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Suari Y, Topaz T, Bassa O, Gilboa M, Sedaka H, Sade T, Chefetz B, Yahel G. Nutrient concentration, loads and retention in a semiarid micro-estuary: The relative contribution of baseflow and flood events. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 931:172805. [PMID: 38692314 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Estuaries are a significant source of nutrients to the marine environment. The magnitude of this source is a function of nutrients load reaching the estuary and removal (attenuation) within estuaries. Most estuarine research is conducted in large estuaries, which do not reflect the processes in small estuaries in urban and semi-arid regions where flood water is a substantial portion of the annual discharge and the estuarine baseflow is often low and dominated by wastewater. To improve the understanding of nutrient attenuation and load into the Mediterranean, we conducted high-resolution nutrient sampling in the eutrophic Alexander micro-estuary as a test case. We sampled once per month during baseflows (years 2014-2019) and hourly during floods (years 2016-2018). The concentrations of inorganic nutrients (phosphorous (P) and nitrogen (N)) were extremely high during baseflows. Dissolved ammonium and particulate P were the only nutrients that were in the estuary (by 55 % and 30 %, respectively). Floods were rare, occurring ~4 % of the time, but contributed 62 % of the annual water discharge of the Alexander micro-estuary (14.7 ± 3.8 106 m3 y-1). The concentration of all dissolved nutrients decreased during floods but was higher than expected (DIN 584 ± 50 μmol L-1, phosphate 21 ± 2 μmol L-1), accounting for 42 % and 55 % of the overall annual DIN (123.5 ± 44.9-ton yr-1) and P (6.7 ± 1.9 ton yr-1) loads to sea, respectively. The N:P ratios were 16 and 34 during baseflow and flood events, respectively. Previously, nutrient loads were calculated by multiplying baseflow-measured concentrations by the total water volume of baseflow and floods. Our calculations, based on high-resolution sampling, revealed lower annual loads of P and N to the sea that were 56 % and 89 % of previous estimates, which is a considerable difference in an oligotrophic system such as the eastern Mediterranean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Suari
- Ruppin Academic Center, School of Marine Sciences, Israel.
| | - T Topaz
- Ruppin Academic Center, School of Marine Sciences, Israel
| | - O Bassa
- Ruppin Academic Center, School of Marine Sciences, Israel; Department of Soil and Water Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - M Gilboa
- Ruppin Academic Center, School of Marine Sciences, Israel
| | - H Sedaka
- Ruppin Academic Center, School of Marine Sciences, Israel
| | - T Sade
- Ruppin Academic Center, School of Marine Sciences, Israel
| | - B Chefetz
- Ruppin Academic Center, School of Marine Sciences, Israel; Department of Soil and Water Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - G Yahel
- Ruppin Academic Center, School of Marine Sciences, Israel
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Ennas C, Pasquini V, Abyaba H, Addis P, Sarà G, Pusceddu A. Sea cucumbers bioturbation potential outcomes on marine benthic trophic status under different temperature regimes. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11558. [PMID: 37464005 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38543-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Eutrophication affects coastal oceans worldwide, modifies primary production and sediment biogeochemistry and, overall, is progressively compromising marine ecosystems' integrity. Because of their known bioturbation ability, sea cucumbers are supposed to be candidates for mitigating benthic eutrophication. To provide insights on this, we investigated differences in organic matter quantity and biochemical composition (as proxies of benthic trophic status) of sediments and feces of the sea cucumber Holothuria tubulosa acclimated in mesocosms at temperatures comprised between natural conditions (14-26 °C) and an extreme of 29 °C (representing the highest anomaly under heat waves in the Mediterrranean Sea). Organic matter features differed significantly between sediments characterized by different trophic statuses and the holothuroid's feces, though with some exceptions. Feces resulted almost always organically enriched when compared with the ambient sediments, though with variable differences in composition in sediments characterized by different initial trophic status. Our results point out that sea cucumbers maintain their bioreactor capacity at all experimental temperatures including the (anomalous) highest one, irrespectively of the available food, suggesting that they could be profitably utilized to mitigate benthic eutrophication also in a warmer Mediterranean Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Ennas
- Dipartimento di Scienze Della Vita e Dell'Ambiente, Università Degli Studi Di Cagliari, 09126, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Viviana Pasquini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Della Vita e Dell'Ambiente, Università Degli Studi Di Cagliari, 09126, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Hiba Abyaba
- Dipartimento di Scienze Della Vita e Dell'Ambiente, Università Degli Studi Di Cagliari, 09126, Cagliari, Italy
- Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Pierantonio Addis
- Dipartimento di Scienze Della Vita e Dell'Ambiente, Università Degli Studi Di Cagliari, 09126, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gianluca Sarà
- Dipartimento di Scienze Della Terra e del Mare, Università Degli Studi di Palermo, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Pusceddu
- Dipartimento di Scienze Della Vita e Dell'Ambiente, Università Degli Studi Di Cagliari, 09126, Cagliari, Italy.
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Zribi I, Ellouzi H, Mnasri I, Abdelkader N, Ben Hmida A, Dorai S, Debez A, Charfi-Cheikhrouha F, Zakhama-Sraieb R. Effect of shading imposed by the algae Chaeotomorpha linum loads on structure, morphology and physiology of the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 188:106001. [PMID: 37121172 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In shallow coastal waters, seagrass and macroalgae occur together but under eutrophic conditions, bloom-forming algae can take over seagrasses causing an irreversible regime shift. Understanding the effect of macroalgae loads on seagrass meadows at an early stage can help prevent the loss of these ecosystems and the services they provide. In the present study, in situ experiments were conducted for 90 days in Bekalta (eastern coast of Tunisia) to assess the response of the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa when challenged with shading induced by filamentous macroalgae Chaetomorpha linum. Structural, morphological and physiological variables were regularly measured during the experiment. Shaded plants showed a sharp decline in shoot density, growth rate, and above-ground biomass, the impact being more pronounced on the physiological traits. Besides, shading by C. linum induced a significant increase in the contents of leaf photosynthetic pigments and phenolic compounds, whereas causing a decrease in soluble protein and sugar concentrations. Thus, shading imposed by C. linum loads appeared to induce a phoadpatative response in C. nodosa concomitant with carbon mobilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imen Zribi
- University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, Laboratory of Diversity, Management and Conservation of Biological Systems, LR18ES06, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - H Ellouzi
- Laboratory of Extremophile Plants (LPE), Center of Biotechnology of Borj-Cedria (CBBC), BP 901, 2050, Hammam-Lif, Tunisia
| | - I Mnasri
- University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, Laboratory of Diversity, Management and Conservation of Biological Systems, LR18ES06, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - N Abdelkader
- University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, Laboratory of Diversity, Management and Conservation of Biological Systems, LR18ES06, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - A Ben Hmida
- University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, Laboratory of Diversity, Management and Conservation of Biological Systems, LR18ES06, Tunis, Tunisia; Coastal Protection and Development Agency (APAL), 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - S Dorai
- Association ''Notre Grand Bleu'' (NGB, NGO), Diar El Marina, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - A Debez
- Laboratory of Extremophile Plants (LPE), Center of Biotechnology of Borj-Cedria (CBBC), BP 901, 2050, Hammam-Lif, Tunisia
| | - F Charfi-Cheikhrouha
- University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, Laboratory of Diversity, Management and Conservation of Biological Systems, LR18ES06, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - R Zakhama-Sraieb
- University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, Laboratory of Diversity, Management and Conservation of Biological Systems, LR18ES06, Tunis, Tunisia; University of Manouba, High Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, BiotechPôle, BP-66, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Ariana, Tunisia.
