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- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Open protocols, the new standard for acoustic tracking: results from interoperability and performance tests in European watersPublication . Aspillaga, Eneko; Bruneel, Stijn; Alós, Josep; Verhelst, Pieterjan; Abecasis, David; Aarestrup, Kim; Birnie-Gauvin, Kim; Afonso, Pedro; Palmer, Miquel; Reubens, JanBackground The lack of compatibility between acoustic telemetry equipment from different manufacturers has been a major obstacle to consolidating large collaborative tracking networks. Undisclosed encrypted signal cod ing protocols limit the use of acoustic telemetry to study animal movements over large spatial scales, reduce com petition between manufacturers, and stifle innovation. The European Tracking Network, in collaboration with several acoustic telemetry manufacturers, has worked to develop new transparent protocols for acoustic tracking. The results are energy-efficient transmission protocols accessible to all researchers and manufacturers. Today, the Open Protocols (OP) are already available to manufacturers and developers, and the first transmitters and receivers to implement them are already in the water. Results The main objective of this study was to confirm the compatibility between devices from different manufac turers using OP, characterise the acoustic range of each transmitter–receiver manufacturer combination, compare the detection efficiency to the standard protocols used at present (R64K and encrypted protocols), and assess its robustness against spurious detections. An international collaborative effort was made to conduct acoustic range tests in four main aquatic habitats: a river, a coastal lagoon, a coastal habitat, and the open sea. Receivers and trans mitters from different manufacturers were deployed at increasing distances from each other using the same experi mental design at each location. The decay of detection probability with distance was modelled for each transmit ter–receiver manufacturer combination by applying logistic regression using a Bayesian approach. Furthermore, to thoroughly assess performance differences in an applied research context, we conducted a direct field comparison between groups of smolts tagged with OP and R64K tags, tracking their migration to the sea. Conclusions Our results confirm full compatibility between the tested devices, with negligible differences in the measured acoustic ranges between OP manufacturers and when compared to encrypted protocols. The OP was also robust against spurious detections, and the field comparison between OP and R64K showed equal perfor mance. We hope these novel insights will encourage international research groups to promote OP-based studies to ensure compatibility and maximise the benefits of acoustic telemetry networks.
- Prioritising research on endocrine disruption in the marine environment: a global perspectivePublication . Pinto, Patricia IS; Miglioli, Angelica; LaLone, Carlie A.; Baumann, Lisa; Baynes, Alice; Blanc‐Legendre, Mélanie; Cancio, Ibon; Cousin, Xavier; Dang, ZhiChao; Dumollard, Rémi; Ford, Alex T.; Green, Christopher; Iguchi, Taisen; Kearney, Philippa; Knigge, Thomas; Minier, Christophe; Monsinjon, Tiphaine; Monteiro, Marta S.; Sturve, Joachim; Watanabe, Haruna; Yamamoto, Hiroshi; Ankley, Gerald; Power, Deborah Mary; Katsiadaki, IoannaA healthy ocean is a crucial life support system that regulates the global climate, is a source of oxygen and supports major economic activities. A vast and understudied biodiversity from micro- to macro-organisms is integral to ocean health. However, the impact of pollutants that reach the ocean daily is understudied for marine taxa, which are also absent or poorly represented in regulatory test guidelines for chemical hazard assessment. Inspired by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science, which aims to reverse the decline in ocean health, this communication calls for global coordination in building resources for studying the effects of marine pollution. The bibliographic analysis, a collective product of scientists from diverse backgrounds, focused on endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). In this review, we (i) critically analyse the literature on endocrine signalling pathways and high-level physiological impacts of EDCs across 20 representative marine taxa; (ii) identify knowledge and regulatory gaps; (iii) apply bioinformatics approaches to marine species genomic resources, with relevance for predictions of susceptibility; and (iv) provide recommendations of priority actions for different stakeholders. We reveal that the scientific literature on EDCs is biased towards terrestrial and/or freshwater organisms, is limited to a handful of animal taxa, and marine organisms are dramatically underrepresented. Our bibliographic analysis also confirmed that only a small number of (neuro) endocrine pathways are covered for all animals, whilst basic knowledge on endocrine systems/endocrine disruption for most marine invertebrate phyla is minimal. Despite significant gaps in genomic resources for marine animals, endocrine-related protein conservation was evident across more than 500 species from diverse marine taxa, highlighting that they are at risk from EDCs. Despite recent technological advances, translation of existing knowledge into international regulatory test guidelines for chemical hazard assessment and monitoring programs is limited. Furthermore, the current understanding is confounded in part by transposing vertebrate endocrinology onto non-vertebrate taxa. In this context, specific recommendations are provided for all stakeholders, including academia (e.g. to expand knowledge across metazoan taxa and endocrine targets and translate it to New Approach Methodologies and Adverse Outcome Pathways; to increase and improve tools for comparative species-sensitivity distributions and cross-species extrapolations), regulators (e.g. increase awareness of specific risks for the marine environment, prioritise international standardisation of testing methods for marine species and request evidence for absence of endocrine disruption in marine phyla), policy makers (e.g. implement sustained, long-term international marine monitoring programs and increase global co-operation) and the public or non-governmental organisations (e.g. foster public engagement and behaviours that prevent marine chemical pollution; promote citizen science activities; and drive political actions towards protective and restorative marine policies). We hope that this and past reviews can contribute towards meeting ambitious international plans for marine water quality assurance, mitigation of marine pollution impacts and protection of marine biodiversity. The importance of marine biodiversity for climate change mitigation, food security and sustainable ecosystem services calls for urgent, cooperative action.
