Effects of microplastics pollution on the abundance and composition of interstitial meiofauna

Introduction: Pollution by microplastics is a global problem in marine environments, which impacts microorganisms and ecosystems at several spatial levels. Sandy beaches are depositional environments where microplastics tend to accumulate in large quantities. The co-occurrence of interstitial meiofauna and microplastics in sand grains raises the question on whether the accumulation of microplastics in the sediments affects the abundance and composition of the meiofaunal communities. Objective: To test the hypothesis that microplastics affect the meiofauna of urban sandy beaches. Methods: We studied the three main urban sandy beaches of Santa Marta, Colombia: El Rodadero, Santa Marta Bay, and Taganga. All are similar in morphology and external pressures, and differ from other beaches in the region. In April 2019 we collected 81 sand samples, equally distributed in the intertidal zone (upper, mid, and lower intertidal levels). We applied generalized linear models to abundance, and multivariate permutational tests to community composition. Results: We identified 17 taxonomic groups of meiofauna, and microplastic particles (mainly 45-500 micron fibres) evenly distributed across beaches and intertidal levels. There was more meiofauna at the mid intertidal level, and in fine and medium grain sediment. At the lower intertidal level, sites with more microplastics had less meiofauna. Abundance of microplastics explained 39 % of the variation in meiofaunal community composition at lower intertidal levels. Conclusions: The accumulation of microplastics might have a negative impact on these meiofaunal interstitial communities. This is not surprising: if microplastics occupy the same physical space as these animals, they might presumably modify the structure of sediments and the composition of interstitial water.

Introducción: La contaminación por microplásticos es un problema global en los ecosistemas marinos, con impacto sobre microorganismos y ecosistemas en varios niveles espaciales. Las playas arenosas son ambientes de deposición donde se tiende a acumular gran cantidad de microplásticos. La co-ocurrencia de meiofauna intersticial y microplásticos en granos de arena plantea la pregunta de que si la acumulación de microplásticos en sedimentos afecta la abundancia y composición de comunidades de meiofauna. Objetivo: Probar la hipótesis de que microplásticos afectan la meiofauna de playas arenosas urbanas. Métodos: Estudiamos las tres principales playas arenosas urbanas de Santa Marta, Colombia: El Rodadero, Bahía Santa Marta y Taganga. Estas son similares en morfología y presiones externas, y difieren de las otras playas de la región. En abril 2019 recolectamos 81 muestras de arena, distribuidas de manera equidistante en la zona intermareal (nivel intermareal superior, medio y bajo). Aplicamos modelos lineales generalizados de abundancia, y pruebas permutacionales multivariantes a la composición de comunidades. Resultados: Identificamos 17 grupos taxonómicos de meiofauna, y partículas de microplástico (principalmente fibras de 45-500 micras) distribuidos equitativamente a lo largo de las playas y niveles intermareales. Hubo más meiofauna en el nivel intermareal medio, y en sedimentos de grano mediano y fino. A niveles intermareales más bajos, sitios con más microplásticos tuvieron menos meiofauna. La abundancia de los microplásticos explicó el 39 % de la variación en comunidades de meiofauna a niveles intermareales bajos. Conclusión: La acumulación de microplásticos podría tener un impacto negativo sobre las comunidades de meiofauna intersticial. Esto no es de sorprender: si los microplásticos ocupan el mismo volumen físico que estos animales, estos podrían presuntamente modificar la estructura de sedimentos y la composición del agua intersticial.

Modelagem da drenagem urbana e avaliação das cargas bacteriológicas na Vertente Marítima de Fortaleza, Ceará / Urban drainage modeling and evaluation of bacteriological loads in the Vertente Marítima of Fortaleza, Ceará

