Black Sea Eutrophication Comparative Analysis of Intensity between Coastal and Offshore Waters

Sustainability, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 16(12), P. 5146 - 5146

Published: June 17, 2024

Eutrophication, driven by excessive nutrient enrichment from sources like agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and urbanisation, has severely impacted the Black Sea since 1980s. This study aimed to assess eutrophication dynamics in Romanian Exclusive Economic Zone 2020 2022 using Eutrophication Assessment Tool (BEAST), an integrated approach causes effects of eutrophication. Data were collected 68 stations during five oceanographic expeditions, analysing 617 water samples for nutrients, chlorophyll a, zooplankton species Noctiluca scintillans, dissolved oxygen. Additionally, 179 zoobenthic 251 phytobenthic community collected. The results indicate that coastal waters exhibit higher levels algal blooms compared offshore waters, necessitating significant reductions concentrations achieve good environmental status. In transitional within Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, a 55% reduction inorganic phosphorus 43% nitrogen are required, while need 38% 37%, respectively. highlights improved wastewater treatment, stricter runoff controls, continuous monitoring. Effective ecosystem-based management strategies, zone management, international cooperation essential mitigate promote long-term health ecosystem.

Language: Английский

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A Long-Term Perspective of Seasonal Shifts in Nutrient Dynamics and Eutrophication in the Romanian Black Sea Coast

Sustainability, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 17(3), P. 1090 - 1090

Published: Jan. 29, 2025

This study investigates the long-term seasonal shifts in nutrient dynamics and eutrophication processes Romanian Black Sea coastal waters using multi-decadal data (1960/1976/1980–2023). The findings highlight significant interannual changes, revealing a progressive rise seawater temperature, declining oxygen concentrations, notable stoichiometry, particularly an increasing nitrogen–phosphorus (N:P) ratio. These changes are closely associated with increased occurrences of harmful algal blooms (Noctiluca scintillans), emphasizing complex relationship between warming, dissolved cycles, biological activity. Seasonal patterns show that prolonged warmer periods, especially during autumn, exacerbate depletion imbalances, implications for marine life food webs. underscores importance targeted nitrogen reduction strategies, including optimized fertilizer use, improved wastewater treatment, establishment buffer zones to minimize land-based inputs. Regional cooperation integrated management aligned Marine Strategy Framework Directive essential mitigating eutrophication. results provide critical insights into impacts climate change on ecosystems. research contributes global efforts under SDG 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), 3 (Good Health Well-being), addressing key challenges biodiversity, water quality, ecosystem sustainability.

Language: Английский

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Baseline Assessment of Black Sea Food Web Integrity Using a Zooplankton-Based Approach Under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive

Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 13(4), P. 713 - 713

Published: April 2, 2025

This study presents the first scientific evaluation of food web integrity in Black Sea under Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) Descriptor 4 (Food Webs), utilizing zooplankton indicators to assess environmental status during warm season (May October) from 2018 2023. The research aims analyze trophic interactions, biodiversity patterns, and ecological stability by examining three key indicators: Shannon–Wiener diversity index, Copepoda biomass, Mnemiopsis leidyi biomass. findings reveal that index failed achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) any four Reporting Units (MRUs), suggesting insufficient community potential imbalances. biomass met GES criteria only marine offshore waters, indicating spatial variability copepod population across Sea. Meanwhile, M. remained within thresholds all MRUs, its levels do not currently threaten web, despite known invasive impact. provides critical baseline data on structure dynamics Sea, offering a scientifically grounded framework for future monitoring management strategies. results emphasize need targeted conservation efforts adaptive approaches enhance health alignment with MSFD objectives.

Language: Английский

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The Unsung Heroes of Aquatic Ecosystems: The Vital Roles of Plankton

IntechOpen eBooks, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 20, 2025

Plankton, a diverse group of organisms suspended in freshwater and marine ecosystems, plays crucial role aquatic environments. They are categorized into phytoplankton, zooplankton, bacterioplankton, each contributing uniquely to ecological processes. Phytoplankton, as primary producers, drives photosynthesis oxygen production, forming the base food webs. Zooplankton, consumers, link producers higher trophic levels aid nutrient recycling. Bacterioplankton is essential for decomposing organic material mediating biogeochemical cycles. Plankton distribution influenced by environmental factors such light, nutrients, temperature, salinity, with distinct communities habitats. Understanding plankton dynamics vital appreciating their global cycles ecosystem health.

