Oyster reefs are important estuarine ecosystems that provide habitat to many species including threatened and endangered wading birds and commercially important fishes and crabs. Infaunal organisms (i.e. small, aquatic animals that burrow in the sediment) are also supported by oyster reef habitats. Infaunal organisms are critical to marine food webs and are consumed by many important species that inhabit coastal estuaries. However, over the past century 85% of shellfish reef habitats have been lost, making restoration of these areas vital. Due to their important role in coastal food webs, infauna is hypothesized to be a strong indicator of habitat productivity to document the transition from a dead to a restored and living intertidal oyster reef. Research was conducted in Mosquito Lagoon of the northern Indian River Lagoon system. Three replicate samples were collected from 12 intertidal oyster reefs (four dead, four live, four restored). Samples were collected one-week pre-restoration and one month and six months post-restoration. Infauna was counted and sorted into six taxonomic categories: polychaetes, amphipods, isopods, gastropods, bivalves, and decapods. Reef infaunal abundance increased following restoration: restored reefs became more similar to live reefs one month following restoration. Six months after restoration restored reefs were also significantly different than dead reefs. Live reefs consistently had high infaunal abundance and dead reefs consistently had low abundance, while restored reefs were intermediate. These data suggest restored reefs are more productive than their dead counterparts, with restoration showing a positive trajectory to impact numerous infaunal species and their associated food webs.

Vibrio choleraeis the etiological agent of the severe diarrheal disease-cholera and natural inhabitant of estuarine and coastal waters. The proximity of the Florida Indian River Lagoon (IRL) to areas affected by recent cholera outbreaks makes this estuary ideal to investigate the environmental dynamics and their potential role in V. cholerae's pathogen emergence. We identified two locations in the IRL, Feller's House UCF Field Station and Shepard Park, as our collection sites. We collected samples from three different fractions - water, plankton, and sediment - and recorded data for several water parameters such as pH, temperature, and, turbidity. In the laboratory, we enriched samples in alkaline peptone water and isolated V. choleraeusing widely used selective media Thiosulfate-Citrate Bile Salts-sucrose agar (TCBS) and CHROMagar Vibrio. From our study, we isolated 100 potential V. cholerae isolates, which were confirmed using biochemical tests such as oxidase and Kligler's Iron Agar. V. cholerae has allelic variations in the core genes such as ompU, which provide pre-adaptation to virulence. We investigated the allelic variations within ompU to characterize V. cholerae isolates. We elucidated the sequenced allele of ompU and built a neighboring-joining phylogeny tree to view the differentiation among vibrios. Our findings provide insight into the endemic population of V. cholerae in the Eastern Coast of Florida. Further studies include a screen for additional virulence genes and investigate the role of environmental dynamics on the distribution of V. cholerae and emergence as a human pathogen.

Thừa Thiên Huế dispose d’une situation géographique stratégique, possédant des paysages somptueux, des villages artisanaux et d’une culture très riche avec deux patrimoines culturels mondiaux... Parmi les ressources naturelles potentielles de Hue, la lagune de Tam Giang - Cầu Hai (TG-CH), avec ses ressources précieuses, est une nouvelle destination touristique de cette province. À TG-CH, les activités touristiques sont apparues depuis 2010. Mais en réalité, le tourisme à la lagune de TG-CH ne montre pas vraiment qu’il est un outil efficace pour lutter contre la pauvreté pour la communauté lagunaire locale. Cette étude vise à un développement local durable en analysant plusieurs facteurs. Les analyses profondes sur les impacts touristiques, sur la participation communautaire dans le tourisme ont une relation directe avec la valeur perçue par la communauté locale sur le tourisme à TG-CH. Spécialement, une proposition initiale du « tourisme à la ville fantôme » dans la lagune de TG-CH montre une destination unique dans le monde entier que les responsables de Thừa Thiên Huế ne connaissent pas. Pour la première fois, la culture locale devient une clé importante pour comprendre, pour expliquer les pratiques des communautés locales. Cette recherche va être encore développée pour un développement local durable à TG-CH. / Thừa Thiên Huế inherites a strategic geographic position with many majestic landscapes, traditional villages and a diverse culture with two world cultural heritages. Among various potential natural resources of the place, Tam Giang – Cầu Hai Lagoon (TG-CH), with its precious resources, is an emerging tourist destination of the province. Althought tourism has established at TG-CH since 2010, it, in fact, has not shown as an effective tool for poverty alleviation. This research is aiming to a sustainable development of the area through analysing various factors. Analysises on the impacts of tourism and the involvement of local community in tourism have a very strong connection with the community perceived value in tourism. Specifically, a proposal for a model “tourism in the ghost town” at TG-CH would bring a unique aspect of a lost world which could not even be in the mind Thừa Thiên Huế authorities. For the first time, local culture becomes a significant key to understand and elaborate social changes. This research will continuously develop toward the sustainable development of TG-CH.