RESUMO Os sistemas de drenagem urbana podem representar fontes de aporte de poluentes aos corpos receptores aos quais se destinam. Diante disso, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo propor uma ferramenta para modelagem do sistema de drenagem urbana da bacia da Vertente Marítima de Fortaleza, Ceará, visando à avaliação das cargas bacteriológicas. Para esse fim, foi selecionado o stormwater management model (SWMM) para as simulações hidrológicas e hidráulicas; propôs-se uma metodologia para o cálculo das cargas bacteriológicas por meio da estimativa da carga difusa [CD] (NMP. dia-1.ha-1) e para a correlação desta com uma série de variáveis hidroambientais; e analisaram-se cenários para diferentes condições de precipitação pluviométrica, coleta de esgoto e resíduos sólidos dispostos inadequadamente (RSDI). Os resultados mostraram que o SWMM oferece respostas representativas e que o período chuvoso é responsável pelo maior aporte da carga bacteriológica à orla. Em relação ao modelo preditivo, foi ajustada uma função de potência de segunda ordem correlacionando CD com a precipitação média mensal (mm.dia-1) para as três sub-bacias analisadas. Posteriormente, os coeficientes das equações encontradas foram correlacionados ao indicador RSDI (kg.dia-1), obtendo-se um ajuste logarítmico (R2 = 0,99), com o qual é possível gerar uma equação de estimativa de CD para qualquer sub-bacia da Vertente Marítima. A análise dos cenários mostrou haver aumento significativo da carga em precipitações extremas (2 vezes) e diminuição considerável com a elevação da fração da população interligada à rede de esgoto, bem como diminuição da produção de RSDI (0,28 e 0,38 vezes do valor inicial nos Riachos Jacarecanga e Maceió, respectivamente).

ABSTRACT Urban drainage systems can represent sources of pollutants input to the receiving bodies for which they are intended. Therefore, the present work aims to propose a tool for modeling the urban drainage system of the Vertente Marítima basin of Fortaleza, Ceará, aiming at the evaluation of bacteriological loads. For this purpose, the Stormwater Management Model (SWMM) was selected for the hydrological and hydraulic simulations; a methodology for the calculation of bacteriological loads was proposed by estimating the diffuse load [DL] (MPN, day-1.ha-1) and its correlation with a series of hydro-environmental variables and scenarios for different pluviometry precipitation conditions were analyzed, as well as sewage collection and inadequately disposed solid waste (IDSW). The results show that SWMM gives representative results and that the rainy season is responsible for the greater contribution of the bacteriological load to the seafront. Regarding the predictive model, a second-order potential function was adjusted by correlating DL with the average monthly precipitation (mm.day-1) for the three sub-basins analyzed. Subsequently, the coefficients of the equations found were correlated to IDSW (kg.day-1), obtaining a logarithmic adjustment (R2 = 0.99), with which it is possible to obtain a DL estimation equation for any sub-basin of Vertente Marítima. An analysis of the scenarios showed a significant increase of the load in extreme precipitations (twice) and a considerable decrease with the increase of the fraction of the population connected to the sewage network and the decrease of IDSW production (0.28 and 0.38 times the initial value in the Jacarecanga and Maceió Stream, respectively).

Influencia de la vigilancia en una zona rocosa dentro de un área marina protegida, Pacífico Central de Costa Rica / Surveillance influence in a rocky shore within a marine protected area, Central Pacific of Costa Rica

Resumen Los intermareales rocosos son sitios importantes para peces, aves, invertebrados y algas entre otros, que se utilizan para la extracción de recursos alimenticios para las comunidades costeras. Se presentan los resultados de la evaluación de una costa rocosa en el Pacífico Central de Costa Rica (Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Playa Hermosa-Punta Mala), usando indicadores biológicos propuestos por el protocolo del Ministerio de Ambiente y Energía. Se analizó la influencia de la vigilancia en dos sitios dentro de un AMP sobre el intermareal rocoso. La recolección de datos se realizó durante la época seca y la época lluviosa de 2015. Los datos mostraron que Nerita scabricosta presentó muchas colonias formadas por pocos individuos. La cobertura de macroalgas y los invertebrados bajo las rocas mostraron una leve diferencia entre los niveles de vigilancia. La densidad de Tetraclita stalactifera no mostró variaciones. Se sugiere la hipótesis que el daño mecánico asociado al turismo, pesca y extracción, está influyendo sobre los organismos de la zona rocosa. Algunos de los bioindicadores utilizados mostraron ser influenciados por los niveles de vigilancia y aplicación de las medidas de manejo.