Language: Английский

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Investigating the Seasonal Dynamics of Zooplankton Abundance in Relation to Water Quality Parameters

Natural and Engineering Sciences, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 10(1), P. 279 - 289

Published: April 1, 2025

Zooplankton communities play a vital role in aquatic ecosystems, serving as indicators of water quality and primary consumers the food web. Environmental conditions different nutrient concentrations affect their diversity abundance. This research investigates seasonal abundance four major zooplankton groups including Protozoa, Rotifera, Cladocera, Copepoda about key parameters across six seasons: summer, spring, rainy, late autumn, winter. samples were collected monthly over one year, was analyzed alongside temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, transparency, levels. The results show that total density ranged from 1,250 to 4,870 individuals/L, with highest observed summer (4,870 ind./L) lowest winter (1,250 ind./L). Protozoa dominated rainy season (42.3%), while Rotifera had percentage (38.6%). Cladocera showed peak autumn (22.5%), whereas most abundant (19.2%). Higher temperatures levels coincided increase abundance, colder led decline population density. findings highlight communities’ dynamic nature relationship environmental conditions, emphasizing need for continuous monitoring support freshwater ecosystem management.

Language: Английский

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Recent Findings on the Pollution Levels in the Romanian Black Sea Ecosystem: Implications for Achieving Good Environmental Status (GES) Under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (Directive 2008/56/EC)

Sustainability, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 16(22), P. 9785 - 9785

Published: Nov. 9, 2024

This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of contamination levels in the Romanian Black Sea within framework Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Over course five oceanographic expeditions between 2020 and 2022, data were gathered from 70 stations transitional, coastal, shelf, offshore waters Sea. Analyses conducted on water, sediment, biota samples for key contaminants: heavy metals (HMs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs) polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The assessment identified hotspots near riverine inputs, urban runoff, harbor activities, industrial discharges. Offshore also showed measurable pollutant levels, likely diffuse sources atmospheric deposition. findings reveal widespread HMs, PAHs, POPs across Sea, with concentrations certain areas exceeding acceptable environmental thresholds, highlighting ongoing challenges regional pollution management. PAHs prevalent both nearshore regions, while OCPs PCBs detected various matrices, significant observed water samples. emphasizes importance integrated assessments MSFD framework, suggesting that future evaluations should complement “one out-all out” (OOAO) approach multi-metric tools, to enhance robustness status reporting. Despite improvements some areas, remains critical challenge, requiring strengthened regulations, improved waste management, increased cooperation mitigate risks marine ecosystems. provide valuable upcoming national cycle (2018–2023) highlight need sustained monitoring coordinated efforts ensure long-term sustainability.

Language: Английский

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Exploring Mesozooplankton Insights by Assessing the Ecological Status of Black Sea Waters Under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive

Oceans, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 5(4), P. 923 - 950

Published: Dec. 2, 2024

Mesozooplankton are highly responsive to environmental changes, making their population dynamics and species composition important indicators of large-scale oceanic conditions. This study investigates the mesozooplankton composition, emphasizing biomass values across all three marine reporting units in Romanian Black Sea from 2013 2020, covering 45 stations that represent transitional, coastal, waters during warm season. It also examines parameters, such as temperature, salinity, nutrient levels associated with eutrophication, impact mesozooplankton, well status pelagic habitat this region, influenced by various hydrological anthropogenic factors. Statistical analyses, including multivariate methods, were employed investigate correlations between facilitating ecological assessments accordance Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) Descriptors 1 (Biodiversity) 5 (Eutrophication) using bBiomass, Copepoda Biomass, Noctiluca scintillans iomass. The results indicated Biomass did not reach good (GES). However, indicator demonstrated achieved GES seasons. These findings underscore dynamic nature habitats highlight importance ongoing monitoring inform policy conservation efforts.

Language: Английский

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Changes in the Characteristics of Zooplankton Communities in Response to Shifts in the Aquatic Environment in the Shallow Waters of Northern Liaodong Bay, China

Water, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 16(19), P. 2711 - 2711

Published: Sept. 24, 2024

The characteristics of zooplankton communities and the relationships with aquatic environment in shallow waters northern Liaodong Bay were investigated. Spot sampling surveys carried out April, June, September, November 2018 to assess species composition diversity, abundance, biomass, dominant species, associated environmental factors. A total 45 recorded survey, comprising 18 Copepoda, 2 Amphipoda, 1 Mysidacea, Decapoda, Chaetognatha, 7 Hydrozoa, Tunicate, 14 planktonic larvae. Overall, most was Aidanosagitta crassa (Tokioka, 1938), copepods larvae also dominating community. However, there a seasonal alternation dominance. cluster analysis showed that community spring differed from other seasons mostly influenced by suspended particulate matter. Bioenv indicated main factor affecting In summer, determining variables temperature, dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), nitrate, sediment pH. autumn, DIN, nitrate variables, oxygen (DO) DIN winter. Zooplankton abundance biomass salinity, matter, chemical demand (COD), chlorophyll, water general, sea area north is rich exhibits significant variations. Human activities have disturbed biological certain extent, factors this are closely related diversity species.

Language: Английский

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Non-viral predators of marine picocyanobacteria

Trends in Microbiology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Dec. 1, 2024

Language: Английский

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