Sex Ratio, Sexual Dimorphism, and Wing Geometric Morphometrics in Species of Trypoxylon Latreille, 1796 (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae).

Studying the nesting biology of wasp and bee species provides valuable insights into the ecology and evolution of these insects, shedding light on their ecological significance and aiding in their conservation efforts. Trypoxylon Latreille, 1796 is a genus of spider-hunting wasps that provisions their brood with paralyzed preys. This study focuses on aspects of nesting biology of Trypoxylon (Trypargilum) species such as sex ratio, sexual dimorphism, and morphometric variation at both inter- and intraspecific levels. The secondary sex ratio (SR) exhibited variation among species and populations. Males predominantly emerged from the first brood cells and from trap nests with smaller diameters. In comparison, females showed significantly larger body mass and linear wing measurements than males. Procrustes ANOVA values for centroid size (CS) and wing shape (SH) indicated significant differences in both wing size and shape among the five analyzed Trypoxylon species. Sexual dimorphism indices (SDI) derived from centroid size were found to be similar to those obtained from linear measurements, while SDI values based on body mass were significantly higher. Nests containing a greater number of cells tended to produce a larger number of higher-quality males and females. This observation, along with the lower coefficient of variation for female body size and high heritability, suggests that this trait may be subject to natural selection. Further studies that estimate the size of parents and their respective offspring are necessary to confirm the fitness advantage associated with larger female sizes in Trypoxylon species.

Environmentally Friendly New Catalyst Using Waste Alkaline Solution from Aluminum Production for the Synthesis of Biodiesel in Aqueous Medium.

Red mud (RM) is composed of a waste alkaline solution (pH = 13.3) obtained from the production of alumina. It contains high concentrations of hematite (Fe2O3), goethite (FeOOH), gibbsite [Al(OH)3], a boehmite (AlOOH), anatase (Tetragonal-TiO2), rutile (Ditetragonal dipyramidal-TiO2), hydrogarnets [Ca3Al2(SiO4)3-x(OH)4x], quartz (SiO2), and perovskite (CaTiO3). It was shown to be an excellent catalytic mixture for biodiesel production. To demonstrate the value of RM, an environmentally friendly process of transesterification in aqueous medium using waste cooking oil (WCO), MeOH, and waste alkaline solution (WAS) obtained from aluminum production was proposed. Triglycerides of WCO reacted with MeOH at 60 °C to yield mixtures of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) in the presence of 0.019% (w/w) WAS/WCO using the WAS (0.204 mol L-1, predetermined by potentiometric titration) from aluminum production by the Bayer process. The use of the new catalyst (WAS) resulted in a high yield of the products (greater than 99% yield).

Udder Hygiene and Mastitis Indicators in Contrasting Environmental Conditions during Half-Time Confinement in Pasture-Based Dairy Systems.

This study aimed to compare the association between two types of housing, compost barns (CB) vs. outdoor soil-bedded yard (OD), and udder hygiene and mastitis indicators in Holstein dairy cows calving in autumn (n = 31) and spring (n = 27). After calving, cows were transferred to a pasture-based system with half-time confinement in one of two treatments: CB or OD. The udder hygiene score (UHS) was evaluated monthly and on days after rainfall over the entire lactation period. Individual somatic cell count (SCC) was determined throughout lactation, and the prevalence of intramammary infection (IMI) was estimated. Cows confined in OD presented higher UHS compared to cows in CB (p < 0.05) in both calving seasons. After rains, autumn-calving cows in OD were dirtier than on days without previous rain (OR = 1.85, CI 95%: 1.1-3.1; p < 0.02). However, no differences in IMI and clinical mastitis were found between OD and CB cows in either calving season.

