Ballast water transport of alien phytoplankton species to the brazilian amazon coast.

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of alien phytoplankton species transported through ballast water of ships that docked on the Amazon coast. Phytoplankton samples were collected from 25 ships between 2012 and 2014, revealing 215 identified species, mostly comprising oceanic planktonic marine species. However, several coastal and freshwater species not yet documented on the Maranhão coast were also observed. The identification of several coastal and freshwater species not yet recorded for Amazonian environments in the ballast water of the Ponta da Madeira Maritime Terminal (TMPM), as well as toxic microalgae genera such as the dinoflagellates Alexandrium and Gymnodinium and of some diatom species from the genus Pseudo-nitzchia, raises concerns regarding the possibility of introducing species. This indicates that ballast water can be responsible for the introduction of alien species in Amazonian aquatic environments, thereby highlighting the TMPM as a critical hotspot in the Amazonian region.

Comprehensive risk assessment of microplastics in tidal channel sediments in amazonian mangroves (northern Brazil).

Pollution by microplastics (MPs) in mangroves is a growing concern, given its potential ecological and human health impacts. The characteristics of microplastic pollution and a risk assessment of MPs in the Amazon region's coastal sediments are still insufficient, and information about MP pollution in the benthic component of the mangrove ecosystem is lacking. We analyzed MP concentrations in the surface sediment of 9 stations in three tidal channels along the Ajuruteua Peninsula connected to the Caeté River estuary, aiming to assess the hazard level on the environment based on the Pollution Load Index (PLI). Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy determined the MP's chemical composition. The results showed that the abundance of sediment MPs ranged from 100 to 1200 items kg-1, with an average of 433 ± 261.6 items kg-1. The MPs were mainly composed of transparent and blue fragments and fibers, ranging in size from 100 to 5000 µm. Six types of polymers were identified, including alkyd varnish (AV), resin dispersion (RD), chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), polyethylene-polypropylene (PE-PP), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and hostaperm blue (HB). Hydrodynamic processes within estuaries and tidal channels play a crucial role in explaining the concentrations found, as circulation determines the pattern of sediment deposition and the particles adhered to it. PLI risk assessment showed that all sampling sites were at hazard level I: a low level of contamination in the mangrove sediments. However, a more comprehensive and systematic monitoring campaign is needed to expand our knowledge about pollution and contamination by MPs in Amazon mangrove areas.

O desejo pela praia: revisão de obras a respeito da história do litoral moderno brasileiro / The desire for the beach: review of researches about the history of the modern brazilian coast

Desejar a praia, as águas salgadas e quentes do litoral atlântico brasileiro, é um sentimento relativamente recente. A representação do litoral como destino do final de semana, de feriados ou de viagem de férias, com finalidades curativas, recreativas e de descanso emerge no final do século XIX e, sobretudo, nas primeiras décadas do século XX, no contexto de cidades brasileiras. Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar a conformação de novos sentidos atribuídos ao litoral, expressos na emergência de inéditas representações acerca desse espaço, assim como na ocorrência de práticas associadas ao divertimento, à educação e à saúde, por meio de uma revisão de literatura de obras que abordam o tema da história do litoral moderno. Foram considerados artigos, livros, capítulos de livros, bem como teses e dissertações produzidas no Brasil que se ocuparam desta temática, no recorte temporal entre 1850 e 1950. A análise da revisão é de caráter qualitativa e descritiva, com intuito de orientar uma discussão que reúna diversos contextos brasileiros, do norte ao sul, considerando suas especificidades e concomitâncias.

Longing for the beach, the warm, salty waters of the Brazilian Atlantic coast, is a relatively recent feeling. The representation of the coast as a weekend, holiday or vacation destination, with curative, recreational and rest purposes emerges at the end of the 19th century and, above all, in the first decades of the 20th century, in the context of Brazilian cities. This article aims to analyze the formation of new meanings attributed to the coast, expressed in the emergence of unprecedented representations about this space, as well as in the occurrence of practices associated with entertainment, education and health, through a literature review of works that address the theme of the history of the modern coast. Articles, books, book chapters, as well as theses and dissertations produced in Brazil that dealt with this topic were considered, in the time frame between 1850 and 1950. The review analysis is of a qualitative and descriptive nature, with the aim of guiding a discussion that brings together different Brazilian contexts, from north to south, considering their specificities and concomitants.

