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Effect of Anthropogenic Activities on Coral Distribution at Onshore and Offshore Reefs Along the Egyptian Coast, Red Sea
Montaser A. M. Al-Hammady,
Fattma M. A. Fouda,
Hussein N. M. Hussein,
Awad A. M. Elsyed
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 5-1, October 2015
Pages:
1-9
Received:
16 July 2015
Accepted:
28 July 2015
Published:
2 September 2015
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijema.s.2015030501.11
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Abstract: Using SCUBA diving, Line Intercept Transect (LIT) and under water digital camera coral distribution at onshore and offshore reefs was surveyed in respect to the effect of anthropogenic activities. Four sites were selected during this study. The onshore sites comprised Ras Gharib Petroleum Company (site 1), impacted by oil pollution, and Old Al-Qusyer Harbour (site 2) impacted by phosphate shipping. While, the offshore sites were chosen at Small Gifton Island (site 3), and Abu Ramad Island (site 4); each was impacted by diving activities. The present results showed that, 70 species belonging to 23 genera, distributed within 18 families were recorded at the studied sites, of which, 26 species have massive lifeform, 23 branching, 5 encrusting, 6 solitary and only 2 species belong hydrocorals. In addition, 7 species of a hermatypic corals were also recorded. The present study indicated that, either onshore or offshore reefs showed coral decline, but onshore reefs have more degradations. The highest percent cover of dead corals was 29.1% and 34.4 %, recorded at onshore reefs, sites 1and 2, respectively. On contrast, the lowest percent cover was 28.1% and 4.4%, detected at offshore reefs of sites 3 and 4, respectively. On the other hand, site 1 (onshore reef) recorded the highest percent cover of soft corals (40.5%) from 36% the percent of live soft and hard corals, compared with 2.7% at site 4 (offshore reef) from the percent 61.2% of live soft and hard corals. Branching corals have remarkably higher percent (47%) at offshore (site 4) than that recorded (26.5%) at onshore (site 1). However, massive corals recorded relatively higher percent (52.2%) at offshore (site 3) than (50.4%) onshore (site 2). The offshore site 3 recorded the highest diversity (2.6) and highest richness (1.7), compared with the lowest diversity (2.29) and lowest richness (1.35) recoded at onshore site 1. The equability of distributions among species at the studied reefs were 0.83, 0.78, 0.73 and 0.75 at sites 1, 2, 3 & 4, respectively. At site 1, the stony coral Stylophora pistillata was the only abundant species, with non- expected big and thick branches, while most other corals were scarce. On contrast, Porites sp. was the most dominant at sites 2 &3; while the massive coral, Goniastrea retiformis was the most dominant species at site 4.
Abstract: Using SCUBA diving, Line Intercept Transect (LIT) and under water digital camera coral distribution at onshore and offshore reefs was surveyed in respect to the effect of anthropogenic activities. Four sites were selected during this study. The onshore sites comprised Ras Gharib Petroleum Company (site 1), impacted by oil pollution, and Old Al-Qusy...
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Characterization of Two Natural Clays and Their Application as Adsorbents for Treatment Process of Dye Effluents
Fatma Larbi,
Ahmed Hamou,
Abdelaziz Bendraoua,
Nadia Ramdani
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 5-1, October 2015
Pages:
10-16
Received:
16 July 2015
Accepted:
28 July 2015
Published:
2 September 2015
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijema.s.2015030501.12
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Abstract: The aim of the present work is to explore and compare the adsorption capacity of two different clays for removal of textile dye from aqueous solutions. For this purpose, the adsorption of Green Remazole 6B; a reactive dye used in textile industry, was studied in batch mode. The clays used were provided from two different deposits in west of Algeria, one located in Ain-Témouchent (C46) and the other in the region of El Bayadh (C32). Before investigating the adsorption of textile dye, the clays were characterized by various techniques of analysis in order to study all the relevant features. The techniques used are: X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy (IR) and Chemical analysis. Chemical analysis and infrared spectroscopy (IR) show that clays are mainly constituted of alumina and silica in major quantities and other elements in minor quantities. XRD analysis shows that C46 is illite clay, contaning kaolinite, smectite and quartz. On the other hand, C32 is kaolinite clay with presence of illite, smectite, chlorite and quartz. To investigate the adsorption of the textile dye, clays have been previously modified by acid treatment with H2SO4 and they were tested in their natural state and in their acid-activated form. Different adsorption tests concerning the contact time, the initial dye concentration and the pH were investigated by conducting a series of batch adsorption experiments at room temperature. The adsorption equilibrium data were analyzed by using Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms models. The results show that Acidic pH was favorable for adsorption of the dye and the Freundlich model agrees very well with experimental data. (C32) clay has the best removal power.
