Egyptian Coast Research Articles

A comparative study of the bioavailability of Red Sea seagrass, Enhalus acoroides (L.f.) Royle (leaves, roots, and rhizomes) as anticancer and antioxidant with preliminary phytochemical characterization using HPLC, FT-IR, and UPLC-ESI-TOF-MS spectroscopic analysis

BackgroundSeagrasses are unique marine flowering plants. Enhalus acoroides (L.f.) Royle (family Hydrocharitaceae), a new record for the Egyptian coast of the Red Sea, was the grass of choice. A comparative study on Enhalus acoroides (L.f.) Royle (leaves, roots and rhizomes) was done to determine the plant organ that shows the highest antiproliferative and antioxidant activities. The total phenolic content was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. The total flavonoid content was estimated by the aluminum chloride assay. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis was performed to detect the chemical functional groups in the extract. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was done for the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of phenolic compounds. UPLC-ESI-TOF–MS was performed for metabolomics profiling of the extract. Antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH scavenger percentage method. Antiproliferation assay against hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2, human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 was performed for the three seagrass organs. Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was measured after treatment with three extracts against MCF-7 cell line.ResultsThe highest phenolic content is found in the leaves, while roots exhibited the highest DPPH scavenger percentage. The total concentration of phenolic compounds detected by HPLC was leaves > rhizomes > roots. Also leaves exhibit the highest antiproliferative activity and mitochondrial membrane potential depletion effect against MCF-7 cell line tested. UPLC-ESI-TOF–MS metabolite profiling of leaves detected different secondary and primary metabolites to which the activity was retained. Leaves are a new candidate to be used in the treatment of cancer.ConclusionEnhalus acoroides (L.f.) Royle leaves extract is a new nutraceutical candidate. Further in-depth studies are required on Enhalus acoroides (L.f.) Royle leaves.Graphical abstract

Diversity and characteristics of commercial Red Sea fish species based on fish market survey: informing management to reduce the risk of overfishing.

In small-scale fisheries (SSFs), where the sampling of many small boats and landing sites sometimes is not practical, fish market surveys represent an alternative way to obtain key fisheries data. This study analyses the diversity and characteristics of commercial Red Sea fish species landed in the Egyptian coast, including family, species-specific abundance, biomass, size and price by surveying the largest local fish market on the Egyptian Red Sea coast, over the course of a year (July 2021-June 2022) to also reflect any seasonality of these variables. Based on 53 survey visits, a total of 131,795 fish individuals, belonging to 111 species, and 22 families, were identified, recorded and measured. The analysis focused on the 60 most abundant species (104,420 individuals, 15 families). The surveys revealed that the most abundant families were Serranidae, Lethrinidae and Scaridae. Carangidae also was one of the most important families in terms of biomass. The most abundant species were Lethrinus mahsena, Sargocentron spiniferum and Lethrinus nebulosus. About 60% of revenue comes from the four families Serranidae, Lethrinidae, Scaridae and Lutjanidae. In terms of prices, the most expensive categories were species belonging to Serranidae, Lethrinidae and Lutjanidae families, such as Plectropomus pessuliferus marisrubri, Argyrops spinifer, L. nebulosus and Variola louti. The overall mean prices were higher in spring and summer months likely due to tourism flows. The mean size of many species, including the most valuable and abundant ones, is below the length of maturity. These results provide important benchmarks for monitoring future changes and shed important insights for fisheries management. Co-organised Dutch auctions would provide reliable data when combined with a strict monitoring effort to avoid any sale of the catch outside these official auctions. Other monitoring tools and methods are also recommended in the discussion.

Remote sensing and statistical analyses for exploration and prediction of soil salinity in a vulnerable area to seawater intrusion

