The Ria Formosa is a lagoon on the South coast of the Algarve, Portugal and insulates SS km of the coastline from the full impact of the Atlantic. A review of the lagoon considers its geomorphology, sedimentology, hydrography, water quality and ecology. The Ria Formosa is identified as an important regional and national resource with respect to recreation, tourism, fishing, aquaculture, shipping and salt extraction. Ma*or regional developments in the form of spreading urbanisation and intensified agriculture, together with rising numbers in both the resident population and the annual tourist influx, pose an ever increasing stress upon the lagoon system, particularly with respect to water quality. The region contiguous to the lagoon is devoid of heavy industries and the review concludes that the greatest threat to sustained development of the lagoon resources is a progressive deterioration of water quality promoted by ever increasing discharges of nutrient and organic rich sewage effluent. In consequence, this study of the water quality in the Ria Formosa focuses upon the spatial and temporal variability in the nutrient and dissolved oxygen fields. Hydrographic, nutrient and dissolved oxygen data captured during three separate sampfing programmes are presented and discussed. The first programme addressed the variability in the lagoon as a whole. From June 1987 to May 1988 hydrographic, nutrient and dissolved oxygen data were collected at monthly intervals from sixteen sampling stations distributed through the lagoon. All sampling events were coincident with high and low water on neap tides. This sequence of surveys showed that during the winter the lagoon acts as a typical estuary but for several months during the hot, dry summer the salinity of the waters within the lagoon exceeds that of the seaward boundary. No evidence of either marked or persistent stratification was found. Despite strong tidal flushing, the waters within the lagoon are not homogenous and the characteristics of the incoming coastal water are significantly modified in the inner reaches. Principal Component Analysis divided the sixteen sampling stations into four groups: (i) stations in the outer lagoon where water characteristics are little modified by the inner lagoon processes and sources; (ii) intermediate stations with water characteristics dominated by the inflowing seawater 11 but somewhat modified by inner lagoon processes and/or sources; (iii) estuarine stations where the water properties are greatly influenced by freshwater inputs; (iv) inner lagoon stations insufficiently flushed by tidal exchange and partly influenced by inner lagoon processes and sources. Stations comprising the latter group (in the vicinity of the city of Faro, the West end and the East end of the lagoon) all exhibited characteristics symptomatic of a marked reduction in water quality. These were manifest to a greater extent at the station adjacent to Faro. A comparison of the range of nutrient concentrations in the Ria Formosa with other lagoon systems identifies it as being one of the most nutrient enriched. It is concluded, however, that good water quality prevails throughout most of the lagoon at all times of the year and that the presence of, or potential for, adverse water quality is localised in particular areas. The objective of the second sampling programme was to generate a temporal record of the extent to which the properties of the coastal waters entering the lagoon were modified in the western inner reaches of the lagoon. Samples were taken weekly on Springs and Neap tides throughout 1989 coincident with high water at the coastal station and at low water in the lagoon. The offshore water showed a strong seasonal signal with an abrupt change of water type in autumn. Throughout the year, the lagoon water was consistently and significantly enriched in silicate relative to the seawater, but also with respect to ammonium and nitrite in winter. In contrast there was no evidence of an internal source of nitrate. Almost half of the morning samples showed the lagoon water to be less than 80% saturated in dissolved oxygen on most occasions during the summer months. Hypersaturation in summer afternoon samples exceeded the range recommended by European Union directives for water quality. The third sampling programme addressed short term variability of water characteristics at the western end of the lagoon. Observations every thirty minutes during the Extreme Spring Tide cycle of the autumn equinox showed that water from other parts of the lagoon (sewage contaminated water and water flushed off salt marshes) was flushed past the station during a tidal cycle. Percentage saturations of dissolved oxygen reached an early morning minimum of 54%. The nutrient and III dissolved oxygen observations indicated that the water quality situation in the western part of the lagoon was precarious. A set of circumstances which would provoke mass mortality of the biota under the conditions at the time of the study is outlined. The conditions in the Ria Formosa were compared to other lagoons and it was concluded that the Ria Formosa is relatively nutrient rich.

Tsunamis are low amplitude, large wavelength waves that can significantly impact coastal regions. Although their destructive impacts are clear from recent events, the frequency with which tsunamis occur is less well constrained. To better understand the tsunami history and coastal impacts in Sri Lanka, this study compares sediments deposited by the December 26, 2004, tsunami to older lagoon sediments in search of evidence for paleotsunami deposits. Results from this study illustrate that the coastal lagoons in Sri Lanka preserve tsunami deposits and can provide the first steps towards constraining the paleotsunami history of the Indian Ocean. Because Sri Lanka is a far field location relative to the Sumatra-Andaman subduction zone, the preserved tsunami deposits are likely mega-tsunami events similar in size and destruction to the December 26, 2004, tsunami. The December 26, 2004, M 9.1?9.3 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake generated a massive tsunami that propagated throughout the Indian Ocean, causing extreme coastal inundation and destruction. The southeastern coastline of Sri Lanka was impacted by the 2004 tsunami where between one and three waves inundated coastal villages, lagoons, and lowlands, killing more than 35,000 people. Karagan Lagoon, located on the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka, was