Roots Of Mangrove Trees Research Articles

Spatial and Seasonal Variations in the Size-Weight Relationship and Condition Index of the Mangrove Oyster Crassostrea tulipa (Lamarck, 1819) in the Saloum Delta, Senegal

In the Saloum delta in Senegal, the mangrove oyster Crassostrea tulipa is under increasing human pressure, leading to a decline in wild stocks, a decrease in the quality of the marketed oysters and the degradation of mangrove tree roots. Previous studies have pinpointed some of these disturbances and yet, there is little information available on the structure of the population and the condition index of the species. The aim of this study was to document these aspects in order to support a sustainable management of the resource. From January 2021 to December 2022, monthly sampling was carried out at five stations to study the size-weight relationship and the condition index (CI) of oysters. A total of 26,790 individuals ranging in size from 0.23 to 93.19 mm with an average of 33.86±16.38 mm shell height were collected. The species was found to have a minority allometry (b = 2.54 <3), with a strong correlation between individual weight and oyster shell height (r = 0.88). CI showed seasonal and inter-site variations over the two years, with an overall mean value of 11.17±2.72%. The highest CI values were observed during the hot season and the lowest during the hot-cold transition period.

Optimizing tomato seedling growth with indigenous mangrove bacterial inoculants and reduced NPK fertilization.

The search for ecofriendly products to reduce crop dependence on synthetic chemical fertilizers presents a new challenge. The present study aims to isolate and select efficient native PGPB that can reduce reliance on synthetic NPK fertilizers. A total of 41 bacteria were isolated from the sediment and roots of mangrove trees (Avicennia marina) and assessed for their PGP traits under in vitro conditions. Of them, only two compatible strains of Bacillus species were selected to be used individually and in a mix to promote tomato seedling growth. The efficiency of three inoculants applied to the soil was assessed in a pot experiment at varying rates of synthetic NPK fertilization (0, 50, and 100% NPK). The experiment was set up in a completely randomized design with three replications. Results showed that the different inoculants significantly increased almost all the studied parameters. However, their effectiveness is strongly linked to the applied rate of synthetic fertilization. Applying bacterial inoculant with only 50% NPK significantly increased the plant height (44-51%), digital biomass (60-86%), leaf area (77-87%), greenness average (29-36%), normalized difference vegetation index (29%), shoot dry weight (82-92%) and root dry weight (160-205%) compared to control plants. Concerning the photosynthetic activity, this treatment showed a positive impact on the concentrations of chlorophyll a (25-31%), chlorophyll b (34-39%), and carotenoid (45-49%). Interestingly, these increases ensured the highest values significantly similar to or higher than those of control plants given 100% NPK. Furthermore, the highest accumulation of N, P, K, Cu, Fe, Zn, and Ca in tomato shoots was recorded in plants inoculated with the bacterial mix at 50% NPK. It was proven for the first time that the native PGP bacteria derived from mangrove plant species A. marina positively affects the quality of tomato seedlings while reducing 50% NPK.

Autekologi sebagai Tahapan Awal Rehabilitasi Ekosistem Mangrove Cuku Nyinyi, Desa Sidodadi, Kecamatan Teluk Pandan, Pesawaran

The presence of mangroves tends to decrease every year, one of the reasons being degradation due to land cultivation. Mangrove rehabilitation activities are crucial to maintain the mangrove ecosystem sustainability. Cuku Nyinyi Mangrove located in Sidodadi Village, Teluk Pandan District, Pesawaran Regency. This ecosystem plays a vital role for both resident and migratory wildlife, living among the roots of mangrove trees. This research represents the initial phase of mangrove rehabilitation activities, focusing on autecology, which includes the analysis of reproductive patterns, normal hydrological patterns, and the biophysical condition of the mangrove ecosystem. The study utilizes primary and secondary data collection from three different mangrove zones. The sampling technique involves the transect line spot method. The reproductive pattern of mangroves in all three zones of Cuku Nyinyi Mangrove is dominated by the Rhizophora sp., with propagules as the type of seeds. The normal hydrological pattern for the tidal zone type is consistently inundated with a tree height ranging from 1.6 meters to 7 meters. The biophysical condition of the mangrove ecosystem in the three zones shows a salinity range from 25 to 33 ppt, temperature ranging from 25 °C to 29 °C, and pH levels from 7.2 to 7.8.