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Polimene L, Parn O, Garcia-Gorriz E, Macias D, Stips A, Duteil O, Ferreira-Cordeiro N, Miladinova S, Piroddi C, Serpetti N. Should we reconsider how to assess eutrophication? JOURNAL OF PLANKTON RESEARCH 2023; 45:413-420. [PMID: 37287681 PMCID: PMC10243849 DOI: 10.1093/plankt/fbad022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Eutrophication in marine waters is traditionally assessed by checking if nutrients, algal biomass and oxygen are below/above a given threshold. However, increased biomass, nutrient concentrations and oxygen demand do not lead to undesirable environmental effects if the flow of carbon/energy from primary producers toward high trophic levels is consistently preserved. Consequently, traditional indicators might provide a misleading assessment of the eutrophication risk. To avoid this, we propose to evaluate eutrophication by using a new index based on plankton trophic fluxes instead of biogeochemical concentrations. A preliminary, model-based, assessment suggests that this approach might give a substantially different picture of the eutrophication status of our seas, with potential consequences on marine ecosystem management. Given the difficulties to measure trophic fluxes in the field, the use of numerical simulations is recommended although the uncertainty associated with biogeochemical models inevitably affects the reliability of the index. However, given the effort currently in place to develop refined numerical tools describing the marine environment (Ocean Digital Twins), a reliable, model-based, eutrophication index could be operational in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - O Parn
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Directorate D – Sustainable Resources, Via Enrico Fermi 2749, 21027, Ispra (VA), Italy
| | - E Garcia-Gorriz
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Directorate D – Sustainable Resources, Via Enrico Fermi 2749, 21027, Ispra (VA), Italy
| | - D Macias
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Directorate D – Sustainable Resources, Via Enrico Fermi 2749, 21027, Ispra (VA), Italy
| | - A Stips
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Directorate D – Sustainable Resources, Via Enrico Fermi 2749, 21027, Ispra (VA), Italy
| | - O Duteil
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Directorate D – Sustainable Resources, Via Enrico Fermi 2749, 21027, Ispra (VA), Italy
| | - N Ferreira-Cordeiro
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Directorate D – Sustainable Resources, Via Enrico Fermi 2749, 21027, Ispra (VA), Italy
| | - S Miladinova
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Directorate D – Sustainable Resources, Via Enrico Fermi 2749, 21027, Ispra (VA), Italy
| | - C Piroddi
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Directorate D – Sustainable Resources, Via Enrico Fermi 2749, 21027, Ispra (VA), Italy
| | - N Serpetti
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Directorate D – Sustainable Resources, Via Enrico Fermi 2749, 21027, Ispra (VA), Italy
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Maté-Sánchez-Val M, Aparicio-Serrano G. The impact of marine pollution on the probability of business failure: A case study of the Mar Menor lagoon. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 332:117381. [PMID: 36736085 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The impact of coastal water quality and its interaction with business results is still an unexplored field. This study uses a probit model and estimates marginal effects to investigate the impact of chlorophyll a concentration in the Mar Menor (Spain) coastal waters on the probability of business failure of firms located in this area. This coastal area has been in a critical ecological condition since 1980 when intensive irrigation agriculture expanded to the surroundings of this salted lagoon. Therefore, identifying the most damaging productive activities is crucial to convince companies and policymakers to overcome this situation. The most remarkable findings of our study are the following. First, we find opposing geographical impacts on the probability of business failure for companies located on the Mar Menor coast: A location effect showing a decreasing probability of business failure for companies located near the Mar Menor and a pollution effect indicating an increased probability of failure due to proximity to water pollution. Second, we further identify the economic sectors in which the pollution effect outweighs the location effect. We find that most of the examined productive activities seem to be negatively affected by the pollution effect, overcoming the positive effect of being located near the Mar Menor. Third, marine eutrophication increases the probability of business failure for some economic activities but not for others. Concretely, agricultural and transport activities benefit from being near the coast despite the quality of the water. These firms' probability of failure decreases when they are located near the sea), whereas a 1 mg/m3 increase of chlorophyll a raises the probability of business failure for accommodation services (8.4%), minor trade (9.5%), financial and real estate services (11%), and industrial and building activities (14.4%). This paper highlights the need to design effective environmental regulations to preserve the area of Mar Menor, considering the specific productive characteristics of the different agents. We highlight the sectors requiring additional incentives to implement pro-environmental strategies and reduce their contribution to environmental pollution. The main insights from this analysis are applicable to other coastal areas around the world that suffer from marine eutrophication due to human activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariluz Maté-Sánchez-Val
- Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting at the Technical University of Cartagena, Spain.
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Rindi L, Benedetti-Cecchi L. Short-term stability of rocky intertidal biofilm to nitrogen and phosphorus pulses. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 183:105795. [PMID: 36379170 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Coastal environments experience both natural and anthropogenic inputs of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). Agricultural fertilisers, organic run-offs, and edaphic characteristics of coastal environments may generate mosaics of nutrient concentrations that ultimately influence the coastal primary productivity. Here, we experimentally assessed the effects of repeated pulses of N and P on multiple components of ecological stability (sensitivity, resilience, temporal stability and recovery) of phototrophic rocky intertidal biofilm. We performed a repeated-pulses factorial experiment crossing increasing N and P concentrations chosen to reflect a range of nutrient enrichment conditions, from oligotrophic to eutrophic. N and P, regardless of concentration or whether they occurred in isolation or combination, enhanced biofilm's sensitivity (increased biomass or physiological performance compared to controls) without altering resilience. Our experiment illustrates how the stability of an essential coastal primary producer responds to increasing N and P supply levels. Furthermore, notwithstanding the importance of decomposing the multiple dimensions of stability, the transitory increase of the sole sensitivity indicated that rocky shore biofilm is robust against a wide range of nutrient enrichment.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Rindi
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, CoNISMa, Via Derna 1, Pisa, Italy.
| | - L Benedetti-Cecchi
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, CoNISMa, Via Derna 1, Pisa, Italy
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7
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Wang K, Onodera SI, Saito M, Ishida T. Assessment of long-term phosphorus budget changes influenced by anthropogenic factors in a coastal catchment of Osaka Bay. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 843:156833. [PMID: 35750171 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Phosphorus usage is irreplaceable in agriculture; however, its excessive use leads to wastage of invaluable resources and significant soil surplus. Agronomic soil phosphorus surplus in Asian regions has a much higher level than the global average. And with rapid urbanization and population growth in the recent decades, Asian countries have seen a rise in environmental pollution levels also. This study assessed the detailed phosphorus budget in the Yamato River catchment, an urbanized coastal catchment in Asia, from 1940s to 2010s using Soil and Water Assessment Tool, comprehensively analyzed the effect of anthropogenic factors on long-term phosphorus loading and agronomic soil phosphorus balance. The results showed the peak period of total phosphorus loading and agronomic soil phosphorus surplus occurred in 1970s, at 895 tons/year and 36.6 kg/ha, respectively. The major reasons for increased phosphorus loading and soil surplus during 1940-1970 were rapid population growth and increased fertilizer usage, respectively. Since the 1980s, the construction of wastewater treatment system and reduction in agricultural land contributed to environmental improvement. These anthropogenic factors had a much stronger impact on phosphorus budget than climate change in the study catchment. Soil phosphorus balance is affected by a combination of factors, such as soil properties, fertilizer usage and applied schedule, precipitation event, and crop types. And soil phosphorus surplus may be severely overestimated if the non-point source loss due to precipitation factor is not fully considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunyang Wang
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University, 1-7-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8521, Japan.
| | - Shin-Ichi Onodera
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University, 1-7-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8521, Japan.
| | - Mitsuyo Saito
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University, 1-7-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8521, Japan
| | - Takuya Ishida
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University, 1-7-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8521, Japan
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8
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Nikolaidis NP, Phillips G, Poikane S, Várbíró G, Bouraoui F, Malagó A, Lilli MΑ. River and lake nutrient targets that support ecological status: European scale gap analysis and strategies for the implementation of the Water Framework Directive. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 813:151898. [PMID: 34838557 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Eutrophication caused by an excessive presence of nutrients is affecting large portions of European waters with more than 60% of the surface water bodies failing to achieve the primary ambition of water management in Europe, that of good ecological status (GES) with diffuse emission from agriculture being the second most important pressure affecting surface waters. We developed EU wide and regional nutrient targets that define the boundary concentrations between good and moderate status for river and lake total P (TP) and total N (TN) and assessed the gap between actual nutrient concentrations and these targets and considered strategies of nutrient reductions necessary to achieve GES and deliver ecosystem services. The nutrient targets established for rivers ranged from 0.5-3.5 mg/L TN and 11-105 μg/L TP and for lakes 0.5-1.8 mg/L TN and 10-60 μg/L TP. Based on the EU wide targets, 59% of the TN and 57% of the TP river monitoring sites and 64% of the TN and 61% of the TP lake monitoring sites exceed these value and are thus at less than GES. The PCA and step-wise regression for EU basins clearly showed that the basin nutrient export is predominantly related to agricultural inputs. In addition, the step-wise regression models for TN and TP provided the ability to extrapolate the results and quantify the input reductions necessary for reaching the nutrient targets at the EU level. The results suggest that a dual water management strategy would be beneficial and should focus a) on those less polluted rivers and lakes that can easily attain the GES goal and b) on the more highly polluted systems that will improve the delivery of ecosystem services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos P Nikolaidis
- School of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, 73100 Chania, Greece.
