Northwestern Mediterranean Coast Research Articles

Evaluation of Organic Sources and Mineral N Fertilizer on Soil Fertility and Coriander Plant (Coriandrum sativum L.) Productivity and Quality under Saline Soil

Two field experiments were carried out at Gelbana, North Sina government during successive winters 2021/2022 and 2022/ 2023 to study the evaluation of organic sources (compost, biochar, and organic farm) combined with or without mineral N different rates on soil fertility and Coriander productivity. Lies coast of Sinai, between 32o_ 350 and 32o_ 450 E and 31o_ 000 and 31o_ 250 N. Lies in the north-western Mediterranean coast of Sinai, between 32o_ 350 and 32o_ 450 E and 31o_ 000 and 31o_ 250 N. Each experiment was carried out in a split-plot design with three replicates in both seasons. Results showed that applying compost combined with or without mineral N fertilizer at different rates improved soil fertility (decreased soil pH, soil salinity, and increase of available macronutrients and micronutrient contents in soil) compared with other treatments. Also, the maximum mean values of Plant height (cm); No. of branches /plant; the weight of seeds /plant (g); the weight of seeds yield (ton/fed), fresh green leaves (ton/fed), and dry yield leaves (ton/fed) for soil treated with compost combined with mineral fertilizer different rate, while the weight of 1000 (g) seeds as affected by organic farm combined with mineral N fertilizer rate. The highest values of N, P, K, Fe, Mn, and Zn concentrations in seeds were treating with compost combined with mineral N fertilizer at a 100 kg N /fed rate than other treatments. As well as, the application of compost combined with mineral N fertilizer at different rates was an increase in protein (%), oil (%), and carbohydrate (%). chlorophyll while the proline was decrease value.

The invasive blue crab Callinectessapidus Rathbun, 1896 (Decapoda, Portunidae) is rapidly expanding its distributional range in the north-western Mediterranean coast of Morocco.

In this study, we report the first occurrence of Callinectessapidus in the rivers of 'Oued Tani' (Martil) and 'Oued Negro' (Fnideq), based on 127 individuals of the blue crab caught from November 2022 to August 2023. Additionally, we were able to determine the potential consequences of C.sapidus on the indigenous species as well as the socioeconomic implications on artisanal fisheries activities. This research highlights further data that reinforces recent findings on recorded blue crab from various locations along the Moroccan coastline.

The Temporal Distribution of Cyclic Imines in Shellfish in the Bays of Fangar and Alfacs, Northwestern Mediterranean Region.

Spirolides (SPXs), gymnodimines (GYMs), and pinnatoxins (PnTXs) have been detected in shellfish from the northwestern Mediterranean coast of Spain. Several samples of bivalves were collected from Fangar Bay and Alfacs Bay in Catalonia over a period of over 7 years (from 2015 to 2021). Shellfish samples were analyzed for cyclic imines (CIs) on an LC1200 Agilent and 3200 QTrap triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer. In shellfish, SPX-1 was detected in two cases (of 26.5 µg/kg and 34 µg/kg), and GYM-A was only detected in trace levels in thirteen samples. Pinnatoxin G (PnTX-G) was detected in 44.6% of the samples, with its concentrations ranging from 2 µg/kg to 38.4 µg/kg. Statistical analyses revealed that seawater temperature influenced the presence or absence of these toxins. PnTX-G showed an extremely significant presence/temperature relationship in both bays in comparison to SPX-1 and GYM-A. The prevalence of these toxins in different bivalve mollusks was evaluated. A seasonal pattern was observed, in which the maximum concentrations were found in the winter months for SPX-1 and GYM-A but in the summer months for PnTX-G. The obtained results indicate that it is unlikely that CIs in the studied area pose a potential health risk through the consumption of a seafood diet. However, further toxicological information about CIs is necessary in order to perform a conclusive risk assessment.