A Meta-Omics Analysis Unveils the Shift in Microbial Community Structures and Metabolomics Profiles in Mangrove Sediments Treated with a Selective Actinobacterial Isolation Procedure

Mangrove sediment ecosystems in the coastal areas of the Yucatan peninsula are unique environments, influenced by their karstic origin and connection with the world’s largest underground river. The microbial communities residing in these sediments are influenced by the presence of mangrove roots and the trading chemistry for communication between sediment bacteria and plant roots can be targeted for secondary metabolite research. To explore the secondary metabolite production potential of microbial community members in mangrove sediments at the “El Palmar” natural reserve in Sisal, Yucatan, a combined meta-omics approach was applied. The effects of a cultivation medium reported to select for actinomycetes within mangrove sediments’ microbial communities was also analyzed. The metabolome of the microbial communities was analyzed by high-resolution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and molecular networking analysis was used to investigate if known natural products and their variants were present. Metagenomic results suggest that the sediments from “El Palmar” harbor a stable bacterial community independently of their distance from mangrove tree roots. An unexpected decrease in the observed abundance of actinomycetes present in the communities occurred when an antibiotic-amended medium considered to be actinomycete-selective was applied for a 30-day period. However, the use of this antibiotic-amended medium also enhanced production of secondary metabolites within the microbial community present relative to the water control, suggesting the treatment selected for antibiotic-resistant bacteria capable of producing a higher number of secondary metabolites. Secondary metabolite mining of “El Palmar” microbial community metagenomes identified polyketide synthase and non-ribosomal peptide synthetases’ biosynthetic genes in all analyzed metagenomes. The presence of these genes correlated with the annotation of several secondary metabolites from the Global Natural Product Social Molecular Networking database. These results highlight the biotechnological potential of the microbial communities from “El Palmar”, and show the impact selective media had on the composition of communities of actinobacteria.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments and shellfish from Todos os Santos bay, Brazil

The present study evaluated the occurrence of 24 Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments and shellfish (Anomalocardia flexuosa, Crassostrea rhizophorae, and Mytella guyanensis) of Todos os Santos bay (BTS, Brazil). Total PAHs levels ranged from 89 to 921 ng g-1 dry weight (d.w.) in sediments, and from 66 to 505 ng g-1 d.w. in shellfish, signalizing that BTS was moderately contaminated by PAHs, mostly from pyrogenic activities. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of total PAHs ranged from 0.20 to 2.9 and did not show a clear trend among the studied species. BAFs of high molecular weight compounds were higher for A. flexuosa (specie found buried in fine sediment), while those of low molecular weight compounds were higher for C. rhizophorae (specie found in the roots of mangrove trees). High concentrations of PAHs, especially benzo[a]pyrene and dibenzo[a,h]anthracene, suggest that contamination compromises shellfish quality and raise concern about seafood consumption safety.

The effects of seaward distance on above and below ground carbon stocks in estuarine mangrove ecosystems

