environmental

Environmental studies 2025 - Part A

Author: Rasik Akhtar Apon This review discusses the impact of ship pollution on ocean animals, including the Florida Manatee, Seabirds, Hawksbill Turtle, and Beluga Whales. Ships transport over 80% of the world's commodities and transfer 3-5 billion tons of ballast water annually. Pollution sources include oil spills, chemical discharges, garbage, sewage, engine emissions, and anti-fouling paint. It shows that noise pollution from ships and other marine structures can lead to auditory masking, cochlear damage, behavioral changes, disrupted metabolisms, reduced population recruitment, and ultimately harm marine ecosystems

01 - Effects of Ship pollution in Marine Life

04 - The Role of the MEMAC in Protecting the Marine Environment of the Persian Gulf

Authors: Fatemeh Arjmand, Ali Mashdi The Persian Gulf marine pollution poses a significant global challenge, with oil spills causing irreparable damage. International maritime law and regional organizations, such as the Regional Cooperation Council for Combating Marine Pollution (MEMAC), play crucial roles in addressing these emergencies. However, challenges remain, including continous oil spills and inadequate financial and technological resources.

05 - Surfacing and diving behavior associated with thermal physiology in oceanic habitats of skipjack tuna ( Katsuwonus pelamis) in the western north Pacific Ocean)

Authors: Yoshinori Aoki, Takashi Kitagawa, and Hidetada Kiyofuji This study examines how thermal physiology influences skipjack tuna's vertical behavior during northward migration in the western North Pacific. Using archival tag data, the researchers measured surfacing and diving behavior and estimated the whole-body heat transfer coefficient during cooling and warming phases. Results showed that skipjack tuna were more widespread in southern mixed layer areas and restricted to surface areas in strong thermocline areas, and minor to no differences in heat transfer coefficient values between cooling and warming phases in southern regions.

08 - How Marine Plastic Pollution Education Develops Secondary School Students’ Sustainability Competences

Authors: Viktoria Smenes, and Hilde Ervik This study examines Norwegian secondary school students' knowledge and attitudes towards marine plastic pollution. Results show that 51.4% of respondents have adequate knowledge about protecting biodiversity, 29.7% understand microplastics as threats, and 35.1% believe their actions will make a difference. However, the study suggests that international cooperation on sustainable development is needed. The findings provide a foundation for marine plastic pollution education.

09 - Research on High-Performance Biosensors for Effective Marine Pollution Monitoring

Authors: Yanhan Xia This article discusses the importance of biosensors in monitoring marine pollution caused by human activities. It examines their composition, classification, and working principles, and their detection effects in various aspects of marine pollution detection. It anticipates the future development of multi-characteristic sensing platforms for coastal sensor networks. Finally, it emphasizes the need for more empirical studies and field tests to evaluate the performance of marine biosensors.

12 - 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, ohammad A. Qurban, Vincent A. Pieribone, Carlos M. Duarte This study examines the dietary composition of two common mesopelagic fish species in the Red Sea: the lanternfish (Benthosema taxa) and the endemic lightfish (Vinciguerria mabahiss). Results show V. mabahiss has higher prey diversity than Benthosema taxa, suggesting a more generalist feeding strategy. Both species primarily consume copepods, but V. mabahiss occasionally consumes gelatinous prey. These mesopelagic fish contribute to the biological carbon pump, redistributing organic material through diel vertical migrations.

13 - Evaluating Solutions to Marine Plastic Pollution

Authors: Diego Vergara, Javier de la Hoz-M, Edwan Anderson Ariza-Echeverri, Pablo Fernández- Arias, and Álvaro Antón-Sancho Plastic waste pollution in oceans is a major environmental issue, with millions of tons of polymers floating on the surface. This pollution negatively impacts marine ecosystems and wildlife, and can lead to harmful effects on human health. A growing global commitment to sustainability is being made, with research focusing on data-driven models, circular economy innovations, and microplastics' impact on ecosystems and human health. Integrating advanced technologies with sustainable practices is crucial.

