In the marine environment, single-celled, microscopic, plant-like organisms naturally occur in the well-lit surface layer of any body of water. These organisms, referred to as phytoplankton or microalgae, form the base of the food web upon which nearly all other marine organisms depend. Algal bloom is a rapid increase in or accumulation of the population of about 300 species of algae due to excess nutrients (eutrophication), and is of major global interest as it causes reduction in species diversity, abrupt changes in water quality, and discoloration of the water (green, yellow, brown or red) depending on the species of algae and the type of pigments they contain. Dying blooms can also be an environmental concern as when the cells sink and decay, bacteria break down the organic material, which in turn strips oxygen from the water. This microbial oxygen demand at times leads to very low oxygen levels in the bottom waters, harming aquatic life. Documentation of this sporadic high abundance of algae, together with the significant species richness of the diatoms, requires comprehensive studies in the Sundarban coastal environment, which is facing severe degradation due to natural & anthropogenic stressors. In addition, a better understanding of the effects of algal blooms on seafood quality, the complex biological, chemical and physical interactions and subsequent effects on trophodynamics is needed to develop strategies for effective coastal zone management. The book discusses the occurrence of harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused by the dinoflagellates of the genus Alexandrium and Karenia, or diatoms of the genus Pseudo-nitzschia, which have large and varied impacts on marine ecosystems (such as large-scale marine mortality events that have been associated with various types of shellfish poisonings) depending on the species involved, the environment where they are found, and the mechanism by which they exert negative effects. HABs represent a major environmental problem in all regions of the U.S., and their occurrence is on the rise due to increased nutrient pollution. HABs have severe impacts on human health, aquatic ecosystems, and the economy. Such blooms, known colloquially as red tides due to their red or brown hues, are increasing in frequency and magnitude worldwide as a result of changes in oceanic climate, increased coastal eutrophication and enhanced long-distance dispersal in ballast water. As such, the book offers an in-depth account of the complex biological, chemical and physical interactions of the algal blooms (both innocuous and harmful ones). It also discusses the highly topical issue of the impact of global climate change on the frequency and severity of HABs in the context of alterations in temperature, stratification, light and ocean acidification. Focusing on both basic and applied limnology, this book is a reliable and up-to-date reference resource for students, teachers and researchers engaged in the field of coastal research/management at regional and global scales.

In the marine environment, single-celled, microscopic, plant-like organisms naturally occur in the well-lit surface layer of any body of water. These organisms, referred to as phytoplankton or microalgae, form the base of the food web upon which nearly all other marine organisms depend. Algal bloom is a rapid increase in or accumulation of the population of about 300 species of algae due to excess nutrients (eutrophication), and is of major global interest as it causes reduction in species diversity, abrupt changes in water quality, and discoloration of the water (green, yellow, brown or red) depending on the species of algae and the type of pigments they contain. Dying blooms can also be an environmental concern as when the cells sink and decay, bacteria break down the organic material, which in turn strips oxygen from the water. This microbial oxygen demand at times leads to very low oxygen levels in the bottom waters, harming aquatic life. Documentation of this sporadic high abundance of algae, together with the significant species richness of the diatoms, requires comprehensive studies in the Sundarban coastal environment, which is facing severe degradation due to natural & anthropogenic stressors. In addition, a better understanding of the effects of algal blooms on seafood quality, the complex biological, chemical and physical interactions and subsequent effects on trophodynamics is needed to develop strategies for effective coastal zone management. The book discusses the occurrence of harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused by the dinoflagellates of the genus Alexandrium and Karenia, or diatoms of the genus Pseudo-nitzschia, which have large and varied impacts on marine ecosystems (such as large-scale marine mortality events that have been associated with various types of shellfish poisonings) depending on the species involved, the environment where they are found, and the mechanism by which they exert negative effects. HABs represent a major environmental problem in all regions of the U.S., and their occurrence is on the rise due to increased nutrient pollution. HABs have severe impacts on human health, aquatic ecosystems, and the economy. Such blooms, known colloquially as red tides due to their red or brown hues, are increasing in frequency and magnitude worldwide as a result of changes in oceanic climate, increased coastal eutrophication and enhanced long-distance dispersal in ballast water. As such, the book offers an in-depth account of the complex biological, chemical and physical interactions of the algal blooms (both innocuous and harmful ones). It also discusses the highly topical issue of the impact of global climate change on the frequency and severity of HABs in the context of alterations in temperature, stratification, light and ocean acidification. Focusing on both basic and applied limnology, this book is a reliable and up-to-date reference resource for students, teachers and researchers engaged in the field of coastal research/management at regional and global scales.

The proposed book features a systematic and thorough treatment of the dominant persistent organic pollutants (POP's) encountered in the tropical marine environment of the Indian Sundarban mangrove wetlands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Chapters provide a comprehensive and realistic account of the world's most hazardous organic compounds. Readers will discover a detailed account of the characteristics, potential point and non-point sources, analytical techniques and the ecotoxicological relevance of selected POPs, namely organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated phenyls (PCBs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These pollutants are of considerable interest because their exposure could cause immunologic, teratogenic and neurological problems in humans and other living beings. The book is intended to serve as a reliable and up-to-date reference source for students, teachers and researchers engaged in the field of chemical oceanography, ecotoxicology and pollution management.

Sundarban Mangrove Wetland: A Comprehensive Global Treatise provides an illustrative account of the ecology, biology, conservation and management strategies of this endangered UNESCO World Heritage Site. The book offers a comprehensive and accessible guide to a variety of wetland ecosystems, including endangered flora and fauna, the ecology and diversity of pelagic and benthic biota, the impact of multiple stresses on the biota, inorganic and organic pollutants in biotic and abiotic matrices and their remedial measures, the impact of climate change on mangrove plants, and their conservation and management strategies. Divided into seven chapters, the book presents a realistic summary of the wetland environment and its resources, citing individual case studies considering a host of topics of particular interest. Analysis of this unique wetland provides crucial comparisons with other wetlands and their status, environmental challenges and possible remedial measures. Sundarban Mangrove Wetland is an in-depth and up-to-date account ideal for the student, teacher or researcher in marine biology & ecology, environmental science, marine geochemistry, marine pollution and ecotoxicology and wastewater treatment. Covering both fundamental and advanced aspects, the book is also useful for policy makers and those involved in coastal resource conservation and management.

This book is an integrated approach to present a detailed case study in order to address the taxonomic and ecological features of this planktonic choreotrich protists in an iconic tropical mangrove wetland - Sundarban. To identify each tintinnid species, emphasis is given with regards to taxonomic features accompanied by high resolution images. This work explores the interaction between man-induced stress and the impact of climate change which is threatening the tintinnid biodiversity, and suggests, for example, remedial measures by adopting sound management strategies. Tintinnids (Protozoa: Ciliata: Tintinnida) are a coherent group ecologically recognized as micro-zooplankton. They deserve special attention because of their unique biodiversity and their crucial, functional role in the marine food chain. This is a valuable reference source for students, researchers, policy planners and coastal managers engaged in the field of marine biology, microbial ecology and marine bio-resources.