Reef coral reproduction in the Abrolhos Reef Complex, Brazil: the endemic genus Mussismilia

The current contribution deals with the reproductive biology of a genus endemic to Brazil –Mussismilia Ortmann, 1890 – including all three species of the genus: M. braziliensis (Verrill, 1868), M. hartti (Verrill, 1868), and M. hispida (Verrill, 1902), which occur sympatrically in the studied area, the Abrolhos Reef Complex, Brazil. Sexuality patterns, modes of reproduction, synchrony and spawning periods are reported, and were determined by histological examination of material. All three species started to develop female and male gametes over different periods in the same breeding season. The three species are probably broadcast spawners, since no embryos or planulae were observed in any species at any given time of the year. Each reproductive cycle lasted approximately 11 months. Oogenesis and spermatogenesis started in different periods, with spermaries appearing in approximately the eighth month of ovary development and lasting about 3 months. Reproductive cycles were annual. Spawning probably occurred in consecutive months in each species. In M. braziliensis, spawning presumably happened between March and the middle of May in 1996 and 1997. Evidence suggested that spawning events of M. hispida took place between the end of April and mid-June. M. hartti may have spawned between September and November. The data presented here suggested that all studied species have at least one exclusive spawning period, asynchronically with the others. A possible exception may be the simultaneous (or close) spawnings of M. braziliensis and M. hispida in May. It is suggested that asynchrony in spawning periods among species may reduce the chance of hybridization, gamete waste and the competition for settlement surfaces. The occurrence of extended spawning periods for each species may also reduce the risks of reproductive failure, due to temporary adverse conditions. Received: 8 December 1998 / Accepted: 15 July 1999     

Trophic structure of polychaetes in the São Sebastião Channel (southeastern Brazil)

Between November 1993 and August 1994, the spatial and seasonal trophic structures of polychaete annelids were studied in the São Sebastião Channel, southeastern Brazil, located between the mainland of São Paulo State and São Sebastião Island. Four sampling surveys were carried out with a van Veen grab of 0.1?m² at 15 stations. A total of 12?003 individuals (126 species) was recorded and separated into 14 feeding guilds. Data were analysed with univariate and multivariate techniques (cluster and canonical correspondence analysis). Results showed a strong correlation between trophic groups and sediment variables such as grain size and organic carbon content. The Channel was dominated by surface deposit-feeders, followed by carnivores. Suspension-feeders were confined to medium and coarse sandy sites, environments with high energy. Bottoms where silt, clay and organic carbon predominated showed low polychaete densities. In these places the pollution induced by the sewage discharge from Araçá underwater emissions and by the oil terminal Dutos e Terminais Centro Sul was evident. There were no significant seasonal variations in the trophic structure over the study period, except in fall when densities were low. The polychaetes' relationships within the benthic system are discussed.     

Indigenous and local communities can boost seed supply in the UN decade on ecosystem restoration

The UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration is poised to trigger the recovery of ecosystem services and transform structural injustices across the world in a way unparalleled in human history. The inclusion of diverse Indigenous and local communities to co-create robust native seed supply systems is the backbone to achieve the goals for the Decade. Here we show how community-based organizations have co-developed native seed supply strategies for landscape restoration from the bottom-up. We draw on the interconnections over two decades of seed networks in Brazil and the emerging Indigenous participation in native seed production in Australia. From an environmental justice perspective, we provide a participatory seed supply approach for local engagement, noting local geographical, social and cultural contexts. Meeting large-scale restoration goals requires the connection between local seed production and collaborative platforms to negotiate roles, rights and responsibilities between stakeholders. An enduring native seed supply must include a diversity of voices and autonomy of community groups that builds equitable participation in social, economic, and environmental benefits.     

Modelling of coastal vulnerability in the stretch between the beaches of Porto de Mós and Falésia, Algarve (Portugal)

Coastal systems are characterized by high geophysical and biophysical sensitivity as being their massive occupation a serious issue concerning their self-regulation. Worldwide coastal areas are exposed to problems such as coastal erosion, degradation and destruction of marine habitats, pollution and rising sea level. Thus, it is crucial to design models of coastal vulnerability assessment to ensure a better management of coastal areas. This study characterizes the vulnerability of the coastal stretch between the beaches of Porto de Mós and Falésia in the Algarve, corresponding to 52?km of the south coast of Portugal. The expansion of urban areas was modelled using a Cellular Automata (CA) based approach. Results show that 65% of the coastal stretch has high and very high vulnerability caused by both physical and human factors. Results further indicate that urban growth may interfere with the natural evolution of the coastal geomorphology. The scenario of urban expansion for the year 2015 highlights the need to develop effective urban planning processes to ensure a correct balance between the geophysical resilience of coastal systems and the promotion of the coastal sector as a strategic asset for the regional and national economy.     