Peloideterapia en adultos mayores con osteoartrosis de rodilla. Yaguaramas, 2021

Fundamento el incremento de la esperanza de vida viene aparejado con la necesidad del adulto mayor de desenvolverse en su medio y garantizar una longevidad plena. Objetivo determinar la efectividad de la peloideterapia en adultos mayores con osteoartrosis de rodilla. Métodos se realizó un estudio de intervención, cuasi experimental, en 30 pacientes con osteoartrosis de rodilla, seleccionados mediante aleatorización simple, quienes fueron atendidos en el área de salud de Yaguaramas (Abreus, Cienfuegos), en el período comprendido entre marzo y junio de 2021. Se realizó una encuesta general. La evolución del dolor se determinó mediante la escala de Likert, y la limitación articular se analizó mediante la medición del arco articular de la rodilla con el goniómetro. Resultados predominaron los pacientes del grupo de edades de 66-70 años y del sexo femenino; con tiempo de evolución entre 5-10 años (60 %); y con ambas rodillas afectadas (56,7%). Los principales signos y síntomas fueron el dolor (100 %) y la limitación del movimiento articular (93,3 %), los cuales disminuyeron tras el tratamiento. El 53,3 % refirió dolor ligero antes del tratamiento; después del tratamiento el 83,3 % describió ausencia de dolor. El 76,7 % de los pacientes manifestó limitación en la flexión de la rodilla, que después del tratamiento disminuyó a 13,3 %. Conclusiones la peloideterapia influye positivamente en los adultos mayores con osteoartrosis de rodilla, al mejorar su estado funcional e independencia personal, además de reducir las demandas de servicios médicos.

Background the increase in life expectancy is coupled with the elderly's need to function in its media and guarantee full longevity. Objective to determine the effectiveness of peloidtherapy in older adults with osteoarthritis of the knee. Method a quasi-experimental intervention study was carried out in 30 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, selected by simple randomization, who were treated in the health area of Yaguaramas (Abreus, Cienfuegos), between March and June of 2021. A general survey was carried out. The evolution of pain was determined using the Likert scale, and joint limitation was analyzed by measuring the knee joint arc with the goniometer. Results there was a predominance of patients in the age group of 66-70 years old and of the female sex; with evolution time between 5-10 years (60%); and with both knees affected (56.7%). The main signs and symptoms were pain (100%) and limitation of joint movement (93.3%), which decreased after treatment. 53.3% reported light pain before treatment; after treatment, 83.3% described absence of pain. 76.7% of the patients manifested limitation in knee flexion, which after treatment decreased to 13.3%. Conclusions peloidtherapy has a positive influence on older adults with osteoarthritis of the knee, by improving their functional status and personal independence, as well as reducing the demands for medical services.

Levels and sources of hydrocarbons in the Patos Lagoon estuary and Cassino Beach mud bank (South Atlantic, Brazil): evidence of transference between environments.

This study assessed the concentrations and sources of natural and anthropogenic aliphatic (AHs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in superficial sediments collected along the Patos Lagoon estuary and in sediment cores obtained from the Cassino Beach mud bank. Levels and distribution of n-alkanes indicate terrestrial sources, overlapping with a low amount of petrogenic hydrocarbons (heavy oils). Unresolved complex mixture (UCM) was observed in all samples. On the other hand, the distribution of PAHs in the sediments showed a predominance of pyrolytic over petrogenic sources. In general, hydrocarbons (HCs) contamination in the Patos Lagoon estuary and its adjacent coastal area can be considered low, except for sites near urban or industrial effluents, where moderate to high levels of contamination were found. Concentrations of hydrocarbons were homogeneous throughout the sediment cores, suggesting that mixing processes may have occurred along the layers or that HCs inputs to the mud banks were uniform during the studied deposition period. In addition, the levels and profile of HCs in the coastal sediments were similar to those observed in the estuary. Moreover, the frequent remobilization of sediments from the mud bank towards Cassino beach does not seem to pose any threats to the local biota or beach users since the levels of contamination were relatively low and below the threshold limits of sediment quality guidelines.

Characterization and Modification of Red Mud and Ferrosilicomanganese Fines and Their Application in the Synthesis of Hybrid Hydrogels.

