Marine Beach Research Articles

Secondary Microplastics Generation in the Sea Swash Zone With Coarse Bottom Sediments: Laboratory Experiments

Marine beaches worldwide are nowadays exposed to significant contamination by plastics. On the Baltic beaches, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene are most abundant. We investigate the generation of microplastics particles (MPs, characteristic size from 0.5 to 5 mm) from larger plastic items in the sea swash zone using a laboratory rotating mixer filled with water and natural coarse beach sediment (marine pebbles). Inclination of the axis of rotation and the volume of the material were adjusted in such a way that mixing resembled a breaking wave in the swash zone. Plastic samples used were of the types most commonly found on the sea beaches. Experimental 2cm×2cm-large plastic items made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) were manufactured from common new garbage bags (thickness 5 μm); those made of polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS) were produced from single-use tableware; samples of foamed plastics were presented by cubes (with 2-cm sides) cut out of standard building insulator sheets (foamed PS). Four sets of 24-h-long experiments were conducted (for each type of plastic separately), with step-wise (every 3 hours) examination of the generated MPs mass, number of particles and their qualitative characteristics such as shape, quality of the surface, general behaviour while mixing, etc. Statistically significant dependencies are obtained for the increase in mass and in number of MPs with time for all four used kinds of plastics. Brittle solid PS is shown to be the most productive in terms of both mass and number of MPs generated. Anisotropic springing PP is the most resistant. Tensile tearing of LDPE and fragmentation of foamed PS to compounding bubbles/spherules show the variety of mechanisms involved in fragmentation of plastics in the swash zone. Increase in MPs mass and the number of MPs particles with time, as well the link between them, are important for field monitoring and numerical modelling. Potentially shape-selective operation of sieves during sampling and sorting of MPs particles of various shapes is discussed.

Effects of mesoscale eddies on behavior of an oil spill resulting from an accidental deepwater blowout in the Black Sea: an assessment of the environmental impacts.

Because of the environmental sensitivity of the Black Sea, as a semi-enclosed sea, any subsea oil spill can cause destructive impacts on the marine environment and beaches. Employing numerical modeling as a prediction tool is one of the most efficient methods to understand oil spill behavior under various environmental forces. In this regard, a coupled circulation/deepsea oil spill model has been applied to the Black Sea to address the behavior of the oil plume resulting from a representative hypothetical deepwater blowout. With climatological forcing, the hydrodynamic module based on DieCAST ocean circulation model realistically reproduces seasonally-varying circulation from basin-scale dominant structures to meso- and sub-mesoscale elements. The oil spill model utilizes pre-calculated DieCAST thermo-hydrodynamic fields and uses a Lagrangian tracking algorithm for predicting the displacement of a large number of seeded oil droplets, the sum of which forms the rising oil plume resulting from a deepwater blowout. Basic processes affecting the transport, dispersal of oil and its fate in the water column are included in the coupled model. A hypothetical oil source was set at the bottom, at the northwestern edge of the Shatsky Ridge in the area east of the Crimea Peninsula where the oil exploration/development is likely to be planned. Goals of the study are to elucidate the behavior of the subsea oil plume and assess scales of contamination of marine environment and coastlines resulting from potential blowouts. The two 20-day scenarios with the oil released by a hypothetical blowout were examined to reveal combined effects of the basin-scale current, near-shore eddies, and winds on the behavior of the rising oil plume and its spreading on the surface. Special attention is paid to the Caucasian near-shore anticyclonic eddy which is able to trap surfacing oil, detain it and deliver it to shores. The length of contaminated coastlines of vulnerable Crimean and Caucasian coasts are assessed along with amounts of oil beached and deposited.

