Marine And Environmental Pollution

We investigated the sediment-related distribution of both nematodes and macrofauna on the Belgian part of the North Sea (Southern Bight of the North Sea) in order to evaluate whether both faunal groups reflect similar patterns in community composition and diversity. Fine-grained sediments (median grain size <200 mm) were inhabited by nematode communities characterised by a low diversity and dominated by non-selective deposit-feeding nematodes. Nematode communities from coarser sediments were significantly different in terms of community composition and diversity. Moreover, all nematode feeding types were present in coarser sediments. These differences were explained by the contrasting biogeochemical processes prevailing in both sediment types, rather than granulometry and food availability per se. Macrofaunal distribution patterns were different from those of the nematode communities and seem to be related to water column processes (SPM loading, food availability, hydrodynamic stress) that promote the establishment of diverse communities in the coarser sediments but not in the finest sediments. This suggests that data on nematodes and macrofauna reveal different, complementary aspects of the factors structuring the benthic ecosystem that can be of importance in assessing the ecological status of the seafloor.

Heat shock proteins are biomarkers commonly used to determine the effects of abiotic stresses on the physiology of reef building corals. In this study the effectiveness of the Hsp60 as indicator of biotic stresses in the scleractinian coral Acropora muricata was analyzed, considering the whole holobiont. We focused on two biological interactions recognized to be important contributors to coral reef degradation such as a coral disease, the Skeleton eroding band (SEB) caused by the protozoan Halofolliculina corallasia and the algal overgrowth. In the lagoon of Magoodhoo Island (Maldives) fragments of living tissue of A. muricata exposed to these biotic factors were sampled and proteins subjected to Western analysis. The two different biological interactions trigger diverse responses on Hsp60 level. No detectable effect on Hsp60 modulation appeared in colonies subjected to algal overgrowth. On the contrary, corals displayed a robust up-regulation of Hsp60 in the fragments sampled just above the SEB dark band, where the level of Hsp60 was almost twice compared to the control colonies, indicating that the aggressive behavior of the protozoan causes cellular damage also in coral portions neighboring and along the advancing front of the infection. Portions of coral sampled distant to the SEB band showed a Hsp60 level comparable to that observed in healthy colonies. We propose Hsp60 expression as a promising tool to evaluate physiological stress caused by SEB disease in reef corals.

Tributyltin (TBT) has been widely employed in marine anti-fouling paints as a biocide, although it represents a serious risk, particularly in estuarine and coastal water/sediment ecosystems. In this study, the embryotoxic eects of TBT and its degradation products, dibutyltin (DBT) and monobutyltin (MBT), were analyzed during the development of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus from post-fertilization to the pluteus stage, to better clarify ecotoxicological impact. The embryotoxicity of butyltins is concentration-dependent and increases proportionally with number of butyl groups. Signi®cant growth reduction was observed at TBT concentrations as low as 0.01 mg l À1 ; 1 mg l À1 was the maximum concentration allowing embryos to reach the pluteus stage at 48 h post-fertilization. Development was blocked at the morula or blastula stage with higher TBT concentrations. DBT and MBT are less toxic: slowed development and a decrease in pluteus size occurred at 10 mg l À1 DBT and 0.5 mg l À1 MBT. Eects on both skeletal deposition and blocked embryonic development are suggested to be due to the interference of organotin compounds with intracellular calcium homeostasis. #

Previous research has alluded to the potential of metals being absorbed by fish after ingesting fishing hooks, which may have adverse effects on fish health and the organisms that consume them. Subsequently, this study aimed to quantify the potential of mulloway (Argyrosomus japonicus) to absorb metals during the decay of ingested nickel-plated carbon-steel hooks. Twenty-five treatment fish were allowed to ingest nickel-plated carbon-steel hooks during angling and then monitored with 25 controls (untreated fish) for up to 42 days for hook ejection and mortality. Blood, liver and muscle samples were collected from treatment, control and 14 wild-caught individuals to determine the concentrations of chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese and nickel. The results showed that increased oxidation influenced hook ejection, and that hook-ingested fish had significantly elevated concentrations of nickel in their liver and blood, but not muscle. This research has shown that there is an avenue for metal absorption from ingested hooks.

