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Monitoring and Assessment of Environmental Quality in Coastal Ecosystems, 4th...
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Monitoring and Assessment of Environmental Quality in Coastal Ecosystems, 4th Edition

A special issue of Environments (ISSN 2076-3298).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 September 2025 | Viewed by 6999

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Sílvia C. Gonçalves

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Marine and Environmental Sciences Center, ESTM—School of Tourism and Maritime Technology, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2520-641 Peniche, Portugal
Interests: biodiversity and ecosystem functioning; environmental risk; aquaculture and fisheries; biotechnology and resources valorization
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Coastal ecosystems are dynamic, complex, and often fragile transition environments between land and oceans. They are exclusive habitats for a broad range of living organisms, functioning as biodiversity havens and providing several important ecological services linking terrestrial, freshwater, and marine environments.

Humans living in coastal zones have been strongly dependent on these ecosystems as sources of food, physical protection against storms and the advancing sea, and a range of human activities that generate economic income (e.g., tourism and water sports). The intensification of human activities in coastal areas in recent decades and the current global climatic changes and coastal erosion processes have had detrimental impacts on these environments: organic and inorganic pollution; marine anthropogenic litter; destruction, fragmentation, and modification of habitats for multiple purposes; overexploitation of natural resources; introduction of invasive species; and loss of biodiversity. Maintaining the structural and functional integrity of these environments as well as recovering an ecological balance or mitigating disturbances in systems under the influence of such stressors are complex tasks, only achievable through the implementation of monitoring programs and environmental quality assessments.

In this Special Issue, we invite colleagues to contribute original research papers and review articles on all aspects of coastal ecosystems’ environmental quality monitoring and assessment. The monitoring and assessment methods may focus solely on abiotic compartments, such as water and sediments, or include biotic compartments of relevance from all taxonomic origins. The tools used may range across various ecological levels of organization, from the individual to the ecosystem, including, for example, environmental quality and environmental indexes, ecotoxicology and biomarkers, bioindicators and biomonitors, population and community indexes and indicators, and ecosystem responses and services. Innovative and more traditional monitoring and assessment methods are both welcome.

The publications in the first and second volumes of this Special Issue, which we believe may be of interest to you, can be found at the following links: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/environments/special_issues/Environmental_Quality; https://www.mdpi.com/journal/environments/special_issues/Environmental_Ecosystems; https://www.mdpi.com/journal/environments/special_issues/IR6CT88409.

Dr. Sílvia C. Gonçalves
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Environments is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • coastal ecosystems
  • environmental quality and environmental indexes
  • monitoring and/or assessment programs
  • environmental disturbances
  • pressures and stressors
  • anthropogenic impacts
  • bioindicators
  • biomonitors
  • ecotoxicology and biomarkers
  • populations
  • communities and ecosystem responses

