Spatio-temporal composition of aquatic birds communityin Juluapan Lagoon, Colima, Mexican Central Pacific / Composición espacio-temporal de las aves acuáticas en la laguna Juluapan, Colima, en el Pacífico Central Mexicano

Abstract Introduction: Aquatic birds (AB) are usually associated with wetlands, which provide refuge, food, and/or nesting sites for resident and migratory species. Despite their ecological importance, there is little knowledge on AB in some tropical environments, such as those found on the Colima coast. Objective: To investigate the spatial and temporal composition of the AB community in Juluapan Lagoon, Colima, Central Mexican Pacific. Methods: Monthly counts were conducted between June 2017 and May 2018 during low-tide conditions to record habitat use by AB. Species richness and bird counts were obtained to compare sampling areas; mean richness and number of individuals were compared between seasons. Results: We detected 53 species and 5 750 individuals. The highest species richness and relative abundance values were obtained in winter at the lagoon area farthest from the connection with the marine system, where anthropogenic activity is lower. Diversity was greater in zones 2 and 3 in spring, summer, and fall. Muddy flats were the most used environment, and the most frequent activity was resting. Nesting activity was only recorded in the middle of the lagoon at the mangrove during spring. "Shorebirds" and "waders" were the most dominant groups in the bird community of the Juluapan lagoon. Conclusions: This coastal wetland is a site of great biological importance for aquatic birds; thus, conservation measures should be implemented, and there should be a continuous study of the effects of anthropogenic pressure.

Resumen Introducción: Las aves acuáticas (AA) son usualmente relacionadas a los humedales debido a que éstos funcionan como sitios de refugio, alimentación y anidación de diferentes especies residentes y migratorias. Sin embargo, el conocimiento sobre las aves acuáticas en algunos humedales es nulo. Objetivo: Investigar la composición espacio-temporal de la comunidad de AA en la laguna Juluapan, Colima, en el Pacífico Central Mexicano. Métodos: Entre junio de 2017 y mayo de 2018 se llevaron a cabo conteos mensuales en condiciones de marea baja para registrar el uso de hábitat de las AA. Se obtuvieron valores de riqueza de especies y número de individuos para realizar comparaciones entre zonas de muestreo, así como el promedio del número de especies y número de individuos para comparaciones entre temporadas. Resultados: Se registraron un total de 53 especies y 5 750 individuos. Los valores de riqueza de especies y densidad de individuos fueron más altos durante invierno, en la zona más alejada al ambiente marino, donde la actividad antropogénica es menor. La diversidad tuvo valores más altos en la zona 2 y 3, durante primavera, verano y otoño. El ambiente más explotado por las aves fueron las planicies lodosas; y el descanso fue la actividad más frecuente. Asimismo, la actividad de anidación sólo se registró en el manglar de la zona media durante primavera. Las "aves playeras" y "aves zancudas" fueron los grupos más predominantes en la comunidad de aves de la laguna Juluapan. Conclusiones: Este humedal costero es un sitio de gran importancia biológica para aves acuáticas, por lo que resulta necesario la implementación de medidas de conservación, así como el estudio de los efectos por la presión antropogénica.

Investigating pollution input to coastal groundwater-dependent ecosystems in dry Mediterranean agricultural regions.

The insufficient taking into account of groundwater as a basis for implementing protection measures for coastal wetlands can be related to the damage they are increasingly exposed to. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the pertinence of combining hydrogeological tools with assessment of pollutant fluxes and stable isotopes of O, H and N, as well as groundwater time-tracers to identify past and present pollution sources resulting from human activities and threatening shallow groundwater-dependent ecosystems. A survey combining physico-chemical parameters, major ions, environmental isotopes (18O, 2H, 15N and 3H), with emerging organic contaminants including pesticides and trace elements, associated with a land use analysis, was carried out in southern Italy, including groundwater, surface water and lagoon water samples. Results show pollution of the shallow groundwater and the connected lagoon from both agricultural and domestic sources. The N-isotopes highlight nitrate sources as coming from the soil and associated with the use of manure-type fertilizers related to the historical agricultural context of the area involving high-productivity olive groves. Analysis of EOCs has revealed the presence of 8 pesticides, half of which have been banned for two decades and two considered as pollutant legacies (atrazine and simazine), as well as 15 molecules, including pharmaceuticals and stimulants, identified in areas with human regular presence, including rapidly degradable compounds (caffeine and ibuprofen). Results show that agricultural pollution in the area is associated with the legacy of intensive olive growing in the past, highlighting the storage capacity of the aquifer, while domestic pollution is sporadic and associated with regular human presence without efficient modern sanitation systems. Moreover, results demonstrate the urgent need to consider groundwater as a vector of pollution to coastal ecosystems and the impact of pollutant legacies in planning management measures and policies, with the aim of achieving 'good ecological status' for waterbodies.