| | - Geoff Phillips
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Sandra Poikane
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, VA, Italy
| | - Gábor Várbíró
- Centre for Ecological Research, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, Department of Tisza Research, 4024 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Fayçal Bouraoui
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, VA, Italy.
| | - Anna Malagó
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, VA, Italy
| | - Maria Α Lilli
- School of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, 73100 Chania, Greece
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Umehara A, Borja Á, Ishida A, Nakai S, Nishijima W. Responses of the benthic environment to reduction in anthropogenic nutrient loading in the Seto Inland Sea (Japan), based on M-AMBI assessment. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 173:105509. [PMID: 34753050 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Deterioration of the sediment environment and benthic ecosystem is an undesirable effect of eutrophication, but little is known about the response of macrobenthic communities to eutrophication and their long-term recovery. In the present study, temporal changes in benthic ecological status, associated with reductions in anthropogenic impacts on a largest semi-enclosed sea in Japan, were determined using long-term monitoring data from water and sediment quality based on the multivariate AZTI Marine Biotic Index (M-AMBI), focusing on spatial differences in anthropogenic impacts. Several sub-areas were classified based on Chlorophyll a (Chl.a) concentrations in surface water during the 1980s. Chl.a concentrations decreased in all sub-areas except the sub-area with <2 μg Chl.a L-1 from the 1990s-2010s. On the other hand, total organic carbon contents in sediment decreased and M-AMBI values increased in all sub-areas during this period may be due to reduced lateral organic matter advection from surrounding areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Umehara
- Environmental Research and Management Center, Hiroshima University, 1-5-3 Kagamiyama, Higashi-hiroshima, Hiroshima, 739-8513, Japan.
| | - Ángel Borja
- AZTI, Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Herrera Kaia Portualdea S/n, 20100, Pasaia, Spain; King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Akiyuki Ishida
- IDEA Consultants, Inc., 1334-5 Riemon, Yaizu, Shizuoka 421-0212, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nakai
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University, 1-4-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 739-8527, Japan
| | - Wataru Nishijima
- Environmental Research and Management Center, Hiroshima University, 1-5-3 Kagamiyama, Higashi-hiroshima, Hiroshima, 739-8513, Japan
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de Carvalho Aguiar VM, Neto JAB, da Fonseca EM. Assessment of bottom sediment quality in Niterói harbor (Brazil, South America) through ecological indexes concerning nutrients and trace metals. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:62292-62305. [PMID: 34195944 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15173-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Bottom sediment quality from the Niterói harbor at Guanabara Bay (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) was evaluated based on concentrations of organic phosphorus (OP) and inorganic phosphorus (IP) and bioavailability of trace metals through BCR fractionation analysis (Zn, Cu, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cd). The study area revealed elevated concentrations of fine sediments and organic matter (TOC: 2.26-7.31%). OP presented extremely elevated concentrations between 0.57 and 47.04 μmol/g, whereas IP reached a maximum concentration of 4.99 μmol/g. The anoxic bottom at the study area was confirmed by high TOC/OP values in most stations. Phosphorus enrichment index (PEI) varied between 0.07 and 2.57, pointing to ecological risk at some stations. Trace metals were mostly bonded to the bioavailable fractions (exchangeable, reducible, oxidizable), and decreasing order of mobility was Zn > Cu > Pb > Cr > Ni > Cd. The Risk Assessment Code (RAC) suggested a high risk of bioavailability for Zinc and a medium risk for the other metals. Overall, the Niterói harbor revealed poor sediment quality suggesting a strong anthropogenic pressure in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valquíria Maria de Carvalho Aguiar
- Instituto de Geociências, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. General Milton Tavares de Souza, s/n, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, CEP: 24210346, Brazil.
| | - José Antônio Baptista Neto
- Instituto de Geociências, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. General Milton Tavares de Souza, s/n, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, CEP: 24210346, Brazil
| | - Estefan Monteiro da Fonseca
- Instituto de Geociências, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. General Milton Tavares de Souza, s/n, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, CEP: 24210346, Brazil
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11
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Review of Harmful Algal Blooms in the Coastal Mediterranean Sea, with a Focus on Greek Waters. DIVERSITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/d13080396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Anthropogenic marine eutrophication has been recognized as one of the major threats to aquatic ecosystem health. In recent years, eutrophication phenomena, prompted by global warming and population increase, have stimulated the proliferation of potentially harmful algal taxa resulting in the prevalence of frequent and intense harmful algal blooms (HABs) in coastal areas. Numerous coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea (MS) are under environmental pressures arising from human activities that are driving ecosystem degradation and resulting in the increase of the supply of nutrient inputs. In this review, we aim to present the recent situation regarding the appearance of HABs in Mediterranean coastal areas linked to anthropogenic eutrophication, to highlight the features and particularities of the MS, and to summarize the harmful phytoplankton outbreaks along the length of coastal areas of many localities. Furthermore, we focus on HABs documented in Greek coastal areas according to the causative algal species, the period of occurrence, and the induced damage in human and ecosystem health. The occurrence of eutrophication-induced HAB incidents during the past two decades is emphasized.