impacted by two waves from this tsunami. Although the lagoon commonly is dominated by organic-rich, siliciclastic clays, silts, and fine sands, the 2004 tsunami deposited a distinct layer of coarse quartz-dominated sand between 1 and 22 cm thick. The base of the 2004 deposit is sharp and erosional and some layers feature faint subparallel laminations. The 2004 tsunami deposit is generally continuous, fines landward, and is confined to the eastern portion of Karagan Lagoon, in the direction from which the tsunami arrived. Sri Lankan lore, in conjunction with reconstructed historical earthquake data, suggests that other tsunamis likely affected Sri Lanka in the past. To test this, twenty-two 1?4 m sediment cores were collected from Karagan Lagoon, providing key information for unraveling the pre-2004 tsunami history of southeastern Sri Lanka. At depth, sixteen cores from Karagan Lagoon contain as many as ten distinct sand layers, including the deposit from the 2004 tsunami. These cores feature siliciclastic clays, silts, and fine sands that dominate the background lagoonal sedimentation that are punctuated by coarse sand layers. These sand-rich layers feature sharp, erosional bases, coarsen and fine upwards, vary in thickness from 1 to 22 cm, and include varying percentages of fine to very coarse sand, with a low-abundance of silt and clay. In the best constrained interval, three coarse sand layers include composition, grain size, grading, and sedimentary structures similar to the sediments deposited by the December 26, 2004, tsunami. The layers are identified in five of the twenty-two cores, although the thicknesses vary. Six additional less well constrained sand layers are present in four of the twenty-two cores. Cores located closer to the lagoon mouth and the eastern coastline (the direction from which the 2004 tsunami arrived) contain more sand layers than cores farther away from the tsunami wave entry point. On the basis of their sedimentary structures, geometry, and extent, these sandy layers are interpreted to represent paleotsunami deposits. AMS radiocarbon dating was used to date the bulk organic sediment from above, between, and below the ten paleotsunami layers in sediment cores from Karagan Lagoon to constrain the timing of events in southeastern Sri Lanka. Material from within the deposit was not dated because it was likely transported from various sources during the event and thus does not represent the age of the tsunami. AMS radiocarbon dates from above and below the paleotsunami layers were calibrated from radiocarbon years before present to calendar years before present (Cal YBP) using OxCal v. 4.0 (Bronk Ramsey, 1995; Bronk Ramsey, 2001) with calibration curve IntCal04 (Reimer et al., 2004). The constraining time intervals of tsunami deposits II?VI were averaged to yield deposits of ages 226, 1641, 4198, 4457, 4924 Cal YBP. Tsunamis VII?X only had sediment dated immediately below the deposit and therefore were deposited prior to 6249, 6455, 6665, and 6840 Cal YBP. In total, ten tsunami deposits, including the 2004 event, are preserved in Karagan Lagoon on the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka. The Karagan Lagoon paleotsunami deposits provide constraints on the recurrence interval of tsunamis similar in magnitude to the 2004 event. The uppermost paleotsunami units were deposited 226, 1641, 4198, 4457, and 4924 Cal YBP, based on AMS radiocarbon dating. Thus, including the 2004 event, six tsunamis affected Karagan Lagoon in the past 5500 years, yielding a recurrence interval of approximately 916 years. Three of the six events, however, occur between ~4000 and 5500 years yielding a recurrence interval of approximately 500 years for this 1500 year period. Four additional older paleotsunami deposits occur in the deeper sections of the cores and were deposited prior to 6249, 6455, 6665, and 6840 Cal YBP, yielding a recurrence interval of approximately 200 years for this time period. Assuming that Karagan Lagoon contains a complete record of tsunami events, the recurrence of tsunamis similar in magnitude to the December 26, 2004, event can occur as often as 200 years. This ?recurrence interval? is illustrated by our data for the time period with increased tsunami activity from ~4000 to 7000 Cal YBP. Tsunamis may potentially affect Sri Lanka at relatively high frequency during certain time intervals though the overall recurrence pattern of these events displays a highly irregular distribution. This extreme variability needs to be taken into consideration when such events are related to earthquake recurrence intervals. Prior to the December 26, 2004, tsunami, paleotsunami deposits in the Indian Ocean were largely unstudied and consequently, Holocene tsunami chronology was incompletely understood for the Indian Ocean. The results from this study represents the first geologic evidence of paleotsunami deposits in Sri Lanka generated by tsunamis during the past 7000 years. The identification of these paleotsunami deposits illustrates that the 2004 tsunami was not a ?one-time event,? but in fact has ancient counterparts.

Τα υδρόβια μακρόφυτα και τα βενθικά μακροασπόνδυλα μελετήθηκαν εποχικά σε δύο λιμνοθάλασσες της Δυτικής Ελλάδας (Κοτύχι και Πρόκοπος), με σκοπό την ανάλυση της χωρικής και εποχικής διακύμανσης των βιοκοινωνιών τους. Η λιμνοθάλασσα Κοτύχι παρουσιάζει μεγαλύτερη επικοινωνία με τη θάλασσα, ενώ ο Πρόκοπος έχει μεγαλύτερο βαθμό απομόνωσης από τη θάλασσα. Τα υδρόβια μακρόφυτα αποτελούν κύριο στοιχείο των λιμνοθαλασσών. Συνολικά και στις δύο περιοχές μελέτης βρέθηκαν 22 taxa μακροφύτων (αγγειόσπερμα και μακροφύκη), εκ των οποίων τα 8 αποτελούν νέες αναφορές για την περιοχή μελέτης. Συγκεκριμένα, βρέθηκαν 16 taxa στο Κοτύχι (2 ροδοφύκη, 8 χλωροφύκη, 5 αγγειόσπερμα, 1 στρεπτόφυτο) και 14 στον Πρόκοπο (1 ροδοφύκος, 5 χλωροφύκη, 5 αγγειόσπερμα, 3 στρεπτόφυτα). Τα αγγειόσπερμα Ruppia cirrhosa και Potamogeton pectinatus ήταν κυρίαρχα και στις δύο λιμνοθάλασσες. Κυρίαρχο taxon στο Κοτύχι ήταν και το χλωροφύκος Cladophora glomerata, ενώ για τον Πρόκοπο το αγγειόσπερμο Zannichellia pallustris ssp. pedicellata. H βιομάζα των υδρόβιων μακροφύτων παρουσίασε μεγάλη αύξηση κατά τη διάρκεια της θερινής περιόδου. Στο Κοτύχι απαντούν 28 taxa υδροβίων μακροασπονδύλων, ενώ στον Πρόκοπο 19. Η οικογένεια των Chironomidae (Miscellanea) και το Lekanesphaera monodi (Καρκινοειδή) ήταν τα κυρίαρχα taxa και για τις δύο λιμνοθάλασσες. Η ποικιλότητα (Η’) της βενθικής πανίδας