Qualitative Model of the Causal Interactions between Phytoplankton, Zooplankton, and Environmental Factors in the Romanian Black Sea

Phycology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 4(1), P. 168 - 189

Published: March 21, 2024

In order to analyze how environmental factors affect planktonic organisms along the Romanian Black Sea coast, this study created semi-quantitative models of causal relationships between phytoplankton, zooplankton, and physicochemical parameters by utilizing user-friendly modeling tools. Eleven years time-series data (March–September 2008–2018) were used investigate (such as temperature, salinity, nutrients). Variables such marine reporting units phytoplankton species classes identify developmental patterns, Mental Modeler platform consider interactions zooplankton parameters. Although increase in overall number elements linkages was uncertain waters with variable salinity compared ones, for three coast comparable terms complexity. Across typical examined types proliferation (normal, abundant, blooms), components connections case blooms substantially decreased species- growth-promoting variables increased.

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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Cladoceran species and their population abundance across the Black Sea from west to east during summer 2020

Journal of Natural History, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 59(5-8), P. 271 - 283

Published: Jan. 27, 2025

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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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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