In this work, hybrid hydrogels were synthesized with the inclusion of two types of clay materials that are considered industrial waste: red mud (RM) and ferrosilicomanganese fines (FeSiMn). These solid waste materials were characterized by studying their particle size and chemical composition, which are two key variables for their application in the synthesis of hybrid hydrogels. The morphology imaged by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), showed, in the case of RM, heterogeneous size and shape particles, with 73% of the particles having lengths of less than 5 µm. On the other hand, FeSiMn had particles with a circular morphology of nanometric sizes. Regarding the synthesis of the hybrid hydrogels, it was determined that the incorporation of small percentages (0.1%) of the inorganic phases improved the capacity of the materials to absorb water (swelling indices of 1678% and 1597% for the RM and FeSiMn hydrogels, respectively) compared to the conventional polyacrylamide hydrogel (1119%). An improvement in Vickers microhardness and storage modulus (G') was also observed: the hybrid with 10% RM presented a G', 50 times higher than conventional hydrogel. The results show the merit of RM and FeSiMn in improving the properties of hydrogels.

Assessment of natural radioactivity level before and after a mud-volcano eruption: A study from Piparo mud-volcano, Trinidad and Tobago.

The present study was conducted in the Piparo mud-volcano, which is situated in the central part of the island of Trinidad, is geologically connected with the Central Fault Range Zone (CFRZ). This fault zone is a neotectonic (active) strike-slip fault system and an extension of the Andes Mountain chain. This study was aimed at detecting the possible gamma radiation level in Piparo MV after its eruption in September 2019 and finding the change in the ambient radiation level after that eruption. To achieve this aim, gamma radiation data were collected for 6 months (three times at 3 months interval) after this eruption. As a pilot study, gamma radiation measurements were measured with the help of a portable Geiger Muller counter from 32 locations. Radiation levels were nearly 2 times higher than the average background levels in the country indicating Piparo mud-volcano could have controlled the elevated radiation levels in the area. Good correlations were also found between elevated radiation in the northern and western sides of the main crater and presence of auxiliary craters in the same sides. Previous studies reported that the northern side of the crater was more active, and the present study also supported their observation. Good correlation (with coefficient >0.9) indicates that these radioactivity values might be syngenetic. Continuous release and slow reduction of radiation levels (only 13% over 6 months) may indicate a continuous activity in Piparo mud-volcano and may support CRFZ as a creep fault.

Temporal trends of trace elements bioaccumulation by a vulnerable cetacean (Pontoporia blainvillei) before and after one of the largest mining disasters worldwide.

One of the largest environmental disasters worldwide occurred on November 5th, 2015, when the Fundão dam collapsed in Mariana (Minas Gerais State, Southeast Brazil). The tailing mud flooded the Doce River basin and reached the sea in the coast of Espírito Santo State (ES), Southeast Brazil. This coastal region is the habitat of the most isolated population of franciscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei), with the lowest populational census and lowest genetic diversity in Franciscana Management Area Ia (FMA Ia) - 18° 25'S and 21° 17'S. This study aimed to assess the bioaccumulation of trace-elements (As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, and Zn) in muscle, liver and kidney of franciscana dolphins collected near the Doce River's mouth before (n = 32) and after (n = 19) the tailing mud reached the sea. The Generalized Additive Model (GAM) showed increasing temporal trends of Hg and Zn in muscle and liver after the dam failure, probably related to higher concentrations and bioavailability in the water column and sediments from the Doce River. Declining trends were found for As and Cu muscular and hepatic concentrations and Fe concentrations in kidney due to their lower bioavailability after the disaster, caused by association with tailings mud trapped in the riverbanks and suspended particulate material. Additionally, higher As and Hg concentrations found in the first period of sampling may be due to historical contamination by mining activities. The full extent of the impacts caused by the Fundão dam failure is still unknown. However, due to their rapid increase and remobilization process, toxic effects can be induced in the biota by these elements. Elements' bioaccumulation in this study contributes to the knowledge of franciscana dolphins from FMA Ia. Considering the conservation concern regarding this franciscana population and its scarce knowledge, the impact of this disaster can be alarming for species conservation.