κυμάνθηκε από 1,3 έως 2,6 στο Κοτύχι και από 0,7 έως 2,4 στον Πρόκοπο. Τα αποτελέσματα της ιεραρχικής ομαδοποίησης (Cluster analysis) σε σύνολο 72 δειγματοληπτικών επιφανειών, με βάση την αφθονία των υδρόβιων μακροφύτων στις δύο περιοχές μελέτης, ανέδειξαν 5 ομάδες βλάστησης. Στην ομάδα Ι κυρίαρχο taxon είναι το αγγειόσπερμο Zostera noltii, ενώ στις ομάδες ΙΙa και ΙΙb κυριαρχεί το αγγειόσπεrμο Ruppia cirrhosa, με διαφορετική αντιπροσώπευση των συνοδών ειδών. Στην ομάδα ΙΙIa κυριαρχούν τα αγγειόσπερμα Potamogeton pectinatus και Zannichellia pallustris ssp. pedicellata, ενώ η ομάδα ΙΙIb κυριαρχείται από το Zannichellia pallustris ssp. pedicellata που συνοδεύεται από το χλωροφύκος Ulva intestinalis. O έλεγχος των διαφορών των ομάδων βλάστησης, με βάση τη διακύμανση των περιβαλλοντικών τους παραμέτρων πραγματοποιήθηκε με τον έλεγχο Mann - Whitney U. Στατιστικά σημαντικές διαφορές υπάρχουν μεταξύ της ομάδας ΙΙb με τις ομάδες Ι και ΙΙIb, όσον αφορά το βάθος και μεταξύ της ομάδας ΙΙb και ΙΙΙa, όσον αφορά την αναλογία διαφάνεια/βάθος και τη συγκέντρωση του ολικού φωσφόρου. Τα αποτελέσματα της ιεραρχικής ομαδοποίησης (Cluster analysis) σε σύνολο 36 δειγματοληπτικών επιφανειών, με βάση την αφθονία των υδρόβιων μακροασπονδύλων ανέδειξαν δύο ομάδες βενθικής πανίδας σε επίπεδο ομοιότητας περίπου 50% (Bray curtis similarity 50%) που αντιστοιχούν στις δύο λιμνοθάλασσες. Η ομάδα που αντιστοιχεί στο Κοτύχι κυριαρχείται από την οικογένεια Chironomidae και η ομάδα που αντιστοιχεί στον Πρόκοπο κυριαρχείται από την οικογένεια Οstracoda. O έλεγχος Mann - Whitney U έδειξε ότι οι δύο λιμνοθάλασσες διαφέρουν με βάση τις αβιοτικές παραμέτρους σε επίπεδο σημαντικότητας p<0,001 στο βάθος, την αναλογία διαφάνεια/βάθος, τη συγκέντρωση του ολικού φωσφόρου, χλωροφύλλης –α και ολικών αιωρούμενων στερεών. Ο Πρόκοπος παρουσίασε μεγαλύτερο βάθος (0,87m) από το Κοτύχι (0,56m) και μεγαλύτερη διακύμανση των παραπάνω παραμέτρων. Γενικά, τα αποτελέσματα της ανάλυσης κύριων συνιστωσών (PCA) και της ανάλυσης ANOSIM, που αφορούν τις περιβαλλοντικές παραμέτρους έδειξαν ότι η διακύμανση των περιβαλλοντικών παραμέτρων παρουσίασε εποχικό και χωρικό πρότυπο και στις δύο λιμνοθάλασσες με τη μεγαλύτερη διακύμανση τους να παρατηρείται στον Πρόκοπo. Κατά τη διάρκεια της θερινής περιόδου ειδικά στον Πρόκοπο καταγράφηκαν πολύ χαμηλές τιμές διαλυμένου οξυγόνου (χαμηλότερη τιμή: 0,34 mg/l), ακραίες τιμές αλατότητας (μέγιστη τιμή: 38,43 psu) και αυξημένες τιμές pH (μέγιστη τιμή: 9,95). Αυτή η εποχική διακύμανση των περιβαλλοντικών παραμέτρων προκαλεί έντονο φυσικό στρες στους υδρόβιους οργανισμούς επηρεάζοντας την αφθονία και εξάπλωση τους. Οι κυριότερες συσχετίσεις των αβιοτικών παραμέτρων που προέκυψαν από την ανάλυση Spearman είναι η θετική συσχέτιση του ολικού φώσφορου με τη χλωροφύλλη – α, τα ολικά αιωρούμενα στερεά και τη σταθερά απορρόφησης – α, η αρνητική συσχέτιση της αναλογίας διαφάνειας/βάθος με τον ολικό φώσφορο και τη χλωροφύλλη – α και του διαλυμένου οξυγόνου στο υπόστρωμα με τη συγκέντρωση φωσφορικών ιόντων, ολικού αζώτου, ολικού άνθρακα και οργανικού άνθρακα στο ίζημα. Σύμφωνα με τα αποτελέσματα της ανάλυσης πλεονασμού (RDA), τo pH, η συγκέντρωση των ολικών αιωρούμενων στερεών της χλωροφύλλης - α, το βάθος, η θερμοκρασία και η σταθερά απορρόφησης Κ φαίνεται να παίζουν τον πιο σημαντικό ρόλο στην εξάπλωση & αφθονία των μακροφύτων. Όσον αφορά την εξάπλωση και αφθονία των υδρόβιων μακροασπονδύλων, σύμφωνα με την ανάλυση πλεονασμού (RDA), πιο σημαντικό ρόλο φαίνεται να παίζουν το βάθος, η συγκέντρωση των ολικών αιωρούμενων σωματιδίων, η θερμοκρασία και το pH. Γενικά, στις δύο λιμνοθάλασσες καταγράφηκε χαμηλός ειδών μακροφύτων και μακροαπονδύλων, όπως και σε άλλες λιμνοθάλασσες της Ελλάδας (Reizopoulou and Nicolaidou 2004, Kevrekidis 2004, Mogias and Kevrekidis 2005). Ο χαμηλότερος αριθμός ειδών και ατόμων μακροασπονδύλων παρατηρήθηκε κατά τη διάρκεια της θερινής περιόδου. Τα αποτελέσματα έδειξαν επίσης ότι ο αριθμός ειδών, η ποικιλότητα και η αφθονία, των βενθικών μακροασπονδύλων σχετίζεται ισχυρά με την υδρόβια βλάστηση και το βαθμό απομόνωσης από τη θάλασσα. Ο αριθμός ειδών και ατόμων μακροασπονδύλων παρουσιάστηκε αυξημένος στον τύπο ενδιαιτήματος, όπου κυριαρχούν τα αγγειόσπερμα, ενώ παρουσιάστηκε μειωμένος σε γυμνό υπόστρωμα. Επίσης, ο αριθμός ειδών και ατόμων μακροασπονδύλων εμφανίζεται μειωμένος με την αύξηση της απόστασης από τη θάλασσα. Τα αποτελέσματα της ανάλυσης πλεονασμού (RDA) έδειξαν ότι τα μαλάκια παρουσιάζουν καλύτερη συσχέτιση με το αγγειόσπερμο Zostera noltii και τα συνοδά του είδη, ενώ τα καρκινοείδη παρουσιάζουν καλύτερη συσχέτιση με τα αγγειόσπερμα Ruppia cirrhosa, Potamogeton pectinatus και Zannichellia pallustris ssp. pedicellata και τα συνοδά τους είδη. Τα Miscellanea δείχνουν καλύτερη συσχέτιση με τα ευκαιριακά είδη υδροβίων μακροφύτων. Το Gammarus insensibilis παρουσίασε συνεμφάνιση με το χλωροφύκος Chaetomorpha linum, το οποίο αποτελεί μέρος της διατροφής του (Sheader & Sheader 1987, Bamber et al. 1992). Στην παρούσα εργασία συζητούνται περαιτέρω η οικολογική ποιότητα των δύο λιμνοθαλασσών και οι χωρικές και χρονικές διακυμάνσεις των περιβαλλοντικών παραμέτρων καθώς και οι επιδράσεις τους στη δομή και λειτουργία των βιοκοινωνιών των μακροφύτων και μακροασπονδύλων. / Aquatic macrophytes and benthic macroinvertebrates were studied seasonally in two coastal lagoons (Kotychi and Prokopos) located in Western Greece, in order to investigate spatial and temporal trends. Kotychi lagoon presents a better communication with the sea, while Prokopos has a high degree of confinement. Both ecosystems receive seasonally freshwater input by streams. The submerged aquatic macrophytes constituted a major component of the ecosystems studied. In total were found 22 taxa of aquatic macrophytes (angiosperms and macroalgae), 16 taxa for Kotychi (2 Rhodophyta, 8 Chlorophyta, 5 Magnoliophyta, 1 Streptophyta) and 14 taxa for Prokopos (1 Rhodophyta, 5 Chlorophyta, 5 Magnoliophyta, 3 Streptophyta). Ruppia cirrhosa, and Potamogeton pectinatus were dominant in both lagoons. Kotychi lagoon was also dominated by Cladophora glomerata and Prokopos by Zannichellia pallustris ssp. pedicellata, while the biomass of aquatic species peaked during summer period. The total number of macroinvertebrates found in the lagoons was 28 taxa for Kotychi and 19 for Prokopos. Chironomidae (Miscellanea) and Lekanesphaera monodi (Crustacea) were dominant in both lagoons, while Kotychi was also dominated by Monocorophium insidiosum (Crustacea), and Prokopos by Ostracoda (Crustacea). Benthic