14 - An FMEA Assessment of an HTR-Based Hydrogen Production Plant

Authors: Lorenzo Damiani, Francesco Novarini, and Guglielmo Lomonaco This paper discusses the use of hydrogen as an energy vector, specifically Steam Methane Reforming (SMR), a high-temperature chemical reaction between steam and CH4. It examines a plant using a helium-cooled high- temperature nuclear reactor (HTR) and its safety and reliability features. The paper uses Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to assess hydrogen production reliability over 20 years, identifying failures and proposing improvements to improve reliability.

15 - Heavy metal alarm of marine fish consumption surrounding Qiongzhou Strait, the South China Sea

Authors: Peng Zhang, Zijun Ye, Liping Huang, Xuefeng Wang, and Wei Zhang Heavy metal pollution in marine ecosystems is a significant concern, and monitoring levels is crucial for human health. This study investigates the bioaccumulation of eight elements in marine fish in the Qiongzhou Strait, South China Sea. Zinc is the predominant heavy metal, with the lowest risk in Pampus argenteus. Uroconger lepturus has an elevated risk of As bioaccumulation.

16 - Spatial distribution and risk assessment of heavy metal(loid)s in sediments and marine organisms in the Yellow River estuary and its adjacent areas, China

Author: Enkang Wang, Jing Wang, Yonggen Sun, Jinxia Zhao, Zhiwei Zhang, Guoqiang Xu, Yongqiang Zhang, and Daolai Zhang Heavy metals (HMs) are widespread pollutants in marine ecosystems, mainly derived from natural sources. This study started in October 2022 determined the extent of HM in the Yellow River estuary and its surrounding areas by analyzing the contents of seven HMs in 103 surface sediments and 82 marine organisms. The results showed that all other HMs had similar spatial distributions and were mainly derived from natural sources.

17 - Exposure to plastic debris alters expression of biomineralization, immune, and stress-related genes in the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica)

Authors: Laura E. Eierman, Jacob Landis The degradation of marine plastic debris poses a threat to organisms by fragmenting into micro- and nano-scale pieces and releasing a complex chemical leachate into the water. This study examined the holistic threat of plastic exposure and the synergistic impacts of chemical mixtures. This study found that both gill and gonadal tissue samples had altered expression of immune and stress-response genes in response to plastic exposure.

20 - Microplastic pollution in aquatic environments: a meta-analysis of in inuencing factors and methodological recommendations

Authors: Linus Hartz, Lisa Grabinski, and Samir Salameh This meta-analysis of over 60 studies across Europe found that microplastic concentrations correlate with mesh size in marine environments but not freshwater environments, suggesting primary microplastics in freshwater. It highlights that factors influencing microplastic distribution include sampling latitude, proximity to wastewater treatment plants, population density, mesh size, distance to coastlines, seasonal variations, and wind speeds. It recommends specific standardized methodologies to enhance data comparability and accuracy.

21 - Examining marine pollution governance from the perspective of international investment law: theoretical connection, development trends, and China’s experience

Authors: Xue Liu, and Zhanyang Yu This study examines ocean pollution governance through international investment law, focusing on environmental clauses and China's marine environmental laws. Findings suggest a shift towards "greening" rules, emphasizing ecological provisions. However, earlier treaties often lacked comprehensive clauses, restricting regulatory capacities. Strengthening multilateral cooperation and promoting marine environmental regulations can mitigate the negative impacts of investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS).

22 - Immediate and short-term effects of pile-driving on Hector’s dolphin in Lyttelton Harbour, Aotearoa New Zealand

Authors: Deanna M. Clement, Heloise Pavanato, Crystal Lenky, and Matthew K. Pine Aotearoa New Zealand's Lyttelton Port Company is the first port to monitor pile-driving noise effects on local Hector's dolphins. The dolphins' responses were assessed using autonomous underwater recorders. Results showed that as sound exposure increased, dolphin detections declined, with immediate declines at sites less than 1km away. After piling ceased, dolphins returned to inner harbor waters, but a longer-term decline occurred during the 2019 construction period. Mitigation measures were successful, but additional measures are needed for future port infrastructure developments.