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12
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Grizzetti B, Vigiak O, Udias A, Aloe A, Zanni M, Bouraoui F, Pistocchi A, Dorati C, Friedland R, De Roo A, Benitez Sanz C, Leip A, Bielza M. How EU policies could reduce nutrient pollution in European inland and coastal waters. GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE : HUMAN AND POLICY DIMENSIONS 2021; 69:102281. [PMID: 34471331 PMCID: PMC8386246 DOI: 10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2021.102281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Intensive agriculture and densely populated areas represent major sources of nutrient pollution for European inland and coastal waters, altering the aquatic ecosystems and affecting their capacity to provide ecosystem services and support economic activities. Ambitious water policies are in place in the European Union (EU) for protecting and restoring aquatic ecosystems under the Water Framework Directive and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. This research quantified the current pressures of point and diffuse nitrogen and phosphorus emissions to European fresh and coastal waters (2005-2012), and analysed the effects of three policy scenarios of nutrient reduction: 1) the application of measures currently planned in the Rural Development Programmes and under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWWTD); 2) the full implementation of the UWWTD and the absence of derogations in the Nitrates Directive; 3) high reduction of nutrient, using best technologies in wastewaters treatment and optimal fertilisation in agriculture. The results of the study show that for the period 2005-2012, the nitrogen load to European seas was 3.3-4.1 TgN/y and the phosphorus load was 0.26-0.30 TgP/y. Policy measures supporting technological improvements (third scenario) could decrease the nutrient export to the seas up to 14% for nitrogen and 20% for phosphorus, improving the ecological status of rivers and lakes, but widening the nutrient imbalance in coastal ecosystems (i.e. increasing nitrogen availability with respect to phosphorus), affecting eutrophication. Further nutrient reductions could be possible by a combination of measures especially in the agricultural sector. However, without tackling current agricultural production and consumption system, the reduction might not be sufficient for achieving the goals of EU water policy in some regions. The study analysed the expected changes and the source contribution in different European regional seas, and highlights the advantages of addressing the land-sea dynamics, checking the coherence of measures taken under different policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Grizzetti
- European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, VA, Italy
| | - O. Vigiak
- European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, VA, Italy
| | - A. Udias
- European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, VA, Italy
| | | | | | - F. Bouraoui
- European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, VA, Italy
| | - A. Pistocchi
- European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, VA, Italy
| | | | - R. Friedland
- European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, VA, Italy
| | - A. De Roo
- European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, VA, Italy
| | | | - A. Leip
- European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, VA, Italy
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13
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Lu Y, Wu H, Xia Y, Huang M. Strong adsorption of phosphate by amorphous lanthanum carbonate nano-adsorbents. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2021; 83:1605-1618. [PMID: 33843746 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2021.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Phosphorus removal is a crucial aspect of controlling water pollution and eutrophication. In this study, the preparation of lanthanum carbonate (LC) nano-adsorbents for the efficient removal of phosphate (P) from water and wastewater was investigated. Results from XRD, SEM and Zeta potential analyses revealed that addition of magnesium ions and adjustment of the reaction temperature could control the morphology and microstructure of LC. Effects of initial pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and the water matrix on P adsorption were investigated. Batch adsorption experiments revealed that LC showed strong performance on P removal over a wide pH range (3.0 to 11.0). The kinetic data followed a pseudo-second-order model, and equilibrium data were well fitted by the Langmuir model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 112.9 mg P/g. Adsorption thermodynamics showed that the adsorption process was exothermic and spontaneous. Results of a monolayer model for single adsorption indicated that P could completely interact with two or more functional groups from the LC surface. In the presence of competing ions (F-, Cl-, SO42-, NO3-, and HCO3-), LC maintained high selectivity for phosphate. For a real effluent, the P concentration was efficiently reduced from 3.2 mg P/L to below 0.5 mg P/L at a dose of 0.5 g/L LC. All the results suggested that LC can serve as a promising adsorbent for P removal in a wide range of pH, and thus could meet the stricter discharge regulations from actual wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Lu
- College of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Zheda Road, Hangzhou 310027, China E-mail:
| | - Huawei Wu
- College of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Zheda Road, Hangzhou 310027, China E-mail:
| | - Yan Xia
- College of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Zheda Road, Hangzhou 310027, China E-mail:
| | - Mei Huang
- College of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Zheda Road, Hangzhou 310027, China E-mail: ; Institute of Zhejiang University - Quzhou, 78 Jiuhua Boulevard North, Quzhou 324000, China
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14
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Mammone M, Ferrier-Pagés C, Lavorano S, Rizzo L, Piraino S, Rossi S. High photosynthetic plasticity may reinforce invasiveness of upside-down zooxanthellate jellyfish in Mediterranean coastal waters. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248814. [PMID: 33739995 PMCID: PMC7978352 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecological profiling of non-native species is essential to predict their dispersal and invasiveness potential across different areas of the world. Cassiopea is a monophyletic taxonomic group of scyphozoan mixotrophic jellyfish including C. andromeda, a recent colonizer of sheltered, shallow-water habitats of the Mediterranean Sea, such as harbors and other light-limited, eutrophic coastal habitats. To assess the ecophysiological plasticity of Cassiopea jellyfish and their potential to spread across the Mare Nostrum by secondary introductions, we investigated rapid photosynthetic responses of jellyfish to irradiance transitions—from reduced to increased irradiance conditions (as paradigm of transition from harbors to coastal, meso/oligotrophic habitats). Laboratory incubation experiments were carried out to compare oxygen fluxes and photobiological variables in Cassiopea sp. immature specimens pre-acclimated to low irradiance (PAR = 200 μmol photons m−2 s−1) and specimens rapidly exposed to higher irradiance levels (PAR = 500 μmol photons m−2 s−1). Comparable photosynthetic potential and high photosynthetic rates were measured at both irradiance values, as also shown by the rapid light curves. No significant differences were observed in terms of symbiont abundance between control and treated specimens. However, jellyfish kept at the low irradiance showed a higher content in chlorophyll a and c (0.76±0.51SD vs 0.46±0.13SD mg g-1 AFDW) and a higher Ci (amount of chlorophyll per cell) compared to jellyfish exposed to higher irradiance levels. The ratio between gross photosynthesis and respiration (P:R) was >1, indicating a significant input from the autotrophic metabolism. Cassiopea sp. specimens showed high photosynthetic performances, at both low and high irradiance, demonstrating high potential to adapt to sudden changes in light exposure. Such photosynthetic plasticity, combined with Cassiopea eurythermal tolerance and mixotrophic behavior, jointly suggest the upside-down jellyfish as a potentially successful invader in the scenario of a warming Mediterranean Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Mammone
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
- * E-mail: (MM); (SP); (SR)
| | | | | | - Lucia Rizzo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Napoli, Italy
| | - Stefano Piraino
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
- CoNISMa, Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail: (MM); (SP); (SR)
| | - Sergio Rossi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
- CoNISMa, Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Rome, Italy
- Labomar, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
- * E-mail: (MM); (SP); (SR)
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15
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Fossile E, Sabbatini A, Spagnoli F, Caridi F, Dell'Anno A, De Marco R, Dinelli E, Droghini E, Tramontana M, Negri A. Sensitivity of foraminiferal-based indices to evaluate the ecological quality status of marine coastal benthic systems: A case study of the Gulf of Manfredonia (southern Adriatic Sea). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 163:111933. [PMID: 33484989 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This paper aims to compare two foraminiferal based biotic indices generally used to evaluate the ecological quality status (EcoQS): the Foram-AMBI and the Foram Stress Index (FSI). For this purpose, we report the distribution and diversity of living foraminiferal assemblages and the environmental variables from a bathymetric transect in the Southern Adriatic Sea. The two indices agree well with the detected organic enrichment but indicate conflicting EcoQS as the Foram-AMBI detects good environmental conditions, whereas the FSI describes a poor-moderate quality. Many species not assigned (including soft-shelled foraminifera) are to blame for the different results. Also, both foraminiferal-based indices neglect the heavy metal increase encountered in the deepest stations. These findings suggest the need for a more in-depth analysis to improve the ecological status evaluation of marine benthic systems, including other descriptors as chemical pollutants in combination with biotic indices sensitive to organic matter enrichment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Fossile
- Department of Life and Environmental Science, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Anna Sabbatini
- Department of Life and Environmental Science, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Federico Spagnoli
- Institute of Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnology (IRBIM), National Research Council (CNR), Largo Fiera della Pesca, 2, 60125 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Francesca Caridi
- Department of Life and Environmental Science, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Antonio Dell'Anno
- Department of Life and Environmental Science, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Rocco De Marco
- Institute of Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnology (IRBIM), National Research Council (CNR), Largo Fiera della Pesca, 2, 60125 Ancona, Italy
| | - Enrico Dinelli
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta S.Donato 1, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Droghini
- Department of Pure and Applied Sciences (DiSPeA), University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Campus Scientifico E. Mattei, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Mario Tramontana
- Department of Pure and Applied Sciences (DiSPeA), University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Campus Scientifico E. Mattei, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Alessandra Negri
- Department of Life and Environmental Science, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
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16
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A webGIS Application to Assess Seawater Quality: A Case Study in a Coastal Area in the Northern Aegean Sea. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse9010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The assessment of seawater quality in coastal areas is an important issue as it is related to the welfare of coastal ecosystems, a prerequisite for the provision of the related ecosystem services. During the last decades, marine eutrophication has become an important problem in coastal waters as a result of nutrient inputs increase. Consequently, there is need for appropriate methods and tools to assess the eutrophication status of seawater which should be user-friendly to coastal managers and support the adoption of effective plans for the protection and sustainable development of the coastal environment. In this framework, a user-friendly webGIS application has been developed and the Strait of Mytilene at the southeastern part of the Island of Lesvos in the NE Aegean Sea, Greece, was used as a case study. The methodology includes, as a first step, the evaluation of the accuracy of spatial interpolators widely applied in oceanographic studies for assessing the spatial distribution of relevant variables. The most appropriate interpolator revealed for each variable is subsequently applied for the production of the representative thematic layer. The second step involves the integration of the information from the optimal thematic layers representing the spatial distributions of the variables under study; as a result, a new thematic layer illustrating the eutrophication status of the study area is produced. The webGIS application is fully available via a web browser and provides a number of geoprocessing modules developed in Python which implement the user interface, the application of the interpolation analytical tasks, the statistical evaluation toolset and the integration of the optimal interpolated layers. Suggestions for further improvement of the proposed webGIS application are discussed.