Fate and transport of ten plant protection products of emerging concern in a coastal lagoon: Application and evaluation of a multimedia level III fugacity model.

Multimedia fugacity models are effective tools for studying the environmental behaviour and occurrence of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) and assessing associated risks, especially when experimental data is limited. These models describe processes controlling chemical partitioning, transport, and reactions in environmental media using mathematical statements based on the concept of fugacity. To aid in identifying and prioritizing CECs for future local monitoring, we present here the application of a level III multimedia fugacity model assuming non-equilibrium between compartments and steady-state conditions. This model estimated predicted environmental concentrations (PECs), persistence, distribution, and transport of ten plant protection products (PPPs) in the Venice Lagoon, a complex coastal environment under high anthropogenic pressure. The model was evaluated through uncertainty and sensitivity analysis using the Monte Carlo approach and by comparing PECs with PPP concentrations measured during four sampling campaigns. Results showed good agreement with field data, with the highest concentrations in water and sediments estimated for glyphosate, followed by imidacloprid, metaflumizone, and triallate. The model indicated accumulation of all investigated PPPs in sediments. For most chemicals, advection outflow and degradation in the water column were the main removal mechanisms, while volatilization was significant only for oxadiazon and triallate. Sensitivity and uncertainty analysis revealed that degradation rates, organic carbon/water partitioning coefficients (KOC), and parameters describing air-water interactions had the strongest influence on the model's results, followed by inputs accounting for sediment sinking and resuspension. The lack of data on PPP degradation in brackish waters accounted for most of the uncertainty in model results. This work shows how a relatively simple multimedia model can offer new insights into the environmental behaviour of PPPs in a complex transitional waterbody such as the Venice lagoon, providing useful data for the identification of the CECs to be prioritised in future local monitoring efforts.

The role of environment descriptors and seagrass biometrics in shaping macrobenthic assemblages' structure in intertidal Zostera noltei meadows.

The present study describes macroinvertebrate assemblages in three Zostera noltei meadows, following a salinity gradient along the Aveiro lagoon (Portugal). The main environmental descriptors and Z. noltei biometrics were studied to provide a model of the multivariate macroinvertebrate assemblage structure. The macroinvertebrate assemblage structure in the meadow close to the lagoon opening was significantly different. This could be explained by its higher organic matter content and salinity values. Our model highlighted that 72% of the variation on macroinvertebrate assemblage structure was explained by the studied variables, being organic matter, salinity and sediment median grain size the most relevant factors. Moreover, the number of Z. noltei shoots, and cover of the invasive species Agarophyton aff. vermiculophyllum were also significant. The strong relationship between macroinvertebrates, environmental descriptors and Z. noltei biometrics validates the usefulness of macroinvertebrates as indicators of the seagrass condition in intertidal environments. This study provides baseline data that will be crucial to detect anthropogenic disturbances and preserve Z. noltei meadows, including their associated biodiversity. These data will also allow focusing on certain environmental factors and Z. noltei biometrics that have proved shaping the macroinvertebrate assemblages' structure.

Effects of anthropogenic activities on the microbial community diversity of Ologe Lagoon sediment in Lagos State, Nigeria.

