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- Analysis of the main physical properties of seawater along the coast of AngolaPublication . Guilherme, Fernão; Neves, Maria C.; Relvas, PauloThis study investigates the seasonal and latitudinal variability of the key physical properties of seawater along the Angolan coast, focusing on temperature, salinity, density, and dissolved oxygen. Vertical profile data from the World Ocean Database (2005–2020) were analyzed using Ocean Data View to examine stratification patterns and their relationship with regional circulation features, including the Angola–Benguela Front and coastal upwelling. The results reveal a pronounced south–north gradient, with colder, saltier, and denser surface waters in the southern sector during the cold season, indicative of intensified upwelling influence. The vertical structure is characterized by a surface mixed layer extending to approximately 20–30 m underlain by a sharp thermocline, halocline, and pycnocline between 25 m and 50 m. Dissolved oxygen profiles show the presence of an oxygen minimum layer below the thermocline, particularly pronounced in the central and southern regions, reflecting limited ventilation of subsurface waters. These findings highlight the combined role of stratification, regional circulation, and upwelling dynamics in shaping the physical structure of the Angolan coastal ocean and provide a baseline for future studies in a region that remains poorly documented.
- The antithyroid drug methimazole as an emerging aquatic contaminant: physiological and reproductive disruption in female goldfish (Carassius auratus) and partial mitigation by thyroxinePublication . Abdollahpour, Hamed; Karimzadeh, Milad; Jafari Pastaki, Naghmeh; Zamani, HosseinaliThyroxine (T4), a key thyroid hormone, plays a crucial role in regulating growth, metabolism, and reproduction in fish, whereas methimazole (MMI), a thyroid peroxidase inhibitor, can disrupt these processes by inducing hypothyroidism. This study investigates thyroid-modulating compounds' physiological and reproductive effects on the growth and development of mature female goldfish (Carassius auratus). A total of 240 adult female goldfish were divided into four treatment groups: control (coconut oil), T4, MMI, and T4+MMI (combined). The fish were acclimatized for four weeks before receiving injections of the respective compounds. Growth performance, blood biochemistry, thyroid hormone (THs) levels, oocyte development, and liver histology were evaluated over a 28-day experimental period. Results indicated significant differences in growth indices, with the T4 group showing the highest weight gain, specific growth rates, and lowest feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05), while the MMI group exhibited the lowest growth parameters. Blood glucose, triglyceride, and total protein levels were significantly elevated in the T4-treated group, whereas cholesterol was reduced (P < 0.05). Plasma T3 and T4, were highest in the T4 group and lowest in the MMI group. Histological analysis revealed advanced oocyte maturation in the T4 group, with a higher proportion of oocytes at the O4 stage, while the MMI group showed delayed development, with most oocytes remaining at the O2 stage. The T4+MMI group exhibited intermediate effects, with some improvement in oocyte development relative to the MMI group. Hepatic histopathology demonstrated normal liver structure in the control and T4 groups, while severe hepatic alterations, including necrosis and vacuolation, were observed in the MMI group. The T4+MMI group displayed intermediate liver damage. These findings demonstrate that the pharmaceutical methimazole, an emerging aquatic contaminant, acts as a potent endocrine disruptor, inducing hypothyroidism that severely impairs growth, metabolic homeostasis, and reproductive maturation in fish. The partial mitigation by thyroxine suggests potential complex interactions in environments contaminated with multiple bioactive compounds. This study underscores the significant ecological risk of antithyroid drugs in aquatic ecosystems and contributes critical data for environ mental risk assessment.
- 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.