Insights from barium variability in a Siderastrea siderea coral in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico.

Coral Ba/Ca is a proxy for seawater barium concentration that varies with upwelling, terrigenous input, and marine productivity whereas coral Sr/Ca varies with temperature. We examine monthly coral Ba/Ca and Sr/Ca before and during offshore oil exploration in a Siderastrea siderea coral from West Flower Garden Bank located on the continental shelf edge in the Gulf of Mexico. Coral Ba/Ca variations lack pulses driven by upwelling or river outflow and are not in sync with coral Sr/Ca that exhibit a different seasonal pattern. Seasonal variations in chlorophyll-a concentration negatively correlate with coral Ba/Ca explaining 25% of that variability. A significant increase in mean coral Ba/Ca of 1.76 µmol/mol between 1931-1944 and 1976-2004 corresponds to the increase in the United States barite production and consumption primarily used in offshore oil drilling, which escalated in the 1970s, suggesting oil drilling operations are increasing seawater Ba concentration in the Gulf of Mexico.

Does Alumina-Refining Waste Increase the Nutrient Level in Tropical Mesotrophic Floodplain Lakes?

Several floodplain lakes of the Orinoco River have been impacted by alkaline alumina-refining waste including red mud, a by-product from the Bayer process. Some of these impacted lakes have undergone algal overgrowth, which has been detected due to the unusual green color of water and the dissolved oxygen oversaturation. Thus, we conducted sampling campaigns in impacted and non-impacted lakes to measure the concentration of nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) in water to detect any change in the nutrient levels. Despite the content of N and P in red mud is low, our findings suggest that N is released from red mud accumulated in bed sediments to the water column in the impacted lakes, increasing the content of total N. However, the total P concentrations in impacted lakes were not affected from their background values probably due to the strong adsorptive behavior of P onto red mud minerals.

Sexual dimorphism in the turtle Kinosternon scorpioides (Testudines: Kinosternidae) from Marajó Island, Brazilian Amazon / Dimorfismo sexual de la tortuga Kinosternon scorpioides (Testudines: Kinosternidae) en la isla de Marajó, Amazonia brasileña

Abstract Introduction: Morphometrics analysis is an efficient and low-cost technique used in studies of sexual dimorphism in turtles. Kinosternon scorpioides scorpioides, scorpion mud turtle, has a wide phenotypic variation, depending on the area of its occurrence. Objective: The objective of this work was to identify the anatomical sexual difference of K. s. scorpioides, adults and hatchlings, through morphometric analysis; and relate the weights of adult animals to environmental factors (temperature and rainfall) in Marajó Island, Brazil. Methods: The sample collection was carried out from March to September 2018, covering both the rainy season (January to July) and the dry season (August to December). For the biometric analysis, 95 adults and 21 hatchlings were used, in which the length and width of the carapace and plastron, height of the shell, and weight were measured (adults only). For the geometric morphometry analysis, 21 adults and 13 hatchlings were used, in which 27 coordinates of anatomical landmarks were inserted in each image of the carapace and 11 in the plastron. Hatchlings were sexed by histology which was enabled by the identification of the ovaries and testicles. Results: The results showed the existence of dimorphism in adults. The plastron and height were higher in females, which had a more rounded carapace than males. This characteristic may be related to the species' sexual strategy, where males impose copulation. Histologically, it was possible to identify the ovaries and testicles in the hatchlings, but there was no anatomical sexual difference, despite the tendency to differentiate in the analysis of carapace PCA. Conclusions: Sexual dimorphism in K. s. scorpioides may play an important role on its reproductive behavior, which is synchronized with environmental events. This fact suggests that the reproductive strategies of this species would be severely affected by changes in the ecosystem.