Marine litter pollution in a subantarctic beach of the Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas, Chile.

This study assessed the presence of marine litter along the beach of the city of Punta Arenas, Chile. The sampling period coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 239 plastic waste items were identified out of a total of 638 litter items. The Clean Coast Index reported within this study ranged from Clean (CCI 2-5) to Extremely dirty (CCI >20), especially near the port. The majority of litter items has been classified as originating from varied origins, as it is not possible to pinpoint a precise origin in most items. The results indicate that the predominant plastic litter in Punta Arenas is PVC. The results are discussed in relation to the sources and composition of the residues, the morpho dynamics of the coast, and the CCI is compared with other locations around the globe.

Novel flame retardants detected in marine plastic litter in coastal areas in Central Chile.

Flame retardants (FRs) are released throughout the plastic life cycle, potentially impacting the environment, biodiversity, and human health. This study analyzed novel flame retardants (NFR) in marine plastic litter (MPL) from six coastal areas in central Chile in November 2017. Target chemicals (n = 19) were analyzed using ultrasonic extraction with hexane, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). From all nineteen NFRs analyzed, only ten (53 %) were routinely detected. BTBPE (1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy) ethane) showed the highest concentrations at the Bellavista site (618 to 424,000 pg g-1), and HBB (Hexabromobiphenyl), banned since 1970, was detected in Coliumo (2630 to 13,700 pg g-1). These results show emerging transport patterns and underscore the critical need for enhanced waste management practices for MPL in coastal regions to prevent adverse impacts on marine biodiversity.

Rickettsia species identified in adult, host-seeking Dermacentor occidentalis (Acari: Ixodidae) from Baja California, Mexico, and Oregon and Washington, United States.

The Pacific Coast tick (Dermacentor occidentalis Marx, 1892) is a frequently encountered and commonly reported human-biting tick species that has been recorded from most of California and parts of southwestern Oregon, southcentral Washington, and northwestern Mexico. Although previous investigators have surveyed populations of D. occidentalis for the presence of Rickettsia species across several regions of California, populations of this tick have not been surveyed heretofore for rickettsiae from Baja California, Oregon, or Washington. We evaluated 1,367 host-seeking, D. occidentalis adults collected from 2015 to 2022 by flagging vegetation at multiple sites in Baja California, Mexico, and Oregon and Washington, United States, using genus- and species-specific assays for spotted fever group rickettsiae. DNA of Rickettsia 364D, R. bellii, and R. tillamookensis was not detected in specimens from these regions. DNA of R. rhipicephali was detected in D. occidentalis specimens obtained from Ensenada Municipality in Baja California and southwestern Oregon, but not from Washington. All ompA sequences of R. rhipichephali that were amplified from individual ticks in southwestern Oregon were represented by a single genotype. DNA of the Ixodes pacificus rickettsial endosymbiont was amplified from specimens collected in southwestern Oregon and Klickitat County, Washington; to the best of our knowledge, this Rickettsia species has never been identified in D. occidentalis. Collectively, these data are consistent with a relatively recent introduction of Pacific Coast ticks in the northernmost extension of its recognized range.

Effects of meteo-oceanographic conditions on the weathering processes of oil spills in northeastern Brazil.

This paper presents the graphical results of the Lagrangian-model and the weathering processes associated with oil spills in the tropical South Atlantic, taking into account the meteorological and oceanographic conditions of the study region. The scenarios were created in the Brazilian-NE waters adjacent, with simulation times of 670 h, and densities of 35, 25, and 15API with volume of 1590 m3 were considered. The main results showed that the meteo-oceanographic characteristics of the study region influence the trajectories and weathering processes in the oil spill. The trajectories varied for each launch point and reached the continent severely in January and October. The associated weathering processes showed higher rates in September and lower rates in April, indicative of the influence of phenomena such as Intertropical Tropical Convergence Zone and warm pool in the South Atlantic region. Sea surface temperature and wind speed are key factors that correlate positively with these months.

Elemental Concentrations in the Shells of the Mussel Perna perna: Discrimination of Origin.

