Article
Environmental Sciences
Lilja Carden, Javier Lloret, Susan M. Kidwell
Summary: Increased coastal urbanization has led to increased nitrogen inputs and negative effects in ecosystems. This study evaluated the use of dead-shell assemblages to identify spatial gradients of wastewater pollution. The results showed a significant decrease in 615N in dead-collected shells along the gradients of wastewater pollution in both estuaries, indicating the potential of this method for detecting pollution levels.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
C. Heredia, S. Guedron, D. Point, V Perrot, S. Campillo, C. Verin, M. E. Espinoza, P. Fernandez, C. Duwig, D. Acha
Summary: Cultural eutrophication is a major cause of water quality degradation worldwide. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes are simple and integrative tools for evaluating the degree of eutrophication in anthropogenically impacted aquatic ecosystems. The study found that carbon isotopes increased and nitrogen isotopes decreased with distance from the wastewater source in macrophytes and suspended particulate matter. The distribution of aquatic plants on the slope was influenced by both anthropogenic discharges and carbon uptake pathway. A binary mixing model allowed the assessment of anthropogenically derived carbon and nitrogen incorporation in macrophytes. Eutrophication was naturally attenuated within 6 to 8 km from the wastewater source.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Enhui Liao, Laure Resplandy, Junjie Liu, Kevin W. Bowman
Summary: The El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a major driver of atmospheric CO2 interannual variability and affects ocean CO2 flux. Earth system models project weaker ocean CO2 flux anomalies in the future, mainly due to stronger compensation in ocean biogeochemical changes and a reduced influence of ENSO on CO2 transfer.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yuan Li, Lingchao Fang, Wang Yuanzhu, Wujuan Mi, Li Ji, Zhang Guixiang, Pingheng Yang, Zhongbing Chen, Yonghong Bi
Summary: This study explored the relationship between anthropogenic activities and river trophic status in the tributaries of the Three Gorges Reservoir in China. The results showed significant spatio-temporal variations in trophic status, with the highest levels observed in summer. Quantitative anthropogenic activities were found to explain the eutrophic frequency and eutrophication risk in the tributaries. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the interrelationship between humans and the environment, and provide practical strategies for river environmental restoration.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2022)
Article
Remote Sensing
Jonathan Sherman, Maria Tzortziou, Kyle J. Turner, Joaquim Goes, Brice Grunert
Summary: Urban estuaries are complex environments that hinder accurate satellite retrievals of important variables like chlorophyll-a biomass. A new approach using the Ocean and Land Color Instrument (OLCI) and a multi-spectral multiple linear regression (MS-MLR) algorithm was proposed to overcome these challenges. The approach was validated in Long Island Sound (LIS), an urban estuary, and showed significant improvement in retrieving chlorophyll-a concentrations compared to other algorithms. This method allows for accurate and high-resolution observations of chlorophyll-a in urban estuaries and coasts, benefiting conservation and ecosystem management efforts.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED EARTH OBSERVATION AND GEOINFORMATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jordi-Rene Mor, Marzia Ciampittiello, Stefano Brignone, Erik Jeppesen, Pietro Volta
Summary: This study examined the effects of anthropogenic pressures on fish communities in Italian sub-alpine lakes. The results showed that non-native species have competitive traits against anthropogenic stressors and dominate lake communities, leading to homogenization. The abundance and biomass of non-native fish were positively related to anthropogenic pressures, while the occurrence of native species decreased. However, these changes increased the beta-diversity of the fish communities.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Shane A. White, Stephen R. Conrad, Rebecca L. Woodrow, James P. Tucker, Wei-Wen Wong, Perran M. Cook, Christian J. Sanders, Praktan D. Wadnerkar, Kay L. Davis, Ceylena J. Holloway, Isaac R. Santos
Summary: The study reveals that nitrogen pollution in subtropical waters is rapidly increasing, with main sources being greywater, fertilizers, and rainfall. The research highlights the significant nitrogen attenuation efficiency in creeks, but emphasizes the need for measures to prevent nitrogen losses.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Soni Bisht, G. S. Rawat, Surendra Singh Bargali, Y. S. Rawat, Abhinav Mehta
Summary: A detailed ecological study was conducted to assess the species composition and regeneration status of dominant tree species in temperate broadleaf forests in the Western Himalaya. The study revealed an increase in extractive pressures and a decline in forest area and regeneration of certain tree species. Urgent conservation measures are recommended for the region.
ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Charles D. Spellman, Peter M. Smyntek, Charles A. Cravotta, Travis L. Tasker, William H. J. Strosnider
Summary: Municipal wastewater (MWW) and mine drainage (MD) are common sources of freshwater pollution in mining regions. Mixing MWW and MD can improve downstream water quality by reducing nutrient and metal concentrations. A study conducted in central Pennsylvania showed that the mixing of MWW, MD, and upstream water significantly decreased phosphate, aluminum, and iron concentrations in the stream. Geochemical models indicated that precipitation and adsorption were the primary mechanisms for phosphate attenuation. The findings suggest that in-stream mixing of MD with untreated or secondarily treated MWW may have a significant impact on downstream transport of pollutants in mining regions.
Article
Geography, Physical
Nora Richter, James M. Russell, Linda Amaral-Zettler, Wylie DeGroff, Pedro M. Raposeiro, Vitor Goncalves, Erik J. de Boer, Sergi Pla-Rabes, Armand Hernandez, Mario Benavente, Catarina Ritter, Alberto Saez, Roberto Bao, Ricardo M. Trigo, Ricardo Prego, Santiago Giralt
Summary: Human land use and climate change pose threats to ecosystems and natural resources on remote islands like the Azores. By studying paleoecological and paleoclimate records from Lake Funda on Flores Island, it was found that precipitation remained relatively stable between 1000-1400 CE, but the introduction of livestock by early human settlers led to increased primary productivity in the lakes. Evidence of eutrophication was observed, indicating the lasting impacts of human activities on the lake. Despite reforestation efforts, eutrophication continues to be a widespread issue.
QUATERNARY SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lukas Baumbach, Thomas Hickler, Rasoul Yousefpour, Marc Hanewinkel
Summary: Central America hosts important biodiversity areas (KBAs), but many of them lack legal protection and face threats from land use change, high human population density, and climate-driven biome shifts. This study used climate and land use models to simulate future biome stability in KBAs, finding that protected areas may experience decreased stability, while unprotected areas are at even greater risk. High human population pressures, along with land use and climate changes, pose a significant threat to unprotected areas, particularly the last remaining tropical dry and montane forests in Central America.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
L. R. Montefiore, N. G. Nelson, M. D. Staudinger, A. Terando
Summary: This study developed a new vulnerability assessment framework to evaluate the vulnerability of estuarine watersheds to nutrient loading under future conditions. The findings revealed that estuarine nutrient loads are expected to increase the most in the North and South Atlantic regions and eastern Gulf of Mexico, while the North Atlantic and South Pacific regions have the highest adaptive capacity to counteract the effects of land-use and climate change.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Noreen E. Kelly, Javier Guijarro-Sabaniel, Rebecca Zimmerman
Summary: Nutrient pollution from human land-use activities is a major cause of eutrophication in coastal ecosystems worldwide. This study focused on the nutrient loading in coastal watersheds in Atlantic Canada, finding significant variations in nitrogen inputs among different watersheds, with wastewater being the primary contributor in highly urbanized areas. The analysis highlights the importance of considering human activities in future marine coastal planning.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Saleha Jamal, Wani Suhail Ahmad, Uzma Ajmal, Md. Aaquib, Md. Ashif Ali, Md. Babor Ali, Shafiq Ahmed
Summary: During the last fifteen years, there has been widespread water quality deterioration in Kashmir valley's water bodies due to increased anthropogenic interferences. This study aimed to monitor the water quality of Wular Lake by analyzing multiple datasets and inferring distinctions and similarities among different sampling sites. The findings revealed that the lake's water quality is highly affected by settlements, agriculture, and horticulture in its vicinity, leading to severe pollution.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Susmita Goswami, Abhishek Kumar Rai
Summary: The physicochemical parameters of groundwater were studied to understand their variations and quality. F-, TDS, and Cl- were identified as major contributors to groundwater quality. The study also analyzed the sources of ions and the impact of salt dissolution on groundwater salinization. Coastal areas showed traces of seawater contamination. The entropy weights method was used to estimate the water quality index, which indicated changes in water quality over time. The study identified areas with average to very poor groundwater quality, possibly due to industrial development, mining, agriculture, and human activities.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daniel A. Lemley, Lucienne R. D. Human, Gavin M. Rishworth, Emily Whitfield, Janine B. Adams
Summary: Anthropogenic nutrient loading from urbanised coastal watersheds can negatively impact downstream estuarine ecosystems. This study focuses on the Swartkops Estuary in South Africa, which suffers severe water quality alterations due to the discharge of substantial inorganic nutrient loads from upstream wastewater treatment works and a stormwater canal. The study aims to understand the drivers of phytoplankton community dynamics, including harmful algal blooms (HABs), in the estuary. The results suggest that drought conditions, altered hydrodynamics, and anthropogenic nutrient loading contribute to the frequent occurrence of HABs in the estuary.