A multi-integrated approach on toxicity effects of engineered TiO2 nanoparticles

The new properties of engineered nanoparticles drive the need for new knowledge on the safety, fate, behavior and biologic effects of these particles on organisms and ecosystems. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles have been used extensively for a wide range of applications, e.g, self-cleaning surface coatings, solar cells, water treatment agents, topical sunscreens. Within this scenario increased environmental exposure can be expected but data on the ecotoxicological evaluation of nanoparticles are still scarce. The main purpose of this work was the evaluation of effects of TiO₂ nanoparticles in several organisms, covering different trophic levels, using a battery of aquatic assays. Using fish as a vertebrate model organism tissue histological and ultrastructural observations and the stress enzyme activity were also studied. TiO₂ nanoparticles (Aeroxide® P25), two phase composition of anatase (65%) and rutile (35%) with an average particle size value of 27.6±11 nm were used. Results on the EC₅₀ for the tested aquatic organisms showed toxicity for the bacteria, the algae and the crustacean, being the algae the most sensitive tested organism. The aquatic plant Lemna minor showed no effect on growth. The fish Carassius auratus showed no effect on a 21 day survival test, though at a biochemical level the cytosolic Glutathione-S-Transferase total activity, in intestines, showed a general significant decrease (p<0.05) after 14 days of exposure for all tested concentrations. The presence of TiO₂ nanoparticles aggregates were observed in the intestine lumen but their internalization by intestine cells could not be confirmed.     

Testing a stochastic version of the Beddington–DeAngelis functional response in foraging shore crabs

Current behaviour-based interference models assume that the predator population is infinitely large and that interference is weak. While the realism of the first assumption is questionable, the second assumption conflicts with the purpose of interference models. Here, we tested a recently developed stochastic version of the Beddington–DeAngelis functional response—which applies to a finite predator population without assuming weak interference—against experimental data of shore crabs (Carcinus maenas) foraging on mussels (Mytilus edulis). We present an approximate maximum likelihood procedure for parameter estimation when only one focal individual is observed, and introduce ‘correction factors’ that capture the average behaviour of the competing but unobserved individuals. We used the method to estimate shore crab handling time, interaction time, and searching rates for prey and competitor. Especially the searching rates were sensitive to variation in prey and competitor density. Incorporating constant parameter values in the model and comparing observed and predicted feeding rates revealed that the predictive power of the model is high. Our stochastic version of the Beddington–DeAngelis model better reflects reality than current interference models and is also amenable for modelling effects of interference on predator distributions.     

The influence of a real job on upper limb performance in motor skill tests: which abilities are transferred?

To investigate whether the specificities of real jobs create distinctions in the performance of workers in different motor tests for the upper limbs, 24 participants were divided into two groups according to their specific job: fine and repetitive tasks and general tasks. Both groups reproduced tasks related to aiming movements, handling and strength of the upper limbs. There were no significant differences between groups in the dexterity and performance of aiming movements. However, the general tasks group had higher grip strength than the repetitive tasks group, demonstrating differences according to job specificity. The results suggest that a particular motor skill in a specific job cannot improve performance in other tasks with the same motor requirements. The transfer of the fine and gross motor skills from previous experience in a job-specific task is the basis for allocating training and guidance to workers.     

Potential of <Emphasis Type="Italic">pinhão</Emphasis> Coat as Constituents of Starch Based Films Using Modification Techniques

The potential of lignocellulosic fibers obtained by dry grinding of pinhão coat as fillers in starch filmogenic solutions for packaging applications was evaluated in this work. To improve the incorporation of this waste into the starch solutions different physical and chemical treatments were conducted. Thereafter, morphology, chemical structure, crystallinity and water absorption of the pinhão coat powders were determined. The composites were also characterized regarding their morphology, chemical structure, crystallinity, mechanical properties, water vapor permeability and hydrophilicity. Poor fiber/matrix adhesion and high water absorption of the fibers were evidenced. Consequently, water vapor permeability of composites was increased by incorporating the fibers. Moreover, mechanical properties were improved and the morphological results were used to support the water absorption differences among the powders. Regarding the food packaging applications, starch/pinhão coat composites appeared as promising materials to reach the requirements of respiring food products.     

Removal of pharmaceutical compounds from urban wastewater by an advanced bio-oxidation process based on fungi <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trametes versicolor</Emphasis> immobilized in a continuous RBC system

Conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are not able to remove completely some emerging contaminants, such as residual pharmaceutical compounds (PCs) with potential ecotoxicity to water bodies. An advanced bio-oxidation process (ABOP) using white-rot fungi (WRF) has been proposed as alternative biological treatment for degradation of non-biodegradable compounds. A synthetic and real wastewater spiked with 12 PCs at 50 μg L^?1 was treated by means of ABOP based on WRF in a rotating biological contactor (RBC) at 1 day of hydraulic retention time (HRT). The ABOP achieved a remarkable biological performance in terms of TOC removal and reduction of N-NH₄ ⁺ and P-PO₄ ^3? nutrients. Likewise, 5 of the 12 PCs were eliminated with removal efficiencies ranging from 80 to 95%, whereas 6 of 12 PCs were eliminated with removal values ranging from 50 to 70%. The anaerobic digestion of the fungal sludge generated upon the treatment was also evaluated, obtaining a methane yield of 250 mL CH₄ g_VS ^?1. These results evidenced that the proposed ABOP is a promising alternative for the sustainable wastewater treatment of urban effluents, combining advanced oxidation with biological operation for the removal of emerging PCs and energy recovery.