Harmful Algal Blooms Research Articles

Scaling up the Natural Mode of Action of Macrophyte Allelochemicals and Their Effect on Toxic Cyanobacteria Using a Nitrogen-Limited Chemostat

This study investigates the inhibitory and hormetic effects of Myriophyllum spicatum extract on Microcystis aeruginosa in a controlled, continuous culture environment. To address the global challenge posed by harmful algal blooms, we used a range of extract concentrations to delineate the growth response patterns. At very low concentrations (6.25 and 12.5 mg/L), the addition of M. spicatum extract shows no discernible reduction in M. aeruginosa cell density or growth rate; instead, a slight increase is observed during exposure, suggesting a hormetic effect. However, at higher concentrations (75 and 100 mg/L), there is a drastic reduction of more than 50% in cell density and growth rate at 75 mg/L, with complete inhibition at 100 mg/L, leading to pronounced oxidative stress, damage to antioxidant defense systems, and increased cell mortality. Increased levels of malondialdehyde, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities indicate the involvement of these enzymes in combating oxidative stress. Furthermore, intracellular and extracellular microcystins were significantly decreased at higher extract concentrations (50, 75, and 100 mg/L) in a dose-dependent manner. Our results indicate a dose-dependent response and provide insight into the potential application of natural water treatment solutions. Implications for ecological management and future research directions are discussed.

Harnessing green tide Ulva biomass for carbon dioxide sequestration

Harnessing green tide Ulva biomass for carbon dioxide sequestration

Deactivation of harmful green tide using Ag/SiO2 and Ag/Al2O3 coatings on low-density porous materials

Nowadays harmful bloom tides affect greatly the economy of coastal states. For this reason, the present communication reports on a practical method for synthesizing SiO2 and γ-alumina nanospheres, immobilized by sonochemistry on low-density porous foams and perlite granules, as a solution to this problem. A biostatic AgNP effect was incorporated into both materials, achieving AgSi and AgAl. The green-tide inactivation was performed by using Tetraselmis suecica under aqueous conditions. AgAl/FWGS displayed the best inactivation efficiency performance (94 %). Additionally, foams have significant buoyancy and are easy to handle, being an option for T. suecica inactivation for their easy recovering.

Effects of Harmful Algal Blooms on Amphibians and Reptiles are Under-Reported and Under-Represented.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a persistent and increasing problem globally, yet we still have limited knowledge about how they affect wildlife. Although semi-aquatic and aquatic amphibians and reptiles have experienced large declines and occupy environments where HABs are increasingly problematic, their vulnerability to HABs remains unclear. To inform monitoring, management, and future research, we conducted a literature review, synthesized the studies, and report on the mortality events describing effects of cyanotoxins from HABs on freshwater herpetofauna. Our review identified 37 unique studies and 71 endpoints (no-observed-effect and lowest-observed-effect concentrations) involving 11 amphibian and 3 reptile species worldwide. Responses varied widely among studies, species, and exposure concentrations used in experiments. Concentrations causing lethal and sublethal effects in laboratory experiments were generally 1 to 100 µg/L, which contains the mean value of reported HAB events but is 70 times less than the maximum cyanotoxin concentrations reported in the environment. However, one species of amphibian was tolerant to concentrations of 10,000 µg/L, demonstrating potentially immense differences in sensitivities. Most studies focused on microcystin-LR (MC-LR), which can increase systemic inflammation and harm the digestive system, reproductive organs, liver, kidneys, and development. The few studies on other cyanotoxins illustrated that effects resembled those of MC-LR at similar concentrations, but more research is needed to describe effects of other cyanotoxins and mixtures of cyanotoxins that commonly occur in the environment. All experimental studies were on larval and adult amphibians; there were no such studies on reptiles. Experimental work with reptiles and adult amphibians is needed to clarify thresholds of tolerance. Only nine mortality events were reported, mostly for reptiles. Given that amphibians likely decay faster than reptiles, which have tissues that resist decomposition, mass amphibian mortality events from HABs have likely been under-reported. We propose that future efforts should be focused on seven major areas, to enhance our understanding of effects and monitoring of HABs on herpetofauna that fill important roles in freshwater and terrestrial environments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1936-1949. Published 2024. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Microcystin-RR is a biliary toxin selective for neonatal extrahepatic cholangiocytes

