Abstract The paper looks at whether the presence of dissolved organic matter affects algae growth and focuses on the effects of this on resource availability. It discusses the contents of dissolved organic matter and discusses how science can manipulate organic matters that may stimulate bacterial growth and thus may change the conditions to allow algae growth.
From the Paper "Jan Viezer (2002) contends that it is the responsibility of science, namely microbiology, to discover the damage that has occurred to land and water over time as man has occupied the earth and natural disasters are continuously moving elements of man and nature across the globe (p. 57). Yet, science has the known ability in the modern age to determine the natural state of the earth, to include the ground masses, as well as the water ways, and this is significant because this knowledge will allow man to manipulate organic matters that will stimulate needed bacterial and algae growth in an attempt to preserve that which has already been severely damaged over time. Nitrogen has been determined to be a cause of "plant production in coastal water" (Anderson, Brady, Brooks, Brauwer, Levinson, McDonald, Neimi, Pearl, Racicinky, and Wardrop, 2004, p. 979)."
This paper discusses the bio-invasion of a noxious seaweed caulerpa taxifolia, "killer algae", continuing to spread along the coasts of Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Croatia and Tunisia.
Abstract This paper explains that caulerpa taxifolia, which had been grown as an aquarium strain of caulerpa taxifolia bred for its pleasant appearance, rapid growth and tolerance for cold conditions, now is an accidentally introduced, invasive specie of algae, which has taken over the Mediterranean Sea. The author reports that the dense mono-cultures of the weed are smothering native plant and animal species, drastically reducing biodiversity, and, because of the toxic effects of the weed's caulerpenyne compounds, are making surviving fish, unsuitable for human consumption. The paper relates that some effective methods of eradication of caulerpa taxifolia are (1) covering and sealing by PVC tarpaulins, which were injected with chlorine, (2) applying coarse sea, (3) removing manually or using a sump-pump and (4) bio-control, which is the introduction of yet another non-native species that can combat caulerpa taxifolia.
From the Paper "Efforts have been made in attempt to eradicate Caulerpa taxifolia at high costs. Six million United States dollars have been spent in Southern California (another location of C. taxifolia invasion) as of 2004 to kill the weed. And in South Australia, yet another place the invasive algae have been introduced, six to eight million Australian dollars have been spent on killer algae extermination. The elimination of Caulerpa taxifolia, while very costly, is necessary."
Abstract This paper begins by providing a brief definition of coral reefs and their main characteristics. It then discusses the different ecological problems -natural and man-caused which are slowly destroying the reefs. These include eutrophication - when the algae which is in a symbiotic relationship with the coral overgrows the coral using the increased nutrient content of the water and in the process destroys the coral. It also includes over fishing, coral bleaching and tourism. The paper finally examines the various laws and acts which have been passed to try and avert this phenomenon.
From the Paper "Coral reefs are widely known as the "rain forests of the ocean". Providing a habitat to innumerable varieties of marine species the coral reefs are an important part of the marine ecosystem. Occupying an estimated 4,00,000 square miles (0.17%) of the ocean surface the coral reefs sustain more than 25% of all marine life. [Washington College of Law]. However uncontrolled fishing, tourism and other environmentally destabilizing activities of man have seriously endangered the coral reefs. This situation is alarming considering the fact that damage to the coral ecosystem has serious implications for all the countless species that depend on it for their survival. Let us explore the ecological effects of coral reef damage and the environmental laws, which protect them in a little detail."
Abstract The factors responsible for the reef devastation are directly attributed to human actions. This paper looks at the questions surrounding this destruction and offers many examples of why and what is causing the reef's destruction. In the end, the author recommends ways in which the destruction may be halted.
From the Paper "For the last fifty years marine biologists have chronicled the deterioration and destruction of corals on reef systems worldwide. Coral reefs provide sanctuary for over a fourth of the world's marine fish species and consist of as much biodiversity as tropical rainforests. Unfortunately, both are now disappearing at an astounding rate"
Abstract A synthesis essay on the rise of toxic protists due to the increase in dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations from man-made pollution. Specific examples are used to illustrate this building environmental concern.
From the paper:
""In the Rivers and Coastal Waters of America an Ancient and Deadly Organism, Reawakened by Man-Made Pollution, May Become the Ultimate Biological Threat? (Barker, cover). In 1984, a small herd of cows in Montana collapsed and died in ten minutes after drinking from a pond coated with a pea green film. In 1987, three people died and more than 100 became ill after eating blue mussels from Prince Edward Island. In 1996, 149 manatees perished mysteriously off the coast of Florida. Autopsies of these endangered marine mammals revealed biological poisons in their brains and other tissues."