Exposure to Human-Associated Chemical Markers of Fecal Contamination and Self-Reported Illness among Swimmers at Recreational Beaches

Anthropogenic chemicals have been proposed as potential markers of human fecal contamination in recreational water. However, to date, there are no published studies describing their relationships with illness risks. Using a cohort of swimmers at seven U.S. beaches, we examined potential associations between the presence of chemical markers of human fecal pollution and self-reported gastrointestinal (GI) illness, diarrhea, and respiratory illness. Swimmers were surveyed about their beach activities, water exposure, and baseline symptoms on the day of their beach visit, and about any illness experienced 10-12 days later. Risk differences were estimated using model-based standardization and adjusted for the swimmer's age, beach site, sand contact, rainfall, and water temperature. Sixty-two chemical markers were analyzed from daily water samples at freshwater and marine beaches. Of those, 20 were found consistently. With the possible exception of bisphenol A and cholesterol, no chemicals were consistently associated with increased risks of illness. These two chemicals were suggestively associated with 2% and 1% increased risks of GI illness and diarrhea in both freshwater and marine beaches. Additional research using the more sensitive analytic methods currently available for a wider suite of analytes is needed to support the use of chemical biomarkers to quantify illness risk and identify fecal pollution sources.

Analysis of stakeholder in the development of Labombo Beach sustainable town in Palopo City

Labombo Beach is one of the main Palopo City natural tourism. This study aimed to understand the participation of stakeholder in the development of marine tourism in Labombo Beach. The stakeholders that included in this research are the governmental institutions, non-governmental organization, and socialcommunities. Those stakeholders are being observed in drawing up policies for proper management and development in Labombo Beach tourist area. The method of this study is used two analytical approaches, qualitative stakeholder analysis and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). The results showed that Tourism Department of Palopo City as a mandated agency in government affairs of tourism management and development in Palopo City as well as one of the key players which can fully engage other key players in formulating and evaluating the strategy of maritime tourism development of Labombo Beach. Tourism Department of Palopo City also maintaining a great communication and monitoring the existence of stakeholder actors group (A conscious group of youth lovers of nature and the environment of Palopo City and the community) because that their interests and influence can change in over time. The alternative development of Labombo Beach marine tourism which become the first priority is making tourism zoning, second is improving tourism facilities and infrastructure, third is conducting a tourism promotion and fourth is increasing the foster and train within the community.

Optimization of washing conditions with biogenic mobilizing agents for marine fuel-contaminated beach sands

Washing is a rapid and effective treatment to remediate contaminated sands impacted by oil spills, although synthetic additives used to increase extraction efficiency may cause additional pollution issues due to their intrinsic toxicity and very often low biodegradability. In this study, different biogenic mobilizing agents (soybean lecithins, cyclodextrins, cholic acids, plant-derived cleaners, rhamnolipids and sophorolipids) were tested in the washing of beach sands artificially contaminated with the Intermediate Fuel Oil IFO-180. Among these, a de-oiled soybean lecithin (SL-1), hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrins (HPB-CD) and sophorolipids (SR) achieved hydrocarbon removals close to those attained with the synthetic surfactant Triton™ X-100 (TX) in preliminary washing tests carried out at constant mixing rate, water/sand ratio and IFO-180 contamination level using agents concentrations close to their critical micelle concentration (0.1% and 1% w/v for microbial and non-microbial agents, respectively). The effects of agent concentration, water/sand ratio, mixing rate and IFO-180 contamination on hydrocarbons removal were modelled using face-centred central composite design and ANOVA. Optimal washing parameters for sand contamination levels in the range 0.5–20 g/kg were identified with response surface methodology. While HPB-CD and SR performed equally to TX only at low sand contaminations, SL-1 attained hydrocarbon removal higher or equal to that of TX at any IFO-180 contamination and at lower application rates. SL-1 also outperformed TX when minimizing the water/sand ratio, i.e., the volume of water used. Considering its lower toxicity, higher biodegradability and higher hydrocarbon removal efficiencies, SL-1 is an effective and environmentally sustainable alternative to synthetic surfactants in washing treatments for marine fuel-contaminated sands.

Plastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems: macro-, meso-, and microplastic debris in a floodplain lake.