- The ecosystem services of irrigated orchards: a reviewPublication . Matias, Pedro; Trindade, Ana Rita; Magalhães, Tomás Thormann Abranches de; Lisboa de Souza Junior, Silvio; Zarcos Duarte, Beatriz; Guerreiro David Coelho, Luísa Isabel; Freitas, Miguel João Pisoeiro de; Barrote, Isabel; Duarte, AmilcarIn the context of global population growth and intensifying climate change, ensuring food security remains a critical challenge. Orchards are more productive than arable crops, contributing significantly to the nutrition of a growing population. Ecologically, due to the absence of frequent soil tillage, orchards resemble natural forest ecosystems more closely than other agricultural systems. Irrigated orchards are particularly productive and enhance biodiversity in territories where water scarcity is the limiting factor for ecosystems. This review, the result of extensive reflection and a comprehensive analysis of the literature on orchard sustainability, synthesizes evidence on the diverse ecosystem services provided by these perennial systems. Due to their structural complexity, well-managed orchards contribute significantly to climate regulation through carbon sequestration, microclimate cooling, and soil erosion prevention. Furthermore, they support nutrient cycling and provide cultural value. This paper establishes an integrated scientific framework to inform evidence-based policies and reshape societal perceptions. It argues that recognizing orchards as multifunctional landscapes, rather than mere resource consumers, is critical for environmental resilience, supporting their fair valuation as essential components of a sustainable bioeconomy.
- The ecosystem services of irrigated orchards: a reviewPublication . Matias, Pedro; Trindade, Ana Rita; Magalhães, Tomás Thormann Abranches de; Lisboa de Souza Junior, Silvio; Zarcos Duarte, Beatriz; Guerreiro David Coelho, Luísa Isabel; Freitas, Miguel João Pisoeiro de; Barrote, Isabel; Duarte, AmilcarIn the context of global population growth and intensifying climate change, ensuring food security remains a critical challenge. Orchards are more productive than arable crops, contributing significantly to the nutrition of a growing population. Ecologically, due to the absence of frequent soil tillage, orchards resemble natural forest ecosystems more closely than other agricultural systems. Irrigated orchards are particularly productive and enhance biodiversity in territories where water scarcity is the limiting factor for ecosystems. This review, the result of extensive reflection and a comprehensive analysis of the literature on orchard sustainability, synthesizes evidence on the diverse ecosystem services provided by these perennial systems. Due to their structural complexity, well-managed orchards contribute significantly to climate regulation through carbon sequestration, microclimate cooling, and soil erosion prevention. Furthermore, they support nutrient cycling and provide cultural value. This paper establishes an integrated scientific framework to inform evidence-based policies and reshape societal perceptions. It argues that recognizing orchards as multifunctional landscapes, rather than mere resource consumers, is critical for environmental resilience, supporting their fair valuation as essential components of a sustainable bioeconomy.
- 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.
- Influence of shy and bold zebrafish personalities on colonization and olfactory responses in sertraline-contaminated environmentsPublication . González, María Pilar; Salvatierra, David; Fatsini Fernández, Elvira; Hubbard, Peter; Araújo, Cristiano V. M.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline are used as antidepressants to treat mental disorders such as depression by blocking serotonin reuptake and thus maintaining high serotonin levels. Currently, increased consumption has led to detection of SSRIs in aquatic systems; however, information about their effects on exposed organisms is limited. This study investigated differences in the colonization response by zebrafish (Danio rerio) to sertralinecontaminated environments considering personality traits (shy and bold). Colonization was assessed in terms of success, efficiency, and inhabited time for each sertraline concentration. Fish were tested individually and in groups. In addition, whether these personality traits differed from each other in their olfactory sensitivity to different olfactory stimuli was studied, including sertraline, using the electro-olfactogram (EOG). Bold fish exposed in groups tended to colonize higher concentrations of sertraline than shy fish. These differences were not as significant when fish were exposed individually. Furthermore, analyses in the EOG detected that bold fish reacted between 1.3 and 2.8 times more to all stimuli studied. In contrast, sertraline was not detected by the olfactory system. Varied D. rerio colonization responses to sertralinecontaminated environments reveal specific personality-based vulnerabilities. These findings underscore the importance of integrating behavioral phenotypes into environmental risk assessments for pharmaceuticals.
- 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.
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