The objectives of this study are to investigate distribution of trace elements and heavy metals in the salt marsh and wetland soil and biogeochemical processes in the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve of the northern Gulf of Mexico. The results show that Hg, Cd and to some extent, As and Pb have been significantly accumulated in soils. The strongest correlations were found between concentrations of Ni and total organic matter contents. The correlations decreased in the order: Ni>Cr>Sr>Co>Zn, Cd>Cu>Cs. Strong correlations were also observed between total P and concentrations of Ni, Co, Cr, Sr, Zn, Cu, and Cd. This may be related to the P spilling accident in 2005 in the Bangs Lake site. Lead isotopic ratios in soils matched well those of North American coals, indicating the contribution of Pb through atmospheric fallout from coal power plants.

Characterization of hydrochemistry changes in Johor Straits within 5years of monitoring works was successfully carried out. Water quality data sets (27 stations and 19 parameters) collected in this area were interpreted subject to multivariate statistical analysis. Cluster analysis grouped all the stations into four clusters ((Dlink/Dmax)×100<90) and two clusters ((Dlink/Dmax)×100<80) for site and period similarities. Principal component analysis rendered six significant components (eigenvalue>1) that explained 82.6% of the total variance of the data set. Classification matrix of discriminant analysis assigned 88.9–92.6% and 83.3–100% correctness in spatial and temporal variability, respectively. Times series analysis then confirmed that only four parameters were not significant over time change. Therefore, it is imperative that the environmental impact of reclamation and dredging works, municipal or industrial discharge, marine aquaculture and shipping activities in this area be effectively controlled and managed.

In this study bio-indicator bacteria and environmental variable parameters were investigated in the coastal areas of the Güllük Bay, Aegean Sea, Turkey. The seawater samples which were taken from surface (0–30cm) were tested regarding total and fecal coliform, streptococci and nutrients from May to February in 2012–2013. The primary hydrographic parameters were recorded using multiparameter (YSI 556) in situ at the sampling stations. The highest fecal pollution stress and indicator bacteria values were observed in the period between June and August. The finding showed that bacterial pollution sources of the study area, especially in the summer season, under the control of increasing anthropogenic activities. The finding showed that terrestrial pollution sources carry a potential risk for public and ecosystem health and the sustainable use of living sources. Precautions should be formulated and put into action immediately in order to protect the region from bacteriological risks.

The concentrations of thallium (Tl) in the surface sediments of the southwestern coastal Laizhou Bay and the rivers it connects were determined. In riverine sediments, the Tl concentrations ranged from 0.34 to 0.76μgg−1 in summer; in autumn, the corresponding data were 0.35–1.08μgg−1. In marine sediments, the Tl concentrations ranged from 0.36 to 0.58μgg−1 in summer; and from 0.30 to 0.56μgg−1 in autumn. The grain size, Al and Fe oxides were major factors affecting Tl distribution. Tl in the surface sediments of the studied area was mainly from the natural input with the non-natural input as a subsidiary source. The low concentrations of Tl made it hard to cause potential negative environmental effects in this area.

Biodegradation of diethyl phthalate (DEP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) by three marine algae was investigated. When they were coexistent, DBP was degraded more quickly than DEP. The first-order biodegradation rate constants of DBP in the algal solutions were in the order of Cylindrotheca closterium (0.0169h−1)>Dunaliella salina (0.0035h−1) and Chaetoceros muelleri (0.0034h−1). When singly existed, DEP was degraded more quickly than in a mixture with DBP, indicating that DBP had inhibitory effect on the biodegradation of DEP. Moreover, the degradation trends of DEP and DBP in both extra- and intracellular crude extracts were similar to those in algal solutions. At the end, DEP was largely in water phase, whereas DBP remained in both water phase and algal phase. It can be concluded that biodegradation of DEP was mainly by algal extracellular enzymes, and both extra- and intracellular enzymes played key roles in the degradation of DBP.

Historical trends about marine ship-source oil spill incidents from 1990 to 2010 in China were analyzed, and it provided an overview of the status quo of China’s management in response to marine oil spill from ships. The Chinese government has issued a series of laws on marine environmental protection since 1982, and promulgated many regulations to prevent and tackle ship-source oil spill. At present, the oil spill emergency response system established in China has five levels: the national level, sea level, provincial level, port level, and ship level. China has demonstrated its ability to control and remove small-scale oil spill from ships in port area and near-shore coastal waters, and also paid attention to related research and development projects. Although China has made significant progress in managing shipping oil spill, challenges still exist, including strengthening oil spill emergency cooperation, enhancing China’s response capability, and improving relevant research and development projects.

Turbinaria ornata mediated silver nanoparticles (TOAg-NPs) were evaluated for antibacterial activity against 15 biofilm forming bacterial isolates. A field study in natural seawater for 60days showed antifouling activity of TOAg-NPs on stainless steel coupons (SS-304) coated with Apcomin zinc chrome (AZC) primer. Though TOAg-NPs showed broad spectrum of antibacterial activity, the maximum zone of inhibition was with Escherichia coli (71.9%) and a minimum with Micrococcus sp. (40%) due to the EPS secretion from Gram-positive bacteria. Compared to control coupons (18.9 [×103], 67.0 [×103], 13.5 [×104] and 24.7 [×104]CFU/cm2), experimental biocide coupons (71.0 [×102], 32.0 [×103], 82.0 [×103] and 11.3 [×104]CFU/cm2) displayed lesser bacterial population density. Toxicity studies revealed 100% mortality for Balanus amphitrite larvae at 250μgml−1 concentration within 24h, while 56.6% recorded for Artemia marina at the same concentration indicating less toxicity to non target species. It proved that AZC+TOAg-NPs prevent biofouling by its Ag-NS affinity and antimicrobial effectivity.

The present study analyzes spatial distribution and typology of marine litter on the seabed in the FAO Geographical Sub-Area 17 (northern and central Adriatic Sea). Two surveys were conducted during fall 2011 and 2012 and 67 stations were sampled each year. Litter items were collected using the “rapido” trawl, a modified beam trawl commonly used by the Italian fishermen to catch flat fish and other benthic species. Marine litter in the catches was sorted and classified in 6 major categories (plastic, metal, glass, rubber, wood, other). Plastic litter was further subdivided in 3 sub-categories based on its source: fishing nets, aquaculture nets and other. Plastic was dominant in terms of weight followed by metal and other categories. The highest concentration of litter was found close to the coast likely as a consequence of high coastal urbanization, river inflow and extensive navigation associated with the morphological and hydrological features of the basin.