The impact of pollution on the Ologe Lagoon was assessed by comparing physicochemical properties, hydrocarbon concentrations and microbial community structures of the sediments obtained from distinct sites of the lagoon. The locations were the human activity site (OLHAS), industrial-contaminated sites (OLICS) and relatively undisturbed site (OLPS). The physicochemical properties, heavy metal concentrations and hydrocarbon profiles were determined using standard methods. The microbial community structures of the sediments were determined using shotgun next-generation sequencing (NGS), taxonomic profiling was performed using centrifuge and statistical analysis was done using statistical analysis for metagenomics profile (STAMP) and Microsoft Excel. The result showed acidic pH across all sampling points, while the nitrogen content at OLPS was low (7.44 ± 0.085 mg/L) as compared with OLHAS (44.380 ± 0.962 mg/L) and OLICS (59.485 ± 0.827 mg/L). The levels of the cadmium, lead and nickel in the three sites were above the regulatory limits. The gas chromatography flame ionization detector (GC-FID) profile revealed hydrocarbon contaminations with nC14 tetradecane > alpha xylene > nC9 nonane > acenaphthylene more enriched at OLPS. Structurally, the sediments metagenomes consisted of 43 phyla,75 classes each, 165, 161, 166 orders, 986, 927 and 866 bacterial genera and 1476, 1129, 1327 species from OLHAS, OLICS and OLPS, respectively. The dominant phyla in the sediments were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Chloroflexi. The principal component ordination (PCO) showed that OLPS microbial community had a total variance of 87.7% PCO1, setting it apart from OLHAS and OLICS. OLICS and OLHAS were separated by PCO2 accounting for 12.3% variation, and the most polluted site is the OLPS.

Bivalve shell growth from molecular to sclerochronological scale: Environment and intrinsic factors control increment deposition.

Biomineralisation of bivalve shells raises questions at the level of genes to the final calcified product. For the first time, gene expression has been studied in association with growth increment deposition in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. A short-term experiment highlighted that biomineralisation genes exhibit a rhythm of expression consistent with the observed tidal increment formation. Long-term mark-recapture experiments were conducted in three Mediterranean environments and revealed that the mussel shells harbour complex incrementation regimes, consisting of daily, tidal and a mixed periodicity of ∼1.7 growth increment.d-1 formed. The latter is likely related to the local tidal regime, although the mussels were continuously submerged and exposed to a small tidal range. The pattern of growth increments shifted from mixed to daily in Mediterranean lagoon, and to tidal at sea, probably linked to biological clocks. Based on our results and the literature, a hypothetical model for mussel shell increment formation in various habitats is proposed.

Spatial distribution of PAHs, nickel, and vanadium in sediments from a large coastal lagoon near a petroleum extraction area in the southern Gulf of Mexico.

One of the world's crucial areas for crude oil exploration and extraction is the southern Gulf of Mexico, where Terminos Lagoon (TL) is located. Sediments from the TL region were used to assess the spatial patterns, origins, and ecotoxicological risks associated with 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs; 3.1-248.9 ng⸳g-1 dry weight basis, dw) and trace metals (Ni = 11.0-104.0 mg⸳kg-1; V = 2.0-35.0 mg⸳kg-1 dw) linked to anthropogenic activities. Although origin indices based on PAHs and metals concentrations indicate no crude oil pollution in the region, sources of pyrogenic PAHs were identified. A chemometric approach demonstrated associations between organic matter and PAHs, and that metal accumulation depends mostly by the input of lithogenic materials. Ecotoxicological risk estimations showed a higher risk of possible adverse effects in sites near swamps and mangrove zones, highlighting the need of future monitoring. This study provides a reference for policymakers to conserve Mexico's largest coastal lagoon and other oil-impacted coastal areas worldwide.

Short-term in situ Exposure of Guinean Tilapia and Blue Crab Near a Sawmill Wastes-impacted Coastal Ecosystem Reveal Significant Oxidative Stress Effects.

Coastal ecosystems are characterized by various human activities with potential adverse impacts. This study aimed to evaluate the potential oxidative stress effects in representative aquatic biota deployed in situ at a sawmill wastes dump (test site) and reference site in a coastal ecosystem for a short term (28 days) period. PAHs and OCPs were analysed using GC-FID and GC-MS respectively in surface water and sediments. Oxidative stress indices (malondialdehyde, glutathione-s-transferase, reduced glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase) were evaluated following standard methods in Coptodon guineensis (Guinean Tilapia) and Callinectes amnicola (Blue crab) over a period of 28 days. Sum PAHs in the test site sediments, oxidative stress indices in C. guineensis liver and C. amnicola haemolymph after 28 days exposure were significantly higher (p < 0.0.5) compared to the reference site. The results showed the adverse impacts to biota of sawmill wastes which are continuously burnt at the test site with potential for long-term effects. Sustainable sawmill wastes management at the test site are recommended to sustain life below water (UNSDG 14).

