Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giuseppe Esposito, Paolo Pastorino, Marino Prearo, Gabriele Magara, Alberto Cesarani, Rosa Freitas, Barbara Caldaroni, Domenico Meloni, Antonio Pais, Alessandro Dondo, Elisabetta Antuofermo, Antonia Concetta Elia
Summary: This study determined the lethal concentration (LC50) of copper(I) chloride in grooved carpet shell and analyzed the antioxidant biomarkers in different tissues. The results showed that copper induced oxidative stress in the shellfish and recovery was not achieved after a withdrawal period. These findings suggest that grooved carpet shell can be used as a suitable model for assessing copper ecotoxicity in aquatic ecosystems.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Julieta Sturla Lompre, Lucia De Marchi, Joao Pinto, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Carlo Pretti, Federica Chielini, Eduarda Pereira, Rosa Freitas
Summary: Studies have shown the presence of nanoparticles, particularly carbon nanotubes, in aquatic ecosystems, raising concerns about their toxicity when combined with other pollutants. This study evaluated the effects of carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes and chromium on the metabolic capacity, oxidative status, and neurologic status of two filter feeder organisms: Ruditapes decussatus and R. philippinarum. Results revealed species-specific accumulation of chromium, with higher values in R. decussatus. Only R. philippinarum showed inhibition of antioxidant defenses and neurotoxic effects. The interaction between contaminants did not affect antioxidant enzyme activities and neuro status. However, the combined exposure to both contaminants altered the metabolic capacity of R. decussatus. Both clams were tolerant to the contaminants but showed a significant accumulation capacity, posing a potential transfer of contaminants to humans.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chalbia Mansour, Maria Angeles Esteban, Omar Rouane Hacene, Dalila Saidane Mosbahi, Francisco Antonio Guardiola
Summary: This study evaluated immune-related parameters in carpet shell clams from the South Lagoon of Tunis, and found that seasonal and pollution factors influenced the values of these parameters. Principal component analyses showed that the chemical industrial area was the most impacted location. The results suggest that immune-related parameters measured in carpet shell clam cell-free haemolymph could serve as suitable biomarkers for environmental quality assessments.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Amira Added, Noureddine Khalloufi, Abdelhafidh Khazri, Abdel Halim Harrath, Lamjed Mansour, Saber Nahdi, Fehmi Boufahja, Waleed Aldahmash, Abdulwahed Fahad Alrefaei, Mohamed Dellali
Summary: This study reveals the significant effects of the endocrine disruptor triclosan on the ecological toxicology of bivalves, including its impact on the activities of antioxidant, damage, and neurotoxicity biomarkers, as well as its effects on organ tissues. The results demonstrate that triclosan exerts concentration-dependent effects on the gills and digestive glands of bivalves, which can lead to reduced oxygen consumption and impairment of osmoregulation. Furthermore, triclosan has adverse effects on the reproductive function and fertility of clams.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wiem Saidani, Imen Bouzidi, Abdelhafidh Khazri, Samir Ghannem, Iyadh Aouani, Anis Fkiri, Soufiane Touil, Mohammed I. Alghonaim, Sulaiman A. Alsalamah, Ashraf A. Qurtam, Hamouda Beyrem, Fehmi Boufahja, Badreddine Sellami
Summary: This study assessed the toxicity of ZnS nanoparticles and diethyl (3-cyano-1-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenylpropyl)phosphonate in clams using chemical and biochemical approaches. The results showed that clams accumulated ZnS NPs and other metallic elements after exposure. Both ZnS NPs and P caused ROS overproduction, but the mixture had no effect. P and ZnS NPs separately led to changes in oxidative stress enzyme activities and acetylcholinesterase levels in clams. The use of biomarkers and chemical assays in ecotoxicological assessments was confirmed.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nesrine El Ayeb, Mustapha Bejaoui, Herve Muhr, Samir Touaylia, Ezzeddine Mahmoudi