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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32 pages, 4453 KiB  
Article
Integration of Earth Observation and Field-Based Monitoring for Morphodynamic Characterisation of Tropical Beach Ecosystems
by James Murphy, Jonathan E. Higham, Andrew J. Plater, Kasey E. Clark and Rachel Collin
Environments 2025, 12(6), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12060205 - 16 Jun 2025
Viewed by 919
Abstract
Coastal erosion poses a significant threat to small tropical island regions, where coastal tourism and infrastructure play vital economic roles. However, the processes affecting tropical beaches, particularly in Central America, remain underexplored due to a lack of data on waves and atmospheric conditions. [...] Read more.
Coastal erosion poses a significant threat to small tropical island regions, where coastal tourism and infrastructure play vital economic roles. However, the processes affecting tropical beaches, particularly in Central America, remain underexplored due to a lack of data on waves and atmospheric conditions. We propose a novel approach that utilises low-cost smartphone and satellite imagery to characterise beach ecosystems, where typically expensive and technologically intensive monitoring strategies are impractical and background data are scarce. As a test of its performance under real conditions, we apply this approach to four contrasting beaches in the low-lying islands of the Bocas del Toro Archipelago, Panama. We employ Earth Observation data and field-based monitoring to enhance understanding of beach erosion. Optical flow tracking velocimetry (OFTV) is applied to smartphone camera footage to provide a quantitative metric of wave characteristics during the high wave energy season. These data are combined with satellite-derived shoreline change data and additional field data on beach profiles and grain size. The results reveal distinct patterns of accretion and erosion across the study sites determined by wave climate, beach morphology, and grain size. Accreting beaches are generally characterised by longer wave periods, more consistent wave velocities, and finer, positively skewed sediments indicative of swell-dominated conditions and dissipative beach profiles. Conversely, more erosive sites are associated with shorter wave periods, more variable wave velocities, coarser and better-sorted sediments, and a shorter, steeper beach profile. Seasonal erosion during the high-energy wave season (January–April) and subsequent recovery were observed at most sites. This work demonstrates how foundational data for evidence-based coastal management can be generated in remote locations that lack essential baseline data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Assessment of Environmental Quality in Coastal Ecosystems, 4th Edition)
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23 pages, 5939 KiB  
Article
Toxic Phytoplankton in Mussel Farms in the Gulf of Trieste, Adriatic Sea (Italy): A Preliminary Analysis of Long-Term Data (2001–2022) in Relation to Environmental Conditions
by Lisa Tondelli, Nicola Bettoso, Oriana Blasutto, Massimo Celio and Alessandro Acquavita
Environments 2025, 12(5), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12050152 - 3 May 2025
Viewed by 861
Abstract
The present study utilised a comprehensive, long-term dataset of toxic phytoplankton (2001–2022) to analyse the relationships between the abundance, distribution, and seasonal trends of toxic phytoplankton, as well as the influence of various sampling methods, physico-chemical parameters, nutrients, and meteo-climatic parameters. The data [...] Read more.
The present study utilised a comprehensive, long-term dataset of toxic phytoplankton (2001–2022) to analyse the relationships between the abundance, distribution, and seasonal trends of toxic phytoplankton, as well as the influence of various sampling methods, physico-chemical parameters, nutrients, and meteo-climatic parameters. The data were obtained through institutional monitoring at four selected sites dedicated to shellfish farming in the Gulf of Trieste (Adriatic Sea, Italy). The results show significant gradients in the spatial distribution of toxic phytoplankton and clear seasonal patterns in regard to the physico-chemical parameters and nutrients. Toxic phytoplankton abundance peaked in late winter/early spring and early autumn, depending on the genus considered. Significant correlations suggest that rainfall influences the nutrient levels and the proliferation of toxic phytoplankton. The time series analysis highlighted significant increases in temperature, salinity, and nitrogen species, during the study period, and decreases in silicon and phosphorous, while chlorophyll a and the overall phytoplankton abundance remained relatively stable, except for a significant decrease in Lingulodinium from 2015 to 2022. This preliminary assessment provides a valuable basis for further approaches (e.g., continuous in situ measurements, modelling, machine learning) to investigate the potential impact of climate variability on toxic phytoplankton dynamics in the Gulf of Trieste and to support mussel-farming management from both health and environmental perspectives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Assessment of Environmental Quality in Coastal Ecosystems, 4th Edition)
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20 pages, 3059 KiB  
Article
Climatic Changes Shift Macroalgal Assemblages from Cold- to Warm-Adapted Species: The Venice Lagoon as a Study Case
by Adriano Sfriso, Yari Tomio and Andrea Augusto Sfriso
Environments 2025, 12(5), 149; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12050149 - 2 May 2025
Viewed by 438
Abstract