Salinity tolerance of the invasive blue crab Callinectes sapidus: From global to local, a new tool for implementing management strategy.

The latest report from the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) raises concerns about the global proliferation of non-native species (NIS) driven by increasing temperatures. In 2023, the invasive blue crab Callinectes sapidus experienced a significant range expansion in the French Mediterranean lagoons, now present in over 20 lagoons and numerous estuaries with different invasion gradients. It has been established that this species is eurytherm (tolerates a wide range of temperatures; 0-40 °C), rendering temperature a non-limiting factor for its proliferation. On the other hand, salinity is a critical factor to consider, as C. sapidus requires brackish water for copulation and saline water for egg maturation. In this study, we present the salinity tolerance of C. sapidus using the metabolic performance to define the tolerance of the species to a large range of salinities (13 levels from 0 to 65 psu). Results showed that C. sapidus tolerates a large range of salinities with a minimum critical threshold (CTmin) at 0 psu, an optimum at 18.5 psu, and a CTmax at 62.4 psu. Using the performance curve equation, we applied the curve to real salinity data measured each month in 2023 in 20 lagoons invaded. Using this approach, we were able to map, on a fine spatial scale, the distribution of suitable habitats for C. sapidus in the year 2023. Additionally, we have developed a tool to prioritize the lagoons based on their suitability, thereby providing a decision-making framework for management measures in each lagoon. It emerged that 50 % of lagoons were priority areas, 10 % were intermediate and 40 % required monitoring. On the basis of this approach, we can respond to European regulations to help decision-makers implement action plans and/or early detection programs for invasive species management.

Genetic Variability in Mediterranean Coastal Ecosystems: Insights into Ostrea spp. (Bivalvia: Ostreidae).

Oysters are sessile, filter-feeding bivalve molluscs widely distributed in estuarine and coastal habitats worldwide. They constitute a valuable resource for fisheries and extensive aquaculture and provide essential ecological services. Yet, their genetic diversity and distribution remain understudied. The variability in shell morphology complicates species classification, which is influenced by environmental and genetic factors. Although molecular phylogenetics research has refined oyster taxonomy and identified approximately 100 extant species, numerous taxonomic uncertainties persist. In the present study, we aimed to document the occurrence of small flat oysters of the genus Ostrea along the Mediterranean coastal areas of Liguria and Sardinia (Italy). Specifically, 16S rRNA sequence data were used to identify Ostrea species. Our findings offer novel insights into the O. stentina species complex and O. neostentina, a new species in the Mediterranean coastal areas of Italy. The study data further our understanding of Ostrea species diversity, distribution, and evolutionary patterns.

Contaminant Exposure and Liver and Kidney Lesions in North American River Otters in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida.

The harmful algal bloom (HAB) liver toxin microcystin (MC) and trace element biomagnification were previously detected in organisms in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida. Since there are no routine screening programs for these contaminants, liver tissue from North American river otters (Lontra canadensis), an important sentinel species in the IRL, was screened for MC via enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA), followed by confirmatory analyses via liquid-chromatography/mass spectrometry methods (LC-MS/MS). Liver and kidney samples were evaluated for trace element (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Pb, Se, Tl, and Zn) bioaccumulation via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Histopathologic evaluation of the liver and kidney was conducted to assess possible correlation with toxic insults. Forty-three river otters were evaluated (2016-2022). Microcystin was not detected in any river otter sample (n = 37). Of those tested for trace element bioaccumulation (n = 22), no sample measured above provided reference ranges or estimated toxic thresholds for this species. There were no statistically significant patterns observed based on season, year, or age class, but sex had a small influence on trace element levels in the kidney. One individual had a kidney Cu level (52 µg/g dry weight) higher than any previously reported for this species. Trace elements were detected at presumed background levels providing baselines for future monitoring. For otters with available histopathologic evaluation (n = 28), anomalies indicative of contaminant exposure (non-specific inflammation, necrosis, and/or lipidosis) were present in the liver and kidney of 18% and 4% of individuals, respectively. However, since these lesions were not linked to abnormal trace element bioaccumulation or MC exposure, other causes (e.g., infectious disease) should be considered.

Green Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles with Borojó (Borojoa patinoi) Extracts and Their Application in As Removal in Water Matrix.