The potential use of elemental concentrations and element:calcium (Ca) ratios as indicators of provenance for bivalve mollusks on the Brazilian coast is evaluated herein for the first time. The approach was applied to shells of the mussel Perna perna (target of extractive fisheries) from geographically close areas but under distinct environmental and anthropogenic influences. Both concentrations of the elements normalized by Ca and the total concentrations can be applied to discriminate the mussels' origin. However, the canonical approach using the total concentrations indicated variations regarding the discriminatory power, and the concentrations of the elements normalized by Ca were more robust in differentiating the provenance of the shells. The origin of mussels was better discriminated by six elementary ratios: Al:Ca, Fe:Ca, K:Ca, Mg:Ca, Mn:Ca and Na:Ca. Thus, monitoring studies aiming to discriminate the origin of P. perna individuals along their distribution based on these elementary ratios of the shell are recommended.

First report of ocular heterochromia in the treefrog Boana albomarginata (Spix, 1824) (Anura: Hylidae), Atlantic Forest, northeastern Brazil / Primeiro registro de heterocromia ocular na perereca Boana albomarginata (Spix, 1824) (Anura: Hylidae), Mata Atlântica, nordeste do Brasil

Abstract The scientific literature on amphibian anomalies is large, but registered cases of amphibians' ocular heterochromia are almost absent, even considering anecdotal records. In the Brazilian territory, only two cases of ocular heterochromia were formerly registered for amphibians, both for anurans, the first from the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil and the second from the Amazonian region of northern Brazil. In the present account, we report two cases of ocular heterochromia in the hylid treefrog Boana albomarginata, both from the Atlantic Forest biome, Bahia state, northeastern Brazil, representing the first record of ocular heterochromia for this species and the third case registered for an amphibian's species in Brazil. One eye of each observed specimen had an unusually flashy and homogeneous blue-colored iris, filling its entire surface or only its lower half, representing cases of complete and sectoral heterochromia, respectively. Furthermore, the unusual flashy blue iris was only detectable during daylight, when the iris background color was white. At night, the standard copper to golden iris background color remains unchanged, and the blue color cannot be detected. No other detectable anomalies or unusual behaviors were observed for both specimens. This is the first report of amphibian ocular heterochromia represented by a flashy blue color iris and limited to a daylight iris color pattern. Further studies are necessary to determine the nature of this anomaly and its potential consequences for the specimen and the species.

Resumo A literatura científica sobre anomalias em anfíbios é vasta, mas casos registrados de heterocromia ocular em anfíbios estão quase ausentes, mesmo considerando registros anedóticos. No território brasileiro, apenas dois casos de heterocromia ocular foram registrados anteriormente para anfíbios, ambos para anuros, o primeiro para a Mata Atlântica do nordeste do Brasil e o segundo para a região amazônica do norte do Brasil. No presente relato, descrevemos dois casos de heterocromia ocular no hilídeo Boana albomarginata, ambos no bioma Mata Atlântica, estado da Bahia, nordeste do Brasil, representando o primeiro registro de heterocromia ocular para esta espécie e o terceiro caso registrado para uma espécie de anfíbio no Brasil. Um olho de cada exemplar observado apresentava atipicamente íris de cor azul chamativa e homogênea, preenchendo toda sua superfície ou apenas a metade inferior, representando casos de heterocromia completa e setorial, respectivamente. Além disso, a não-usual íris azul só esteve detectável sob a luz do dia, quando a cor de fundo da íris era branca. À noite, a cor de fundo padrão da íris cobreada ou dourada permaneceu inalterada e a cor azul não pôde ser detectada. Nenhuma outra anomalia detectável ou comportamento incomum foi observada para ambos os exemplares. Este é o primeiro relato de heterocromia ocular em anfíbios representado por uma cor azul bem-marcada e limitada a um padrão diurno de cor da íris. Mais estudos são necessários para determinar a natureza desta anomalia e suas potenciais consequências para o indivíduo e para a espécie.

From the closet to the shore: Fashion waste pollution on Colombian Central Caribbean beaches.

This paper examines the environmental effects of fashion waste on the central Caribbean coast of Colombia, highlighting significant ecological issues in coastal areas. A survey of 27 beaches found 503 items of fashion waste, mainly shoes and sandals, with an average density of 0.93 items/m2. The distribution of this type of waste varies notably across different beach types, with exposed, rural, and remote beaches showing higher accumulation, indicating a relationship between beach characteristics and waste concentration. Primary sources of this waste include riverine transport, coastal tourism, and poorly managed sewage systems, impacting urban, rural, and village beaches differently. The study reveals that longshore currents and oceanic movements, significantly influence the transport and fate of this waste, with exposed beaches accumulating more fashion waste than sheltered ones. The presence of driftwood also plays a vital role in trapping fashion waste along coastlines. The findings highlight the need for effective management strategies to mitigate the impact of fashion waste, providing crucial insights for local and national coastal managers and implications for managing fashion waste in the Southern Caribbean and similar regions worldwide.

