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- Contribution to the Iberian thermomediterranean oak woods (Spain, Portugal): the importance of their teaching for the training of experts in environmental managementPublication . Cano, E.; Piñar Fuentes, J. C.; Cano Ortiz, A.; Quinto Canas, Ricardo; Rodrigues Meireles, C.; Mauro, R.; Pinto Gomes, C. J.; Spampinato, G.; Musarella, C. M.The study of the holm oak forests of the lower and upper mesomediterranean of the south of the Iberian Peninsula, and new syntaxons of holm oak forests not assigned until now are contributed. The plant dynamics is provided and completed, and the importance of the learning of plant description and dynamics by university students, future environmental managers, is specified. Taking into account the strong anthropic action with the consequent destruction of holm oak forests, it is necessary to enhance the knowledge of plant dynamics to decipher the potential vegetation, and to be able to apply the vegetation series as a basis for agronomic and forestry management. In this work, we propose a new vegetation series. We propose the association Aristolochio baeticae-Quercetum rotundifoliae nova for the biogeographic sector Granadino-Almijarense (Montes de Málaga) and as a first dynamic stage of the microforest of Olea europea var. sylvestris obtained by deforestation. The study of the Iberian olive groves allows us to propose two new associations Aristolochio baeticae-Oleetum sylvestris and Ephedro fragilis-Oleetum sylvestris.
- Ecotype impacts agronomic and nutritional traits of Sarcocornia perennis under saline greenhouse cultivation conditionsPublication . Fernandes, Eliana; Trentin, Riccardo; Rodrigues, Maria João; Castañeda-Loaiza, Viana; Guerreiro Pereira, Catarina Alexandra; Sisay, Tesfaye Asmare; Standing, Dominic; Sagi, Moshe; Shpigel, Muki; Custódio, LuísaThis study evaluated the effects of two Sarcocornia sp. ecotypes on the agronomic and nutritional traits of vegetatively propagated plants grown under different salinity levels. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed both as Sarcocornia perennis. Commercial rooting treatments significantly improved the cutting success. Productivity peaked at the first harvest, with ecotypes Sp_E1 and Sp_E2 reaching maximum yields at 22.6 and 15.8 g/L salinity, respectively. Productivity declined at higher salinity, especially in Sp_E1. Ecotype Sp_E2 had better regrowth and resilience under moderate salinity, making it more suitable for extended cultivation cycles. Both ecotypes were rich in moisture, ash, essential minerals, and fiber, offering nutritious low-fat vegetables, though their high sodium content suggests moderate intake in sodium-restricted diets. Antinutritional factors were detected only at the third harvest, highlighting the need for careful evaluation in long-term cultivation. Overall, S. perennis shows promise for commercial cultivation in saline environments, with ecotype Sp_E2 being the more resilient option.
- Effect of petrochemical contaminants on the photosynthetic physiology on the seagrass Halophila baillonii AschersonPublication . Lima, Maria Cecilia S.; Lima, Thomaz Henrique A.; Sperandio, Marcus V. Loss; Yogui, Gilvan Takeshi; Silva, João; Magalhães, Karine M.Oil spills represent a significant threat to seagrasses as hydrocarbons can impair photosynthetic processes and plant functioning, although physiological responses may vary depending on the spill and environmental conditions This study investigates the physiological responses of Halophila baillonii when exposed to the watersoluble fraction (WSF) of crude oil. Photosynthetic pigment composition, maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm), and oxidative stress indicators malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were analyzed after shortterm exposure. A significant increase in chlorophyll a and b concentrations and variations in carotenoid levels were detected, while photochemical efficiency and oxidative stress indicators were maintained. These findings suggest that the species dynamically adjusts its pigment composition to optimize light capture and mitigate oxidative stress, demonstrating physiological plasticity. Its ability to tolerate WSF exposure highlights the species' short-term resilience to hydrocarbon pollution. Future studies should investigate the effects of long-term exposure to different oil types, such as boat fuel, and the recovery mechanisms of seagrasses.
- Environmental markers of plastics and microplasticsPublication . Q. V. da Costa, Camila; Afonso, Inês I.; Cruz, Joana; Teodosio, Maria; Jockusch, Steffen; Power, Deborah Mary; Ramamurthy, Vaidhyanathan; Silva, José Paulo daThe slow reaction rates to chemical and photo chemical degradation are well-known properties of plastics. However, large plastic surfaces exposed to environmental conditions release particles and compounds that affect ecosystems and human health. The aim of this work was to identify compounds associated with the degradation of polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) micro plastics (markers) on silica and sand and evaluate their use to screen microplastics on natural sand. Products were identified by using targeted and untargeted LC-HRMS analysis. All polymers underwent chemical oxidation on silica. PE released dicarboxylic acids (HO2C-(CH2)n-CO2H (n = 4−30), while PS released cis/ trans-chalcone, trans-dypnone, 3-phenylpropiophenone, and dibenzoylmethane. PVC released dicarboxylic acids and aromatic compounds. Upon irradiation, PE was stable while PS released the same compounds as under chemical oxidation but at lower yields. Under the above condition, PVC generated HO2C-[CH2−CHCl]n-CH2−CO2H and HO2C-[CH2−CHCl]n-CO2H (n = 2−19) dicarboxylic acids. The same products were detected on sand but at a lower concentration than on silica due to better retention within the pores. Detection of markers of PE and PS on natural sand allowed us to screen microplastics by following a targeted analysis. Markers of PVC were not detected before or after thermal/photo-oxidation due to the low release of compounds and limitations associated with surface exposure/penetration of radiation.