Abstract This paper examines the species of seals, Otariidae, called sea lions. The author specifically discusses the sea lions that inhabit Californian shores. The paper describes their appearances, characteristics, their prey, and how they interact with humans. The author also discusses their mating rituals, and how sea lions were greatly affected by El Nino, and other dangers they face in nature.
From the Paper "Successful sea lion mating lead to small litters of sea lion pups born after a gestation period of 12 months, are brown. Most pups are born in June or July and weigh 13-20 lbs ? amazingly small considering the size that they will attain as mature adults. They nurse for at least half a year and sometimes over a year. Mothers recognize pups on crowded rookeries through smell, sight, and vocalizations, and pups use these same clues to recognize their mothers, who will breed again a few weeks after birth. Males patrol territories and bark almost continuously during the breeding season helping to maintain their social standing (if they have a high social status and hoping to disrupt the social order if they have a low status."
Abstract An insight into the history of Artemia cultivation (shrimp production) including an explanation of different types and analysis of the ideal conditions for their breeding.
From the Paper "Prior to 1950 mariculture involved trapping baby fish and shrimps during high tides in ponds with gates built on mudflats. Many years of research have led to improved and more efficient systems. Now, most oyster, mussel, shrimp and seaweed culture are of semi-intensive type. This has been accomplished by artificial breeding of superior stock. Artificial feed has been developed to maximize health and growth. Many improvements have been made in the health and management of shrimp and other cultured species (FAO, 1999). This has been largely due to an increasingly larger demand. In 1997, approximately 50% of all mariculture is preformed by way of mudflat culture in which a building is built in a pond in a mudflat. This is used for artemia as well as fish (FAO, 1999). "
Abstract This essay shows how the people of Denmark relate to the environment. It gives their perspective on how they are friendly to the environment and what measures they take to protect it. Examples listed include the saving of energy during the 1973 oil crisis, recycling glass bottles and the invention of an environmentally-friendly car.
From the Paper "In the summer of 1988, for the first time in its history, a thin layer of smog lingered over the streets of Copenhagen. It was nothing like the great haze seen in Los Angeles or Tokyo, but just enough to make breathing a little harder for people with allergies or asthma. That same summer the inhabitants viewed an explosive growth in the number of yellow algae in the Kattegat between Jutland and Sweden, an incident that reportedly kept a large number of tourists away from the beaches that year. At the same time, Thorvaldesen's Museum in Copenhagen decided to remove a statue from the roof because acid rain had corroded it so badly that they were afraid it would break."
From the Paper "This paper will discuss the topic of single-cell protein sources. The focus of this report is on how bacteria, algae, yeasts and other single-cell organisms form food proteins from non-food sources such as petroleum. It was once thought that this would help the world food problem by turning non-food resources into protein food sources.
It was during the 1960s that the concept of relieving food shortages in underdeveloped countries by growing single-cell organisms to produce protein from petroleum was most popular. It was during the 1960s that several large oil companies worked out the technology for making this a reality. Basically, the carbon and energy for microorganism growth was provided by the straight-chain hydrocarbon molecules known as alkanes. The microorganisms used were yeasts similar to the food yeasts used on a large scale (...)"
Thomas defines algae as:
Plants belonging to the subphylum Algae of the phylum Thallophyta, the lowest division of the plant kingdom.
They are nonparasitic plants without roots, stems, or leaves; they contain chlorophyll and vary in size from microscopic forms to massive seaweeds. They live in fresh or salt water or in moist places. Some serve as food or as sources of medicinal products (9:56-57).
Alexander and Alexander (1) report that algae is one of the two distinct types of Thallophyta, or those plants without the specialized organs (i.e., leaves, stems, roots) that are characteristic in higher-order plants. There are several..."
Abstract This paper discusses Red Tide - the common name for the blooming of certain species of dinoflagellata that have a reddish pigment causing the water to appear to be red when the massive numbers of dinoflagellates accumulate. The paper examines the dangers of Red Tide to human beings in the form of nausea, skin irritation and weakened immune systems. It also shows that Red Tide can be fatal to marine life, especially marine mammals. Finally, the paper discusses the effects of Red Tide on the fishing industry and the various things which are being done to try and control it.
From the Paper "Red tides have been completely unaffected by pollution, and finding a way to contain outbreaks has been a daunting task for scientists. Most recently, a Woods Hole scientist has been experimenting with using clay to smother the algae (Fairfield). This new method has helped protect the billion-dollar fishing industries in Japan and South Korea, and scientists are hoping it can protect the waters in the United States as well (Fairfield).
