Marine Ecosystem Health Research Articles

Innovative and practical tools for monitoring and assessing biodiversity status and impacts of multiple human pressures in marine systems.

Human activities at sea can produce pressures and cumulative effects on ecosystem components that need to be monitored and assessed in a cost-effective manner. Five Horizon European projects have joined forces to collaboratively increase our knowledge and skills to monitor and assess the ocean in an innovative way, assisting managers and policy-makers in taking decisions to maintain sustainable activities at sea. Here, we present and discuss the status of some methods revised during a summer school, aiming at better management of coasts and seas. We include novel methods to monitor the coastal and ocean waters (e.g. environmental DNA, drones, imaging and artificial intelligence, climate modelling and spatial planning) and innovative tools to assess the status (e.g. cumulative impacts assessment, multiple pressures, Nested Environmental status Assessment Tool (NEAT), ecosystem services assessment or a new unifying approach). As a concluding remark, some of the most important challenges ahead are assessing the pros and cons of novel methods, comparing them with benchmark technologies and integrating these into long-standing time series for data continuity. This requires transition periods and careful planning, which can be covered through an intense collaboration of current and future European projects on marine biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Foraminiferal detoxification breakdown induced by fatal levels of TiO2 nanoparticles

The increase discharge of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, derived from engineered material waste, exerts a detrimental impact on both the marine ecosystem and public health. The cytotoxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles on marine organisms should be imperatively understood to tackle the urgent concern for the well-being of marine life. Various concentrations of TiO2 nanoparticles have proven to reach fatal levels in aquatic organisms, requiring a deeper exploration of cytotoxicity. Notably, certain benthic foraminifers, such as Ammonia veneta, have been identified as capable of incorporating TiO2 nanoparticles into vesicles. However, these organisms exhibit a detoxification mechanism through exocytosis, as indicated by previous transcriptomic inferences. This presents the advantage of assessing the tolerance of foraminifers to TiO2 nanoparticles as pollutants and investigating the long-term effects of cytotoxicity. In this study, we scrutinized the distribution of TiO2 nanoparticles within cells and the growth rates of individuals in seawater media containing 1, 5, 10, and 50 ppm TiO2 nanoparticles, comparing the results with a control group over a 5-week period, utilizing A. veneta stain. Transmission electron microscopy observations consistently revealed high concentrations of TiO2 nanoparticles in vesicles, and their expulsion from cells was evident even with exposure to 5 ppm TiO2 nanoparticles. Under the control and 1 ppm TiO2 conditions, foraminifers increased their cell volume by adding a calcification chamber to their tests every 1 or 2 days. However, the 5-week culturing experiments demonstrated that foraminifers gradually ceased growing under 5 ppm TiO2 nanoparticle exposure and exhibited no growth at > 10 ppm concentrations, despite an ample food supply. Consequently, these findings with A. veneta suggest that the foraminiferal detoxification system could be disrupted by concentrations exceeding 5 ppm of TiO2 nanoparticles. The toxic effect of TiO2 nanoparticles on meiofauna, such as benthic foraminifers, have been poorly understood, though these organisms play an important role in the marine ecosystem. Environmental accumulation of TiO2 nanoparticles on the coast has already exceeded twenty times more than foraminiferal detoxification level. Future studies focusing on toxic mechanism of TiO2 nanoparticles are crucial to prevent the breakdown of the marine ecosystem through accelerating discharge of TiO2 nanoparticles into the ocean.

Microbial communities as indicators of marine ecosystem health: Insights from coastal sediments in the eastern Adriatic Sea

Considering the adaptability and responsiveness of microorganisms to environmental changes, their indicator potential is still not acknowledged in European directives. This comprehensive study examined the changes of microbial communities in sediments and a range of geochemical parameters from pristine and anthropogenically impacted coastal areas in the eastern Adriatic Sea. Various analytical methods found evidence of sediment contamination (high toxicity level, enrichments of metals, tributyltin) in certain areas, leading to the categorization of sediments based on the level of anthropogenic disturbance. Prokaryotes were identified as the most promising group of microbes for further research, with specific bacterial families (Rhodobacteraceae, Ectothiorhodospiraceae, Cyclobacteriaceae) and genera (Boseongicola, B2M28, Subgroup 23, Sva0485, Thiogranum) proposed as potential indicators of environmental status. Finally, predictive models were developed to identify key indicator variables for assessing anthropogenic impact in sediments. This research represents an essential step toward incorporating microbial communities into assessments of benthic environmental health.