Abstract Rocky intertidal are important sites for fish, birds, invertebrates and algae, among others, which are used for the extraction of food resources for coastal communities. We present the results of conservation assessment of a rocky shore in the Central Pacific of Costa Rica (Playa Hermosa-Punta Mala National Wildlife Refuge) using the biological indicators proposed by the National Environmental Ministry. This study aims to analyze the influence of surveillance, between two sites, over the rocky shore habitat. The sampling was carried out during both the dry and rainy seasons in 2015. Our data shows that Nerita scabricosta -harvested in small-scale fisheries- presents a high number of colonies formed by few individuals. Moreover, the abundance varied between seasons, probably due to a storm surge. Macroalgae differed slightly among sites, where turf had higher percentage coverage in low surveillance areas, while brown algae had higher coverage in high surveillance areas. Mechanical damage (abrasion due to rocks overturning) associated with tourism and harvesting could be influencing the low surveillance area, explaining these differences. Macroalgae presented a seasonal change, probably related to the storm surge. The density of the Tetraclita stalactifera did not exhibit variations. The surveillance level and enforcement influenced some bioindicators of the rocky shore, and therefore could be used to assess the extractive pressure. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(3): 984-995. Epub 2018 September 01.

Aspects of the reproductive biology and characterization of Sciaenidae captured as bycatch in the prawn trawling in the northeastern Brazil / Aspectos da biologia reprodutiva e caracterização de cianídeos capturados como fauna acompanhante da pesca de camarão no nordeste do Brasil

The Brazilian prawn fishery, as other bottom trawling fisheries, is considered quite efficient in catching the target species but with low selectivity and high rates of bycatch. The family Sciaenidae prevails among fish species caught. The study was conducted in the Pernambuco State (Barra de Sirihaém), northeastern Brazil. From August 2011 to July 2012, 3,278 sciaenid specimens were caught, distributed into 16 species, 34.2% males and 41.5% females. Larimus breviceps, Isopisthus parvipinnis, Paralonchurus brasiliensis and Stellifer microps were the most abundant species. The area was considered a recruitment and reproduction area with the highest reproductive activity between December 2011 and July 2012. The constant frequency of mature I. parvipinnis and S. microps in catches throughout the year suggests that these species are multiple spawners and use the area during their reproductive period. Since most individuals caught as bycatch have not reached sexual maturity, evidencing the need for a better monitoring of the area and the Sciaenidae caught as bycatch, once this incidental caught can cause fluctuations in the recruitment, increasing the proportion of immature individuals in the population and negatively affecting the reproductive success of the species.

As pescarias de arrasto são consideradas bastante eficientes na captura das espécies-alvo, porém apresentam baixa seletividade, capturando grande quantidade de fauna acompanhante. Entre as espécies capturadas, a família Sciaenidae é quase sempre dominante. A área de estudo está localizada no Estado de Pernambuco (Barra de Sirinhaém), região Nordeste do Brasil. Durante o período de agosto/11 a julho/12 foi capturado um total de 3.278 cianídeos, divididos entre 16 espécies, sendo 34,2% machos e 41,5% fêmeas. Larimus breviceps, Isopisthus parvipinnis, Paralonchurus brasiliensis e Stellifer microps foram as espécies mais abundantes. A área estudada foi considerada zona de recrutamento e reprodução, com os maiores índices de atividade reprodutiva entre os meses de dezembro/11 e julho/12. A constante captura de indivíduos maduros de I. parvipinnis e S. microps, durante todo o período de amostragem, sugere que estas espécies possuem desova múltipla e utilizam a área durante seu período reprodutivo. Devido a maioria dos indivíduos capturados como fauna acompanhante não terem alcançado sua maturidade sexual, é necessário melhor monitoramento da área estudada, assim como dos cianídeos capturados, uma vez que essa captura acidental pode causar flutuações nos processos de recrutamento, aumentando a proporção de imaturos, prejudicando, o processo reprodutivo das espécies.