Until recently, the research has focused mainly on the toxins emitted, and the chemistry of the harmful blooms ? not on finding ways to control the blooms (Fairfield). While the United States isn?t a fishing economy per se, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimate that the U.S. will lose more that $1 billion over the next ten years because of the toxic algae (Fairfield)."
Abstract This paper provides an insight into the coral reef, one of the most beautiful, living examples of nature. It discusses how it has taken thousands of years to create the coral reefs that are found worldwide and how these fragile ecosystems are in danger of disappearing unless citizens and the government take steps to preserve these habitats for numerous varieties of marine life. It shows how with the aid of satellites and concerned individuals, these living monuments will be around for thousands more years.
Outline
Introduction
History of the Reefs
What are Corals
How Corals Feed
Photosynthesis
A Fragile Environment
Forming the Reef
Where Coral Forms
Variety of Colonies
Architecture of the Reef
Darwin's Theory
Wildlife of the Reefs
Monitoring the Reefs From Space
Dangers From Algae Other Dangers
Regrowth
Protection Act of 1999
Survey of Americans
Conclusion
From the Paper "Scientists are excited about the use of the satellite since it offers views of coral reefs that are hard to reach and observe. In 2000, when a fishing boat was grounded more than 1,000 miles west of the Hawaiian Islands on the Pearl and Hermes Atoll, scientists found it difficult to reach the reef to check on the amount of damage it may have sustained. There are numerous coral reefs in the Pacific Ocean that are so remote, that it would be hard to detect or study a spill or grounding. High-resolution imagery gives scientists a much needed tool to monitor these reefs that were previously inaccessible (Soliday 154)."
Tags: satellites, nature, marine, ecosystems, photosynthesis, darwin
Abstract This is the gradual increase in the concentration of phosphorous, nitrogen and other plant nutrients in an aging aquatic system, such as a lake, river or shallow sea. When the body of water becomes excessively enriched with nutrients, such as nitrate fertilizers and phosphates, algae and bacteria develops. In turn, this uses extra oxygen in the water, which tends to make it uninhabitable by other animal life. This essay will begin by discussing what eutrophication is and what causes it. It will list some examples and suggest ways that eutrophication can be reversed or halted.
Abstract This paper discusses how perhaps no other aquatic species contributes to oceanic ecology like the brine shrimp. It looks at how brine shrimp is a form of zooplankton, how it is versatile in its physical and chemical characteristics, and how its hardiness and survivability make it very special for preservation. It also looks at how it is mainly sold for home aquariums because of the almost chameleon-like range of colors it can adopt based on its food intake.
From the Paper "Environmental factors contribute greatly to the physical characteristics of brine shrimp. Under normal circumstances, they live almost entirely on the photosynthetic green algae, Dunaliella. The oxygen content in the water determines their physical appearance, which is a direct consequence of what they can consume (depending on oxygen content in the water). With a good oxygen supply, the artemia are a pale pink or yellow. In an abundant supply of green algae, they take on a greenish hue. If there is a low oxygen level in the water with large amounts of organic matter, or a high amount of salinity from evaporation, the artemia will feed on bacteria, detritus and yeast cells, but no algae. It is under these conditions that they produce hemoglobin and look red or orange in color."
This paper discusses the "dead zone" in the Gulf of Mexico, an area of hypoxic ocean waters, meaning that the area is oxygen-deficient and unable to support marine life.
Abstract This paper explains that, now roughly the size of the state of New Jersey, the Gulf of Mexico's dead zone was first discovered in the early 1970s when the phenomenon occurred only once every two or three years; however, due to an increase in environmental pollutants, the dead zone currently occurs every summer in Gulf waters. The author points out that hypoxia occurs when pollutant-ridden water from the Mississippi River flows into the Gulf of Mexico; this carries an excess of nutrients, especially nitrogen, into the salt water, encouraging local algal populations to thrive by killing off the fish. The paper stresses that the dead zone in the Gulf affects not only marine life, but also human welfare because fishing and farming industries are the most directly and adversely affected by hypoxia.
From the Paper "The effects of the Gulf dead zone are far-reaching. For example, the algal blooms cause shellfish poisoning, which can cause permanent memory loss. The dead zone is also an aesthetic problem, including the sight of millions of dead fish. Elizabeth Carlisle (2000) notes that hypoxia in the Gulf causes ?food chain alterations, loss of biodiversity, and high aquatic species mortality.? The consequences are therefore long-term and affect not only the local ecosystem, but ecosystems across the globe."
