Environmental Assessment of Estuarine Ecosystems

About this book

With contributions from international experts, this reference covers all aspects of estuaries from the physiological to the economical. Using a comparative case study of two French estuaries, the text demonstrates the state-of-the-art science required to assess the estuary paradox. The two estuaries detailed here provide a full-spectrum of chemical and toxicological exposure and effects. Although the focus is on a specific region, the book covers a broad range of environmental issues and solutions. Understanding the observations about this region allow it to serve as a benchmark when assessing, remediating, and applying new developments to other estuaries.

Contents

Introduction. Sedimentary Processes on Estuarine Mudflats: The Example of the Seine and the Authie Estuaries. Quantification of Contaminants. Biomarkers Based upon Biochemical Responses. Biogeochemistry of Metals in Sediments: Development of "Micro-Scale" Analytical Tools and the Use of Indicators of Biological Activities. Organic Contaminants in Coastal and Estuarine Foodwebs. Tolerance in Organisms Chronically Exposed to Estuarine Pollution. Linking Energy Metabolism, Reproduction, Abundance and Structure of Nereis diversicolor Populations. Historical Records of the Nereis diversicolor Population in the Seine Estuary. Ecological Status and Health of the Planktonic Copepod Eurytemora affinis in the Seine Estuary. From Pollution to Altered Fish Physiological Performance; The Case of Flatfish in the Seine Estuary. Diatoms. Foraminifera. Patterns of Abundance, Diversity and Genus Assemblage Structure of Meiofaunal Nematodes in the Seine (Pont de Normandie) and Authie (Authie Port) Estuaries. Dynamic Diagenetic Modelling and the Impact of Biota. Conclusions.

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