This work is an overview of all available benthic data collected in the Algerian harbours between 1983 and 2001. So, total of 571 stations were reported in the 10 major Algerian harbours along the Algerian coast (1200km). Two main categories of harbours were distinguished according to their hydrodynamic regime and volume of water exchange between inner harbour basins and the entrance of the harbours. Univariate, multivariate, benthic indices and Biological Traits of Life approaches were applied on stations sampled in the late 1990s and long-term observations in six out of these ten harbours. These approaches assessed the main characteristics and ecological statuses from these south Mediterranean harbours. One of the main characteristics of the Algerian harbours was the very high species diversity (847 species). Although all the fauna was dominated by pollution-tolerant species; some harbours such as Bethioua and Djendjen hosted normal benthic communities as found in the open sea, but also included some pollution indicator species typical of a slight polluted system. On the contrary, the newly constructed port of Skikda showed perturbed benthic communities in relation to hydrocarbon pollution. Biological Traits of Life analysis reinforced the separation of benthic species along a gradient reflecting their sensitivity or tolerance to pollution. This response was related to an increase in organic matter content, probably associated with a general organic and metal contamination, from the entrance of the harbour to the innermost basins in areas with weak circulation, high sedimentation rate and concentrations of pollutants. Except for Oran harbour, where the poor to moderate ecological status remained unchanged with time, the other harbours showed an improvement or a slight degradation. A strategy of long-term monitoring should be promoted, based on a restricted and selected number of stations characteristic of the different basins and water masses occupying the harbours.

For experiments concerning the formation of oil–suspended particulate matter (SPM) aggregates (OSA), oil and sediment samples were collected from Campos Basin and six stations of Paraguaçu estuary, Todos os Santos Bay, Brazil, respectively. The sediments samples were analyzed for organic matter determined by the EMBRAPA method, nitrogen determined by the Kjeldahl method, and phosphorus determined by the method described by Aspila. The oil trapped in OSA was extracted following the method described by Moreira. The experiment showed a relationship between the amount of organic matter and OSA formation and consequently the dispersion of the studied oil. On the basis of the buoyancy of OSA and the ecotoxicological effects on pelagic and benthic community, the priority areas for application of remediation techniques are Cachoeira, Maragogipe, and Salinas da Margarida because of the large amount of oil that accumulated at the bottom of the experiment flask (5.85%, 27.95%, and 38,98%; 4.2%, 17.66%, and 32.64%; and 11.82%, 8.07%, and 10.91% respectively).

Anthropogenic debris results in detrimental interactions with many marine species. Several seabirds include debris items in their nests, which can lead to entanglement of chicks and adults, resulting in injury or death. Anthropogenic debris was found in 4–67% of kelp gull Larus dominicanus nests in seven colonies in the Western Cape, South Africa. Nests contained two types of litter: items included in the nest structure during construction (mainly ropes and straps), and regurgitated items (mainly bags and food wrappers) that probably accumulate primarily during the chick-rearing period. Debris used in nest construction was more likely to injure gulls, and was found mainly at coastal sites where there was little natural vegetation for construction. Distance to the nearest urban waste landfill significantly affected the occurrence of debris items in nests, especially dietary-derived items. The amount of debris in kelp gull nests highlights the need for improved debris management in South Africa.

Existing literature illustrates inconsistent responses of seagrasses to oil exposure, both in the field and in the laboratory. Here, we add a new study that combined morphometric, demographic and photophysiology assessments to determine the potential oiling impacts to eelgrass (Zostera marina) from the 2007 Cosco Busan event in San Francisco Bay. Shoot densities, reproductive status, and rhizome elongation of Z. marina were examined at sites with pre-spill data, and eelgrass photosynthetic efficiency was measured post-spill. Shoot densities and percent elongation of rhizome internodes formed after the oil spill varied but with no consistent relationship to adjacent shoreline cleanup assessment team (SCAT) oiling categories. Similarly, differences in seagrass photosynthetic efficiency were not consistent with SCAT oiling categories. While thresholds for negative impacts on seagrass in general remain to be defined, conclusive oiling indicators for degree and duration of exposure would be important considerations and need examination under controlled study.