Environmental Factors that Influence the Spatial Distribution of Extreme Halophytes on Egypt's Northwestern Mediterranean Coast

Environmental Factors that Influence the Spatial Distribution of Extreme Halophytes on Egypt's Northwestern Mediterranean Coast

Halophytes Dispersion Patterns and Soil Salinity Concentration Across the Egyptian North-Western Mediterranean Coast

Halophytes Dispersion Patterns and Soil Salinity Concentration Across the Egyptian North-Western Mediterranean Coast

Shoreline displacement along the Mediterranean coast of Egypt between El-Dabaa – Ras El-Hekma

The study of the shoreline erosion, accretion, and instability along the northwestern Mediterranean coast of Egypt between El-Dabaa – Ras El-Hekma was achieved using Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) software. The erosional/accretional changes were quantified via the End Point Rate (EPR) and Net Shoreline Movement (NSM) statistical parameters. To analyze and compute the magnitude of the shoreline displacement for the study area, three different intervals were adopted; these are long-term change (for one interval from 1990 to 2020), short-term changes (for three intervals: 1990–2000, 2000–2010, and 2010–2020), and seasonal change (for every 6 months from summer 2019 to winter 2020). Results revealed that the shoreline erosion was dominant over long-term change (1990–2020) showing an increase from −0.31 m/yr to −27.83 m/yr. The short-term shoreline analysis for the period from 1990 to 2020 with a 10-year time interval shows that the average rate changes during the first, second, and third intervals were −0.47 m/yr, −0.06 m/yr, and −1.12 m/yr; respectively. Finally, the average rate of shoreline change over the total period (1990–2020) was estimated at −0.55 m/yr. Accordingly, shoreline erosion is the dominant pattern in the study area. This erosion is mainly dependent on the major activities of unplanned coastal development. The main threats posed by the anthropogenic activities in the area are uncontrolled coastal urbanization, the lack of commitment to the setback regulations for building constructions, and the development of tourism resorts and recreational facilities which leads to habitat loss and the destruction of the natural protection system of the shore (dune).

Threats affecting the distribution of Lygeum spartum Loefl. ex L. and its associated species in the Western Mediterranean desert of Egypt: Perspectives of conservation

The current study intends to evaluate the many hazards affecting the spread of the significant fodder grass Lygeum spartum Loefl. ex. L. and its associated species in Egypt's Western Mediterranean Desert over the past 60 years (from 1958 to 2020); depending on the data of the previous literature and the current situation evaluation by recent field trips. It also aims to assess its ecosystem services. Sixty-nine stands were collected from previous studies and unpublished data, in addition to 30 stands (10 m2) were added including 5 field trips during the period from spring 2019 to spring 2020. Measurements were taken to create a classification of this vegetation and to determine the main threats that affect its distribution composition. There are 142 species associated with the distribution of the studied plant in 6 habitats. While only 107 species were recorded in the recent stands in 7 habitats. Vegetation groups (G1- G8) obtained from TWINSPAN classification indicating that G1 (wadis) is the most diverse group with a species richness 34.7 species per stand, while G6 (dune) has the highest species turnover (4.57) during the period of 1958 to 2014. But in recent stands; G5 (saline and non-saline depression) is the most diverse group (30.875), while G2 (dunes) has the highest species turnover (4.819). Medicinal plants are the most represented (79.86%), followed by grazing plants (72.9%). The most common service is sand stabilization (92% of total services), followed by windbreak (natural) (40%). Threatened species represent 92.4%; habitat loss is the most affected threat (95 species), followed by over-collecting and over-cutting (82 species). Twenty out of 99 stands (20.2% of the total stands) have been destroyed due to human activity. Continuous monitoring of remaining patches of Egypt’s northwestern Mediterranean coast was required to save its natural flora from extinction.