Weight-length relationships, Condition factor and Hepatosomatic index of 480 mangrove gobies (Acentrogobius nebulosus and Asterropteryx semipunctata) were investigated. Fish samples were caught using shrimp and mosquito nets during the low tides. The regression coefficient "b" was determined by using TW = aTL b , condition factor by CF = 100TW/TL 3 and Hepatosomatic index by HIS = 100LW/TW. The Acentrogobius nebulosus had regression coefficient "b" of 3.1154 and Asterropteryx semipunctata was 2.9744. Both Acentrogobius nebulosus (t-test, p < 0.05) and Asterropteryx semipunctata (t-test, p < 0.05) had significantly positive allometric growth compared to isometric regression coefficient. The overall mean condition factor for Acentrrogobius nebulosus was 1.265±0.137 and in Asterropteryx semipunctata was 1.297±0.078 depicting good fish condition. The HSI in Asterropteryx semipunctata was significantly higher than in Acentrogobius nebulosus (t-test, p < 0.05) contrary to HSI values across the sampling points (ANOVA, p > 0.05). The values of regression coefficients "b", CF and HSI in gobies provides an impression that the marine and coastal ecosystems of Zanzibar are promising to Zanzibar blue economy as they could support fish biomass production. However, the authorities need to consider protection of marine ecosystems health and function for the sustainable blue economy.

Fish communities and habitat structures were evaluated by underwater visual censuses a rocky location impacted by thermal discharge (I) and at two control locations, one in a Sargassum bed (C1) and the other in a rocky shore with higher structural complexity (C2). Habitat indicators and fish communities exhibited significant differences between the impacted and control locations, with the impacted one

Background: The toxic effect of Nittol detergent on the haematological parameters of the African catfish (C. gariepinus) sub-adult was investigated. The experiment was conducted in triplicates forthe four treatments. Behavioral changes in fish exposed to different concentrations of Nittol detergent ranged from erratic swimming, moribund movement, jumping and lack of balance. Similar changes were not observed in the control throughout the experiment. Nittol detergent is composed of linear alkyl benzene sulphonate (LABS), sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), sodium carbonate, Original Research Article Ivon et al.; ARRB, 35(4): 53-67, 2020; Article no.ARRB.57597 54 sodium sulphate, sodium per-borate and sodium silicate (perfume) as active ingredients. The fish were exposed to concentrations 1.0 g/L, 2.0 g/L, 3.0 g/L and 4.0g/L. At 1.0 g/l concentration, the mean mortality was 80% with an initial erratic swimming. Results: It was observed that mean mortality increased drastically with increasing Nittol Detergent concentrations. At a concentration 3.0 g/L, total mortality was observed within 72 hours of exposure preceding moribund swimming while total mortality was observed at 4.0 g/L. The concentration at which 50% of the experimental fishes were killed (LC50) was 0.9 g/L. Results from statistical analysis indicated that mortality varied significantly with concentrations as higher values recorded higher mortality rates. However, mean values showed the highest mortality (74%) with Nittol detergent. Haematological results obtained from blood profile analysis showed various degrees of alterations and changes in values when compared to the control. The PCV of the exposed fish was 26% when compared to 27% in the control, HB was 8.9 (GDL) as against 9.0 Gdl of the control, total WBC was 640 x 10 9 /L as against 1280 x 10 9 /L of the control. The RBC reading was 4.7 compared to 5.3 (mm 3) of the control. For the differential counts, the lymphocyte was 80%. Neutrophils were 4 % and monocyte 16% compared to 62%, 8% and 30% of the control respectively. The results revealed a significant decrease in PCV counts for 8.0, 16.0, 25.0, and 50.0ml/l concentration when compared to the control. There revealed significant decrease of haemoglobin count for 8.0 ml/l group (p>0.05) and significant decrease for 16.0 ml/l, 25.0 ml/l and 50.0 ml/l groups (p<0.05), when compared to the control. The results showed insignificant decrease of RBC count for 1.0 g/l (p>0.05) and a significant decrease for the 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 g/l groups (p<0.05), compared to the control. This means that as the toxicant concentration increased, the fish red blood count decreased the more. This further implies that at higher concentration of, RBC reduces correspondingly. Lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils in the control set showed (apparently normal cell after) hematoxylin and eosin staining. Differential blood samples exposed to various concentrations of Nittol Detergent showed denatured cells, haemolysis and blood cell shrinkage. Conclusion: It was therefore concluded that Nittol Detergent has significant toxic effect on the haematological parameters of C. gariepinus and recommended the control disposal of this detergent into aquatic bodies to reduce the negative impact on the blood quality of aquatic organisms.