The predominant aim of the current research was to generate a proposal for the removal of arsenic, a highly toxic pollutant, encountered within the Papallacta Lagoon in Ecuador. The average concentrations of As yielded ranges between 18 to 652 µg/L, through the use of metallic nanoparticles. Sampling was performed in the lagoon with their respective geographic locations and "in situ" parameters. Nanoparticles of Mn3O4 NPs, Fe3O4 NPs, and CuO NPs were synthesized at a 0.5 M concentration, using the precipitation method, and borojó (Borojoa patinoi) extract was added as an anti-caking agent as well as antioxidant. The nanoparticles were characterized by visible spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. After arsenic removal treatment using nanoparticles, a randomized experimental design of different concentrations (5 mg/L, 10 mg/L, 25 mg/L, 50 mg/L, 100 mg/L, and 150 mg/L) was applied at laboratory level. The average diameter of Fe3O4NPs ranged from 9 nm to 36 nm, Mn3O4 NPs were 15-20 nm, and CuO NPs ranged from 25 nm to 30 nm. Arsenic removal percentages using Fe3O4 NPs with a concentration of 150 mg/L was 87%; with Mn3O4 NPs, the removal was 70% and CuO NPs of about 63.5%. Finally, these nanoparticles could be used in a water treatment plant for the Papallacta Lagoon.

On the use of hydrodynamic modelling and random forest classifiers for the prediction of hypoxia in coastal lagoons.

Hypoxia is one of the fundamental threats to water quality globally, particularly for partially enclosed basins with limited water renewal, such as coastal lagoons. This work proposes the combined use of a machine learning technique, field observations, and data derived from a hydrodynamic and heat exchange numerical model to predict, and forecast up to 10 days in advance, the occurrence of hypoxia in a eutrophic coastal lagoon. The random forest machine learning algorithm is used, training and validating a set of models to classify dissolved oxygen levels in the lagoon. The Orbetello lagoon, in the central Mediterranean Sea (Italy), has provided a test case for assessing the reliability of the proposed methodology. Results proved that the methodology is effective in providing a reliable short-term evaluation of DO levels, with a high resolution in both time and space throughout an entire lagoon. An overall classification accuracy of up to 91 % was found in the models, with a score for identifying the occurrence of severe hypoxia - i.e. hourly DO levels lower than 2 mg/l - of 86 %. The use of predictors extracted from a numerical hydrodynamic model allows us to overcome the intrinsic limitation of machine learning modelling approaches which rely on input data from relatively few, local field measurements, i.e. the inability to capture the spatial heterogeneity of DO distributions, unless several measuring points are available. The methodological approach is proposed for application to similar eutrophic environments.

Within-host adaptive speciation of commensal yoyo clams leads to ecological exclusion, not co-existence.

Symbionts dominate planetary diversity and three primary symbiont diversification processes have been proposed: co-speciation with hosts, speciation by host-switching, and within-host speciation. The last mechanism is prevalent among members of an extraordinary marine symbiosis in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida, composed of a host mantis shrimp, Lysiosquilla scabricauda, and seven host-specific commensal vasconielline "yoyo" clams (Galeommatoidea) that collectively occupy two distinct niches: burrow-wall-attached, and host-attached/ectocommensal. This within-host symbiont radiation provides a natural experiment to test how symbiont coexistence patterns are regulated in a common ancestral habitat. The competitive exclusion principle predicts that sister taxa produced by adaptive speciation (with distinct morphologies and within-burrow niches) are most likely to coexist whereas the neutral theory predicts no difference among adaptive and non-adaptive sister taxa co-occurrence. To test these predictions, we engaged in (1) field-censusing commensal species assemblages; (2) trophic niche analyses; (3) laboratory behavioral observations. Although predicted by both models, the field census found no mixed-niche commensal assemblages: multi-species burrows were exclusively composed of burrow-wall commensals. Their co-occurrence matched random assembly process expectations, but presence of the single ectocommensal species had a highly significant negative effect on recruitment of all burrow-wall commensal species (P < 0.001), including on its burrow-wall commensal sister species (P < 0.001). Our stable isotope data indicated that commensals are suspension feeders and that co-occurring burrow-wall commensals may exhibit trophic niche differentiation. The artificial burrow behavioral experiment yielded no evidence of spatial segregation among burrow-wall commensals, and it was terminated by a sudden breakdown of the host-commensal relationship resulting in a mass mortality of all commensals unattached to the host. This study system appears to contain two distinct, superimposed patterns of commensal distribution: (1) all burrow-wall commensal species; (2) the ectocommensal species. Burrow-wall commensals (the plesiomorphic condition) broadly adhere to neutral theory expectations of species assembly but the adaptive evolution of ectocommensalism has apparently led to ecological exclusion rather than coexistence, an inverse outcome of theoretical expectations. The ecological factors regulating the observed burrow-wall/ectocommensal exclusion are currently obscure but potentially include differential recruitment to host burrows and/or differential survival in "mixed" burrow assemblages, the latter potentially due to changes in host predatory behavior. Resampling host burrows during commensal recruitment peak periods and tracking burrow-wall commensal survival in host burrows with and without added ectocommensals could resolve this outstanding issue.