Resumen Introducción: La morfometría es una técnica eficiente y de bajo costo, utilizada en estudios de dimorfismo sexual en tortugas, mediante el marcado de puntos anatómicos. Este grupo incluye Kinosternon scorpioides scorpioides, con una amplia variedad fenotípica, dependiendo del área en la que se encuentra presente. Objetivo: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar la diferencia sexual entre K. s. scorpioides, adultos y juveniles, a través del análisis morfométrico; y verificar la relación entre las medidas de peso para adultos y los factores ambientales (temperatura y precipitación) en la isla de Marajó, Brasil. Métodos: La recolecta se realizó de marzo a septiembre de 2018, cubriendo tanto la temporada de lluvias (enero a julio) como la estación seca (agosto a diciembre). Para el análisis biométrico, se utilizaron 95 animales adultos y 21 crías, en los que se midió la longitud y el ancho del caparazón y el plastrón, la altura del casco y el peso en adultos. Para la morfometría geométrica, se utilizaron 21 adultos y 13 juveniles, en los que se identificaron 27 coordenadas de puntos de referencia anatómicos en el caparazón y 11 en el plastrón. Los individuos recién eclosionados fueron sexados por histología de rutina, que permite identificar ovarios y testículos. Resultados: Los datos analizados mostraron que existe dimorfismo sexual en adultos. El plastrón y la altura fueron mayores en las hembras, que tenían un caparazón más redondeado que los machos. Esta característica puede estar relacionada con la estrategia sexual de la especie, donde los machos imponen la cópula. En los juveniles recién eclosionados fue posible identificar histológicamente los ovarios y los testículos, pero no hubo diferencias sexuales en relación con la morfometría corporal, a pesar de la tendencia a diferenciarse en el análisis de PCA de caparazón. Conclusiones: El dimorfismo sexual en K. s. scorpioides puede desempeñar un papel importante en su comportamiento reproductivo, que ocurre en sincronía con los eventos ambientales. Este hecho sugiere que las estrategias reproductivas de esta especie se verían gravemente afectadas por los cambios en el ecosistema.

Comments on "Dredging in an estuary causes contamination by fluid mud on a tourist ocean beach. Evidence via REE ratios" by N. Mirlean, L. Calliari, and K. Johannesson in Marine Pollution Bulletin 159 (2020) 111495. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111495.

N. Mirlean, L. Calliari, and K. Johannesson examined the REE paired La/Eu and Gd/Yb ratios in the region of Patos Lagoon estuary/Brazil and related coastal waters. They concluded that "the mud deposition events at the beach were most likely associated with dredging processes in the estuary especially where overflow is the source of fluid mud on the beach shoreface". In this response to that study, we reflect on several discrepancies in their methods, results and conclusions. In this work, we demonstrate that the approach adopted by the authors does not provide evidence that the selected REE ratios measured on muddy deposits on the beach were derived from dredged activities, particularly regarding overflow. On the contrary, based on their results, the REE ratios presented in the suspended sediments collected in the navigation channel are most likely associated to natural sediments.

Evaluation of the Use of Sterilized and Non-Sterilized Peruibe Black Mud in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of treatment with Peruíbe Black Mud (PBM) on the clinical parameters and quality of life of patients with knee osteoarthritis and to compare the effects of PBM samples simply matured in seawater and PBM sterilized by gamma radiation. A controlled, double-blind trial was conducted with 41 patients divided into two treatment groups composed of 20 and 21 patients: one group was treated with matured PBM and the other with sterilized PBM. Evaluations were done using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaires, the Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) radiographic scale, and the quantification of the serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers. An improvement in pain, physical functions, and quality of life was observed in all of the patients who underwent treatment with both simply matured and sterilized PBM. Nine patients showed remission in the KL radiographic scale, but no statistically significant differences were observed in the serum levels of inflammatory mediators before or after treatment. Peruíbe Black Mud proves to be a useful tool as an adjuvant treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA), as shown by the results of the WOMAC and SF-36 questionnaires and by the remission of the radiographic grade of some patients on the Kellgren and Lawrence scale.