Temperature increase is one of the main effects of climate change occurring worldwide, with drastic impacts on both terrestrial and aquatic biota. Changes in the dominant macroalgal taxa in the Venice Lagoon have been analyzed in relation to the rise in air temperature [...] Read more.
Temperature increase is one of the main effects of climate change occurring worldwide, with drastic impacts on both terrestrial and aquatic biota. Changes in the dominant macroalgal taxa in the Venice Lagoon have been analyzed in relation to the rise in air temperature recorded since 1973, highlighting the significant decline in cold-adapted species, which have been replaced by taxa more tolerant of higher temperatures. Cold-adapted species such as the native Fucus virsoides, Punctaria latifolia, Scytosiphon lomentaria, and many other Phaeophyceae are in decline, whereas thermophilic species such as the non-indigenous species (NIS) Gracilaria vermiculophylla, Agardhiella subulata, Solieria filiformis, Hypnea cervicornis, Caulacanthus okamurae, and many others have replaced the species that once dominated the lagoon. These changes have been associated with an average air temperature increase of approximately 2.5 °C. The highest increase has mostly been recorded for average minimum temperatures (+2.8 °C), compared to average maximum temperatures (+2.0 °C). As a result, Phaeophyceae have declined, while Rhodophyceae, especially recent NIS introductions, have colonized the lagoon bottoms. Changes in Chlorophyceae, on the other hand, appear to be more linked to the reduction of the lagoon’s trophic conditions, although the currently dominant species is Ulva australis, a NIS that has replaced the native Ulva rigida almost everywhere. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Assessment of Environmental Quality in Coastal Ecosystems, 4th Edition)
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20 pages, 3987 KiB  
Article
Groundwater/Surface Water Temperature Variations and Hydrogeological Implications in Doñana National Park
by José Luis Yanes, Alejandro Jiménez-Bonilla, Marina Martínez-Caro, Ana Fernández-Ayuso and Miguel Rodríguez-Rodríguez
Environments 2025, 12(3), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12030083 - 9 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1124
Abstract
This study analyzes the evolution of surface water and groundwater temperatures at various depths in the sand-dune ponds of Doñana National Park (southern Spain) over eight hydrometeorological years (2016–2024). This research aims to characterize the water temperature regime, identify water temperature trends, and [...] Read more.
This study analyzes the evolution of surface water and groundwater temperatures at various depths in the sand-dune ponds of Doñana National Park (southern Spain) over eight hydrometeorological years (2016–2024). This research aims to characterize the water temperature regime, identify water temperature trends, and analyze patterns in groundwater flow dynamics. The results indicate that, in a recent dry–warm period (2020–2023), coinciding with a notable decrease in precipitation and an increase in the average air temperature in the area, there was an increase in the annual mean temperature of pond water and in shallow piezometers (~15 m depth). However, in deep piezometers, a decrease in water temperature was recorded during the dry–warm period, along with a reduction in temperature variability. A phase shift has also been observed between groundwater temperature extremes and air temperature variations, with the magnitude of this shift depending on sensor depth. These findings enable the analysis of the sensitivity of these wetlands to global environmental change and contribute to the characterization of recharge and discharge flows in the aquifer, both at local and regional scales, allowing for the evaluation of flow variability in hydrological years with below-average precipitation and above-average air temperature and shallow groundwater temperature. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Assessment of Environmental Quality in Coastal Ecosystems, 4th Edition)
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30 pages, 4647 KiB  
Article
Ecosystem-Model-Based Valuation of Ecosystem Services in a Baltic Lagoon: Long-Term Human Technical Interventions and Short-Term Variability
by Gerald Schernewski, Thomas Neumann, Sarah Piehl and Nicole M. Swer
Environments 2025, 12(2), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12020035 - 21 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1097
Abstract
We conducted 3D ecosystem model simulations over a 10-year period, supplemented by socio-economic data, to evaluate the ecosystem services provided by the large, shallow Oder/Szczecin Lagoon. Our analysis focused on three scenarios reflecting the progressive deepening of the navigational waterway across the lagoon: [...] Read more.
We conducted 3D ecosystem model simulations over a 10-year period, supplemented by socio-economic data, to evaluate the ecosystem services provided by the large, shallow Oder/Szczecin Lagoon. Our analysis focused on three scenarios reflecting the progressive deepening of the navigational waterway across the lagoon: from 6 m (1880) to 10.5 m (1984) and finally to 12.5 m (2023). For the 10.5 m scenario, the total value of all six ecosystem services was estimated at EUR 272 million/year, or approximately EUR 0.4 million/year/km2. The individual contributions of each ecosystem service were as follows: nitrogen retention, EUR 166 million/a; phosphorus retention, EUR 5 million/a; carbon storage, EUR 0.4 million/a; active recreation, EUR 61 million/a; landscape aesthetics, EUR 36 million/a; wild fish catches, EUR 3.2 million/a; and transportation, EUR 32 million/a. Among these, denitrification emerged as the most economically important process, valued at EUR 178 million/year, or EUR 0.26 million/year/km2. Regulating ecosystem services displayed substantial interannual variability and pronounced seasonality. Additionally, the two parts of the lagoon, Kleines Haff (Germany) and Wielki Zalew (Poland), exhibited distinct patterns. Our model indicates that channel deepening enhances sediment burial and significantly increases phosphorus and carbon retention. However, the associated increase in connectivity to the Baltic Sea appears to have a minor effect. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Assessment of Environmental Quality in Coastal Ecosystems, 4th Edition)
