The record storm surge of October 2023, which hit the southwestern German Baltic Sea, not only resulted in significant damages to coastal communities and infrastructure but also demonstrated that the region was prepared and able to avoid loss of lives and other catastrophic impacts. Numerical modelling has been a key tool utilised for providing information to support coastal flood management, at different levels of planning, for such events. Based on recent research conducted in the Baltic coast region as well as on empirical evidence acquired during the event, we present an operational scheme that utilises modelling tools and frameworks for supporting coastal flood management in the region. In this context, we distinguish between three successive phases of an extreme surge event and propose specific actions for each of these phases, aiming towards the development of an operational framework for managing events of high magnitude for the German Baltic Sea region and beyond.

As a result of analysis of the ice cover, geological structure and tectonics of the underlying rocks in the Lake Vostok area of Antarctica, a layered sub-horizontal structure of the ice cover and a distribution of the parameters of the ice composition were established. The physical and mechanical properties of the underlying rocks were determined experimentally. Complex tectonics revealed an increase in geothermal flow in the Vostok Basin region, which plays a role in the evolution of the Earth's crust and in shaping the morphology of its physical properties. A three-dimensional geomechanical model of the unified system ‘glacier-Lake Vostok-bedrock ’ was constructed and investigated. Regularities in the changes to the stress-strain state were revealed. Zones of development of plastic deformation in the ice cover along the perimeter of Lake Vostok and their distribution over the lake were established, which were confirmed by results from field observations. Modelling of geomechanical processes shows that the change in the mechanical state of the Earth's crust, taking into account the creep deformation of the ice sheet, relates more to nonlinear dynamic systems, which are characterized by unstable changes and should be considered as fractal systems.

Coastal wetland sediments are vital to the global carbon cycle as they represent large sinks of blue carbon – carbon from atmospheric and oceanic sources – which are threatened by ecosystem loss. The forms of sequestered carbon and the sequestration capability are affected by many bio- and geochemical factors that change unpredictably along coastal locales. In the present study, we investigated three unique coastal sites – a coastal mangrove and two sabkhas with contrasting geology and tidal influence in the Qatar peninsula – for their carbon capture ability to determine how biogeochemical indices affect their blue carbon sequestration potential. We applied a suite of biological and geochemical tools, collecting the sediment cores of approximately 40 cm depth; analysed sediment porewater; performed depth-profiling of the organic matter, sedimentary minerals, microbial community and analysis of sediment surface for pH, oxygen (O2); redox potential and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) by microsensors. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (TEM-EDXS) and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) revealed templating effects that promoted Mg-carbonate nucleation in coastal hypersaline environments. Microsensing reveals the intricacy of the oxic/anoxic transition at the sediment surface. Microbial DNA sequencing at various sediment depths shows the occurrence of microbial genera, whose functions explain the geochemical trends and carbon sequestration pathways observed at each site. Notably, we found that carbon sequestration in the mangrove and carbonate-sand sabkha was correlated with organic matter degradation and inorganic carbon content, while in the siliciclastic sabkha it was solely influenced by sediment density and depth.

The elusive southern river otter (Lontra provocax; huillín in Spanish) is critically endangered in the Argentine portion of Tierra del Fuego, and low social awareness may be one of the major threats to its conservation. Our survey of local residents’ knowledge and valuation of the huillín showed that only 14% recognized photographs of the species, almost half did not know that it is endangered and most erroneously thought it was an introduced species. Greater knowledge about the huillín was related to higher respondent education levels. Younger and more knowledgeable residents valued the species more for ecological and relational reasons; its instrumental value was considered least important. More communication should be targeted at older people and groups not directly interacting with nature via informal education methods, including combining positive messages about the huillín and other native species with ongoing outreach efforts warning about biological invasions. Understanding perceptions and valuations of biodiversity can make conservation efforts more effective and inclusive.

Members of the Shewanella genus transfer electrons to metal and actinide electron acceptors such as hexavalent uranium, U(VI), via c-type cytochromes. The intracellular mechanism of electron transfer is well studied but the delivery of electrons to external electron acceptors less well so. MtrC, a decaheme c-type cytochrome located on the cell surface side of the outer membrane of many Shewanella species, and extending to the extracellular medium, transfers electrons to U(VI), both in vivo and in vitro when purified. However, it is unclear how the electron transfer between the terminal heme(s) of the protein and extracellular U(VI) occurs. In particular, the type of interaction between MtrC and U(VI), and the parameters controlling electron transfer remain to be elucidated. Here, we investigated the kinetics of U(VI) reduction by S. baltica MtrC in solution for U(VI) complexed with one of five ligands: carbonate, hydroxyl, citrate, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). We observed two initial reaction rates, one more rapid for U-citrate, U-NTA and U-EDTA, and another slower for U-carbonate and U-hydroxo. By combining Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy and M4-edge High Resolution X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure spectroscopy, we attributed these differences to the type of interaction between the U-ligand complex and MtrC, i.e., probably electrostatic interaction with the ligand of U-EDTA, hydrogen bonding to the ligand of U-citrate and U-NTA, and covalent bonding with U-carbonate and U-hydroxo. We also demonstrate the persistence of U(V) in the U-carbonate system when interacting with MtrC. Overall, we showed that the mechanism of electron transfer depended on the chemistry of the soluble U(VI) complex serving as the substrate.