The purpose of this study is to determine the risky areas by simulating trajectory of ship based oil spill in Bay of Izmir. To get well informed about fate, this study makes the best possible use one trajectory model. PISCES 2 (Potential Incident Simulation, Control and. Evaluation System), has been conducted for simulation of main weathering processes of oil spill. Hence in order to identify the risky areas, two scenarios have been developed depending on the type and amount of pollutants. In this study it is concluded that Yenikale, Inciralti and Guzelbahce will be at risk of contamination in case of accidental oil spill at Yenikale Entrance. Finally, the PISCES 2 software provided highly reliable solutions in evaporation rate and dispersion rate calculations when compared to approaches accepted in the literature. However in the surface area calculations, there is a serious difference between the size of the area calculated by the software and the size of the area proposed by oil spill science.

Marine pollution is problematic and its impacts are having devastating and destructive effects on marine resources and the ecosystems. T he main objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of marine pollution on coastal environment in Nigeria Seaports. T he specific objectives are to: (i) examine the effect of ocean dumping pollution on marine personnel in Nigeria Seaports, (ii) ascertain the effect of land runoff pollution on aquatic resource in Nigeria Seaports (iii) determine the effect of ocean mining pollution on marine ecosystem in Nigeria Seaports. T he research design of the study was descriptive survey research method. T he population of the study consists of 3 sea ports in Nigeria. The sample size of 371 respondents was drawn from population of the study which consists of 5,168 life support technicians and marine engineers of the selected sea port; Onne sea port, Calabar sea port and Delta sea port. Research questions were answered using mean score and standard deviation. T he hypotheses stated were tested using single regression statistics. The study revealed that there was negative significant effect of ocean dumping pollution on marine personnel in Nigeria Seaports (t-statistics (43.312) > P-value (0.000), it also revealed that there was negative significant effect of land runoff pollution on aquatic resource in Nigeria Seaports (t-statistics (48.491) > Pvalue (0.000), the study also revealed that there was negative significant effect of ocean mining pollution on marine ecosystem in Nigeria Seaports (t-statistics (52.292) > P-value (0.000). T he study recommended that making people aware of the problem is the first step to prevent water pollution. Hence, importance of water and pollution prevention measures should be a part of awareness and education programme by Creating awareness by re-educating the citizen, ship owners, crew of a ship, oil exploring companies, and other corporate bodies, to be concerned and responsible for the respect and protection of the marine environment in Nigeria.

The potential toxicity of stannum dioxide (SnO 2 ), cerium dioxide (CeO 2 ) and iron oxide (Fe 3 O 4 ) nanoparticles (NPs) in the marine environment was investigated using the sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus, as an in vivo model. We found that 5 days after force-feeding of NPs in aqueous solutions, the three NPs presented different toxicity degrees, depending on the considered biomarkers. We examined: 1) the presence of the NPs in the coelomic fluid and the uptake into the immune cells (coelomocytes); 2) the cholinesterase activity and the expression of the stress-related proteins HSC70 and GRP78; 3) the morphological changes affecting cellular compartments, such as the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and lysosomes. By Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM) analysis, coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) we found that NPs were uptaken inside coelomocytes. The cholinesterases activity, a well known marker of blood intoxication in vertebrates, was greatly reduced in specimens exposed to NPs. We found that levels of stress proteins were down-regulated, matching the observed ER and lysosomes morphological alterations. In conclusion, this is the first study which utilizes the sea urchin as a model organism for biomonitoring the biological impact of NPs and supports the efficacy of the selected biomarkers.