La thèse cherche à comprendre les significations socio-spatiales des dynamiques conflictuelles relatives à l'environnement en territoire lagunaire pour apprécier ses effets en termes de gouvernance environnementale. L'analyse porte sur les raisons et la genèse des oppositions d'acteurs à l'œuvre autour de la lagune de Bizerte (Tunisie) et de l’étang de Berre (Marseille). Mettre l’accent sur les conflits représente un enjeu pour la mise en place d’une gestion intégrée des zones humides. Ce sujet a été travaillé par d’autres chercheurs, cependant, il reste d’un intérêt majeur, d’une part, parce qu’il renforce la connaissance en la matière, et d’autre part, parce que le territoire étudié est original. La recherche pose plus particulièrement la question des éventuelles incidences que les conflits peuvent avoir sur les organisations et les institutions en place. L’action publique est-elle renouvelée suite à l’émergence ou à la régulation des conflits ? Ces questionnements se réfèrent à des enjeux de sociétés, actuels et majeurs, sur un territoire en mutation extrêmement rapide : la lagune de Bizerte, sur la rive Sud de la Méditerranée, dans un pays où le régime est en pleine transition. Cette recherche ouvre des perspectives dans l'étude du potentiel d'émergence de la démarche participative et de l'intégration sociale de la question environnementale sur des territoires littoraux, urbains ou ruraux. / The dissertation seeks to recognize the socio-spatial meanings of dynamic conflicts related to the environment in the lagoon and to assess its effects in terms of environmental governance as well. The analysis concentrates on the reasons and the genesis of the actors’ oppositions at work around the lagoon of Bizerte (Tunisia) and the pond of Berre (Marseille). Putting the light on these conflicts represents an issue for the integrated wetland management. This topic has been tackled on by other researchers. However, it remains a major interest due to the knowledge and the originality of the territory. Particularly, the thesis raises the question of the potential impacts that conflicts can have on organizations and institutions in place. In fact, is it possible that public action will be renewed to follow the emergence or conflicts regulation? This question is tied to the challenges of the current and major companies and to an extreme rapidity of territory changing: Bizerte’s lagoon is situated on the southern shore of the Mediterranean and in a country where the regime is in continuous transition. This research covers the ground to study the potential emergence of the participative approach and the social integration of environmental issues in coastal, urban and rural territory.