Occurrence of new Philometra sp. in mangrove red snapper Lutjanus argentimaculatus from the Karachi coast, Pakistan / Ocorrência de uma nova espécie de Philometra sp. no pargo-vermelho de mangue Lutjanus argentimaculatus da costa de Karachi, Paquistão

A recent examination of Philometra nematodes from mangrove red snapper Lutjanus argentimaculatus (Forsskal, 1775) from the Karachi coast, Kemari was done in the years 2021-2022. The present study reported three new species of genus Philometra (Costa, 1845) (Nematoda: Philometridae) Philometra kolachii, Philometra lutjani and Philometra kemarii. A total of 140 fish samples were examined, and 76 were infected. The intensity of infected fish was 54.28%. In Pakistan, literature on Philometrid nematodes is limited, therefore, this research would be helpful for the documentation and enhancement of nematods in Pakistan.

Um exame recente dos nematóides Philometra do pargo vermelho de mangue Lutjanus argentimaculatus (Forsskal, 1775) da costa de Karachi, Kemari, foi feito nos anos 2021 e 2022. O presente estudo relatou três novas espécies do gênero Philometra (Costa, 1845) (Nematoda: Philometridae): Philometra kolachii, Philometra lutjani e Philometra kemarii. O total de 140 amostras de peixes foram examinadas e 76 estavam infectadas. A intensidade de peixes infectados foi de 54,28%. No Paquistão, a literatura sobre os nematóides Philometrid é limitada, portanto, esta pesquisa seria útil para a documentação e aprimoramento dos nematóides no Paquistão.

Microplastics assessment in Arabian Sea fishes: accumulation, characterization, and method development / Avaliação de microplásticos em peixes do mar arábico: acumulação, caracterização e desenvolvimento de métodos

Around the globe, plastic has been entering the aquatic system and is ingested by organisms. Identification, optimal digestion method, and characterization of the polymers to trace sources are of growing importance. Hence, the present work investigated microplastics accumulation, digestion protocol efficiency, and characterization of polymers with FTIR analysis in the guts of five fishes (Lethrinus nebulosus, Rastrelliger kanagurta, Acanthopagrus arabicus, Otolithes ruber, and Euryglossa orientalis) from the Karachi coastal area, Arabian Sea. A total of 1154 microplastics (MPs) were ingested by 29 out of 33 fish species (87%). The highest average MP/fish was recorded in Otolithes ruber (54) and the lowest in Rastrelliger kanagurta (19.42). Microfibers were the most abundant shape with the highest numbers (35.52%) as compared to the rest of the MPs identified. Transparent microfibers were recorded as the highest in numbers followed by red, black, blue, and green. In this study, KOH with different concentrations and exposure times along with oxidizing agent hydrogen peroxide was tested (Protocols 3 and 4). Results showed these bases were highly efficient in obtaining optimal digestion of the samples. FTIR analysis confirmed that the majority of the polymers found in the fish guts were polyethylene and polypropylene. This study validated for the first time the presence of these polymers of plastic in marine fish from Pakistan.

Em todo o mundo, o plástico tem entrado no sistema aquático e tem sido ingerido por organismos. A identificação, o método de digestão ideal e a caracterização dos polímeros para rastrear fontes são de crescente importância. Portanto, o presente trabalho investigou o acúmulo de microplásticos, a eficiência do protocolo de digestão e a caracterização de polímeros com análise de FTIR nos tratos digestivos de cinco peixes (Lethrinus nebulosus, Rastrelliger kanagurta, Acanthopagrus arabicus, Otolithes ruber e Euryglossa orientalis) do litoral de Karachi, no mar Arábico. Um total de 1154 microplásticos (MP) foram ingeridos por 29 das 33 espécies de peixes (87%) estudadas. A maior média MP/peixe foi registrada no Otolithes ruber (54), e a menor no Rastrelliger kanagurta (19,42). As microfibras foram a forma mais abundante e com os maiores números (35,52%), em comparação ao restante das MPs identificadas. As microfibras transparentes foram detectadas em maior número, seguidas por vermelho, preto, azul e verde. Neste estudo, o KOH foi testado em diferentes concentrações e tempos de exposição, juntamente com o agente oxidante peróxido de hidrogênio (Protocolos 3 e 4). Os resultados mostraram que essas bases foram altamente eficientes para a obtenção de digestão ideal das amostras. A análise de FTIR confirmou que a maioria dos polímeros encontrados nos tratos digestivos dos peixes eram polietileno e polipropileno. Este estudo validou pela primeira vez a presença desses polímeros de plástico em peixes marinhos do Paquistão.