23 - International Legal Systems in Tackling the Marine Plastic Pollution: A Critical Analysis of UNCLOS and MARPOL

Authors: Yen-Chiang Chang, and Muhammad Saqib Marine plastic pollution is a pressing environmental issue affecting marine ecosystems and human health. Despite international agreements like UNCLOS and MARPOL, existing laws often fail to address the problem. This study examines UNCLOS and MARPOL's responses to land- based and ship-based MPP, highlighting gaps in their frameworks. It proposes practical proposals to refine international laws, strengthen enforcement, and encourage collective action, including a circular economy model, legal infrastructure, and a single global response.

25 - Applications of Fluorescence Technology for Rapid Identification of Marine Plastic Pollution

Authors: Haoyu Zhang, Yanjun Li, Lixin Zhu, Xindi Song, Changbin Ren, Buyu Guo, and Yanzhen Gu The increasing global plastic production is causing marine plastic pollution, requiring the development of effective identification technologies. Fluorescence technology is evaluated for its potential in rapid plastic identification, identifying different types of plastics and microplastics. It also demonstrates the effectiveness of fluorescence techniques for macroplastic identification, highlighting changes in fluorescence lifetimes and decay rates in different weathering environments.

26 - Assessing Plastic Brittleness to Understand Secondary Microplastic Formation on Beaches: A Hotspot for Weathered Marine Plastics

Authors: Astrid E. Delorme, Laurent Lebreton, Sarah- Jeanne Royer, Kimeona Kane, Mael Arhant, Maelenn Le Gall, and Pierre-Yves Le Gac This study explores the formation of secondary microplastics from plastic debris, particularly on Hawaiian beaches, by investigating the brittleness of polyethylene and polypropylene particles using a fragmentation test. It shows a low molecular weight, suggesting advanced degradation, and provides a large-scale, field-based quantification of plastic brittleness, underscoring the severity of coastal and ocean plastic pollution.

27 - Being there: scientific saturation and technical diving with in situ instrumentation in an internal surf zone reveal driving physical dynamics of coral reefs

Authors: James J. Leichter, Stephen R. Wing, M. Dale Stokes, and Salvatore J. Genovese Since the 1950s, SCUBA diving has allowed for significant study of coral reefs, but most diving is limited to shallow, calm waters for short periods. Over 20 years, researchers used advanced diving techniques and instruments to explore deeper areas and challenging conditions. They found varied reef environments influenced by internal waves and discovered important links between shallow and deep ecosystems. Their work emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring for understanding reef dynamics, especially amid climate change challenges.

28 - Setting the course: aligning European Union marine pollution policy ambitions with environmental realities

Authors: Lisa I. Devriese, Thomas J. Verleye, Thomais Vlachogianni, Thomas Maes, Ben Boteler, Linda Del Savio, Andy M. Booth, and Kathrin Kopke Pollution in coastal and marine waters is a global issue affecting interconnected ecosystems. Effective management requires a complete governance approach linking land sources to marine environments. This study evaluates the state of various pollutants and their cumulative impacts, comparing them to European Union environmental goals. A review of EU policies shows that many targets are unclear or unrealistic, hindering progress. It offers five recommendations for improving marine policy, including enhancing regulatory frameworks, enforcing laws, fostering collaboration, and integrating health and pollution policies.