Assessing marine ecosystem health using multi-omic analysis of blue mussel liquid biopsies: A case study within a national marine park

Marine ecosystems are under escalating threats from myriad environmental stressors, necessitating a deeper understanding of their impact on biodiversity and the health of sentinel organisms. In this study, we carried out a spatiotemporal multi-omic analysis of liquid biopsies collected from mussels (Mytilus spp.) in marine ecosystems of a national park. We delved into the epigenomic, transcriptomic, glycomic, proteomic, and microbiomic profiles to unravel the intricate interplay between ecosystem biodiversity and mussels' biological response to their environments. Our analysis revealed temporal fluctuations in the alpha diversity of the circulating microbiome associated with human activities. Analysis of the hemolymphatic circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) provided information on the biodiversity and the presence of potential pathogens. Epigenomic analysis revealed widespread hypomethylation sites within the mitochondrial (mtDNA). Comparative transcriptomic and glycomic analyses highlighted differences in metabolic pathways and genes associated with immune and wound healing functions. This study demonstrates the potential of multi-omic analysis of liquid biopsy in sentinel to provide a holistic view of human activities' environmental impacts on marine coastal ecosystems. Overall, this approach has the potential to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of various conservation efforts, leading to more informed decision-making and better outcomes for biodiversity and ecosystem conservation.

Analysis of the UV filter Benzophenone-3 assimilation in Crossostrea gigas oysters post-exposure in a controlled environment by LC-MS/MS

Benzophenone-3 (BP-3), utilized as a UV filter in cosmetic products, is an emerging contaminant that constitutes a threat to natural resources and environmental health. This study investigated the assimilation of the UV filter BP-3 in Crassostrea gigas oysters collected in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Lyophilized oyster tissue extracts were prepared using the QuEChERS method, and LC-MS/MS was employed to determine the BP-3 concentration in the samples. The method was applied to specimens intentionally exposed to two concentrations of the contaminant, for different periods of exposure (1 and 7 days). Samples from treatment 1 (T1) were exposed to a concentration of 1 μg L−1 of the BP-3 standard, and samples from treatment 2 (T2) were exposed to a concentration of 100 μg L−1 of the BP-3 standard. The results revealed rapid absorption of BP-3, with an increase of 126% for lower concentrations, reaching 1.13 μg of BP-3 per gram of oyster tissue, and 17% for higher concentrations, reaching 34.6 μg of BP-3 per gram of oyster tissue after 7 days. The presence of BP-3 even in samples not directly exposed to the contaminant indicates its widespread environmental distribution. The rapid bioaccumulation suggests the need to consider seasonal variations, such as increased tourism in the summer. The validated analytical method demonstrated efficacy in quantifying BP-3, providing an integrated approach for long-term monitoring of pollution levels and their dynamic variations over time. In addition, variation in BP-3 levels in the samples may be related to transport patterns influenced by tides and discharges from septic system, highlighting the need to improve wastewater treatment. These findings underscore the necessity for continuous biomonitoring and effective environmental management to safeguard the health of marine ecosystems and humans.

Deciphering the Environmental Code: SEM-EDX Analysis of Lead and Mercury Distribution in Enhalus Acoroides From Kayeli Bay, Indonesia

Background: Illegal gold mining activities around Kayeli Bay have led to increased heavy metal contamination that has the potential to impair water quality and growth of Enhalus acoroides, an important seaweed species. This study aimed to investigate the distribution and concentration of heavy metals Pb and Hg in Enhalus acoroides organs (roots, rhizomes, and leaves) using SEM-EDX techniques and evaluate the impact of mining activities on the surface microstructure of these organs. Methods: Enhalus acoroides samples were collected from ten sampling points in Kayeli Bay, which were selected based on potential heavy metal contamination. SEM-EDX analysis was performed to assess the surface microstructure and distribution of heavy metals in the seaweed samples. Results: Results showed significant differences in Pb and Hg concentrations among samples from different locations, with Hg content consistently higher than Pb. Surface microstructure analysis showed morphological changes in roots, rhizomes, and leaves exposed to heavy metals, indicating environmental stress in Enhalus acoroides. Conclusion: This study confirmed the negative impact of heavy metal contamination on Enhalus acoroides in Kayeli Bay due to illegal gold mining activities. High concentrations of heavy metals, especially Hg, in seaweed organs indicate potential risks to marine ecosystem health and the sustainability of fisheries resources. These findings emphasize the need for stricter environmental monitoring and management to protect this important marine habitat from heavy metal pollution.

