Biomonitoring environmental status in semi-enclosed coastal ecosystems using Zostera noltei meadows

Boutahar, Loubna; Maanan, Mohamed; Bououarour, Oussama; Richir, Jonathan; Pouzet, Pierre; Gobert, Sylvie; Maanan, Mehdi; Zourarah, Bendahhou; Benhoussa, Abdelaziz; Bazairi, Hocein

doi:10.1016/j.ecolind.2019.04.039

Cited by 20 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 72 publications

(91 reference statements)

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…The presence of higher trace element concentrations in adult females may be attributed to both elevated metabolic rate and disruption of toxic metal neutralization mechanisms (Kljaković Gašpić et al, 2002), therefore the nutritional status and physiological needs of individuals lead to intra-population variances in heavy metals accumulation. The increase in concentrations of the HMs in Merja Zerga matches the preceding studies reporting signi cant amounts of these elements in the soil (Mhamdi Alaoui et al, 2010 ;Maanane et al, 2015;Boutahar et al, 2019), in sh (Wariaghli et al, 2013) and in rodent tissues (Tifarouine et al, 2018). Tifarouine et al, 2019; reported that the effectiveness of the bioaccumulation process of Apodemus sylvaticus (Muridae) in Merja Zerga depends only on the individual's age whereas sex has no effect.…”

Section: Bioaccumulation Of Trace Elements By Age and Sexsupporting

confidence: 85%

Evaluation of bioconcentration of trace elements in the Western Mediterranean mouse (Mus spretus Lataste, 1883) at two Moroccan wetland sites

Tifarouine¹,

Benabbou²,

Idrissi³

et al. 2021

Preprint

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Many micromammals were shown to be vulnerable to metallic trace elements and are therefore suitable for biomonitoring. The objective of our research is to assess the exposure of a small rodent, Mus spretus, as a bioindicator of pollution to trace elements. We have determined the concentrations of Cu, Pb, Cr, Zn and Fe in the liver, kidneys and heart of 71 individuals of Mus spretus in north-west Morocco in two areas: Merja Zerga and Dayet Erroumi. Tissue metal concentrations in this species varied widely with age, sex, sites and organs. The concentration of Cu in the liver was the highest among all the metals and was recorded in adult females of Merja Zerga with a maximum of 60 µg / g ; at Dayet Erroumi, it was around 14 µg / g. At the same time, we found a similar trend for Fe, Pb, Cr and Zn in the three organs in males and females at the two sites. Highly significant differences between females at the two sites were recorded for the variables weight (W) and head to body length (TL) (t = -3.992; p < 0.001 and t = -2.242, p < 0.05), however, males obtained equal values in the two sites. Spatiotemporal monitoring in small mammals must be studied, but requires the application of a non-lethal estimator.

show abstract

Section: Bioaccumulation Of Trace Elements By Age and Sexsupporting

confidence: 85%

Evaluation of bioconcentration of trace elements in the Western Mediterranean mouse (Mus spretus Lataste, 1883) at two Moroccan wetland sites

Tifarouine¹,

Benabbou²,

Idrissi³

et al. 2021

Preprint

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Trace elements are among the many anthropogenic contaminants reaching coastal lagoons, particularly those located in watersheds containing mines and mining industries. Their cumulative impact on biota can have a harmful effect on the health of marine ecosystems and humans [16,17]. The distribution of trace elements in coastal marine areas is affected by hydrodynamic and biogeochemical processes, thereby modifying trace element bioavailability and associated environmental risks [18,19].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Seasonal and Spatial Patterns of Ecotoxicological Indices of Trace Elements in Superficial Sediments of the Marchica Lagoon Following Restoration Actions during the Last Decade