29 - Spatial Dynamics and Ecological Risk Assessment of Microplastics in Littoral Sediments of the Sea of Marmara, Türkiye

Authors: Esra Billur Balcıoglu Ilhan Plastic and microplastic pollution has been a significant threat to the marine environment, particularly in the Sea of Marmara due to heavy maritime traffic and industrial discharges. This study assessed microplastics in surface sediments from the area's coast. The most common shapes were fibers and fragments, with polyethylene being the dominant polymer. Pollution levels were generally classified as moderate to very high, with no areas showing low pollution. The study highlights the urgent need for sustainable measures to protect coastal ecosystems.

30 - An Experimental Study on the Performance of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells with Marine Ion Contamination

Authors: Shian Li, Li Zhang, Gaokui Chen, Ruiyang Zhang, Aolong Liu, Guogang Yang and Qiuwan Shen This study investigates the effects of cation type and concentration on the performance of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) in marine salt spray environments. It shows that cell performance degradation is observed due to the presence of cations. The study also compares fuel cells contaminated by NaNO3 and NaCl, with NaCl causing more severe performance degradation.

31 - Land Use Change and Mangrove Restoration Modulate Heavy Metal Accumulation in Tropical Coastal Sediments: A Nearly Decade-Long Study from Hainan, China

Authors: Tingting Si, Penghua Qiu, Lei Li, Wenqian Zhou, Chuanzhao Chen, Qidong Shi, Meihuijuan Jiang, and Yanli Yang This study analyzed two mangrove reserves in Hainan Island, China, revealing increasing heavy metal pollution in the forests. It showed that DZG had higher Cu and Zn levels but a decline in Cr, As, Cd, and Pb, with Cd showing the most significant decrease, and also found that anthropogenic activities are the dominant driver of heavy metal contamination. The authors suggest stringent wastewater control near QL, enhanced shipping regulation, and the establishment of mangrove buffers to improve ecological status.

32 - At-Sea Measurement of the Effect of Ship Noise on Mussel Behaviour

Authors: Soledad Torres-Guijarro, David Santos-Domínguez, Jose M. F. Babarro, Laura García Peteiro, and Miguel Gilcoto Anthropogenic underwater noise negatively impacts marine species, particularly those sensitive to particle motion. This study aims to understand the effect of ship noise on mussel behavior by performing measurements on a real mussel cultivation raft, using valvometry systems to monitor shell opening and acoustic fields generated by traffic, showing cause-and-effect relationships between ship noise and valve closure events.

33 - Setting the course: aligning European Union marine pollution policy ambitions with environmental realities

Authors: Lisa I. Devriese, Thomas J. Verleye, Thomais Vlachogianni, Thomas Maes, Ben Boteler, Linda Del Savio, Andy M. Booth, and Kathrin Kopke This study examines the environmental status of persistent pollutants and their cumulative effects on marine environments, comparing them with the European Union's environmental goals. It suggests five actionable recommendations to strengthen marine environmental policy: aligning EU ambitions with environmental realities, reinforcing regulatory frameworks, promoting collaboration across sectors, empowering citizens and national organizations, integrating health and pollution policies, ensuring public access to pollution data, and establishing international leadership in pollution efforts.

34 - The Simulation of Offshore Radioactive Substances Diffusion Based on MIKE21: A Case Study of Jiaozhou Bay

Authors: Zhilin Hu, Feng Ye, Ziao Jiao, Junjun Chen, and Junjun Gong This study explores radionuclide diffusion patterns in semi- enclosed bays, focusing on threats to marine ecosystem stability and coastal socioeconomic resilience. Results show that tidal oscillations and topographic constraints prolong pollutant retention by 40%, increasing local concentration peaks and intensifying bioaccumulation risks in benthic organisms. These findings inform sustainable marine resource management and provide actionable metrics for balancing nuclear energy development with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Author: Gudrun Obersteiner, Gabor Bordos, Sabine Lenz, Marcel Liedermann, Johannes Mayerhofer, Reinhold Ottner, Sebastian Pessenlehner, Maja Petrovic, and Dejan Ubavin Since the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals, there is increasing concern over riverine microplastics, especially for reducing marine pollution. This study tested three monitoring methods at seven sites along the Danube and Tisza Rivers to evaluate their effectiveness. Net sampling and pressurized fractionated filtration are recommended for determining microplastic concentration and load. The multi-depth net method is best for larger particles, while pressurized filtration is better for routine monitoring of smaller particles.

