environmental

Environmental studies 2024

Click on the octopus to return to the top of the page

Authors: Darshika Manral, Ilse Bos, Mark de Boer, Erik van Sebille. Juvenile Kemp's ridley turtles, a critically endangered species mainly living in the Gulf of Mexico, strand on the Dutch coasts every year. This study examines several instances over the last 15 years where juvenile turtles were found alive but hypothermic during winter in the Netherlands to understand how they were transported in this state.

Authors: Zehao Wang, Defeng Zheng, Xingsen Guo, Zhongde Gu, Yueqiang Shen, & Tingkai Nian This study addresses the impact of submarine landslides on underwater structures, focusing on bucket foundations. It aims to fill a knowledge gap by developing a fluid-structure coupling system using the coupled Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH)-Finite Element Method (FEM) to analyze the displacement response of these foundations during landslide impacts. Its authors outline the methods used, the results obtained, and the significance of the findings in understanding the dynamic response and failure mechanisms of underwater structures under extreme conditions.

Authors: Sven Bergmann, Matthias Brenner, Jennifer Susanne Strehse, Tobias Hartwig Bünning, Edmund Maser, Philipp Grassel, David Heuskin, David Brandt, Marco Berger, Simon van der Wulp, Mathew Skellhorn, Polly Hil, Sven Van Haelst, Maarten De Rijcke, Uwe Wichert The text intends to inform the reader about ongoing research efforts within the EU Interreg project North Sea Wrecks (NSW) and its collaboration with the German Aerospace Centre and the Institute for the Protection of Maritime Infrastructures (DLR) to assess and understand the environmental risks posed by shipwrecks and dumped munitions in the North Sea and globally. It details the methodologies used, such as historical document analysis, visual inspections, and sample analysis.

03 - Risk assessment of war wrecks – a comprehensive approach investigating four wrecks containing munitions in the German Bight/North Sea

Authors: Sheng Wu, Nian Jiang, Shuai Zhang, Pingping Zhang, Peng Zhao, Yang Liu, & Yanhui Wang This document analyzes the technological feasibility and potential environmental impacts of offshore floating photovoltaic (PV) plants to highlight the advantages of floating PV systems, particularly in marine environments, and to address the current low technology readiness level in this new field. It also seeks to explore the interactions between offshore floating PV plants and the marine environment throughout the entire life cycle of the PV systems, from manufacturing to disposal.

Authors: V. Trinadha Rao, V. Suneel, Venkata Sai Gulakaram, & Chilukuri Lakshmi Sravani This study focused on the computation and analysis of monthly climatological Lagrangian coherent structures (cLCS) in the Bay of Bengal (BoB) using 24 years of ocean current and wind data to reveal the cLCS associated with seasonal monsoon currents and mesoscale processes, validate these structures with satellite imagery and modeled oil spill trajectories, and demonstrate their application in predicting the transport and accumulation zones of pollutants like oil spills

Authors: Romain Stefanelli, Maria Rosa Beccia , Pier Lorenzo Solari, David Suhard, Sophie Pagnotta, Aurelie Jeanson, Jean Ulrich Mullot, Françoise Vernier, Christophe Moulin, Marguerite Monfort, Jean Aupiai, Christophe Den Auwer This study focused on understanding uranium accumulation, speciation, and localization in marine biota, specifically using mussels as sentinel species to assess the environmental impact of uranium, particularly in marine ecosystems, by employing various analytical, spectroscopic, and imaging techniques. The study also highlights the differences in uranium accumulation between mussels from two different locations and outlines future research directions to identify the proteins or metabolites involved in uranium complexation.

Authors: Changjing Fu, Yangming Xu, and Tianlong Zhao This document discusses the findings from a flume model test that examined the evolution pattern of riverbeds and the mechanisms of local scour under unsteady flow conditions to provide insights into the susceptibility of pipelines to suspension during floods, the stages of this suspension process, and the factors affecting erosion. Additionally, it offers recommendations for enhancing erosion resistance in pipeline-laying projects and suggests that the study can serve as a reference for pipeline engineering design and protection strategies.

Authors: Jiarui Xie, Ruichao Xue, Fuqiang Niu, Benqing Chen, and Yanming Yang This article presents a study on the effects of high-intensity impulsive noise from pile driving on fish, specifically focusing on the large yellow croaker. It highlights the importance of using advanced numerical acoustic models, notably a 3D parabolic equation method, to accurately predict underwater noise propagation in complex coastal environments to demonstrate the inadequacy of simplistic models and the necessity of considering three- dimensional propagation effects to assess the environmental impact on marine life accurately.