Assessment of Microplastic Pollution Across the Malabar Coast, India

ABSTRACTRecent scientific investigations have highlighted concerning levels of microplastic contamination in marine ecosystems, posing significant risks to marine organisms and human populations. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of microplastics in water, sediment, and tissues of commercially important fish species along the Malabar coast in Northwest Kerala, India. Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), six predominant polymer types were identified, including HDPE, PET, and nylon. The investigation revealed notable abundances of transparent microplastic particles, measuring <1 mm in diameter, particularly in gastrointestinal and gill tissues, with gastrointestinal tissues exhibiting the highest concentration of microplastics. A diverse array of morphotypes, including fragments (48.08%), fibers (28.84%), filaments (19.23%), and granules (3.85%), were observed within the coastal zone. The study implicates various sources of contamination, such as direct discharges, runoff, and inadequate wastewater management practices, contributing to the substantial presence of microplastics in coastal environments. In light of these findings, the study emphasizes the urgent need for the implementation of effective regulatory measures to mitigate plastic pollution in marine ecosystems. These results underscore the critical importance of proactive intervention to safeguard the health of marine ecosystems and human populations in coastal regions.

Spatial distribution, morphology, and risk assessment of microplastics in sediment from the Pearl River Estuary, China

Microplastics (MPs) (<5 mm) are a growing environmental problem and have garnered significant global interest from scientists and policy makers. Coastal ecosystems are vulnerable to MP pollution, and assessing their sources, fate, and transport in the environment is imperative for marine ecosystem health. Data for marine sediment are still limited, particularly in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) ecosystem in China. Here, we assessed the abundance, characteristics, and risks of MPs in marine sediment from PRE. MPs abundance ranged from 2.05 × 103 items ·kg−1 to 7.75 × 103 items ·kg−1 (dry weight), and white and black MPs were the dominant colors. The majority (>64.12 %) of detected MPs were <0.85 mm and primarily consisted of pellets (36.84 %) and fragments (29.65 %). Three polymer types of MPs were identified by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) including polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polypropylene (PP). Polyurethane (PU) sponge was reported for the first time in this study area. Observations of the surface morphology of typical MPs using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed that all MPs exhibited varying degrees of erosion, characterized by cracks, folds, and bumpy structures. Based on type and quantity of MPs and the polymers identified, we assessed and classified the risk of MP contamination in PRE sediment as category III, indicating severe ecosystem contamination. Our results may serve as an effective model for other estuaries facing similar pollution regimes and provides valuable information for marine sediment risk assessment.

Exploring Integrated Ocean Management Policy in China: Evolution, Challenges, and Prospects

Integrated ocean management (IOM) aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and serves as a crucial strategy for promoting the enduring health of marine ecosystems and the sustainable utilization of marine resources. An analysis of the evolution of China’s integrated ocean management policy (IOMP) is crucial for providing valuable guidance in achieving sustainable growth in marine management and the marine economy for both China and other coastal nations worldwide. This paper studies the evolution characteristics, challenges, and prospects of IOMP in China since 1978 using content analysis. The findings indicate that the evolution of IOMP can be categorized into four stages: the germination period (1978–1998), the construction period (1999–2009), the systematization period (2010–2017), and the strategization period (2018–present), based on the state of international marine management. The IOMP has transitioned over time from its initial emphasis on resource development during the germination period to a strategization period that prioritizes the full development of all parts of the system. However, the ultimate goal has consistently been to achieve harmonious coexistence between people and the sea. China’s IOMP has experienced a progressive development; nevertheless, it continues to encounter obstacles such as the pressing requirement to revise sea-related policies and the absence of policy alignment. The objective of this paper is to explore the evolution, challenges, and prospects of China’s IOMP to better improve the land–sea coordination policy, strengthen international judicial cooperation. and provide effective policy reference for other maritime countries.

Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) immortalized fibroblasts on novel 3D in vitro collagen-free scaffolds.

Dolphins, as apex predators, can be considered relevant sentinels of the health of marine ecosystems. The creation of 3D cell models to assess in vitro cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix interactions in environmental-mimicking conditions, is of considerable interest. However, to date the establishment of cetacean 3D culture systems has not yet been accomplished. Thus, in this study, different 3D systems of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) skin fibroblasts have been analyzed. Particularly, novel scaffolds based on hyaluronic acid and ionic-complementary self-assembling peptides such as RGD-EAbuK and EAbuK-IKVAV have been compared to Matrigel. Histological and fluorescent staining, electron microscopy (TEM) analyses and viability assays have been performed and RT-PCR has been used to detect extracellular matrix (ECM) components produced by cells. Results showed that Matrigel induced cells to form aggregates with lower viability and no ECM production compared to the novel scaffolds. Moreover, scaffolds allowed dispersed cells to produce a collagenous ECM containing collagen1a1, laminin B1 and elastin. The HA-EAbuK-IKVAV scaffold resulted in the most suitable 3D model in terms of cell quantity and viability. The development of this innovative approach is the first step towards the possibility to create 3D in vitro models for this protected species.

Integration of socio-ecological data to prioritize biodiversity hot-spots for Marine Protected Area (MPA) delineation in the coastal zone of Bangladesh

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are widely used tools for conserving coastal and marine biodiversity and ecosystem health. However, the goal of declaring and managing at least 10 % of coastal and marine waters as MPAs has not been achieved in Bangladesh and many other countries. This study aimed at prioritizing the potential areas for MPA delineation in the south-west coastal zone of Bangladesh. The study also examined the socio-economic status, environmental and ecological characteristics of the study areas. Data on socio-economic, environmental, ecological, and management variables were collected through intensive field surveys from August 2023 to December 2023. The data were integrated using a multi-criteria analytical technique. Fishing was identified as the primary occupation for all fishermen surveyed, with secondary occupations including fish selling, marketing, and drying activities. The fishing areas for fishermen from the three survey sites were mainly concentrated in the offshore area. All three areas were identified as biodiversity hotspots, with Kuakata coast showing the highest species diversity, followed by Salimpur and Sandwip coasts. The study revealed that the Kuakata coast has the highest conservation importance, especially for IUCN red-listed species, juvenile fisheries species, and megafauna species. Salimpur coast is important for the conservation of saltmarshes, mangroves, and their dependent communities, while Sandwip is crucial for juvenile fish species conservation. Based on socio-ecological criteria, Kuakata was recommended as the most potential site for MPA delineation, followed by Salimpur and Sandwip. Implementing these recommendations can improve the management and execution of existing MPAs by focusing conservation efforts on areas with the highest biodiversity and ecological importance, ensuring better protection for vulnerable species, and enhancing the sustainability of local fishing communities. This, in turn, will ultimately enhance biodiversity conservation and ecosystem health in the southwest coastal area of Bangladesh.

Monitoring Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations in the Coastal Waters of Zhejiang Using Landsat-8/9 Imagery

The Zhejiang coastal waters (ZCW), which exhibit various turbidity levels, including low, medium, and high turbidity levels, are vital for regional ecological balance and sustainable marine resource utilization. Dissolved oxygen (DO) significantly affects marine organism survival and ecosystem health, yet there is limited research on remote sensing monitoring of DO in the ZCW, and the underlying mechanisms are unclear. This study addresses this gap by utilizing high-resolution Landsat 8/9 imagery and sea surface temperature (SST) data to develop a multiple linear regression (MLR) model for DO estimation. Compared to previous studies that utilize remote sensing band reflectance data as inputs, the results show that the red and blue bands are more suitable for establishing DO inversion models for such water bodies. The model was applied to analyze variations in the DO concentrations in the ZCW from 2013 to 2023, with a focus on Hangzhou Bay (HZB), Xiangshan Bay (XSB), Sanmen Bay (SMB), and Yueqing Bay (YQB). The temporal and spatial distributions of DO concentrations and their relationships with environmental factors, such as chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentrations, total suspended matter (TSM) concentrations, and thermal effluents, are analyzed. The results reveal significant seasonal fluctuations in DO concentrations, which peak in winter (e.g., 9.02 mg/L in HZB) and decrease in summer (e.g., 6.83 mg/L in HZB). Changes in the aquatic environment, particularly in the thermal effluents from the Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant (SNPP), significantly decrease coastal dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations near drainage outlets. Chl-a and TSM directly or indirectly affect DO concentrations, with notable correlations observed in XSB. This study offers a novel approach for monitoring and managing water quality in the ZCW, facilitating the early detection of potential hypoxia issues in critical zones, such as nuclear power plant heat discharge outlets.