BACKGROUND AND AIMSBiliary atresia is a fibrosing cholangiopathy affecting neonates that is thought to result from a prenatal environmental insult to the bile duct. Biliatresone, a plant toxin with an α-methylene ketone group, was previously implicated in biliary atresia in Australian livestock, but is found in a limited location and is highly unlikely to be a significant human toxin. We hypothesized that other unsaturated carbonyl compounds, some with the potential for significant human exposure, might also be biliary toxins. METHODSWe focused on the family of microcystins, cyclic peptide toxins from blue-green algae that are found worldwide, particularly during harmful algal blooms. We used primary extrahepatic cholangiocyte spheroids and extrahepatic bile duct explants from both neonatal (a total of 86 P2 mouse pups and 18 P2 rat pups (n=8-10 per condition for both species)) and adult rodents (a total of 31 P15-18 mice (n=10-11 per condition)) to study the biliary toxicity of microcystins and potential mechanisms RESULTSWe found that 400 nM microcystin-RR, but not six other microcystins or the related algal toxin nodularin, caused greater than 80% lumen closure in cell spheroids made from extrahepatic cholangiocytes isolated from 2-3-day-old mice (p<0.0001). In contrast, it resulted in less than an average of 5% lumen closure in spheroids derived from neonatal intrahepatic cholangiocytes or cells from adult mice (p=0.4366). We also found that microcystin-RR caused occlusion of extrahepatic bile duct explants from 2-day-old mice (p<0.0001), but not 18-day-old mice. Microcystin-RR caused a 2.3 times increase in reactive oxygen species in neonatal cholangiocytes (p<0.0001), and treatment with N-acetyl cysteine partially prevented microcystin-RR-induced lumen closure (p=0.0004), suggesting a role for redox homeostasis in its mechanism of action. CONCLUSIONSWe identify microcystin-RR as a selective neonatal extrahepatic cholangiocyte toxin and suggest that it acts by increasing redox stress.

Mixtures of organic micropollutants exacerbated in vitro neurotoxicity of prymnesins and contributed to aquatic toxicity during a toxic algal bloom

Prymnesins produced by an algal bloom of Prymnesium parvum led to the death of several hundred tons of freshwater fish in the Oder River in summer 2022. We investigated effects on aquatic life and human cell lines from exposure to extracts of contaminated water collected during the fish kill. We detected B-type prymnesins and >120 organic micropollutants. The micropollutants occurred at concentrations that would cause the predicted mixture risk quotient for aquatic life to exceed the acceptable threshold. Extracts of water and filters (biomass and particulates) induced moderate effects in vivo in algae, daphnids and zebrafish embryos but caused high effects in a human neuronal cell line indicating the presence of neurotoxicants. Mixture toxicity modelling demonstrated that the in vitro neurotoxic effects were mainly caused by the detected B-type prymnesins with minor contributions by organic micropollutants. Complex interactions between natural and anthropogenic toxicants may underestimate threats to aquatic ecosystems.

Zirconium-based metal-organic framework composites for solid phase extraction of brevetoxin-A from seawater

Red tides are a type of natural marine disaster caused by harmful algae characterized by a high toxicity, wide distribution, and long duration. Since the concentration of algal toxins in seawater increases with the occurrence of red tides, algal toxins detected in seawater could be used to predict the occurrence and evolution of red tides. Brevetoxin-A (BTX-A) is a secondary metabolite produced by the harmful algae Karenia brevis, whose detection in seawater could form the basis of an accurate warning system for incoming red tides. However, due to the inherent complexity of the seawater matrix and the extremely low levels of BTX-A in seawater, the use of instruments for its direct detection is difficult. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a sample pretreatment method for the efficient enrichment of BTX-A in seawater. In this study, a metal-organic backbone material (UiO-66) and its composite with silica microspheres (SiO2@UiO-66) were successfully synthesized using the solvothermal method. The prepared SiO2@UiO-66 exhibited good hydrophilicity, water stability, and large specific surface area. Furthermore, it also exhibited hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions with BTX-A, had a strong affinity for BTX-A, and was able to efficiently adsorb BTX-A in complex matrices. Therefore, SiO2@UiO-66 showed potential as a novel packing material for the extraction of BTX-A from solid phase extraction columns. Combined with high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), a highly sensitive detection method for the determination of BTX-A in marine water was established. The established analytical method had a low detection limit (3.0 pg/mL), a wide linear range (10.0 -200.0 pg/mL), and a good linear relationship (R=0.9992). Combined with the Fujian Province Red Tide Monitoring and Early Warning Information 2021 issued by the Fujian Provincial Oceanic and Fisheries Bureau, the analytical method established herein was successfully applied to analyze and monitor the content of BTX-A in actual seawater samples. This highlights the proposed system's potential for use as an early warning factor in the monitoring of red tides, representing a simple and fast pretreatment methodology for the detection of BTX-A in seawater.