Assessment of marine sediments quality of El-Dabaa area, northwestern Mediterranean coast of Egypt

Assessment of marine sediments quality of El-Dabaa area, northwestern Mediterranean coast of Egypt

Insights into bioaccumulation and bioconcentration of potentially toxic elements in marine sponges from the Northwestern Mediterranean coast of Morocco

The present research aimed to investigate the concentrations and patterns of six potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in three common sponge species collected along the Moroccan Mediterranean coast, as well as their levels in ambient seawater and sediments. Distinct inter-species variability in PTEs bioaccumulation was observed among the three species, suggesting that sponges have distinct selectivity for assimilating PTEs from the surrounding environment. C. crambe had a higher enrichment capacity for Cu, As, Cr and Ni, while P. ficiformis and C. reniformis exhibited the highest concentration of Cd and Pb, respectively. Interestingly, a similar spatial distribution patterns of PTEs was observed in the three media, with high values occurring in Tangier and Al-Hoceima locations. Overall, our results confirm that sponges reliably reflect the bioavailability of PTEs in their immediate environment, especially C. crambe, whose PTE tissue contents were highly and positively correlated with the contents of all PTEs in the sediments.

Trends of banned pesticides and PCBs in different tissues of striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) stranded in the Northwestern Mediterranean reflect changing contamination patterns

Although banned for years, organochlorine pesticides and PCBs continue to affect aquatic life, dolphins being particularly exposed. The concentrations of 31 PCB congeners, and 15 banned pesticides or metabolites were measured in 5 tissues of 68 striped dolphins stranded in the Northwestern Mediterranean coast in 2010–16. The results were compared to historical data (1988–2009) and, even though there is a slow decreasing trend, the levels in the 2010–2016 samples were still elevated based on common cetacean toxicological thresholds. A transition period in 2007–08, probably caused by a morbillivirus epizootic amplified the stranding, espacially of highly contaminated specimens. From 2010, higher proportions in parent compounds towards metabolites were observed yet again. These changing patterns were likely reflect the exposure of dolphins to the remobilization of pollutants from contaminated soils and sediments, with a prominent role of rivers. This should lead to an even slower decline of these contaminants that could last for decades, requiring new efforts to reduce their dispersal to aquatic ecosystems.

Integration of spatio-temporal variations of surface metabolomes and epibacterial communities highlights the importance of copper stress as a major factor shaping host-microbiota interactions within a Mediterranean seaweed holobiont

BackgroundAlthough considered as holobionts, macroalgae and their surface microbiota share intimate interactions that are still poorly understood. Little is known on the effect of environmental parameters on the close relationships between the host and its surface-associated microbiota, and even more in a context of coastal pollutions. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to decipher the impact of local environmental parameters, especially trace metal concentrations, on an algal holobiont dynamics using the Phaeophyta Taonia atomaria as a model. Through a multidisciplinary multi-omics approach combining metabarcoding and untargeted LC-MS-based metabolomics, the epibacterial communities and the surface metabolome of T. atomaria were monitored along a spatio-temporal gradient in the bay of Toulon (Northwestern Mediterranean coast) and its surrounding. Indeed, this geographical area displays a well-described trace metal gradient particularly relevant to investigate the effect of such pollutants on marine organisms.ResultsEpibacterial communities of T. atomaria exhibited a high specificity whatever the five environmentally contrasted collecting sites investigated on the NW Mediterranean coast. By integrating metabarcoding and metabolomics analyses, the holobiont dynamics varied as a whole. During the occurrence period of T. atomaria, epibacterial densities and α-diversity increased while the relative proportion of core communities decreased. Pioneer bacterial colonizers constituted a large part of the specific and core taxa, and their decrease might be linked to biofilm maturation through time. Then, the temporal increase of the Roseobacter was proposed to result from the higher temperature conditions, but also the increased production of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) at the algal surface which could constitute of the source of carbon and sulfur for the catabolism pathways of these taxa. Finally, as a major result of this study, copper concentration constituted a key factor shaping the holobiont system. Thus, the higher expression of carotenoids suggested an oxidative stress which might result from an adaptation of the algal surface metabolome to high copper levels. In turn, this change in the surface metabolome composition could result in the selection of particular epibacterial taxa.ConclusionWe showed that associated epibacterial communities were highly specific to the algal host and that the holobiont dynamics varied as a whole. While temperature increase was confirmed to be one of the main parameters associated to Taonia dynamics, the originality of this study was highlighting copper-stress as a major driver of seaweed-epibacterial interactions. In a context of global change, this study brought new insights on the dynamics of a Mediterranean algal holobiont submitted to heavy anthropic pressures.2JHQi1qXvSzhvtywNrdzBEVideo abstract