Physical and geochemical characteristics of land mud volcanoes along Colombia's Caribbean coast and their societal impacts.

The Caribbean coast is characterized by the presence of mud volcanoes, a secondary phenomenon of volcanism similar to mud diapirs for its development and evolution, but different in terms of geological features and forms. These mud volcanoes are often located close to tectonic faults and oil and gas deposits. Their geological context is dominated by the presence of clay sediments and brackish water, that favors the decomposition of organic material and the formation of methane. Mud volcanoes can thus be an important reservoir of hydrocarbons. This paper aims to fill the existing gap in the knowledge of mud volcanoes (MVs) of Colombia. We analyze the physical and geochemical characteristics of nine onshore mud volcanoes located in the Departments of Atlántico (La Laguna), Bolívar (Las Palomas, La Bonga, Santa Catalina, Yerbabuena, Clemencia, and Membrillal), Cordóba (Los Olivos), and Magdalena (Cañaveral). These structures present a kaolinitic composition, except for La Laguna mud volcano in which smectite is predominant. Apart from tectonic processes, this influences the shape and size of MVs and, also, the type and frequency of eruptions. The abundance of methane in all sites confirms the thermogenic origin of these structures. MVs are often considered landscape attractions as well as a therapeutic resources, but unfortunately they also represent a serious risk for the local communities, due to the frequent unexpected, eruptions, sometimes accompanied by the release of toxic gases or by landslides, that can damage the infrastructures and hurt the population living in the area. The MVs are classified into five vulnerability classes using a novel synthetic index which could improve the understanding of risks associated with the presence of MVs in proximity to towns and infrastructures.

AMPLIACIÓN DEL ÁMBITO GEOGRÁFICO Y DE LA TALLA MÁXIMA DE Kinosternon chimalhuaca (TESTUDINES: KINOSTERNIDAE) / Extension of geographic range and maximun size of Kinosternon chimalhuaca (Testudines: Kinosternidae)

RESUMEN Kinosternon chimalhuaca (Casquito de Jalisco) es una tortuga kinosternida endémica de México. La talla máxima de longitud de caparazón (CL) es de 160 mm en machos y de 130 mm en hembras. Tiene un pequeño rango de distribución en la costa del Pacífico de Jalisco y Colima (México), desde el río Tuito en Jalisco hasta el río Cihuatlán en el noroeste de Colima. Este nuevo registro en Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, extiende su distribución al menos 32 km al norte de la localidad más septentrional conocida. Se registra un nuevo tamaño máximo (CL) para la especie de 172,00 mm (un macho).

ABSTRACT Kinosternon chimalhuaca (Jalisco Mud Turtle) is a kinosternid turtle endemic to Mexico. The previously recorded maximun carapace length (CL) is 160 mm in males and 130 mm in females. It has a small distribution range along the Pacific coast of Jalisco and Colima, Mexico, from the rio Tuito in Jalisco to the rio Cihuatlán in northwestern Colima. This new record in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, extends its distribution at least 32 km north from the northernmost known locality. A new maximun size (CL) for the species of 172.00 mm (one male) is recorded.

Yet another record of Scylla serrata Forsskal, 1775 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Portunidae) from the western Atlantic

The Indo-Pacific edible swimming crab Scylla serrata is reported here for the fifth time from the western Atlantic including a failed attempt of introduction to Florida for aquaculture purposes in the years 1960s. The species had been recorded from Brazil in the early 1980s and in 2011 and from the Caribbean coast of Colombia in 2013. The capture of a third specimen in southeastern Brazil on 24 August 2020 is discussed here. On all occasions individuals found in Brazil were adults captured alive near port areas. The occurrence of S. serrata in disparate time periods in the western Atlantic (1983, 2011, 2013 and 2020) is regarded as an indication of low inoculation pressure.(AU)

A new genus and species of mud crab (Crustacea, Brachyura, Panopeidae) from shoreline waters of the western Gulf of Mexico.