Summary: This study investigated the bio-uptake of heavy metals and biological effects on Ruditapes decussatus following exposure to phosphogypsum. The results showed that phosphogypsum altered the behavior and physiological activities of the clams, indicating significant impacts on the organism. This research fills a gap in the literature and provides valuable insights into the toxicity of phosphogypsum on aquatic biota.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sofia Silva, Alexandra Cravo, Cristina Ferreira, Catia Correia, Cristina M. M. Almeida
Summary: The study found that effluent dispersal affects both biomarkers and health parameters of clams, with lipid peroxidation being the most sensitive biomarker closely associated with the electron transport system.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. Lopez-Belzunce, A. M. Blazquez, Y. Sanchez-Palencia, T. Torres, J. E. Ortiz
Summary: The study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the paleoenvironmental evolution of the Albufera de Valencia, revealing multiple environmental stages of change. These changes are related to global climate change, as well as influenced by regional dry conditions and sea level rise. Ultimately, the arrival of large amounts of sediment triggered the accretion of the barrier, leading to coastal progradation until the present day.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. Zaoui, B. Sellami, F. Boufahja, F. Faloda, S. Nahdi, A. Alrezaki, S. Alwasel, A. H. Harrath
Summary: The newly designed ferroelectric oxide BST (85/15) nanoparticles were found to affect the health of carpet shell clam Ruditapes decussatus, with potential as antagonists of AChE inhibiting pollutants. Concentrations of BST (85/15) < 0.1 mg.L-1 showed promise as sustainable alternatives to lead-based ferroelectric oxides.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Souhail Elyousfi, Mohamed Dellali, Ali Mezni, Manel Ben Ali, Amor Hedfi, Mohammed Almalki, Amine Mezni, Melissa Rohal-Lupher, Aida Dervishi, Fehmi Boufahja
Summary: The study found that silver nanoparticles had antagonistic effects on the antioxidant system and cholinergic system of clams, and demonstrated that Ruditapes decussatus can be used as a potential bioindicative species for assessing the toxicity of Ag NPs.
MATERIALS RESEARCH EXPRESS
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Mohamed Dellali, Khadija Mardassi, Abdel Halim Harrath, Lamjed Mansour, Octavian Pacioglu, Waleed Aldahmash, Saber Nahdi, Riadh Badraoui, Abdulwahed Fahad Alrefaei, Fehmi Boufahja
Summary: The study aims to assess the multifaceted effects of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon phenanthrene on the physiology of two bivalve species, Mytilus galloprovinciallis and Ruditapes decussatus, that are commonly consumed as seafood. The results showed that phenanthrene significantly reduced the bivalves' ability to tolerate desiccation and their Median Lethal Time, and also inhibited the activity of acetylcholinesterase. This study suggests that these bivalve species can be used as bioindicators to assess the environmental impact of phenanthrene in marine ecosystems. Rating: 8/10.
Article
Biology
Melainine Aillal, Abdelhafidh Khazri, Nawal Al-Hoshani, Fehmi Boufahja, Hamouda Beyrem, Mohamed Yahya Lafdal
Summary: This study investigates the toxicity of iron ore microparticles on aquatic organisms, specifically Ruditapes decussatus specimens. The results show that both hematite and magnetite can be absorbed by clams in a concentration-dependent manner, leading to significant organ-specific impacts on their health.
SAUDI JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mohamed Dellali, Amor Hedfi, Manel Ben Ali, Ahmed Noureldeen, Hadeer Darwish, Hamouda Beyrem, Thomas Gyedu-Ababio, Aida Dervishi, Paraskevi K. Karachle, Fehmi Boufahja
Summary: The study evaluated biomarker responses in Mytilus galloprovincialis and Ruditapes decussatus exposed to Benzo[a] Pyrene (B [a] P), finding that mussels showed more significant responses indicating toxicity compared to clams, with changes in antioxidant enzyme activities and AChE levels serving as potential predictors of B [a] P toxicity.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY C-TOXICOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Rim Ladhar-Chaabouni, Wajdi Ayadi, Emna Sahli, Raja Mokdad-Gargouri
Summary: This study successfully established a primary culture of R. decussatus haemocytes, which is suitable for evaluating the effects of metals on phagocytosis and viability. Results indicated that the primary culture system can be used as an in vitro model for assessing cytotoxic responses.
IN VITRO CELLULAR & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY-ANIMAL
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Sami Abidli, Salha Zaidi, Ridha Ben Younes, Youssef Lahbib, Najoua Trigui El Menif
Summary: This study assessed the effects of polyethylene (PE) microplastics (40-48μm) exposure on the clam Ruditapes decussatus. The results showed that as the concentration of PE-MPs increased, the clams' filtration rate and weight decreased, and the immune system was disrupted.
Article
Environmental Sciences
A. Cravo, A. B. Barbosa, C. Correia, A. Matos, S. Caetano, M. J. Lima, J. Jacob
Summary: This study aimed to assess the influence of treated wastewater disposal on Ria Formosa coastal lagoon in Portugal. The results showed that the influence of wastewater discharge was minor in areas with stronger hydrodynamics and higher wastewater load, while areas with lower load and weaker flushing had poorer water quality.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alexandra Cravo, Sofia Silva, Joao Rodrigues, Vitor Vale Cardoso, Maria Joao Benoliel, Catia Correia, Maria Rosario Coelho, Maria Joao Rosa, Cristina M. M. Almeida
Summary: This study provides a better understanding of the bioaccumulation of pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs) by clams Ruditapes decussatus in real environmental conditions, under the influence of urban treated effluent dispersal in Ria Formosa coastal lagoon. It disentangles key factors of PhAC bioaccumulation, showing the importance of biotic factors, physicochemical properties of PhACs, and the spatial variation caused by the salinity gradient.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Jose Luis Malvar, Juan Luis Santos, Julia Martin, Irene Aparicio, Taina Garcia Fonseca, Maria Joao Bebianno, Esteban Alonso
Summary: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), with ibuprofen (IBU) of special concern, have been reported to be the main pharmaceutical class accumulated in seafood. This study developed a low-cost and affordable method for the determination of IBU and its main metabolites in mussels, and successfully applied it to wild mussels.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Oceanography
Alexandra Rosa, Alexandra Cravo, Jose Jacob, Catia Correia
Summary: This study aims to characterize the spatial and temporal variability of Ria Formosa water quality at two scales: short-term (among seasons) and long-term (over the past 40 years). Field surveys and data analysis reveal spatial variability patterns along the Ria Formosa and temporal heterogeneity influenced by precipitation, sediments, wind, and water exchanges with the adjacent ocean. The data from the past 40 years suggest a decreasing trend in nutrients concentration and a marginal increase of dissolved oxygen, indicating an improvement in water quality over time.
CONTINENTAL SHELF RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Raul Barros, Sara Raposo, Etiele G. Morais, Brigida Rodrigues, Valdemira Afonso, Pedro Goncalves, Jose Marques, Paulo Ricardo Cerqueira, Joao Varela, Margarida Ribau Teixeira, Luisa Barreira
Summary: The valorization of microalgal biomass during wastewater treatment can mitigate treatment costs and create an energy surplus. In this study, biomass obtained from pilot photobioreactors for tertiary wastewater treatment was used to produce biogas. The results showed that the implementation of this system could reduce energy consumption by 20% and contribute towards meeting the EU's decarbonization targets.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alexandre R. Lima, Nathana L. Cristofoli, Kyriakos Filippidis, Luisa Barreira, Margarida C. Vieira
Summary: The shelf life of vegetable salt made from the halophyte plant Salicornia ramosissima was studied by monitoring color, moisture, and water activity during storage. Mathematical models were used to predict moisture content and shelf life, and suggested ways to overcome issues with the packaging were proposed.
JOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Melanie Silva, Farah Kamberovic, Sisay Tesema Uota, Ismael-Mohammed Kovan, Carla S. B. Viegas, Dina C. Simes, Katkam N. Gangadhar, Joao Varela, Luisa Barreira
Summary: Microalgae are a promising source of bioactive compounds with potential applications in antioxidant, anti-tumoral, and metal chelation activities. Different species of microalgae extracts showed various bioactivities, suggesting their potential use in functional food and pharmaceutical industries.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Mariagrazia Molfetta, Etiele G. Morais, Luisa Barreira, Giovanni Luigi Bruno, Francesco Porcelli, Eric Dugat-Bony, Pascal Bonnarme, Fabio Minervini
Summary: This article discusses the importance of meat as a protein source and its impact on health. As more Western consumers opt for alternative protein sources, the review explores the nutritional characteristics of single-cell proteins, filamentous fungi, microalgae, vegetables, and insects, as well as how fermentation can enhance their quality.
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Chenglian Feng, Chunjiang An, Qiao-Guo Tan, Maria Bebianno, Pedro Neves Carvalho
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Etiele Greque de Morais, Jose Carlos Amaro Marques, Paulo Ricardo Cerqueira, Claudia Dimas, Vania Serrao Sousa, Nuno Gomes, Margarida Ribau Teixeira, Luis Miguel Nunes, Joao Varela, Luisa Barreira
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the new GreenDune photobioreactors in tertiary wastewater treatment, treated wastewater reuse, and biomass application. The results showed that the system was effective in removing the main pollutant in wastewater and the produced biomass had potential for biofuel production and use as biofertilizers.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Davide Liberti, Paola Imbimbo, Enrica Giustino, Luigi D'Elia, Melanie Silva, Luisa Barreira, Daria Maria Monti
Summary: The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of sulfated exopolysaccharides (s-EPSs) and phycoerythrin (PE) from the red marine microalga Porphyridium cruentum (CCALA415) were evaluated. s-EPSs showed biocompatibility and high antioxidant activity, while PE demonstrated powerful antioxidant activity. Both molecules exhibited anti-inflammatory activity and facilitated tissue regeneration. Therefore, microalgae-derived compounds are excellent sources of antioxidants for various applications.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ivo Monteiro, Lisa M. Schuler, Eunice Santos, Hugo Pereira, Peter S. C. Schulze, Claudia Florindo, Joao Varela, Luisa Barreira
Summary: Tetraselmis striata CTP4 is a euryhaline microalga suitable for wastewater treatment and industrial production. Lipid production was induced through a two-stage cultivation strategy, and the highest lipid content and productivity were obtained by combining nutrient depletion and high light intensity. The fatty acid profile makes the oil of this microalga suitable for biodiesel production.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Andre Pereira, Etiele Greque de Morais, Liliana Silva, Angelina Pena, Andreia Freitas, Margarida Ribau Teixeira, Joao Varela, Luisa Barreira
Summary: Urban wastewaters contain pharmaceuticals that are not effectively removed in conventional treatments, limiting water reuse. This study assessed pharmaceutical removal in a pilot-scale microalgal tertiary treatment under real conditions. Even after secondary treatment, the water still had measurable amounts of pharmaceuticals (average of 218.4 ng/L) that significantly decreased to 39.83 ng/L at the exit of the microalgal system. Antibiotics and antipsychotics showed better removal rates (88.8% and 86.4%, respectively) compared to antihypertensives (75.3%) and others (Bezafibrate and Diclofenac; 64.0%). Physical and chemical characteristics of the wastewater influenced pharmaceutical removal.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gabriel Bombo, Nathana L. Cristofoli, Tamara F. Santos, Lisa Schuler, Ines B. Maia, Hugo Pereira, Luisa Barreira, Joao Varela
Summary: Dunaliella viridis TAV01 is a new strain with beneficial features including tolerance to harsh environmental conditions, high growth rates, and amino acid composition suitable for human consumption. Its identification was confirmed at the species level through evolutionary analysis of ITS1 and ITS2 regions, and supported by secondary structure analysis. TAV01 exhibits high protein and lipid contents, predominantly polyunsaturated fatty acids, and a balanced essential amino acid profile. The major carotenoid present is lutein. These qualities make D. viridis TAV01 a potential valuable resource for novel feed or food products.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sandra Caetano, Catia Correia, Ana Flor Torres Vidal, Andre Matos, Cristina Ferreira, Alexandra Cravo
Summary: This study assessed the fate of microbial contamination from treated wastewater disposal in a highly productive coastal zone in Southern Europe. Microbial indicators of contamination were measured, and it was found that contamination was highest in Faro and lowest in Olhao. Data also showed that E. coli levels in bivalves reflected the impact of wastewater treatment plant effluents on water quality.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