diversity (Η’) ranged from 1.3 to 2.6 in Kotychi and from 0.7 to 2.5 in Prokopos. Cluster analysis (Bray Curtis similarity) distinguished 5 vegetation groups based on 72 sampling plots. Group I, was dominated by Zostera noltii, groups IIa and IIb were both dominated by Ruppia cirrhosa, but they present different abundance in companion opportunistic species. Group IIIa was dominated by Potamogeton pectinatus and Zannichellia pallustris ssp. pedicellata and group IIIb by Zannichellia pallustris ssp. pedicellata and Ulva intestinalis. Mann - Whitney U – test showed that means of environmental variables such as depth, total P and the ratio transparency/depth differed significantly among groups IIb, IIIa and IIIb. Cluster analysis (Bray Curtis similarity) distinguished two groups of macroinvertebrates, based on 36 sampling plots. Group I represents Kotychi lagoon by Chironomidae and group II represents Prokopos lagoon II dominated by Ostracoda. Mann - Whitney U – test showed that means of environmental variables such as depth, the ratio transparency/depth, total P, chl-a and TSM differed significantly between the two lagoons. Prokopos (0,87m) is a deeper lagoon than Kotychi (0,56m) and presented higher values of the ratio transparency/depth, total P, chl-a and TSM. Generally, PCA and ANOSIM analysis showed that there is a seasonal and spatial fluctuation of environmental variables in the two lagoons. Prokopos showed widest range of the environmental variables among seasons. In Prokopos lagoon during summer period recorded very low values of D.O. (lowest value: 0,34 mg/l), high salinity (max. value: 38,43 psu) and pH (max. value: 9,95). The high seasonal fluctuations of environmental variables create a natural stress to aquatic organisms affecting their abundance. The results of Spearman analysis showed that total P was positively correlated with chl-a, TSM and attenuation coefficient K and the ratio transparency/depth was negatively correlated with total P and chl-a. Also, sediment’s D.O. was negatively correlated with orthophosphates, total nitrogen, total and organic carbon in the sediment. The results of RDA analysis showed that pH, TSM, chl-a, depth, attenuation coefficient K and temperature play the most important role in the abundance and distribution of aquatic macrophytes. Depth, TSM, temperature and pH influence the distribution and abundance of benthic mavroinvertebrates. Generally, both lagoon showed low number of species of macrophytes and macroinvertebrates, similarly with other Greek lagoons (Reizopoulou and Nicolaidou 2004, Kevrekidis 2004, Mogias and Kevrekidis 2005). The lowest number of species and individuals of macroinvertebrates was recorded during the summer period. Moreover, results showed that species richness, diversity, and abundance of benthic macroinvertebrates were strongly related to aquatic vegetation and degree of confinement. The number of species and individuals of macroinvertebrates increased in the habitat where angiosperms were the dominated macrophytes. On the other hand, the number of species and individuals of macroinvertebrates presented lower values in bare substrates. Also, the number of species and individuals of macroinvertebrates presented a reduction at the sampling stations which have a high distance from the sea, in both lagoons. RDA analysis showed that Mollusca prefer as a habitat the angiosperm Zostera noltii and its companion species. Crustacea showed better relation with angiosperms Ruppia cirrhosa, Potamogeton pectinatus and Zannichellia pallustris ssp. pedicellata and their companion species. Miscellanea showed better relation with the opportunistic species of aquatic macrophytes. Gammarus insensibilis presented co-occurrence with Chaetomorpha linum, which is a part of its diet, as referred also, in Sheader & Sheader (1987) and Bamber et al. (1992). In the current study the ecological evaluation of the two coastal lagoons, the spatial and temporal fluctuations of environmental variables and their influence to the structure and function of biotic communities are further discussed.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / A Lagoa de Marapendi é uma lagoa eutrófica do complexo lagunar de Jacarepaguá, Rio de Janeiro. Como conseqüência ao constante e acelerado processo de eutrofização vigente, houve uma mudança na estrutura de sua comunidade fitoplanctônica, o que pode ter um importante significado para diversos componentes do ecossistema, além de inviabilizar diversos usos. Este estudo visou reconhecer os padrões espaciais e temporais do fitoplâncton, identificando os fatores controladores e direcionadores da comunidade, através da comparação entre as abordagens dos grupos taxonômicos e dos grupos funcionais. Foram coletadas amostras mensais em 4 pontos ao longo da lagoa no decorrer do ano de 2008. A análise florística revelou a presença de 45 táxons pertencentes às classes Cyanophyceae, Cryptophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Bacillariophyceae e Dinophyceae. Estes foram alocados em 10 grupos funcionais (GF) sensu Reynolds (H1, K, M, S1, X1, X2, J, C, MP e Y) e em 6 grupos funcionais baseados na morfologia (MBFG). Os dados de biomassa para todas as abordagens testadas foram comparados, juntamente com as variáveis abióticas, através de análises multivariadas de redundância (RDA). A abordagem de GF mostrou ser mais rica em detalhes, evidenciando diferentes estratégias adaptativas de grupos ecológicos de cianobactérias. Contudo, para ambientes eutróficos, rasos e com poucas espécies, tal qual a Lagoa de Marapendi, a utilização da abordagem de MBFG mostra ser mais adequada devido à sua simplicidade de utilização, aliada à boa capacidade de explicação da dinâmica fitoplanctônica. / The Marapendi lagoon is an eutrophic lagoon of the Jacarepaguá lagoon system, Rio de Janeiro. As a result of the constant and accelerated process of eutrophication in effect, there was a change in the structure of its phytoplankton community, whitc may have an important meaning for the various components of the ecosystem, as well as preclude different uses. The present study aimed to recognize the temporal and spatial patterns of phytoplankton, identifying the controlling and directioning factors of the community, by comparing the approaches of taxonomic groups and functional groups. Monthly samples were collected at 4 points along the lagoon during the 2008 year. The floristic analysis revealed the presence of 45 taxa belonging to Cyanophyceae, Cryptophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Bacillariophyceae and Dinophyceae classes. These were allocated into 10 functional groups (GF) sensu Reynolds (H1, K, M, S1, X1, X2, J, C, MP and Y) and in 6 morphology based functional groups (MBFG). The biomass data for all approaches tested were compared with the abiotic variables trough multivariate redundancy analysis (RDA). The GF approach proved to be richer in detail, showing different adaptive strategies of cyanobacteria ecological groups. However, in eutrophic and shallow environments with few species, like the Marapendi lagoon, the use of MBFG approach proves to be more suitable due to its use simplicity combined with the good ability to explain the phytoplankton dynamics.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / A Lagoa de Marapendi é uma lagoa eutrófica do complexo lagunar de Jacarepaguá, Rio de Janeiro. Como conseqüência ao constante e acelerado processo de eutrofização vigente, houve uma mudança na estrutura de sua comunidade fitoplanctônica, o que pode ter um importante significado para diversos componentes do ecossistema, além de inviabilizar diversos usos. Este estudo visou reconhecer os padrões espaciais e temporais do fitoplâncton, identificando os fatores controladores e direcionadores da comunidade, através da comparação entre as abordagens dos grupos taxonômicos e dos grupos funcionais. Foram coletadas amostras mensais em 4 pontos ao longo da lagoa no decorrer do ano de 2008. A análise florística revelou a presença de 45 táxons pertencentes às classes Cyanophyceae, Cryptophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Bacillariophyceae e Dinophyceae. Estes foram alocados em 10 grupos funcionais (GF) sensu Reynolds (H1, K, M, S1, X1, X2, J, C, MP e Y) e em 6 grupos funcionais baseados na morfologia (MBFG). Os dados de biomassa para todas as abordagens testadas foram comparados, juntamente com as variáveis abióticas, através de análises multivariadas de redundância (RDA). A abordagem de GF mostrou ser mais rica em detalhes, evidenciando diferentes estratégias adaptativas de grupos ecológicos de cianobactérias. Contudo, para ambientes eutróficos, rasos e com poucas espécies, tal qual a Lagoa de Marapendi, a utilização da abordagem de MBFG mostra ser mais adequada devido à sua simplicidade de utilização, aliada à boa capacidade de explicação da dinâmica fitoplanctônica. / The Marapendi lagoon is an eutrophic lagoon of the Jacarepaguá lagoon system, Rio de Janeiro. As a result of the constant and accelerated process of eutrophication in effect, there was a change in the structure of its phytoplankton community, whitc may have an important meaning for the various components of the ecosystem, as well as preclude different uses. The present study aimed to recognize the temporal and spatial patterns of phytoplankton, identifying the controlling and directioning factors of the community, by comparing the approaches of taxonomic groups and functional groups. Monthly samples were collected at 4 points along the lagoon during the 2008 year. The floristic analysis revealed the presence of 45 taxa belonging to Cyanophyceae, Cryptophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Bacillariophyceae and Dinophyceae classes. These were allocated into 10 functional groups (GF) sensu Reynolds (H1, K, M, S1, X1, X2, J, C, MP and Y) and in 6 morphology based functional groups (MBFG). The biomass data for all approaches tested were compared with the abiotic variables trough multivariate redundancy analysis (RDA). The GF approach proved to be richer in detail, showing different adaptive strategies of cyanobacteria ecological groups. However, in eutrophic and shallow environments with few species, like the Marapendi lagoon, the use of MBFG approach proves to be more suitable due to its use simplicity combined with the good ability to explain the phytoplankton dynamics.

FundaÃÃo Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Cientifico e TecnolÃgico / As plantas aquÃticas situadas em lagoas costeiras apresentam traÃos funcionais selecionados por condiÃÃes abiÃticas e relacionados à histÃria de vida, que lhes permitiram a colonizaÃÃo e estabelecimento nesses ambientes. O presente trabalho testou as seguintes hipÃteses: (1) que as espÃcies possuem um padrÃo homogÃneo de traÃos funcionais, resultando na formaÃÃo de poucos grupos; (2) que as variÃveis limnolÃgicas e pedolÃgicas atuam como filtro que selecionam esses traÃos e interferem na distribuiÃÃo das populaÃÃes na lagoa. Desta forma os traÃos funcionais das espÃcies presentes numa lagoa costeira do nordeste brasileiro foram analisados por meio de uma amostragem por transectos. Amostras de sedimento foram retiradas e analisadas em laboratÃrio. Os parÃmetros limnolÃgicos foram aferidos em campo, assim como a profundidade da lÃmina dâÃgua e a distÃncia de ocorrÃncia das espÃcies em relaÃÃo à margem. Os dados biolÃgicos evidenciaram a formaÃÃo de dois grupos funcionais, corroborando a primeira hipÃtese. PorÃm, as variÃveis abiÃticas foram associadas à distribuiÃÃo de poucas populaÃÃes, refutando a segunda hipÃtese. Com isso concluÃmos que a comunidade de plantas aquÃticas analisada à formada por traÃos semelhantes e os efeitos abiÃticos nÃo sÃo determinantes para formaÃÃo destes grupos. / Aquatic plants located in coastal lagoons have functional traits selected by abiotic conditions and related to the history of life, which allowed them to colonization and establishment in these environments. The present study tested the following hypotheses: (1) that the species have a homogeneous pattern of functional traits, resulting in the formation of a few groups; (2) that the limnological variables and soil act as a filter to select those traits and interfere in the distribution of populations in the pond. Thus the functional traits of the species present in a coastal lagoon in northeastern Brazil were analyzed using a sampling transects. Sediment samples were taken and analyzed in the laboratory. The limnology parameters were measured in the field, as well as the depth of the water depth and the occurrence of species away from the margin. Biological data showed formation of two functional groups, supporting the first hypothesis. But the abiotic variables were associated with the distribution of a few people, refuting the latter. Thus we conclude that the community of aquatic plants analyzed is formed by similar traits and abiotic effects are not decisive for the formation of these groups.

