Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yijing Ding, Yanan Wang, Xushun Gu, Yuanyuan Peng, Shanshan Sun, Shengbing He
Summary: The study found that a salinity of 7% and 10% can promote the organic carbon release from reed biomass. The highest nitrate removal was observed at a salinity of 7%, and this removal rate increased from 54.06% to 74.37% after adding reed biomass. Additionally, the lowest nitrous oxide emission flux was also observed at this salinity, with a rate of 0.23 mg/(m2 h). Microbiological analysis showed that salinity had an impact on the microbial community, with an increase in the relative abundance of Chloroflexi and Actinobacteria and a decrease in Proteobacteria. The main functional genera of denitrification also changed with increasing salinity.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Ryan T. Bailey, Jaehak Jeong, Seonggyu Park, Colleen H. M. Green
Summary: Salt pollution has negative impacts on food production, biodiversity, soil health, and water supply in semi-arid landscapes. This study presents a new spatially distributed salinity transport model for watershed systems, which combines different models to simulate the fate and transport of major ions in soils, aquifers, and streams. The model is applied to a specific watershed in Utah, USA, and the results suggest that managing salinity should focus on groundwater and its sources.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maosheng Yin, Kai Xiao, Pei Xin, Hailong Li, Chunmiao Zheng, Erik Smith, Alicia M. Wilson
Summary: This study investigates the impact of crab burrows on groundwater flow and salt transport in coastal wetlands. The results show that crab burrows can form complex networks of preferential flow paths, enhancing groundwater and salt circulation. The morphology of the burrows also plays a key role in the depth and intensity of burrow flushing.
WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
B. R. Evans, H. Brooks, C. Chirol, M. K. Kirkham, I Moller, K. Royse, K. Spencer, T. Spencer
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between the presence of different saltmarsh plants and the mechanical properties of the underlying substrate. The findings showed that vegetation can enhance sediment shear strengths, but the effect varies depending on the sediment type.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
H. E. Baranes, J. D. Woodruff, W. R. Geyer, B. C. Yellen, J. B. Richardson, Frances Griswold
Summary: The study reveals that marine sediment mobilized during coastal storms is a primary source to the estuaries of North and South Rivers in New England. The study also shows that sediment supply and marsh resilience in New England mesotidal salt marshes involves the interplay of coastal and estuarine processes, emphasizing the importance of considering both upstream and downstream factors in identifying key drivers of environmental change.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-EARTH SURFACE
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
X. L. Otero, P. Guevara, M. Sanchez, I Lopez, H. M. Queiroz, A. Ferreira, T. O. Ferreira, G. N. Nobrega, R. Carballo
Summary: Galician Rias are highly productive ecosystems with salt marshes and sediments that promote pyrite synthesis and accumulation. This study examines the morphological variability and concentration of pyrites in the Ria de Ortigueira, finding that framboidal pyrites dominate in marsh soils and sediments in the inner and middle sections, while isolated crystals dominate in the outer section. Lower marsh soils show the highest pyrite synthesis, but lower amounts of framboidal pyrites compared to the inner and middle sections. Pyrite crystals in the sediments indicate degradation and derive from marsh collapse.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinwei Yin, Qi Feng, Xinjun Zheng, Meng Zhu, Xue Wu, Yong Guo, Min Wu, Yan Li
Summary: The study identified significant variations in water-salt dynamics among different land use types in the oasis-desert ecosystem, with higher water and salt exchange fluxes in cropland and shelterbelt compared to desert areas. Groundwater pumping and lateral groundwater flow were highlighted as important mechanisms for water-salt exchange.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hengzhi Jiang, Chongxu Chai, Mingliang Zhang
Summary: Salt-marsh plants play important roles in hydrodynamics and sediment transport in coastal regions. A study using the Delft3D model quantified the influence of these plants on hydrodynamic characteristics and suspended sediment transport in a coastal wetland, and found that the plants contributed significantly to sediment trapping in the local area. The model results showed that salt marsh plants had little impact on tidal level, but had a significant effect on flow velocity and tidal flux, resulting in slow-flow zones in vegetated areas. Phragmites australis attenuated flow velocity more than Suaeda heteroptera. The study also found that salt marsh plants reduced suspended sediment concentration through interception and trapping, with a reduction of over 60%.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Carina Seitz, William F. Kenney, Brittany Patterson-Boyarski, Jason H. Curtis, Maria I. Velez, Katie Glodzik, Jaime Escobar, Mark Brenner
Summary: Florida's coastal salt marshes are susceptible to human impacts, including climate change and sea-level rise. A study was conducted in the Suwannee River Estuary to analyze the effects of sea-level variations. The research found that the salt marsh was relatively stable in the past 320 years, with moderate fluctuations in salinity reflecting changes in sea-level. Despite the resilience of the salt marshes, major ecological changes are expected if sea-level rise continues to accelerate.