18 - Three-dimensional acoustic propagation of noise from impact pile driving in a complex costal environment and its effects on large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea)

Authors: Muhammad Saladin Prawirasasra This document thesis summarizes and highlights the key features and findings of a series of scientific publications related to the study of underwater vocalizations of pinnipeds, the impact of ferry noise on ringed seals, the effects of ship-radiated sound on pinnipeds, and the analysis of wind-driven ambient sound spectra. It outlines the specific focus of each publication and the ecological and biological implications of the research conducted.

Authors: Han Tian, Junsheng Zhong, Jiangyuan Chen, Yane Jiang, Jun Zhang, Wei Xie, Zuyuan Gao, Yuchao Wang, Haozhen Liu, Sujing Wang, Fei Zhang, Jie Yang, and Kedong Yin This study documents the first recorded presence of Pacific sleeper sharks in the deep waters off the southeast coast of Hainan Island in the South China Sea. The study involved using a dead cow as bait and a metal-framed cage with cameras to observe the sharks' feeding behavior. The findings indicate an expansion of the known habitat range of this shark species and suggest broader implications for understanding the geographic connectivity and habitat ranges of large marine animals. The study also highlights the potential impact of anthropogenic influences, such as climate change, on the distribution of marine species.

24 - Southwestward Expansion of the Pacific Sleeper Shark’s (Somniosus pacificus ) Known Distribution into the South China Sea

25 - Surface latent and sensible heat fluxes over the Pacific Sub-Arctic Ocean from saildrone observations and three global reanalysis products

Authors: Subhatra Sivam, Chidong Zhang, Dongxiao Zhang, Lisan Yu, and Isabella Dressel This study evaluates the accuracy of sea surface latent and sensible heat fluxes from three global reanalysis products (NASA MERRA2, ECMWF ERA5, NOAA CFSR2) by comparing them with observations from sail drones to validate these reanalysis products in the context of the Pacific sub-Arctic open ocean. It highlights discrepancies, particularly with CFSR2, while suggesting that MERRA2 and ERA5 are generally reliable for representing mean air- sea exchanges but may have limitations for high- frequency variability studies.

26 - Variation in the Health Status of the Mediterranean Gorgonian Forests: The Synergistic Effect of Marine Heat Waves and Fishing Activity

Authors: Martina Canessa, Rosella Bertolotto, Federico Betti, Marzia Bo, Alessandro Dagnino, Francesco Enrichetti, Margherita Toma, and Giorgio Bavestrello This study analyzes the impact of environmental and human-induced stressors on the red gorgonian Paramuricea clavata in the Mediterranean Sea. It discusses the threats this species faces, such as heat waves and fishing activities, and examines the correlation between these stressors and the occurrence of epibiosis on the gorgonian colonies. It also highlights the importance of long-term monitoring to understand changes in marine benthic communities.

Authors: Silvia Bossi, Luciano Blasi, Giacomo Cupertino, Ramiro dell Erba, Angelo Cipollini, Saverio De Vito, Marco Santoro, Girolamo Di Francia, and Giuseppe Marco Tina This study analyzes the current state of monitoring practices for floating photovoltaic (FPV) plants, highlighting the need for standardized guidelines and criteria for water quality monitoring and management. It discusses the challenges and environmental impacts associated with FPV systems, the importance of monitoring key physico-chemical parameters, and the potential of autonomous solutions for environmental impact monitoring to identify gaps in the existing literature and propose the development of a cohesive framework for effective monitoring of FPV systems.

Authors: Michael C. Denes, and Erik van Sebille The paper intends to describe and promote the features and capabilities of the "plastic parcels" Python package to inform about its functionalities for simulating the transport and dispersion of plastics in the ocean, its integration with the parcels framework, and its adaptability for various computational environments. It also highlights the package's modular design, user-friendly interface, and potential applications in research and development related to ocean plastic pollution modeling. Additionally, it outlines future goals for the package, such as support for macroplastics and cloud platform integration.

10 - Cellular adaptations of the scleractinian coral Madracis pharensis to chronic oil pollution in a Mediterranean shipwreck.

Authors: Alessandro Nardi, Vasilis Resaikos, Magdalene Papatheodoulou , Marta Di Carlo, Harini Vedhanarayanan, Francesco Regoli, Stefania Gorbi, and Carlos Jimenez Chemical pollution in marine ecosystems affects stress levels and interacts with climate change. This study examined epibenthic communities near a shipwreck in the Levantine Basin, comparing oil-contaminated and clean areas. Results showed different community structures over 11 years, with increased PAH levels in impacted corals. The coral Madracis pharensis showed adaptations to stress, but implications of these changes are still unclear.