Digestive glycosidases from cannonball jellyfish (Stomolophus sp. 2): identification and temporal-spatial variability.

Jellyfish are economically important organisms in diverse countries, carnivorous organisms that consume various prey (crustaceans, mollusks, bivalves, etc.) and dissolved carbohydrates in marine waters. This study was focused on detecting and quantifying the activity of digestive glycosidases from the cannonball jellyfish (Stomolophus sp. 2) to understand carbohydrate digestion and its temporal-spatial variation. Twenty-three jellyfish gastric pouches were collected in 2015 and 2016 in the Gulf of California in three localities (Las Guásimas, Hermosillo, and Caborca). Nine samples were in intra-localities from Las Guásimas. Chitinase (Ch), ß-glucosidase (ß-glu), and ß-N-acetylhexosaminidase (ß-NAHA) were detected in the gastric pouches. However, cellulase, exoglucanase, α-amylase, polygalacturonase, xylanase, and κ-carrageenase were undetected. Detected enzymes showed halotolerant glycolytic activity (i = 0-4 M NaCl), optimal pH, and temperature at 5.0 and 30-50 °C, respectively. At least five ß-glucosidase and two ß-N-acetylhexosaminidase were detected using zymograms; however, the number of proteins with chitinase activity is not precise. The annual variation of cannonball jellyfish digestive glycosidases from Las Guásimas between 2015-2016 does not show significant differences despite the difference in phytoplankton measured as chlorophyll α (1.9 and 3.4 mg/m3, respectively). In the inter-localities, the glycosidase activity was statistically different in all localities, except for ß-N-acetylhexosaminidase activity between Caborca and Hermosillo (3,009.08 ± 87.95 and 3,101.81 ± 281.11 mU/g of the gastric pouch, respectively), with chlorophyll α concentrations of 2.6, 3.4 mg/m3, respectively. For intra-localities, the glycosidase activity did not show significant differences, with a mean chlorophyll α of 1.3 ± 0.1 mg/m3. These results suggest that digestive glycosidases from Stomolophus sp. 2 can hydrolyze several carbohydrates that may belong to their prey or carbohydrates dissolved in marine waters, with salinity over ≥ 0.6 M NaCl and diverse temperature (4-80 °C) conditions. Also, chlorophyll α is related to glycosidase activity in both seasons and inter-localities, except for chitinase activity in an intra-locality (Las Guásimas).

Mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequencing confirms the presence of the invasive sea anemone Diadumene lineata (Verrill, 1869) (Cnidaria: Actiniaria) in Argentina.

Background: Diadumene lineata is one of the most widespread sea anemone species worldwide. Although this species has been reported a few times on the Argentine coast since 2004, its identification has traditionally been based on external morphological characteristics, and in most cases no voucher specimens are available to support previous records. Methods: In this study, we obtained DNA sequences of two mitochondrial markers (12S and 16S) and two nuclear markers (18S and 28S) from specimens of D. lineata collected in two locations on the Argentine coast separated by almost 800 km. Additionally, we conducted an analysis of the morphology, as well as the types and size ranges of cnidae, using specimens collected at three different locations along the Argentine coast. Furthermore, since introduced populations of D. lineata are presumably ephemeral and only reproduce asexually outside their native range, we examined the internal anatomy of representatives from the Argentine coast for gametogenic tissue as an indication of whether they might be capable of sexual reproduction. Results: DNA data support our morphological identification, including cnidae analyses, of the specimens as D. lineata. Furthermore, all specimens examined were determined to be sterile. Discussion: Genetic sequence comparisons, phylogenetic reconstruction, and cnidae data support the identification of individuals of D. lineata from Mar Chiquita and Garipe Beach, confirming the presence of the species on the Argentine coast using both morphological and molecular tools. The absence of fertile specimens suggests that each sampled population is likely reproducing only by asexual reproduction and possibly composed of clones. The presence of an additional category of longer p-mastigophores B2a in the actinopharynx and filaments, as well as holotrichs in the column, is also reported. Conclusions: For the first time, we have confirmed the presence of D. lineata in Argentina through molecular data. Additionally, our findings indicate that the analyzed specimens are sterile, suggesting that this species is not engaging in sexual reproduction in the studied localities. It is crucial to continue monitoring the populations of D. lineata along the Argentine coast to assess whether they establish sexual reproduction, expand their distribution range or disappear, or potentially cause any harm to local species or alterations in benthic communities.