Achene Characteristics of Some Taxa of Asteraceae from the Northwestern Mediterranean Coast of Egypt

THIS STUDY aimed to characterize the external morphology of achenes of the 74 taxa belonging to 51 genera and four subfamilies of Asteraceae from the Northwestern Mediterranean coast of Egypt. By using light microscopy, 26 quantitative and qualitative morphological characters were recorded. Among the studied taxa, achene symmetry, hairiness, surface topography, hilum position, presence or absence of pappus and pappus type were found significant diagnostic characters for delimiting the taxa. Two main groups were identified based on the presence or absence of hardened fruiting involucre. Four types and four subtypes were recognized: (1) Achene di- or trimorphic per capitulum, (2) Achene monomorphic and lacking pappus, (3) Achene monomorphic, with coroniform or auriculate pappus, (4) Achene monomorphic, with pappus. A description, photographs and identification keys were provided to assist in identification. Despite the taxonomic significance of achene exomorphology characters on the generic and specific level for the recognition of the different studied taxa of Asteraceae, no mutual link was shown between the taxonomic division of the family into subfamilies and tribes except for few cases.

Occurrence of the Blue Button Porpita porpita (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Iskenderun Bay, Northeastern Mediterranean Coast of Turkey

The blue button Porpita porpita (Linnaeus, 1758) was observed for the first time in July 2018 in the Iskenderun Bay, Northeastern Mediterranean coast of Turkey. This is the third record of this species for Turkish marine waters, while it is the first record for Iskenderun bay. The presence of P. porpita in the northeastern Mediterranean coast of Turkey shows its extension from northwestern Mediterranean coast (Antalya Bay) of Turkey.

Dynamics of Belonging

An archaeology of communities is an effective way to compare interactive dynamics and identities both in localized contexts and at a regional scale. Such an approach brings an especially productive perspective to the study of cross-cultural interaction and mobility, because it allows for the de-centering of ethnicity in favor of practices and interactions. In this study, I explore the divergent regional trajectories of Ionia in the eastern Aegean and the northwestern Mediterranean littoral that stretches between modern Barcelona and Marseille. Both regions were important environments for interactions between Greek-speaking inhabitants and a myriad of other local populations. Ionia developed a strong communal and regional identity and was pulled into the center of the Greek cultural imagination; the northwestern Mediterranean coast, however, did not. Comparing the dynamics of community and interaction in these two areas reveals that the mechanics of interaction and affiliation between a diverse range of inhabitants in each region may not have been so different; rather, the forces that fomented a common Ionian identity likely came not so much from within the region as without. Finally, this comparison highlights the diversity among communities of practice that may be present within a single residential community.

Facies architecture and controlling factors induced depositional model of the Quaternary carbonate eolianites in the northwestern Mediterranean coast of Egypt