BackgroundMangrove forests have gained recognition for their potential role in climate change mitigation due to carbon sequestration in live trees, and carbon storage in the sediments trapped by mangrove tree roots and pneumatophores. Africa hosts about 19% of the world’s mangroves, yet relatively few studies have examined the carbon stocks of African mangroves. The available studies report considerable differences among sites and amongst the different pools of carbon stocks. None considered the effects of seaward distance. We present details of AGC and SOC carbon stocks for Lindi in Tanzania, and focus on how these values differ with increasing seaward distance and, how our results compare to those reported elsewhere across Africa.ResultsAGC ranged between 11 and 55 Mg C ha−1, but was not significantly affected by seaward distance. SOC for 0–1 m depth ranged from 154 to 484, with a mean of 302 Mg C ha−1. SOC was significantly negatively correlated with seaward distance. Mangrove type (estuarine/oceanic), soil erosion, soil depth may explain these differences We note important methodological differences in previous studies on carbon stocks in mangroves in Africa.ConclusionThis study indicates that seaward distance has an important effect on SOC stocks in the Lindi region of Tanzania. SOC should be fully incorporated into national climate change mitigation policies. Studies should report seaward distance and to describe the type of mangrove stand to make results easily comparable across sites and to assess the true value of Blue Carbon in Africa. We recommend focusing on trees > 10 cm diameter for AGC, and sampling soils to at least 1 m depth for SOC, which would provide a more complete assessment of the potentially considerable mangrove carbon store.

The Population of Mangrove Clam (Polymesoda expansa) in The Panikel Village, Segara Anakan, Cilacap

Mangrove clam Polymesoda expansa belonged to the family Corbiculidae. The clam itself is a semi-infauna that lives partially below the soft sediment around the roots of mangrove trees. The purpose of this research is to study the population P. expansa in Panikel Area, Segara Anakan, Cilacap. The size of the sampling site for this research was 10x10 m. Mangrove clam P. expansa was taken by handpicking. Sampling was conducted in April and June 2019. The water quality parameters were taken in-situ. According to the research result, the highest population of P. expansa in Panikel occurred in June amounting to 85 individuals. In the Panikel area, P. expansa has a positive correlation between the total weight and shell length not only in April but also in June. It can be concluded that the mangrove area in Panikel Village is suitable for supporting P. expamsa population.

Distribution and Abundance of the Onchidiidae of the Coastal Mangroves of Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia

The Onchidiidae family is ideal for studying the biodiversity of marine invertebrate species from sea to wetland environments. However, biodiversity studies of Onchidiidae species are rare. This study aimed to determine the distribution and abundance of the Onchidiidae from the coastal mangroves of the Selangor, west coast of Peninsular Malaysia by utilising the quadrat sampling method. A total of 647 specimens from six taxa (Family: Onchidiidae) were recorded from eight fringing coastal mangroves in Selangor coast. The most abundant taxa was Platevindex coriaceum (35.08%), followed by Peronina alta (28.13%), Platevindex luteum (16.85%), Platevindex sp. (14.68%), Onchidium tumidum (3.71%), and Onchidium typhae (1.55%). P. alta was most abundant within <10 m distance from the water body (18.75%), Platevindex sp. (5.86%) within 10 – 20 m, P. coriaceum (10.16%) and O. typhae (1.76%) was highly distributed within 20 – 30 m, while P. luteum was most concentrated within 40 – 50 m from the water body. Onchidiidae was mostly abundant within <0.2 m from the mangrove floor where they were usually found on the mud, debris, mangrove tree roots and dead logs. The mean density for Onchidiidae at the fringing coastal mangroves in Selangor was 0.18 ± 0.03 no/m2 and P. alta recorded the highest density (mean = 0.47 ± 0.14 no/m2, total = 0.93 no/m2). The principal components analysis (PCA) showed that four geomorphological parameters (mud floor, debris floor, tree, and dead logs) and five physicochemical parameters (temperature, humidity, precipitation, salinity, and pH) determined the distribution of six Onchidiidae taxa in the Selangor coastal area.

Trace metals contamination in different compartments of the Sundarbans mangrove: A review.

This review study aimed to decipher distribution of trace metals (Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, Ni, Mn, V, and Zn) in different compartments and human health risk in the Sundarbans mangrove ecosystems. The literature suggested relatively higher contamination of soils and sediments than fish, crustaceans, and water. Cd, Fe, Ni, and Pb are most likely to accumulate in roots of mangrove trees, while Al, As, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, and Zn tend to accumulate in the leaves. According to human health risk studies, fish consumption is the main route of trace metals exposure to human. Majority of the studies conducted in the Indian Sundarbans; whereas, in Bangladesh part, there is an evident lack of such kind of studies. Finally, this review highlights the foremost data and research gaps, which will help to refine the risk of trace metals and scarcity of researches in the Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem.