Plastic pollution is considered an important environmental problem by the United Nations Environment Programme, and it is identified, alongside climate change, as an emerging issue that might affect biological diversity and human health. However, despite research efforts investigating plastics in oceans, relatively little studies have focused on freshwater systems. The aim of this study was to estimate the spatial distribution, types, and characteristics of macro-, meso-, and microplastic fragments in shoreline sediments of a freshwater lake. Food wrappers (mainly polypropylene and polystyrene), bags (high- and low-density polyethylene), bottles (polyethylene terephthalate), and disposable Styrofoam food containers (expanded polystyrene) were the dominant macroplastics recorded in this study. Contrary to other studies, herein macroplastic item surveys would not serve as surrogates for microplastic items. This is disadvantageous since macroplastic surveys are relatively easier to conduct. Otherwise, an average of 25 mesoplastics (mainly expanded polystyrene) and 704 microplastic particles (diverse resins) were recorded per square meter in sandy sediments. Comparisons with other studies from freshwater and marine beaches indicated similar relevance of plastic contamination, demonstrating for the first time that plastic pollution is a serious problem in the Paraná floodplain lakes. This study is also valuable from a social/educational point of view, since plastic waste has been ignored in the Paraná catchment as a pollutant problem, and therefore, the outcome of the current study is a relevant contribution for decision makers.

The Suitability Of Coastal Area Development Based On Minawisata Concept in Pacitan District

Minawisata concept is the implementation and integration of efforts to optimize the utilization of marine and coastal resources with action to maintain the sustainability and value of sustainability. This study aimed to determine the suitability of the coastal land development in Pacitan District based on the potential of marine and coastal areas in accordance to the minawisata concept. Study area covered seven districts along the coastline of Pacitan District, East Java Province, namely Donorejo, Pringkuku, Pacitan, Kebonagung, Tulakan, Ngadirejo, and Sudimoro District. The methodology used in this study is a combination of Geographic Information Systems analysis, satellite imagery interpretation, and field data processing. This study is limited to the identification of the potential of marine and coastal area, the suitability of land use, and the suitability of coastal area development based on the minawisata concept. The results show that there are three dominant utilizations of marine and coastal areas in Pacitan District, including: Marine Aquaculture, Capture Fisheries, and Beach Tourism. Based on the analysis on suitability of the marine and coastal area, seven districts in Pacitan are suitable for fisheries and beach tourism, while only two districts were suitable for marine aquaculture with several conditions, namely Pacitan District and Ngadirejo District. The implementation of minawisata concept for coastal area suitability based on the analysis of seven identified districts is feasible for further development.

Effects of off‐highway vehicles on sandy habitat critical to survival of a rare beetle

Abstract Recreational activity, including use of off‐highway vehicles, threatens a variety of rare taxa that depend on undisturbed marine beaches, freshwater shorelines, aeolian dunes and other sandy habitats. The endemic Coral Pink Sand Dunes (CPSD) tiger beetle (Cicindela albissima Rumpp) occupies a 300 × 1500 m area within a larger dune field in southwestern Utah. Our objectives were to determine the habitat required by larvae, explain why habitat is so restricted, and to quantify how off‐highway vehicles (OHVs) affected habitat. Macrohabitat characteristics (subsurface moisture, sediment grain size, compaction, vegetation cover) were not different in areas containing high beetle densities compared to those with low. Within the core area containing most beetles, larvae were found primarily in microhabitats with cohesive sand close to the surface. Compaction and moisture provide the cohesive sand required for larvae to maintain burrows during development. Compacted sand, soil moisture and vegetation supporting larval prey were largely absent in heavy OHV‐use areas. Larvae were less abundant within OHV tracks compared to non‐track areas. Apparent survival of larvae experimentally translocated to OHV tracks was lower than that of larvae translocated to non‐OHV areas. Our results show that beetles are restricted to an area where cohesive sand occurs near the surface, interspersed with sufficient vegetation to produce prey. These conditions are localised to an area where dunes migrate at a rate sustaining these conditions. Restricting OHV use from all areas where natural processes create cohesive sand covered with adequate vegetation will minimise extinction probability for the beetle.

