Oceanologia No. 68 (3) / 26
Original Research Articles
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The effect of freshwater discharge on the microbial-induced precipitation of minerals in a Baltic Sea bottom pockmark: Grzegorz Rzepa, Andrzej Borkowski, Maciej Manecki, Aleksandra Brodecka-Goluch, Katarzyna Łukawska-Matuszewska, Jarosław Kania, Artur Błachowski, Paweł Działak, Izabela De Mey-Śnieżyńska
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Comparison of freezing and pasteurization as long-term preservation methods for nutrient samples collected from inshore coastal waters: Stefano Cozzi , E. Malcolm S. Woodward
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Spatial and temporal variability of aerosol optical depth over the Baltic Sea based on MERRA-2 and CAMSRA reanalyses: Anna Rozwadowska, Piotr Markuszewski
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Deciphering coastal shoreline dynamics in the Mesopotamian Delta: Integrating 48-year Landsat time series (1976–2024), decision matrix analysis and future projections for Ras al Bisha, Iraqi coast: Bassim Mohammed Hashim, Nadheer A. Fazaa, Maitham A. Sultan, Basim A. Hussain, Esam Abd Alraheem
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No longer a mysterious invader: first insights into the population biology of the tanaid Sinelobus vanhaareni from the southern Baltic Sea: Monika Normant-Saremba, Joanna Hegele-Drywa, Radosław Brzana, Marta Gellert, Michalina Ścibik-Murawska, Anna Stępień, Magdalena Błażewicz
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Marine microplastics in the Baltic Sea under stormy conditions: the case of Dudley, Eunice and Franklin storms in February 2022: Ilaria Guardamagna, Piotr Markuszewski, Mikołaj Mazurkiewicz, Przemysław Makuch, Sergio Andò, Niccolò Losi, Ezio Bolzacchini, Piotr Okoczuk, Leszek Wicikowski, Kinga Stawiarz, Małgorzata Śmiszek, Mateusz Zawadzki, Luca Ferrero
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Phytoplankton community responses to the light spectrum gradient in the Baltic Sea: Elizabeth Sands, Bengt Karlson, Anders F. Andersson, Krzysztof T. Jurdzinski, Ulf Båmstedt, Agneta Andersson
Short communications
Original Research Articles
The effect of freshwater discharge on the microbial-induced precipitation of minerals in a Baltic Sea bottom pockmark
Oceanologia, 68 (3)/2026, 68301, 25 pp.
https://doi.org/10.5697/NDCH3019
Grzegorz Rzepa1,*, Andrzej Borkowski1, Maciej Manecki1, Aleksandra Brodecka-Goluch2, Katarzyna Łukawska-Matuszewska2, Jarosław Kania1, Artur Błachowski1, Paweł Działak1, Izabela De Mey-Śnieżyńska3
1Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental Protection, AGH University of Krakow, al. Mickiewicza 30, 30–059 Kraków, Poland;
e-mail: rzepa@agh.edu.pl (G. Rzepa)
2Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, University of Gdańsk, al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, 81–378 Gdynia, Poland
3Faculty of Geology, University of Warsaw, ul. Żwirki i Wigury 93, 02–089 Warsaw, Poland
*corresponding author
Keywords:
Marine sediments; Methane; Iron speciation; Authigenic minerals; Microbiology
Received: 5 May 2025; revised: 12 March 2026; accepted: 17 March 2026
Highlights
- The effect of fluid seepage on pockmark sediments was studied.
- Sulfate influx and freshwater are key factors affecting microbial activity and mineral formation.
- Freshwater seepage limits sulfide formation, increases methanogenesis and favors carbonate precipitation.
Abstract
Seabed pockmarks are circular or elongated depressions usually formed by the outflow of methane and groundwater.
The accumulation of organic matter and disruption of sediments by the seepage result in specific biogeochemical
conditions affecting both porewater and sediment composition. In this study, we have shown how freshwater intrusions
and the presence of methane affect the biogeochemistry and mineralogy of the pockmark environment within continental
shelf sea sediments. Porewater and sediment samples collected during an active freshwater seepage were compared
with samples taken from the same location between seeps and from a nearby reference station. Porewater chemistry
and the mineralogy of the sediments were combined with thermodynamic modeling. The bacterial and archaeal taxa
were also identified via metagenomic analysis. It was found that freshwater seepage modifies the composition of pore
water and affects both the degree of supersaturation of solutions relative to sediment minerals and the composition of
the microbial system. A conceptual model has been proposed indicating that changes in sediment mineral composition
due to freshwater discharge reflect the response of the microbial community to changes in pore water composition.
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Comparison of freezing and pasteurization as long-term preservation methods for nutrient samples collected from inshore coastal waters
Oceanologia, 68 (3)/2026, 68302, 20 pp.
https://doi.org/10.5697/FANY1431
Stefano Cozzi1,*, E. Malcolm S. Woodward2
1CNR – Marine Science Institute, Area Science Park, Statale 14, 34149 Trieste, Italy;
e-mail: stefano.cozzi@cnr.it (S. Cozzi)
2Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth, Devon PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
*corresponding author
Keywords:
Dissolved inorganic nutrients; Filtration; Pasteurization; Storage; Determination; Best practicesy
Received: 5 December 2025; revised: 14 March 2026; accepted: 28 April 2026
Highlights
- Freezing and pasteurization do not perfectly preserve dissolved inorganic nutrient samples for 6-12 months.
- Marine particulates can release inorganic N and P during sample filtration and analysis.
- N-nutrients can change during sample treatment and storage due to internal processes.
- Remineralization of dissolved organic phosphorus can occur during pasteurization.
- Pasteurization can release phosphorus and silicate from marine particulates.
Abstract
Within the framework of the EuroGO-SHIP Project, an experiment on the long-term preservation of nutrients in
seawater samples was conducted in May 2023 using high-salinity, low-nutrient continental shelf waters from the Gulf of
Trieste. Sample comparison included filtered and non-filtered samples, preserved by both freezing and pasteurization
techniques. The results indicated that neither of these methods is individually ideal for the long-term (6- and 12-month)
preservation of seawater samples, although freezing is less affected by experimental biases than pasteurization. Syringe
filtration (0.22 µm pore size MCE filters) can cause the breakage of plankton cells and the release of nitrogen into
the samples, whereas pasteurization can cause the remineralization of dissolved organic phosphorus and the release
of phosphorus and silicate from marine particulate matter. Experimental results indicated that the best preservation
method should be chosen depending on the biogeochemical characteristics of the marine system studied.
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Spatial and temporal variability of aerosol optical depth over the Baltic Sea based on MERRA-2 and CAMSRA reanalyses
Oceanologia, 68 (3)/2026, 68303, 21 pp.
https://doi.org/10.5697/PKCT9576
Anna Rozwadowska*, Piotr Markuszewski
Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Powstańców Warszawy 55, 81–712 Sopot, Poland;
e-mail: ania@iopan.pl (A. Rozwadowska)
*corresponding author
Keywords:
Aerosol optical thickness; Aerosol optical depth; Baltic Sea; MERRA-2; CAMSRA; Trend; Seasonal cycle; Spatial variability; NAO index; Fires
Received: 3 November 2025; revised: 4 March 2026; accepted: 28 April 2026
Highlights
- Aerosol optical depth (AOD) over the Baltic Sea obtained from MERRA-2 and CAMSRA reanalyses was analysed.
- The magnitude of the negative AOD trend decreases northward.
- The AOD trend shows a minimum (the most negative trend) in spring and a maximum in summer.
- The correlation coefficient between sea salt AOD and the NAO index is positive in winter and negative in July.
- The greatest agreement between AOD characteristics from MERRA-2 and CAMSRA was found for total and sea salt AOD.
Abstract
The spatial and temporal variability of aerosol optical depth (AOD) over the Baltic Sea was analysed using two
atmospheric reanalyses: MERRA-2 (1980–2023) and CAMSRA (2003–2023). The study examined total and speciated AOD at 550 nm – sulphate, organic, black carbon, sea salt, and dust – focusing on spatial patterns, long-term trends,
seasonal cycles, and relationships with fire activity and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). Both reanalyses show
a south-to-north decrease in total AOD, with basin-mean values of 0.221 (1980–1999, MERRA-2), 0.135 (2003–2023,
MERRA-2), and 0.116 (2003–2023, CAMSRA). The long-term trends are negative (−0.073 [62% confidence intervals:
−0.111; −0.045] per decade, significant at a 90% confidence level, −0.006 [−0.009; −0.002] per decade, insignificant,
and −0.016 [−0.021; −0.009] per decade, significant at a 90% confidence level, respectively), being strongest over the southern Baltic Sea and weaker in the north. The seasonal AOD cycle changed from a single spring maximum in the late 20th century to a dominant summer maximum after 2012. Fire activity shows its strongest correlation with total and black carbon AOD in spring, while the NAO index correlates positively with sea-salt AOD in winter and negatively in July. The greatest agreement between AOD characteristics derived from MERRA-2 and CAMSRA was found for total AOD and sea salt AOD.
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Deciphering coastal shoreline dynamics in the Mesopotamian Delta: Integrating 48-year Landsat time series (1976–2024), decision matrix analysis and future projections for Ras al Bisha, Iraqi coast
Oceanologia, 68 (3)/2026, 68304, 20 pp.
https://doi.org/10.5697/DOXI2142
Bassim Mohammed Hashim1,*, Nadheer A. Fazaa2, Maitham A. Sultan1, Basim A. Hussain1, Esam Abd Alraheem1
1Scientific Research Commission, Baghdad, Iraq;
e-mail: bassim_hashim@src.edu.iq (B.M. Hashim)
2Ministry of Environment, Baghdad, Iraq
*corresponding author
Keywords:
Iraqi coastline; Ras al Bisha; Landsat images; DSAS; Decision matrix; CVI
Received: 13 November 2025; revised: 31 March 2026; accepted: 4 May 2026
Highlights
- Ras al-Bisha is one of the most vulnerability regions on the Iraqi coast.
- Alternating erosion/ accretion periods reflect complex natural-anthropogenic interactions.
- New Faw port breakwaters emerge as primary driver of recent coastal accretion.
- LULC classification achieved 92.5% overall accuracy with a Kappa coefficient of 0.91.
- Decision matrix and CVI identify high-risk zones requiring targeted interventions.
Abstract
The Iraqi coast, particularly the Ras al Bisha region at the mouth of the Shatt al-Arab, is among the most sensitive
regions to coastal changes due to the complex interplay between natural factors and human activities. This study
analyzed spatial and temporal changes in the Ras al Bisha coastline over a 48-year period (1976, 1990, 2000, 2013,
and 2024) using Landsat and the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS). Statistical indicators (NSM, SCE, LRR,
and EPR) were calculated, spatial changes analyzed, and a decision matrix developed to assess the intensity of
erosion-accretion, with projections for 2035 and 2045. Quantitative results revealed that coastal erosion dominated 75%
of the sections, particularly in the central and western areas, with maximum erosion rates of −16.7 m/year (average:
−5.56 m/year). Net accretion reached 1.84 km2 in the eastern region, while erosion reached 1.44 km2 in the western and central regions (1976–2024). Results revealed a clear temporal alternation between erosion-dominated periods
(1976–1990 and 2000–2013) and accretion dominated periods (1990–2000 and 2013–2024). LULC classification
achieved 92.5% accuracy (Kappa = 0.91). Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) analysis identified zones F, B, and D as
high risk areas (CVI = 12.91–14.43) requiring urgent coastal management interventions. Future projections to 2045
indicated a baseline shoreline advance of +32.55 m, with continued eastward expansion of Ras al Bisha. The study’s
novelty lies in integrating advanced DSAS analysis with comprehensive spatial analysis frameworks, decision matrix,
and future projections, providing a dynamic and holistic assessment of coastal dynamics at Ras al Bisha. Unbalanced
spatial distribution of erosion and accretion reflects complex interactions between natural factors (Shamal winds, ocean
currents) and human activities (new Faw port, dredging). This study recommends adopting of an integrated coastal
management system for Iraq, incorporating continuous remote sensing monitoring, advanced predictive modeling, and
targeted engineering and environmental interventions to mitigate erosion risks and safeguard coastal infrastructure.
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No longer a mysterious invader: first insights into the population biology of the tanaid Sinelobus vanhaareni from the southern Baltic Sea
Oceanologia, 68 (3)/2026, 68305, 16 pp.
https://doi.org/10.5697/EZRJ4110
Monika Normant-Saremba1, Joanna Hegele-Drywa1,*, Radosław Brzana1, Marta Gellert2, Michalina Ścibik-Murawska1, Anna Stępień2, Magdalena Błażewicz2
1University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Department of Marine Ecology, Piłsudskiego 46, 81–378 Gdynia, Poland;
e-mail: joanna.hegele-drywa@ug.edu.pl (J. Hegele-Drywa)
2University of Łódź, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Hydrobiology, Banacha 12/16, 90–237 Łódź, Poland
*corresponding author
Keywords:
Non-indigenous species; Peracarida; Gulf of Gdańsk; Biofouling; Life traits
Received: 10 February 2026; revised: 28 April 2026; accepted: 15 May 2026
Highlights
- Sinelobus vanhaareni is able to rapidly colonise artificial substrates.
- The population is stable, with a high proportion of medium-sized individuals.
- The sex ratio is strongly female-biased and increases in subsequent months.
- Despite their relatively small size, females produce large numbers of embryos.
- Population traits promote rapid establishment in non-native regions.
Abstract
Temporal changes in the abundance and population biology were studied in the non-indigenous tanaid Sinelobus
vanhaareni colonising artificial substrates (PVC plates) submerged in the shallow coastal waters of the Gulf of Gdańsk
(southern Baltic Sea). Individuals were collected three times, in July (early summer), August (midsummer) and
October (early autumn) 2019, with the number of samples analysed (PVC plates) ranging from 10 to 12 per season.
S. vanhaareni occurred with 100% frequency in all three sampling periods, with the lowest and highest densities of
667 ind. m−2 and 9.689 ind. m−2, respectively. The most common density (in 74% of all samples) did not exceed
4,000 ind. m−2. Furthermore, no temporal changes in this parameter were observed (p > 0.05). The study population
(n = 2.216) consisted of juveniles, females (non-reproductive, pre-ovigerous and ovigerous) and males, ranging in
size from 0.84 mm to 4.07 mm. Females of S. vanhaareni were longer than males and outnumbered them sixfold.
The female-biased sex ratio increased over time. The presence of ovigerous females and juveniles in the population
indicates that this species reproduces at least from June to October. The number of embryos per female ranged from
8 to 54 (mean 23 ± 10, n = 58) and increased significantly (p < 0.05) with female body length. These findings show
that S. vanhaareni is characterised by several life traits that favour the rapid establishment of a stable and abundant
population in non-native regions.
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Oceanologia, 68 (3)/2026, 68306, 19 pp.
https://doi.org/10.5697/RLBL8633
Ilaria Guardamagna1, Piotr Markuszewski2,3,4,5,*, Mikolaj Mazurkiewicz3, Przemysław Makuch3, Sergio Andò6, Niccolò Losi2, Ezio Bolzacchini2, Piotr Okoczuk7, Leszek Wicikowski7, Kinga Stawiarz8, Małgorzata Śmiszek8, Mateusz Zawadzki8, Luca Ferrero2
1Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology, National Research Council, 98122 Messina, Italy
2GEMMA and POLARIS Centre, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy
3Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 81–712 Sopot, Poland;
e-mail: pmarkusz@iopan.pl (P. Markuszewski)
4Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
5Bolin Centre for Climate Research, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
6Laboratory for Provenance Studies, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy
7Institute of Nanotechnology and Materials Engineering, Gdańsk University of Technology, 80–233 Gdańsk, Poland
8Department of Physics of Electronic Phenomena, Institute of Physics and Applied Computer Science, Faculty of Applied Physics and
Mathematics, Gdańsk University of Technology, 80–233 Gdańsk, Poland
*corresponding author
Keywords:
Microplastics; Baltic Sea; Polymer composition; Marine pollution; Raman spectroscopy
Received: 7 October 2025; revised: 28 April 2026; accepted: 15 May 2026
Highlights
- Winter storm conditions shaped the distribution of marine microplastics across the Baltic Sea.
- Deep waters showed higher microplastics concentrations than surface waters.
- Fibres were the dominant type of microplastic throughout the study area.
- Polyester, polyethylene, and polypropylene were the main polymers identified.
- Vertical microplastic patterns varied with regional exposure to storm impact.
Abstract
This study investigates the distribution, characteristics, and composition of marine microplastics (MPs) in the Baltic Sea during winter, under the meteorological conditions associated with the Dudley, Eunice, and Franklin storms of 2022. Sampling was conducted aboard r/v Oceania in February 2022 at 16 stations and along 13 transects under both calm and stormy conditions, using a dedicated microplastic net, a stainless-steel pump, and Niskin bottles. The mean MPs concentration was 273.8 ± 181.1 MPs m3, with markedly higher concentrations in deeper waters, particularly in the Bothnian Sea (up to 1083.3 MPs m3). Fibres dominated the MPs pool (70.1%), followed by fragments (29.8%) and beads (0.1%). Black (38.5%), blue (24.3%), and transparent (15.6%) particles were the most common. Raman
spectroscopy analysis identified polyester (other than PET, 28.6%), polyethylene (12.5%), polypropylene (7.4%), polyurethane (6.1%), PET (3.3%), rubber (1.9%), and polyamide (1.2%), while 39.1% of MPs were classified as aged and unidentifiable. Significant differences in polymer composition were found between surface and deep-water samples.
MPs density strongly influenced vertical distribution in the Gulf of Gdańsk and the Bothnian Sea, whereas vertical patterns were less distinct in the storm-exposed central Baltic (Gotland Basin). The accumulation of MPs in both surface and deep waters indicates potential ecological and human-health risks.
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Oceanologia, 68 (3)/2026, 68307, 16 pp.
https://doi.org/10.5697/BNFN9437
Elizabeth Sands1,2,*, Bengt Karlson3, Anders F. Andersson4, Krzysztof T. Jurdzinski4, Ulf Båmstedt1,2, Agneta Andersson1,2
1Department of Ecology, Environmental and Geoscience, 901 76 Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
2Umeå Marine Sciences Centre, Umeå University, 905 71 Hörnefors, Umeå, Sweden
3Research and Development, Oceanography, Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute, Göteborgseskaderns plats 3, 426 71, Västra Frölunda, Gothenburg, Sweden;
e-mail: elizabeth-rachel.sands@cea.fr (E. Sands)
4KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Department of Gene Technology, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden
*corresponding author
Keywords:
Phytoplankton; Metabarcoding; Community; Baltic Sea; CDOM; Light spectra; Green algae; Trophy
Received: 18 November 2025; revised: 16 March 2026; accepted: 18 June 2026
Highlights
- CDOM causes a red-shifted, browning light spectrum in the northern Baltic Sea.
- Kattegat, Central Baltic and Bothnian Bay samples exposed to blue, orange, or red light.
- Metabarcoding showed heterotrophs promoted in red light in all regions.
- Green algae only showed survival in red light in Bothnian Bay samples.
- Ecosystem light spectrum likely a selection factor for phytoplankton communities.
Abstract
Phytoplankton depend on light, and while intensity effects are well known, responses to light spectrum are less studied. The northern Baltic Sea appears increasingly brown due to CDOM, which absorbs blue light. Using incubation experiments and DNA barcoding on communities from Kattegat, the Central Baltic, and the Bothnian Bay, we show that browner, red-shifted light promotes mixotrophs and heterotrophs. Green algae from the Bothnian Bay tolerated red light, unlike those from southern regions, indicating local adaptation. These results reveal CDOM-driven spectral selection shaping northern Baltic phytoplankton communities as browning intensifies.
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Short communications
Marine ecosystems perceived as highly impacted by microplastic pollution: insights from a public awareness survey
Oceanologia, 68 (3)/2026, 68308, 4 pp.
https://doi.org/10.5697/HSIY4680
Barbara Urban-Malinga1,*, Agnieszka Szkudlarek-Pawełczyk2, Anetta Ameryk1, Aneta Jakubowska2
1National Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kołłątaja 1, 81-332 Gdynia, Poland;
e-mail: bmalinga@mir.gdynia.pl (B. Urban-Malinga)
2National Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Research Station in Świnoujście, Plac Słowiański 11, 72-600, Świnoujście, Poland
*corresponding author
Keywords:
Plastic pollution; Public perception; Environmental education
Received: 27 October 2025; revised: 3 February 2026; accepted: 24 March 2026
Highlights
- Most respondents associate microplastic pollution primarily with marine ecosystems.
- High awareness of microplastic pollution and its potential ecological impacts.
- Incomplete knowledge of the sources and origins of microplastics.
- Need for targeted awareness-raising and educational initiatives.
Abstract
Microplastics, a persistent by-product of global plastic overuse and inadequate waste management, continue to accumulate across environmental compartments. As their large-scale removal remains technically unfeasible, fostering individual responsibility may be crucial to mitigating this pollution. This study assessed public knowledge and awareness regarding microplastic contamination among 407 respondents across various age groups (< 20, 20–40, 40–60, and > 60). The results indicate high awareness of microplastic transport into marine and freshwater systems, as well as its potential harmful effects on biota. However, recognition of atmospheric pollution and domestic sources remains limited. Notably, 91% of respondents acknowledged individual responsibility for reducing plastic waste. These findings underscore the need for targeted education and awareness-raising initiatives to foster behavioural change and safeguard the oceans.
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