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17
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Murillas-Maza A, Uyarra MC, Papadopoulou KN, Smith CJ, Gorjanc S, Klancnik K, Paramana T, Chalkiadaki O, Dassenakis M, Pavicic M. Programmes of measures of the marine strategy framework directive: Are they contributing to achieving good environmental status in the Mediterranean? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 161:111715. [PMID: 33022513 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) is the piece of legislation with which the EU aims to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) of its seas. This Directive requires Member States (MSs) to set up and implement Programmes of Measures (PoMs) to achieve this goal. This paper presents a catalogue as well as the analysis of the 535 measures proposed by the eight Mediterranean EU MSs to combat pollution and non-indigenous species and contribute to the GES of the Mediterranean Sea. The results reiterate the need for better coherence and coordination between MSs, also with non-EU countries in the preparation of the next iteration of PoMs. Only 5% of the measures applied have an effect beyond MSs´ marine waters jurisdiction, and a fifth of them lack linkages with any ecosystem component. The results point to gaps, while desired goals and recommendations will help policy makers to implement the and conceptualise measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arantza Murillas-Maza
- AZTI-Tecnalia, Unidad de Investigación Marina, Txatxarramendi Ugartea z/g, 48395 Sukarrieta, Spain.
| | - María C Uyarra
- AZTI-Tecnalia, Unidad de Investigación Marina, Txatxarramendi Ugartea z/g, 48395 Sukarrieta, Spain.
| | - K Nadia Papadopoulou
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), PO Box 2214, Heraklion, Crete 71003, Greece.
| | - Chris J Smith
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), PO Box 2214, Heraklion, Crete 71003, Greece.
| | - Saso Gorjanc
- Institute for Water of the Republic of Slovenia, Einspielerjeva ulica 6, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Katja Klancnik
- Institute for Water of the Republic of Slovenia, Einspielerjeva ulica 6, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Theodora Paramana
- Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupoli 15784, Greece.
| | - Olga Chalkiadaki
- Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupoli 15784, Greece.
| | - Manos Dassenakis
- Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupoli 15784, Greece.
| | - Miso Pavicic
- Institution: Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Šetalište Ivana Meštrovića 63, 21 000 Split, Croatia).
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18
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Availability and Feasibility of Water Desalination as a Non-Conventional Resource for Agricultural Irrigation in the MENA Region: A Review. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12187592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Many countries in the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa) are facing water scarcity, which poses a great challenge to agricultural production. Furthermore, water scarcity is projected to increase due to climate change, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. The integration of solar power and water desalination systems in greenhouses to overcome water shortages is one of the preferred technologies in crop-growing areas. Crop growth control is done through sufficient management of environmental climatic variables as well as the quantity and quality of water and applied fertilisers with irrigation. Numerous crops such as cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, lettuces, strawberries, flowers, and herbs can be grown under greenhouse conditions using desalinated water. This paper displays the state of the art in (i) solar-driven saltwater desalination to irrigate crops, (ii) the feasibility of water desalination for agriculture in the MENA region, (iii) the economics and environmental impacts of the desalination process, (iv) the quality of desalinated water compared with other non-conventional water resources and (v) recommendations for the future in the MENA region.
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19
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Margiotta F, Balestra C, Buondonno A, Casotti R, D'Ambra I, Di Capua I, Gallia R, Mazzocchi MG, Merquiol L, Pepi M, Percopo I, Saggiomo M, Sarno D, Zingone A. Do plankton reflect the environmental quality status? The case of a post-industrial Mediterranean Bay. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 160:104980. [PMID: 32907718 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.104980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
While the effects of industrial contamination in coastal areas may persist for years in benthos communities, plankton should not show permanent impairments because of their high spatial dynamics, fast turnover times and pronounced seasonality. To test this hypothesis, in 2019 we conducted five surveys in the Bay of Pozzuoli (Gulf of Naples, Mediterranean Sea), in front of a dismissed steel factory and in the adjacent inshore coastal waters. High seasonal variability was observed for bacteria, phytoplankton and mesozooplankton, whereas plankton spatial gradients were relatively smooth during each survey. Plankton biomass and diversity did not reveal any effects of past industrial activities not even at the innermost stations of the Bay, which however showed some signals of present anthropogenic pressure. Hydrodynamic and morphological features likely play a prominent role in maintaining a relatively good status of the plankton of the Bay, which hints at the relevance of coastal circulation and meteorological dynamics to revitalize areas impacted by human activities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cecilia Balestra
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
| | - Angela Buondonno
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
| | - Raffaella Casotti
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
| | - Isabella D'Ambra
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
| | - Iole Di Capua
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
| | - Roberto Gallia
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
| | | | - Louise Merquiol
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
| | - Milva Pepi
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
| | - Isabella Percopo
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
| | - Maria Saggiomo
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
| | - Diana Sarno
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
| | - Adriana Zingone
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
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20
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Türk Çulha S, Karaduman FR. The influence of marine fish farming on water and sediment quality: Ildır Bay (Aegean Sea). ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2020; 192:528. [PMID: 32676848 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-020-08487-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the possible effects of the physicochemical parameters of the water at a fish farm where aquaculture activities are carried out (temperature, pH, salinity, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, Secchi depth, nitrite-nitrogen, nitrate-nitrogen, phosphate-phosphorus, ammonium-nitrogen, silica, chlorophyll-a, and suspended particle matter) and in the sediments (%burnable organic matter and %organic carbon). The area of study was an open sea network cage farm where European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax), gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), and meagre (Argyrosomus regius) species are cultivated with an annual capacity of 7900 tons in the Bay of Çeşme Ildır (Aegean Sea). Samples of surface and bottom water and sediment were taken seasonally from four stations (three cage and one reference station) between December 2013 and October 2014. The study found that the maximum concentrations of ammonium-nitrogen, phosphate-phosphorus, and nitrite-nitrogen were observed in summer, whereas those of nitrate-nitrogen, silica, and chlorophyll-a increased in spring. In comparison with other studies conducted in the region, the amounts of nutrients, except for silica, were found to be considerably lower. Nonetheless, the values of silica and phosphate-phosphorus exceeded the limits for clean seawater. There has been no similar study conducted in recent years due to increased aquaculture capacity in this bay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saniye Türk Çulha
- Department of Hydrobiology, Fisheries Faculty, Izmir Katip Çelebi University, 35620, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Fatma Rabia Karaduman
- Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Izmir Katip Çelebi University, 35620, Izmir, Turkey
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21
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El-Nakib S, Alameddine I, Massoud M, Abou Najm M. Nutrient pollutant loading and source apportionment along a Mediterranean river. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2020; 192:274. [PMID: 32266479 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-020-8220-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Rivers are increasingly being subjected to increased anthropogenic pollution stresses that undermine their designated uses and negatively affect sensitive coastal regions. The degradation of river water quality is attributed to both point and nonpoint sources of pollution. In this study, we determine the relative contribution of point and nonpoint pollutant loads in the Beirut River basin, a poorly monitored seasonal Mediterranean river. Water quality samples were collected on a weekly basis over 2 consecutive years (2016 and 2017) from four sampling sites that represent a gradient of increasing urbanization. Flow-concentration models were first developed to estimate total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), and total suspended solids (TSS) loads reaching the different sub-basins. The performance of the regression models varied by location and by pollutant, with improved performance in the downstream sections (adjusted R2 66% for TP and 59% for TN). Loads were also determined using the Beale's ratio method, which generally underestimated the loads as compared with the regression-based models. The relative contribution of the nonpoint source loads were then quantified using the Open Nonpoint Source Pollution and Erosion Comparison Tool (OpenNSPECT). The results showed that point sources were the main cause of water quality impairment across the entire basin, with load contributions varying between 75% in the headwaters and 98% in the urbanized downstream sections. The adopted modeling approach in this study provides an opportunity to better understand pollutant load dynamics in poorly monitored basins and a mechanism to apportion pollution loads between point and nonpoint sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sania El-Nakib
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad el Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Ibrahim Alameddine
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad el Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon.