Application of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT Model) on a small tropical island (Great River Watershed, Jamaica) as a tool in Integrated Watershed and Coastal Zone Management / Aplicación de la herramienta de evaluación de suelo y agua (modelo SWAT) en una isla tropical pequeña (Gran Cuenca del Río, Jamaica) como una herramienta en la gestión integral de cuencas y manejo de la zona costera

The Great River Watershed, located in north-west Jamaica, is critical for development, particularly for housing, tourism, agriculture, and mining. It is a source of sediment and nutrient loading to the coastal environment including the Montego Bay Marine Park. We produced a modeling framework using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and GIS. The calculated model performance statistics for high flow discharge yielded a Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) value of 0.68 and a R² value of 0.70 suggesting good measured and simulated (calibrated) discharge correlation. Calibration and validation results for streamflow were similar to the observed streamflows. For the dry season the simulated urban landuse scenario predicted an increase in surface runoff in excess of 150%. During the wet season it is predicted to range from 98 to 234% presenting a significant risk of flooding, erosion and other environmental issues. The model should be used for the remaining 25 watersheds in Jamaica and elsewhere in the Caribbean. The models suggests that projected landuse changes will have serious impacts on available water (streamflow), stream health, potable water treatment, flooding and sensitive coastal ecosystems.

Aplicación de la herramienta de evaluación de suelo y agua (modelo SWAT) en una isla tropical pequeña (Gran Cuenca del Río, Jamaica) como una herramienta en la gestión integral de cuencas y manejo de la zona costera. La gran cuenca del Río Grande, ubicada en el noroeste de Jamaica, crítico para el desarrollo, particularmente para vivienda, turismo, agricultura y minería. Es una fuente de sedimentos y nutrientes de recarga para el ambiente costero incluyendo el Parque Marino Bahía Montego. Proponemos un marco integrado de modelado utilizando la herramienta de evaluación de suelo y agua (SWAT) y SIG. Las estadísticas de rendimiento del modelo calculadas para la descarga de alto flujo rindió una eficacia de Nash-Sutcliffe (NSE) de 0.68 y un R² de 0.70 sugiriendo una buena medición y correlación de descarga simulada (calibrada). Los estados insulares con frecuencia toman decisiones basándose en los impactos de la cuenca. Esto requiere un profundo entendimiento y análisis de factores como los recursos hídricos, uso del suelo/cobertura, sedimentos y nutrientes de recarga entre otros factores a nivel de cuenca. Con financiamiento del Instituto Interamericano para la investigación del Cambio Global (IAI) se examinó la aplicación del modelo de acceso libre en una cuenca jamaiquina. Los resultados de la calibración y validación para caudales fueron similares a los observados en los caudales respectivos, según lo indicado por la eficacia de Nash-Sutcliffe y el coeficiente de determinación. La calibración y validación de los resultados para el caudal son similares a los observados en el caudal. Durante la estación seca el escenario simulado en el uso de suelo urbano predijo un aumento de la escorrentía superficial superior al 150%. Durante la estación lluviosa el aumento de la escorrentía superficial se prevé que alcance desde 98 a 234% lo que representa un riesgo significativo de inundaciones, erosión y otros problemas ambientales. El modelo sugiere que cambios en los usos proyectados de suelo tendrán serios impactos sobre la disponibilidad de agua (caudal), salud de la cuenca, tratamiento de agua potable, inundaciones y ecosistemas costeros sensibles.

Conservation aspects of sea turtles in Maranhao island, Sao Luis, Brazil / Aspectos da conservação de tartarugas marinhas na ilha do Maranhão, Municipality of São Luis, Brasil