JOURNAL OF PALEOLIMNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Birch Maxwell Lazo-Murphy, Samantha Larson, Sydney Staines, Heather Bruck, Julianne McHenry, Annie Bourbonnais, Xuefeng Peng
Summary: This study isolated four fungi capable of growth under sulfidic conditions from salt marsh sediments and measured their isotopomer signatures of N2O production using isotope ratio mass spectrometry.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
P. W. J. M. Willemsen, B. P. Smits, B. W. Borsje, P. M. J. Herman, J. T. Dijkstra, T. J. Bouma, S. J. M. H. Hulscher
Summary: Salt marshes are important for coastal protection, and their width is crucial for their effectiveness. This study uses numerical modeling to examine how sediment availability and hydrodynamic forcing affect the retreat and expansion of salt marshes. The results show that salt marshes are sensitive to physical stress, with higher stress leading to retreat and lower stress enabling expansion. Additionally, sediment supply plays a role in determining the behavior of salt marshes forced by higher waves.
WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Geography, Physical
Michael Ezersky, Amos Frumkin
Summary: Evaporite karst is developing rapidly along the Dead Sea, with groundwater aggressiveness playing a key role in sinkhole formation. This study analyzes the impact of groundwater aggressiveness on sinkholes, providing a methodology for assessment and demonstrating a significant correlation between aggressiveness and sinkhole distribution.
Article
Agronomy
Wei Mao, Yan Zhu, Jingwei Wu, Ming Ye, Jinzhong Yang
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of limited irrigation on water movement and salt accumulation in agricultural areas. The results showed that limited irrigation led to a decline in groundwater level, increased soil salt storage, and a threat of soil salinization.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Sujay S. Kaushal, Gene E. Likens, Paul M. Mayer, Ruth R. Shatkay, Sydney A. Shelton, Stanley B. Grant, Ryan M. Utz, Alexis M. Yaculak, Carly M. Maas, Jenna E. Reimer, Shantanu V. Bhide, Joseph T. Malin, Megan A. Rippy
Summary: Increasing salt production and use is causing freshwater salinization syndrome, affecting biophysical systems globally. Anthropogenic activities have accelerated salt fluxes, creating an anthropogenic salt cycle. Salt accumulates in rivers and watersheds, impacting freshwater supplies, food and energy production, air quality, human health, and infrastructure. It is important to reduce salinization before exceeding planetary boundaries.
NATURE REVIEWS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Joachim Schoenfeld, Isabel Mendes
Summary: Benthic foraminifera in tidally influenced salt marshes show vertical zonation and are influenced by factors such as freshwater influx, salinity, and pore water properties. In this study, the dominance of saltworts and increasing soil salinities indicated the importance of evaporation as an environmental factor. Faunal changes in the salt marsh were related to vegetation zonal boundaries, mean tide or mean high water levels, calcite saturation state, or organic carbon concentrations.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ladislav Mucina, Mervyn C. Lotter, Michael C. Rutherford, Adriaan van Niekerk, Paul D. Macintyre, James L. Tsakalos, Jonathan Timberlake, Janine B. Adams, Taryn Riddin, Lauren K. Mccarthy
Summary: This study mapped and classified the forests of Southern Africa and neighboring countries according to the global system of biomes, introducing a new four-tier hierarchical biome system. The system includes zonobiome, global biome, continental biome, and regional biome categories, improving the precision of forest mapping. The research reveals unique three zonal forest types in Southern Africa and introduces novel concepts like Zonobiome I and Tropical Dry Forests, expanding knowledge of the biome structure in African biotic communities.
NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
L. van Niekerk, S. Taljaard, S. J. Lamberth, J. B. Adams, S. P. Weerts, C. F. MacKay
Summary: Globally, estuaries are facing rapid deterioration in functionality and productivity due to increasing anthropogenic pressures. This study presents a systematic approach to identify, characterize, and rank the global pressures affecting estuaries. The study identifies six main pressure categories and evaluates their effects across different regions and estuary types. It also provides recommendations for management interventions and identifies future research directions.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AQUATIC SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Marele A. Nel, Gletwyn Rubidge, Janine B. Adams, Lucienne R. D. Human
Summary: Wetlands, especially salt marshes, are important sinks of metals and should be focused on for monitoring metal accumulation in estuaries worldwide. This study found that vegetated depositional sites exhibited higher metal accumulation compared to bare sediment, with rhizosediment containing higher metal concentrations. The results suggest that vegetation plays a significant role in limiting the amount of metals entering the food chain.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Monique Nunes, Daniel A. Lemley, Janine B. Adams
Summary: This study investigated the response of primary producers to cumulative regulating factors, and found the ecological characteristics of phytoplankton, such as chlorophyll-a concentration and abundance of invasive aquatic plants, under different seasons and environmental conditions.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AQUATIC SCIENCE
(2022)
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
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
Environmental Sciences
Eoghan M. Cunningham, Nuria Rico Seijo, Katye E. Altieri, Riesna R. Audh, Jessica M. Burger, Thomas G. Bornman, Sarah Fawcett, Claire M. B. Gwinnett, Amy O. Osborne, Lucy C. Woodall
Summary: Understanding the transport and accumulation of microplastics is important for assessing the risk they pose to global biodiversity. Investigating their presence in the remote Antarctic region, known for its limited pollution sources, helps us better understand their transportation pathways and sources.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
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
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
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)