Species-Specific Responses of Bloom-Forming Algae to the Ocean Warming and Acidification.

Macroalgal biomass blooms, including those causing the green and golden tides, have been rising along Chinese coasts, resulting in considerable social impacts and economic losses. To understand the links between the ongoing climate changes (ocean warming and acidification) and algal tide formation, the effects of temperature (20 and 24 °C), pCO2 concentration (Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide, 410 ppm and 1000 ppm) and their interaction on the growth of Ulva prolifera and Ulva lactuca (green tide forming species), as well as Sargassum horneri (golden tide forming species) were investigated. The results indicate that the concurrent rises in temperature and pCO2 level significantly boosted the growth and nutrient uptake rates of U. lactuca. For U. prolifera, the heightened growth and photosynthetic efficiency under higher CO2 conditions are likely due to the increased availability of inorganic carbon. In contrast, S. horneri exhibited negligible responsiveness to the individual and combined effects of the increased temperature and CO2 concentration. These outcomes indicate that the progressive climate changes, characterized by ocean warming and acidification, are likely to escalate the incidence of green tides caused by Ulva species, whereas they are not anticipated to precipitate golden tides.

Typical Marine Ecological Disasters in China Attributed to Marine Organisms and Their Significant Insights.

Owing to global climate change or the ever-more frequent human activities in the offshore areas, it is highly probable that an imbalance in the offshore ecosystem has been induced. However, the importance of maintaining and protecting marine ecosystems' balance cannot be overstated. In recent years, various marine disasters have occurred frequently, such as harmful algal blooms (green tides and red tides), storm surge disasters, wave disasters, sea ice disasters, and tsunami disasters. Additionally, overpopulation of certain marine organisms (particularly marine faunas) has led to marine disasters, threatening both marine ecosystems and human safety. The marine ecological disaster monitoring system in China primarily focuses on monitoring and controlling the outbreak of green tides (mainly caused by outbreaks of some Ulva species) and red tides (mainly caused by outbreaks of some diatom and dinoflagellate species). Currently, there are outbreaks of Cnidaria (Hydrozoa and Scyphozoa organisms; outbreak species are frequently referred to as jellyfish), Annelida (Urechis unicinctus Drasche, 1880), Mollusca (Philine kinglipini S. Tchang, 1934), Arthropoda (Acetes chinensis Hansen, 1919), and Echinodermata (Asteroidea organisms, Ophiuroidea organisms, and Acaudina molpadioides Semper, 1867) in China. They not only cause significant damage to marine fisheries, tourism, coastal industries, and ship navigation but also have profound impacts on marine ecosystems, especially near nuclear power plants, sea bathing beaches, and infrastructures, posing threats to human lives. Therefore, this review provides a detailed introduction to the marine organisms (especially marine fauna species) causing marine biological disasters in China, the current outbreak situations, and the biological backgrounds of these outbreaks. This review also provides an analysis of the causes of these outbreaks. Furthermore, it presents future prospects for marine biological disasters, proposing corresponding measures and advocating for enhanced resource utilization and fundamental research. It is recommended that future efforts focus on improving the monitoring of marine biological disasters and integrating them into the marine ecological disaster monitoring system. The aim of this review is to offer reference information and constructive suggestions for enhancing future monitoring, early warning systems, and prevention efforts related to marine ecological disasters in support of the healthy development and stable operation of marine ecosystems.

Temporal succession of micropropagules during accumulation and dissipation of green tide algae: A case study in Rudong coast, Jiangsu Province

Over the past 18 years, green tides have persistently occurred in the Yellow Sea. Micropropagules of these algae are key to bloom formation, yet their species composition and succession during dissipation remain underexplored. During the dissipation process of accumulated green tide algae, a large number of micropropagules are released. This study monitored the dissipation of green tide algae at a coastal site, tracking micropropagules in water and sediment using an internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 5S rDNA primers. Results showed that the dissipation lasted about one month, with significant micropropagule release. Initially, micropropagules matched 5S-II Ulva prolifera, but later species like Ulva torta, Ulva simplex, Ulva flexuosa, and Ulva meridionalis emerged. Ulva meridionalis dominated sediment in July and August, while U. torta was prevalent in water, and U. flexuosa was dominant in other months. Accumulated U. prolifera in the intertidal zone may not contribute to the seeding of the next year's bloom. This study sheds light on the dissipation process and succession patterns of micropropagules in coastal environments.

Unforeseen green tide of floating tubular Ulva meridionalis, a lethal threat to oyster farming, along the west coast of Taiwan: tracking its origin and ecophysiological insights

Abstract Ulva green tides have adversely affected coastal ecosystems. In June 2023 in Changhua County, Taiwan, an unprecedented floating tubular Ulva bloom spanning about 30 km of coastline caused about 30 % reduction in oyster yield as reported by local farmers. Understanding its taxonomic and ecological basis is crucial for preemptive and remedial measures. Based on molecular (rbcL and tufA) and morphological evidence, U lva meridionalis was the cause of this green tide. Haplotype network analysis (based on ITS) suggests that this green tide originated from northern China via the China Coastal Current. Historical survey data indicate that U. meridionalis arrived in Taoyuan Algal Reef (about 150 km north of the bloom area) as far back as 2018. Our ecophysiological experiments revealed that U. meridionalis exhibited a rapid daily growth rate with biomass increment up to 13–21 % when subjected to local nutrient-rich waters under lower salinity and spring-like conditions. Although historical ecological and poultry/livestock data analyses showed no noticeable change in sea surface temperature and rainfall over the past decade, a gradual rise in agricultural nitrogen and phosphorus output was observed. This taxonomic and ecological background lays the groundwork for long-term ecological monitoring. Moreover, this study exemplifies the detrimental impact of an unforeseen Ulva bloom on oyster farming.

Spatial heterogeneity in sediment phosphorus pools and phosphatase activity in a eutrophic reservoir.

Agriculture is necessary for food production, but agricultural inputs of phosphorus (P) to waterways can lead to harmful algal blooms in downstream reservoirs. Some of the P that enters these water bodies can be stored in reservoir sediments and later contribute to internal P loading, supplementing external P loads carried in from rivers. Increased P can lead to harmful algal blooms. However, how P is cycling in the sediment of these water bodies varies spatially and temporally has been relatively unstudied. Our objective was to understand how P concentration and form vary spatiotemporally, as well as how P is processed in the sediment of the reservoir. We sampled 30 locations in both August and October 2018 around Milford Reservoir (Kansas), a man-made eutrophic reservoir with frequent harmful algal blooms. We collected water chemistry samples, field measurements of temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH, and sediment samples to analyze for P chemical speciation and phosphatase enzyme activity. We show that P release by phosphatase activity was higher under anaerobic and basic conditions, which subsequently affects spatiotemporal variation in sediment P pools. We found that low oxygen positively influenced phosphatase activity and sediment P pools, and may drive high internal P loading and harmful algal blooms in the summer months. This research increased our understanding of P cycling in a reservoir highly impacted by agricultural inputs and contributed to a small but growing body of research on internal P loading in midwestern reservoirs.

Differential allelopathic effects of mangrove plants Kandelia obovata and Aegiceras corniculatum on harmful algal species: Potential applications in algal bloom control

This study examined effects of mangrove plants Kandelia obovata and Aegiceras corniculatum on harmful algal species. While A. corniculatum leaf extract had no inhibitory effect, K. obovata leaf extract significantly inhibited the growth of two harmful algal species Alexandrium tamarense and Karenia mikimotoi. The inhibitory effect was concentration-dependent, with over 90 % inhibition at the highest concentration. Morphological changes and cell size reduction were observed in both microalgae. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species and damage to algal photosynthetic system were found. The allelopathic effect of K. obovata on K. mikimotoi with low-concentration repeated exposure was more effective than high-concentration single exposure. The EC50 of K. obovata (0.33 g L−1) was lower than reported values on other coastal plants. Higher inhibitory effects of K. obovata were found on naked algal species than the armoured ones. These findings suggest potential applications of K. obovata leaf extract in controlling harmful algal blooms.

Inactivation effect and mechanism of Pediastrum by in-liquid pulsed discharge plasma

The issue of eutrophication in river and lake ecosystems is escalating, resulting in harmful algal blooms that adversely impact the aquatic environment. Thus, it is crucial to develop new technology that can effectively inactivate algae without causing secondary pollution to the water body. This work uses in-liquid pulsed discharge plasma technique to inactivate Pediastrum. The research investigates variations in inactivation ratios, chlorophyll-a concentrations, and the inactivation mechanisms under different discharge conditions. The results indicate that the optimal inactivation effect is achieved at a peak voltage of 30 kV, an electrode spacing of 7 mm, and a discharge duration of 20 min, resulting in a 90 % inactivation ratio and a reduction in chlorophyll-a concentration from 1.31 mg/L to 0.63 mg/L (on the fourth day of re-culturing). The discharge process generates strong shock waves, ultraviolet lights, and significant amounts of oxidizing agents, such as· O, H2O2, O3, leading to cell damage, cell wall disruption, and enzyme activity reduction, thereby achieving effective inactivation.

Seasonal changes in the protist communities of Hakodate Bay, southern Hokkaido, from 2020 to 2022

Hakodate Bay at the southern end of Hokkaido experiences physical and chemical environmental changes in the adjacent Tsugaru Strait. Harmful algal blooms have occurred since 2015. However, information on the response of protist community composition, photosynthetic activity to environmental variables or the mechanisms causing harmful blooms in the Hakodate Bay is lacking. We investigated the seasonal changes in the protist community using weekly sampling to reveal the relationship between the protist community and environmental variables in the Hakodate Bay. Based on cluster analysis, six groups were identified: Winter, Spring, Late Spring, Summer, Benthic, and Karenia. High Fv/Fm was seen in the Summer, Benthic and Spring groups supported by high nutrients, warm temperature and sufficient irradiance. From the Winter to Spring group, a species transition from low-temperature-adapting Thalassiosira spp. to Chaetoceros spp. was found. The Summer group comprised high salinity-tolerant species (the diatom Leptocylindrus danicus and dinoflagellate Prorocentrum spp.) because of high fluctuations in salinity due to precipitation. The other groups (Late Spring, Benthic, and Karenia) randomly filled the spaces between the three groups. The dinoflagellate Scrippsiella spp. was dominant in the Late Spring group because of accumulation by wind-driven currents. Because a strong relationship between benthic species and wind speed was exhibited, the Benthic group comprised benthic diatoms released into the water by mixing. The Karenia group was observed only from late August 2021 to early January 2022, when higher ammonium and lower light conditions (i.e., cloudy conditions) were detected. Owing to environmental conditions, diatom growth was restricted by low light intensity, whereas that of Karenia mikimotoi increased by taking advantage of the abundant nutrients. Seasonal changes in the protist community of the Hakodate Bay can generally be explained by temperature; however, in the short term (1–2 weeks), changes were also influenced by meteorological conditions (solar radiation, wind, and precipitation).

Decadal changes in the Sea of Marmara indicate degraded ecosystem conditions and unsustainable fisheries

Globally, all marine ecosystems are under pressure by anthropogenic stressors. However, semi-enclosed seas are at a greater risk of degradation due to their limited connectivity to open seas. This leads to a greater accumulation of pollutants and abrupt regime shifts triggered by unsustainable exploitation of living resources, as ecosystems exhibit low degrees of redundancy and more frequent large-scale episodic events such as harmful algal blooms. The Sea of Marmara is a semi-enclosed marine region that has been subjected to various anthropogenic stressors since the 1990s. Recently, local and governmental authorities have employed basin-wide ecosystem management plans to control and manage point and nonpoint (diffuse) sources of pollutants. However, the management of fisheries in relation to the dynamics of the Sea of Marmara food web has attracted less attention from policymakers, even though fisheries exploitation is one of the most significant anthropogenic pressures. In this study, we capitalized on a previous static ecosystem model of the Sea of Marmara by revising and extending it to simulate the changes between 1990 and 2020. We delineated the temporal dynamics and regime shifts in the food web in terms of ecosystem structure and function by using ecological indicators and developed quantitative management advice for its fisheries. The results showed that the ecosystem has experienced three regimes since 1990, with regime shifts occurring with the onset of the 2000s and the mid 2010s. The first regime exhibited high diversity and material cycling, the second regime was characterized by low diversity and increased impact of fisheries, and the third regime culminated in a fished-down food web state. The analysis of fishery dynamics showed that the majority of harvested species were overexploited. We suggest that the implementation of quotas for exploited species should be considered an immediate solution to the unsustainable exploitation of fish stocks and can help restore ecosystem conditions.

Advanced electrochemical strategies for simultaneous removal of Microcystis aeruginosa and microcystin-LR: On-demand optimization and mechanistic insights

The frequent occurrence of harmful cyanobacterial blooms and toxins poses significant threats to aquatic life and drinking water safety. This work reports the removal mechanisms of M. aeruginosa and microcystin-LR (MC-LR) using the Pt-Graphite felt (GF) electrochemical system, which builds upon prior research to investigate diverse processes driven by distinct mechanisms within a single reactor, primarily by pH regulation. Factors affecting removal were assessed through single-factor trials and Box-Behnken design, identifying optimal conditions for successful algae removal, finally a 96% removal efficiency of algae cells and an 83% elimination efficiency of MC-LR within a 60-minute timeframe. Particularly at non-optimal pH 7 conditions, the Pt-GF system showcases synergistic effects, enhancing electro-flocculation and weakening electro-Fenton reactions. Conversely, at an optimal pH of 3, the electro-Fenton process is favorably enhanced, leading to improved removal efficiency through escalated reactive oxygen species generation. Additionally, the system exhibits consistent repeatability in its performance. Notably, its effectiveness is substantiated across varying nitrogen and phosphorus levels and in simulated water samples containing multiple algal species. In essence, this subtly adaptable reactor tuning integrates electro-Fenton, electro-flocculation, electro-adsorption, and electrochemical direct oxidation effects for the first time, potentially providing a more effective and manageable solution for addressing harmful algae in water.

Co-Occurrence of Cyanotoxins and Phycotoxins in One of the Largest Southeast Asian Brackish Waterbodies: A Preliminary Study at the Tam Giang—Cau Hai Lagoon (Vietnam)

The Tam Giang-Cau Hai lagoon (TGCH) in Thua Thien Hue province (Vietnam) is a marsh/lagoon system and ranks among the largest waterbodies in Southeast Asia. It plays a significant role in terms of both socio-economic and environmental resources. However, anthropogenic stress, as well as the discharge of untreated domestic and industrial sewage with agricultural runoff from its three major tributaries, dramatically damages the water quality of the lagoon. Especially after heavy rain and flash floods, the continuous degradation of its water quality, followed by harmful algal and cyanobacterial bloom patterns (HABs), is more perceptible. In this study, several physicochemical factors, cyanotoxins (anatoxins (ATXs), saxitoxins (STXs), microcystins (MCs)), phycotoxins (STXs, okadaic acid (OA), and dinophysistoxins (DTXs)) were analyzed in water and shellfish samples from 13 stations in June 2023 from 13 stations, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits for the ATXs and STXs, and the serine/threonine phosphatase type 2A (PP2A) inhibition assay kit for the MCs, OA, and DTXs. The results showed for the first time the co-occurrence of freshwater cyanotoxins and marine phycotoxins in water and shellfish samples in this lagoon. Traces of ATXs and STXs were detected in the shellfish and the orders of magnitude were below the seafood safety action levels. However, toxins inhibiting the PP2A enzyme, such as MCs and nodularin (NODs), as well as OA and DTXs, were detected at higher concentrations (maximum: 130.4 μg equiv. MC-LR/kg shellfish meat wet weight), approaching the actionable level proposed for this class of toxin in shellfish (160 μg of OA equivalent per kg of edible bivalve mollusk meat). It is very important to note that due to the possible false positives produced by the ELISA test in complex matrices such as a crude shellfish extract, this preliminary and pilot research will be repeated with a more sophisticated method, such as liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy (LC-MS), in the upcoming research plan.