ESTUARIES AND COASTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Monique Nunes, Daniel A. Lemley, Janine B. Adams
Summary: This study investigated the benthic diatom community structure in two eutrophic, microtidal estuaries impacted by wastewater effluent discharges. The results showed that nutrient loading was the primary stressor, while salinity and river inflow were secondary stressors. The study highlights the importance of managing microtidal, low-inflow estuaries towards a natural dynamic state.
ESTUARIES AND COASTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Eugin Bornman, Daniel A. Lemley, Janine B. Adams, Nadine A. Strydom
Summary: Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have a negative impact on the abundance of the estuarine-dependent fish species Mugil cephalus in Sundays Estuary. The presence of HAB species Heterosigma akashiwo alters the dissolved oxygen levels in the estuary, resulting in unfavorable conditions for the fish. The study suggests that unsustainable agricultural fertilization could lead to more severe and frequent HABs, causing a decline in fish nursery quality.
ESTUARIES AND COASTS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Manuela Amone-Mabuto, Johan Hollander, Blandina Lugendo, Janine Barbara Adams, Salomao Bandeira
Summary: This study presents a field experiment from Mozambique on the disturbance-and-recovery effects of the highly impacted seagrass species Zostera capensis. The results show that once anthropogenic impacts are halted, the seagrass meadows can restore themselves within 12 months. In addition, a manual restoration method, the plug method, was found to greatly improve the survival rate of seagrass transplantation projects.
NORDIC JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Review
Marine & Freshwater Biology
L. Claassens, J. B. Adams, N. M. de Villiers, J. Wasserman, A. K. Whitfield
Summary: Major threats to South African estuaries include alterations in freshwater flow, urbanization, habitat transformation, deteriorating water quality, biological invasions, and resource over-exploitation. Although estuary restoration is still in its early stages, valuable lessons have been learned from past efforts. Common interventions to address declining estuary health include artificial management of estuary mouths and the use of artificial structures to restore tidal action and remediate erosion damage. The implementation of a national strategy and active restoration measures are crucial for successful restoration.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AQUATIC SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jacqueline L. Raw, Tom Van der Stocken, Dustin Carroll, Linda R. Harris, Anusha Rajkaran, Lara Van Niekerk, Janine B. Adams
Summary: This study shows that dispersal limits the distribution of mangroves at the southern African range limit. Under future climate scenarios, 30% of estuaries currently supporting mangroves are predicted to become unsuitable, while six new estuaries beyond the current distribution are predicted to become suitable. There is limited connectivity between these new sites and established forests.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. Bizani, T. G. Bornman, E. E. Campbell, R. Perissinotto, S. H. P. Deyzel
Summary: Our understanding of zooplankton community composition in relation to harmful algal blooms is limited, especially in ecosystems where toxin-producing algae are introduced through human activities. In southern Africa, harmful algal blooms naturally occur in the cold Benguela region, while red tides are associated with non-toxin producing dinoflagellate Noctiluca scintillans in the warm-temperate waters east of Cape Agulhas. However, in December 2013, an extensive HAB caused by the non-indigenous toxin-producing dinoflagellate Lingulodinium polyedra occurred in the eastern Agulhas region, resulting in significant impact on the coastal ecosystem.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
J. Wasserman, L. R. D. Human, J. B. Adams
Summary: This study assessed the carbon stocks in the endangered seagrass Zostera capensis in three estuaries in South Africa. The results showed that the average biomass carbon storage was 2.39 Mg C ha-1 and 177.65 Mg C ha-1 was estimated in the top meter of sediment. The sediment organic carbon content was lower than the global seagrass average but within the range reported for other Zostera species, with significant spatial variability within and between estuaries.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Taryn Smit, Catriona Clemmesen, Daniel A. Lemley, Janine B. Adams, Eugin Bornman, Nadine A. Strydom
Summary: This study presents a novel approach to evaluate the impact of harmful algal blooms (HABs) on the growth and body condition of estuarine resident fish larvae. It found that varying intensity levels, duration, and frequency of high-nutrient blooms significantly decreased the nutritional condition and growth of larval roundherring, impacting recruitment success and estuarine food webs.