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26 pages, 6894 KiB  
Article
Water Discharge and Sediment Transport from the Dese River Estuary to the Venice Lagoon (Italy): Annual Dynamics and the Influence of Floods
by Roberto Zonta, Giuliano Lorenzetti, Giorgia Manfè, Simone Leoni, Gian Marco Scarpa, Luca Zaggia, Carlo Bendoricchio, Martino Cerni and Janusz Dominik
Environments 2024, 11(12), 294; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11120294 - 19 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1408
Abstract
The sediment load from the drainage basin may play a key role in sustaining the fragile tidal and subtidal habitats of the Venice Lagoon, which underwent significant erosional losses in recent decades. Freshwater discharge and suspended sediment transport were studied in two estuarine [...] Read more.
The sediment load from the drainage basin may play a key role in sustaining the fragile tidal and subtidal habitats of the Venice Lagoon, which underwent significant erosional losses in recent decades. Freshwater discharge and suspended sediment transport were studied in two estuarine sections of the main tributary of the lagoon, Dese River, employing acoustic instruments and analyzing sediment accumulation in the estuary through bathymetric measurements. The results for 2021 are discussed in terms of discharge, rainfall–runoff relationships, suspended sediment load, and the impact of floods. Compared to previous estimates from 1999, the mean water flow was similar in both years, but the annual suspended sediment load nearly doubled. A single flood event is described, which produced extreme sediment transport and delivered 21.8% of the annual load over a 22 h period. This study provides a framework for assessing whether the sediment load from the Dese River may offset degradation in the morphodiversity of its estuary and the habitats it supports. High-resolution monitoring of sediment delivery from the freshwater tributaries is emphasized as a critical approach for protecting the estuarine areas at the water–land interface of the Venice Lagoon. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Assessment of Environmental Quality in Coastal Ecosystems, 4th Edition)
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18 pages, 733 KiB  
Review
Dredge Sediment as an Opportunity: A Comprehensive and Updated Review of Beneficial Uses in Marine, River, and Lagoon Eco-Systems
by Chiara Fratini, Serena Anselmi and Monia Renzi
Environments 2025, 12(6), 200; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12060200 - 12 Jun 2025
Viewed by 433
Abstract
Dredging is essential for the maintenance of ports, waterways, lakes, and lagoons to ensure their operability and economic value. Over the last few decades, scientists have focused on the significant environmental challenges associated with dredging, including habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, sediment suspension, [...] Read more.
Dredging is essential for the maintenance of ports, waterways, lakes, and lagoons to ensure their operability and economic value. Over the last few decades, scientists have focused on the significant environmental challenges associated with dredging, including habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, sediment suspension, and contamination with heavy metals and organic pollutants. The huge loss of sediment in coastal areas and the associated erosion processes are now forcing stakeholders to look ahead and turn potential problems into an opportunity to develop new sediment management strategies, beyond environmental protection, toward ecosystem restoration and coastal resilience. Moreover, the European and Italian strategies, such as the European Green Deal (EGD) and the Italian Ecological Transition Plan (PTE), highlight the need to reuse dredge sediment in circular economy strategies, transforming them into valuable resources for construction, agriculture, and environmental restoration projects. European legislation on dredging is fundamental to the issue of management and priorities of dredged materials, but the implementation rules are deferred to individual member states. In Italy, the Ministerial Decree 173/2016 covers the main aspects of dredge activities and dredge sediment management. Moreover, it encourages the remediation and reuse of the dredge sediment. This study starts with a comprehensive analysis of the innovative remediation techniques that minimize impacts and promote sustainable, beneficial sediment management. Different remediation methods, such as electrochemical treatments, chemical stabilization, emerging nanotechnologies, bioremediation, and phytoremediation, will be evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing pollution. Finally, we highlight new perspectives, integrated strategies, and multidisciplinary approaches that combine various technological innovations, including artificial intelligence, to enhance sediment reuse with the aim of promoting economic growth and environmental protection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Assessment of Environmental Quality in Coastal Ecosystems, 4th Edition)
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