Visando obter informações sobre as espécies de tartarugas marinhas que ocorrem na Ilha, iniciaramse levantamentos de encalhes e pesca acidental desses animais em parceria com comunidades pesqueiras da ilha, de junho de 2006 a outubro de 2007. São cinco as espécies de tartarugas marinhas que habitam a zona costeira brasileira e todas elas foram encontradas em São Luís tais como: tartaruga cabeçuda (Caretta caretta), tartaruga de pente (Eretmochelys imbricata), tartaruga de couro (Dermochelys coriacea), tartaruga oliva (Lepidochelys olivacea), e tartaruga verde ou aruanã (Chelonia mydas). Foram observados filhotes recém eclodidos de E. imbricata (demonstrando atividade reprodutiva na região). Todos os espécimes adultos e juvenis localizados vivos ou mortos estavam com alguma marca ou indícios característicos de interação com a pesca como marcas de emalhes de redes de pesca, espinhel ou golpes de faca na cabeça ou na região do casco. Esses animais estão em situação de risco de extinção devido ao consumo por comunidades pesqueiras, muitas vezes ocasionadas pela pesca acidental e pela ausência de informação dos pescadores sobre a adequada devolução ao mar. Portanto os esforços de conservação destes animais devem se concentrar não somente na atividade reprodutiva, mas na conscientização sobre pesca e consumo ilegal junto às comunidades pesqueiras da zona costeira. Neste aspecto a importância deste trabalho foi delinear os principais impactos sobre as espécies para melhorar sua proteção nas praias e a relação com as atividades de pesca na Ilha. Os resultados desta pesquisa podem levar à intensificação de esforços de conservação dessas espécies da zona costeira de toda a Ilha do Maranhão, incluindo também São José de Ribamar, Paço do Lumiar e Raposa, inserindo-as no programa nacional de conservação de espécies em risco de extinção.

In order to obtain information about the species of sea turtles that occur on the island of Maranhão, São Luis, surveys were started through observations of catching and stranding of these animals in partnership with fishing communities, from June 2006 to October 2007. There are five species of sea turtles that inhabit the coastal area of Brazil and all of them were observed in Maranhão Island, São Luís, such as: loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), olive turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) and green turtle (Chelonia mydas). It was observed puppies newly hatched of E. imbricata (indicating reproductive activity). All adult and juvenile specimens found dead or alive were observed with some injury due fishing artifacts such as fishing gill, fishing nets, long lines or knife blows on the head or on the hull. These animals are at risk of extinction due to the consumption by fishing communities, caused by catch and the lack of information of the fishermen how to manage the returning of the animals to the sea. For this reason, conservation efforts for these animals should focus not only on reproductive activity, but in raising awareness of illegal fishing and consumption by the fishing communities along the coastal zone. In this aspect, the importance of this work was to delineate the main impacts on these animals to improve the protection at the beaches and the fishing activities on the Island. The results of this research may lead to the intensification of efforts to conserve these species in the coastal zone of all the island of Maranhão, including also the municipalities of São José de Ribamar, Paço do Lumiar and Raposa to insert them at the national conservation program of endangered species.

Seasonal variability of coastal water quality in bay of Bengal and Palk Strait, Tamilnadu, Southeast Coast of India

The aim of this work was to study the physicochemical parameters of water quality collected from 12 sampling stations from Topputhurai to Muthupet in Vedaranyam located on the southeast coast of India from January to December 2008. Results showed that the DO and nutrients were the maximum in the Bay of Bengal during the monsoon period. High concentration of the nutrients in summer season was obtained near the Muthupet mangroves compared to the Palk Strait, which showed that this acted as a source of nutrients to the adjacent coastal waters. Low concentrations of the nutrients observed in the monsoon could be attributed to the terrestrial runoff from Muthupet lagoon. The physicochemical characteristics of coastal waters between the Point Calimere and Muthupet could be used as a baseline data for the monitoring, conservation and management of Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird sanctuary, Great Vedaranyam swamp and Muthupet mangrove ecosystem.

Land-sea interface features of four estuaries on the South America Atlantic coast

The Brazilian coastal zone extends from 4º N to 34º S latitude and because of its long extension, the interface zone from continent to ocean includes a high diversity of geomorphologic and oceanographic characteristics. The rivers from the Northeast and East regions are marked by a typical unimodal seasonal flux patterns but with different amplitudes. As the climate indicates, the rivers from the Northeast are subject to an accentuated seasonal variability with an elevated input and flood pulses during the rainy season and low to negligible fluxes during the dry season. Small-scale rivers usually present typical torrential behaviour. In the humid eastern region, the unimodal seasonal cycle is dampened with a more constant input supply. Recently, some studies have shown that the material supply from rivers along the Northeast and Eastern coasts is diluted by surface tropical waters of oceanic currents and that the estuarine plume dispersal is restricted to a narrow coastal belt. However, human impacts of course mask or even override both natural hydrological cycles and CO2 emissions from terrestrial biomes, or depending on the nature of the human impact, can even increase extreme events. Henceforth this contribution addresses the typological, hydrological and biome diversity of the four estuarine systems fed and affected by the respective Amazon, São Francisco, Paraíba do Sul and Plata watersheds.