The Mediterranean Sea common bottlenose dolphin population has been assessed as Vulnerable according to the IUCN Red List Criteria. The species is also included in several International Agreements, European Union Regulations and Directives. Amongst them, a strict protection and identification of special conservation areas are requested by the EU Habitats Directive. Despite direct takes, by-catch, chemical and acoustic pollution, and prey depletion, general habitat degradation and fragmentation have been indicated as detrimental for the species, the degree to which these threats pose population risk is still largely unknown. At present it is thus not possible to depict the actual status of the population and to assess prospective trends. To address this gap in the current knowledge, line transect distance sampling aerial surveys were conducted in a wide portion of the Western Mediterranean Sea between the summer of 2010 and winter 2011. A total of 165 parallel transects equally spaced at 15 km were designed providing homogeneous coverage probability. Overall, 21,090 km were flown on effort and 16 bottlenose dolphin sightings were recorded and used for the analysis. The surface abundance and density estimates resulted in 1676 animals (CV ¼ 38.25; 95% CI ¼ 804e3492) with a density of 0.005 (CV ¼ 38.25%). These results represent the first ever estimates for the common bottlenose dolphin over a wide portion of the Western Mediterranean Sea Subregion, with the potential to be useful baseline data to inform conservation. Specifically, they could be used as indicators under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive requirements, in conjunction with other study methods.

Marine pollution problems are going to increase day by day. Many reports appear on the effects of petroleum spills, runoff from roads, sewage, effluents from industrial processes dealing with the marine organisms. During the last 30 years the Marmara Sea, Black Sea and İzmit Bay environments have suffered a catastrophic transformation. Of the 23 fish species supporting the fisheries in 1965 only five are now harvested in significant quantities and some have disappeared altogether. Polycyclic and chlorinated hydrocarbons have been identified as carcinogenic and genetoxic pollutants in organisms of seas that come from petroleum fractions, herbicides and pesticides. The presence of PAH's has also been reported in plankton, seaweed’s, filter feeding organisms, and marine sediments. This paper reports the part of pollution studies on the petroleum fractions, herbicides, pesticides and toxic organisms such as Pfiesteria Piscicida, Mnemiopsis leidyi, Caulerpa Taxifolia dealing with marine life. Also in this study, some of environmental action plans and treatments for the marine pollution and overfishing have been discussed.

The growing development of offshore wind energy installations across the North Sea is producing new hard anthropogenic structures in the natural soft sediments, causing changes to the surrounding macrobenthos. The extent of modification in permeable sediments around a gravity based wind turbine in the Belgian part of the North Sea was investigated in the period 2011 e 2012, along four gradients (south-west, north-east, south-east, north-west). Sediment grain size significantly reduced from 427 mm at 200 m to 312 AE 3 mm at 15 m from the foundation along the south-west and north-west gradients. The organic matter content increased from 0.4 AE 0.01% at 100 m to 2.5 AE 0.9% at 15 m from the foundation. The observed changes in environmental characteristics triggered an increase in the macrobenthic density from 1390 AE 129 ind m À2 at 200 m to 18 583 AE 6713 ind m À2 at 15 m together with an enhanced diversity from 10 AE 2 at 200 m to 30 AE 5 species per sample at 15 m. Shifts in species dominance were also detected with a greater dominance of the ecosystem-engineer Lanice conchilega (16e25%) close to the foundation. This study suggests a viable prediction of the effects offshore wind farms could create to the naturally occurring macrobenthos on a large-scale.

The neutral red retention time (NRRT) assay is useful for detecting decreased lysosomal membrane stability in haemocytes sampled from bivalves, a phenomenon often associated with exposure to environmental pollutants including nanomaterials. Bivalves are popular sentinel species in ecotoxicology and use of NRRT in study of species in the genus Mytilus is widespread in environmental monitoring. The NRRT assay has been used as an in vivo test for toxicity of carbon nanoparticles (Moore MN, Readman JAJ, Readman JW, Lowe DM, Frickers PE, Beesley A. 2009. Lysosomal cytotoxicity of carbon nanoparticles in cells of the molluscan immune system: An in vivo study. Nanotoxicology. 3 (1), 40e45). We here report application of this assay adapted to a microtitre plate format to a panel of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (2 ppm). This showed that copper, chromium and cobalt nanoparticles are toxic by this criterion while gold and titanium nanoparticles are not. As the former three nanoparticles are often reported to be cytotoxic while the latter two are thought to be non-cytotoxic, these data support use of NRRT as a general in vitro assay in nanotoxicology.