Multidimensional information fusion and analysis of ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy: Simultaneous detection method for copper and zinc ion concentrations in seawater

Heavy metal pollution poses a significant threat to marine ecological environments and serves as a crucial indicator for seawater quality assessment. The enrichment of heavy metals severely impacts marine ecosystem health and poses threats to human food safety, underscoring the critical importance of monitoring heavy metal levels in marine waters. In this paper, UV absorption spectroscopy was used to collect the spectra of seawater containing different concentrations of Cu and Zn ions, which overcomes the problems of traditional methods that require extensive pre-treatment and lossy samples. To address the characteristics of the data, the Savitzky-Golay (SG) filtering algorithm is used for preprocessing. The acquired spectra are then subjected to further data analysis using the proposed multidimensional information fusion method called SpectraNet Fusion Algorithm (SFA) for UV absorption spectroscopy. The local feature information extraction module and the whole domain information feature extraction module were respectively used to predict the regression of the data in parallel two-channel, and the output results were integrated to form a new feature map, which was further processed by the feature information fusion module, and finally output the prediction results corresponding to the spectra to realize the accurate detection of Cu and Zn heavy metal ions in seawater. The coefficient of determination (R2) of the model training set established by this method reaches 98.00 %, the root mean square error (RMSE) reaches 0.0389, and the mean absolute error (MAE) reaches 0.0243, combined with the experimental design, the detection range was 5 μg·L−1 to 90 μg·L−1,which realizes simultaneous and high-precision prediction of Cu and Zn heavy metal ions in seawater.

New insights into the impact of leachates from in-field collected plastics on aquatic invertebrates and vertebrates

The impact of leachates from micronized beached plastics of the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean on coastal marine ecosystems was investigated by using a multidisciplinary approach. Chemical analysis and ecotoxicological tests on phylogenetically distant species were performed on leachates from the following plastic categories: bottles, pellets, hard plastic (HP) containers, fishing nets (FN) and rapido trawling rubber (RTR). The bacteria Alivibrio fischeri, the nauplii of the crustaceans Amphibalanus amphitrite and Acartia tonsa, the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis, the embryos of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, the ephyrae of the jellyfish Aurelia sp. and the larvae of the medaka Oryzias latipes were exposed to different concentrations of leachates to evaluate lethal and sub-lethal effects. Thirty-one additives were identified in the plastic leachates; benzophenone, benzyl butyl phthalate and ethylparaben were present in all leachates. Ecotoxicity of leachates varied among plastic categories and areas, being RTR, HP and FN more toxic than plastic bottles and pellets to several marine invertebrates. The ecotoxicological results based on 13 endpoints were elaborated within a quantitative weight of evidence (WOE) model, providing a synthetic hazard index for each data typology, before their integrations in an environmental risk index. The WOE assigned a moderate and slight hazard to organisms exposed to leachates of FN and HP collected in the Mediterranean Sea respectively, and a moderate hazard to leachates of HP from the Atlantic Ocean. No hazard was found for pellet, bottles and RTR. These findings suggest that an integrated approach based on WOE on a large set of bioassays is recommended to get a more reliable assessment of the ecotoxicity of beached-plastic leachates. In addition, the additives leached from FN and HP should be further investigated to reduce high concentrations and additive types that could impact marine ecosystem health.

