment accumulation rate in the scallop farming area (SFA) was 28.6% higher than that in the non-scallop farming area (NSFA). The total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) burial fluxes in the SFA were 33.1 and 36.6% higher than those in the NSFA, respectively. A rough estimate showed that the burial fluxes of TOC, TN, scallop-derived OC, and marine algal-derived OC in the ~150 km2 SFA could increase by 1.08, 0.11, 0.39, and 0.68 g m−2 yr−1, respectively, with annual scallop production increasing 104 t. This study highlights the significant effects of scallop farming on the biogeochemistry of SOM in coastal waters, which provides a direct reference for future research on the carbon cycle in shellfish culture areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]