TYPE AND QUANTITY OF MARINE DEBRIS AT SELECTED PUBLIC BEACHES IN SABAH (TG. ARU & KOSUHOI) DURING DIFFERENT MONSOON SEASONS

Marine debris is widely distributed at the coastal area of the global oceans, but their specific sources, quantities and distribution remains inconclusive. Although the threat from marine debris pollution has beginning to be recognized in Malaysia, comprehensive studies are still lacking to document the pollution. This study adopted a standard method of beach marine debris survey to assess the type, amount and sources of debris on a one kilometer section in Tg. Aru and Kosuhoi beaches, Sabah, during surveys in December 2012 (northeast monsoon, NEM), May 2013 (intermediate monsoon, IM) and July 2013 (southwest monsoon, SWM). The mean total debris items was 1,220±532 item/km and weighing at 52.8±17.2 kg/km, where, Kosuhoi beach (1,241 item/km or 57 kg/km) received substantially greater quantities of debris compared to Tg. Aru beach (1,199 item/km or 48 kg/km). Total debris items was more abundant during SWM (1,789 item/km) compared to NEM (1,139 item/km) and IM (733 item/km) seasons. Plastic category objects were the most numerous amounting to 1,057 item/km (86.64%) in total debris items. Clear plastic bottles, food wrappers, plastic fragments, colored plastic bottles and cups were the most abundant objects collected which they contributed 606 item/km (49.69%) from the total debris item collected. The main source of debris objects abundance was from common source which contributed 52% from the total debris objects, whereas, those from terrestrial and marine sources contributed 32% and 16% respectively. The high percentage of terrestrial and common sources debris requires marine environment stakeholders to diversify their approach and priority in mitigating this alarming result especially during SWM period. Awareness program is an effective preventive measure that should be continued and intensified. However, the program should focus on target group to ensure the awareness effectiveness to reduce if not totally eliminate the debris in the marine environment.

Freeze/thaw conditions at periglacial landforms in Kapp Linné, Svalbard, investigated using field observations, in situ, and radar satellite monitoring

In periglacial landscapes, snow dynamics and microtopography have profound implications of freeze-thaw conditions and thermal regime of the ground. We mapped periglacial landforms at Kapp Linné, central Svalbard, where we chose six widespread landforms (solifluction sheet, nivation hollow, palsa and peat in beach ridge depressions, raised marine beach ridge, and exposed bedrock ridge) as study sites. At these six landforms, we studied ground thermal conditions, freeze-thaw cycles, and snow dynamics using a combination of in situ monitoring and C-band radar satellite data in the period 2005–2012. Based on these physical parameters, the six studied landforms can be classified into raised, dry landforms with minor ground ice content and a thin, discontinuous snow cover and into wet landforms with high ice content located in the topographical depressions in-between with medium to thick snow cover. This results in a differential snow-melting period inferred from the C-band radar satellite data, causing the interseasonal and interlandform variability in the onset of ground surface thawing once the ground becomes snow free. Therefore, variability also exists in the period of thawed ground surface conditions. However, the length of the season with thawed ground surface conditions does not determine the mean annual ground surface temperature, it only correlates well with the active layer depths. From the C-band radar satellite data series, measured relative backscatter trends hint toward a decrease in snow cover through time and a more frequent presence of ice layers from mid-winter rain on snow events at Kapp Linné, Svalbard.

Sources and fate of microplastics in marine and beach sediments of the Southern Baltic Sea\u2014a preliminary study

Microplastics’ (particles size ≤5 mm) sources and fate in marine bottom and beach sediments of the brackish are strongly polluted Baltic Sea have been investigated. Microplastics were extracted using sodium chloride (1.2 g cm−3). Their qualitative identification was conducted using micro-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (μFT-IR). Concentration of microplastics varied from 25 particles kg−1 d.w. at the open sea beach to 53 particles kg−1 d.w. at beaches of strongly urbanized bay. In bottom sediments, microplastics concentration was visibly lower compared to beach sediments (0–27 particles kg−1 d.w.) and decreased from the shore to the open, deep-sea regions. The most frequent microplastics dimensions ranged from 0.1 to 2.0 mm, and transparent fibers were predominant. Polyester, which is a popular fabrics component, was the most common type of microplastic in both marine bottom (50%) and beach sediments (27%). Additionally, poly(vinyl acetate) used in shipbuilding as well as poly(ethylene-propylene) used for packaging were numerous in marine bottom (25% of all polymers) and beach sediments (18% of all polymers). Polymer density seems to be an important factor influencing microplastics circulation. Low density plastic debris probably recirculates between beach sediments and seawater in a greater extent than higher density debris. Therefore, their deposition is potentially limited and physical degradation is favored. Consequently, low density microplastics concentration may be underestimated using current methods due to too small size of the debris. This influences also the findings of qualitative research of microplastics which provide the basis for conclusions about the sources of microplastics in the marine environment.