Assessing benthic macroinvertebrate communities' spatial heterogeneity in Mediterranean transitional waters through eDNA metabarcoding.

Transitional waters are important habitats both for biodiversity and ecological functions, providing valuable natural resources and relevant ecosystem services. However, they are highly susceptible to climate changes and anthropogenic pressures responsible for biodiversity losses and require specific biomonitoring programs. Benthic macroinvertebrates are suitable as ecological indicators of transitional waters, being affected by biological, chemical, and physical conditions of the ecosystems about their life cycles and space-use behaviour. The advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies has allowed biodiversity investigations, at the molecular level, in multiple ecosystems and for different ecological guilds. Benthic macroinvertebrate communities' composition has been investigated, at the molecular level, mainly through DNA extracted from sediments in marine and riverine ecosystems. In this work, benthic macroinvertebrate communities are explored through eDNA metabarcoding from water samples in a Mediterranean transitional water ecosystem. This research highlighted the validity of eDNA metabarcoding as an efficient tool for the assessment of benthic macroinvertebrate community structure in transitional waters, unveiling the spatial heterogeneity of benthic macroinvertebrate communities correlated to the measured environmental gradients. The results suggest that peculiar features of transitional water ecosystems, such as shallow waters and limited currents, facilitate the assessment of benthic macroinvertebrate communities through environmental DNA analysis from surface water samples, opening for more rapid and accurate monitoring programs for these valuable ecosystems.

Wastewater reuse benefits for municipal complete retention lagoons: Life cycle assessment and dynamic modeling.

Complete retention lagoons with wastewater reuse for agricultural purposes may offer sustainability advantages over alternative systems for small communities in semiarid regions. This study quantifies the environmental life cycle impact of adopting agriculture water reuse systems using case study data to estimate operating and building infrastructure impacts and spatial-temporal modeling to quantify resource trade-offs. Water reuse system benefits are highly dependent on supply-storage-demand dynamics. The relative size of irrigated agricultural land to the lagoon size was the most significant factor influencing site water application rates. The benefits are sensitive to changes in air emissions occurring from the agricultural land and further emphasize the importance of proper fertilizer management when adopting water reuse systems. Wastewater reuse from complete retention lagoons reduce life cycle GHG emissions, primarily through excavation reductions, offset fertilizer use, and especially from increased crop yields from wastewater reuse at previously rainfed sites. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Seven case studies and spatial-temporal modeling quantified resource trade-offs for water reuse to reduce lagoon size. Excavation reductions and offset fertilizer compensated for emissions from electricity and construction. Crop yield increases were the largest environmental benefit of adopting water reuse. System benefits are highly dependent on supply-storage-demand dynamics. Designers should use climatic data to help estimate potential variability in available water for reuse and associated energy and crop production.

Towards a modelling framework for nature-based solutions in wastewater treatment.

This article presents the authors' perspectives on modelling best practices for nature-based solutions (NBS). The authors led a workshop on NBS modelling as part of the 8th IWA Water Resource Recovery Modelling Seminar (WRRmod2022+) in January 2023, where the discussion centred around the design, use cases, and potential applications of NBS models. Four real-world case studies, encompassing an aerated lagoon, a biofilm-enhanced aerated lagoon, a stormwater basin, and a constructed wetland were reviewed to demonstrate practical applications and challenges in modelling NBS systems. The initial proposed modelling framework was derived from these case studies and encompassed eight sub-models used for these NBS types. The framework was subsequently extended to include eight additional NBS categories, requiring a total of 10 sub-models. In a subsequent step, with a different perspective, the framework was refined to focus on 13 primary use cases of NBS, identifying 10 sub-models needed or potentially required for these specific NBS applications. These frameworks help to identify the necessary sub-models for the NBS system at hand or the use case. This article also discusses the benefits and challenges of applying water resource recovery modelling best practices to NBS, along with recommendations for future research in this area.