35 - Assessment of Different Sampling, Sample Preparation and Analysis Methods Addressing Microplastic Concentration and Transport in Medium and Large Rivers Based on Research in the Danube River Basin

06 - Multi-AUV sediment plume estimation using Bayesian optimization

Authors: Tim Benedikt von See, Jens Greinert, and Thomas Meurer The article discusses the significant impact sediment plumes created by dredging or mining have on wider ecosystems, necessitating effective monitoring of these plumes. It introduces a Bayesian Optimization (BO)-based method for employing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) as a sensor network to monitor plume development. This method employs path optimization techniques and a sliding-window approach to adapt to temporal variations in plume dynamics. Simulation results from a dredging experiment in the Pacific Ocean illustrate the method’s effectiveness in accurately monitoring sediment plumes over time and space.

07 - Occurrence of hard coral (Genus Montipora) common in Elphinstone Island and its adjacent areas of Myeik Archipelago, Myanmar

Authors: Zarni Ko Ko, Khin Myo Myo Tint, Naung Naung Oo A total 7 species of Montipora of the Family Acroporidae were recorded as dominated corals population in the present study area. The highest number of coral species (4 species) was found at Taung Pan Gyi Station. Montipora digitata and M patula are occurred at only Sha Aw. Moreover, M. floweri was also occurred at only The Hnit Tan.

11 - Comparison of the Level and Mechanisms of Toxicity of Nanoparticles of Underwater Welding in Bioassay with Three Marine Microalgae

Authors: Konstantin Yu. Kirichenko, Konstantin S. Pikula, Vladimir V. Chayka, Alexander V. Gridasov, Igor A. Vakhniuk, Vladislava N. Volkova, Anton V. Pogodaev, Sergei G. Parshin, Yulia S. Parshina, Yuri E. Kalinin, Aleksei S. Kholodov, Sergey M. Ugay, Tatyana Yu. Orlova, and Kirill S. Golokhvast This study examines the toxicity of nano- and microparticles produced during underwater welding on marine microalgae species. It utilized water samples containing these particles and employed inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for metal analysis and flow cytometry for assessing biotoxicity. Results indicated significant toxic effects from certain welding materials on marine algae, emphasizing the need for more environmentally conscious practices.

19 - Spatial Variation in Coral Diversity and Reef Complexity in the Galápagos: Insights from Underwater photogrammetry and New Data Extraction Methods

Authors: Matan Yuval, Franklin Teran, Wilson Iniguez, William Bensted-Smith, and Inti Keith This article explores the diverse coral reef configurations in the Galápagos Islands and highlights the impact of disturbances such as El Niño and mass bleaching on these ecosystems. Traditional ecological methods have struggled to adequately capture coral demographic trends over large areas, which is why the study employs advanced photogrammetry techniques for underwater surveys. By developing new methods for 3D annotation and fractal dimension calculation, the researchers were able to reveal important variations in coral cover, diversity, and structural complexity. Their findings contribute valuable data to a new dataset, Galápagos_3D, that aims to support long-term monitoring and conservation efforts.

Authors: Feihong Zeng, Lingling Xie, Mingming Li, Qiang Li, and Simeng Liu Variations in underwater sound speed greatly affect sound propagation in the ocean, influencing navigation systems and marine life that depend on sound. This study reviews data from the Beibu Gulf in the summer and winter of 2023-2024 to analyze how temperature and salinity influence sound speed. Results show significant differences in sound speed across the 30- m isobath, with distinct seasonal patterns. In summer, sound speed is higher in the north, while in winter, it is higher in the south. Simulations indicate that sounds at 100 Hz travel farther in shallower depths, particularly in summer.