A zona costeira brasileira se estende de 4º N a 34º S de latitude. Por causa de sua longa faixa de zona de interface do continente com o oceano, é encontrada uma grande diversidade nas características geomorfológicas e oceanográficas. Os rios das regiões nordeste e leste mostram um padrão de fluxo sazonal normalmente unimodal, mas diferentes em amplitude. Conforme o clima indica, os rios do nordeste estão sujeitos a uma acentuada variabilidade sazonal, com elevação da vazão em forma de pulsos de inundação durante a estação chuvosa e fluxos muito baixos ou mesmo negligentes durante a estação seca. Em rios de pequena escala, a vazão costuma apresentar um típico comportamento de eventos torrenciais. Na região leste, com clima tropical úmido, o ciclo unimodal sazonal se apresenta amortecido com uma entrada mais constante. Recentemente, alguns estudos mostram que a exportação de materiais pelos rios ao longo da costa leste e do nordeste é diluída a partir de águas tropicais superficiais de correntes oceânicas e que a dispersão das plumas estuarinas é restrita a uma estreita faixa costeira. No entanto, os impactos humanos mascaram ou mesmo substituem ambos os ciclos hidrológicos naturais e as emissões de CO2 dos biomas terrestres ou, dependendo da natureza, podem até aumentar os eventos extremos. Doravante, esta contribuição aborda a diversidade, a tipologia hidrológica e os biomas dos quatro sistemas estuários.

Land-sea interface features of four estuaries on the South America Atlantic coast / Características da interface continente-oceano de quatro estuários da zona costeira da America do Sul

The Brazilian coastal zone extends from 4º N to 34º S latitude and because of its long extension, the interface zone from continent to ocean includes a high diversity of geomorphologic and oceanographic characteristics. The rivers from the Northeast and East regions are marked by a typical unimodal seasonal flux patterns but with different amplitudes. As the climate indicates, the rivers from the Northeast are subject to an accentuated seasonal variability with an elevated input and flood pulses during the rainy season and low to negligible fluxes during the dry season. Small-scale rivers usually present typical torrential behaviour. In the humid eastern region, the unimodal seasonal cycle is dampened with a more constant input supply. Recently, some studies have shown that the material supply from rivers along the Northeast and Eastern coasts is diluted by surface tropical waters of oceanic currents and that the estuarine plume dispersal is restricted to a narrow coastal belt. However, human impacts of course mask or even override both natural hydrological cycles and CO2 emissions from terrestrial biomes, or depending on the nature of the human impact, can even increase extreme events. Henceforth this contribution addresses the typological, hydrological and biome diversity of the four estuarine systems fed and affected by the respective Amazon, São Francisco, Paraíba do Sul and Plata watersheds.

A zona costeira brasileira se estende de 4º N a 34º S de latitude. Por causa de sua longa faixa de zona de interface do continente com o oceano, é encontrada uma grande diversidade nas características geomorfológicas e oceanográficas. Os rios das regiões nordeste e leste mostram um padrão de fluxo sazonal normalmente unimodal, mas diferentes em amplitude. Conforme o clima indica, os rios do nordeste estão sujeitos a uma acentuada variabilidade sazonal, com elevação da vazão em forma de pulsos de inundação durante a estação chuvosa e fluxos muito baixos ou mesmo negligentes durante a estação seca. Em rios de pequena escala, a vazão costuma apresentar um típico comportamento de eventos torrenciais. Na região leste, com clima tropical úmido, o ciclo unimodal sazonal se apresenta amortecido com uma entrada mais constante. Recentemente, alguns estudos mostram que a exportação de materiais pelos rios ao longo da costa leste e do nordeste é diluída a partir de águas tropicais superficiais de correntes oceânicas e que a dispersão das plumas estuarinas é restrita a uma estreita faixa costeira. No entanto, os impactos humanos mascaram ou mesmo substituem ambos os ciclos hidrológicos naturais e as emissões de CO2 dos biomas terrestres ou, dependendo da natureza, podem até aumentar os eventos extremos. Doravante, esta contribuição aborda a diversidade, a tipologia hidrológica e os biomas dos quatro sistemas estuários.