Abstract: The aim of the present work is to explore and compare the adsorption capacity of two different clays for removal of textile dye from aqueous solutions. For this purpose, the adsorption of Green Remazole 6B; a reactive dye used in textile industry, was studied in batch mode. The clays used were provided from two different deposits in west of Algeria...
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Atomic Force Microscopy and Tensile Strength Analyses of Recycled PAN and PET Blends
T. A. Adegbola,
E. R. Sadiku,
S. S. Ray
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 5-1, October 2015
Pages:
17-21
Received:
16 July 2015
Accepted:
28 July 2015
Published:
2 September 2015
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijema.s.2015030501.13
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Abstract: This investigation focuses on blend of recycled polyacrylonitrile fiber with neat polyethylene terephthalate in order to develop a new product and to improve on the properties of PAN/PET blend for possible new application. The micro-structural characterization using AFM shows possibility of blends development. The AFM images revealed an interpenetrating network of phases in the blends. The mechanical properties: modulus and tensile strength of the blended samples improved when compared to the recycled PAN and pure PET samples. This mechanical property improvement is due to a high ratio of PAN in the composition. This also paves way for possible reuse of PAN fibers rather than disposing it as a waste.
Abstract: This investigation focuses on blend of recycled polyacrylonitrile fiber with neat polyethylene terephthalate in order to develop a new product and to improve on the properties of PAN/PET blend for possible new application. The micro-structural characterization using AFM shows possibility of blends development. The AFM images revealed an interpenetr...
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Hepatic Alteration of the Egyptian Toad Amietophrynus Regularis, as Biomarker to Environmental Deterioration
Rashad El– Sayed Mohammed Said,
Samy Abde-Latif Ahmed Saber,
Ali Gamal Gadel Rab,
Khaled Youssef Abouel Fadl
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 5-1, October 2015
Pages:
22-29
Received:
11 August 2015
Accepted:
6 September 2015
Published:
30 November 2015
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijema.s.2015030501.14
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Abstract: Based on available toxicological studies dealt with aquatic fauna in Egypt, none of these studies considered terrestrial stage of amphibian exposure and uptake of metal from surroundings habitat. Little is known about how contaminants affect amphibians at the population level. Three sites were selected scarily in order to comprise different types and sources of pollutants from one hand, and to prove the potential of selected animals to accumulate pollutants. The common Egyptian toad Amietophrynus Regularis was collected from different localities along the river Nile. The aim of our study was to evaluate the biochemical and histopathological biomarkers in this specie to a pollution gradient caused by domestic discharges and heavy metals and to verify the adequacy of the studied animals as appropriate bioindicator in their habitat. The results of this study revealed that deterioration of natural habitat of the selected amphibian produced manifested biochemical and histopathological changes in the liver.
Abstract: Based on available toxicological studies dealt with aquatic fauna in Egypt, none of these studies considered terrestrial stage of amphibian exposure and uptake of metal from surroundings habitat. Little is known about how contaminants affect amphibians at the population level. Three sites were selected scarily in order to comprise different types a...
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Impact of a Short – Term Malathion Exposure of Nile Tilapia, (Oreochromis niloticus): The Protective Role of Selenium
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 5-1, October 2015
Pages:
30-37
Received:
9 September 2015
Accepted:
20 September 2015
Published:
30 November 2015
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijema.s.2015030501.15
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Abstract: Malathion is an organophosphate pesticide widely used to control a variety of insects in agriculture. It can reach the aquatic ecosystems affecting non target organisms like fish. The purpose of this study was to determine LC50 of malathion and to investigate the possible protective effects of selenium on malathion-induced toxicity in Nile tilapia. The fish were exposed to sub lethal concentrations of malathion (1/2 and 1/4 LC50) for 15 days, and selenium (5.54 mg/kg of fish weight) was simultaneously administered. Blood and liver samples were collected at the end of the experiment. Biochemical parameters [serum glucose, cortisol, acetylcholinesterase (AchE)], haematological profiles [white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs) counts, haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, haematocrit (Ht) level], and oxidant/antioxidant statuses [lipid peroxidation (LPO) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT) activities] were analysed. The findings of the present study revealed that short-term exposure to malathion at sub lethal concentrations induced biochemical and haematological alterations in Oreochromis niloticus and led to oxidative damage. Moreover, the administration of selenium considered as an effective way to counter the toxicity of malathion in tilapia fish.
Abstract: Malathion is an organophosphate pesticide widely used to control a variety of insects in agriculture. It can reach the aquatic ecosystems affecting non target organisms like fish. The purpose of this study was to determine LC50 of malathion and to investigate the possible protective effects of selenium on malathion-induced toxicity in Nile tilapia....
