In this paper the size-frequency distribution by sexes and for the whole sample of Norway lobster Nephrops norvegicus (Linnaeus, 1758) as well as the sex raio have been analyzed. Representative subsamples were collected during the four sesonally trawl surveys (summer 2009 – spring 2010) at depths from 330 to 350 m. Total number of analyzed individuals was 303. The carapace length (CL) of the all individuals ranged from 20 to 58mm while the female carapace length-range was 20-56mm and 22-58mm for males. in all seasons males were larger than females and highly represented in the catch in bigger size classes. The overall sex ratio during the investigation period was in favor of females (1.3:1).

The paper presents results of studies of biology and fisheries of red mullet (Mullus barbatus, L.) which was done within the frame of AdriaMed Trawl survey Project 2007/08. The Project encompassed monthly research of several target species in trawl fisheries of Montenegrin waters during one year in three most important fisheries ports in Montenegro (Bar, Budva and Herceg Novi). Total length of red mullet ranged from 9.1 to 21.5 cm with an average value of 15.1 cm. Length frequency distribution, length-weight relationship and sex ratio were analyzed.

Sea urchin gametes, embryos and larvae can be used for quick, cheap and reliable screening and testing of pharmacologically active substances and pollutants. Effects of fecal pollution of Kotor Bay water and mercury in sediments and water of Risan Bay on embryonic development of spotted sea urchin (S. granularis), were examined. The results showed malformations, blockade of adhesion blastomeras and normal embryonic development. This distortion of development is about the suppression of the normal process of cortical granule exocytosis during activation reaction that starts fertilization, response Ring wave and increased level of free calcium ions in intimately membrane layer.

After the year 2000 the issue of a water qualitative and quantitative monitoring increased in importance as a consequence of the provisions of the Framework Directive 2000/60/EC. In this context agriculture is required to use more efficiently the unconventional sources of water. In the enclosures located at the scientific bases from the Danube meadow during the vegetation period from April to September the natural risk factors alternate, being represented by the hydric excess, mainly generated by phreatic excess, and the deficit of humidity from June to August (14, 15). In these conditions the engineering works performed are complex, being required a sizing for mixt task 0 controlled discharge and supply (2, 3, 10, 13). For finding the volume of water resource which transits the drainage works and the capacity of transport it is required to be known first the flow of the absorbent drain.

Paper presents an overview of wastewater treatment systems with macrophytes. It is concluded that application of these systems in Mediterranean countries is feasible, especially for treatment of smaller and remote wastewater point sources.

This study was performed to investigate the influence of the ozonation process on natural organic matter (NOM) and trihalomethane, haloacetonitrile and chloropicrin precursors in groundwater. The largest reduction in dissolved organic carbon, DOC (up to 25%) and UV 254 values (up to 69%) was achieved using 3 mg O3/mg DOC. Reducing the total organic matter resulted in a reduction of trihalomethanes precursors to 194 micro g/L. On the other hand, when it comes to the precursors of the high priority nitrogenous disinfection by-products, the oxidation of NOM by ozone and the resulting increase in organic matter with a low molecular lead to an increase in the haloacetonitrile precursors compared to the raw water and the formation of chloropicrin precursors.

The concentration of p-cresol and p-ethylphenol, two malodorants typical of swine waste, were measured at 0.5 and 1.5 m above a waste treatment lagoon during two separate campaigns encompassing late winter through early spring and late spring through early summer. Concomitant collection of air temperatures, humidities, insolation, and wind speeds, as well as water column temperatures were done so that heat fluxes could be computed using an energy budget method and Bowen ratio estimates. The empirical model that was found to correlate best with variations in malodorant concentrations and gradients above the lagoon had the terms describing evaporation from the lagoon surface and net available energy at the lagoon surface. Emissions were found to be much higher during the cool season than the warm season. This was despite much higher evaporation rates during the warm season. This could be explained by much lower lagoon concentrations of the malodorants in the warm season than in the cool season. Results of this work are being used to determine appropriate models to estimate malodorant emissions from lagoons and devise techniques for the abatement of nuisance emissions.