Evolution of Beninese Coastline from 1963 to 2005: Causes and Consequences.

The coastal zone of Benin is the interface between the marine environment and the straightforward continental environment. It is constituted of sandy cords, lagoon system, lakes and flood plains. This zone shelters a population of about 3 million inhabitants that is more than 30% of the Beninese population. As all coastal regions of the world, this zone remains very sensitive to climatic changes (global elevation of the sea level, perpetual variations of the weather marines conditions) and to human activities (large inland dams, harbour infrastructures, urbanization) that drive to the rupture of the equilibrium in this coastal environment with enhanced risks of beach erosion as the main consequences. This study monitors the evolution of the Beninese shorelines around Cotonou and underlines the causes mainly human that negatively affect this naturally fragile environment. Natural factors (tempests and erosive processes) and human actions (building of the port of Cotonou (1962) then Lome (1967) and hydroelectric dams on Volta (1966) and on Mono (1987) rivers) aim the coastal evolution of the Benin. They procreate, on the sandy cords at East of ports and rivers mouths, an erosion about 10 m linked to the reduction of provisions in sand and the fragilisation of cords by farms, steps and of anarchic occupations.

Influence of effluents from a Wastewater Treatment Plant on nutrient distribution in a coastal creek from southern Brazil

The hypothesis that effluents treated through activated sludge process cause changes in nutrient biogeochemistry of receiving water bodies was investigated in Vieira creek, southern Brazil. Dissolved oxygen, suspended matter, and pH did not vary among the sampling stations. Nutrient, biochemical oxygen demand, and conductivity values were significantly higher downstream from the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) effluents. Further downstream, nitrate concentrations were higher due to ammonium nitrification, organic matter remineralization and/or the occurrence of unidentified sources. Per capita nutrient emission factors were estimated to be 0.16 kg P.yr-1 and 4.14 kg N.yr-1. Under pristine conditions, low N:P ratios were observed, which were significantly increased downstream due to the high ammonium input. The mixing zone of the nitrogen-rich waters from Vieira creek with the phosphorus-enriched waters from Patos lagoon estuary was considered under high risk of eutrophication. The results could be useful for planning and management of WWTP-effluent receiving waters in temperate regions from developing countries.

A hipótese de que efluentes urbanos tratados através de um sistema de lodo ativado causam alterações na qualidade de água de ambientes aquáticos foi investigada no Arroio Vieira, Rio Grande, RS. Amostras de água foram coletadas a montante e a jusante dos emissários de uma estação de tratamento de esgoto (ETE). Oxigênio, material em suspensão e pH não variaram espacialmente. Já os valores para os nutrientes e para a demanda bioquímica do oxigênio foram significativamente maiores a jusante dos efluentes. Mais a jusante, as concentrações de nitrato aumentam devido à nitrificação do nitrogênio amoniacal, remineralização da matéria orgânica e/ou ocorrência de outros aportes não-identificados. A emissão de nutrientes per capita após o tratamento dos efluentes domésticos (0.16 kg P ano-1 e 4.14 kg N ano-1) é elevada. O aporte dos efluentes da ETE causa uma alteração acentuada das razões N:P, sendo os valores maiores a jusante da ETE devido ao aporte preferencial de nitrogênio amoniacal. Os resultados indicam que no local onde as águas do Arroio Vieira, enriquecidas em nitrogênio se misturam com as águas do estuário da Lagoa dos Patos, enriquecidas em fósforo, há grande risco de eutrofização. Os resultados são úteis para o planejamento e gerenciamento de águas receptoras de efluentes em regiões temperadas de paises em desenvolvimento.