Meta-analysis of the Cetacea gut microbiome: Diversity, co-evolution, and interaction with the anthropogenic pathobiome

Despite their critical roles in marine ecosystems, only few studies have addressed the gut microbiome (GM) of cetaceans in a comprehensive way. Being long-living apex predators with a carnivorous diet but evolved from herbivorous ancestors, cetaceans are an ideal model for studying GM-host evolutionary drivers of symbiosis and represent a valuable proxy of overall marine ecosystem health. Here, we investigated the GM of eight different cetacean species, including both Odontocetes (toothed whales) and Mysticetes (baleen whales), by means of 16S rRNA-targeted amplicon sequencing. We collected faecal samples from free-ranging cetaceans circulating within the Pelagos Sanctuary (North-western Mediterranean Sea) and we also included publicly available cetacean gut microbiome sequences. Overall, we show a clear GM trajectory related to host phylogeny and taxonomy (i.e., phylosymbiosis), with remarkable GM variations which may reflect adaptations to different diets between baleen and toothed whales. While most samples were found to be infected by protozoan parasites of potential anthropic origin, we report that this phenomenon did not lead to severe GM dysbiosis. This study underlines the importance of both host phylogeny and diet in shaping the GM of cetaceans, highlighting the role of neutral processes as well as environmental factors in the establishment of this GM-host symbiosis. Furthermore, the presence of potentially human-derived protozoan parasites in faeces of free-ranging cetaceans emphasizes the importance of these animals as bioindicators of anthropic impact on marine ecosystems.

Developmental and biochemical markers of the impact of pollutant mixtures under the effect of Global Climate Change

This study investigates the combined impact of microplastics (MP) and Chlorpyriphos (CPF) on sea urchin larvae (Paracentrotus lividus) under the backdrop of ocean warming and acidification. While the individual toxic effects of these pollutants have been previously reported, their combined effects remain poorly understood. Two experiments were conducted using different concentrations of CPF (EC10 and EC50) based on previous studies from our group. MP were adsorbed in CPF to simulate realistic environmental conditions. Additionally, water acidification and warming protocols were implemented to mimic future ocean conditions. Sea urchin embryo toxicity tests were conducted to assess larval development under various treatment combinations of CPF, MP, ocean acidification (OA), and temperature (OW). Morphometric measurements and biochemical analyses were performed to evaluate the effects comprehensively. Results indicate that combined stressors lead to significant morphological alterations, such as increased larval width and reduced stomach volume. Furthermore, biochemical biomarkers like acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and glutathione reductase (GRx) activities were affected, indicating oxidative stress and impaired detoxification capacity. Interestingly, while temperature increase was expected to enhance larval growth, it instead induced thermal stress, resulting in lower growth rates. This underscores the importance of considering multiple stressors in ecological assessments. Biochemical biomarkers provided early indications of stress responses, complementing traditional growth measurements. The study highlights the necessity of holistic approaches when assessing environmental impacts on marine ecosystems. Understanding interactions between pollutants and environmental stressors is crucial for effective conservation strategies. Future research should delve deeper into the impacts at lower biological levels and explore adaptive mechanisms in marine organisms facing multiple stressors. By doing so, we can better anticipate and mitigate the adverse effects of anthropogenic pollutants on marine biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Assessment of water quality and heavy metal contamination in ballast water: Implications for marine ecosystems and human health

The global menace of non-compliance with ballast water management poses a pressing environmental threat, as it facilitates the transfer of harmful organisms and sediment contaminants. This study investigates the environmental impact of ballast water discharged by ships, focusing on water quality and heavy metal concentrations. The release of ballast water, often containing elevated levels of heavy metals like mercury, lead, and cadmium, poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems. The research, involving water sample collection from ten different vessels across various countries, assesses physicochemical parameters and heavy metal concentrations. Results indicate variations in temperature, turbidity, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and pH levels among samples. Turbidity values surpassing WHO limits suggest potential anthropogenic pollution. The study identifies significant differences in pH values, potentially influencing microbial populations. Total dissolved solids and total suspended solids values vary, affecting the distribution of potential pathogens. The results reveal varying total concentrations of heavy metals (mg/L) in the following decreasing order: SA&gt;SE&gt;SF&gt;SB&gt;SC&gt;SD&gt;SH&gt;SI&gt;SG&gt;SJ(6.07 &gt;4.95 &gt; 2.07 &gt; 1.59&gt;0.24&gt;1.22&gt;0.09&gt;0.04&gt;0.03&gt;0.01). The highest concentration of heavy metals is recorded for iron (SA= 5.78), zinc (mg/L) (SB = 1.36, SE = 1.30, and SF = 1.35) and lead (Pb) (SE = 2.39). The elevated iron levels in vessels from SA are potentially linked to corrosion processes. Cadmium, lead, and nickel were not detected, except for lead in the sample from SE. Copper concentrations were aligned with EU standards in the vessels. Proper ballast water management is vital for monitoring water qualities, preventing environmental spread of heavy metals, ensuring marine ecosystem health, and developing compliance strategies for ships docking in ports. Highlights Global shipping causes heavy metal pollution, affecting human and ecosystem health Physicochemical parameters variations suggest potential pollution and microbial impact Mercury, lead, and cadmium in ballast water (BW) pose threats to marine ecosystems Increased iron levels could be associated with corrosion processes Effective BW management is crucial for environmental conservation