TANTANGAN PENGEMBANGAN EKOWISATA BAHARI DI PULAU PISANG PESISIR BARAT LAMPUNG

Etik Ipda Riyani dan Tamjuddin: The purpose of this research is to identify the marine ecotourism development of the Pisang Island that is one of the favourite destination in west coast of Lampung. According to condition and the potencies of this island which likely has a potentiality as a further ecotourism destination and also nature conservation that will bring a revenue for the local communities, local governmemt and also management in west coast of Lampung. There are many problems for managing tourism assets because it requires infrastructure development. The research is located along the coast and marine ecotourism zone of Pisang island. This research is the development as further research of previous research which is about the beach, snorkling and diving zone in north coast of Pisang island by Nugraha and Irfan (2013). The importance of this research is to know the challenges and problems in decision making of tourism-developing sector for local goverment and managemet. The methods of this research are direct survey, observation to collect the data and also interview with respondents. The local communities, tourists, the local entrepreneurs, the local governments such as subdistrict head, district head and head of locat department tourism are the sample of respondents. Data analysis is used by SWOT for formulation. The strategy of development are based on the policies, the marine ecotourism zone, the previous reseach analysis, the experience of local communities, infrastructure demands, human resources and the local culture The involvement of local cummunities, the beach marine ecotourism zone and underwater zone are the result of the research.Key words: Pisang Island, The Challenges Of Policy, Zone, Infrastructure, Human Resources

Granulometric Study of the Lokoja Sandstone, Mid Niger Basin, Nigeria

Grain size studies of the Campanian-Maastrichtian Lokoja Formation have been investigated. The sand particles exhibit low sphericity which are angular to sub-angular. Histograms showed unimodal and bimodal trends and is predominantly asymmetrical with varying modal class, which may be due to variation in transporting medium energy. The graphic mean ranges from 0.1ф (coarse grained) to 1.35ф (medium grained) while the is average 0.81ф (coarse grained). The dominance of coarse grained particles and dearth of fine sands implies strong to moderate energy conditions during deposition. The standard deviation ranges from 0.08ф-0.60ф (very well sorted to moderately well sorted); average of 0.40ф (well sorted), which may be due to rapid back and forth movement of the depositing medium. The skewness ranges between -0.39 and 0.59 (strongly coarse skewed to strongly fine skewed), while the graphic kurtosis ranges between 0.77 and 2.5 indicating playtykurtic to very leptokurtic and this variation may be due to some of the deposits being sorted in high-energy environment elsewhere. A Bivariate plot (simple skewness vs. standard deviation) shows the samples plotting mainly in the river sand zone. Another plot of mean size vs. standard deviation also shows the samples appearing in the river sand zone; other granulometric parameters that discriminates between river channel deposits, overbank deposits and overbank-pool deposits shows that the Lokoja sandstones plotted in the river channel zone. Linear discriminant analyses signpost a shallow marine beach environment. From the Passega diagram, majority of the samples plotted outside the featured fields, only three samples plotted within the diagnostic parameter zone around the uniform suspension-SR zone.

A preliminary report on late Devensian and early Flandrian deposits on the coast at Carnlough, County Antrim

A sequence of deposits, which includes two peat layers, is exposed infrequently by erosion of the overlying beach sand on the foreshore at Carnlough, Co. Antrim. Examination of the stratigraphy, with outline pollen analysis and radiocarbon dating, indicates they arc of Late Devensian and Early Flandrian age. Coring revealed that the peat layers arc separated from underlying glacial till by several metres of inorganic deposits. Preliminary work suggests that these include marine beach deposits, underlain by fluvio-glacial laminated silts and clays.The upper part of the sequence (including the peat layers) resembles that at Roddan's Port, Co. Down but the lower horizons contrast with the red marine clay at that site, though may be equivalent in age. Preliminary results support previous interpretations of two marine transgressions — Late Devensian and Flandrian — in north-east Ireland. This paper records the existence of the site until detailed work can be done to explain its history and significance more fully.