Several specimens of a small panopeid crab from coastal waters of the western Gulf of Mexico were long suspected to represent an undescribed species and are herein designated as representatives of a new genus. While the originally collected specimens from over four decades ago were not of gene-sequence quality, later collections from the same locality produced materials that yielded sequence data for inclusion in molecular phylogenetic studies. Building on results of those analyses, the present taxonomic description draws upon morphology to support the description of a unique species in which especially the male first gonopods differ from those of all other described panopeid genera. To date, the species remains known from only two western Gulf of Mexico sites, both of which are wave-washed intertidal rocky habitats where substrates are heavily burrowed by boring bivalves and sipunculans. While we cannot exclude the possibility that the species was introduced, recurrent collections show its populations to be at very least persistent, the species most likely being a long-overlooked among a confusing hard-substrate assemblage of small panopeid crabs.

Strianassa lerayi gen. et sp. nov., a new laomediid mud-shrimp from the eastern Pacific, with new records of Axianassa ngochoae Anker, 2010 and Heteroaxianassa heardi (Anker, 2011) in the western Pacific (Malacostraca: Decapoda: Gebiidea).

A new laomediid genus, Strianassa gen. nov., is established to accommodate a new eastern Pacific species of mud-shrimp, Strianassa lerayi sp. nov. The holotype and single specimen of the new species was collected on a shallow subtidal flat at Isla Afuerita, Canales de Afuera, Coiba Archipelago, Panama. Strianassa gen. nov. appears to be most closely related to Axianassa Schmitt, 1924 and Heteroaxianassa Sakai, 2016, differing from both of them by the dorsal surface of the rostrum armed with teeth; the third maxilliped with an exopod and a set of setobranchs; and the epipodal complex of the fourth pereiopod including a small podobranch. In addition, Axianassa ngochoae Anker, 2010 and Heteroaxianassa heardi (Anker, 2011) are recorded for the first time from New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea, respectively, representing minor extensions of their previously known distributional ranges. The validity of Heteroaxianassa is discussed.

Dredging in an estuary causes contamination by fluid mud on a tourist ocean beach. Evidence via REE ratios.

Deposits of fluid mud on wave-dominated beaches are rare. Where they happen frequently and periodically, they can be associated with anthropic processes that bring fluid mud to the shoreface and surf zone. To determine the reason for the frequent deposition of fluid mud at Cassino Beach (Southern Brazil) in the 2014-2020 period, the La/Eu and Gd/Yb ratios in marine, beach, and adjacent Patos estuary sediments were investigated. Mud from the beach showed similar ratios of REE to dredged sediments from the harbor basin and navigation channel within the estuary. Industrial and port activity changes REE ratio in sediments of the navigation channel, and they are distinct from naturally deposited marine and estuarine sediments. We conclude that the mud deposition events at the beach are most likely associated with dredging processes in the estuary especially where overflow is the source of fluid mud on the beach shoreface.

Short-term efficiency of epibenthic microbial mat components on phosphorus sorption.

Microbial mats may be an alternative tool for phosphorus (P) remediation of eutrophic coastal waters. The main objective of this work was to determine the importance that the living and non-living components of the mats have on P short-term sorption. Microbial mats were collected in the Paso Seco coastal flat, Argentina (40°38'3.32″S; 62°12'24.85″W), and incubated under controlled conditions in the lab. An adsorption curve was performed with the microbial mats. Active mats had a Freundlich constant 8.9-fold higher than underlying sandy sediments. Collected samples were then treated as follows: maintaining and disturbing their structural integrity (natural and autoclaved, respectively), and both conditions were incubated with filtered seawater, without and with phosphate addition (0 and 5 mg P L-1, respectively). Natural mats had a significantly-higher phosphate removal percentage than autoclaved ones, suggesting that living microorganisms increase P short-term sorption efficiency by ~25%, while non-living matter may account for the rest.