Minerals and trace element compositions of some seaweeds from the Marchica lagoon, North-East Mediterranean coast of Morocco.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the mineral and heavy metals composition of different seaweeds growing in Marchica lagoon. To this end, green seaweeds, red seaweeds, and brown seaweeds were collected from three different stations in the Marchica lagoon. The highest concentration of Ca was measured in Centroceras clavulatum (17.12 ± 0.60), K in Caulerpa prolifera (15.17 ± 0.20), Na in Gracilaria dura (4.16 ± 0.03) and Hypnea musciformis (4.09 ± 0.03), Mg in Ulva rigida (2.80 ± 0.06), and the highest concentration of P was registered in Ulva intestinalis (3658 ± 14). Centroceras clavulatum and Gracilaria dura had the highest Al, Fe, and Sr levels. Cystoseira compressa had the highest As (53.8 mg/kg) and Rb (43 mg/kg). These findings suggest that seaweeds collected from Marchica lagoon could be used as potential sources of minerals and trace elements in seaweed-based products for human and animal nutrition alike.

Effect of Sediment on the Population of Macrobrachium nipponense (De Haan, 1849) in Anzali Lagoon.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The role of sediment in water bodies is significant because sediment can affect water quality and benthic organisms. This study investigated sediment's effect on the <i>Macrobrachium nipponense</i> population in the Anzali Lagoon. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The samples were taken at three different sites of Anzali Lagoon in 2015. All the prawns cached by traps and sediment samples were taken exactly next to the traps. All samples were transported to the laboratory for analysis. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was used to analyze the total catch for prawns across the sediment gradients measured. <b>Results:</b> It showed clear separation in all sites. Site 2 is more affected by clay; in Site 2, the number and the weight of <i>M. nipponense</i> were lower than in the other sites. In Sites 1 and 3, fine sand and medium sand were more affected, respectively. The results showed a relationship between the prawn population and sediment in the Anzali Lagoon. <b>Conclusion:</b> In some parts of the Anzali Lagoon, the quality and quantity of sediments were different, which directly affected the population of <i>M. nipponense</i>. Furthermore, because some parts of the lagoon are in good condition according to sediments and water quality, the Anzali Lagoon has a good potential for growing and living <i>M. nipponense</i>.

Quantification and characterization of microplastics ingested by mangrove oysters across West Africa.

Microplastic ingestion by marine organisms presents a challenge to both ecosystem functioning and human health. We characterized microplastic abundance, shape, size, and polymer types ingested by the West African mangrove oyster, Crassostrea tulipa (Lamarck, 1819) sampled from estuaries and lagoons from the Gambia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Benin, and Nigeria using optical microscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques. A total of 780 microplastics were isolated in the whole tissues of the 250 oysters (n = 50 oysters per country). The abundance and distribution of microplastics in the oysters followed the pattern: the Gambia > Ghana > Sierra Leone > Nigeria > Benin. The Tanbi wetlands in the Gambia recorded the highest average of 10.50 ± 6.69 per oyster while the Ouidah lagoon in Benin recorded the lowest average of 1.80 ± 1.90 per oyster. Overall, microplastic numbers varied significantly (p < 0.05) among the five countries. Microfibers, particularly those within 1001-5000 µm size, dominated the total microplastic count with a few fragments and films. No spherical microplastics were isolated in the oysters. In the Sierra Leone and Benin oysters, fragments and films were absent in the samples. Microplastic between the 1001 and 5000 µm size class dominated the counts, followed by 501-1000 µm, 101-500 µm, and 51-100 µm. Five polymer groups namely polyethylene, polyester, nylon, polypropylene, and polyamide were identified across the five countries, with polyethylene occurring in oysters from all five countries and polyester occurring in all but the oysters from Nigeria. This diversity of polymers suggests varied sources of microplastics ingested by the studied oysters. The absence of microspheres across the five supports findings from other studies that they are the least ingested and highly egested by the oysters.