| | - May Massoud
- Department of Environmental Health, American University of Beirut, Bliss Street, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Majdi Abou Najm
- Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, USA
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22
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Kim NH, Hwang JH. Optimal Design of Water Quality Monitoring Networks in Semi-Enclosed Estuaries. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20051498. [PMID: 32182840 PMCID: PMC7085742 DOI: 10.3390/s20051498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The semi-enclosed estuary is very susceptible to changes in the physical and environmental characteristics of the inflow from the land. Therefore, continuous and comprehensive monitoring of such changes is necessary for managing the estuary. Nevertheless, the procedure or framework has not been proposed appropriately to determine how many instruments are necessary and where they need to be monitored and standardized to detect critical changes. The present work proposes a systematical strategy for the deployments of the monitoring array by using the combination of graphical optimization with the objective mapping technique. In order to reflect the spatiotemporal characteristics of the bay, the representative variables and eigenvectors were determined by the Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF), and the cosine angle among them calculated and used as a design index of optimization. At the recommended locations, the sampled representative variables were interpolated to reconstruct their spatiotemporal distribution and compared with the true distribution. The analysis confirmed that the selected locations, even with a minimal number of points, can be used for on-site monitoring. In addition, the present framework suggests how to determine installable regions for real-time monitoring stations, which reflect the global and local characteristics of the semi-enclosed estuary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nam-Hoon Kim
- Marine Disaster Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology, Busan 49111, Korea;
| | - Jin Hwan Hwang
- Institute of Construction and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
- Correspondence:
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23
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Ontoria Y, Cuesta-Gracia A, Ruiz JM, Romero J, Pérez M. The negative effects of short-term extreme thermal events on the seagrass Posidonia oceanica are exacerbated by ammonium additions. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0222798. [PMID: 31536606 PMCID: PMC6752784 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Global warming is increasingly affecting our biosphere. However, in addition to global warming, a panoply of local stressors caused by human activities is having a profound impact on our environment. The risk that these local stressors could modify the response of organisms to global warming has attracted interest and fostered research on their combined effect, especially with a view to identifying potential synergies. In coastal areas, where human activities are heavily concentrated, this scenario is particularly worrying, especially for foundation species such as seagrasses. In this study we explore these potential interactions in the seagrass Posidonia oceanica. This species is endemic to the Mediterranean Sea. It is well known that the Mediterranean is already experiencing the effects of global warming, especially in the form of heat waves, whose frequency and intensity are expected to increase in the coming decades. Moreover, this species is especially sensitive to stress and plays a key role as a foundation species. The aim of this work is thus to evaluate plant responses (in terms of photosynthetic efficiency and growth) to the combined effects of short-term temperature increases and ammonium additions.To achieve this, we conducted a mesocosm experiment in which plants were exposed to three thermal treatments (20°C, 30°C and 35°C) and three ammonium concentrations (ambient, 30 μM and 120 μM) in a full factorial experiment. We assessed plant performance by measuring chlorophyll fluorescence variables (maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm), effective quantum yield of photosystem II (ΔF/Fm'), maximum electron transport rate (ETRmax) and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ)), shoot growth rate and leaf necrosis incidence. At ambient ammonium concentrations, P. oceanica tolerates short-term temperature increases up to 30°C. However, at 35°C, the plant loses functionality as indicated by a decrease in photosynthetic performance, an inhibition of plant growth and an increase of the necrosis incidence in leaves. On the other hand, ammonium additions at control temperatures showed only a minor effect on seagrass performance. However, the combined effects of warming and ammonium were much worse than those of each stressor in isolation, given that photosynthetic parameters and, above all, leaf growth were affected. This serves as a warning that the impact of global warming could be even worse than expected (based on temperature-only approaches) in environments that are already subject to eutrophication, especially in persistent seagrass species living in oligotrophic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaiza Ontoria
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ainhoa Cuesta-Gracia
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan M. Ruiz
- Seagrass Ecology Group, Oceanographic Centre of Murcia, Spanish Institute of Oceanography, San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Javier Romero
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Pérez
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Santi I, Tsiola A, Dimitriou PD, Fodelianakis S, Kasapidis P, Papageorgiou N, Daffonchio D, Pitta P, Karakassis I. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbial community responses to N and P nutrient addition in oligotrophic Mediterranean coastal waters: Novel insights from DNA metabarcoding and network analysis. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 150:104752. [PMID: 31326679 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2019.104752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The effects of the abrupt input of high quantities of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus on prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbial plankton were investigated in an attempt to simulate the nutrient disturbances caused by eutrophication and climate change. Two nutrient levels were created through the addition of different quantities of dissolved nutrients in a mesocosm experiment. During the developed blooms, compositional differences were found within bacteria and microbial eukaryotes, and communities progressed towards species of faster metabolisms. Regarding the different nutrient concentrations, different microbial species were associated with each nutrient treatment and community changes spanned from the phylum to the operational taxonomic unit (OTU) level. Network analyses revealed important differences in the biotic connections developed: more competitive relationships were established in the more intense nutrient disturbance and networks of contrasting complexity were formed around species of different ecological strategies. This work highlights that sudden disturbances in water column chemistry lead to the development of entirely different microbial food webs with distinct ecological characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioulia Santi
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), PO Box 2214, Heraklion, 71003, Crete, Greece; Department of Biology, University of Crete, Voutes Campus, Heraklion, 71003, Crete, Greece
| | - Anastasia Tsiola
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), PO Box 2214, Heraklion, 71003, Crete, Greece; Department of Biology, University of Crete, Voutes Campus, Heraklion, 71003, Crete, Greece
| | - Panagiotis D Dimitriou
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Voutes Campus, Heraklion, 71003, Crete, Greece
| | - Stilianos Fodelianakis
- Biological & Environmental Sciences & Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science & Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Panagiotis Kasapidis
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology & Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, PO Box 2214, 71003, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Nafsika Papageorgiou
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Voutes Campus, Heraklion, 71003, Crete, Greece
| | - Daniele Daffonchio
- Biological & Environmental Sciences & Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science & Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Paraskevi Pitta
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), PO Box 2214, Heraklion, 71003, Crete, Greece.
| | - Ioannis Karakassis
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Voutes Campus, Heraklion, 71003, Crete, Greece
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Chlorophyll in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea: Correlations with Environmental Factors and Trends. ENVIRONMENTS 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/environments6080098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The research on marine chlorophyll concentrations, as indicators of phytoplankton abundance, their relations with environmental parameters, and their trends is of global interest. It is also crucial when referring to oligotrophic environments where maintenance or increase in primary production is vital. The present study focuses on the Eastern Mediterranean Sea that is in general oligotrophic. Its primary goal is to explore possible relations between surface chlorophyll-a concentrations and environmental factors. The involved parameters are the sea surface temperature, the wind speed, the wave height, the precipitation, and the mean sea level pressure; their relation with chlorophyll is assessed through the calculation of the relevant correlation coefficients, based on monthly satellite-derived and numerical model data for the period 1998–2016. The results show that chlorophyll relates inversely with sea surface temperature; in general positively with wind speed and wave height; positively, although weaker, with precipitation; and negatively, but area and season limited, with mean sea level pressure. These correlations are stronger over the open southern part of the study area and strongly dependent on the season. A secondary aim of the study is the estimation of chlorophyll trends for the same time interval, which is performed separately for the low and the high production periods. The statistically significant results reveal only increasing local chlorophyll trends that, for each period, mainly characterize the eastern and the western part of the area, respectively.