Phytoremediation is a promising alternative to conventional soil clean-up methods; however, up to date, there is still not enough information on plant species suitable for application in this field of science. Therefore, plant screening on contaminated sites can lead to the identification of further species of interest. In the present study, pedological and botanical characteristics of an industrialised area known for its metal contamination, in special with Zn—Esteiro de Estarreja, in Portugal—were examined in a 1-year screening. Twenty-seven species were found, with a higher occurrence and variability in the summer/spring season. Zinc levels in the tissues of the collected plant samples ranged from 34 mg kg−1 in shoots to 2,440 mg kg−1 in roots of different species. Species as Verbascum virgatum, Hypochoeris radicata, Phalaris arundinacea, Conyza bilbaoana, Paspalum urvillei and Aster squamatus have shown high Zn shoot accumulation and bioconcentration factors (BCFshoots > 1) and high metal translocation factors (TF > 1). Others, namely Spergularia capillacea, excluded Zn from the shoot tissues and stored the metal at the root zone (BCFroots > 1), behaving as tolerant plants. Plants were also screened for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonisation, and only few species showed mycorrhizal presence, namely C. bilbaoana, Hirschfeldia incana, Epilobium tetragonum, Conyza sumatrensis, Pteridium aquilinum, P. urvillei and A. squamatus. The present work showed important indigenous species that can cope with installed harsh conditions and with potential for utilisation in phytoremediation strategies, either through metal removal to aerial parts or through its immobilisation in the root zone.

The capability of environmental microorganisms to biodegrade simazine—an active substance of 2-chloro-s-triazine herbicides (pesticide waste since 2007)—was assessed. An enormous metabolic potential of microorganisms impels to explore the possibilities of using them as an alternative way for thermal and chemical methods of utilization. First, the biotope rich in microorganisms resistant to simazine was examined. Only the higher dose of simazine (100 mg/l) had an actual influence on quantity of bacteria and environmental fungi incubated on substrate with simazine. Most simazine-resistant bacteria populated activated sludge and biohumus (vermicompost); the biggest strain of resistant fungi was found in floral soil and risosphere soil of maize. Compost and biohumus were the sources of microorganisms which biodegraded simazine, though either of them was the dominant considering the quantity of simazine-resistant microorganisms. In both cases of periodic culture (microorganisms from biohumus and compost), nearly 100% of simazine (50 mg/l) was degraded (within 8 days). After the repeated enrichment culture with simazine, the rate of its degradation highly accelerated, and just after 24 h, the significant decrease of simazine (20% in compost and 80% in biohumus) was noted. Although a dozen attempts of isolating various strains responsible for biodegradation of simazine from compost and biohumus were performed, only the strain identified as Arthrobacter urefaciens (NC) was obtained, and it biodegraded simazine with almost 100% efficiency (within 4 days).

The role feral pigs (Sus scrofa) as a source of fecal contamination in Pacific Island ecosystems is not well understood. This study investigated the effects of feral pigs on enterococci (ENT) in runoff and soils of a Hawaiian forest. Seven sites were established with paired fenced/unfenced runoff plots in the Manoa watershed. Runoff was collected monthly from these plots after rain events from June 2008 to April 2009; soil ENT at each plot were also quantified. ENT in runoff were highly variable ranging from below the detection limit to >4.38 log10 most probable number (MPN) 100 mL−1. A repeated measures ANOVA found no overall fencing effects. This ANOVA did reveal a month by site interaction, indicating that while ENT in runoff were the highest in the wet season, this was not consistent across all sites. Soil ENT ranged from 14 to 511 MPN g−1 and differed among sites but not between fencing treatments. The only variables that were significantly correlated to ENT in runoff were runoff volume and soil ENT; slope, throughfall, soil moisture, bare soil cover, and total suspended solids in runoff were not correlated with ENT. While concentrations of ENT in runoff were highly variable across the months and sites, these forested headwaters did serve as sources of ENT to downstream ecosystems throughout the year. To minimize effects on human health, we recommend that public authorities employ greater warnings (i.e., signage) at streams and beaches in the lower reaches of this and other forested Hawaiian watersheds that are frequently used by both residents and tourists.