14 - Artificial structure selection by economically important reef fishes at North Carolina artificial reefs.

Author: Ryan M. Tharp, Nathan J. Hostetter, Avery B. Paxton, J. Christopher Taylor, and Jeffrey A. Buckel. Artificial reefs can help manage marine fisheries by improving natural habitats. However, the selection of structures for these reefs often lacks proper information. From 2021-2022, 72 black sea bass, 34 gag, 27 greater amberjack, nine almaco jack, and eight red snapper were tagged near Cape Lookout, North Carolina. Black sea bass showed little movement, while gag and red snapper moved between structures. Greater amberjack and almaco jack explored the most, favoring high relief structures like vessels. These findings will aid managers in selecting effective structures for artificial reefs.

28 - An Icy Worlds life detection strategy based on Exo-AUV.

Authors: Bin Wang, & Hongde Qin Icy Worlds like Europa and Enceladus may hold answers to the search for life beyond Earth. Exo-AUV technology is promising for detecting life in these icy oceans. This study explores a hypothetical life detection mission on Europa, focusing on goals, regions, and analysis needed for success. It proposes strategies and outlines the technology needed for Exo-AUVs, while addressing challenges and suggesting a roadmap for their development to help scientists find biosignatures and potential life forms.

35 - An Assessment of Demersal Elasmobranch Occurrence and Associated Habitats Using an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV).

Authors: Jonathon Taylor, John A. Howe, James Thorburn, Clive J. Fox, Christopher McGonigle, Petra Rybanska Plastic debris in coastal areas experiences weathering, but the effects on different sides of the same plastic are not well studied. This research collected 1573 plastic fragments and found notable weathering differences between exposed and shaded sides. The study revealed that the sun-exposed sides showed more damage, with increased cracks, while shaded sides remained smoother. Results indicate uneven weathering, providing insights for better predicting plastic degradation and informing pollution reduction strategies.

37 - Benthic Feeding and Diet Partitioning in Red Sea Mesopelagic Fish Resolved Through DNA Metabarcoding and ROV Footage.

Authors: Kah Kheng Lim, Carlos Angulo-Preckler, Christopher A. Hempel, Mohammad A. Qurban, Vincent A. Pieribone, Carlos M. Duarte Mesopelagic fish are important for carbon capture due to their daily movements, but their diets are not well understood in the Red Sea. This study looks at two common species, lanternfish and lightfish, using DNA analysis and video. Lightfish have a broader diet than lanternfish, which mainly eat copepods. Both species also consume other prey but differ in their dietary choices. The study shows these fish feed on the sea floor, a rare behavior. Their feeding helps carbon storage in the ocean, highlighting the need for more research on their ecological roles.

36 - Two sides of the same coin: weathering differences of plastic fragments in coastal environments around the globe.

Authors: Bo Hu, Mui-Choo Jong, João Frias, Irina Chubarenko, Gabriel Enrique De-la-Torre, Prabhu Kolandhasamy, Md. Jaker Hossain, Elena Esiukova, Lei Su, Hua Deng, Wenjun Zhao, Yifan Zheng, Huahong Shi Mesopelagic fish are important for carbon capture due to their daily movements. This study looks at two common species, lanternfish and lightfish, using DNA analysis and video. Lightfish have a broader diet than lanternfish, which mainly eat copepods. Both species also consume other prey but differ in their dietary choices. The study shows these fish feed on the sea floor, a rare behavior. Their feeding helps carbon storage in the ocean, highlighting the need for more research on their ecological roles.

Author: Amy MacIntosh, Daniel T. Oldfield, Dioni I. Cendon, Andrew D. Langendam, Nicholas Howell, Daryl L. Howard, Tom Cresswell This study identifies a dense crystalline matrix of baryte (BaSO4) in a decommissioned subsea well tubular pipe, influenced by changing chemical and physical environments. The scale's radioactivity is strongly correlated with baryte, and it gradually formed within the pipe's interior over 17 years of production. This knowledge can help in decommissioning planning and mitigate potential radiological risks to marine ecosystems, enhancing offshore petroleum infrastructure decommissioning decisions.

04 - Naturally occurring radioactive materials in offshore infrastructure: Understanding formation and characteristics of baryte scale during decommissioning planning

05 - Sea of plastic: representations of the sea and pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors regarding marine plastic pollution in Peru and Chile

Authors: Fernanda Saavedra, Marisol Mego, Sofia Ticona, Martin Thiel, Jostein Baeza, and Agustín Espinosa This study examines the attitudes and pro-environmental behaviors of Peruvian and Chilean citizens towards marine pollution, focusing on plastic pollution. It shows a positive perception of the sea, which fulfills recreational and economic purposes. Environmental concern is anthropocentric, focusing on individuals and society. However, most initiatives proposed are individual actions, indicating a low commitment from authorities.