De nombreuses espèces de poissons marins côtiers à forte valeur économique ont un cycle de vie complexe impliquant des migrations saisonnières entre l'environnement marin et les habitats côtiers. Une meilleure compréhension de leur cycle de vie, en particulier l'identification de leurs nourriceries clés, est vitale pour la gestion durable des stocks de poissons exploités. Cette étude évalue la fonction de nourricerie des lagunes côtières du Golfe du Lion (Méditerranée NO) pour la daurade royale, Sparus aurata, une espèce d'intérêt commercial, dont les juvéniles colonisent ces habitats chaque année pendant leur premier été de vie. La qualité en tant que nourriceries de quatre lagunes aux conditions environnementales contrastées a été estimée par des mesures de la condition (indices de Fulton et TAG:ST) et du taux de croissance (par otolithométrie) des juvéniles. Les résultats montrent une condition et une croissance des juvéniles plus importantes dans les deux lagunes les plus dessalées et peu profondes (Bages-Sigean et Mauguio) que dans les deux lagunes profondes aux salinités proches de celle de la mer (Salses-Leucate et Thau). Les différences spatiales, stables dans le temps, de signatures élémentaires des otolithes ont permis de valider ces dernières comme tag naturel pour discriminer les habitats des juvéniles de daurade royale. Ainsi, l'identification a posteriori des nourriceries colonisées au stade juvénile chez des adultes pêchés le long de la côte du Golfe du Lion a pu être réalisée. Les estimations de la contribution relative des habitats des juvéniles au stock d'adultes (selon la contribution absolue ou la contribution par unité de surface) révèlent l'importance globale des lagunes pour le maintien des populations. Les lagunes les plus dessalées ont été identifiées comme les meilleures nourriceries de la zone d'étude. Le rôle important de la lagune de Thau pour le maintien des stocks de poissons a également été mis en évidence. Les résultats dans leur ensemble montrent une certaine convergence entre les estimations d'exports potentiel et réel des habitats des juvéniles. Les conclusions de cette étude sont primordiales pour la gestion et la protection des habitats clés des juvéniles ainsi que les ressources exploitées qui en dépendent. / Many coastal marine species of major socio-economic importance exhibited complex life histories include seasonal migrations between offshore marine environments and inshore coastal habitats. An adequate scientific understanding of their life cycle and, in particular the identification of the most significant juvenile nursery grounds are urgently needed for the sustainable management of fish stocks. This present study investigated the nursery function of coastal lagoons in the Gulf of Lions (NW Mediterranean) for a valuable fish species, the gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata, whose juveniles colonize these habitats each year for feeding and growing over their critical first summer of life. Habitat quality of four contrasted lagoons was measured with body condition (Fulton and muscle TAG/ST indices) and otolith growth rate of juveniles. Results showed better condition and higher growth rates in juveniles inhabiting the two shallow and brackish lagoons (Bages-Sigean, Mauguio) compared to the two deeper and more saline lagoons (Salses-Leucate and Thau). Otolith elemental signatures were temporally validated as natural tags to discriminate among juvenile habitats, allowing the retrospective identification of juvenile origin of S. aurata adults captured along the Gulf of Lions coastline. The estimations of relative contributions of juvenile habitats to adult stocks revealed the overall significance of lagoons for the maintenance of population. While, brackish lagoons were identified as the major contributors and best nursery habitats in the area, the importance of Thau lagoon to sustain fish stocks was also highlighted. Combined results of this research revealed some agreement between potential and effective export estimates from juvenile habitats. Information derived from this study is highly valuable for the sustainable management and protection of juvenile habitats, and the fishery resources that depend on them.

Στην παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή μελετήθηκαν οι λιμνοθάλασσες της Δυτικής Ελλάδας Ροδιά, Τσουκαλιό και Λογαρού του Αμβρακικού κόλπου, η λιμνοθάλασσα Κλείσοβα του συμπλέγματος λιμνοθαλασσών Μεσολογγίου-Αιτωλικού, η λιμνοθάλασσα του Αράξου και η λιμνοθάλασσα του Καϊάφα με σκοπό να αξιολογηθεί η οικολογική τους κατάσταση με τη χρήση υδρόβιων μακροφύτων ως ειδών δεικτών. Τα αποτελέσματα της διατριβής παρουσιάζονται σε τέσσερα μέρη. Στο πρώτο μέρος γίνεται διάκριση των λιμνοθαλασσών της Δυτικής Ελλάδας σε τύπους με βάση τα κύρια αβιοτικά και γεωμορφολογικά χαρακτηριστικά τους. Στο δεύτερο μέρος διερευνώνται οι εποχικές και χωρικές διακυμάνσεις των αβιοτικών παραμέτρων που μετρήθηκαν σε κάθε τύπο λιμνοθάλασσας από την άνοιξη του 2005 έως το φθινόπωρο του 2007. Στο τρίτο μέρος γίνεται διάκριση των υδρόβιων μακροφύτων των λιμνοθαλασσών της Δυτικής Ελλάδας σε συναθροίσεις και διερευνώνται οι εποχικές και διαχρονικές τους μεταβολές σε κάθε τύπο λιμνοθάλασσας. Τέλος, στο τέταρτο μέρος της διδακτορικής διατριβής εκτιμήθηκε η οικολογική κατάσταση κάθε τύπου λιμνοθάλασσας με τη χρήση έξι διαφορετικών δεικτών που βασίζονται τόσο σε αβιοτικά (TSI-Chl-a, TSI-TP, TRIX) και βιοτικά κριτήρια (EEI, E-MaQI) ή συνδυασμό και των δύο (TWQI). Στη Μεσόγειο διακρίθηκαν συνολικά πέντε τύποι λιμνοθαλασσών που διαφέρουν σημαντικά μεταξύ τους ως προς το μέγεθος και την αλατότητα. Οι λιμνοθάλασσες της Δυτικής Ελλάδας ανήκουν στους τέσσερις από τους πέντε τύπους. Οι τιμές των αβιοτικών παραμέτρων που μετρήθηκαν κατά τη διάρκεια των περιόδων παρακολούθησης (άνοιξη 2005-φθινόπωρο 2007), υποδεικνύουν τη χωρική και χρονική διακύμανση των χαρακτηριστικών της στήλης του νερού στους τέσσερις τύπους λιμνοθαλασσών της Δυτικής Ελλάδας, με σημαντικότερες μεταβολές να παρατηρούνται κυρίως την άνοιξη και το καλοκαίρι. Στην παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή για πρώτη φορά γίνεται συστηματική καταγραφή και παρακολούθηση της υδρόβιας βλάστησης στις λιμνοθάλασσες της Δυτικής Ελλάδας. Συνολικά συλλέχθηκαν και αναγνωρίστηκαν 40 είδη υδρόβιων μακροφύτων που σχηματίζουν πέντε διαφορετικές συναθροίσεις μακροφύτων. Τα αγγειόσπερμα είδη Zostera noltii, Ruppia cirrhosa, Cymodocea nodosa, Potamogeton pectinatus καθώς και τα χαρόφυτα Lamprothamnium papulosum και Chara hispida f. corfuensis αποτελούν τα κυρίαρχα είδη στους τύπους λιμνοθαλασσών της Δυτικής Ελλάδας και είναι εκείνα τα οποία συμβάλλουν σημαντικά στην ανομοιότητα (ANOSIM) των συναθροίσεων μεταξύ των τύπων λιμνοθαλασσών. Οι δείκτες εκτίμησης της τροφικής κατάστασης των μεταβατικών οικοσυστημάτων που χρησιμοποιούνται μέχρι σήμερα έχουν σχεδιαστεί είτε για λίμνες είτε για παράκτια ύδατα και η επιλογή του καταλληλότερου αποτελεί πρόκληση για