Advances in Biosensors for the Rapid Detection of Marine Biotoxins: Current Status and Future Perspectives.

Marine biotoxins (MBs), harmful metabolites of marine organisms, pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems and human health due to their diverse composition and widespread occurrence. Consequently, rapid and efficient detection technology is crucial for maintaining marine ecosystem and human health. In recent years, rapid detection technology has garnered considerable attention for its pivotal role in identifying MBs, with advancements in sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. These technologies offer attributes such as speed, high throughput, and automation, thereby meeting detection requirements across various scenarios. This review provides an overview of the classification and risks associated with MBs. It briefly outlines the current research status of marine biotoxin biosensors and introduces the fundamental principles, advantages, and limitations of optical, electrochemical, and piezoelectric biosensors. Additionally, the review explores the current applications in the detection of MBs and presents forward-looking perspectives on their development, which aims to be a comprehensive resource for the design and implementation of tailored biosensors for effective MB detection.

Estimate of Growth Parameters of Penaeus kerathurus (Forskäl, 1775) (Crustacea, Penaeidae) in the Northern Adriatic Sea.

Crustacean fisheries are gaining prominence globally amid a decline in finfish stocks. Some decapod crustacean species have experienced increased landings in response to shifting market demands and environmental dynamics. Notably, the caramote prawn (Penaeus kerathurus-Forskål, 1775) in the northern Adriatic Sea, Geographical Sub Area (GSA) 17, has risen in both landings and economic importance in recent years. However, despite its significance, comprehensive information on fishery-dependent data, age, and growth in this region remains lacking. To address this gap, this study employs modal progression analysis and the ELEFAN approach, utilizing the "TropFishR" R package and newly developed functions, including bootstrapping procedures. These advancements aim to overcome issues identified in previous versions and enhance the accuracy and reliability of age and growth estimations. The study leverages one year of monthly length-frequency distributions (LFDs) collected from commercial bottom trawls in the northern Adriatic Sea. The results of the analysis confirm the presence of sexual dimorphism in the caramote prawn species, with females exhibiting faster growth rates compared to males. Additionally, the growth performance index supports this observation, further underscoring the importance of accounting for sexual dimorphism in growth modeling and fisheries management strategies. By contributing to a growing body of knowledge on the growth dynamics of the caramote prawn, this study provides valuable insights for sustainable fisheries management in the northern Adriatic Sea. Understanding the age and growth patterns of key crustacean species is essential for developing effective conservation measures and ensuring the long-term health and productivity of marine ecosystems. The findings of this study serve as a foundation for informed decision-making and proactive management practices aimed at preserving the ecological integrity and economic viability of crustacean fisheries in the region.

Sea Surface Salinity Forecasting with a Comparison Studying Case of GMM-VSG and FB-Prophet Model

With the evolution of artificial intelligence, the utilization of machine learning algorithms for predicting hydrological data has gained popularity in scientific research, especially for the development and operational patterns of marine-related objects in coastal regions. Salinity analysis plays a crucial role in evaluating the resilience and health of marine ecosystems. Traditional numerical models, although accurate, require significant computational resources. Therefore, this study assesses the effectiveness of GMM-VSG proposed by Shanghai University and FB-Prophet created by Meta (Facebook) as rapid alternatives for simulating the nonlinear relationships between salinity and various parameters, like tide-induced free surface elevation, river flows, and wind speed. The algorithms were tested using an eight-year dataset collected at the MAREL buoy at the entrance to bay of Brest. Results indicate that, despite the simplicity of the input data, both algorithms successfully reproduced seasonal and semi-diurnal fluctuations in salinity. This underscores their potential as complementary tools for the ecological monitoring in estuarine environments.