Cet article aborde la thématique de la biodiversité marine du littoral de la baie de Monastir. L'usage de l'approche éco-systémique a permis d'identifier les causes de dégradations, les interactions entre milieux de natures différentes et les imbrications entre l'Homme et le littoral. Cette imbrication est d'autant importante car elle ne se limite pas aux usages et à leurs impacts, mais les transcende vers des questions de pratiques de l'espace et de revendications territoriales et sociales. Les résultats de notre analyse on fait ressortir des espaces déstructurés au sein desquels la faune et la flore marine ont connu de nombreuses transformations allant de la disparition des espèces à leur remplacement voire même des processus d'adaptation. Face aux risques environnementaux, il apparait que l'Etat tunisien tend plus à réagir aux conséquences sociales de la dégradation du littoral qu'à la « simple » déstructuration du littoral. Cet article met alors en évidence les modes d'actions rigides des pouvoirs publics qui demeurent peu réceptifs aux logiques de concertation et de participation des populations locales. Mots-clés : Risques littoraux– Pollution – Biodiversité – Gestion des littoraux Abstract The bay pf Munastir facing the coastal pollution: The awakening of a local conservation awareness This article approaches the themes of the marine biodiversity of coastal region of the bay of Monastir. The use of eco-systematic approach allowed us to identify reasons of deteriorations, correlations between circles of different natures and interlocking between the Man and coastal region. This interlocking is of so important because it does not limit itself to manners and to their impacts, but transcends them towards questions of practices of the space and of land claims. The results of our analysis shows damaged areas within which fauna and marine flora knew many transformations from the disappearance of kinds to their replacement even of adaptation processes. Facing environmental risks, it appears that the Tunisian State tends more to react to social consequences of the deterioration of coastal region than to a "simple" disintegration of coastal region. This article highlights the authorities's models of actions which remain not very receptive to logics of cooperation and of participation of the local populations.

With the spread of technology, industrialisation and increasing standards of living, the accumulation of non-biodegradable solid waste (NBDSW) is an unwelcome and often unnoticed side effect of 'development' in India. Therefore in the present investigation, attempts are made to quantify major non-biodegradable solid wastes viz. plastics, synthetic rubber and glasses which are accumulated at three different sampling stations of Ulhas River namely Ambivli, Kalyan and Dombivli. The results of the study indicate that the major contribution to non-biodegradable solid waste pollution was mainly due to plastic followed by synthetic rubber materials. Among plastic NBDSW materials, plastic carry bags, milk and oil bags contribute to larger extent, while among the synthetic rubber, foot wares were the most prominent material responsible for NBDSW pollution. The results point out the need to make serious changes in our approach to waste management and disposal.

Thane Creek is one of the most important ecosystems around Mumbai and Thane, and the mangroves surrounding the ecosystem form the vital green lung for the residents. It is also an important feeding and breeding ground for fishes. Locals have been living in harmony amidst this ecosystem for ages, but in recent past, man has misused this ecosystem by way of releasing sewage, dumping solid waste, etc., and has succeeded in choking the ecosystem. This paper advocates habitat conservation and ecological studies with special reference to the physico-chemical characteristics of the sediment samples collected from six different sampling sites along the Thane Creek area. The constituents monitored included bulk density, moisture content, pH, EC, alkalinity, and chlorinity. The objective of the present work is to throw light on deteriorating condition of Thane Creek, suggesting the need for regular scientific studies, which will help to gauge the extent of pollution.

As the growing world progresses, the safety of the marine environment has become one of the major concerns among mankind. Consequently, this paper aims to encourage making a few improvements in the international instruments as well as to encourage every state to protect the sea of marine animals from pollution. It has covered the brief evolution of international law protecting the marine environment, the International legal framework, and the policies taken by the concerned organizations. It is not limited to the discussion of the positive aspects but also highlights some lacunae of international laws. The analysis of the overall discussion has resulted in some recommendations for marine environment protection which is a blending of qualitative method and subject satisfaction.