Soils along the Egyptian coast are vulnerable to environmental degradation and soil salinity problems. The main objective of this study is to identify and rapidly predict salt affected soils using remote sensing data and multivariate statistical analysis. To achieve this objective, the Operational Land Imager 8 (OLI) of Landsat imagery acquired in March 2022 was processed through the Maximum Likelihood classifier to assess Landscape features and to produce Normalized difference salinity index (NDSI) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Water and soil samples were collected from 13 field sites as ground truth data and to investigate representative physical and chemical properties. Linear regression model was used to predict soil salinity while soil parameters were mapped using Inverse Distance Weight (IDW) in ArcGIS 10.5. In order to explore the soil salinity content using VNIR-SWIR spectra, this work investigated the potential of Partial least squares regression (PLS regression) and SVM (Support vector machine). For simulating salinity in the investigated area, a total number of 65 different sites were identified considering that almost 75 % (50 sites) were used to develop the model and 25 % (15 sites) for validation of the established model. The results indicated that EC levels of water samples are not suitable for irrigation (> 3 mS/cm). Majority of the collected soil samples represent saline-alkaline soils. NDSI ranged from −0.83 to 0.57 with mean of −0.25. Based on the variance of components, 90 % of data were obtained from the first three PCA. The PLS model's R2 score of 0.763 and extremely low p value indicates how well it predicts soil salinity. SVM model R2, on the other hand, is 0.719. Further, Ca++ and Mg++ are the main significant parameters selected in the predicted model. This shows that remote sensing data and multivariate analysis are very important tools to map spatial variation and predict soil salinity. The developed model for salinity considered both the spectral retrieved parameters and lab analyses of cations giving higher accuracy.

Occurrence of Dendostrea Sp. In Egypt (Southeastern Mediterranean Sea)

This work is the first confirmed record of Dendostrea sp. on the Egyptian coast, the Mediterranean Sea. The present genus has seven species; three of them were previously recorded in Mediterranean Sea; Dendostrea folium (Linnaeus, 1758) WoRMS MolluscaBase

Morphological and molecular investigation of some xanthid crabs from the Egyptian coast of the Red Sea

Family Xanthidae comprises 15 subfamilies and over 600 accepted species; they are represented well in the foreshore marine environments. Members of family Xanthidae are multi-colored crabs, usually inhabiting rocky coasts, coral reefs, and mud flats, all of which are well represented along the Egyptian coast of the Red Sea. Here, we utilized cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences combined with morphology to provide information on some xanthid specimens collected from the Egyptian coast of the Red Sea. Six species within four genera (Leptodius, Etisus, Cyclodius, Chlorodiella) were collected. Genetic distances combined with morphological analyses showed intraspecific variations between two morphotypes of Leptodius exaratus. Two Etisus species were examined, E. laevimanus and E. sp. The latter Etisus sp. was close to E. frontalis, especially with regard to frontal lobe morphology, but different in male's first gonopod, with interspecific genetic distances. We also identified Chlorodiella nigra and C. laevissima. Obtained genetic distances between two morphotypes of Cyclodius granulatus revealed that these morphotypes are also likely cases of intraspecific variation. The results of this study should provide a basis for future work on family Xanthidae along the coasts of the Red Sea, which is needed as data remain scant.

Three new species of the genus Perinereis (Annelida, Nereididae) from Egyptian coasts.

Despite being one of the most common groups of polychaetes on intertidal shores, the genus Perinereis (Nereididae) is comparatively poorly known taxonomically, with confusion still existing due to the lack of comprehensive systematic studies. The systematics of Perinereis species from the intertidal Egyptian coasts of the Red Sea, Gulf of Suez and Suez Canal have been investigated using morphology and the mitochondrial barcoding marker cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI). New sequence data was obtained for 102 Perinereis specimens and analysis included all publicly available COI data from other Perinereis species. The COI data indicate that monophyly of the P.nuntia species group is doubtful, as specimens identified in this species group from south-eastern Asia and Australia form a monophyletic group exclusive of the three new species described in this study from the Red Sea region. A morphometric character set (26 characters) was used to identify and characterize each specimen in the study. Three distinct morphospecies belonging to the P.nuntia species group were found, each differentiated by the number and type of paragnaths on pharyngeal areas V and VI, relative sizes of parapodial lobes, type of notochaetae and neurochaetae, and form of the neurochaetal falciger blades. The three morphospecies were well supported by COI data: two of the three new species, Perinereissuezensis sp. nov. and Perinereisfayedensis sp. nov., are closely similar to P.nuntia sensu stricto, while the other, Perinereisdamietta sp. nov., is similar to P.heterodonta. The new species are described and illustrated, and bring the number of species in Perinereis to 97. The new species are compared and contrasted to the closely similar P.heterodonta, P.nuntia and other congeners from the region.

Characteristics of Bottom Sediments of Different Marine Ecosystems of Egyptian coast sides

Characteristics of Bottom Sediments of Different Marine Ecosystems of Egyptian coast sides

Biological features of the pecten oculi of the European wild quail (Coturnix coturnix): Adaptative habits to Northern Egyptian coast with novel vision to its SEM–EDX analysis

The present investigation was prepared to give a complete ultrastructural characterization of the pecten oculi of the diurnal European wild Quail to describe their adaptation habits to the Northern Egyptian coast. Our work declares the first endeavor is the elemental analysis using scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) to show the migration effect on their eye. The intra-ocular quadrilateral trapezoid black pigmented plicated type pecten oculi were observed on the postero-inferior wall of the eyeball with craniocaudal and posterio-anterior directions along the fetal fissure. The pecten oculi consist of three parts: the basal, body, and apical. The basal part originated behind the optic nerve, forming the slightly elevated border, while the apical part was directed toward the ciliary body. There are 10-11 pleats with interpleat space. The coiled surface refers to numerous capillary vessels. The smooth head of each pleat was kidney-like, strongly attached to a bridge. The vitreopecteneal limiting membrane separated the pecten oculi from the vitreous body. There are numerous melanosomes and little hyalocytes on the pecteneal pleat's outer surfaces. The thick basal part of each pleat had numerous thick longitudinal microfolds that refer to the numerous blood capillaries attached to the retina as supporting roots. SEM/EDX elemental analysis revealed that carbon is the highest element (half), while oxygen represents about one-third. In the meantime, the lowest element is the phosphate at the apical part, while the lowest element in the rest is the sulfate. Finally, the pecten oculi are thought to be a reflection of the avian lifestyle and ecological adaptations. HIGHLIGHTS: Our work is the first description of the elemental analysis using SEM-EDX to show the migration effect on their eye. The quadrilateral trapezoid black pigmented plicated type pecten oculi were observed on the postero-inferior wall of the eyeball with cranio-caudal and posterio-anterior directions along the fetal fissure. The basal part of the pecten oculi originated behind the optic nerve, forming the slightly elevated border, while the apical part was directed toward the ciliary body. There are 10-11 pleats with interpleat space. The vitreopecteneal limiting membrane separated the pecten oculi from the vitreous body. There are numerous melanosomes and little hyalocytes on the pecteneal pleat's outer surfaces. SEM/EDX elemental analysis revealed that carbon is the highest element (half percent), while oxygen represents about one-third of the element's percent meanwhile, the lowest element is phosphate at the apical part, while the lowest element in the rest is the sulfate.

Status and vulnerability of Acropora spp. assemblages at the Egyptian coasts of the red sea

In the Red Sea, the availability of information about the status of Acropora spp. assemblages is more restricted, where a few comprehensive or even preliminary studies were conducted on the genus Acropora at this area, especially at the Egyptian coasts. Accordingly, our goal focused on the assessment of the status of genus Acropora assemblages at the Egyptian coasts of the Red Sea and addressing the main keystone species of Acropora at this area. Three sites at the Gulf of Aqaba, located in Ras Muhammad National Park in addition to two sites at the Red Sea proper (Hurgada and Marsa Alam) were selected to conduct the study during 2016. The line intercept transect methodology was used to estimate the cover of Acropora assemblages. Samples from different colonies of Acropora were collected for further analysis of the micromorphology of coral’s exoskeletal structures. The study revealed that there were 16 common species of Acropora at the study sites. Also, the results indicated that Gulf of Aqaba had the higher benthic cover of Acropora assemblage than southern ones. On the other hand, some of the near threatened species of Acropora, proposed by IUCN Red List, showed high benthic cover compared to other species. The study concluded that more than 50% of the Acropora species at the Egyptian coasts of the Red Sea were threatened or vulnerable to different environmental perturbations according to IUCN criteria. Consequently, the coral reefs at the Gulf of Aqaba may represent a refugium for endangered species at the Red Sea.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Lernanthropus kroyeri, a copepod infesting the gills of European seabass Dicentrarchus labrax

The European seabass Dicentrarchus labrax, Europe's first commercially farmed non-salmonid fish and the most farmed Mediterranean fish, with Egypt as a major producer, is susceptible to several diseases, one of which being copepod infestation. Lernanthropus kroyeri (Beneden 1851) is a parasitic copepod that can be found across the Mediterranean Sea. Little research on L. kroyeri has been done along the Mediterranean Sea off the Egyptian coasts. In the current investigation, gill filaments, particularly those of the second-gill arch, were found to be infested with parasites with a prevalence rate of 23%. They were morphologically identical and confirmed as members of the family Lernanthropidae, having the characteristic features of L. kroyeri. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine morphological traits. Clinical and histological evidence of the parasite's catastrophic impact on infected fish has been described. DNA sequencing of the parasite's mitochondrial COI gene proved its identity, and it was the first of L. kroyeri to be added to the GenBank database, with the accession number MZ726776. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the parasites arose from a monophyletic group that is distinct from other Lernanthropidae family members.

Growth and population characteristics of the Western King Prawn Penaeus latisulcatus (Kishinouye, 1896) from the southeastern Mediterranean off the Egyptian coast

Penaeus latisulcatus (Kishinouye, 1896) is considered one of the most economically important penaeid shrimp species in the Egyptian Red Sea. Recently, it appeared in the Egyptian Mediterranean catches. The present study is concerned with the estimation of growth, age and population characteristics of the non-indigenous P. latisulcatus collected between the months of July 2020 to June 2021 from the landing fishing center of Boughaz El-Maadiyah (Egyptian Mediterranean coast). A total of 2214 individuals were collected monthly. The results showed that the females to males ratio was 1:0.98. According to the Chi-square test, there was no statistically significant difference between the sexes (X2 = 0.181, df = 1, P > 0.05). The distribution of the length frequency showed that the females varied from 5.0 cm to 19.2 cm (TL) with a mean length of 11.73 ± 2.78 cm, while the males ranged from 5.3 cm to 17.1 cm (TL) with a mean length of 10.97 ± 2.06 cm. Positive allometry was detected for the total length-total weight relationship. The parameters of von Bertalanffy were L∞ = 20.56 cm, K = 0.99 yr−1 and to = −0.178 yr−1 for females, L∞ = 18.68 cm, K = 1.05 yr−1 and to = −0.172 yr−1 for males, and L∞ = 20.74 cm, K = 0.90 yr−1 and to = −0.196 yr−1 for the combined sexes. The expected age of females and males were 2.6 and 2.2 years, respectively. According to the parameters obtained, the current exploitation rate of the population of P. latisulcatus was estimated at Ecur. = 0.59. The results indicated that the population of P. latisulcatus is being highly exploited in Boughaz El-Maadiyah landing center (Egyptian Mediterranean coast). Hence, it is important to manage the P. latisulcatus shrimp resources in the studied area. Furthermore, similar studies are recommended for P. latisulcatus along the Egyptian Mediterranean coast to evaluate variations between populations in different fishing areas. Moreover, further studies are needed about the new aspects of the reproductive activity of this species as well as its aquaculture to estimate its growth rate experimentally.

A Blocked-Out Capital from Berenike (Egyptian Red Sea Coast)

Abstract The article examines a blocked-out capital discovered in Berenike on the Egyptian coast of the Red Sea. The artefact was reused in a Late Antique installation just outside the courtyard wall of the main city sanctuary, the Isis Temple. Its distinctive, highly simplified form is typical of Ptolemaic influence in the area. This article places the fragment in its archaeological context, accompanied by a detailed architectural description and analysis of the phenomena of blocked-out capitals. The authors demonstrate that the capital under discussion does not represent an unfinished stonework, but rather an intentional stylization. Its simplification is most likely inspired by the form of Corinthian capital that was common in Egypt between the second and third century AD. The discovery of this capital implies that there were buildings with classical architectural traits in Berenike, a theory that has previously not been supported by the excavated remains.

Assessment of Watersheds Vulnerability to Flood Risks Along North Western Coast of Egypt Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

Assessment of Watersheds Vulnerability to Flood Risks Along North Western Coast of Egypt Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

The Economic Impacts of Drought Mitigation Mechanisms in the Northwestern Coast of Egypt

The Economic Impacts of Drought Mitigation Mechanisms in the Northwestern Coast of Egypt

Geomatics and smart tools in Digital Land Resources Mapping and Sustainability of Coastal Agriculture, Egypt

The northwestern coast of Egypt is characterized by an international interest due to its history and magnificent environment. The area was known as being the bread basket during the Greek and Roman periods. Recently, drastic changes in land use resulting in destructing many of water harvesting tools, thus diminution of the agriculture importance. Restoration of the area and planning self-sufficient communities needs to develop a sustainable land resources database for these regions. Multi concept of remote sensing and the Geographic Information System (GIS) permit to store, merge, and manipulate the huge amounts of thematic maps and attribute data. Sentinel satellite image 2018 scenes, covering the study area at the Egyptian northwestern coast, were acquired. ENVI software was used for image processing. A number of 53 topographic maps at scale 1:50000 were used to input GIS thematic layers relevant to land resources, using Arc_GIS 10.2 system. Field investigation was carried out to represent different soil units and collect ground control points. Chemical and physical soil properties were determined to assist soil classification. Soil map was produced including dominant geographic units and soil association. MicroLEIS system was employed to define soil suitability classes to olives, peach, wheat, beans, and sunflower crops. An intelligent module will be added to analyze the digital maps, interact the given data with learning tool (layer) to provide the decision makers with suggested solution not only information. The results showed that the soils are generally characterized by the presence of Calcic, Petrogypsic and Salic horizons. The limiting factors found in the piedmont and coastal plains are salinity, soil depth and texture. These factors decrease the suitability classes to be between S2 and S5.It can be concluded that the digital mapping of land resources using Geographic Information System (GIS) and satellite data preserve in the investment spent in soil and other thematic mapping.

Physicochemical Characterization of Sargassum latifolium at Ras Sudr Shores - Red Sea Coast of Egypt

Physicochemical Characterization of Sargassum latifolium at Ras Sudr Shores - Red Sea Coast of Egypt

Evaluating the Performance of Fertilizer Draw Solutions by Using the Modified Cellulosic Composite Forward Osmosis Membranes

This paper deals with various fertilizer influences to draw solutions to the neat CTA/CA, MA/CTA/CA, and the Al2O3/MA/CTA/CA nanocomposite (NC) modified membrane. Also, the applicability of the neat CTA/CA, MA/CTA/CA, and The Al2O3/MA/CTA/CA nanocomposite (NC) modified membrane display high water flux when it used to desalinate brine water sample collected from the brine mid-stream from Mersa Matruh area, North-Western Coast of Egypt. The salinity of the collected sample is 12760 mg/L and PH (8.5) and used as FS, and 1M from different fertilizer draw solutes (DFDS) include KCl, NH4Cl, (NH4)2SO4, and K2HPO4 used as DS. The results reveal that the flux was KCl and NH4Cl (17.8 L/m2.h) and followed by (NH4)2SO4 (17.1 L/m2.h) and K2HPO4 (16.6 L/m2.h) using the natural saline water as FS using Al2O3/MA/CTA/CA NC modified membrane. The reusability test of the synthesised Al2O3/MA/CTA/CA NC modified membrane showed good sustainability during the 1260 min continuous test. The FO application displayed a great potential to be interested in brine wastewater desalination and enhanced water source sustainability to use in agriculture fertigation.

Eco-taxonomic study for some tuna genotypes collected from Egyptian and Libyan coasts on the molecular level

Eco-taxonomic study for some tuna genotypes collected from Egyptian and Libyan coasts on the molecular level

Mineralogical Studies and Radioactivity of the Top Meter Depth of the Egyptian Black Sand, El-Dibeh, Port Said Governorate, Northern Coast of Egypt

Mineralogical Studies and Radioactivity of the Top Meter Depth of the Egyptian Black Sand, El-Dibeh, Port Said Governorate, Northern Coast of Egypt

Potential Efficiency of Earth Observation for Optimum Fishing Zone Detection of the Pelagic Sardinella aurita Species along the Mediterranean Coast of Egypt

This research utilizes the efficiency of remotely sensed data and advanced digital image processing techniques to assist in monitoring for the management of marine fisheries in Egypt (south Mediterranean Sea region). A newly developed model is applied to the Sardinella aurita fisheries to determine optimal fishing zones, and is then applied to monitor and detect the potentially optimal fishing zones for other locally important and economic fish species. This approach depends on chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and sea-surface temperature (SST) characteristics that are that known to control this species communities. The ranges and distribution of SST and Chl-a were obtained from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aqua as well as Sentinel-3 satellites during the period from 2018 to 2020. The results revealed that there is a strong link between Sardinella abundance and both the SST and the Chl-a concentration. The suitable months for the abundance of this pelagic fish species were defined to be from May to November, producing 75% of the catch (nearly 42 K tons). Low abundances were recorded during the months from December to April, below the suitable harvest levels for this species. This research highlighted the importance of using satellite data as a tool to help scientists to develop appropriate management strategies for the sustainable management of fisheries resources worldwide.