Analysis of marine diversity and anthropogenic pressures on Seixas coral reef ecosystem (northeastern Brazil).

Coral reefs, vital and ecologically significant ecosystems, are among the most jeopardized marine environments in the Atlantic Ocean, particularly along the northeastern coast of Brazil. The persistent lack of effective management and conservation has led to fragmented information on reef use and pressures, hindering the understanding of these ecosystems' health. Major difficulties and challenges include inadequate data, diverse anthropogenic pressures, and the complex interaction between marine species. This study sought to bridge this knowledge gap by conducting a comprehensive analysis of marine diversity and anthropogenic pressures, specifically focusing on Seixas coral reef near João Pessoa city, an area notably impacted by tourism. Utilizing 25 monitoring transects, subdivided into 1 m2 quadrants, the marine diversity was meticulously evaluated through innovative procedures including (a) sedimentological and geochemical field surveys, (b) application of Shannon-Weaver diversity and Simpson dominance indices, (c) cluster analysis, (d) species identification of macroalgae, coral, and fish, and (e) an examination of anthropogenic interactions and pressures on the coral reef. The assessment encompassed three distinct zones: Back Reef, Reef Top, and Fore Reef, and identified a total of 25 species across 15 genera and 10 fish families. The findings revealed the prevalence of brown macroalgae, fish, and coral, with heightened abundance of red macroalgae in the Fore Reef, which also exhibited the greatest diversity (2.816) and dominance (0.894). Original achievements include the identification of specific spatial variations, recognition of the anthropogenic factors leading to ecological changes, and the formulation of evidence-based recommendations. The study concludes that escalating urbanization and burgeoning daily tourist visits to the reef have exacerbated negative impacts on Seixas coral reef's marine ecosystem. These insights underscore the urgent need for strategic planning and resource management to safeguard the reef's biodiversity and ecological integrity.

Secondary production of Acartia tonsa Dana, 1849 and A. lilljeborgii Giesbrecht, 1889 in an Amazonian estuary (Brazil).

The dynamics of the copepods A. tonsa and A. lilljeborgii were described for the first time in the Taperaçu Estuary. The acartiids were collected using plankton nets (200 µm) in June 2012, March 2013 (rainy season) and September 2012 and 2013 (dry season). The oscillations in rainfall and the fluctuations in hydrological variables influenced the abundance, biomass, and production of both A. tonsa (17 ± 23 to 8501 ± 13,248 ind.m-3; 16,385.29 mg.C.m-3; 0.09 ± 0.21 to 355.17 ± 590.84 mg.C.m-3.d-1) and A. lilljeborgii (14 ± 11 to 1470 ± 1591 ind.m-3; 22,398.40 mg.C.m-3; 177.99 ± 263.13 mg.C.m-3.d-1) with clear monthly, seasonal, and spatial patterns. The high levels of production observed may be related to the presence of waters rich in particulate organic material derived from the adjacent mangrove forests. This material is consumed by a number of copepod species, in particular A. tonsa and A. lilljeborgii, favoring the development and reproduction of both species which are characterized by high rates of productivity in the study estuary. The present results indicate that the biomass and productivity in equatorial mangrove estuaries may be relatively high in comparison with the levels observed in other coastal systems around the world and that earlier stages of both species have a great relevance for biomass and production in Amazonian estuaries.

Benthic foraminifera as proxies for assessing the effects of a pier marina construction: A case study in the naturally stressed environment of the Saco da Ribeira (Flamengo Bay, SE Brazil).

