CCM2-Artigos (em revistas ou actas indexadas)
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Percorrer CCM2-Artigos (em revistas ou actas indexadas) por Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) "14:Proteger a Vida Marinha"
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- Editors' Corner: Blubber thickness in cetaceansPublication . Canario, AdelinoWang Y, Zhang Q, Xu Q, Zhang H, Liu X, Yang G. Cetacean-specific GPR12 mutation is functionally associated with blubber thickening. Gene, volume 968, 10 October 2025, 149734. https://doi.org/10.1016 /j.gene.2025.149734. The blubber, a thick layer of fatty tissue, is a key adaptation in aquatic mammals, providing energy storage and facilitating buoyancy and locomotion (Berta, 2023). Blubber thickening has evolved independently in cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises), sirenians (manatees and dugongs), and pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, and walruses), raising questions about the genetic basis of this adaptation. Wang et al. (2025) reasoned that G protein-coupled receptor genes associated with the regulation of lipid metabolism could be involved, and homed in on GPR12, whose deficiency in mice leads to obesity and dyslipidemia (Bjursell et al., 2006)
- 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.
- Marine invasive algae’s bioactive ingredients as a sustainable pathway in cosmetics: the azores islands as a case studyPublication . Matos, Marta; Custódio, Luísa; Reis, Catarina PintoAbstract: Marine invasive species pose significant ecological, economic, and social challenges, disrupting native ecosystems, outcompeting local species and altering biodiversity. The spread of these species is largely driven by global trade, shipping, and climate change, which allow non-native species to establish themselves in new environments. Current management strategies, including early detection, rapid response, and biosecurity measures, have had some success, but the complexity and scale of the problem require continuous monitoring. This review explores the possibility of using some marine invasive species as skincare ingredients and explores the Azorean islands as a case study for the valorization of biomass. Additionally, this review addresses legislative barriers that delay the development of sustainable cosmetic markets from invasive species, highlighting the regulatory landscape as a critical area. It concludes that marine invasive species present a regional and global problem that requires regional and global solutions. Such solutions strongly need to address environmental impacts and net socioeconomic benefits, but such solutions must also consider all regional differences, technical capacities and financial resources available. Thus, as a future perspective, strategies should emphasize the need for international collaboration and the development of more effective policies to prevent the spread of invasive species. There is still much work to be completed. By working together, the biodiversity for future generations will be better monitored and explored.
- 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.
- 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.
- The reference genome for the northeastern Pacific bull kelp, Nereocystis luetkeanaPublication . Alves-Lima, Cicero; Montecinos, Gabriel; Escalona, Merly; Calhoun, Sara; Marimuthu, Mohan; Nguyen, Oanh; Beraut, Eric; Lipzen, Anna; Grigoriev, Igor V; Raimondi, Peter; Nuzhdin, Sergey; Alberto, FilipeBull kelp, Nereocystis luetkeana, is a northeastern Pacific kelp with broad distribution from Alaska to central California. Its population declines have caused severe concerns in northern California, the Salish Sea in Washington, and recently in some populations in Oregon. Despite bull kelp's accumulated ecological and physiological studies, an assembled and annotated genomic reference was still unavailable. Here, we report the complete and annotated genome of Nereocystis luetkeana, produced by the California Conservation Genomics Project (CCGP), which aims to reveal genomic diversity patterns across California by sequencing the complete genomes of approximately 150 carefully selected species. The genome was assembled into 1,562 scaffolds with 449.82 Mb, 80x of coverage and 22,952 gene models. BUSCO assembly showed a completeness score of 72% for the stramenopiles gene set. The mitochondria and chloroplast genome sequences have 37 Mb and 131 Mb, respectively. The orthology analysis between 10 Phaeophycean genomes showed 1,065 expanded and 286 unique orthogroups for this species. Pairwise comparisons showed 542 orthogroups present only in N. luetkeana and M. pyrifera, another large-body kelp. The enrichment analysis of these orthogroups showed important functions related to central metabolism and signaling due to ATPases enrichment in these two species. This genome assembly will provide an essential resource for the ecology, evolution, conservation, and breeding of bull kelp.
- Tailored bacterial co-cultures improve Tisochrysis lutea growth and nutrient profiles under xenic conditions: a new pathway to improve microalgal productionPublication . Santos, Tamara; da Fonseca Simões, Beatriz; Rossetto, Veronica; Pereira, Hugo; Maia, Inês Beatriz; Oliveira, Marta; Esteves Lopes Navalho, João Carlos; Engelen, Aschwin; Varela, JoãoThe marine haptophyte Tisochrysis lutea is a valuable source of high-value compounds, including polyunsaturated fatty acids like docosahexaenoic acid, and pigments (e.g., fucoxanthin). However, high production costs and variability remain major challenges for its large-scale application in aquaculture, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology industries. Therefore, strategies to enhance biomass production and quality are actively explored. In natural environments, T. lutea establishes mutualistic interactions with bacteria to obtain essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, yet the role of bacteria in industrial cultures remains poorly understood. In this study, 145 bacterial strains were isolated and taxonomically identified from industrial T. lutea cultures, with members of the class Gammaproteobacteria and Actinomycetia being the most prevalent. Forty isolates were screened individually in co-culture with T. lutea revealing strain-specific effects on growth and biochemical composition. Seven beneficial strains were used to design 21 tailored bacterial blends. Several consortia enhanced biomass production (up to 74 %) and increased key bioactive compounds, particularly methylcobalamin (up to 300 %). These findings demonstrate the potential of tailored bacterial consortia to enhance T. lutea productivity and nutritional quality under production-relevant xenic conditions, enabling strategic microbiome modulation for specific industrial goals.
- Temperature effects on growth performance, fecundity and survival of hippocampus guttulatusPublication . Palma, Jorge; Correia, Miguel; Leitão, Francisco; Andrade, José Pedro AndradeAbstract: This experiment aimed to determine the temperature limits beyond which seahorse growth and reproduction become suboptimal due to climate change. Four temperatures (16, 20, 24, and 28 ◦C) were tested to evaluate their effect on juvenile (1–56 days post-parturition (DPP)) and adult (one year old) long-snout seahorses, Hippocampus guttulatus. Additionally, the reproductive performance of adults was observed. Another experiment measured oxygen consumption (MO2 ) in the same age groups and temperatures. Adults showed significantly higher growth rates at 20 and 24 ◦C compared to 16 and 28 ◦C. Adult mortality rates were 0%, 0%, 6.2%, and 62.5% at the respective temperatures. Juvenile growth performance was higher at 20 ◦C and 24 ◦C but significantly lower at 16 ◦C and null at 28 ◦C, with survival rates of 8%, 62%, 10%, and 0%, respectively. Oxygen consumption increased with temperature, ranging from 106.3 ± 3.1 to 203.3 ± 3.1 µmol O2/g BW/h at 16 ◦C, and from 127.6 ± 3.5 to 273.3 ± 3.1 µmol O2/g BW/h at 28 ◦C for adults and 1 DPP juveniles, respectively. The study highlights that juvenile and adult H. guttulatus have narrow thermal boundaries, beyond which reproduction, growth, and survival are seriously affected. Under climate change, the species appears unable to cope, potentially leading to their rapid disappearance.
- 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.