<p>During pulp and papermaking process a huge amount of water is used. The wastewater contains a large amount of pollutants and has to be treated before it reaches the recipient. In March 2004 a new bleaching plant was started up at SCA Graphic Sundsvall AB, Ortviken’s paper mill using peroxide. The production of bleached thermo mechanical pulp and thus the load to the wastewater plant increased. During bleaching substances dissolve from the pulp and the amount of COD in the wastewater increase. To keep the efficiency of chemical and biological oxygen demand (COD, BOD) removal, the aerated lagoon is supplied by liquid oxygen. In November the same year a new pre-step including a pre-aeration, carrier and selector step was added to the existing wastewater plant. The COD-loading to the lagoon decreased and the supply of liquid oxygen was reduced.</p><p>This master thesis has been carried out at SCA Graphic Research AB, Sundsvall. The aim was to chemically characterize the wastewater with focus on the composition of carbohydrates, lignin and extractives and its influence on the biodegradability. Measurements have been carried out on total samples, suspended solids, colloidal and dissolved substances using GF/A and ultra filtration. Measurements were performed on process water from the bleaching plant and on water during the wastewater treatment process. The results show that the chemical composition of dissolved substances has a larger impact on the biodegradability than the total amount of COD. A large amount of lignin will make the wastewater harder to degrade. Suspended solids have lower biodegradability compared to the dissolved fraction. Analyzes of suspended material from the bleaching plant show a relative composition of around 41 % lignin. Analyzes done before on the dissolved fraction show a composition of 29 %. It seems that a larger amount of lignin is represented in suspended solids compared to the dissolved fraction. This can explain the low biodegradability, combined with the theory that the suspended solids are less accessible for the microorganisms. To reduce the outgoing COD the incoming flow of dissolved lignin and suspended solids to the active sludge plant has to decrease. COD in the outgoing wastewater to the recipient consists of around 90 % lignin. Extractives as saturated fatty acids, palmitic and stearic acid plus lignans (which is interpreted as a byproduct from lignin degradation) do not degrade remarkable during wastewater treatment. Flocculation of COD is one way to reduce the discharge to the recipient. Addition of 2,6 g/l PAX-18 (a high charged aluminum complex) to the wastewater from the bleaching plant gives a reduction of 40 % COD and 50 % lignin in laboratory scale and it is recommended to study further. Time related studies of BOD show that the microorganisms need five days to degrade organic material and the hydraulic retention time in the aerated lagoon has to be guaranteed.</p> / <p>Vid massa- och pappersframställning åtgår stora mängder vatten. Det processberörda avloppsvattnet innehåller mycket föroreningar varför det måste renas innan det släpps ut till recipienten. I mars 2004 startades ett nytt väteperoxidblekeri vid SCA Graphic Sundsvall AB, Ortvikens pappersbruk varvid produktionen av blekt termomekanisk massa ökade och den biologiska reningen belastades hårdare. Blekning löser ut vedämnen från massan och bidrar således till ökad mängd syreförbrukande ämnen i avloppet. För att upprätthålla reduktionen av syreförbrukande ämnen (COD, BOD) tillförs ren syrgas till den luftade dammen. I november samma år utökades den externa reningsanläggningen med ett biologiskt försteg, en s.k. multibioanläggning bestående av ett frisimmarsteg, ett bärarsteg samt ett selektorsteg. COD-belastningen in till den luftade dammen minskade och tillförseln av ren syrgas kunde reduceras.