Cet essai vise à déterminer si les effets des polymères sont plus néfastes pour l’environnement que ceux issus des biopolymères. Une analyse exhaustive des articles portant sur les effets que chacune de ces matières pourrait avoir sur l’environnement a été faite, plus particulièrement en recensant les effets :
- Des biopolymères sur l’environnement, particulièrement la production de matière première issu de l’agriculture et les effets des changements d’affectation des sols qui y sont reliés;
- Des polymères sur les milieux marins, notamment sur leur concentration et les particules qui s’y adsorbent;
- Des débris de plastique sur la faune et la flore marines.
Quinze analyses de cycle de vie comparant divers polymères et biopolymères ont également été recensées et utilisées afin de les départager quant à leurs bénéfices et inconvénients pour l’environnement.
Les deux matières ont des effets importants sur l’environnement et les biopolymères pourraient être plus dommageables pour l’environnement que les polymères issus de la pétrochimie s’ils sont issus de l’agriculture industrielle et intensive. Les polymères, quant à eux, sont si omniprésents dans les milieux marins qu’ils pourraient avoir une incidence importante sur la biodiversité marine.
La solution réside dans de nouvelles méthodes de gestion des polymères visant la réduction à la source ainsi que dans l’élaboration de règlements basés sur le principe du pollueur-payeur. Les biopolymères devraient être utilisés dans des applications spécifiques, telles que dans les milieux marins, médicaux et alimentaires.

Rapid industrialization affects the environment in different ways by discharging the large amount of effluents as waste water in the surrounding water bodies, causing the serious problems to environment. Water pollution caused by industrial effluent discharges has become a worrisome phenomenon due to its impact on environmental health and safety. The effluents of some industries were collected and samples were analyzed to assess major ionic constituents, trace metal pollution and suitability for irrigation usage. An investigation has been made to ascertain the metals concentration in the effluents samples collected from different industries located in Choto kashor, Bhaluka. This study involves determination of physicochemical parameters and trace metals of industrial effluents at different study points. The pH of the effluent water ranged from 7.5 to 9.8 with a mean value of 8.59 indicating alkalinity of water. EC of all collected effluent samples were within the range of 94.87 to 365.58 +S cm-1 with an average of 263.082 +S cm-1  indicating effluents of low salinity. The DO was within the range of 0.30 to 1.3 mg L-1 indicating that aquatic life is in under stress. Total dissolved solids (TDS) ranged from 53.68 to 267.05 mg/L. Considering TDS, all the samples were rated as fresh water (<1000 mg L-1). On the other hand, the cationic chemistry indicated that most of the samples showed dominance sequence as Na > K > Ca. Concentrations of Cu (0.0405 mg/L) and Pb (0.0003 mg/L) were found lower the allowable levels of industrial waste water. Among the studied trace metals (Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, and Zn), the dominant metal was Zn and although the concentration varied from 0.2 to 1 mg/L, which are suitable for irrigation but unsafe for the purpose of aquaculture. Besides this, all of the effluent samples possess no Cd and Ni which comprises less the minimum acceptance level indicating there is no possibility of Cd and Ni contamination to harm aquatic organisms along with irrigation. However, the waste water of the study area can be used for irrigation hence it is acceptable considering quality for aquaculture except some sampling sites. High values of some properties of distinct samples reveals the suitability for irrigation but restricted the suitability of water in this area for aquaculture and domestic use. Moreover it demands suitable water management as well as proper treatment and possesses the necessity to pre-treat the wastes prior to release to the environment or fully treatment when the wastes will be discharged directly to surface or ground waters.

ABSTRACT

On almost a regular basis construction projects suffer from poor performance in the areas of cost overrun, delays, health and safety violations and quality defects. Researchers have several times tried to explore and analyze the root causes of poor performances in project delivery, however only few attempts had been made to consider the supply chain relationship on the performance of construction project. Among the many supply chain relationships are a no-blame culture, communication, interpersonal relationship among workforce, power distance between senior management and middle to shop floor personnel. To fill this gap, questionnaires were distributed to a select group of persons in a construction organization in Nigeria, West Africa in order to explore the effect of a blame culture on the performance of construction project. The analysis reveals that promotion of a blame culture in an organization will create an atmosphere of fear and defensiveness among workforce which will ultimately lead to poor project delivery. Poor project performance can be eliminated or reduced to the barest minimum when the culture of blame is removed from an organization and when individuals are encouraged to leverage on their personal endowment to innovate and solve problems.