Bio-inspired and optimized interlocking features for strengthening metal/polymer interfaces in additively manufactured prostheses

Biomedical and dental prostheses combining polymers with metals often suffer failure at the interface. The weak chemical bond between these two dissimilar materials can cause debonding and mechanical failure. This manuscript introduces a new mechanical interlocking technique to strengthen metal/polymer interfaces through optimized additively manufactured features on the metal surface. To reach an optimized design of interlocking features, we started with the bio-mimetic stress-induced material transformation (SMT) optimization method. The considered polymer and metal materials were cold-cured Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and laser-sintered Cobalt-Chromium (Co-Cr), respectively. Optimal dimensions of the bio-inspired interlocking features were then determined by mesh adaptive direct search (MADS) algorithm combined with finite element analysis (FEA) and tensile experiments such that they provide the maximum interfacial tensile strength and stiffness while minimizing the stress in PMMA and the displacement of PMMA at the Co-Cr/PMMA interface. The SMT optimization process suggested a Y-shape as a more favorable design, which was similar to mangrove tree roots. Experiments confirmed that our optimized interlocking features increased the strength of the Co-Cr/PMMA interface from 2.3 MPa (flat interface) to 34.4 ± 1 MPa, which constitutes 85% of the tensile failure strength of PMMA (40.2 ± 1 MPa). Statement of SignificanceThe objective of this study was to improve metal/polymer interfacial strength in dental and orthopedic prostheses. This was achieved by additive manufacturing of optimized interlocking features on metallic surfaces using laser-sintering. The interlocking design of the features, which was a Y-shape similar to the roots of mangrove trees, was inspired by a bio-memetic optimization algorithm. This interlocking design lowered the PMMA displacement at the Co-Cr/PMMA interface by 70%, enhanced the interfacial strength by more than 12%, and increased the stiffness by 18% compared with a conventional bead design, meanwhile no significant difference was found in the toughness of both designs.

“TANGLED IN MUSICAL MANGROVES”

The realization of awork of artmust go through a process, namely thework of art. Processes in question are the stages of thework done since getting the idea to claimthat happen. In order for this processwentwell, it needs sincerity andmaturity of theconcept. The concept ofmusical Tangled inMangroves is howmusic can be presentedwhen themangroves began to tanglewith an array of abrasion is performed by humans.With the perspective of building the complex,which is processed into themangroves, then the author has a sense of hope that nature will stay in touch. Always accompany themusic flowing greenleaves and strong roots ofmangrove trees that gave birth to human social relationswith the natural harmony among fellowwill stay in touch.Keywords: concepts, processes,mangroves,music

Effects of predation and parasitism on climbing behavior of the marine snail, Cerithidea scalariformis

In mangrove marshes in Florida, the marine snail, Cerithidea scalariformis, exhibits a tidally-induced climbing behavior in which snails forage on the substrate during low tides, then climb aerial roots of mangrove trees on incoming and high tides. Under field and laboratory conditions, we tested the conventional explanation that snails vertically migrate to avoid predators, and because populations of C. scalariformis are parasitized by a guild of larval trematodes, we quantified the additive effects of parasitism on climbing behavior. We found that snail climbing distance was significantly and positively associated with water height, with snails migrating 2.7 times higher during high tide than low tide. Climbing distance depended on the species of trematode infection, and differences in migration distance between low and high tides were reduced for two of the four trematode species, suggesting that parasitism can affect climbing behavior. In field and laboratory experiments with tethered snails, individuals experienced significant levels of predation 0–8cm above the substrate surface, which declined substantially at heights above 16cm. A laboratory experiment showed that in the presence of blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus, unparasitized snails climbed 53% higher than parasitized snails, and 37% higher than they would without the presence of a predator. Surprisingly, infected snails climbed the same distance in the presence or absence of a blue crab, suggesting that parasitism may physiologically affect a snail's ability to respond to predators. Our data show that predation and parasitism are significant driving forces behind the climbing behavior of C. scalariformis whereby parasitic infection may affect their interactions with marsh predators. Reduced climbing distance may be an adaptive benefit for the parasite that keeps snails closer to the mud surface, providing favorable conditions for free-swimming cercariae to find a second intermediate host, since cercariae can only be transmitted to the next host when the snail host is inundated. Thus, the migratory behavior of C. scalariformis is a behavioral adaptation to avoid predation and that body snatchers, such as larval trematodes, can greatly modify this behavior to increase their own evolutionary fitness.