JOURNAL OF PLANKTON RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Taryn Smit, Daniel Alan Lemley, Eugin Bornman, Janine Barbara Adams, Nadine Amelia Strydom
Summary: Eutrophication and harmful algal blooms (HABs) are increasing globally and pose a threat to larval fishes that rely on estuarine nursery habitats. This study investigated the effects of HABs on the environmental conditions and larval fish assemblage in a warm temperate nursery area. Findings suggest that HABs have negative impacts on the environmental conditions and larval fish assemblage, which have important implications for the early development of fishes.
ESTUARIES AND COASTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Janine B. Adams, Susan Taljaard, Lara Van Niekerk
Summary: This review study investigated the response of low-inflow estuaries (LIEs) to dam releases and found that successful releases can improve ecological health, estuary function, and provide societal benefits. Baseflow inputs and flow pulse releases were important for maintaining estuary water quality gradients and stimulating fish spawning migrations. Holistic and adaptive restoration approaches, as well as community engagement and cooperation between agencies, were key factors for success. However, the management solution for LIEs is threatened by water abstraction, over allocation, competing water uses, and droughts.
ESTUARIES AND COASTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Aldwin Ndhlovu, Lucienne R. D. Human, Janine B. Adams, Gavin M. Rishworth, Chijioke Olisah, Thomas G. Bornman
Summary: A focused diagnosis of ecosystem health was conducted in two South African estuaries (Kromme and Gamtoos) using four pollution indices to assess metal contaminant toxicity levels. The results showed high Cd levels and elevated concentrations of Mn and Fe in both estuaries. Although the results indicate low metal contamination, continuous monitoring is necessary to manage these estuarine systems that support a wide range of socio-economic and ecosystem services.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Oceanography
M. Amone-Mabuto, M. Mubai, S. Bandeira, M. S. Shalli, J. B. Adams, B. R. Lugendo, J. Hollander
Summary: Seagrass meadows provide important ecosystem services to coastal communities, but they are among the least conserved marine ecosystems globally. This study used social research methods to explore the association between seagrass ecosystem services and the perceptions of coastal communities, and found a high level of awareness by local communities concerning the values and socio-ecological function of seagrass meadows.
OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Water Resources
G. C. Bate, D. A. Lemley, M. Nunes, J. B. Adams
Summary: A survey conducted along the subtropical east coast of South Africa revealed significant variations in the concentration of total nitrogen, phosphorus, and phytoplankton biomass in water flowing from micro-systems to the ocean. The high phytoplankton growth was attributed to pollutants resulting from land-use activities in the densely populated coastal region. Most of the micro-systems with a modified peri-catchment above 80% showed enrichment of both total nitrogen and phosphorus. These small systems, although individually insignificant, contribute significantly to freshwater inflow and nutrient supply in the marine environment along the coastline.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Susan Taljaard, Lara van Niekerk, Janine B. Adams, Taryn Riddin
Summary: The study applies the ecosystem accounting approach at the individual estuary level for the first time. Spatially explicit information on ecosystem assets and their services is provided to support resource management. Physical accounts include extent and condition, as well as ecosystem service and pressure accounts. These accounts inform estuary management and restoration at the local governance level.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Oceanography
Alyssa M. LeClaire, Eric N. Powell, Roger Mann, Kathleen M. Hemeon, Sara M. Pace, Vincent Saba, Hubert du Pontavice, Jillian R. Sower
Summary: Arctica islandica is an important species for recording climate change on the U.S. northeast continental shelf, and its growth rates show synchronous changes with cold and warm climatic periods. This study finds that A. islandica near the Delmarva Peninsula had higher growth rates during cold periods, possibly due to increased food supply in shallower water. The range recession of this species is a long-term process determined by the survivorship of older individuals.
CONTINENTAL SHELF RESEARCH
(2024)