03 - Seasonal variation of underwater sound propagation in the Beibu Gulf

10 - Classification of Underwater Sediments in Lab Based on LiDAR Full-Waveform Data

Authors: Libin Du, Dawei Wan, Xiangqian Meng, Wenjing Li, Guangxin Liang and Hongyu Li The classification of shallow sea sediments using airborne LiDAR bathymetry represents a significant advancement in marine science and engineering, providing high accuracy and mobility. Despite its value, accurately classifying shallow marine sediments remains challenging due to differentiation difficulties and accuracy limitations. This paper proposes a feature selection method combining Sequential Forward Selection with Random Forests, tested in a laboratory setting. The model achieved 94.1% overall classification accuracy and a Kappa coefficient of 91.11%, enabling precise and efficient underwater sediment classification.

18 - Mapping Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) in the Central and South American Pacific: Existing knowledge and data needs

Authors: Emiliano García-Rodríguez et al. A third of chondrichthyans (sharks, rays, and chimaeras) face extinction, yet critical habitat data remains scarce. This study assessed research trends in the Central and South American Pacific to evaluate the identification of critical habitats via Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs). Sixty- five ISRAs were designated for 97 species (51%), with reproductive areas most frequently identified. Of 821 studies, 48.51% provided usable data, primarily from Mexico (58.98%) and Ecuador, while France and Honduras had minimal contributions. Key knowledge gaps persisted in deepwater, oceanic, and southern regions, particularly for deepwater species, chimaeras, and 21% of threatened species.

24 - High Resolution Mapping of Submerged Sediment Size and Suitable Salmon Spawning Habitat Using Topo-Bathymetric LiDAR in the Santiam River Basin, Oregon

Authors: James S. White, Karen Bartelt, Brandon T. Overstreet, and Jake R. Kelley River-bed grain size plays a critical role in river morphology, ecology, and aquatic habitats, influencing channel form, macroinvertebrate assemblages, fish nesting, and biogeochemical processes. Existing tools to spatially quantify submerged grain-size distributions are limited, especially in shallow rivers and over large spatial extents. This study addresses this gap by combining bathymetric Lidar point clouds with georeferenced pebble counts to measure submerged grain size at high resolution (1 m²) across 260 km of geomorphically diverse river corridors in Oregon's Santiam River Basin.

02 - Identifying mechanisms of tropical cyclone generated orographic precipitation with Doppler radar and rain gauge observations

Authors: Lin-Wen Cheng, Cheng-Ku Yu, & Syuan-Ping Chen Tropical cyclone orographic precipitation causes severe floods and landslides, but its mechanisms are poorly understood. This study investigated an intense orographic precipitation event over Da-Tun Mountain in Taiwan during Typhoon Meari (2011) using rain gauge networks and Doppler radar. The analysis revealed that the seeder- feeder mechanism, not the commonly cited upslope lifting mechanism, was the primary driver of heavy precipitation. Secondary contributions came from smaller- scale convective elements within the typhoon that interacted with the mountain. These findings clarify the relative importance of different processes in orographically enhanced precipitation during tropical cyclones.

36 - Marine Mammal Acoustics in a Noisy Ocean

Authors: Christine Erbe, Dorian Houser, Ann Bowles, Michael B. Porter The concept for this book emerged from numerous suggestions to update Richardson et al.'s 1995 'Marine Mammals and Noise'. In 2011, the author assembled a team of co-editors, securing funding in 2013. Despite initial optimism, the project grew complex as the literature expanded and methodologies improved. Standards for underwater acoustic terminology and noise measurement were published post-completion of the initial chapters. The author sought help from global colleagues and the team, who all contributed to revising the chapters concurrently.

37 - Biological effects of munition left on sunken war ships in the North Sea: a multi-biomarker study using caged blue mussels and fish caught at WWII wreck sites at the Belgian coast