Thirty-five and eleven air samples were collected using, respectively, active samplers (filter + PUF) and passive samplers (PUF disks), over two consecutive four-month periods (spring and autumn-winter), in urban, urban/industrial, and rural (background) sites in São Paulo, Brazil. All the samples were extracted with toluene:acetone (9:1) in a Soxhlet apparatus, and the extracts were then purified. Analysis for polychlorinated dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) and for dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) were made by High Resolution Gas Chromatography/High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRGC-HRMS). Human exposure risk was evaluated using inhalation risk assessment. Results showed: (1) there are statistical differences for PCDD/F concentrations in air between periods 1 and 2 (p = 0.03), whereas dl-PCB levels were not statistically different (p = 0.52); (2) PCDD/F and dl-PCB air levels were in the following order: urban/industrial > urban > rural for both active and passive samples; (3) PCDD/F and dl-PCB concentrations ranged from 7.76 to 453 fg TEQ/m³ in active air samples, and from 6.11 to 469 fg TEQ/m³ in passive air samples; (4) sampling rates for PCDD/Fs by the two approaches used showed considerable differences; (5) average daily intake by inhalation ranged from 18.1 to 55.6 fg TEQ/kg day, respectively, for adults and children, representing 1.8–5.6% of the lower range of the Tolerable Daily Intake recommended by the World Health Organization. Based on these results, the inhalation risk for PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs, for local São Paulo residents, should be considered low.

Perfluorocarbons (PFC) are important greenhouse gas. In the aluminum electrolysis industry, PFC emission had been valued. The electrolytic reduction of rare earth metals in fluoride/oxide system with carbon anode and tungsten cathode also has PFC emission. But the PFC emission in rare earth metals industry received less attention. The PFC emissions during the electrolysis were studied by tracking the change of CF4 concentration in the flue gas of neodymium electrolysis and dysprosium-iron alloy electrolysis. The results showed that there were continuous CF4 overflows in the electrolysis process. The CF4 was outburst when anode effect occurred. The anode effect was always accompanied with the low electrolysis temperature. In addition, because of the electrolytic dysprosium-iron alloy requires higher cell voltage, the PFC emissions are higher than rare earth electrolysis. In general, PFC emissions from rare earth metal electrolysis are quite same as the aluminum electrolysis industry.

Phosphorus is an indispensable element for plants, but its role in alleviating the cadmium toxicity of mangrove seedlings is poorly documented. In this study, mangrove seedlings were grown in hydroponics and exposed to various Cd and P treatments. Data suggested that the inhibitory effect of Cd on the rate of radial oxygen loss and root porosity was alleviated by P. A. marina had a higher rate of ROL and POR, indicating that it had a stronger adaptability to anaerobic environment. K. obovata induced a higher Fe concentration in iron plaque under co-application of Cd and P, which may relate to higher biomass. Furthermore, P increased Cd concentration in iron plaque, implying that iron plaque can be an obstacle to prevent Cd entering into the plant, but most Cd was still distributed in its roots. These findings highlight a novel mechanism of Cd detoxification with P addition in mangrove seedlings.

Microplastics (MPs) are observed to be present on the seafloor ranging from coastal areas to deep seas. Because bioturbation alters the distribution of natural particles on inhabited soft bottoms, a mesocosm experiment with common benthic invertebrates was conducted to study their effect on the distribution of secondary MPs (different-sized pieces of fishing line<1mm). During the study period of three weeks, the benthic community increased MP concentration in the depth of 1.7–5.1cm in the sediment. The experiment revealed a clear vertical gradient in MP distribution with their abundance being highest in the uppermost parts of the sediment and decreasing with depth. The Baltic clam Macoma balthica was the only study animal that ingested MPs. This study highlights the need to further examine the vertical distribution of MPs in natural sediments to reliably assess their abundance on the seafloor as well as their potential impacts on benthic communities.