</p><p>Examensarbetet har utförts vid SCA Graphic Research AB, Sundsvall med syftet att kemiskt karaktärisera avloppsvattnets sammansättning av kolhydrater, lignin och extraktivämnen och dess inverkan på vattnets grad av biologisk nedbrytbarhet. Analyser har gjorts på totalprov, suspenderande ämnen samt kolloidalt och löst material via fraktionering med hjälp av GF/A- och ultrafiltrering. Analyser gjordes dels på processvatten från blekerierna och dels på avloppsvatten under reningsprocessen. Resultaten visar att den kemiska sammansättningen hos löst material har större inverkan på avloppsvattnets grad av nedbrytbarhet än den absoluta halten av syreförbrukande ämnen. En hög andel lignin ger ett mer svårnedbrytbart vatten. Suspenderat material är vidare mer svårnedbrytbart än de lösta fraktionerna. Analys av suspenderande substans hos blekpressat visar att andelen lignin är omkring 41 % medan arkiverade analysresultat på den lösta fasen visar ett innehåll på omkring 29 %. Det tyder alltså på en betydligt högre andel lignin i den partikulära fasen jämfört med den lösta, vilket i kombination med att materialet inte är lika lättillgängligt för mikroorganismerna kan förklara den låga bionedbrytbarheten. Om COD-utsläppet ska minskas bör inkommande flöde av löst lignin och suspenderande substans till den biologiska reningen reduceras. COD-halten i utgående avloppsvatten till recipienten utgörs av omkring 90 % lignin. De extraktivämnen som inte bryts ned är mättade fettsyror, exempelvis palmitin- och stearinsyra samt lignan, vilket antas bildas som restprodukt vid degradering av lignin. Flockning av syreförbrukande ämnen är ett sätt att gå till väga för att minska utsläppet av dessa till recipienten. Genom tillsats av 2,6 g/l PAX-18 (ett högladdat aluminiumkomplex) till blekeriavloppet kunde 40 % COD och 50 % lignin reduceras. Flockningsförsöket är gjort i laboratorieskala vid rumstemperatur och ytterligare utvärdering rekommenderas. Tidsstudier av BOD visar att mikroorganismerna behöver fem dagars uppehållstid för att hinna bryta ned organiskt material i avloppsvattnet, varför omloppstiden i den luftade lagunen inte bör understiga denna tidsrymd.</p>

<p>In the process of making carton boards into Skoghall Mill, are great quantities of water being contaminated. This water has to be treated before it is possible to release into the recipient, Kattfjorden. One of the contaminations that is important to extract from the wastewater, is organic carbon (measured as TOC-total organic carbon) because microbiological breakdown can lead to the bottom becomig free of oxygen.</p><p>The wastewater treatment at Skoghall Mill is done through an external wastewater treatment that is located at the factory. The biological treatment (aerated lagoon) is a 140 000 m3 water pool with surface aerator, which is give oxygen to the water. In the lagoon live microorganisms who performs the biggest part of the TOC-reduction.</p><p>One problem with the lagoon is that the treatment of TOC is considerably worse during wintertime than during summertime. The reduction is during wintertime only 40 %, while during summertime it is about 70-80 %. This seasonal variation can to a large extent be explained by, that the water temperature in the lagoon decreases wintertime. The low water temperature does that the biological activity in the lagoon is reduced, which reduces the TOC-reduction. A second reason can also be that the microorganisms do not have enough bioavailable nutrients that is needed for growth of a new biomass.</p><p>In this thesis the need of nutrient has been examined. In two test pools, addings of nutrient were being done, to come to the conclusion of a good dosage of nutrient which would lead to a larger reduction of TOC, without enlarged quantities of nitrogen/phosphorus in the outgoing water. One of the test pools hold a summer temperature (30°C), and the other test pool hold a winter temperature (10°C). The test was performed this way to see if there would be any difference in the need of nutrient between summertime and wintertime.</p><p>The most important conclusion was that a nutrient dosage to the Skoghall aerated lagoon, rise the TOC-reduction wintertime. It was also concluded that it was foremost the nitrogen that contributed to the raised TOC-reduction, and nitrogen is thereby considered to be the growth restraining element wintertime. It seemed like phosphorus had been overdosed during the tests, while enlarged halts of the substance could be seen in the outgoing water, and an optimal dosage of phosphorus could not be done. The recommendation that came as a results from the tests, was that during wintertime add nitrogen and phosphorus according to TOC:N:P-quota 100:0,75:0,10. To the summer pool was no considerable improvement of the TOC-reduction seen, as a result of the nutrient addings. It is also no reason to dosage nutrients in summertime.</p> / <p>Vid tillverkning av kartong och pappersmassa på Skoghalls Bruk förorenas stora mängder vatten, som därmed måste renas före utsläpp till recipienten, Kattfjorden, en vik i Vänern. En av de föroreningar som är viktig att avlägsna ur avloppsvattnet är organiska kolföreningar (TOC-total organic carbon) eftersom det vid mikrobiologisk nedbrytning av TOC åtgår syre vilket kan leda till att sjöbotten blir syrefri.