06 - Biofouling initial succession on offshore artificial substrate under subtropical conditions

Author: Vanessa o. agostini & Carla P. Ozorio This study examines the macrofouling community on artificial substrates exposed to offshore subtropical marine environments. It reveals that depth, exposure time, UV- radiation, rainfall, temperature, pH, salinity, water chlorophyll-a, and zooplankton supply contribute to the establishment of the community. It also demonstrate that species richness and density increased at depths of 3m and 22m, while zooplankton composition did not show a simultaneous temporal relationship with invertebrate recruitment.

Authors: Peter A. Todd, Clara Lei Xin Yong, Sze Hui Foo, Lynette Shu Min Ying and Janine Ledet Marine microplastics pose a global pollution issue, necessitating the development of plastic-less field sampling techniques. Traditional designs can be repurposed or self-developed using materials like metal, wood, silk, and cork. These techniques can significantly reduce or eliminate plastics from the field sampling process, reducing contamination and promoting sustainable practices in marine environments.

07 - Plastic-less equipment for sampling marine microplastics

08 - Editorial: New plastic pollution types and novel sources of microplastic pollution in marine systems

Author: Sonja M. Ehlers, Julius A. Ellrich, and Ignacio Gestoso. Plastic pollution is a growing concern, with animals entangled in discarded plastic and microplastics consumed during foraging. New sources, such as weathering polymer-based paints, have been identified recently. These plastic forms differ from regular debris in appearance, chemical composition, and environmental fate. This study aims to increase awareness of these novel plastic pollution sources and their potential environmental effects, enabling them to be characterized and incorporated into mitigation measures.

11 - The present and future contribution of ships to the underwater soundscape

Authors: Luca Possenti, Lennart de Nooijer, Christ de Jong, Frans- Peter Lam, Simon Beelen, Johan Bosschers, Tom van Terwisga, Rens Stigter, and Gert-Jan Reichart Since the industrial revolution, the ocean has become noisier due to increased shipping, which can negatively impact fish, invertebrates, marine mammals, and birds. Engineers are now exploring ways to reduce ship noise in new ship designs. This review discusses the future underwater soundscape in the ocean, comparing open and shallow seas, and the effects of water quality on ship- radiated noise, particularly propeller cavitation noise.

12 - Assessment of mariculture-derived microplastic pollution in Dapeng Cove, China

Authors: Yong Xu, Shilin Li, Jianlei Chen, and Zhengguo Cu Marine microplastic pollution, along with ocean acidification and greenhouse effects, is a global concern. This study highlights a moderate level of microplastic pollution, with fibers being the predominant shape in Dapeng Cove (China). Long-term mariculture development has led to a large amount of microplastics in water and sediments. The study suggests enhancing regulations on plastic products, reducing microplastic production and release, and developing alternatives to plastic fishing gear.

Author: Abirami A Marine pollution, a major global issue, is caused by human activities like improper disposal, shipping, and overfishing. It harms ecology, health, and economic institutions. Solutions include international agreements, sustainable fishing, improved waste disposal, and raising awareness. Governments, environmental organizations, and advocacy groups are working to reduce pollution, protect biodiversity, and reduce financial expenses.

13 - Marine Pollution and Waste Management

20 - Offshore oil and gas infrastructure plays a minor role in marine metapopulation dynamics

Authors: Ronen Galaiduk, Dianne L. McLean, Conrad W. Speed, Dougal Greer, Rhys McIntosh, Eric A. Treml This study reveals that the removal of offshore oil and gas infrastructure in the Bass Strait, Australia, has varying effects on marine population dynamics, including connectivity. While platforms are not major sources for most species, they act as modest sources for Corynactis australis (jewel anemone). Subsea pipelines, however, act as stepping-stones for all species except for long-spined sea urchin. It recommends that decisions to remove offshore infrastructure should be made on a platform-by- platform basis, considering pipeline contributions to connectivity and metapopulation dynamics.

21 - Revision of China’s marine environmental protection law: history, background and improvement

Author: Ruiqiang Liu China’s law on marine environmental protection is part of environmental law and outlines the measures to protect marine environments. Since its introduction in 1982, China's Marine Environmental Protection Law has been revised and amended to form a legal system based on the Constitution. The 2023 revision focused on improving mechanisms, coordinating land and sea efforts, enhancing supervision, managing marine litter, protecting biodiversity, regulating estuaries, and enforcing strict liability.