- Interactions between microplastics and trace metals: ecotoxicological implications for tropical marine invertebrates, Mussel Perna Perna (Linnaeus, 1758) and sea Urchin Echinometra Lucunter (Linnaeus, 1758)Publication . Palanch, Maria Fernanda; França, Letícia Albanit; Moura, Pedro Henrique Paixão de; Santana, Felipe Teixeira; Prieto, Camila Martins; Castro, João Vítor; Guimarães, Murilo Vieira; Pereira, Vinícius Gonçalves; Oliveira, Otto Muller Patrão de; Belem, Andre L.; Ribeiro, Caio CesarMicroplastics (MPs) are recognized as emerging contaminants in marine ecosystems, not only due to their physical persistence but also for their capacity to adsorb and transport chemical pollutants, such as trace metals. In this study, we investigated the interactions between four types of virgins microplastics, like polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), and polypropylene with additives (PPa) and two trace metals, copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), at environmentally relevant and elevated concentrations. We quantified metal adsorption using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry and assessed the toxicological effects of MP-metal mixtures on the embryonic development of two tropical marine invertebrates: the mussel Perna perna and the sea urchin Echinometra lucunter. Our results show that metal adsorption onto microplastics was consistently higher at environmentally realistic concentrations, with PE exhibiting the highest Zn adsorption (43.16 mu gg(-)(1)) and PPa the highest Cu adsorption (17.94 mu gg(-)(1)). Ecotoxicological assays revealed species-specific sensitivities, with P. perna embryos showing complete developmental inhibition (0%) when exposed to Cu-Zn mixtures combined with PE or PS. E. lucunter exhibited significant developmental impairments in response to PP and PPa (76 +/- 12,3%, 79 +/- 16,8%), as well as selective toxicity from specific MP-metal combinations. These findings underscore the importance of polymer composition, metal speciation, and biological context in determining the toxicity of plastic-associated contaminants. The observed synergistic effects between MPs and trace metals emphasize the need to incorporate multi-stressor interactions into environmental risk assessments and regulatory frameworks addressing marine pollution.
- Metal ecotoxicity in sea anemones: accumulation, effects, and knowledge gapsPublication . Vilke, Juliano Marcelo; Power, Deborah Mary; Vieira de Sousa, Cármen Sofia; Mestre, NéliaMetals are a major class of legacy pollutants that end up in marine ecosystems, posing a significant threat to marine biota, including sea anemones. The current review critically synthesises studies published over the last 50 years on the uptake, tissue distribution, and biological effects of 20 metals across 18 sea anemone species in both field and laboratory settings, including interactions with climate change stressors (salinity and pH). Field studies have focused on bioaccumulation and report the high capacity of sea anemones to accumulate metals, mainly iron and barium, primarily in the pedal disk. Laboratory exposure studies reveal a dose- and timedependent accumulation and highlight that symbionts take up and store essential metals (Cu, Fe, and Mn) due to their key biological roles. Available data point to Exaiptasia pallida as a promising model for metal ecotoxicology. Across studies, metals elicit alterations at molecular to behavioural/morphological levels, including transcriptome reprogramming, oxidative stress, and detoxification failures, as well as genotoxicity, cellular injury, immune dysfunction, metabolic and morphological disruption, reproductive impairment, and bleaching, which are generally amplified by climate change stressors. Ultimately, this review identifies key knowledge gaps and outlines future research directions on metal ecotoxicity in sea anemones. Collectively, these insights position sea anemones as informative sentinels of metal contamination in marine ecosystems.
- New insights into car tire rubber particle toxicity: chemical composition and ecotoxicity assessment of leachate on gamete quality of the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialisPublication . Savino, Ilaria; Nobahar, Amir; Silva, José Paulo da; Cotugno, Pietro; Notariale, Rosaria; Corriero, Giuseppe; Uricchio, Vito Felice; Gallo, AlessandraThousands of tire rubber particles (TPs) enter the marine environment every year, contributing to microplastic pollution. The toxicity of TPs can be related to the particles themselves or chemical additives, which can leach into seawater and potentially affect marine organisms. The current study presents new insights into TPs’ impact on marine organisms’ reproductive processes. The leachates of end-of-life TPs and their adverse effects on gamete quality were evaluated by analysing the chemical compositions of seawater leachates and several gamete physiological parameters, taking the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis as a model. Chemical analyses revealed the leaching of different metals, among which zinc showed the highest level (~3 mg/L). Organic compounds such as antioxidants, vulcanising and protective agents were annotated in leachates and correlated with the observed harmful effects on the reproductive process. The exposure of oocytes and spermatozoa to TP leachates negatively affects the gamete quality by increasing the mitochondrial activity in both gamete types and decreasing the motility of spermatozoa, which may impair the reproductive success of mussels. Since reproductive success is a key factor in species survival, this study highlights the urgent need to extend the presented research to other marine organisms.