</p><p>Rening av avloppsvatten på Skoghall Bruk sker genom en extern reningsanläggning som är placerad på bruket. Det biologiska reningssteget i reningsanläggningen är en s.k. luftad damm. Detta är en 140 000 m3 stor vattenbassäng med ytluftare som syresätter vattnet. I dammen lever mikroorganismer vilka utför den största delen av TOC-reduktionen i brukets reningsanläggning.</p><p>Ett problem med dammen är att reningen av TOC är betydligt sämre vintertid än sommartid. Reduktionen av det till dammen inkommande TOC, är vintertid endast ca 40 % medan den sommartid ligger kring 70-80 %. Denna årstidsvariation kan till stor del förklaras av att vattentemperaturen i dammen sjunker vintertid. Den låga temperaturen medför att den biologiska aktiviteten i dammen sjunker, vilket hämmar TOC-reduktionen. En annan orsak till en låg TOC-reduktion kan vara att det för mikroorganismerna råder brist på biotillgängliga närsalter (kväve och fosfor) som behövs för tillväxt av ny biomassa.</p><p>I detta examensarbete har det undersökts behovet av närsalter för att höja TOC-reduktionen. I två laborationsdammar (ca 20 l) skedde doseringar av närsalter i syfte att finna en bra doseringskvot som innebar en ökad reduktion av TOC, utan att det blev förhöjda kväve-/fosforhalter i utgående vatten. En av laborationsdammarna höll sommartemperatur (ca 30°C) och en höll vintertemperatur (ca 10°C) vilket gjordes för att undersöka om det var skillnad av närsaltsbehovet mellan sommar och vintertid.</p><p>Den viktigaste slutsatsen av försöken var att en närsaltsdosering till Skoghalls luftade damm höjer TOC-reduktion vintertid. Det konstaterades att det var kvävet som främst bidrog till den ökade TOC-reduktionen och kväve anses därmed vara det tillväxtbegränsande ämnet vintertid. Fosfor tycktes ha överdoserats under försöken, då det sågs förhöjda halter i utgående vatten, och en optimal dosering av fosfor kunde inte avgöras. Den rekommendation som föll ut av de laborativa försöken var att vintertid dosera kväve och fosfor enligt TOC:N:P-kvot 100:0,75:0,10. Till sommardammen sågs inte någon förbättring av TOC-reduktionen till följd av närsaltstillsatserna, vilket innebär att närsaltsdoseringar sommartid är obefogat. Vidare sågs tendenser till att slammets sedimentationsegenskaper, hos framförallt vinterdammen, blev bättre till följd av närsaltsdosering, men brist på mätdata medför att det är svårt att dra slutsatser om det verkligen varit så.</p>

On se propose d'étudier l'hydrosystème Vaccarès, partie centrale du delta du Rhône, parfait exemple d'interrelations fortes entre l'homme et le milieu naturel. L'approche s'est déroulée en trois parties. L'acquisition et le traitement de données hydrologiques nous ont permis de caractériser la dynamique hydro-saline de ce système complexe. A partir d'une analyse plus approfondie nous avons établi les bilans hydro-salins et sédimentaires à l'échelle du complexe lagunaire. Grâce à un suivi de 18 années, les bilans sédimentaires dévoilent un déficit sédimentaire de 19 500 tonnes quand on ne prend pas en compte les apports exceptionnels des eaux d'inondation en 1993 et 1994. Un tel déficit, s'il perdure, ne fera qu'aggraver le différentiel d'altitude entre la mer et le delta, entrainant par la force des choses une salinisation du système non désirée par la plupart de ses acteurs. Dans un deuxième temps, nous avons procédé à l'implémentation et à la validation du modèle hydrodynamique du complexe lagunaire du Vaccarès. Son utilisation s'est tournée vers une complémentarité avec le modèle conceptuel de l'Hydrosystème Vaccarès. Ce dernier, baptisé Hydro-CAM, après avoir bénéficié d'une phase de calage et validation, a été exploité afin de tester la dynamique du système dans une démarche prospective. L'objectif ici, qui constitue le troisième temps de ces travaux de thèse, a été d'explorer par simulation les trajectoires possibles d'évolution de l'hydrosystème en termes de bilan d'eau et de sel, et ce d'après des scénarios construits sur les paramètres hydro-climatiques (changement climatique, augmentation du niveau marin) et anthropiques / The studied site is the Vaccarès hydrosystem, the central part of the Rhône delta and a good example of strong relationship between humans and a natural area. Through the data acquisition and data processing, we characterised the hydro-saline dynamic of this