Brazilian coastal areas have been exposed to various anthropic influences including physical alteration such as marina construction. To assess the impact of the pier marina construction in the Saco da Ribeira cove (Flamengo Bay, SE Brazil), sedimentological (grain size), geochemical (organic and trace elements) parameters and benthic foraminifera were analyzed on a 50-cm-long dated sediment core covering the last century. The multiproxy approach applied to a numerical hydrodynamic model shows that the circulation in the study area underwent an overall reduction (ca. 30 %) after the pier marina construction in the 1970s, promoting an increase of mud accumulation and higher concentrations of total organic carbon and trace elements (i.e., Enrichment Factor Cu from 0.80 to 1.4) as well as a shift in the benthic foraminiferal assemblages (i.e., foraminiferal density from 63 to 23.20 specimens per 10 cm3 and dominance from 0.13 to 0.73). On the basis of these integrated data, better environmental conditions occurred before the 1970s, then an overall increase in environmental stress took place after the pier's marina construction. Our results provide a baseline for future biomonitoring projects in a stressed region and exemplify the strong capability and reliability of benthic foraminifera as bioindicators of paleoenvironmental changes in coastal environments and for understanding how human pressure might induce such changes.

Assessment of soil respiration process in a mangrove swamp of Panama's Bay.

Studies reveal that mangroves have the ability to store underground carbon more than a tropical forest, and this function is classified as the second most important to mitigate the effects of climate change. However, part of the carbon fixed returns to the atmosphere, and this is done through soil respiration. The present study seeks to quantify the total soil efflux (a subrogate of total soil respiration) that includes both autotrophic and heterotrophic soil efflux, emitted by a Panama's mangrove swamp, as well as to investigate what drivers are important. Firstly, 3 plots were established with predominant mangroves species, such as salty mangrove tree (Avicennia bicolor Standl.) and black mangrove tree (Avicennia germinans L.). Secondly, a forest inventory was carried out in one ha, resulting in 371 trees ha-1, where the salty mangrove tree prevailed with 219 individuals in front of the black mangrove tree, with 152 trees. In addition, tree level measurements were performed such as diameter at breast height (DBH), crown diameter and distance between trees. Third, using a Licor 6400XT infrared gas analyzer system and a meteorological tower, soil CO2 fluxes and air and soil temperature were measured respectively. Results showed a total of 33.61 t of CO2 ha-1 emitted by the soil of the mangrove in 3.5 months.

The microbiome of the sponge Aplysina caissara in two sites with different levels of anthropogenic impact.

Despite the important roles that marine sponges play in ecosystem functioning and structuring, little is known about how the sponge holobiont responds to local anthropogenic impacts. Here we assess the influence of an impacted environment (Praia Preta) on the microbial community associated with the endemic sponge Aplysina caissara in comparison to a less-impacted area (Praia do Guaecá) from the coast of São Paulo state (Brazil, southwestern Atlantic coast). We hypothesized that the local anthropogenic impacts will change the microbiome of A. caissara and that the community assembly will be driven by a different process (i.e. deterministic versus stochastic) under distinct levels of impact. The microbiome at the amplicon sequence variants level was found to be statistically distinct between sponges from the different sites, and this was also seen for the microbial communities of the surrounding seawater and sediments. Microbial communities of A. caissara from both sites were found to be assembled by deterministic processes, even though the sites presented distinct anthropogenic impacts, showing a pivotal role of the sponge host in selecting its own microbiome. Overall, this study revealed that local anthropogenic impacts altered the microbiome of A. caissara; however, assembly processes are largely determined by the sponge host.

Revealing the environmental pollution of two estuaries through histopathological biomarkers in five fishes from different trophic guilds of northeastern Brazil.

Estuaries in Brazil are mostly anthropically affected due to the discharge of industrial and domestic effluents. In two of them, the Santa Cruz Channel Estuary (ITAP) and Sirinhaém River Estuary (SIR), historically affected by mercury pollution and sugarcane industry in Northeast Brazil, we assessed environmental pollution using liver and gill histopathological biomarkers in fish from different trophic levels. Liver samples exhibited serious damages such as hepatic steatosis, necrosis, and infiltration. The gills showed moderate to severe changes, such as lifting of epithelial cells, lamellar aneurysm, and rupture of lamellar epithelium. Most of the changes in the liver and gills were reported for species Centropomus undecimalis and the Gobionellus stomatus, which were considered as good sentinels of pollution. The combination of biomarker methodologies was efficient in diagnosing the serious damage to the species, reinforcing the need for monitoring the health of the ecosystems evaluated.