- Novel bacterial strains for nonylphenol removal in water and sewage sludge: insights from gene expression and toxicityPublication . Lara-Moreno, Alba; Aguilar-Romero, Inés; Madrid, Fernando; Villaverde, Jaime; Carlier, Jorge; Santos, Juan Luís; Alonso, Esteban; Morillo, EsmeraldaAbstract: 4-Nonylphenols (4-NPs) are persistent endocrine disruptors frequently found in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents and sewage sludge. This study evaluated the ability of eight bacterial strains that were isolated from sewage sludge to degrade 4-n-NP in an aqueous solution. Bacillus safensis CN12, Shewanella putrefaciens CN17, and Alcaligenes faecalis CN8 showed the highest degradation rates, removing 100%, 75%, and 74% of 4-n-NP (10 mg L−1 ), with DT50 values of 0.90, 8.9, and 10.4 days, respectively. Despite the reduction in 4-n-NP concentrations, ecotoxicity assays revealed that the resulting transformation products (TPs) were more toxic than the parent compound. To investigate the potential degradation mechanisms, in silico and gene expression analyses were conducted on B. safensis CN12, revealing a significant upregulation of the multicopper oxidase gene, cotA (7.25-fold), and the ring-cleaving dioxygenase gene, mhqO (13.9-fold). Although the CN12 strain showed potential for mineralization based on gene expression studies, this was not observed in the aqueous solution. However, when 4-n-NP was adsorbed on sludge and treated with CN12 in the presence of hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPBCD) as a bioavailability enhancer, mineralization reached up to 33%, indicating a synergistic effect with the native sludge microbiota.
- Nutrient‐driven growth and microbiome shifts in the brown alga Sargassum fluitans IIIPublication . Theirlynck, Tom; Staat, Lotte; Servania, Dhaishendra; Engelen, Aschwin; Tussenbroek, Brigitta I. van; Muyzer, Gerard; Visser, Petra M.; Amaral‐Zettler, LindaSince 2011, holopelagic Sargassum has been accumulating in a region of the tropical Atlantic now referred to as the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt (GASB). Among the hypothesized contributors to these accumulations are the increased inputs of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in the tropical Atlantic Ocean. Little is known about the effects of N and P additions on Sargassum physiology and its microbiome. We studied the effects of N, P, and NP additions on the growth, photosynthetic efficiency, and microbiome composition of Sargassum fluitans III in a six-day experiment on the Caribbean Island of Curaçao. Sargassum fluitans III took up most nitrate and phosphate within 3days with respective uptake rates of 0.343 and 0.0399μmol · g−1 DW · h−1. Fv/Fm decreased in the control after 6days but remained constant in nutrient treatments. Growth rates did not differ significantly among treatments, but a trend in higher growth rates in the NP treatment was discerned, suggesting a possible NP co-limitation. The relative abundance of epiphytic Cyanobacteria such as Schizothrix and bacteria such as Lentilitoribacter increased under N and P addition, while heterotrophic Rhodobacteraceae decreased in abundance. Microeukaryotic communities responded with varying changes in alpha diversity, possibly steered by increased photosynthesis and growth of S. fluitans III or bacterial interactions. The physiological response to N and P and rapid change of the microbiome demonstrates that the studied S. fluitans III can quickly benefit from increased nutrient concentrations, which might contribute to its growth success in the GASB.
- On the efficacy of a pre-filtering density separation method for microplastic analysisPublication . Feiteira, Sara; Abrunhosa, Felipe; Corona, Luana; Robalo, Joana I.; Castilho, RitaMicroplastics (particles with a diameter between 1 and 5 mm) in the marine environment are a growing concern due to their involuntary ingestion by fish and other marine species. The small microplastic size makes them easily consumed in the water and hence readily introduced into the marine food chain, with yet unknown bioaccumulative and toxic consequences. The proximity to urban areas, industrial activities, and sewage disposal potentially increases the presence of microplastics in the marine environment. The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of some species contains high quantities of debris, sediment, and non-digestible materials such as calcium carbonate resulting from their dietary or behavioral habits. This study aims to assess the efficacy of a pre-filtering density separation method using a hypersaline solution to facilitate the subsequent filtration procedure. This additional step is expected to accelerate the procedure as a whole, improving the filtering process and ensuring a more accurate detection of microplastics.