Contamination with heavy metals is one of the most serious problems in the aquatic environments. In Egypt, Environmental pollution with heavy metals is one of the biggest problems that face human being. Metals are natural trace components of the aquatic environment, but their levels have been increased due to industrial wastes, geochemical structure, agricultural and mining activities. There are certain heavy metals such as As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni and Zn are common pollutants and came from different natural and anthropogenic sources. Metals are partitioned among the various aquatic environmental compartments (water, suspended solids, sediments and biota) and can occur in dissolved, particulates or complex form. Metals have been reported to affect cellular organelles and induced toxicity & carcinogenicity. The aim of this review is to provide up to date information about metals pollution status, sources, distribution in seawater, sediments in aquatic biota in Egypt and to explore potential ecological risk index methods for heavy metals in sediments

In this study, the hydrodynamics and noise prediction of a five blade marine propeller were analyzed through numerical and experimental methods under variety operational conditions. The hydrodynamics of the propeller was studied and the characteristic curves were presented in both numerical and experimental methods. Inception and development of sheet cavitation conditions are obtained in both numerical and experimental methods. The cavitation was started and developed by either increasing the propeller rotational speed in constant pressure or decreasing pressure, while the velocity was kept constant. Good agreements are observed between numerical and experimental results, qualitatively and quantitatively. The noise of the propeller was analyzed through Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method, based on the formulation of Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings (FW-H). Similarly, the experimental results collected from hydrophones were compared with numerical simulations. Finally, the effects of reflection in cavitation tunnel were obtained by considering overall sound pressure levels in numerical and experimental results.

Within the context of the MYTILOS project, a large-scale assessment of trace metal (Hg, Cd, Pb and Ni) content in caged mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis was performed along the coasts of the Western Mediterranean Sea. Caged mussels were deployed for 12 weeks at 122 sites located in Alborán, North-Western, South-Western and Tyrrhenian sub-basins. After recovery on site, metal contents were measured in whole mussel tissue. In order to facilitate interregional comparison, linear regression models were used for normalisation of metal concentrations to condition index. Although for some metals significant differences in mean concentrations were found between sub-basins, levels obtained in most of the sites were low or moderate and they might be considered baseline concentrations. Overall, sites impacted by run-off from land mineralised areas and industrial activities displayed highest concentrations, but also some few sites considered little-influenced by human activities showed high concentrations of some metals. Results from this study confirm that the use of caged mussels is a suitable tool for characterising trace metal status of coastal water bodies in order to support policy makers in establishing a regional strategy, particularly with regard to the EU Marine Strategy Directive.

The filtration process of Sabella spallanzanii Gmelin on bacterial community was studied in a coastal area of the Northern Ionian Sea (Mediterranean Sea) at three sites, S. Vito, Lido Gandoli and Lido Silvana, where some specimens of S. spallanzanii were transplanted. Analyses were performed both on water and worm samples. A total of six microbial groups were examined: culturable heterotrophic bacteria, total culturable bacteria at 37°C, culturable vibrios, total and fecal coliforms and fecal streptococci. The bacterial densities were usually orders of magnitude higher in the worm homogenates than in the corresponding seawater and the highest values were observed in August. The ability of S. spallanzanii to accumulate the microbial pollution indicators suggests this species can be employed as a bioindicator for monitoring water quality. Moreover, the accumulation capability of S. spallanzanii for specific micro-organisms provides a potential role in sewage bioremediation.

The pollution problem due to non-biodegradable solid waste (NBDSW) along the Vasai Creek of Mumbai is one of the major issues which have remained totally neglected over past many years. The results of the present investigation indicates that plastics carry bags, milk/oil bags, plastic bottles, footwear and automobile tyres/tubes are some of the prominent NBDSW materials responsible for solid waste pollution along the Vasai Creek. The results also suggest the need to enforce strict control measures against the disposal of solid waste by adopting a well planned waste management system.

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) residues were determined in fillets of Lutjanus colorado, L. argentiven-tris, and L. novemfasciatus. Fillet samples were collected bimonthly from February 2012 to February 2013. OCPs average concentrations do not differ significantly according to size, weight, or season, nor do they relate with the physico-chemical parameters of the sea water. The highest concentration and most frequently encountered OCPs were endosulfan sulfate, d-HCH, and heptachlor epoxide, which indicates their use in the recent past and confirms their persistence. Average concentrations of P HCHs, P chlordane, and P heptachlor in samples were above cancer MRLs according to data from monthly consumed portions. HCHs and heptachlor are listed in Appendix III of the Rotterdam Convention of chemicals placed on a prior informed consent procedure for import and export purposes; they are considered illegal in Mexico. The OCPs concentrations above cancer MRLs in Lutjanus spp. turn its frequent consumption into a human health risk.