The Colorado river delta (Mexico): ecological importance and management - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v30i4.5867 / The Colorado river delta (Mexico): ecological importance and management - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v30i4.5867

The Colorado river delta is a unique coastal system in the world, as it combines two important systems: the Colorado river and the Gulf of California. Consequently, the delta is dominated by bilateral interests, and influenced by administrative, political and natural processes, which involve the countries of the United States and Mexico. Located in the northern part of the Gulf of California, under a condition of natural isolation, a series of environmental attributes have been developed (biotic and abiotic) that are only observed in is region. In this work, the development of the bilateral political relations and the most important ecological characteristics are presented, as well as the management instruments that have been developed for over 80 years. From these issues, the possible scenario for the region is defined, and the development of methodologies for monitoring the effects of these possible tendencies on the natural components of the delta is proposed.

The Colorado river delta is a unique coastal system in the world, as it combines two important systems: the Colorado river and the Gulf of California. Consequently, the delta is dominated by bilateral interests, and influenced by administrative, political and natural processes, which involve the countries of the United States and Mexico. Located in the northern part of the Gulf of California, under a condition of natural isolation, a series of environmental attributes have been developed (biotic and abiotic) that are only observed in is region. In this work, the development of the bilateral political relations and the most important ecological characteristics are presented, as well as the management instruments that have been developed for over 80 years. From these issues, the possible scenario for the region is defined, and the development of methodologies for monitoring the effects of these possible tendencies on the natural components of the delta is proposed.

Effects of dredged sediment disposal on the coastal marine macrobenthic assemblage in Southern Brazil

The aim of this study was to evaluate the deposition impact of dredged material from Patos lagoon estuary on a benthic macroinvertebrate assemblage structure in an adjacent coastal marine area. Nine sampling stations were chosen at random in the disposal area, and nine others in the same way in an adjacent control area. Samples were collected at a 19 m depth before sediment disposal (11 July 2000), during dredging and disposal operations (25 Oct. 2000), and three months thereafter (24 Aug. 2001). Statistical analysis indicated that sampling periods presented similar characteristics in both the control and disposal sites. Disposal of dredged sediment from Patos lagoon had no detectable detrimental effects upon macrobenthic faunal assemblage at the dumping site. This result is attributed both to adaptation of resident biota to dynamic sedimentary conditions and to the fine estuarine sediment dredged, the dispersion of which in the water column might have minimized sediment deposition and consequent damage to the benthic fauna.

Objetivou-se avaliar o impacto da deposição de material dragado proveniente da região estuarina da lagoa dos Patos sobre a estrutura da associação macrobentônica no sítio de deposição, situado no ambiente marinho costeiro adjacente à desembocadura da laguna. Nove estações de coleta foram sorteadas, tanto no sítio de deposição quanto na área controle adjacente. As amostras, a 19 m de profundidade, foram coletadas antes do início de deposição do sedimento (11/07/2000), durante as operações de dragagem e deposição (25/10/2000) e três meses após o encerramento das atividades de deposição do material dragado (24/08/2001). Análises estatísticas indicaram que áreas controle e sítio de deposição apresentaram características faunísticas similares dentro dos períodos amostrais. Não foram detectados efeitos prejudiciais da deposição do sedimento sobre a associação de macroinvertebrados bentônicos na área de depósito. Este resultado pode ser atribuído às características da biota residente que está, provavelmente, adaptada às condições da dinâmica sedimentar do local e também às características predominantemente finas do sedimento dragado que, ao dispersar-se na coluna d'água, minimizaram a deposição das frações mais finas e um eventual dano ao macrozoobentos.

Assessment of agnique MMF killing effect on A. sundaicus in the shrimp farms of Ca Mau province

Insecticidal effects of Agnique MMF were investigated in the coastal brackish water shrimp farms in the Tan Thuan commune, Dam Doi district of Ca Mau province in 2000. The investigations were made in terracotta jars and shrimp ponds with the surface area 30m2 and 1000m2 each. Agnique MMF was found to have a high and fast killing effect on larvae of An.sundaicus at all three testing doses of 0.3ml/m2, 0.4ml/m2 and 0.5ml/m2. Especially larvae at instars of III, IV and pupae. However, the insecticide produced a low effect on Culex sitiens killing larvae of IV ins tar and only retarding larvae of I, II, III instar. The residual effect of Agnique MMF was found to be 14 days in the terracotta jars and 6 days in the ponds. In the direct observations, Agnique MMF was found to have no negative effects on rearing shrimps