The present paper focuses on the facies and allogenic controlling factors affecting the eolianite depositional system on a semi-arid carbonate ramp. Facies analysis and stratal architecture are integrated with earlier age-dating data to develop a depositional model of the landmark eolianite ridges in the northwestern Egyptian coast. Nine genetically related eolianite units, separated by eight eolianite-bounding surfaces and paleosol/protosol horizons are recognized. Twelve depositional facies belonging to three main facies associations have been identified. The eolianite facies association comprises cross-stratified oolitic and bioclastic grainstones. The inter-eolianite facies association includes paleosols, protocols and calcretes. The intra-eolianite facies association is represented locally by marine boulders of grainstone and rudstone (possibly reworked and imbricated by storm and tsunami waves) in the Coastal and Maryut eolianite ridges. Depositional development of the carbonate eolianites is strongly controlled by the Quaternary paleoclimate and glacio-eustatic sea-level cycles under mild tectonics on a gentle-slope carbonate ramp. The suggested depositional model matches well with the worldwide age-dating data of the carbonate coastal dunes, which generally indicate contemporaneous periods of eolianite deposition. The studied eolianite units are attributed herein to periods of highstand and stillstand, which can be correlated to the Marine Isotope Stages (MIS) of the middle Pleistocene ‘MIS 9 and 7′, the late Pleistocene ‘MIS 5e’ and ‘MIS 5c-5a’, and finally the Holocene ‘MIS 1′. The paleosols were mostly best developed during periods of lowstand. The Holocene immature paleosol ‘Ps1′ represents an example of the generation of protosol/paleosol during a highstand period. This supports the idea that the Pleistocene paleosols may be initiated during wet periods of the highstand and developed later during subsequent lowstand episodes. Collectively, the results imply that the generated eolianites along the carbonate ramp are strongly controlled by glacio-eustasy and paleoclimate, in addition to other autogenic factors in the depositional system.

Decapod crustacean larval community structure of the submarine canyon off Blanes (NW Mediterranean Sea)

Decapod crustacean fisheries play a crucial role on the northwestern Mediterranean coast due to their high commercial value. Although knowledge of larval ecology and recruitment dynamics of these species is essential to establish a sustainable fisheries management, they are still poorly known. In this paper, we describe the composition, abundance and distribution of decapod crustacean larvae in the submarine canyon off Blanes (northwestern Mediterranean Sea) during summer thermal stratification conditions. Samples were collected in September 2011 with a multi-net system and a 60-cm bongo net at 22 stations with bottom depths of between 100 and 1800 m. A total of 635 larvae from 60 genera were identified. The most relevant taxa were Aristeus antennatus (7.93 individuals/1000 m3), the family Sergestidae (7.24) and Alpheus glaber (6.78). These three taxa were dominant ( > 20% of total decapod larvae) at more than half of the stations. Decapod larval communities were found to be richer and more diverse at the canyon head, a finding which could be explained by the higher retention rates when compared with the upstream and downstream walls and the canyon axis.

Connecting flash flood events with radar-derived convective storm characteristics on the northwestern Mediterranean coast: knowing the present for better future scenarios adaptation

The northwestern Mediterranean coast is one of the areas most affected by flash floods and adverse weather, where also global climate scenarios are predicting an increase in precipitation extremes. This, along with the sea-level rise and the associated potential infrastructure and economical losses, represents a major risk for coastal settlements, as the one studied in this work: a major touristic area on the southern coast of Catalonia. The objective of the present paper is, thus, to understand in-depth the behavior of convective activity in the area and its link with flash flood events, to improve adverse and severe weather early warning systems in a rapidly changing weather as an adaptation measure. With this purpose, the study focuses on the period 2014–2018, analyzing the convective cells and storm motion in the region of study, through the new identification and tracking algorithm developed by the authors and applied in the Meteorological Service of Catalonia. The results show that the area is mostly affected by shallow but efficient convection, probably embedded in major weather systems with high precipitation rain rates, which tends to saturate the catchments and produce flooding. The work also shows the role of the topography as a triggering factor for storms outside the convective season, as a key feature for the convergence lines organization, and as a capping for stationary cells upstream. Improvements in the current warning system, such as different precipitation thresholds considering the time of exposure to that rain, as well as a further study are also presented as main results. These results can be extrapolated and applied to other regions affected by the same kind of heavy precipitation and flash floods.