The present study highlight the toxicity levels of different heavy metals in aquatic environment of one of the most polluted river of Mumbai-the Mithi River. Although the river has attracted tremendous attention after 26/7 flood in Mumbai, the pollution level of the river has remained neglected issue. The present study was performed for two assessment years 2009-10 and 2010-11 at three different sampling stations namely Airport, CST Kalina and BKC Taximen's Colony along the flow of Mithi River. The results of present investigation indicates that the concentration levels of most of the heavy metals like Al, As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sr and Mn obtained during the assessment year 2010-11 was higher than that obtained during 2009-10 by the factor of 1.4 to 5.7 µg/L. The environmental impact of these toxic heavy metals is discussed. The results point out the need of rational planning of pollution control strategies, so as to keep check on release of toxic heavy metals in the river. It is expected that the present study will be useful for rational planning of pollution control strategies and their prioritisation; to evaluate effectiveness of pollution control measures already is existence and to assess the nature and extent of pollution control needed.

Selected heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in marine sediment from 28 sites Djibouti city. The concentrations of trace elements varied from 0 to 288.1 mg/kg with relative abundance of trace metals in sediments was in the order of Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr > Co > Pb > Cd. Zn, Cu and Ni exceeded consensus based sediment quality guideline values 7, 14, 15 sites respectively. Enrichment factor and pollution load index showed relatively low to moderate contamination. The concentrations of total 16 PAHs varied widely depending on the sample location and ranged from 2.65 to 3760.11 ng·g− 1, with the mean concentration value of 387.87 ng·g− 1. Compositions and relative abundance of individual PAH using molecular diagnostic ratio using congener's m/z 178 and 202 indicated pyrolytic origin and reflecting a petroleum combustion, grass/wood and coal combustion and a petrogenic source. This study represents the first pollution baseline and a reference for future studies in Djibouti.

The feasibility of using diluted HNO 3 solutions under oxygen pressure for decomposition of whole and non-fat milk powders and whey powder samples has been evaluated. Digestion efficiency was evaluated by determining the carbon content in solution (digests) and the determination of Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Pb and Zn was performed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and Hg by chemical vapor generation coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Samples (up to 500 mg) were digested using HNO 3 solutions (1 to 14 mol L − 1 ) and the effect of oxygen pressure was evaluated between 2.5 and 20 bar. It was possible to perform the digestion of 500 mg of milk powder using 2 mol L − 1 HNO 3 with oxygen pressure ranging from 7.5 to 20 bar with resultant carbon content in digests lower than 1700 mg L − 1 . Using optimized conditions, less than 0.86 mL of concentrated nitric acid (14 mol L − 1 ) was enough to digest 500 mg of sample. The accuracy was evaluated by determination of metal concentrations in certified reference materials, which presented an agreement better than 95% (Student's t test, P b 0.05) for all the analytes.

Ballast Water Treatment systems which are type approved and commercially available will require improvements to meet stricter standards. Heat treatment could be a viable additional option. Considering the waste heat potential on a ship, a system harvesting the engine exhaust heat may be envisaged for which a heat exchanger will be vital. Design optimisation of a heater employing exhaust gases of the engine as utility fluid and ballast sea water as the process fluid was achieved using Lagrangian methods, keeping the annual cost as the objective function. Limiting the number of variables, optimal values were calculated with cost considerations for utility fluid and also pumping costs for utility and process fluids. In all, four optimum designs and three comparative designs were developed. Heat balance data from an operational tanker, specific fuel consumption values and fuel costs were considered for the design. The thermodynamic and geometric designs were worked out using computer based software for a comparison. Designs were compared on the basis of annual cost, optimum exit temperature of shell side fluid, optimum mass flow of tube side fluid and heat exchanger effectiveness. It is demonstrated that an optimal heat exchanger design can be obtained with simple optimisation procedures.