- Resources recovery from domestic wastewater by a combined process: anaerobic digestion and membrane photobioreactorPublication . Ferrera, Elvira; Ruigómez, Ignacio; Rebelo de Vela Bastos, Carolina; Ferreira, Alice; Gouveia, Luisa; Vera, LuisaAnaerobic and membrane technologies are a promising combination to decrease the energy consumption associated with wastewater treatment, allowing the recovery of resources: organic matter as biomethane, nutrient assimilation by microalgae and reclaimed water. In this study, domestic wastewater was treated using a combination of an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket sludge reactor (UASB) and a membrane photobioreactor (MPBR). The outdoor facilities were operated continuously for three months under unfavourable environmental conditions such as lack of temperature control, winter season with lower solar irradiation and lower daylight hours which was a challenge for the present work, not previously described. The energetic valorisation of the organic matter present in the wastewater by biomethane produced in the UASB would contribute to reducing overall facilities' energy requirements. The ultrafiltration (UF) membrane facilitated the harvesting of biomass, operating at 10 L·h-1·m-2 during the experimental period. Although the main contribution to fouling was irreversible, chemical cleanings were not necessary due to effective fouling control, which prevented the final TMP from exceeding 25 kPa. In addition, microalgae-bacterial consortium developed without prior inoculation were harvested from the MPBR using membrane assistance. The obtained biomass was also successfully tested as a biostimulant for corn germination/growth, as well as a biopesticide against Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium oxysporum.
- A solar panel-origin microalga, Coelastrella thermophila D14, with high potential for wastewater biotechnologyPublication . Baldanta, Sara; Ferreira, Alice; Vinuesa, Arantxa Marco; García, Isabel García; Gouveia, Luisa; Llorens, Juana María Navarro; Guevara, GovindaExtremophilic environments are rich reservoirs for discovering microorganisms with vast biotechnological potential. Among these, microalgae stand out for their pivotal role in sustainable wastewater treatment and nutrient recycling. This study introduces Coelastrella thermophile D14, a microalga isolated from a solar panel, identified through morphological studies and genomic sequencing. The genus Coelastrella has been characterized and classified as highly productive strains valuable for biofuel and bioproduct generation as well as for their ability to produce significant amounts of carotenoids. Experiments revealed the extraordinary resilience of this strain to prolonged desiccation and high-strength piggery wastewater. Notably, D14 cultivated in 10% pig effluent exhibited biostimulant properties, achieving a germination index 23% higher than the control on Lepidium sativum. In a groundbreaking development, we have successfully established an Agrobacteriummediated transformation protocol for C. thermophila D14, optimizing key parameters for effective T-DNA transfer. This marks a pioneering achievement within the genus Coelastrella. These findings highlight the significant potential of D14 as a robust platform for future biotechnological applications, opening new opportunities for innovative solutions, especially in environmental protection and sustainable agriculture.
- Towards the rational use of plastic packaging to reduce microplastic pollution: a mini reviewPublication . Athanasopoulou, Evmorfia; Power, Deborah Mary; Flemetakis, Emmanouil; Tsironi, TheofaniaPlastic pollution has been recognized as an emerging risk for the aquatic environment. Shifting from the prevailing linear “take-make-dispose” model to a “circular” economy framework is essential for mitigating the environmental impact of plastics. Microplastics (MPs) in the natural environment are formed when synthetic polymers are fragmented and micronized to a size ≤ 5 mm. MPs are a global environmental problem, particularly within aquatic ecosystems, due to their persistence, accumulation, and uncertain long-term effects. This review examines the degradation pathways of polymers that result in MP formulation, their rate and distribution across ecosystems, and their potential entry into food systems. Key challenges include a lack of standardized detection methods, specifically for nanoparticles; limited evidence of long-term toxicity; and the inefficiency of current waste management frameworks. Emphasis is placed on the cradle-to-grave lifecycle of plastic materials, highlighting how poor design, excessive packaging, and inadequate postconsumer treatment contribute to MP release. The transition from Directive 94/62/EC to the new Regulation (EU) 2025/40 marks a significant policy shift towards stronger preventive measures. In line with the waste hierarchy and reduction in unnecessary packaging and plastic use, effective recycling must be supported by appropriate collection systems, improved separation processes, and citizen education to prevent waste and improve recycling rates to minimize the accumulation of MPs in the environment and reduce health impacts. This review identifies critical gaps in current knowledge and suggests crucial approaches in order to mitigate MP pollution and protect marine biodiversity and public health.