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Tong X, Wang X, Li Z, Yang P, Zhao M, Xu K. Trend analysis and modeling of nutrient concentrations in a preliminary eutrophic lake in China. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2019; 191:365. [PMID: 31089888 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-019-7394-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Accurately measuring and estimating trends and variations in nutrient levels is a significant part of managing emerging eutrophic lakes in developing countries. This study developed an integrated approach containing Seasonal Trend Decomposition using Loess (STL) and a dynamic nonlinear autoregressive model with exogenous input (NARX) network to decompose and estimate the nutrient concentrations in Lake Erhai, a preliminary eutrophic lake in China. The STL decomposition results indicated that total nitrogen (TN) concentration of Lake Erhai progressively descended from 2006 to 2014, except for some agriculture area. The total phosphorus (TP) concentration showed an increasing trend from 2006 to 2013 and then decreased in 2014, but in the area near the tourist attractions, TP increased continuously from 2011 to 2014. Seasonal variations in TN and TP indicated that the lowest water quality of Lake Erhai occurred from July to October. Based on results obtained with STL, TP was selected as the sensitive parameter, as it showed a significant deterioration trend, and the area near the tourist attractions was selected as the sensitive area. Three variables (DO, pH, and water temperature) were selected as input parameters to estimate TP using the dynamic NARX model. The NARX modeling results demonstrated that it can accurately estimate TP concentrations with low root-mean-square error (0.0071 mg/L). The study establishes a new approach to better understand trends and variations in nutrient levels and to better refine estimates by identifying more easily accessible physical parameters in a preliminary eutrophic lake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinnan Tong
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 800 Dongchuan Rd, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xinze Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 800 Dongchuan Rd, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Zekun Li
- Dali Environmental Monitoring Station, Dali, 671000, Yunnan, China
| | - Pingping Yang
- Dali Environmental Monitoring Station, Dali, 671000, Yunnan, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Dali Environmental Monitoring Station, Dali, 671000, Yunnan, China
| | - Kaiqin Xu
- Research Center for Material Cycles and Waste Management, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan
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Malagó A, Bouraoui F, Grizzetti B, De Roo A. Modelling nutrient fluxes into the Mediterranean Sea. JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY. REGIONAL STUDIES 2019; 22:100592. [PMID: 31008058 PMCID: PMC6472532 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrh.2019.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
STUDY REGION Mediterranean River Basins. STUDY FOCUS Human activities and consequent pollution have put the freshwater and marine ecosystems of the Mediterranean region under pressure, with high risk of eutrophication phenomena. In this study, an extended version of the Geospatial Regression Equation for European Nutrient losses model (GREEN), originally developed for estimating nutrient loads from diffuse and point sources in Europe, was extended to include additional nutrient sources using a grid cell discretization. The spatial resolution is 5 arc minute and the model inputs consist of the latest and best available global data. NEW HYDROLOGICAL INSIGHTS FOR THE REGION The results of this study show that during 2003-2007 (baseline), 1.87 Tg/y of total nitrogen (TN), 1.22 Tg/y of nitrates (N-NO3), 0.11 Tg/y of total phosphorus (TP) and 0.03 Tg/y of orthophosphate (P-PO4) were discharged in the Mediterranean Sea. The source apportionment analysis showed that the main contributor to total nitrogen and nitrate loads is agriculture followed by natural background, while for orthophosphate dominant sources include wastewater and scattered dwellings. Two scenarios were investigated to assess sustainable water and nutrient management options, showing that the reduction of 50% of nitrogen surplus leads to a significant reduction of nitrogen emission in regions characterized by high intensity agriculture, while the upgrading of wastewater treatment plants to tertiary level was more efficient for TP reduction.
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Tsikopoulou I, Moraitis ML, Geropoulos A, Papadopoulou KN, Papageorgiou N, Plaiti W, Smith CJ, Karakassis I, Eleftheriou A. Long-term changes in the structure of benthic communities: Revisiting a sampling transect in Crete after 24 years. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 144:9-19. [PMID: 30501903 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2018.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A bathymetric transect in the north coast of Crete first studied in 1989, was revisited 24 years later. Identical sampling design, season, techniques and protocols were followed in both studies in order to minimize bias in the long-term comparisons. This comprehensive macrofaunal dataset (4 stations, 2 sampling seasons, 7 replicates in each study) revealed changes in benthic diversity and community composition between the sampling periods. The recorded changes were higher at the stations located close to the coastal zone. In addition, while benthic communities showed lower total abundance during the recent sampling period, species abundances were more evenly distributed indicating that some species dominated the historical communities. In spite of these changes, the ecological status remained above the threshold values for good ecological status. The results indicated that changes in the benthic community seem to have been driven by local anthropogenic factors and natural variability rather than by large-scale factors such as nutrients influxes in the entire Mediterranean Basin.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Tsikopoulou
- Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Crete, GR 70013, Heraklion, Greece.
| | - M L Moraitis
- Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Crete, GR 70013, Heraklion, Greece
| | - A Geropoulos
- Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Crete, GR 70013, Heraklion, Greece
| | - K N Papadopoulou
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biological Resources, GR 71003, Heraklion, Greece
| | - N Papageorgiou
- Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Crete, GR 70013, Heraklion, Greece
| | - W Plaiti
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, GR 71003, Heraklion, Greece
| | - C J Smith
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biological Resources, GR 71003, Heraklion, Greece
| | - I Karakassis
- Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Crete, GR 70013, Heraklion, Greece
| | - A Eleftheriou
- Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Crete, GR 70013, Heraklion, Greece; Hellenic Centre for Marine Research Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, GR 71003, Heraklion, Greece
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Reusch TBH, Dierking J, Andersson HC, Bonsdorff E, Carstensen J, Casini M, Czajkowski M, Hasler B, Hinsby K, Hyytiäinen K, Johannesson K, Jomaa S, Jormalainen V, Kuosa H, Kurland S, Laikre L, MacKenzie BR, Margonski P, Melzner F, Oesterwind D, Ojaveer H, Refsgaard JC, Sandström A, Schwarz G, Tonderski K, Winder M, Zandersen M. The Baltic Sea as a time machine for the future coastal ocean. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2018; 4:eaar8195. [PMID: 29750199 PMCID: PMC5942908 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aar8195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Coastal global oceans are expected to undergo drastic changes driven by climate change and increasing anthropogenic pressures in coming decades. Predicting specific future conditions and assessing the best management strategies to maintain ecosystem integrity and sustainable resource use are difficult, because of multiple interacting pressures, uncertain projections, and a lack of test cases for management. We argue that the Baltic Sea can serve as a time machine to study consequences and mitigation of future coastal perturbations, due to its unique combination of an early history of multistressor disturbance and ecosystem deterioration and early implementation of cross-border environmental management to address these problems. The Baltic Sea also stands out in providing a strong scientific foundation and accessibility to long-term data series that provide a unique opportunity to assess the efficacy of management actions to address the breakdown of ecosystem functions. Trend reversals such as the return of top predators, recovering fish stocks, and reduced input of nutrient and harmful substances could be achieved only by implementing an international, cooperative governance structure transcending its complex multistate policy setting, with integrated management of watershed and sea. The Baltic Sea also demonstrates how rapidly progressing global pressures, particularly warming of Baltic waters and the surrounding catchment area, can offset the efficacy of current management approaches. This situation calls for management that is (i) conservative to provide a buffer against regionally unmanageable global perturbations, (ii) adaptive to react to new management challenges, and, ultimately, (iii) multisectorial and integrative to address conflicts associated with economic trade-offs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorsten B. H. Reusch
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Marine Ecology, Germany
- Corresponding author.