Matching pollution with adaptive changes in mangrove plants by multivariate statistics. A case study, Rhizophora mangle from four neotropical mangroves in Brazil

Roots of mangrove trees have an important role in depurating water and sediments by retaining metals that may accumulate in different plant tissues, affecting physiological processes and anatomy. The present study aimed to evaluate adaptive changes in root of Rhizophora mangle in response to different levels of chemical elements (metals/metalloids) in interstitial water and sediments from four neotropical mangroves in Brazil. What sets this study apart from other studies is that we not only investigate adaptive modifications in R. mangle but also changes in environments where this plant grows, evaluating correspondence between physical, chemical and biological issues by a combined set of multivariate statistical methods (pattern recognition). Thus, we looked to match changes in the environment with adaptations in plants. Multivariate statistics highlighted that the lignified periderm and the air gaps are directly related to the environmental contamination. Current results provide new evidences of root anatomical strategies to deal with contaminated environments. Multivariate statistics greatly contributes to extrapolate results from complex data matrixes obtained when analyzing environmental issues, pointing out parameters involved in environmental changes and also evidencing the adaptive response of the exposed biota.

First record of the polychaete Ficopomatus uschakovi (Pillai, 1960) (Annelida, Serpulidae) in the Colombian Caribbean, South America

The genus Ficopomatus (Serpulidae) consists of sessile, tubicolous polychaete annelid worms that may colonize a diversity of substrata, and tolerate considerable variations in salinity. Thus, members of this genus, including Ficopomatus uschakovi, in some cases are exotic and maybe invasive. The purpose of our research was to collect and identify marine organisms associated with the submerged roots of mangrove trees in the Gulf of Urabá, Colombian Caribbean, South America. Within the Gulf, there is a well-developed forest of the Red Mangrove, Rhizophora mangle, along the margins of El Uno Bay. We sampled the roots of R. mangle from five stations of the bay, and we identified specimens of F. uschakovi from each of those stations. Ficopomatus uschakovi was found to be more abundant in regions of the bay that exhibit the lowest salinity. Based on a morphological comparison of the present specimens with the original species description, revised descriptions, and other records from the Indo-West Pacific, Mexican Pacific, and Venezuelan and Brazilian Caribbean, we suggest that F. uschakovi has a broader geographical distribution. Furthermore, because of this broad distribution, and the observed tolerance for low salinity in our study, we also suggest that F. uschakovi is a euryhaline species. It is also likely that F. uschakovi will be found in other localities in the Gulf of Urabá, and in other regions of the Colombian Caribbean. Thus, this record extends the distribution of the species to the Colombian Caribbean, giving the species a continuous distribution across the northern coast of South America.

Antimalarial Activity of Axidjiferosides, New β-Galactosylceramides from the African Sponge Axinyssa djiferi