complex hydrosystem from 1993 to 2008. From a further analysis, we established first the hydro-saline and sedimentary balance across the lagoon complex. Through a monitoring of 16 years, the sedimentary balance revealed a sediment deficit of about 19'500 tons when we disregard the outstanding contributions of flooding waters in 1993 and 1994. If this deficit persists, the difference in altitude between the sea and the delta will tend to increase. This will result by a salinization of the system, unwanted by the most of his actors. To investigate these consequences, we conceived a hydrodynamic model of the Vaccarès lagoon complex, capable to simulate water levels and salinities. The model, named Hydro-CAM, was calibrated and validated in terms of water levels and salinities in three sub-units of the lagoon complex. It was then used to test the system dynamics in a prospective approach. The objective in this thesis work was to explore by simulation the possible trajectories of the evolution of the Hydrosystem in terms of water and salt balance. Simulations were based on scenarii constructed from climate parameters and anthropogenic parameters (water management, constructions, land use on drainage basins, etc.). The results revealed the vulnerability of this complex system to various risks which it is already facing and for which the intensification and/or increase can be expected in the future

O boro ocorre normalmente em baixas concentrações nas águas naturais destinadas ao abastecimento humano e agrícola, variando amplamente nas águas superficiais e subterrâneas. Embora apresente importância à saúde e ao ambiente, estudos detalhados sobre suas concentrações e seu comportamento em aquíferos ainda são restritos no Brasil. Este trabalho tem como objetivos, estudar e avaliar o impacto causado por uma lagoa receptora de efluentes industriais tratados no Aquífero Taubaté, em uma planta automotiva localizada no Município de Taubaté (SP). O estudo abrange um aquífero raso do tipo livre, heterogêneo, com valores de condutividade hidráulica variando de 1,08x10-5m/s a 1,7x10-7m/s. A recarga ocorre em toda a área fabril não impermeabilizada, bem como pela lagoa, sendo as zonas de descarga locais compostas por dois córregos. Os mapas potenciométricos referentes às campanhas de amostragem de julho de 2004 e março e outubro de 2005 apresentam fluxo radial da água subterrânea do lago para o aquífero e deste para as zonas de descarga locais. Os métodos utilizados consistiram na caracterização química e físico-química das águas de 26 poços de monitoramento instalados no entorno do lago, bem como da água superficial do lago, do solo do aquífero, do sedimento de fundo da lagoa e do solo subjacente aos sedimentos, todos amostrados em março e outubro de 2005. As análises dos parâmetros químicos e físico-químicos das águas subterrâneas e superficiais indicaram contaminação da água subterrânea ocasionada pela lagoa receptora de efluentes, com concentrações de boro superiores àquelas permitidas por lei (0,5mg/L). A pluma caracterizada tem maior comprimento de 120m e profundidade de até 10m. O monitoramento ao longo de um ano hidrológico permitiu identificar três ambientes hidroquímicos distintos no aquífero: bicarbonatadas sódicas, cloretadas sódicas e mistas sódicas, com teores variáveis de sulfato. A presença de altas concentrações de sódio, cloreto e sulfato são decorrentes dos lançamentos de efluente na lagoa e à influência desta em relação ao aquífero. Verificou-se que os sedimentos de fundo do lago formam uma barreira hidroquímica retendo as maiores concentrações de boro (211,6 - 257,6mg/L), tornando-se consequentemente uma fonte secundária desse elemento, cujo comportamento está diretamente relacionado com o pH da água do lago. O sistema lago/aquífero quanto ao boro encontra-se em equilíbrio após dois anos e meio do cessar da fonte primária, constituída por óleos solúveis contendo boro, porém, a pluma de boro ainda encontra-se em movimento no sentido do fluxo. / The boron (B) occurs naturally at low concentrations in surface and ground waters used to human supply and irrigation. Although concentration >1mg/L can cause health and environmental problems, detailed studies on transport and fate of B in aquifers are restricted in Brazil. This study investigated the impacts on groundwater quality caused by an industrial (automobile plant) effluent lagoon into a shallow, unconfined sandy clay aquifer (Taubaté Aquifer) in Taubaté (São Paulo, Brazil). This aquifer is