Neanderthal and carnivore occupations in unit II from the Upper Pleistocene site of Ramandils Cave, (Port-la-Nouvelle, Aude, France)

The northwestern Mediterranean coast includes varied environment with abundant faunal and lithic resources exploited during the Upper Pleistocene. In this area, the Ramandils Cave (Port-la-Nouvelle, Aude, France) records Middle Palaeolithic levels dating to Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5. Evidence of Neanderthal occupations are observed throughout the sequence; with numerous lithic industries, burnt faunal remains, marine shells, and few human bones. In unit II, the richest one, lithic exploitation strategies are linked to the availability of major areas of flint supply implying a defined mobility pattern. Several archaeostratigraphic levels have been individualised, with ungulate remains affected by human and carnivore predation, involving alternated occupations of the cave during different periods. By confronting studies on origin and management of lithic raw material with taphonomical and zooarchaeological data of large mammals, we attempt to gain a better understanding of the site function, occupation duration, and regional mobility pattern in unit II of Ramandils Cave.

Platinum in sediments and mussels from the northwestern Mediterranean coast: Temporal and spatial aspects

Platinum (Pt) is considered a Technology Critical Element (TCE) and an emerging metallic contaminant with increasing release into the environment. Gaps in knowledge and understanding of environmental levels, fate and effects of Pt still exist, especially in the marine environment. This work presents Pt concentrations in the northwestern Mediterranean coast including: (i) temporal variability from sediment cores and farmed mussels in the Toulon Bay (historically affected by intense human activities) and (ii) spatial distribution from recent wild mussels collected along ∼ 700 km coastline with contrasting ecosystems (including natural reserves), quantified using voltammetry and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The historical (>100 years) record of Pt in sediments from the Toulon Bay suggests the existence of non-negligible Pt sources older than those related to vehicle emission devices, such as petrol industry and coal-fired activities. A strong Pt increase in more recent sediments (from ∼12 to 16 ng g−1) and mussels (8-fold increase from ∼0.12 to 0.80 ng g−1) covering the past 25 years reflect the overall evolution of Pt demand in Europe (∼20-fold increase for vehicle catalysts in 20 years). Spatial biomonitoring of Pt in mussels along the northwestern Mediterranean coast is assumed to reflect inter-site differences of Pt exposure (0.09–0.66 ng g−1) despite seasonal effect on tissue development. This study highlights the need for thorough and regular monitoring of Pt levels in sediments and biota from urbanized coastal areas in order to better assess the environmental impact of this TCE, including potential risks for marine organisms.

Cytogenetic Characterization of a Population of Acanthodactylus lineomaculatus Duméril and Bibron, 1839 (Reptilia, Lacertidae), from Southwestern Morocco and Insights into Sex Chromosome Evolution

Acanthodactylus lineomaculatus is now regarded as an ecotype of A. erythrurus with which it has been recently synonymized. Despite the wide range of A. erythrurus, karyological data for this species are scarce and limited to classical cytogenetic studies carried out in individuals from only 2 locations (central Spain and Spanish enclave of Melilla on the northwestern Mediterranean Moroccan coast). Here, for the first time, we cytogenetically characterized individuals of A. lineomaculatus from the southwestern Moroccan Atlantic coast with the aim to increase the karyological knowledge of this wide-ranging species and to assess if any chromosomal changes can be found in this ecotype in comparison to other populations of this species. The diploid number of the individuals investigated is 2n = 38 which is typical of most lacertids. Active NORs were located telomerically in a medium-small pair of chromosomes, and no inactive NORs were detected. C-banding revealed an intensely heterochromatic W chromosome composed of AT-rich (centromere and long arm telomeric region) and GC-rich (most of the long arm) regions, with extended interstitial telomeric sequences. These telomere-like repeats occupy the GC-rich heterochromatin of the W. The DNA composition of the W represents a trait distinguishing A. lineomaculatus (southwestern Morocco) from A. erythrurus from Spain that possess a DAPI-positive (AT-rich) W chromosome. In conclusion, these results add further evidence to the remarkable karyotype conservation in lacertid lizards, although differences in NOR location and in W chromosome structure among populations could suggest an incipient speciation mediated by chromosome changes in this wide-ranging lizard species.