Oujidi

Bouch²,

Tahri

et al. 2021

Diversity

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Marchica Lagoon, a Ramsar site on the Mediterranean coast of Morocco, is experiencing the impacts of watershed pollution, which includes pollutants from the domestic, agricultural, industrial, and mining sectors. Restoration actions were undertaken around this lagoon during the last decade in order to protect its ecological value and to develop tourist activity. To conserve the biodiversity in the lagoon, it is important to assess the environmental state of this ecosystem. This study aims to evaluate the ecotoxicological state of sediments through the post restoration characterization of the trace elements Pb, Cu, Zn, Cr, Co, and Ba, as well as their correlation to the major elements, grain size, and total organic carbon, sampled during two campaigns (the wet and dry seasons of 2018) across a sampling network of thirteen stations. Multivariate analysis and ecotoxicological risk assessment of the trace elements using the sediment quality guidelines and five pollution indices (geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), pollution-load index (PLI), and mean effect range median quotient (m-ERM-Q)) revealed contamination of the lagoon by Pb, Zn, and Cu, and minimal pollution by Cr, Co, and Ba. The distribution of the biological-risk index reveals that four zones of the lagoon may present a high probability of toxicity, thus constituting potential risk areas for aquatic organisms: during the wet season, the area in the northwestern sandbar border, the southwest eutrophication zone, and the mouth of the stream valley conveying industrial discharges; and during dry season, the northwestern eutrophication zone. Despite the restoration actions achieved around the lagoon, the lead, zinc, and copper concentrations increased, and their variation was significant between group stations. The biodiversity conservation of Marchica Lagoon requires continuous monitoring and assessment, as well as the implementation of an integrated management plan with restoration actions, not only around the lagoon, but also at its watershed level.

show abstract

“…e studied semi-enclosed ecosystems are subjected to different anthropogenic disturbances. Boutahar et al [68] have showed a clear variation on chemical elements accumulated by Z. noltei leaves along the North-South latitudinal scale of the Atlantic coast of Morocco. Differences in anthropic pressures and environmental conditions do not only exist between sites but also between upstream and downstream stations within the semi-enclosed systems.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Latitudinal Variation into the Macrofaunal Assemblages Associated to Zostera noltei Seagrass along the Atlantic Coast of Morocco

Bououarour

Boutoumit

Kamcha

et al. 2021

International Journal of Zoology

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Large-scale research on seagrass-associated benthic fauna is very important for future regional marine conservation. In our study, we investigated spatial and latitudinal variation of benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages associated to Zostera noltei Hornemann, 1832 beds from five semi-enclosed coastal systems (SECSs) ranging from 23°N to 34°N along the Atlantic coast of Morocco. Overall, 17,320 individuals were reported as belonging to 96 taxa. The ecological community descriptors differ significantly at the level of the site. Specific richness showed an inconsistent significant pattern with latitude. The multivariate analyses of the assemblage’s composition showed 57% of total variation observed in benthic assemblages, while the PERMANOVA analysis confirmed that this variation is significant at the level of the site. According to DistLM results, variations in belowground biomass, and percentage of mud, were the important predictor variables explaining this variation along the large scale of the studied SECS. However, such patterns could be related to other factors such as habitat heterogeneity and regional, biogeographic, and anthropogenic factors. The present study marked the first attempt on broad-scale ecological research of seagrass beds in Morocco and offers baseline data for planning the broad-scale conservation of biodiversity in seagrass beds that remain suffering from multiple human-induced threats such as coastal developments and climate change.

show abstract

Biomonitoring environmental status in semi-enclosed coastal ecosystems using Zostera noltei meadows

Cited by 20 publications

References 72 publications

Evaluation of bioconcentration of trace elements in the Western Mediterranean mouse (Mus spretus Lataste, 1883) at two Moroccan wetland sites

Evaluation of bioconcentration of trace elements in the Western Mediterranean mouse (Mus spretus Lataste, 1883) at two Moroccan wetland sites

Seasonal and Spatial Patterns of Ecotoxicological Indices of Trace Elements in Superficial Sediments of the Marchica Lagoon Following Restoration Actions during the Last Decade

Latitudinal Variation into the Macrofaunal Assemblages Associated to Zostera noltei Seagrass along the Atlantic Coast of Morocco

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About