την επιστημονική κοινότητα. Η εφαρμογή αβιοτικών δεικτών στις λιμνοθάλασσες της Δυτικής Ελλάδας κατατάσσει την τροφική κατάσταση των λιμνοθαλασσών κυμαίνεται από ολιγοτροφική έως υπερτροφική. Επιπλέον, στην παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή, η εφαρμογή βιοτικών δεικτών που στηρίζονταν στην υδρόβια βλάστηση παρουσίασε δυσκολίες και περιορισμούς λόγω των διαφορετικών ειδών υδρόβιων μακροφύτων που απαντώνται στις λιμνοθάλασσες της Δυτικής Ελλάδας. Ο δείκτης E-MaQI μπόρεσε να εφαρμοστεί μόνο σε δύο (Κλείσοβα, Άραξος) από τις έξι λιμνοθάλασσες λόγω περιορισμένου αριθμού ειδών, ενώ ο δείκτης ΕΕΙ-c δεν εφαρμόστηκε στη λιμνοθάλασσα του Καϊάφα λόγω έλλειψης κατάταξης του είδους Chara hispida f. corfuensis σε ομάδα οικολογικής κατάστασης. Παρόλα αυτά, στις περιοχές όπου εφαρμόστηκαν οι παραπάνω δείκτες η οικολογική κατάσταση των λιμνοθαλασσών κυμαίνονταν από φτωχή έως άριστη. Στην παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή ελέγχθηκε και βαθμονομήθηκε ο πολυμετρικός δείκτης TWQI στους τέσσερις τύπους λιμνοθαλασσών της Δυτικής Ελλάδας και συγκρίθηκε με άλλα έξι διαφορετικά μεταβατικά οικοσυστήματα της Μεσογείου. Από τα αποτελέσματα προκύπτει ότι η εφαρμογή του πολυμετρικού δείκτη TWQI είναι καταλληλότερη για τα μεταβατικά οικοσυστήματα. Τα αποτελέσματα της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής μπορούν να αποτελέσουν σημαντικό εργαλείο στην κατανόηση των σχέσεων που αναπτύσσονται μεταξύ των φυσικοχημικών παραμέτρων και των υδρόβιων μακροφύτων ως μέρους των δομικών στοιχείων των λιμνοθαλασσών και τα συμπεράσματά της μπορούν να συγκριθούν με αντίστοιχα των λιμνοθαλασσών της Μεσογείου. / In the current thesis they were monitored six coastal lagoons positioned at the Western coast of Greece: Rodia, Tsoukalio and Logarou lagoons belonging to the Amvrakikos Gulf lagoonal complex, as well as Kleisova which belong to the Messolonghi-Aitoliko lagoonal complex, Araxos and Kaiafas lagoons in order to assess their ecological status using aquatic macrophytes as indicator species. The results of this study are presented in four parts. Into the first part coastal lagoons were classified into lagoon types according to their main abiotic and geomorphological characteristics. The second part explores the seasonal and spatial variations of abiotic parameters measured in each lagoon type from spring 2005 to autumn 2007. Additionally, the third part distinguishes the aquatic macrophytes of Western Greece coastal lagoons in assemblages and investigated the seasonal and temporal changes of them in each lagoon type. Finally, the fourth part of the thesis assessed the trophic status of each lagoon using six different indicators based on both abiotic (TSI-Chl-a, TSI-TP, TRIX) and biotic criteria (EEI-c, E-MaQI) or combination of both (TWQI). In the Mediterranean region coastal lagoons were totally distinguished into five lagoons types which differ significantly in size and salinity. Coastal lagoons of Western Greece belong only to four of them. The principal component analysis applied separately to the lagoons of Western Greece verify the above results and except from size and salinity, considers that the average depth, the freshwater inflow, the length and width of the barrier and the degree of confinement contribute significantly to their differentiation. The values of abiotic parameters measured during the monitoring periods, indicate the spatial and temporal variation of water quality characteristics at four lagoon types of Western Greece, with significant changes mainly occur in spring and summer. Coastal lagoons with high degree of confinement (Type I – Rodia) showed high nitrate concentrations and lower salinity values, unlike lagoon Types II and III (Tsoukalio, Logarou, Kleisova, Araxos) that are exposed to higher seawater influence. In all studied lagoons of Western Greece, the mean concentration values of Chl-a were low, although nutrient concentrations were high, indicating ongoing eutrophication phenomena. The current thesis constitutes the first systematic approach of monitoring the submerged aquatic vegetation of coastal lagoons in Western Greece. They were totally collected and identified 40 submerged aquatic macrophyte species which forming five different macrophytic assemblages. The angiosperm species of Zostera noltii, Ruppia cirrhosa, Cymodocea nodosa, Potamogeton pectinatus, as well as, the charophytes Lamprothamnium papulosum and Chara hispida f. corfuensis are the dominant species of coastal lagoons in Western Greece. These species contribute significantly to the dissimilarity (ANOSIM) of macrophytic assemblages between lagoon types. The presence of opportunistic species of the genus Ulva and Cladophora, as well as epiphytic species of genus Chondria or Ceramium were more pronounced in spring and summer. During the monitoring period they were recorded significant changes in salinity values in Rodia lagoon resulting thus to the decrease of mean abundance of the angiosperm species Zostera noltii which was replaced by Ruppia cirrhosa. The results of Redundancy Analysis (RDA) showed that abiotic parameters such as depth, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH and concentrations of Chl-a and total inorganic nitrogen affect the composition of macrophytic assemblages. The calculation of diversity indices in coastal lagoons of Western Greece showed statistically significant differences between seasons and sampling stations. Lagoon types that are more influenced by seawater intrusion such as Types II and III showed higher number of species and higher Shannon index values with respect to lagoon Types I and IV. In this thesis the application of biotic indices based on submerged aquatic vegetation presented difficulties and limitations due to the different species of aquatic macrophytes found in coastal lagoons of Western Greece. The index E-MaQI could be implemented in only two (Kleisova, Araxos) of the six lagoons due to the limited number of species, while the index EEI-c could not be applied in Kaiafas lagoon due to the lack of classification of species Potamogeton pectinatus in an ecological status group. However, into the areas in which both indices applied yielded different results ranging from poor to high ecological condition. The multimetric index TWQI was tested and calibrated in four different lagoon types of Western Greece and compared with other Mediterranean transitional water ecosystems. The results showed that the application of TWQI is appropriate for transitional ecosystems. The index is simple to use and is less sensitive to changes in Chl-a and nutrients that derived from nutrient inputs due to anthropogenic activities. The results of this thesis could be considered an important tool for understanding the relationships between physicochemical parameters and aquatic macrophytes, as part of the structural elements of the lagoons, while the findings could be compared with other lagoons of the Mediterranean Sea.