The diogenid hermit crab, Calcinus morgani Rahayu & Forest, 1999, is reported from the Andaman Islands in the eastern Indian Ocean. It was previously recorded as Calcinus gaimardii (H. Milne Edwards, 1848) from the Nicobar Islands, south of the Andaman Islands, in 1865 about 160 years ago, but there were no additional records of the species in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The diagnosis of C. morgani is provided on the basis of the present specimens for helping the identification. A key to species of the genus Calcinus known from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is also provided.

Carbon black is commonly used as a filler in the rubber industry. However, it can cause serious damage to human health and to ecosystems. Today, reducing the use of this substance via alternative materials is receiving increased attention. Clay minerals such as montmorillonite can be substituted for carbon black as environmentally friendly fillers for rubber compounds. The uniform dispersion of montmorillonite and its compatibility with the rubber matrix are the main principles for using this material in the rubber industry. To this end, montmorillonite was surface treated with various dosages (1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 wt.%) of polypropylene glycol. The surface-treated montmorillonites were investigated using attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The results indicated that the treatment expanded the interlayer spaces of the montmorillonite and improved surface hydrophobicity. The untreated and treated montmorillonites were used with carbon black as dual fillers in natural rubber/styrene butadiene-based compounds. The cure characteristics, thermal stability, some mechanical properties and dispersion states were evaluated. The curing study indicated a faster optimum cure time, scorch time and increased torque difference for the rubber compounds filled with surface-treated montmorillonites. Thermal analysis of the rubber compounds illustrated that the interval between the initial and final temperature of decomposition could be increased via the treatment. Surface-treated montmorillonite samples, especially the sample containing 1 wt.% polypropylene glycol, showed improved abrasion resistance, resilience and compression set values.

On all levels of governance, there have been varied policy responses to the marine plastic pollution issue. These responses include the development of innovative waste management, circular economy, extended producer responsibility and product stewardship approaches. Non-state actors play important roles in these approaches across global and national levels. Regulatory bodies often experience challenges with implementing sustainable, conservation measures, demonstrating that regulatory measures alone cannot generate the required change to effectively stop marine and terrestrial plastic pollution. Effective plastic pollution governance requires participation from non-state actors in its design, development and implementation. This article examines the gaps that exist in the governance of a plastics circular economy, including the focus on recycling and end-of-pipe/down-cycling solutions and the lack of attention on the other ‘Rs’ that are required for true circularity, for example, refuse, reduce, resell, reuse, repair, refurbish, remanufacture, repurpose and recover energy. We argue that non-state actors can help fill these gaps through multi-stakeholder partnerships, community-led plastic programmes and policies and environmentally and socially responsible industry-based solutions that utilise market-based initiatives. This article explores the roles of non-state actors in plastic policymaking and the gaps and opportunities for non-state actors in the development and implementation of holistic, integrated, ‘whole of life cycle’ and circular economy policies.

A new species of polychaete annelid, Armandia ramanamurthyi n. sp., is described from the sandy sediments off Tamil Nadu coast, Bay of Bengal, northern Indian Ocean. The major feature distinguishing A. ramanamurthyi n. sp. from other species of the genus is bearing a non-papillated anal tube and the presence of a bulbous, orbicular papilla ventrally placed at the proximal end of the anal tube. The orbicular papilla bears black pigmentation and posteriorly ends in an oblique cirrus. Additionally, Ophelina arabica Parapar, Al-Kandari, Barroso & Moreira, 2023 described from Kuwait waters is recorded for the first time in Indian waters since its original description.

In humid, continental Michigan, we identified pedogenic carbonate in a soil profile developed on glacial drift sediments, as rinds, rhizoliths, and filaments (at depths >50 cm). Given that the climate setting is unusual for pedogenic carbonate, we investigated its formation with environmental monitoring and isotope analyses of carbonate (δ13C, δ18O, Δ47, and 14C) and waters (δ18O and δ2H). We found covariation in δ13C and Δ47 amongst the carbonate types (rhizoliths, rinds, filaments, bulk soil, and detrital clasts), and 14C ages of rinds that predate plausible formation ages. The δ13C and Δ47 values of the bulk carbonate and some of the pedogenic morphologies are not fully compatible with pedogenic formation in the modern environment. The δ18O data from precipitation and river waters and from carbonates are not uniquely identifying; they are compatible with the soil carbonate being pedogenic, detrital, or a mix. We conclude that the soil carbonate is likely a physical mix of pedogenic and detrital carbonate. Pedogenic carbonate is forming in this humid setting, likely because seasonal cycles in soil respiration and temperature cause cycles of dissolution and re-precipitation of detrital and pedogenic carbonate. The pedogenic carbonate may be a transient feature as carbonate-rich till undergoes post-glacial chemical weathering.

Cheilopogon arcticeps (Günther, 1866) is recorded for the first time from the Indian coastal waters. Two specimens of C. arcticeps (158–167 mm SL) were collected from the Petuaghat fishing harbour of Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India. The present paper reports the species for the first time from Indian waters and thus, the distributional range of the species is extended from Western Pacific Ocean to the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean. This paper provides more detailed information on the taxonomy and morphometric of the poorly known species.