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Marine Biofouling Potential on Reverse Osmosis Desalination Membrane and Other Substrata Corresponding to in situ Microbial and Physicochemical Characterization of Seawater
Khaled Mahmoud Abdelsalam,
Dalia El Sayed Abd El-Khalek,
Hassan A. H. Ibrahim,
Sahar Hassan Ibrahem,
Ahmed Morsi Attia
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 5-1, October 2015
Pages:
38-50
Received:
18 September 2015
Accepted:
20 September 2015
Published:
30 November 2015
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijema.s.2015030501.16
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Abstract: In situ investigation was designed for following up the biofouling community formed on the different substrata representative of the desalination unit components including Teflon, Glass, Stainless steel and Reverse Osmosis desalination membrane (RO desalination membrane), submerged in the seawater of the Eastern Harbor, Alexandria, Egypt. The area of study was physico-chemically and microbially characterized along 84 days, the time of the experiment. Some physico-chemical parameters such as Temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and nutrients (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, and silicate) were estimated. For in situ microbial characterization of seawater, the total heterotrophic bacteria and total marine fungi, in addition to several bacterial groups were counted. Data indicated that the total count of heterotrophic bacteria increased linearly with time until it reached the peak after 42 days of submerging coupons (4x106 CFU/ml), then it decreased with the time until the end of submerging trail. The count of common pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus sp., Vibrio sp. And Aeromonas sp. was in same trend but the counts of Staphylococcus sp. were more than of the others. On the other side, Salmonella/Shigella group was not detected in samples at all. The fecal indicator bacteria exhibited moderate counts, while the count of total marine fungi in the seawater samples showed low counts along the period of submerging coupons. Regarding the marine fouling, a total of 36 coupons were examined along 84 days of submerging in the seawater. Throughout the study 21 species of marine macro-fouling were recorded in addition to the very thin layer of blue-green algae. These belonged to different groups as follows: Macroalgae (2 species), Hydriods (1 species), Polychaets (5 species; 3 sedentarian and 2 errantias), Cirripeds (4 species), amphipods (4 species), Taniads (1 species), bryozoan (2 species), and tunicates (2 species). There are clear dominances by two sessile species. These are the polychaete (tube worm); Hydroideselegans and the barnacle; Balanusamphitrite. In average, they constituted about 50% and 29% of total fouling abundance, respectively. Across the different substrates, the average total abundance and biomass of the developing fouling community was comparable during different intervals of immersion except for the glass which showed the lowest values. Responsible factors for these variations are discussed.
Abstract: In situ investigation was designed for following up the biofouling community formed on the different substrata representative of the desalination unit components including Teflon, Glass, Stainless steel and Reverse Osmosis desalination membrane (RO desalination membrane), submerged in the seawater of the Eastern Harbor, Alexandria, Egypt. The area ...
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The Effect of Seasonal Metals Pollution in Two Hotspots (El-Mex, Abu-Qir) Bays on ATPases in Gills of Siganus rivulatus
Hegazi M. M.,
Mostafa A. H.,
Assem E. H.,
Mourad H. M.,
Hasanein S. S.
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 5-1, October 2015
Pages:
51-58
Received:
21 September 2015
Accepted:
21 September 2015
Published:
17 December 2015
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijema.s.2015030501.17
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Abstract: The present study aimed to study the effect of pollution on rabbitfish Marbled spinefoot (Siganus rivulatus) seasonally caught from the two polluted area El-Mex Bay and Abu-Qir Bay and non-polluted area as controls. The rocky coast between Kayet Bey Fork and El-Boughaz opening in the Eastern Harbor toward the open sea was taken as control area. The activity of ATPases in gills and heavy metals accumulation in white muscle, gills, and liver of rabbitfish was assessed. These could be helpful for the understanding of physiological regulation mechanism for seasonal adaptation. The activities of Na+/K+-ATPase, Ca2+ Mg2+-ATPase reached maximum activity in summer in fish caught from control area but the activity decreased in the two polluted areas. The physicochemical characteristics of water in these areas were assessed. The accumulation of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), cupper (Cu), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were assessed white muscle, gills, and liver. The accumulation of heavy metals increased in the season’s summer, spring than autumn and winter. The order of accumulation was Fe>Zn>Cu>Pb>Cd. The combined effects of increased heavy metals accumulation and low salinity of El-Mex Bay influence on osmoregulation and decreased the activity of ATPases.
Abstract: The present study aimed to study the effect of pollution on rabbitfish Marbled spinefoot (Siganus rivulatus) seasonally caught from the two polluted area El-Mex Bay and Abu-Qir Bay and non-polluted area as controls. The rocky coast between Kayet Bey Fork and El-Boughaz opening in the Eastern Harbor toward the open sea was taken as control area. The...
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