23 - Metatranscriptomic response of deep ocean microbial populations to infusions of oil and/or synthetic chemical dispersant

Author: Tito D. Peña-Montenegro, Sara Kleindienst, Andrew E. Allen, A. Murat Eren, John P. McCrow, Jonathan Arnold, Samantha B. Joye Oil spills significantly impact the marine environment, impacting the local microbiome. Previous studies showed that synthetic dispersants alone did not enhance microbial activity or oxidation rates of hydrocarbon components. However, exposure to oil, but not dispersants, increased the abundance of other taxa and stimulated hydrocarbon oxidation rates. This study interpreted metatranscriptomic data to explore how specific microbial community components respond to different organic carbon exposure regimes.

22 - The Brazilian Santos basin underwater soundscape monitoring project (PMPAS-BS)

Authors: Jose Antonio Moreira Lima, William Soares Filho, Fabio C. Xavier, Thiago Pires de Paula, Angela Spengler, Fernando Goncalves de Almeida, Diogo Peregrino Correa Pereira, Valeria Souza Rego, Catia Galotta, Carlos Correa Junior, and Alexandre Bazyl The Santos Basin Underwater Soundscape Monitoring Project (PMPAS-BS) is a Brazilian initiative aiming to quantify and assess hydroacoustic noise from anthropogenic sources in the southeastern Brazilian continental margin of the South Atlantic Ocean. The project covers over 251,000 km2 and uses mobile, fixed shallow-water, and fixed oceanic monitoring methods. It focuses on noise associated with oil and gas exploration, production activities, and shipping lanes.

27 - Comparing the environmental impacts of pollution from two types of industrial zones on the coast

Authors: Jian Liang, Chae-Woo Ma, and Kwang-Bae Kim This study compares the environmental impact of ironworks and shipyards along South Korea's coast. Heavy metal pollution near these zones was assessed using the Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Nemerow Pollution Index (Pn) to provide insights for the South Korean government in managing coastal industrial zones and formulating relevant policies.

31 - A Submersible Power Station: Part A Helium Power Conversion Unit

Authors: Jon Serna, Eduardo Anselmi Palma, Stefania Romero, Dimitrios Fouflias, and Pericles Pilidis Nuclear power holds promise in the green revolution, but public opinion is mixed. A submersible nuclear power station concept is presented to address concerns and promote growth. This submarine can move under its own power, be earthquake-proof, and be built, commissioned, maintained, refueled, and scrapped in countries like the UK. The design, similar to the largest existing nuclear submarines, could deliver 0.6 to 1 GW of electrical power.

32 - Using underwater mini-ROV for coral eDNA survey: a case study in Okinawan mesophotic ecosystems

Authors: Noriyuki Satoh, Frederic Sinniger, Haruhi Narisoko, Shinichiro Nagahama, Nobuhiro Okada, Yuki Shimizu, Yuki Yoshioka, Kanako Hisata, Saki Harii Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) are light-dependent communities at depths of 30-150 meters, providing refuge against thermal stress. They have a high diversity of communities and are not immune to anthropogenic threats. To detect and characterize MCEs, the study’s authors improved the mesophotic scleractinian survey method using environmental DNA metabarcoding analysis, testing this approach at upper mesophotic sites in Okinawa, Japan, detecting dominant coral genera and other genera.

33 - Light Pollution in the Arctic Marine Environment

Authors: Ifeoluwa Ihotu Kayode-Edwards, and David Osagie Agbontaen Light pollution, a form of artificial light, disrupts natural illumination, disrupting ecosystems and obscuring celestial observations. It is particularly important in the Arctic due to its unique environmental and cultural significance. The region's prolonged winter darkness is crucial for species survival and traditional practices, while minimal light pollution impairs astronomical research. Mitigating light pollution supports biodiversity conservation, indigenous culture preservation, and scientific advancement, highlighting the need for sustainable lighting practices and targeted policies.

34 - Microplastics pollution in Indian marine environment: sources, effects and solutions

Authors: Josephine Anthony, Sureka Varalakshmi, Ashok Kumar Sekar, Kumar Thalavai Sivasankarasubbiah, Thilagam Harikrishnan, Vijaya Raghavan Rangamaran, Dharani Gopal, and Kirubagaran Ramalingam Ingestion of microplastics by marine organisms and humans can lead to physiological harm, including inflammation, digestive blockages, and hormonal imbalances. This review highlights the sources, types, and transport of microplastics, as well as analytical methods for detecting pollution. Comprehensive strategies, including policy interventions and public awareness campaigns, are essential for preserving marine ecosystems and human livelihoods.