heterogeneous with a hydraulic conductivity varying from 1,08x10-5m/s to 1,7x10-7m/s. The recharge occurs in the whole area (except where the surface is impermeable), and associated to the lagoon. The potentiometric maps indicate radial direction flow from the lagoon to the aquifer and then toward the two streams located in the east and west sides of industrial plant. The present study is based on chemical analyses of groundwater (26 shallow monitoring wells - 3 to 15m deep), surface water (effluent lagoon), and soil and sediments from the bottom of the lagoon, aquifer and surface surround the lagoon in different period of the year. Analyses performed for major elements, B, pH, Eh, and electric conductivity showed the existence of a B plume surrounding the lagoon with maximum length of 120m and deep of 10m. The three different hydrochemical environments were identified: sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride and sodium mixed waters, with variable concentrations of sulfate. The sediment of the bottom of the lagoon acts as a hydrochemical barrier adsorbing the B. This sediment is a secondary source of this contaminant. The adsorption mechanism is controlled by the pH of lagoon water. The lagoon/aquifer system is in relative equilibrium after 2 ½ years since the interruption of the release of B into the lagoon, however, the plume in low concentration is still moving through the aquifer.

As águas da lagoa do Batoque, uma lagoa costeira localizada no litoral leste do Estado do Ceará, foram caracterizadas por meio de coletas mensais realizadas em 4 pontos de amostragem, no período de maio a novembro de 2005 de maneira a obter dados do período seco (mai-jun) e chuvoso (ago-nov). Também foram realizadas duas coletas nictemerais (24h) em 1 ponto de amostragem nos meses de julho e dezembro de maneira a observar as variações diárias das variáveis limnológicas determinadas. Em cada coleta foram realizados perfis de temperatura, condutividade elétrica, turbidez, pH e oxigênio dissolvido e foi avaliada a transparência da água por meio do disco de Secchi. Ademais, foram coletadas amostras de subsuperfície e fundo para a investigação das variáveis: material em suspensão, cor, alcalinidade, compostos nitrogenados, fósforo solúvel reativo (PSR), fósforo total (PT), ferro total, ferro total dissolvido, clorofila a, densidade fitoplanctônica (organismos/mL) e coliformes (totais e termotolerantes). Os resultados demonstram que o sistema estudado apresentou variação sazonal relacionada aos dois períodos hidrológicos distintos. O período chuvoso se caracterizou por um período de precipitações mais intensas e menor insolação enquanto que o seco apresentou maior insolação e maiores velocidades dos ventos, trazendo conseqüências diretas sobre o nível d’água da lagoa estudada, a disponibilidade de nutrientes, o padrão de mistura do sistema, entre outros fatores. A grande variação encontrada no decorrer dos períodos nictemerais demonstrou a forte influência do fotoperíodo sobre a dinâmica do corpo d’água. Em relação à heterogeneidade espacial, foram verificados comportamentos diferenciados entre os diferentes pontos de superfície d’água livre. A coluna d’água não apresentou estratificação (térmica, química) significativa devido principalmente à baixa profundidade do sistema, à forte atuação dos ventos e à elevada transparência da coluna d’água. De acordo com o critério de classificação da OECD, a lagoa do Batoque pode ser considerada um ambiente mesotrófico. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que o sistema apresenta intenso processo de decomposição e regeneração de matéria orgânica, principalmente na região próxima ao sedimento, processo que atua como principal regulador da dinâmica de nutrientes no corpo d’água principalmente durante o período seco, já que durante o período chuvoso o sistema recebe cargas alóctones que dão condições à manutenção da produtividade do mesmo. A comunidade fitoplanctônica foi bastante influenciada pelas características físicas e morfométricas do sistema, como fortes ventos, alta insolação, baixa profundidade e alta transparência da coluna d’água, o que favoreceu o desenvolvimento de organismos fitobentônicos e organismos habituados a sistemas com boas condições de mistura. As baixas concentrações de nutrientes favoreceram o desenvolvimento de organismos de menor tamanho, que aparentemente têm maior facilidade de interação com a comunidade heterotrófica responsável pela ciclagem de nutrientes no sistema. A