Evaluating seasonal variation in macronutrient levels and their impact on water quality in urban coastal waters: A case study in nutrient management along the North Colombo coast of Sri Lanka

Macronutrients are vital for sustaining marine food webs and primary production. However, their overabundance through riverine inflows and untreated wastewater discharges causes adverse ecological changes, especially in developing countries, necessitating effective nutrient management for ecosystem preservation. We assessed macronutrient enrichment and dispersion patterns in the north Colombo coast of Sri Lanka, an urban estuary stressed by untreated wastewater discharge from sewer channels and macronutrients from the Kelani River. Maximum concentrations of NO3−−N, total dissolved nitrogen, PO43−−P and total dissolved phosphorus were 0.085, 0.74, 0.70, and 0.79 mg/L, respectively, while the dissolved oxygen levels and temperature ranged from 6.42 to 8.62 mg/L and from 28.1 to 30.8 0C during January 2023. The estuary was a nitrogen-limited ecosystem, with the Kelani River being the primary source of NO3−−N. Although nutrient levels were within water quality guidelines, understanding how pollutants disperse during a catastrophic discharge is crucial for risk management. Simulated dispersion patterns using Delft3D revealed that NO3−−N and other solutes introduced through the Kelani River accumulate near the breakwaters of the Colombo harbor complex during the Northeast monsoon, primarily due to seasonal wave and wind conditions. The accumulation of the limiting nutrient increased the risk of eutrophication and harmful algal blooms by non-indigenous toxic algae species introduced by untreated ballast water disposal. The findings elucidate the critical role of breakwaters in retaining solutes and emphasize the influence of morphological, climatic, and topographical factors on dispersion patterns in coastal ecosystems. The study provides an example for developing countries to integrate cost-effective monitoring technologies and numerical modelling into coastal management, facilitating data-driven decision making for effective environmental management.

Sludge-derived alginate-like extracellular polymers (ALE) for preparation of Fe-ALE and FeCaMg-ALE: Application to the adsorption of phosphate

Excess phosphorus (P) in wastewater has potential risk of causing harmful algal bloom and eutrophication in receiving wastewater. In this study, alginate-like extracellular polymers (ALE) derived from conventional activated sludge were modified with ionic cross-linking agents (Fe3+, Ca2+, and Mg2+) to develop Fe-ALE and FeCaMg-ALE for the adsorption of phosphate from wastewater. The adsorption process of phosphate by Fe-ALE and FeCaMg-ALE can be well described by pseudo-second-order kinetics and Freundlich isotherm model with a high level of accuracy, indicating that the adsorption processes were chemical, multi-layer adsorption process. The maximum adsorption capacity of dry Fe-ALE and FeCaMg-ALE concerning phosphate were 15.06 and 20.10 mg/g, respectively at 298 K. The adsorption capacity remained relatively consistent across a pH range of 2.0–11.0. FT-IR, XRD, SEM coupled with XPS analysis demonstrated the ALE had been successfully compounded with Fe3+ or Fe3+/Ca2+/Mg2+. Based on the experimental results and characteristic analysis, the main mechanism of phosphate by Fe-ALE and FeCaMg-ALE are physical filling, electrostatic attraction, ligand exchange and precipitation reaction. This work provides a new perspective for preparing ALE-based adsorbent using conventional activated sludge as raw material, realizing the treatment of waste with waste and effectively recovering phosphate from wastewater.