Soil formation on coastal beach and dune sands at Magilligan Point Nature Reserve, Co. Londonderry

The degree and areal extent of soil formation has been assessed on a sequence of marine beach ridges and aeolian dunes at Magilligan Point Nature Reserve, Co. Londonderry. These landforms span a period of c. 35 years and show significant pedological changes and trends. Profile morphology and chemistry classify the initial dune soils as raw sands and the beach soils as raw alluvial soils. After c. 16 years these have developed into sand-pararendzinas and rendzina-like alluvial soils respectively. Surface soil samples from successive dune ridges show a rapid build-up of organic matter to >7% after 31 years and a decline in CaC03 content from >11% to 5.5% over the same period. These data are compared with the results of previous dune soil studies and the differences considered to be due in part to differences between other soil forming factors as well as variations in sampling depths and/or the possible overestimation of dune age by earlier workers.

Citizen science datasets reveal drivers of spatial and temporal variation for anthropogenic litter on Great Lakes beaches

Accumulation of anthropogenic litter (AL) on marine beaches and its ecological effects have been a major focus of research. Recent studies suggest AL is also abundant in freshwater environments, but much less research has been conducted in freshwaters relative to oceans. The Adopt-a-BeachTM (AAB) program, administered by the Alliance for the Great Lakes, organizes volunteers to act as citizen scientists by collecting and maintaining data on AL abundance on Great Lakes beaches. Initial assessments of the AAB records quantified sources and abundance of AL on Lake Michigan beaches, and showed that plastic AL was >75% of AL on beaches across all five Great Lakes. However, AAB records have not yet been used to examine patterns of AL density and composition among beaches of all different substrate types (e.g., parks, rocky, sandy), across land-use categories (e.g., rural, suburban, urban), or among seasons (i.e., spring, summer, and fall). We found that most AL on beaches are consumer goods that most likely originate from beach visitors and nearby urban environments, rather than activities such as shipping, fishing, or illegal dumping. We also demonstrated that urban beaches and those with sand rather than rocks had higher AL density relative to other sites. Finally, we found that AL abundance is lowest during the summer, between the US holidays of Memorial Day (last Monday in May) and Labor Day (first Monday in September) at the urban beaches, while other beaches showed no seasonality. This research is a model for utilizing datasets collected by volunteers involved in citizen science programs, and will contribute to AL management by offering priorities for AL types and locations to maximize AL reduction.

Detection of human fecal contamination by nifH gene quantification of marine waters in the coastal beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The identification of fecal pollution in aquatic ecosystems is one of the requirements to assess the possible risks to human health. In this report, physicochemical parameters, Escherichia coli enumeration and Methanobrevibacter smithii nifH gene quantification were conducted at 13 marine waters in the coastal beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and conductivity, carried out by mobile equipment, revealed varied levels due to specific conditions of the beaches. The bioindicators' enumerations were done by defined substrate method, conventional, and real-time PCR. Six marine beach sites (46%) presenting E. coli levels in compliance with Brazilian water quality guidelines (<2500 MPN/100mL) showed nifH gene between 5.7×109 to 9.5×1011 copies. L-1 revealing poor correlation between the two approaches. To our knowledge, this is the first inquiry in qPCR using nifH gene as a biomarker of human-specific sources of sewage pollution in marine waters in Brazil. In addition, our data suggests that alternative indicator nifH gene could be used, in combination with other markers, for source tracking studies to measure the quality of marine ecosystems thereby contributing to improved microbial risk assessment.