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro / A presente dissertação apresenta uma abordagem geográfica, aplicando a metodologia Matriz P.E.I.R., na região da Baixada de Jacarepaguá. O litoral brasileiro, do período colonial até os dias atuais, tem sofrido uma progressiva ocupação antrópica que, paulatinamente, degrada e descaracteriza os ambientes costeiros naturais, em detrimento as novas formas do meio ambiente urbano. A Baixada de Jacarepaguá é um uma planície litorânea situada na zona oeste do município do Rio de Janeiro entre os Maciços da Tijuca e da Pedra Branca e o Oceano Atlântico, possuindo em seu interior um amplo conjunto lagunar e uma expressiva rede hidrográfica. A partir da década de 1960, a expansão do tecido urbano carioca, vem pressionando e cobrindo a natureza original deste ambiente, fazendo com que sofra sensíveis impactos ambientais através da urbanização. O estado ambiental da região está se alterando, por exemplo: o solo está sendo apropriado através de medidas que estão tornando esta área mais salubre à urbanização como: aterros, macrodrenagem, retilinização e abertura de canais, entre outras. Este estudo busca aplicar uma metodologia de análise ambiental recente denominada P.E.I.R. para avaliar o nível de alteração espacial desse ambiente costeiro, expondo a problemática ambiental de forma integrada e, evidenciando as alterações nas estruturas naturais e a modificação das funções ambientais e suas conseqüências. As lagoas, os rios e suas margens são lugares sensíveis à degradação ambiental, porém, o destino final de, praticamente, todos os sedimentos e poluição é o oceano. As amenidades naturais hoje já quase não existem mais. O pouco que está sendo preservado restringi-se aos parques naturais e aos bosques / jardins dos condomínios particulares com sua vegetação exótica. Além disto, aponta-se que as respostas dadas pela sociedade e pelo Governo não estão sendo satisfatórias, uma vez que, existe também, a omissão do Poder Público para com este ambiente natural, pois, leis não faltam, mas, carece-se de uma fiscalização adequada para o cumprimento dessas. Tendo em vista, também, a ausência de uma rede de saneamento básico para toda a Baixada de Jacarepaguá e medidas que impeçam os aumentos nos níveis da poluição ambiental das lagunas desta região. / This dissertation presents a geographical approach, applying the methodology Matrix PEIR, in Baixada Jacarepaguá. The Brazilian coast, the colonial period to the present day, has suffered a progressive human occupation that gradually degrades and distorting the natural coastal environments, rather than new forms of urban environment. The marshland is an Jacarepaguá a coastal plain located in the western city of Rio de Janeiro between the massifs of Tijuca and Pedra Branca and the Atlantic Ocean, and has within it a wide range lagoon and a significant river system. From the decade 1960, the expansion of urban Rio de Janeiro, has been pushing and covering the unique nature of this environment, causing suffering through sensitive environmental impacts of urbanization. The environmental status of the region is changing, for example, the soil is being appropriated by measures that are making this the most wholesome urbanization as landfills, macrodrainage, river rectilinear and opening of channels, among others. This study seeks to apply a methodology for analyzing environmental recently called PEIR to assess the level of spatial change of the coastal environment, exposing environmental problems in an integrated way, and showing the changes in natural structures and functions of environmental change and its consequences. The lakes, rivers and their margins are places sensitive to environmental degradation, however, the final destination of virtually all sediment and pollution is the ocean. The natural amenities today have almost no longer exist. What little is being preserved to restrict the parks natural and forests / gardens of private condominiums with its exotic vegetation. Moreover, it is noted that the answers given by society and the government are not satisfactory, since there is also the failure of the Government towards this natural environment, because laws are not lacking, but needs to be undertaken adequate supervision to meet these. Given also the lack of basic sanitation for the entire marshland Jacarepaguá and measures to prevent increases in the levels of environmental pollution of the lagoons of this region.

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro / A presente dissertação apresenta uma abordagem geográfica, aplicando a metodologia Matriz P.E.I.R., na região da Baixada de Jacarepaguá. O litoral brasileiro, do período colonial até os dias atuais, tem sofrido uma progressiva ocupação antrópica que, paulatinamente, degrada e descaracteriza os ambientes costeiros naturais, em detrimento as novas formas do meio ambiente urbano. A Baixada de Jacarepaguá é um uma planície litorânea situada na zona oeste do município do Rio de Janeiro entre os Maciços da Tijuca e da Pedra Branca e o Oceano Atlântico, possuindo em seu interior um amplo conjunto lagunar e uma expressiva rede hidrográfica. A partir da década de 1960, a expansão do tecido urbano carioca, vem pressionando e cobrindo a natureza original deste ambiente, fazendo com que sofra sensíveis impactos ambientais através da urbanização. O estado ambiental da região está se alterando, por exemplo: o solo está sendo apropriado através de medidas que estão tornando esta área mais salubre à urbanização como: aterros, macrodrenagem, retilinização e abertura de canais, entre outras. Este estudo busca aplicar uma metodologia de análise ambiental recente denominada P.E.I.R. para avaliar o nível de alteração espacial desse ambiente costeiro, expondo a problemática ambiental de forma integrada e, evidenciando as alterações nas estruturas naturais e a modificação das funções ambientais e suas conseqüências. As lagoas, os rios e suas margens são lugares sensíveis à degradação ambiental, porém, o destino final de, praticamente, todos os sedimentos e poluição é o oceano. As amenidades naturais hoje já quase não existem mais. O pouco que está sendo preservado restringi-se aos parques naturais e aos bosques / jardins dos condomínios particulares com sua vegetação exótica. Além disto, aponta-se que as respostas dadas pela sociedade e pelo Governo não estão sendo satisfatórias, uma vez que, existe também, a omissão do Poder Público para com este ambiente natural, pois, leis não faltam, mas, carece-se de uma fiscalização adequada para o cumprimento dessas. Tendo em vista, também, a ausência de uma rede de saneamento básico para toda a Baixada de Jacarepaguá e medidas que impeçam os aumentos nos níveis da poluição ambiental das lagunas desta região. / This dissertation presents a geographical approach, applying the methodology Matrix PEIR, in Baixada Jacarepaguá. The Brazilian coast, the colonial period to the present day, has suffered a progressive human occupation that gradually degrades and distorting the natural coastal environments, rather than new forms of urban environment. The marshland is an Jacarepaguá a coastal plain located in the western city of Rio de Janeiro between the massifs of Tijuca and Pedra Branca and the Atlantic Ocean, and has within it a wide range lagoon and a significant river system. From the decade 1960, the expansion of urban Rio de Janeiro, has been pushing and covering the unique nature of this environment, causing suffering through sensitive environmental impacts of urbanization. The environmental status of the region is changing, for example, the soil is being appropriated by measures that are making this the most wholesome urbanization as landfills, macrodrainage, river rectilinear and opening of channels, among others. This study seeks to apply a methodology for analyzing environmental recently called PEIR to assess the level of spatial change of the coastal environment, exposing environmental problems in an integrated way, and showing the changes in natural structures and functions of environmental change and its consequences. The lakes, rivers and their margins are places sensitive to environmental degradation, however, the final destination of virtually all sediment and pollution is the ocean. The natural amenities today have almost no longer exist. What little is being preserved to restrict the parks natural and forests / gardens of private condominiums with its exotic vegetation. Moreover, it is noted that the answers given by society and the government are not satisfactory, since there is also the failure of the Government towards this natural environment, because laws are not lacking, but needs to be undertaken adequate supervision to meet these. Given also the lack of basic sanitation for the entire marshland Jacarepaguá and measures to prevent increases in the levels of environmental pollution of the lagoons of this region.