| | - Jan Dierking
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Marine Ecology, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Michele Casini
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Marine Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lysekil, Sweden
| | | | - Berit Hasler
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Klaus Hinsby
- Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Seifeddine Jomaa
- Department of Aquatic Ecosystem Analysis and Management, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ Magdeburg, Germany
| | | | - Harri Kuosa
- Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sara Kurland
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Linda Laikre
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brian R. MacKenzie
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Piotr Margonski
- National Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Gdynia, Poland
| | - Frank Melzner
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Marine Ecology, Germany
| | - Daniel Oesterwind
- Thuenen Institute–Institute of Baltic Sea Fisheries, Rostock, Germany
| | - Henn Ojaveer
- Estonian Marine Institute, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | | | | | - Gerald Schwarz
- Thuenen Institute of Farm Economics, Braunschweig, Germany
| | | | - Monika Winder
- Department of Ecology, Environment, and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marianne Zandersen
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
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Lu B, Xu J, Zhang M, Pang W, Xie L. Phosphorus removal and recovery from wastewater by highly efficient struvite crystallization in an improved fluidized bed reactor. KOREAN J CHEM ENG 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11814-017-0203-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Chen X, Wang XC, Yang S. La(III) coagulated graphene oxide for phosphate binding: mechanism and behaviour. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/00207233.2017.1333271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotian Chen
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi’an, P.R. China
| | - Xiaochang C. Wang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi’an, P.R. China
| | - Shengjiong Yang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi’an, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Architecture and Technology in Western China (XAUAT), Xi’an, P.R. China
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Kolios S, Stylios C, Petunin A. A WebGIS platform to monitor environmental conditions in ports and their surroundings in South Eastern Europe. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2015; 187:574. [PMID: 26275763 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-015-4786-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The scope of this work is to describe the design and development of a web-based Geographic Information System (GIS) application and highlight its usefulness regarding monitoring and evaluating environmental conditions in several ports and their surroundings in the greater South East Europe (SEE). The system receives inputs and handles two kinds of data that are processed and illustrated through maps and graphs at various temporal and spatial scales in this informational platform. The aforementioned data consists of point measurements from stations operating in the area of SEE ports as well as satellite date sets derived monthly for a period of 10 to 12 years, in terms of sea surface temperature, chlorophyll a, and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM). The WebGIS platform is based on the client-server model and uses Google Maps API services for data plotting. Advanced designing and development tools and methodologies are used. The available valuable data render the application into a trustful and accurate provider of visual environmental interest information regarding the main ports of southeastern Europe and their surroundings that would operate as a guide for an environmentally sustainable future of ports and sea corridors in SEE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavros Kolios
- Laboratory of Knowledge & Intelligent Computing (KIC-LAB), Department of Computer Engineering, Technological Educational Institute of Epirus, Arta, Greece,
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Garmendia M, Borja Á, Breton F, Butenschön M, Marín A, Miller PI, Morisseau F, Xu W. Challenges and difficulties in assessing the environmental status under the requirements of the Ecosystem Approach in North African countries, illustrated by eutrophication assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2015; 187:289. [PMID: 25903402 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-015-4316-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/18/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Marine ecosystems provide many ecosystem goods and services. However, these ecosystems and the benefits they create for humans are subject to competing uses and increasing pressures. As a consequence of the increasing threats to the marine environment, several regulations require applying an ecosystem-based approach for managing the marine environment. Within the Mediterranean Sea, in 2008, the Contracting Parties of the Mediterranean Action Plan decided to progressively apply the Ecosystem Approach (EcAp) with the objective of achieving Good Environmental Status (GES) for 2018. To assess the environmental status, the EcAp proposes 11 Ecological Objectives, each of which requires a set of relevant indicators to be integrated. Progress towards the EcAp entails a gradual and important challenge for North African countries, and efforts have to be initiated to propose and discuss methods. Accordingly, to enhance the capacity of North African countries to implement EcAp and particularly to propose and discuss indicators and methods to assess GES, the aim of this manuscript is to identify the practical problems and gaps found at each stage of the environmental status assessment process. For this purpose, a stepwise method has been proposed to assess the environmental status using Ecologic Objective 5-Eutrophication as example.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maialen Garmendia
- Basque Centre for Climate Change, Alameda Urquijo, 4, 4°-1°, 48008, Bilbao, Spain,
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Kopprio GA, Kattner G, Freije RH, de Paggi SJ, Lara RJ. Seasonal baseline of nutrients and stable isotopes in a saline lake of Argentina: biogeochemical processes and river runoff effects. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2014; 186:3139-3148. [PMID: 24415133 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-013-3606-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2013] [Accepted: 12/23/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The seasonal variability of inorganic and organic nutrients and stable isotopes and their relations with plankton and environmental conditions were monitored in Lake Chasicó. Principal component analysis evidenced the strong influence of the river runoff on several biogeochemical variables. Silicate concentrations were controlled by diatom biomass and river discharge. Higher values of nitrate and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) indicated agricultural uses in the river basin. Elevated pH values (∼ 9) inhibiting nitrification in the lake explained partially the dominance of ammonium: ∼ 83 % of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN). The low DIN/SRP ratio inferred nitrogen limitation, although the hypotheses of iron and CO2 limitation are relevant in alkaline lakes. Particulate organic matter (POM) and dissolved organic matter (DOM) were mainly of autochthonous origin. The main allochthonous input was imported by the river as POM owning to the arid conditions. Dissolved organic carbon was likely top-down regulated by the bacterioplankton grazer Brachionus plicatilis. The δ(13)C signature was a good indicator of primary production and its values were influenced probably by CO2 limitation. The δ(15)N did not evidence nitrogen fixation and suggested the effects of anthropogenic activities. The preservation of a good water quality in the lake is crucial for resource management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germán A Kopprio
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía, Florida 4750, B8000FWB, Bahía Blanca, Argentina,
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Tzoraki O, Nikolaidis NP, Cooper D, Kassotaki E. Nutrient mitigation in a temporary river basin. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2014; 186:2243-2257. [PMID: 24306442 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-013-3533-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2013] [Accepted: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
We estimate the nutrient budget in a temporary Mediterranean river basin. We use field monitoring and modelling tools to estimate nutrient sources and transfer in both high and low flow conditions. Inverse modelling by the help of PHREEQC model validated the hypothesis of a losing stream during the dry period. Soil and Water Assessment Tool model captured the water quality of the basin. The 'total daily maximum load' approach is used to estimate the nutrient flux status by flow class, indicating that almost 60% of the river network fails to meet nitrogen criteria and 50% phosphate criteria. We recommend that existing well-documented remediation measures such as reforestation of the riparian area or composting of food process biosolids should be implemented to achieve load reduction in close conjunction with social needs.
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Karydis M, Kitsiou D. Marine water quality monitoring: a review. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2013; 77:23-36. [PMID: 24090882 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2013] [Revised: 09/01/2013] [Accepted: 09/08/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Marine water quality monitoring is performed for compliance with regulatory issues, trend detection, model validation and assessment of the effectiveness of adopted policies. As the end users are managers and policy makers, the objectives should be of practical interest and the answers should reduce the uncertainty concerning environmental impact, supporting planning and decision making. Simple and clearcut answers on environmental issues require synthesis of the field information using statistics, simulation models and multiple criteria analysis (MCA). Statistics is easy to apply whereas simulation models enable researchers to forecast future trends as well as test different scenarios. MCA allows the co-estimation of socio-economic variables providing a compromise between scientists' and policy makers' priorities. In addition, stakeholders and the public have the right to know and participate. This article reviews marine water quality monitoring principles, design and data analysis procedures. A brief review of international conventions of regional seas is also included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Karydis
- Department of Marine Sciences, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, Mytilene 81100, Greece
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Ali R, Silberstein R, Byrne J, Hodgson G. Drainage discharge impacts on hydrology and water quality of receiving streams in the wheatbelt of Western Australia. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2013; 185:9619-9637. [PMID: 23780729 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-013-3278-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The use of surface and subsurface drainage to manage waterlogging and salinity in dryland (rainfed) and irrigated agricultural systems is common throughout the world. The drainage systems often discharge into natural streams. The same is true for the wheatbelt drainage systems in south-western Australia, where 11,000 km (ABS 2003) of artificial drains have been constructed within the last two decades. Prior to this study, the likely impacts of this discharge on the streambed chemistry and water quality of receiving streams were largely unknown. The study evaluated these impacts in creeks receiving the drainage discharge from engineering options in four river systems in south-western Australia. This study clearly showed elevated levels of metals ions, EC and pH in the stream water at treated sites relative to their levels at untreated sites. At most sites, impacts of drainage discharge were observed on the streambed electrical conductivity (EC) and pH (both in 1:5 extract) in the receiving streams; however, there was little evidence of impact on metal ion content in the streambed soil. The study found no clear differences in the dynamics of the watertable adjacent to streams whether they received drainage discharge or not, irrespective of the size of the artificial drainage systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riasat Ali
- CSIRO Land and Water, Private Bag 5, Wembley, WA, 6913, Australia,
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