Birds of the Patos Lagoon Estuary and adjacent coastal waters, southern Brazil: species assemblages and conservation implications

ABSTRACTEstuarine avifauna is usually diverse, with marked differences along the limnetic to marine gradient and strong influences from physical factors such as salinity, habitat heterogeneity and tidal regime. Here we describe the composition of the avifauna of the Patos Lagoon Estuary and adjacent marine beaches and waters, in southern Brazil, identify the main environmental factors determining variations in species richness along the limnetic-marine gradient, evaluate changes in species composition along this gradient, and discuss the role of the estuary for bird conservation. Overall, 268 bird species were detected at eight sites along the estuary. Despite similar observed richness in spring–summer (247 species) and autumn–winter (244), there was a strong seasonal influence in bird composition due to migrants. Estimated species richness at 94% coverage of sites ranged from 9 to 194.66. Species richness decreased markedly towards the lower estuary, with the single variable ‘distance from the upper estuary’, accounting for the most plausible model. The number of threatened species recorded per site was larger in the lower estuary due the predominance of seabirds and shorebirds on red lists. While the lower estuary holds key feeding and roosting areas for seabirds and shorebirds, the upper estuary harbours more species, mainly forest passerines and waterbirds. Our findings confirm that estuarine gradients strongly influence avian diversity and highlight the importance of estuaries for the conservation of birds, especially migratory sea and shorebirds, and resident saltmarsh-dependent species.

Estimated Costs of Sporadic Gastrointestinal Illness Associated with Surface Water Recreation: A Combined Analysis of Data from NEEAR and CHEERS Studies

Background:The burden of illness can be described by addressing both incidence and illness severity attributable to water recreation. Monetized as cost, attributable disease burden estimates can be useful for environmental management decisions.Objectives:We characterize the disease burden attributable to water recreation using data from two cohort studies using a cost of illness (COI) approach and estimate the largest drivers of the disease burden of water recreation.Methods:Data from the NEEAR study, which evaluated swimming and wading in marine and freshwater beaches in six U.S. states, and CHEERS, which evaluated illness after incidental-contact recreation (boating, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, and rowing) on waterways in the Chicago area, were used to estimate the cost per case of gastrointestinal illness and costs attributable to water recreation. Data on health care and medication utilization and missed days of work or leisure were collected and combined with cost data to construct measures of COI.Results:Depending on different assumptions, the cost of gastrointestinal symptoms attributable to water recreation are estimated to be $1,220 for incidental-contact recreation (range $338–$1,681) and $1,676 for swimming/wading (range $425–2,743) per 1,000 recreators. Lost productivity is a major driver of the estimated COI, accounting for up to 90% of total costs.Conclusions:Our estimates suggest gastrointestinal illness attributed to surface water recreation at urban waterways, lakes, and coastal marine beaches is responsible for costs that should be accounted for when considering the monetary impact of efforts to improve water quality. The COI provides more information than the frequency of illness, as it takes into account disease incidence, health care utilization, and lost productivity. Use of monetized disease severity information should be included in future studies of water quality and health.Citation:DeFlorio-Barker S, Wade TJ, Jones RM, Friedman LS, Wing C, Dorevitch S. 2017. Estimated costs of sporadic gastrointestinal illness associated with surface water recreation: a combined analysis of data from NEEAR and CHEERS Studies. Environ Health Perspect 125:215–222; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/EHP130

Acute Gastroenteritis and Recreational Water: Highest Burden Among Young US Children.

To provide summary estimates of gastroenteritis risks and illness burden associated with recreational water exposure and determine whether children have higher risks and burden. We combined individual participant data from 13 prospective cohorts at marine and freshwater beaches throughout the United States (n = 84 411). We measured incident outcomes within 10 days of exposure: diarrhea, gastrointestinal illness, missed daily activity (work, school, vacation), and medical visits. We estimated the relationship between outcomes and 2 exposures: body immersion swimming and Enterococcus spp. fecal indicator bacteria levels in the water. We also estimated the population-attributable risk associated with these exposures. Water exposure accounted for 21% of diarrhea episodes and 9% of missed daily activities but was unassociated with gastroenteritis leading to medical consultation. Children aged 0 to 4 and 5 to 10 years had the most water exposure, exhibited stronger associations between levels of water quality and illness, and accounted for the largest attributable illness burden. The higher gastroenteritis risk and associated burden in young children presents important new information to inform future recreational water quality guidelines designed to protect public health.