The marine sponge, Axinyssa djiferi, collected on mangrove tree roots in Senegal, was investigated for glycolipids. A mixture containing new glycosphingolipids, named axidjiferoside-A, -B and -C, accounted for 0.07% of sponge biomass (dry weight) and for 2.16% of total lipids. It showed a significant antimalarial activity, with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.53 ± 0.2 μM against a chloroquine-resistant strain of Plasmodium falciparum. They were identified as homologous β-galactopyranosylceramides composed of 2-amino-(6E)-octadec-6-en-1,3,4-triol, and the major one, axidjiferoside-A (around 60%), contained 2-hydroxytetracosanoic acid. Cytotoxicity was studied in vitro on human cancer cell lines (multiple myeloma, colorectal adenocarcinoma, glioblastoma and two lung cancer NSCLC-N6 and A549). Results of this investigation showed that axidjiferosides are of interest, because they proved a good antiplasmodial activity, with only a low cytotoxicity against various human cell lines and no significant antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial activity. Thus, it seems that galactosylceramides with a β anomeric configuration may be suitable in searching for new antimalarial drugs.

Cockles in custody: the role of common property arrangements in the ecological sustainability of mangrove Fisheries on the Ecuadorian Coast

Scholars of common property resource theory (CPR) have long asserted that certain kinds of institutional arrangements based on collective action result in successful environmental stewardship, but feedback and the direct link between social and ecological systems remains poorly understood. This paper investigates how common property institutional arrangements contribute to sustainable mangrove fisheries in coastal Ecuador, focusing on the fishery for the mangrove cockle ( Anadara tuberculosa and A. similis ), a bivalve mollusk harvested from the roots of mangrove trees and of particular social, economic, and cultural importance for the communities that depend on it. Specifically, this study examines the emergence of new civil society institutions within the historical context of extensive mangrove deforestation for the expansion of shrimp farming, policy changes in the late 1990s that recognized “ancestral” rights of local communities to mangrove resources, and how custodias, community-managed mangrove concessions, affect the cockle fishery. Findings from interviews with shell collectors and analysis of catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) indicate that mangrove concessions as common property regimes promote community empowerment, local autonomy over resources, mangrove conservation and recovery, higher cockle catch shares, and larger shell sizes, but the benefits are not evenly distributed. Associations without custodias and independent cockle collectors feel further marginalized by the loss of gathering grounds, potentially deflecting problems of overexploitation to “open-access” areas, in which mangrove fisheries are weakly managed by the State. Using Ostrom’s Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework, the explicit link between social and ecological systems is studied at different levels, examining the relationship between collective action and the environment through quantitative approaches at the fishery level and qualitative analysis at the level of the mangrove landscape. Implications for coastal and fishery management are discussed in the conclusions.

Cockles in custody: the role of common property arrangements in the ecological sustainability of mangrove Fisheries on the Ecuadorian Coast

Scholars of common property resource theory (CPR) have long asserted that certain kinds of institutional arrangements based on collective action result in successful environmental stewardship, but feedback and the direct link between social and ecological systems remains poorly understood. This paper investigates how common property institutional arrangements contribute to sustainable mangrove fisheries in coastal Ecuador, focusing on the fishery for the mangrove cockle (<em>Anadara tuberculosa</em> and <em>A. similis</em>), a bivalve mollusk harvested from the roots of mangrove trees and of particular social, economic, and cultural importance for the communities that depend on it. Specifically, this study examines the emergence of new civil society institutions within the historical context of extensive mangrove deforestation for the expansion of shrimp farming, policy changes in the late 1990s that recognized “ancestral” rights of local communities to mangrove resources, and how <em>custodias, </em>community-managed mangrove concessions, affect the cockle fishery. Findings from interviews with shell collectors and analysis of catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) indicate that mangrove concessions as common property regimes promote community empowerment, local autonomy over resources, mangrove conservation and recovery, higher cockle catch shares, and larger shell sizes, but the benefits are not evenly distributed. Associations without <em>custodias </em>and independent cockle collectors feel further marginalized by the loss of gathering grounds, potentially deflecting problems of overexploitation to “open-access” areas, in which mangrove fisheries are weakly managed by the State. Using Ostrom’s Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework, the explicit link between social and ecological systems is studied at different levels, examining the relationship between collective action and the environment through quantitative approaches at the fishery level and qualitative analysis at the level of the mangrove landscape. Implications for coastal and fishery management are discussed in the conclusions.

GRADIENTES DE SALINIDADE E FREQÜÊNCIA DE ALAGAMENTO COMO DETERMINANTES DA DISTRIBUIÇÃO E BIOMASSA DE MACROALGAS ASSOCIADAS A TRONCOS DE MANGUEZAIS NA BAÍA DE BABITONGA, SC

This work aimed to evaluate the influence of salinity and flooding frequency on distribution and biomass of seaweed communities occurring on trunks and roots of mangrove trees in Babitonga Bay, SC (26º15’S, 48º35’W). The seaweeds were collected in tree slices with 10 cm height from the bottom to its upper limit on the trees, in oligohaline, mesohaline e euhalinde areas of the bay. The seaweeds were sorted by species, dried until constant weight, and presented as algae biomass per trunk area (g dm (dry mass) m-2 of substrate). Cluster analysis was applied to study these communities, using biomass of each species in each flooding level, in each site of the bay. The average biomass in euhaline place (195,9 ± 58,8 g dm m-2) was significantly higher than in oligohaline place (36,9 ± 13,5 g dm m-2). There was no significant difference in biomass from mesohaline to euhaline, neither from mesohaline to oligohaline, but a positive correlation occurred between biomass and salinity (r2=0,83). In the cluster analysis the groups formed were: 1) euhaline site with flooding frequency higher than 92% of time, dominated by Bostrychia montagnei; 2) euhaline site with flooding frequency lower than 92% of time, dominated by Bostrychia tenella; 3) mesohaline site, dominated by Bostrychia calliptera and Bostrychia pinnata; 4) oligohaline site, dominated by Catenella caespitosa. The mesohaline group, as much as the oligohaline group was spitted in smaller groups with flooding frequencies lower or higher than 92% of time. Differences were also observed in diversity, and number of species was higher in euhaline site (15 species) and lower in olighaline site (4 species). The results of this works show how important salinity and flooding frequency are to structure of mangrove seaweeds in Babitonga Bay.

Monsters in the Mangrove

Microbiology![Figure][1] Ovoid bacteria coating filamentous archaea. CREDIT: MULLER ET AL., ENVIRON. MICRO. 12 , 2371 (2010) Life on Earth has been classified into three domains: the Bacteria and the Archaea are single-celled microbes lacking nuclei, and the nucleated Eukarya possess a combination of archaeal- and bacterial-like genes. There are some interesting exceptions to the general smallness of life (apart from us), and Muller et al. have discovered mats of long (30 mm) white filaments attached to the roots of mangrove trees in Guadaloupe. These filaments are two new species in a recently discovered phylum within the Archaea. One type of filament is coated with a single-cell layer of a γ-proteobacterium, which contains large globules of sulfur. The other, uncoated filament was found only where the gregarious species was abundant. The associated bacteria may be symbionts that scrub out otherwise toxic sulfide oozing up from the mangrove swamp sediment, and this detox process in turn could allow the less abundant archaean to survive. Metabolites might not be the only chemicals shared, and the authors speculate that this could represent an example of an evolutionary step in cellular complexity that might also involve the exchange of genes. Environ. Micro. 12 , 2371 (2010). [1]: pending:yes

A simulation study of territory size distribution of mangrove termites on Atlantic coast of Panama

The territory size distribution of the termites Nasutitermes nigriceps and Nasutitermes corniger (Isoptera: Termitidae) in a mangrove forest on the Atlantic coast of Panama showed a rapidly decline region in the rear part and was strongly affected by the degree of connection between the prop roots of mangrove trees [Adams, E.S., Levings, S., 1987. Territory size and population limits in mangrove termites. J. Anim. Ecol. 56, 1069–1081]. To account for these empirical facts, we introduced a lattice model to simulate territorial competition under seasonal cycle, dry and wet season. The simulated territory grew during the wet season while it shrunk during the dry season. The model simulation showed that the shrinkage and expansion process resulted in winner and loser territories in the territorial competition, which consequently led to generate the declining regions.