lagoa do Batoque, apesar de apresentar indícios de contaminação fecal, não está comprometida no que diz respeito à qualidade sanitária de suas águas de acordo com a legislação vigente (CONAMA 274/00 e 357/05). / The water quality of Batoque lagoon, a coastal lagoon located along the eastern shoreline of the state of Ceará, Brazil, was characterized by means of monthly samplings from May to November 2005 to obtain dry-season (May-Jun) and wet-season (Aug-Nov) data. Additionally, two nycthemeral (24hr.) samplings were performed in July and December to observe daily variation of the limnological variables investigated. Temperature, electrical conductivity, turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and an assessment of water transparency (with Secchi disk) were measured in each water column sample. Moreover, subsurface and bottom samples were collected to determine the following variables: suspended material, color, alkalinity, nitrogen compounds ('NH IND.3,4'POT.+', 'NO IND.2'POT.-', 'NO IND.3'POT.-' and total nitrogen), soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), total phosphorus (TP), total iron, total dissolved iron, chlorophyll a, phytoplankton density (org/mL), and coliforms (fecal and thermo tolerant). The results demonstrate that the system experiences seasonal variations related to the two distinct hydrological seasons. The wet season was characterized by intense rainfall and lower insolation. Whereas the dry season showed higher insolation and wind speeds directly influencing the water level of the lagoon as well as the availability of nutrients and the mixing pattern of the system, among other things. Furthermore, the high degree of variation observed during nycthemeral investigations demonstrated the strong influence of the photoperiod on the dynamics of this body of water. Variation in spatial heterogeneity among different sampling points was identified. The water column showed no significant stratification (thermal, chemical), due primarily to the low depth of the system, strong winds, and high water transparency. According to OECD classification criteria, Batoque lagoon can be considered a mesotrophic environment. The results obtained, suggest that the system is under an intense process of decomposition and regeneration of organic matter (primarily in the region nearest to the sediments). This process acts as the principal regulator of nutrient dynamics in the lagoon mainly during the dry season, since during the wet season the system receives allochthonous loads that contribute to maintaining the system’s productivity. The phytoplanktonic community was significantly influenced by the system’s physical and morphometrics features such as strong winds, high insolation, low depth, and high transparency of the water column which favor the development of phytobenthic organisms and those habituated to well-mixed environments. Additionally, the low nutrient concentrations favor the development of smaller organisms which apparently have greater ease of interaction with the heterotrophic community that is responsible for cycling nutrients in the system. Although Batoque lagoon presented indices of fecal contamination, it has not been shown to be compromised in relation to the sanitary quality of its waters according to current legislation (CONAMA 274/00 and 357/05).

Contamination of recreational waters with fecal waste, indicated by the presence of enterococci, can have consequences for human and ecosystem health. The difficulty in determining the extent and origin of fecal pollution in dynamic estuarine systems is compounded by contributions from sources including septic tanks and agricultural runoff. This study investigated fecal pollution at five sites with variable hydrological conditions in the St. Lucie Estuary and Indian River Lagoon. The distribution and occurrence of enterococci was assessed using traditional cultivation. A human-associated microbial source tracking assay was validated and applied in these estuaries using qPCR. Results demonstrated a correlation between enterococci concentrations, rainfall, and salinity. The human-associated assay was sensitive and specific in the lab; however, human fecal pollution was not detected in the field even though samples contained high levels of enterococci. This study highlights the importance of expanding the range of water quality assessment. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2017. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection