Contamination Of Aquatic Ecosystems Research Articles

Nile red staining for rapid screening of plastic-suspect particles in edible seafood tissues

Concerns regarding microplastic (MP) contamination in aquatic ecosystems and its impact on seafood require a better understanding of human dietary MP exposure including extensive monitoring. While conventional techniques for MP analysis like infrared or Raman microspectroscopy provide detailed particle information, they are limited by low sample throughput, particularly when dealing with high particle numbers in seafood due to matrix-related residues. Consequently, more rapid techniques need to be developed to meet the requirements of large-scale monitoring. This study focused on semi-automated fluorescence imaging analysis after Nile red staining for rapid MP screening in seafood. By implementing RGB-based fluorescence threshold values, the need for high operator expertise to prevent misclassification was addressed. Food-relevant MP was identified with over 95% probability and differentiated from natural polymers with a 1% error rate. Comparison with laser direct infrared imaging (LDIR), a state-of-the-art method for rapid MP analysis, showed similar particle counts, indicating plausible results. However, highly variable recovery rates attributed to inhomogeneous particle spiking experiments highlight the need for future development of certified reference material including sample preparation. The proposed method demonstrated suitability of high throughput analysis for seafood samples, requiring 0.02–0.06 h/cm2 filter surface compared to 4.5–14.7 h/cm with LDIR analysis. Overall, the method holds promise as a screening tool for more accurate yet resource-intensive MP analysis methods such as spectroscopic or thermoanalytical techniques.Graphical

Nanoplastic contamination: Impact on zebrafish liver metabolism and implications for aquatic environmental health

Nanoplastics (NPs) are increasingly pervasive in the environment, raising concerns about their potential health implications, particularly within aquatic ecosystems. This study investigated the impact of polystyrene nanoparticles (PSN) on zebrafish liver metabolism using liquid chromatography hybrid quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) based non-targeted metabolomics. Zebrafish were exposed to 50 nm PSN for 28 days at low (L-PSN) and high (H-PSN) concentrations (0.1 and 10 mg/L, respectively) via water. The results revealed significant alterations in key metabolic pathways in low and high exposure groups. The liver metabolites showed different metabolic responses with L-PSN and H-PSN. A total of 2078 metabolite features were identified from the raw data obtained in both positive and negative ion modes, with 190 metabolites deemed statistically significant in both L-PSN and H-PSN groups. Disruptions in lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and amino acid synthesis were identified. Notably, L-PSN exposure induced changes in DNA building blocks, membrane-associated biomarkers, and immune-related metabolites, while H-PSN exposure was associated with oxidative stress, altered antioxidant metabolites, and liver injury. For the first time, L-PSN was found depolymerized in the liver by cytochrome P450 enzymes. Utilizing an analytical approach to the adverse outcome pathway (AOP), impaired lipid metabolism and oxidative stress have been identified as potentially conserved key events (KEs) associated with PSN exposure. These KEs further induced liver inflammation, steatosis, and fibrosis at the tissue and organ level. Ultimately, this could significantly impact biological health. The study highlights the PSN-induced effects on zebrafish liver metabolism, emphasizing the need for a better understanding of the risks associated with NPs contamination in aquatic ecosystems.

Microcystin removal by microbial communities from a coastal lagoon: Influence of abiotic factors, bacterioplankton composition and estimated functions

Toxic cyanobacterial blooms present a substantial risk to public health due to the production of secondary metabolites, notably microcystins (MCs). Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is the most prevalent and toxic variant in freshwater. MCs resist conventional water treatment methods, persistently impacting water quality. This study focused on an oligohaline shallow lagoon historically affected by MC-producing cyanobacteria, aiming to identify bacteria capable of degrading MC and investigating the influence of environmental factors on this process. While isolated strains did not exhibit MC degradation, microbial assemblages directly sourced from lagoon water removed MC-LR within seven days at 25 ºC and pH 8.0. The associated bacterial community demonstrated an increased abundance of bacterial taxa assigned to Methylophilales, and also Rhodospirillales and Rhodocyclales to a lesser extent. However, elevated atmospheric temperatures (45 ºC) and acidification (pH 5.0 and 3.0) hindered MC-LR removal, indicating that extreme environmental changes could contribute to prolonged MC persistence in the water column. This study highlights the importance of considering environmental conditions in order to develop strategies to mitigate cyanotoxin contamination in aquatic ecosystems.

Utilizing novel Escherichia coli-specific conserved signature proteins for enhanced monitoring of recreational water quality.

Escherichia coli serves as a proxy indicator of fecal contamination in aquatic ecosystems. However, its identification using traditional culturing methods can take up to 24h. The application of DNA markers, such as conserved signature proteins (CSPs) genes (unique to all species/strains of a specific taxon), can form the foundation for novel polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests that unambiguously identify and detect targeted bacterial taxa of interest. This paper reports the identification of three new highly-conserved CSPs (genes), namely YahL, YdjO, and YjfZ, which are exclusive to E. coli/Shigella. Using PCR primers based on highly conserved regions within these CSPs, we have developedquantitative PCR (qPCR) assays for the evaluation of E. coli/Shigella species in water ecosystems. Both in-silico and experimental PCR testing confirmed the absence of sequence match when tested against other bacteria, thereby confirming 100% specificity of the tested CSPs for E. coli/Shigella. The qPCR assays for each of the three CSPs provided reliable quantification for all tested enterohaemorrhagic and environmental E. coli strains, a requirement for water testing. For recreational water samples, CSP-based quantification showed a high correlation (r > 7, p < 0.01) with conventional viable E. coli enumeration. This indicates that novel CSP-based qPCR assays for E. coli can serve as robust tools for monitoring water ecosystems and other critical areas, including food monitoring.

Quantitative effects of anthropogenic and natural factors on the spatial distribution of heavy metals and bacterial communities in sediments of the Pearl River Delta

Heavy metal (HM) contamination of aquatic ecosystems has increasingly posed threats to ecological balance and health. Analysis of sediments to determine water pollution sources is widely reported, while quantitative research about the effects of environmental factors on the distribution of HMs and relevant microbial communities is limited. Here, we investigated 6 kinds of HM pollution characteristics (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn) of the Pearl River Delta (PRD) by collecting surface sediment samples around the main stream and estuary and explored the influencing factors with a geographical detector method (GDM). The shifts in the corresponding microbial community was further analyzed, and the influence mechanism was clearly elucidated using partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM). Results showed that (i) most HM contents of the sediments greatly exceeded the local background values, wherein, Cd had the highest pollution level; (ii) temperature was considered the dominant natural factor of HM distribution, except for Pb, with an influence degree of 0.68–0.97; (iii) industrial activity is an significant anthropogenic factor for HM distribution, and the electroplating industry was the main source for Cr, Cu and Zn; (iv) the network analysis revealed that As, Cu and Cr were enriched in some HM-tolerant bacteria (mainly Chloroflexi, Acidobacteriota and Proteobacteria), while heavy Cd pollution induced a reduction in sensitive bacterial taxa; (v) PLS-PM demonstrated that human activities largely affect bacterial communities by causing HM pollution. This study could provide guidance for better management of HM pollution control practices, such as specific industrial governance and layout optimization.

Evaluation of Pesticides on Detritus-Inhabiting and Root-Associated Fungi in Aquatic Habitats and Potential Implications

Pesticide contamination of aquatic ecosystems poses a significant threat to humans and can adversely affect fungal-driven processes in these understudied habitats. Here, we investigated the effects of four pesticides on detritus-inhabiting and plant root-associated fungi from streams, peatlands, and saltwater marshes. Additionally, we assessed the isolates’ capacities to degrade three carbon sources to understand the impact of pesticides on fungal-driven processes. Pesticide assays were conducted in 96-well glass-coated plates, with fungal growth measured using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer set to 595 nm. Assays included technical replication (n = 6), replication over time (n = 2), negative controls, and carry-over controls. In total, we assayed more than 153 isolates, representing up to 97 fungal genera. Results showed that 1.9%, 49.7%, 3.1%, and 5.6% of the isolates exhibited consistently lower growth when exposed to atrazine, mancozeb, cypermethrin, and malathion, respectively. Furthermore, 101 isolates, comprising 87 genera, were tested for cellulase, starch degradation, and tannase activity, with 41.6%, 28.7%, and 30.7% of the isolates testing positive, respectively. These findings suggest that while many species demonstrate functional redundancy, some fungal species are sensitive to current environmental pesticide levels, which affects their growth and may have broader implications on ecosystem health.

Magnetic recyclable visible light-driven Bi2WO6/Fe3O4/RGO for photocatalytic degradation of Microcystin-LR: Mechanism, pathway, and influencing factors

Photocatalysis was an attractive strategy that had potential to tackle the Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) contamination of aquatic ecosystems. Herein, magnetic photocatalyst Fe3O4/Bi2WO6/Reduced graphene oxide composites (Bi2WO6/Fe3O4/RGO) were employed to degrade MC-LR. The removal efficiency and kinetic constant of the optimized Bi2WO6/Fe3O4/RGO (Bi2WO6/Fe3O4-40%/RGO) was 1.8 and 2.3 times stronger than the pure Bi2WO6. The improved activity of Bi2WO6/Fe3O4-40%/RGO was corresponded to the expanded visible light adsorption ability and reduction of photogenerated carrier recombination efficiency through the integration of Bi2WO6 and Fe3O4-40%/RGO. The MC-LR removal efficiency exhibited a positive tendency to the initial density of algae cells, fulvic acid, and the concentration of MC-LR decreased. The existed anions (Cl−, CO3−2, NO3−, H2PO4−) reduced MC-LR removal efficiency of Bi2WO6/Fe3O4-40%/RGO. The Bi2WO6/Fe3O4-40%/RGO could degrade 79.3% of MC-LR at pH = 7 after 180 min reaction process. The trapping experiments and ESR tests confirmed that the h+, ∙OH, and ∙O2− played a significant role in MC-LR degradation. The LC-MS/MS result revealed the intermediates and possible degradation pathways.

Comparative analysis of sediment quality indices using different reference values in an environmental protection area in Southeastern Brazil.

Contamination of aquatic ecosystems by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is a concerning environmental issue, given their persistence, toxicity potential, and ability to accumulate in living organisms. Several studies have been conducted to assess the contamination of aquatic ecosystems by PTEs, using pollution and ecological risk indices that rely on the concentration of these elements in aquatic sediments. However, many of these studies use global reference values for calculating the indices, which can lead to misleading interpretations due to substantial variations in PTEs concentrations influenced by the geological characteristics of each region. Therefore, the use of regional reference values is more appropriate when available. This study aimed to investigate variations in the results of five indices, employing global, regional, and quality reference values, based on sediment samples collected from rivers in the Ipanema National Forest, a protected area in Brazil exposed to various anthropogenic pressures. The results revealed that elements such as Al, Fe, and Mn exceeded the limits allowed by legislation in water samples, while As and Cr surpassed the limits in sediment samples. Comparative analysis highlighted significant discrepancies in the results of the indices when global reference values were used compared to regional and quality reference values, especially for As and Ba. Thus, this study underscores the importance of establishing specific regional values for an accurate assessment of sediment quality and the risks associated with contamination by PTEs in different regions worldwide.

A Review on Unlocking Toxicity: How Zebrafish embryos Help Ensure Safe Chemicals

Aquatic ecotoxicity testing has benefited greatly from zebrafish embryo toxicity testing (ZFET) because of its high throughput, low cost, sensitivity to a variety of toxicants, and ethical issues. This study highlights the benefits of ZFET over conventional fish toxicity testing, such as its capacity to detect teratogenic defects and possible long-term impacts. The limitations of ZFET are also addressed, notably its emphasis on acute dosages and difficulties with interspecies extrapolation. In addition to the generation of in vitro alternatives utilizing zebrafish cell lines, recent developments in ZFET technology are also highlighted, including the use of transgenic zebrafish lines and high-throughput screening techniques. The paper's conclusion includes a discussion of potential prospects for ZFET research. These include improving interspecies extrapolation methods, optimizing chronic toxicity assessment procedures, and integrating ZFET with other ecotoxicity testing strategies. ZFET is a great instrument for environmental protection and a crucial component in avoiding chemical contamination of aquatic ecosystems, so long as it is acknowledged for what it is and is open to future improvement

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of the Hepatopancreas from Macrobrachium rosenbergii Exposed to the Heavy Metal Copper.

The contamination of aquatic ecosystems by the heavy metal copper (Cu) is an important environmental issue and poses significant risks to the physiological functions of aquatic organisms. Macrobrachium rosenbergii is one of the most important freshwater-cultured prawns in the world. The hepatopancreas of crustaceans is a key organ for immune defense, heavy metal accumulation, and detoxification, playing a pivotal role in toxicological research. However, research on the molecular response of the hepatopancreas in M. rosenbergii to Cu exposure is still lacking. In this study, the transcriptomic response in the hepatopancreas of M. rosenbergii was studied after Cu exposure for 3 and 48 h. Compared with the control group, 11,164 (7288 up-regulated and 3876 down-regulated genes) and 10,937 (6630 up-regulated and 4307 down-regulated genes) differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified after 3 and 48 h exposure, respectively. Most of these DEGs were up-regulated, implying that gene expressions were largely induced by Cu. Functional enrichment analysis of these DEGs revealed that immunity, copper homeostasis, detoxification, DNA damage repair, and apoptosis were differentially regulated by Cu. Seven genes involved in immunity, detoxification, and metabolism were selected for validation by qRT-PCR, and the results confirmed the reliability of RNA-Seq. All these findings suggest that M. rosenbergii attempts to resist the toxicity of Cu by up-regulating the expression of genes related to immunity, metabolism, and detoxification. However, with the excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the antioxidant enzyme system was destroyed. As a result, DNA damage repair and the cellular stress response were inhibited, thereby exacerbating cell damage. In order to maintain the normal function of the hepatopancreas, M. rosenbergii removes damaged cells by activating the apoptosis mechanism. Our study not only facilitates an understanding of the molecular response mechanisms of M. rosenbergii underlying Cu toxicity effects but also helps us to identify potential biomarkers associated with the stress response in other crustaceans.

Grafted Tomatoes Removed More Soil Phosphorus than Nongrafted Tomatoes under High-phosphorus Conditions

Nonpoint-source phosphorus (P) from agricultural fields is a contaminant of surface waters, and high soil P fertility exacerbates this problem. Many vegetable growers and gardeners have a history of applying more P than is necessary for optimum plant growth. Avoiding unnecessary P applications is an important part of the long-term solution to reducing P loading in water. When soil P levels are very high, management practices that result in more intense P removal are recommended to reduce these levels and the potential for aquatic ecosystem contamination with P. Growers may apply soluble starter fertilizer containing P to encourage rapid transplant establishment; however, the effectiveness of this practice is unknown for soil P levels considered high or very high. Grafting tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) onto vigorous rootstocks may help the plant remove more P from the soil than nongrafted plants. This study investigated the effects of organic starter P fertilizers applied to three hybrids of nongrafted tomato and the same hybrids grafted onto ‘Estamino’ rootstock in field-grown conditions during three site-years with high preplant P fertility. The yield, fruit P concentration, and amount of P removed from the field were measured to elucidate starter P and grafting impacts on P removal. Starter P was not impactful on all responses. Grafting increased the total yield by 11.6%, fruit P concentration in a genotype-dependent manner (average of 12.6%), and net P removal from the field by 28.4% (6.0 kg P/ha). Net P removal was positively correlated with the total yield (r = 0.821) and fruit P concentration (r = 0.502), suggesting that practices to increase the yield or P concentration independently increase net P removal.

Toxicity Evaluation and Tissue Damaging Effects of Lead in Labeo Rohita

Heavy metal contamination of aquatic ecosystems due to industrialization and anthropogenic activities has become a serious global issue. Toxic effects of these heavy metals are posing a major threat to the aquatic organisms especially fish. Fishes exposed to lead (Pb), exhibit a wide-range of effects including muscular and neurological degeneration and destruction, growth inhibition, mortality, reproductive problems, and paralysis. Many fish species are used as food source by man. Bio magnification of these metals makes them hazardous for humans. Objective: To evaluate the acute toxicity (96-hr LC50 and lethal concentrations) of Pb in Labeo rohita and the effect of various sub-lethal doses of Pb on different organs (Gills, Liver, and Muscles) of fish. Methods: Live fish samples (150) were shifted from hatchery to laboratory. To measure metal (Pb), accumulation in fish body inductively coupled Plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was performed. Results: Acute toxicity (96-hr LC50) of Pb was observed as 52.20 mg/l, while Pb accumulation was noted more in gills as compared to liver and muscles. Conclusions: This study will provide baseline information for the control of aquatic pollution and conservation of aquatic organisms

Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate effects on the growth, development, and reproduction of Moina macrocopa (Crustacea: Cladocera)

Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is used as a plasticizer in plastics. The effects of DEHP on terrestrial vertebrates have been extensively reported but the effects of DEHP contamination on aquatic ecosystems have not been thoroughly studied. Since water bodies are one of the main mediums through which DEHP is released worldwide, the impacts of DEHP contamination should be manifested in water fleas. Therefore, maternal Moina macrocopa were exposed to 1, 10, 100, and 1000 μg/L concentrations of DEHP. Changes in growth and reproduction were evaluated. The findings demonstrated that DEHP exposure did not have a negative impact on growth or the ability to reproduce. An analysis of the ovary yolk body (YB) demonstrated that the average size and number of yolk bodies (YBs) produced by M. macrocopa exposed to 1000 μg/L DEHP were not significantly different to the average size and number of YBs produced in blank control and solvent control conditions. These outcomes support the cellular pathology data gathered by other researchers. Nevertheless, when M. macrocopa was exposed to 1000 μg/L DEHP for five days, a significant increase in YB numbers was observed with changes in YB morphology. The critical cellular pathology of YB showed morphological abnormalities, including rod-shaped YBs, and YB density was higher than in the blank and solvent controls. Even though these results suggest that antioxidative stress can be induced by DEHP exposure, growth, and reproduction were not significantly different among exposed water fleas compared to fleas in the blank and solvent controls. The result was attributed to the antioxidant response of the water flea. In conclusion, the present study enhances our understanding of previous findings from risk assessments of DEHP contamination in aquatic ecosystems.

Assessment of ecological and health risk impact of heavy metals contamination in stream sediments in Itapaji-Ekiti, SW Nigeria

BackgroundHeavy metal contamination in aquatic ecosystems is a major environmental and health concern globally. This study assessed the ecological and health risks associated with heavy metal pollution in stream sediments in Itapaji-Ekiti, Southwest Nigeria. The study contributes collectively to a comprehensive understanding of the geochemical dynamics and contamination factors affecting the studied stream sediments. MethodsHeavy metals study was conducted on stream sediments within the geographical confines of sheet 244, Ado map. Seventeen stream sediment samples were obtained from various sites and subjected to analysis to determine the concentrations of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), barium (Ba), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni) and vanadium (V) using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). The results showed that the concentrations of these metals exceeded permissible levels at most sampling sites, indicating significant contamination of the stream sediments. The concentrations and pollution levels of the heavy metals from selected sampling sites were documented for ecological and health risk evaluations. ResultThe findings revealed that the concentrations of these metals surpassed acceptable thresholds at the majority of sampling locations, indicating significant contamination of the stream sediments. The concentrations of heavy metals, specifically Cr and Cd, exhibit moderate contamination, while Pb and Ba demonstrates a significant contamination factor with moderate to extreme degree of contamination. Several ecological risk indices were calculated to evaluate the potential ecological risks. The results revealed that the stream sediments posed considerable to very high ecological risks at most sites based on the risk quotient, contamination factor and pollution load index. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk assessments for heavy metals in stream sediments exposed potential health risks, especially for children, indicating the need for protective measures. The cumulative cancer risk, particularly for adults, raised concerns about the overall health implications of prolonged exposure to the heavy metal concentrations in the streams. ConclusionThe study also evaluated ecological and health risks, revealing potential risks from heavy metals. Hazard and cancer risk assessments suggested the increasing potential of heavy metals to pose health risks, particularly for inhabitants of the area.

Comparative transcriptome combined with physiological analyses revealed key genes and pathways for cadmium tolerance in wild-type and mutant microalgae Dunaliella salina

Cadmium (Cd) has become one of the major contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. The microalgae Dunaliella salina is known as a cadmium (Cd) accumulator and shows a high level of tolerance to Cd, but improved Cd tolerance and relevant mechanisms are still required for investigation. In this study, two mutant strains (M1 and M2) of D. salina with high Cd resistance were obtained by chemical mutagenesis. In the normal medium, there were no differences between the two mutant strains and the wild-type strain in biochemical and physiological indicators. However, the two mutant strains showed high Cd resistance, rapid growth rate, and good Cd accumulation capacity in the medium containing high levels of Cd compared with the wild strain, which may be involved in increases in protein content, accumulation of carotenoids and chlorophylls, and glutathione reductase (GR) activity. We identified 829, 587, and 740 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the Cd/Control, Cd + M1/Cd, and Cd + M2/Cd sample groups by transcriptome analysis, respectively. The main DEGs were found in the ribosome, DNA replication, photosynthesis-antenna, and photosynthesis pathways after KEGG enrichment. There were 39 DEGs involved in the photosynthesis and photosynthesis-antenna pathways, of which 28 DEGs were down-regulated by Cd in the wild-type strain but remained relatively unchanged in the mutant strains. Under Cd exposure, the mutant strains showed higher mRNA levels of most DEGs involved in the ribosome and DNA replication pathways than the wild strain. Taken together, the present study will help us understand the mechanism of Cd tolerance in microalgae, and provide candidate genes and key pathways for phytoremediation.

Change in water quality in an Amazonian microbasin: ecological and human health implications.

The decline in the quality of water resources in the Amazon is very rapid in cities suffering from unplanned urban growth. The region has two defined seasons, winter (wet) and summer (dry), which directly affect the behavior of contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. The aim of this study was to assess the ecological and human health risks associated with the use of the watershed. In addition, an ecological index was proposed: the Quality Index for Aquatic Life, for the risk of contaminants to aquatic life. Sampling was carried out at six points in the Juá watershed. Physicochemical parameters, major anions, metals and total phosphorus were analyzed at both stations between 2020 and 2021. The highest concentrations of contaminants were found in the rainy season, due to the washing away of the banks. In this sense, Cl presented a concentration more than 307 times higher than that permitted by Brazilian legislation (wet). The ecological index showed that the watershed has a high risk of metals such as Cr III and Cr VI for the biota. The human health risk analysis showed a low risk; however, the lack of basic sanitation in the city indicates that monitoring of urban water resources is necessary.

Interaction Between Endocrine Disruptors and Polyethylene Nanoplastic by Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

Nanoplastics (NPs) can come into contact with humans through different means such as ingesting contaminated food or exposure to contaminated air. Recent research indicates that these NPs can act as vectors for other contaminants. Further research is still needed to determine the effects of these interactions and whether they are significant under environmental conditions. Bisphenol A (BPA) and benzophenone (BZP) are possible contaminants that could be cotransported with NPs. Even in low concentrations, BPA and BZP can act as endocrine disruptors and have been linked to several diseases. In this study, we used molecular dynamics simulations to obtain the potential of mean force (PMF) profile between a polyethylene NP and a BPA/BZP molecule. The PMF shows a minimum of -8.0 kJ mol-1 for the BPA, whereas it is -23.5 kJ mol-1 for the BZP, meaning BZP has a much greater attractive potential to polyethylene than BPA. We can infer that the higher quantity of BPA's hydrogen bonds with the water contributes to the difference between BZP and BPA. The results indicate the need to address the possibility of NPs playing a role in the cotransport and bioaccumulation of contaminants in aquatic ecosystems.

Defect Engineering of Bi2WO6 for Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Antibiotic Pollutants

AbstractInfiltration of excessive antibiotics into aquatic ecosystems plays a significant role in antibiotic resistance, a major global health challenge. It is therefore critical to develop effective technologies for their removal. Herein, defect‐rich Bi2WO6 nanoparticles are solvothermally prepared via epitaxial growth on pristine Bi2WO6 seed nanocrystals, and the efficiency of the photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin, a common antibiotic, is found to increase markedly from 62.51% to 98.27% under visible photoirradiation for 60 min. This is due to the formation of a large number of structural defects, where the synergistic interactions between grain boundaries and adjacent dislocations and oxygen vacancies lead to an improved separation and migration efficiency of photogenerated carriers and facilitate the adsorption and degradation of ciprofloxacin, as confirmed in experimental and theoretical studies. Results from this work demonstrate the unique potential of defect engineering for enhanced photocatalytic performance, a critical step in removing antibiotic contaminants in aquatic ecosystems.

The First Evidence of the Water Bioremediation Potential of Ficopomatus enigmaticus (Fauvel 1923): From Threat to Resource?

Each year, a staggering 700,000 tons of synthetic dyes are manufactured globally, leading to the release of dye-laden wastewater into aquatic systems. These synthetic dyes resist biodegradation, endangering human and environmental health. Since traditional wastewater treatments are basically unable to remove dyes, exploring the potential of alternative solutions, such as bioremediation, is crucial to reduce dye contamination in aquatic ecosystems. Ficopomatus enigmaticus (Fauvel 1923), listed as one of the 100 worst invasive species in Europe, is considered an invasive ecosystem engineer capable of causing economic and ecological losses. Despite this negative status, the literature suggests its positive contributions to aquatic ecosystems as habitat former and water bioremediator. However, existing evidence on the potential of F. enigmaticus to improve water quality is fragmented and lacks experimental data from laboratory tests. This study examined the potential of Ficopomatus reefs, both living and dead, to enhance water quality by removing contaminants, focusing on methylene blue (MB), one of the most common synthetic dyes. Bioaccumulation and bioadsorption were identified as key mechanisms for dye removal, supported by ATR-FTIR and microscopic analyses. Ficopomatus efficiently removed up to 80% of MB within 24 h. Bioaccumulation in the soft body accounted for 18% of the total removal, while complex adsorption phenomena involving carbonaceous, microalgal, and organic reef components accounted for 82%. Surprisingly, bioremediated solutions exhibited significant effects in ecotoxicological tests on bacteria, indicating the potential of F. enigmaticus to disrupt bacterial quorum sensing related to biofilm formation, and suggesting a possible antifouling action. This study underscores the intricate interplay between F. enigmaticus, water quality improvement, and potential ecological consequences, stressing the need for further investigation into its multifaceted role in aquatic ecosystems.

Novel Cerium (IV) Oxide -Ti3C2- titanium dioxide heterostructure photocatalyst for pharmaceutical pollutants removal: Photocatalyst characterization, process optimization and transformation pathways

Tetracycline (TC) is a widely applied antibiotic recognized for its potential negative consequences on human health and ecological balance. In this study, a novel photocatalyst, Cerium (IV) oxide -Ti3C2- titanium dioxide (CeMXT), was synthesized through sonochemical and impregnation techniques, subsequently subjected to comprehensive characterization employing diverse methods including XRD, SEM, TEM, HR-TEM, Raman, XPS, and BET. The optimization of TC degradation was pursued using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM), encompassing variables such as initial TC concentration, irradiation duration, photocatalyst dosage, and pH. The degradation efficacy was investigated through free radical trapping experiments, revealing the pivotal roles of OH and superoxide anion radicals. Remarkable degradation efficiency, reaching 94.70 %, was achieved under specific parameter conditions: 22.19 mg/L TC concentration, 104.13 min irradiation, 0.65 g/L photocatalyst dosage, and pH 4.72. This exceptional performance could be attributed to the elevated generation of oxidant species facilitated by the Z-scheme electron transfer heterojunction. Furthermore, LC-Mass analysis was employed to delineate the intermediates formed during TC photodegradation, culminating in proposing a conceivable degradation pathway. The impressive proficiency of the CeMXT photocatalyst underscores its potential application for effective large-scale treatment of persistent organic pollutants in wastewater treatment facilities. Additionally, comparative analysis with a recently developed photocatalyst highlights its promise as a viable alternative for the remediation of such contaminants in aquatic ecosystems.